"The Lord said to Noah, 'Go into the ark, you and your whole family, because I have found you righteous in this generation.'" Genesis 7:1
Now that Noah has built the ark as God commanded him it is time for him and his family to enter into the vessel. So far the only role his family has played in the story is that they exist. I would assume that they helped Noah, but the Bible doesn't actually say one way or another. His three sons were old enough to have wives, so surely they were old enough to help their father and be accountable for their actions. Were they also righteous in God's eyes? Or were they simply reaping the benefit of their father's good behavior?
Saturday, November 4, 2017
Genesis 6:22
"Noah did everything just as God commanded him." Genesis 6:22
Despite whatever Noah may have thought about what God was telling him to do, Noah did it just as he was told. We're not told if Noah had his doubts or if he wanted to, only that he did.
Despite whatever Noah may have thought about what God was telling him to do, Noah did it just as he was told. We're not told if Noah had his doubts or if he wanted to, only that he did.
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Genesis 6:21
"You are to take every kind of food that is to be eaten and store it away as food for you and them." Genesis 6:21
Well, they would have had, at least, a lot of choices of what to eat when it came time to get into that store. Not only did they have to feed themselves, but Noah and his family were going to have to feed all of the animals on the ark. How much space would just the food storage itself take on that vessel?
What about creatures like cats and snakes and other carnivorous animals? Did they have to bring on extra rats or other prey animals to feed these? Or did all of these predators only eat plants also? In Genesis 1:30 God only mentioned giving green plants as food. It certainly sounds as if up to this point all the animals and people were vegetarian.
The Institute for Creation Research argues that animal flesh became a food after man sinned in Genesis 3 by eating of the forbidden fruit. I don't see any thing in that chapter that seems to indicate animals began to eat other animals sometime after this. There may have been animals killed when God made the garments of skin for the first man and his wife (Genesis 3:21) or he could have created the skin from nothing. He is God.
Tyler Francke argues from the stand point that the creation story is not a literal history. He points out that just because someone gives you salt to eat on your food, it doesn't mean you can't use the pepper too. While he does have a valid point, how many parents would be disappointed in their children when instead of eating the supper laid out for them on the table, that child went and opened a box of cookies and ate those instead?
Like Francke, Bodie Hodge points out that there are several creatures today that are only carnivores. Bodie goes on to talk about several modern animals that you would think would be carnivores, but are, in fact, vegetarians. He tells of a small jumping spider that feeds on the acacia trees instead of the other insects living in the trees and of two lions that were known vegetarians. He points to the preserved stomach contents of many animals left in the rock layers deposited by the flood to verify that animals had been eating other animals before the flood.
I agree with Francke's belief that carnivorous behavior is not (and was not) a sin, but I do believe that the creation story is literal. I understand that people live healthier lives if they go completely vegetarian. Perhaps God created all animals the same way. Vegetarian is the healthiest life style. That's not to say it's wrong to eat that steak or chicken leg, only that it is healthier. The same thing could be said about exercise. It's not wrong to have a sedentary lifestyle, it's just not healthy.
Well, they would have had, at least, a lot of choices of what to eat when it came time to get into that store. Not only did they have to feed themselves, but Noah and his family were going to have to feed all of the animals on the ark. How much space would just the food storage itself take on that vessel?
What about creatures like cats and snakes and other carnivorous animals? Did they have to bring on extra rats or other prey animals to feed these? Or did all of these predators only eat plants also? In Genesis 1:30 God only mentioned giving green plants as food. It certainly sounds as if up to this point all the animals and people were vegetarian.
The Institute for Creation Research argues that animal flesh became a food after man sinned in Genesis 3 by eating of the forbidden fruit. I don't see any thing in that chapter that seems to indicate animals began to eat other animals sometime after this. There may have been animals killed when God made the garments of skin for the first man and his wife (Genesis 3:21) or he could have created the skin from nothing. He is God.
Tyler Francke argues from the stand point that the creation story is not a literal history. He points out that just because someone gives you salt to eat on your food, it doesn't mean you can't use the pepper too. While he does have a valid point, how many parents would be disappointed in their children when instead of eating the supper laid out for them on the table, that child went and opened a box of cookies and ate those instead?
