Generations of Adam in Genesis 5
Introduction to Secrets in Bible Genealogy
Some students of Bible study may choose to skip over Scripture that details long lists of genealogy with begat and begot. The listing of generations reveals a treasure of facts that should not be overlooked.
The topic of a previous study questioned whether Satan begot Cain, and some might believe there's further evidence of that as fact in Genesis 5 of the Bible when viewing the generations of Adam.
And Adam lived a hundred and thirty years, and begot a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth. Genesis 5:3 (KJV)
The genealogy of Adam in Genesis 5:3 begins with his son Seth without mention of Cain or Abel. Abel was slain by Cain, and perhaps at a young age before having children; however, some offspring of Cain are documented beginning in Genesis 4:17. Each was certainly the son of Eve, so looking for the reason they are omitted from the generations of Adam in chapter 5 requires more than guesswork.
Students should not become distracted by contrary views, but instead study the Bible to gain knowledge and wisdom as the Holy Spirit guides them, and then form personal opinions. Avoid controversy that distracts from the basic truth of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and accept the new covenant that you must believe on Him as a requirement of eternal salvation.
Value of Genealogy in the Bible
Personally, I find the value of Biblical genealogy twofold in that it gives specific life spans that allows us to trace paternal lines and determine that Adam arrived (formed, not created or born) just over 4000 years before Christ. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, it allows readers to follow the line from Adam to Christ. From Adam to Abraham was 14 generations, and then 14 generations to David, 14 generations to the captivity, and finally 14 generations to Christ.
Archaeology and carbon testing put mankind back more than 15,000 years which is well before the time of Adam. Although I use the EW Bullinger Companion Bible which includes the King James Version, I disagree with his conclusion that Adam, introduced in Genesis 2, was part of the sixth day creation from the previous chapter of Genesis 1. Mankind, including women, created on the sixth day were hunters and gatherers and included all the races. There's evidence of human civilization of all racial backgrounds predating Adam worldwide.
Adam's arrival served at least two purposes because he was a husbandman as in farmer, and keeper of domestic livestock. The mankind of Genesis 1 subsisted on wild vegetation and animals. Secondly, he was the root ancestor of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
Enoch - an Especially Interesting Character in Genesis 5
Again, if skimming Scripture or if you have not taken certain words or phrases back to the language of the original manuscripts, key facts can be overlooked. The 7th generation from Adam was Enoch, and unlike all others listed in the generations of Adam, Enoch did not die. All other persons listed have their births, offspring, and deaths recorded.
And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him. Genesis 5:24 (KJV)
The phrases "he was not" and "God took him" are more clearly understood when comparing our English to the original Hebrew of the Old Testament. The word "not" translates more precisely meaning to be nothing or not exist. Next, "took" means to bring or carry away. Enoch, and later Elijah, were each carried to heaven alive as further evidenced in the following verses:
By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. Hebrews 11:5 (KJV)
And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. 2 Kings 2:11 (KJV)
The last patriarch listed in the generations of Adam is Noah in verse 5:32, where it also lists his sons Shem, Ham, and Japheth. The closing of the generations of chapter 5 with Noah bring us to another key point in the history of human existance. Their voyage and survival of the flood is well known. Details of who, what, and why will follow in one of the next studies with a few surprises.
In conclusion, the hidden treasures of the generations of Adam are just one of many that could be overlooked unless you truly take time for in depth study of the Bible. Stay in God's Word and accept the promise as recorded in James 4:8 "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you." as you continue to learn the ultimate riddles revealed in the Bible.
Article Source: www.ultimateriddles.com/genesis-bible-lesson-04.html.
About the Author: Jim Degerstrom is an author who works in a faith based business offering custom website design and graphic art services, and documents Bible studies at his Ultimate Riddles Spiritual Journey website and blogs about spiritual growth on his Ultimate Riddles Spiritual Study blog from Kissimmee, Florida USA.
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