Genesis 5: The Story of Redemption

​Key Verse
3 When Adam had lived 130 years, he fathered a son in his own likeness, after his image, and named him Seth.
 
Meditation
Scripture tells one unfolding story, revealing God working all things for His glory. God’s faithfulness fuels the redemptive narrative, and today’s reading helps us see how His promise concerning the offspring of Eve continues through history, redeeming all He allows.
 
Genealogies reveal that the Bible is a story going somewhere. God’s first gospel promise of redemption through Eve’s seed (Genesis 3:15) was not extinguished when Cain killed Abel. Echoes of Eden reverberate in verses 1-4 and travel through human generations until they culminate in Jesus. Seth is the only named son of Eve in this genealogy (v. 3), and Luke makes sure we know that Seth is in Jesus’ genealogy (Luke 3:38). God is faithful to fulfill His promise.
 
We are puzzled by the extraordinary longevity recorded here and fascinated by figures like Enoch, who was “taken up” by God without death! How can anyone escape death in a fallen world? Hebrews 11:5-6 tells us it is through faith, faith in God and the word of His promise.  God’s mercy is a greater puzzle than great numbers of human age. God’s mercy advances His story so His people may ultimately return to Him.
 
As the genealogy closes, the camera narrows its focus to Lamech, Noah, and his three sons. Through this family, God continues His faithful work and moves His promise toward fulfillment. Yes, it is baffling to consider a 500-year-old man having three sons (v. 32). But even more astounding is that an eternal and holy God remains committed to a finite and unholy people! 
 
God’s faithfulness pushes God’s promise forward in His unfolding story of redemption.
 
 
Today’s Reading
This is the book of the generations of Adam. When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God. 2 Male and female he created them, and he blessed them and named them Man when they were created. 3 When Adam had lived 130 years, he fathered a son in his own likeness, after his image, and named him Seth. 4 The days of Adam after he fathered Seth were 800 years; and he had other sons and daughters. 5 Thus all the days that Adam lived were 930 years, and he died.
 
6 When Seth had lived 105 years, he fathered Enosh. 7 Seth lived after he fathered Enosh 807 years and had other sons and daughters. 8 Thus all the days of Seth were 912 years, and he died.

9 When Enosh had lived 90 years, he fathered Kenan. 10 Enosh lived after he fathered Kenan 815 years and had other sons and daughters. 11 Thus all the days of Enosh were 905 years, and he died.
 
12 When Kenan had lived 70 years, he fathered Mahalalel. 13 Kenan lived after he fathered Mahalalel 840 years and had other sons and daughters. 14 Thus all the days of Kenan were 910 years, and he died.
 
15 When Mahalalel had lived 65 years, he fathered Jared. 16 Mahalalel lived after he fathered Jared 830 years and had other sons and daughters. 17 Thus all the days of Mahalalel were 895 years, and he died.
 
18 When Jared had lived 162 years, he fathered Enoch. 19 Jared lived after he fathered Enoch 800 years and had other sons and daughters. 20 Thus all the days of Jared were 962 years, and he died.
 
21 When Enoch had lived 65 years, he fathered Methuselah. 22 Enoch walked with God after he fathered Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and daughters. 23 Thus all the days of Enoch were 365 years. 24 Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him.

25 When Methuselah had lived 187 years, he fathered Lamech. 26 Methuselah lived after he fathered Lamech 782 years and had other sons and daughters. 27 Thus all the days of Methuselah were 969 years, and he died.
 
28 When Lamech had lived 182 years, he fathered a son 29 and called his name Noah, saying, “Out of the ground that the Lord has cursed, this one shall bring us relief from our work and from the painful toil of our hands.” 30 Lamech lived after he fathered Noah 595 years and had other sons and daughters. 31 Thus all the days of Lamech were 777 years, and he died.

32 After Noah was 500 years old, Noah fathered Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
 
Richly Dwelling
-What are your preconceived notions about genealogies? Do you see God’s faithfulness embedded in the story, especially highlighting Seth and Noah’s family?
 
-Why is it important to see God pushing His promise forward, bringing life from death, and revealing His faithfulness in His redemptive story? How does this give you security in His sovereignty?
 
-Knowing Christ as the climax of the genealogy helps you see not only how God redeems all He allows but also deepening your understanding of His faithfulness. How does this deepen your own faith and fuel your love for Him? Be specific.

Key Verse
3 When Adam had lived 130 years, he fathered a son in his own likeness, after his image, and named him Seth.