Like Francke, Bodie Hodge points out that there are several creatures today that are only carnivores. Bodie goes on to talk about several modern animals that you would think would be carnivores, but are, in fact, vegetarians. He tells of a small jumping spider that feeds on the acacia trees instead of the other insects living in the trees and of two lions that were known vegetarians. He points to the preserved stomach contents of many animals left in the rock layers deposited by the flood to verify that animals had been eating other animals before the flood.
I agree with Francke's belief that carnivorous behavior is not (and was not) a sin, but I do believe that the creation story is literal. I understand that people live healthier lives if they go completely vegetarian. Perhaps God created all animals the same way. Vegetarian is the healthiest life style. That's not to say it's wrong to eat that steak or chicken leg, only that it is healthier. The same thing could be said about exercise. It's not wrong to have a sedentary lifestyle, it's just not healthy.
Genesis 6:20
"Two of every kind of bird, of every kind of animal and of every kind of creature that moves along the ground will come to you to be kept alive." Genesis 6:20
It's interesting that in verse 19 God tells Noah to bring two of every creature and to the ark, but in his very next breath, God says these animals will come to him. It's almost as if he's reassuring Noah, "I know I gave you a big task, but don't worry, you don't have to go out and look for all of these animals, they'll come to you. You just have to get them in the ark."
How many times does God do the same thing for us - give us a seemingly huge, impossible task, but then bring all the materials, everything we will need to do it, right to our finger tips? The real question is how do we respond?
It's interesting that in verse 19 God tells Noah to bring two of every creature and to the ark, but in his very next breath, God says these animals will come to him. It's almost as if he's reassuring Noah, "I know I gave you a big task, but don't worry, you don't have to go out and look for all of these animals, they'll come to you. You just have to get them in the ark."
How many times does God do the same thing for us - give us a seemingly huge, impossible task, but then bring all the materials, everything we will need to do it, right to our finger tips? The real question is how do we respond?
Genesis 6:19
"You are to bring into the ark two of all living creatures, male and female, to keep them alive with you." Genesis 6:19
Noah is to also bring 2 of all of the animals into the ark. That's a lot of animals. I wonder if that includes wolves and dogs or black bears and polar bears or if these were considered the same type of animal.
Noah is to also bring 2 of all of the animals into the ark. That's a lot of animals. I wonder if that includes wolves and dogs or black bears and polar bears or if these were considered the same type of animal.
Thursday, September 28, 2017
Genesis 6:18
"But I will establish my covenant with you, and you will enter the ark - you and your sons and your wife and your sons' wives with you." Genesis 6:18
Now God is starting to explain why he's having Noah build the ark. It's for Noah and his family to enter into. God is offering Noah a way to save himself and his family from the coming destruction.
Now God is starting to explain why he's having Noah build the ark. It's for Noah and his family to enter into. God is offering Noah a way to save himself and his family from the coming destruction.
Genesis 6:17
"I am going to bring floodwaters on the earth to destroy all life under the heavens, every creature that has the breath of life in it. Everything on earth will perish." Genesis 6:17
Now God is telling Noah how he plans to destroy the world: water. It's amazing that a substance we think of as life giving can be so destructive. But God is going to wash away his creation that disappointed him so much.
Now God is telling Noah how he plans to destroy the world: water. It's amazing that a substance we think of as life giving can be so destructive. But God is going to wash away his creation that disappointed him so much.
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Genesis 6:16
"Make a roof for it and finish the ark to
within 18 inches of the top. Put a door
in the side of the ark and make lower, middle and upper decks." Genesis 6:16
More
building plans. This huge basket you're going to build, make sure to
put in a window just below the roof line and a door in the side and
three floors. What was Noah thinking at this time? About how much room
there was in there and what or who all would fit?
Or
maybe Noah was still wondering why he was building this huge structure
if God was about to destroy the whole world anyway? It's hard to want
to build something if you know someone is going to come along behind you
and tear it all down. Are there times God asks us to build something
that seems unrelated or counter productive to the future of the world?
Do we really need to know the why to obey?
Genesis 6:15
"This is how you are to build it: The ark is to be 450 feet long, 75 feet wide and 45 feet high." Genesis 6:15
The Qbible has the dimensions given in cubits which are approximately 1 cubit to 18 inches. That is one big basket. At this point, Noah's got to be wondering why he God wants him to build a basket bigger than his house. But maybe not. God just told him he was going to destroy the world and then in the next breath to build a huge basket. I'm sure people used baskets back then to carry things, so maybe Noah is expecting God to be the one carrying this basket.
