Genesis 4 17-26
God had cursed Cain for killing his brother, Abel. The Bible does not reveal Cain showing any remorse. His only stated concerns were for himself. “My punishment is more than I can bear.” We now learn of Cain’s legacy. He knew his wife (a sister or niece) and she bare Enoch. (There is another Enoch in Seth’s lineage, so do not get confused.) Cain builds a city and names it for Enoch. This may imply that Cain chose to honor his son, his family, and thus himself, rather than God. Enoch means ‘dedicated’ some scholars also believe it is related to an ancient near-eastern word meaning ‘city’ in general. Enoch begat Irad, whose name has been translated ‘wild ass, dragon, or heap of empire.’
Irad begat Mehujael, whose name has been translated as ‘smitten of God, or God combats.’ Mehujael begat Methusael, whose name has been translated as ‘man of God.’ Did Cain’s line ever repent and return to worship God? We find two names ending in –el, which suggests that God was at least considered if not honored by their naming. El, of course, means God, and is the singular form of Elohim.
Methusael begat Lamech (powerful, or overthrower.) Here is the first mention in the Bible of polygamy. Lamech took two wives, Adah (ornament) and Zillah (shadow). By Adah, Lamech begat Jabal (stream) who was the father of such as dwell in tents and have cattle. Cattle, here, can refer to any herded animal like cows, sheep, or goats. Adah also bare Jubal (trumpet) the father of such as handle the harp and organ (reed-pipe or flute.) From Jubal we get words like jubilee and jubilation. By Zillah, Lamech begat Tubalcain (flowing from Cain), who was the instructor of artisans of brass and iron. They also had a daughter, Naamah (sweetness or loveliness.) To establish further the growing pride of humanity, a poem of Lamech to his wives is recorded in Genesis 4:23-24. Compare with Matthew 18:21-22.
Now, we turn back to Adam and Eve, who have another son named Seth (appointed) who Eve states was to replace Abel, whom Cain slew. And Seth begat Enos (man is his family.) Then men began to call upon the name of Yahweh, the LORD.
We know that Noah came from the line of Seth and that he was perfect in his generations. Genesis 5 and 6:9. Consequently, we know that all of Cain’s descendants perish either before or during the flood. Also, Noah was instructed to protect living souls with the ark, therefore much of the remnants of civilization was lost. So, what can we learn from all this information?
First, we see that humanity was beginning to advance in terms of what we call civilization and culture. Cain built the first city. Metallurgy and musical instruments were developed. Cain’s descendants were not primarily agrarian. It has been suggested that God did not yet intend for man to live in cities, but rather be more attached to the ground for subsistence. The accomplishments of man led to pride and self-reliance. This interpretation compares favorably with the tower of Babel account. Genesis 11:3-9.
Perhaps Cain’s city was “advancing” too quickly so that his descendants became prideful. Many centuries later, it was recorded that iron chariots were rather scarce Judges 1:19. Who can know how “advanced” civilization was prior to the flood? God intends for us all to live in a city one day, Revelations 21:2, however, we must first be made spiritually ready. The temptations brought by excess human ambition, prosperity, and entertainment are strong and can lead us to feel as if we are the source of triumph. Perhaps founders of Amish-type communities were on to something. God’s glory is everywhere, both in our doing and our undoing. Isaiah 45:5-10.
Irad begat Mehujael, whose name has been translated as ‘smitten of God, or God combats.’ Mehujael begat Methusael, whose name has been translated as ‘man of God.’ Did Cain’s line ever repent and return to worship God? We find two names ending in –el, which suggests that God was at least considered if not honored by their naming. El, of course, means God, and is the singular form of Elohim.
Methusael begat Lamech (powerful, or overthrower.) Here is the first mention in the Bible of polygamy. Lamech took two wives, Adah (ornament) and Zillah (shadow). By Adah, Lamech begat Jabal (stream) who was the father of such as dwell in tents and have cattle. Cattle, here, can refer to any herded animal like cows, sheep, or goats. Adah also bare Jubal (trumpet) the father of such as handle the harp and organ (reed-pipe or flute.) From Jubal we get words like jubilee and jubilation. By Zillah, Lamech begat Tubalcain (flowing from Cain), who was the instructor of artisans of brass and iron. They also had a daughter, Naamah (sweetness or loveliness.) To establish further the growing pride of humanity, a poem of Lamech to his wives is recorded in Genesis 4:23-24. Compare with Matthew 18:21-22.
Now, we turn back to Adam and Eve, who have another son named Seth (appointed) who Eve states was to replace Abel, whom Cain slew. And Seth begat Enos (man is his family.) Then men began to call upon the name of Yahweh, the LORD.
We know that Noah came from the line of Seth and that he was perfect in his generations. Genesis 5 and 6:9. Consequently, we know that all of Cain’s descendants perish either before or during the flood. Also, Noah was instructed to protect living souls with the ark, therefore much of the remnants of civilization was lost. So, what can we learn from all this information?
First, we see that humanity was beginning to advance in terms of what we call civilization and culture. Cain built the first city. Metallurgy and musical instruments were developed. Cain’s descendants were not primarily agrarian. It has been suggested that God did not yet intend for man to live in cities, but rather be more attached to the ground for subsistence. The accomplishments of man led to pride and self-reliance. This interpretation compares favorably with the tower of Babel account. Genesis 11:3-9.
Perhaps Cain’s city was “advancing” too quickly so that his descendants became prideful. Many centuries later, it was recorded that iron chariots were rather scarce Judges 1:19. Who can know how “advanced” civilization was prior to the flood? God intends for us all to live in a city one day, Revelations 21:2, however, we must first be made spiritually ready. The temptations brought by excess human ambition, prosperity, and entertainment are strong and can lead us to feel as if we are the source of triumph. Perhaps founders of Amish-type communities were on to something. God’s glory is everywhere, both in our doing and our undoing. Isaiah 45:5-10.
posted by Nick | 4:31 PM
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