The Qbible has the dimensions given in cubits which are approximately 1 cubit to 18 inches. That is one big basket. At this point, Noah's got to be wondering why he God wants him to build a basket bigger than his house. But maybe not. God just told him he was going to destroy the world and then in the next breath to build a huge basket. I'm sure people used baskets back then to carry things, so maybe Noah is expecting God to be the one carrying this basket.
Genesis 6:14
"So make yourself an ark out of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out." Genesis 6:14
The Qbible also translates ark as box or basket. So God is giving Noah instructions on what to do now that he's decided to destroy the people of the earth. Make a basket with rooms inside and then cover it with pitch.
The Qbible also translates ark as box or basket. So God is giving Noah instructions on what to do now that he's decided to destroy the people of the earth. Make a basket with rooms inside and then cover it with pitch.
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
Genesis 6:13
"So God said to Noah, 'I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth.'" Genesis 6:13
God is telling Noah his plans for mankind and the earth. That had to make Noah's heart jump with fear. "You're going to destroy us, God? Not that we don't deserve it, but do you have to?" That would be a terrifying moment to have the almighty creator of the universe tell you that.
But even without him speaking directly into our ears we know that the world will end and even if that might be millennia away, we also know that death comes for everyone at any time. So what do we do with that? We don't know how long we have on this earth and we don't know how long our neighbors have on this earth. If I die tomorrow what regrets will I leave behind? If my friend dies tomorrow what regrets will I have for my relationship with them?
God, give me the strength, courage, and the right words to share what others around me need to hear.
God is telling Noah his plans for mankind and the earth. That had to make Noah's heart jump with fear. "You're going to destroy us, God? Not that we don't deserve it, but do you have to?" That would be a terrifying moment to have the almighty creator of the universe tell you that.
But even without him speaking directly into our ears we know that the world will end and even if that might be millennia away, we also know that death comes for everyone at any time. So what do we do with that? We don't know how long we have on this earth and we don't know how long our neighbors have on this earth. If I die tomorrow what regrets will I leave behind? If my friend dies tomorrow what regrets will I have for my relationship with them?
God, give me the strength, courage, and the right words to share what others around me need to hear.
Genesis 6:12
"God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways." Genesis 6:12
It says the people "corrupted their ways." This isn't something that happened to them, but a decision the people made about their own lifestyles. They had a decision and instead of choosing the righteous path they chose evil. I'm sure they didn't wake up one morning and think, "I'm going to be evil now," but just one little decision at a time. "One little white lie won't hurt anyone." "I need it more than he does." "But it feels good." One step became twenty became a hundred and before they knew it they were enemies with God. What once was clearly wrong became normal and if it's okay for you than it's okay for me too. The devil can only lead us away from God if we let him.
It says the people "corrupted their ways." This isn't something that happened to them, but a decision the people made about their own lifestyles. They had a decision and instead of choosing the righteous path they chose evil. I'm sure they didn't wake up one morning and think, "I'm going to be evil now," but just one little decision at a time. "One little white lie won't hurt anyone." "I need it more than he does." "But it feels good." One step became twenty became a hundred and before they knew it they were enemies with God. What once was clearly wrong became normal and if it's okay for you than it's okay for me too. The devil can only lead us away from God if we let him.
Genesis 6:11
"Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight and was full of violence." Genesis 6:11
So we have Noah with his three sons living in a time of corruption and violence just running rampant across the entire world and he was still called a righteous man. That takes a lot of fortitude. How many times did Noah have to resist the temptation to repay the evil he received with more evil? How many times did he see victims he tried to help only to have the victims turn around and commit the same crimes and sins committed against them on others? How many times did he despair and almost loose all hope? How many times was he tempted to give in and give up on God and follow the example of his peers around him?
But he didn't. Noah remained a righteous man, walking continually with God. If Noah could do it with nothing but evil around him, why can't I when there are good influences around me?
So we have Noah with his three sons living in a time of corruption and violence just running rampant across the entire world and he was still called a righteous man. That takes a lot of fortitude. How many times did Noah have to resist the temptation to repay the evil he received with more evil? How many times did he see victims he tried to help only to have the victims turn around and commit the same crimes and sins committed against them on others? How many times did he despair and almost loose all hope? How many times was he tempted to give in and give up on God and follow the example of his peers around him?
But he didn't. Noah remained a righteous man, walking continually with God. If Noah could do it with nothing but evil around him, why can't I when there are good influences around me?
Monday, August 28, 2017
Genesis 6:10
"Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth." Genesis 6:10
So this righteous man had these three sons who are important to the telling of Noah's story.
So this righteous man had these three sons who are important to the telling of Noah's story.
Genesis 6:9
"This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God." Genesis 6:9
Now, not only did Noah find favor in God's eyes, but, like his great grandfather Enoch, it says he walked with God. The way to find favor with God is to be in that continual conversation with him. God wants to have a relationship with each and everyone of us. It's hard to have a relationship when you never talk to someone. We've got to talk to him and listen and then maybe we can be described as people that walk with God.
Now, not only did Noah find favor in God's eyes, but, like his great grandfather Enoch, it says he walked with God. The way to find favor with God is to be in that continual conversation with him. God wants to have a relationship with each and everyone of us. It's hard to have a relationship when you never talk to someone. We've got to talk to him and listen and then maybe we can be described as people that walk with God.
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
Genesis 6:8
"But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord." Genesis 6:8
Despite all the corruption around him, Noah managed to live a life pleasing to God. So even while he was sorry he had made man and planning to wipe them from the face of the earth, he looked at Noah and was pleased with what he saw. How amazing to be be able to keep yourself pure and good while all around you is encouraging the opposite.
Sometimes it may feel like that now in our world, that everything is encouraging just giving in to physical pleasures and selfish desires. Why is purity so great any way? And if God were to come now ready to destroy corrupt mankind, I can only pray that we would have mercy on me. The purity I've kept hasn't always been for the right reasons. I feel like I've been faking Christianity, hoping to just "fake it til you make it."
God, please help me do more than just fake it, but to be someone worthy of your love and favor.
Despite all the corruption around him, Noah managed to live a life pleasing to God. So even while he was sorry he had made man and planning to wipe them from the face of the earth, he looked at Noah and was pleased with what he saw. How amazing to be be able to keep yourself pure and good while all around you is encouraging the opposite.
Sometimes it may feel like that now in our world, that everything is encouraging just giving in to physical pleasures and selfish desires. Why is purity so great any way? And if God were to come now ready to destroy corrupt mankind, I can only pray that we would have mercy on me. The purity I've kept hasn't always been for the right reasons. I feel like I've been faking Christianity, hoping to just "fake it til you make it."
God, please help me do more than just fake it, but to be someone worthy of your love and favor.
Tuesday, August 22, 2017
Genesis 6:7
"So the Lord said, 'I will wipe mankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth - men and animals, and creatures that move along the ground, and birds of the air - for I am grieved that I have made them.' " Genesis 6:7
It seems unfair to wipe out the animals when it was mankind that angered God. Had the animals become corrupt like the men of that day? Can animals sin? We know that they are not made in the image of God like we are (Genesis 1:26), but do they have the cognitive functions necessary to make moral decisions?
GotQuestions.org suggests that possibility that the animals themselves were corrupt or that they were corrupted by their association with the men around them. Benson Commentary states that the animals were made for man so they were destroyed with man. Likewise, Barnes' Notes on the Bible states, "these animated creatures are not moral, and, therefore, the violent termination of their organic life is not a punishment." The point these commentaries are making is that they are just animals, so their destruction was not punishment, merely collateral damage for mankind's punishment.
It is important for us to remember the influence our decisions have. While we might think no one else will get hurt, that's not actually the case. What things do I allow myself to indulge in that change my perspective so that I no longer see sin where I should? What evil is happening around me that I am tolerating that I really should be doing something to stop it? Are these indulgences really only hurting me? Or are they hurting the world around me by letting myself become corrupted?
It seems unfair to wipe out the animals when it was mankind that angered God. Had the animals become corrupt like the men of that day? Can animals sin? We know that they are not made in the image of God like we are (Genesis 1:26), but do they have the cognitive functions necessary to make moral decisions?
GotQuestions.org suggests that possibility that the animals themselves were corrupt or that they were corrupted by their association with the men around them. Benson Commentary states that the animals were made for man so they were destroyed with man. Likewise, Barnes' Notes on the Bible states, "these animated creatures are not moral, and, therefore, the violent termination of their organic life is not a punishment." The point these commentaries are making is that they are just animals, so their destruction was not punishment, merely collateral damage for mankind's punishment.
It is important for us to remember the influence our decisions have. While we might think no one else will get hurt, that's not actually the case. What things do I allow myself to indulge in that change my perspective so that I no longer see sin where I should? What evil is happening around me that I am tolerating that I really should be doing something to stop it? Are these indulgences really only hurting me? Or are they hurting the world around me by letting myself become corrupted?
Monday, August 21, 2017
Genesis 6:6
"The Lord was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart filled with pain." Genesis 6:6
The Qbible translates that God wasn't just grieved by man's evilness, he also regretted ever creating man. In his article Genesis 6: Does God Make Mistakes? Morgen Kriedemann points out that God is not regretting a mistake he made, but rather the failings of mankind. He is sad to see the choices man has made and continued to make. It had gotten so bad and dangerous that he had to step in to protect the few believers still on the earth.
Just like verse 5 before, the word translated to heart can also be translated as inner most being or center. God was so grieved, he was pained to very core. Today God still sees the choices we make, the actions we take, and our inner most thoughts. What does he think of them? Are we, like those early men before us, grieving him so deeply that his heart is filled with pain? Or is he pleased with the choices his creation is making? I wish I could think the latter, but I fear he's probably grieving for us.
What can we do to change that? We can't control other people's thoughts or decisions, but we can control our own. Maybe something I do or say will at least cause someone else to think about it and re-examine their own life. A waterfall begins with one drop of water.
The Qbible translates that God wasn't just grieved by man's evilness, he also regretted ever creating man. In his article Genesis 6: Does God Make Mistakes? Morgen Kriedemann points out that God is not regretting a mistake he made, but rather the failings of mankind. He is sad to see the choices man has made and continued to make. It had gotten so bad and dangerous that he had to step in to protect the few believers still on the earth.
Just like verse 5 before, the word translated to heart can also be translated as inner most being or center. God was so grieved, he was pained to very core. Today God still sees the choices we make, the actions we take, and our inner most thoughts. What does he think of them? Are we, like those early men before us, grieving him so deeply that his heart is filled with pain? Or is he pleased with the choices his creation is making? I wish I could think the latter, but I fear he's probably grieving for us.
What can we do to change that? We can't control other people's thoughts or decisions, but we can control our own. Maybe something I do or say will at least cause someone else to think about it and re-examine their own life. A waterfall begins with one drop of water.
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Genesis 6:5
"The Lord saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time." Genesis 6:5
That's pretty harsh, that these men never had a thought that wasn't evil. That doesn't sound like a place you would want to live. From the previous verse, we know that even the children of God's followers were leading others further astray. There might be people that we describe this way now, but in general I don't think we would describe our society as a whole this way. This is a world I don't even want to imagine living in. A place where no one had a good intention or thought. It's no wonder God said he wasn't going to deal with man forever. How disappointed he must have been with his creation.
That's pretty harsh, that these men never had a thought that wasn't evil. That doesn't sound like a place you would want to live. From the previous verse, we know that even the children of God's followers were leading others further astray. There might be people that we describe this way now, but in general I don't think we would describe our society as a whole this way. This is a world I don't even want to imagine living in. A place where no one had a good intention or thought. It's no wonder God said he wasn't going to deal with man forever. How disappointed he must have been with his creation.
Sunday, May 21, 2017
Genesis 6:4
"The Nephilim were on the earth in those days - and also afterward - when the sons of God went to the daughters of men and had children by them. They were the heroes of old, men of renown." Genesis 6:4
There are several different possible translations of the word "Nephilim." Many translations just transliterate as if this is the name of a people. The Qbible translates it as "giants" but it also could mean "bully" or "tyrant." In his book Old Testament Synonyms (page 54) Robert Baker Girdlestone points out that the word is derived from the form of "to fall" implying that these are men that used their power to cause other to fall. From that "tyrants" actually seems like the closest translation to the truth. Especially with the last sentence that these were "the heroes of old, men of renown." So the children of the followers of God that married outside of their faith were the powerful men of their time that used their power to lead others further astray.
There are several different possible translations of the word "Nephilim." Many translations just transliterate as if this is the name of a people. The Qbible translates it as "giants" but it also could mean "bully" or "tyrant." In his book Old Testament Synonyms (page 54) Robert Baker Girdlestone points out that the word is derived from the form of "to fall" implying that these are men that used their power to cause other to fall. From that "tyrants" actually seems like the closest translation to the truth. Especially with the last sentence that these were "the heroes of old, men of renown." So the children of the followers of God that married outside of their faith were the powerful men of their time that used their power to lead others further astray.
Genesis 6:3
"Then the Lord said, 'My spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal; his days will be a hundred and twenty years.'" Genesis 6:3
According to the Qbible "mortal" can be translated as "flesh" and "to go astray or sin." So it's not because of man's flesh and blood body that God will not always deal with man, but the fact that man has strayed and sinned. Because of this God is numbering man's days to 120 years.
Was God to end the world in 120 years? Or is that the new life span? Obviously God didn't end the world 120 years after that, otherwise we all wouldn't be here.
According to the Qbible "mortal" can be translated as "flesh" and "to go astray or sin." So it's not because of man's flesh and blood body that God will not always deal with man, but the fact that man has strayed and sinned. Because of this God is numbering man's days to 120 years.
Was God to end the world in 120 years? Or is that the new life span? Obviously God didn't end the world 120 years after that, otherwise we all wouldn't be here.
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Genesis 6:2
"The sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose." Genesis 6:2
According to the Qbible sons doesn't have to literally mean sons, but could include a member of a group like a nation or followers of an ideal. In this instance it could be as Ligonier Ministries suggests that the sons of God are of Seth's line, followers of God and the daughters of men are of Cain's line. If two fleshes become one in marriage then it's going to be difficult to stay faithful if your other half doesn't believe. That's a major reason it is wise to marry within your own religion.
According to the Qbible sons doesn't have to literally mean sons, but could include a member of a group like a nation or followers of an ideal. In this instance it could be as Ligonier Ministries suggests that the sons of God are of Seth's line, followers of God and the daughters of men are of Cain's line. If two fleshes become one in marriage then it's going to be difficult to stay faithful if your other half doesn't believe. That's a major reason it is wise to marry within your own religion.
Genesis 6:1
"When men began to increase in number on the earth and daughters were born to them." Genesis 6:1
It's interesting that it specifies when mankind began to have daughters.
It's interesting that it specifies when mankind began to have daughters.
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Genesis 5:32
"After Noah was 500 years old, he became the father of Shem, Ham and Japheth." Genesis 5:32
Instead of just mentioning one of Noah's sons the Bible tells us the names of three of his sons and then stops there. It looks as if he only had the three sons. It doesn't tell us how close in age these boys were or if they were triplets only that Noah had them all by the time he was 500.
Shem means name, Ham means hot, and Japheth means opened.
Instead of just mentioning one of Noah's sons the Bible tells us the names of three of his sons and then stops there. It looks as if he only had the three sons. It doesn't tell us how close in age these boys were or if they were triplets only that Noah had them all by the time he was 500.
Shem means name, Ham means hot, and Japheth means opened.
Genesis 5:31
"Altogether, Lamech lived 777 years, and then he died." Genesis 5:31
So far Lamech died at the youngest age. He still definitely lived a long life. It makes me wonder at his character. Was he a tired world wear man that had lost hope or did he still cling to his hope even as he neared the end of his life? He must have had a good example in his grandfather Enoch, but did he follow that example or did he feel like God had forsaken them?
So far Lamech died at the youngest age. He still definitely lived a long life. It makes me wonder at his character. Was he a tired world wear man that had lost hope or did he still cling to his hope even as he neared the end of his life? He must have had a good example in his grandfather Enoch, but did he follow that example or did he feel like God had forsaken them?
Genesis 5:30
"After Noah was born, Lamech lived 595 years and had other sons and daughters." Genesis 5:30
Now we're back to the pattern. So the important thing to note for this story is that Lamech was the father of Noah. Noah is the one we need to be paying attention to.
Now we're back to the pattern. So the important thing to note for this story is that Lamech was the father of Noah. Noah is the one we need to be paying attention to.
Genesis 5:29
"He named him Noah and said, 'He will comfort us in the labor and painful toil of our hands caused by the ground the Lord had cursed.'" Genesis 5:29
Now Lamech gives us a reason for naming his son Noah which means rest. So life was hard and Lamech was tired and longed for rest. Doesn't sound too different from today.
Now Lamech gives us a reason for naming his son Noah which means rest. So life was hard and Lamech was tired and longed for rest. Doesn't sound too different from today.
Genesis 5:28
"When Lamech had lived 182 years, he had a son." Genesis 5:28
Another break in pattern. Instead of giving the name of the son, it just says Lamech had one. Breaks in pattern always indicate that there's something noteworthy to pay attention to.
Another break in pattern. Instead of giving the name of the son, it just says Lamech had one. Breaks in pattern always indicate that there's something noteworthy to pay attention to.
Genesis 5:27
"Altogether, Methuselah lived 969 years, and then he died." Genesis 5:27
The son of Enoch, the man who walked with God, has the longest life span. Hopefully he followed in his father's footsteps.
The son of Enoch, the man who walked with God, has the longest life span. Hopefully he followed in his father's footsteps.
Genesis 5:26
"And after he became the father of Lamech, Methuselah live 782 years and had other sons and daughters." Genesis 5:26
So now we're 9 generations away from creation. It only takes one generation to see the world change. How much had the world changed from what God had originally created?
So now we're 9 generations away from creation. It only takes one generation to see the world change. How much had the world changed from what God had originally created?
Genesis 5:25
"When Methuselah had lived 187 years, he became the father of Lamech." Genesis 5:25
According to the Qbible Lamech means powerful.
According to the Qbible Lamech means powerful.
Monday, May 15, 2017
Genesis 5:24
"Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away." Genesis 5:24
So Enoch did not die, but instead God took him from this world. That Enoch walked with God is reminiscent of God walking through the Garden of Eden before the fall. It's like Enoch had the relationship with God that God had wanted with Adam and Eve - that he wants with all of mankind. What a legacy to leave behind. Until the end of days, Enoch will always be known as the man that walked with God.
So Enoch did not die, but instead God took him from this world. That Enoch walked with God is reminiscent of God walking through the Garden of Eden before the fall. It's like Enoch had the relationship with God that God had wanted with Adam and Eve - that he wants with all of mankind. What a legacy to leave behind. Until the end of days, Enoch will always be known as the man that walked with God.
Genesis 5:23
"Altogether, Enoch lived 365 years." Genesis 5:23
Another deviation from the previous entries in the genealogy. The men before ended with "and then he died," but Enoch does not have this included.
Another deviation from the previous entries in the genealogy. The men before ended with "and then he died," but Enoch does not have this included.
Genesis 5:22
"And after he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters." Genesis 5:22
This is something different. Enoch walked with God. According to the Qbible "walk" can be translated as more than just "walking" but also as just "moving, coming, going, or continuously conversing." So as Enoch lived it was in continual conversation with God.
This is something different. Enoch walked with God. According to the Qbible "walk" can be translated as more than just "walking" but also as just "moving, coming, going, or continuously conversing." So as Enoch lived it was in continual conversation with God.
Genesis 5:21
"When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah."
According to the Qbible Methuselah means "man of the dart."
According to the Qbible Methuselah means "man of the dart."
Sunday, May 14, 2017
Genesis 5:20
"Altogether, Jared lived 962 years, and then he died." Genesis 5:20
How many generations below could he have known?
How many generations below could he have known?
Genesis 5:19
"And after he became the father of Enoch, Jared lived 800 years and had other sons and daughters." Genesis 5:19
By now, if each man lived a millenia and had even waited to start having kids until he was in his sixties and kept at it even if only for a 100 years, there could have been a lot of people on Earth at that point. If Adam and each of his sons had 20 sons there could have been 60 million people in Enoch's generation alone. The next generation would have been 1 billion and the next 25 billion. There are over 7 billion people in the world now. If livescience is right that the Earth can only support 10 billion people max, then my guess is either they didn't have that many kids each and just like today there were people that didn't have kids.
By now, if each man lived a millenia and had even waited to start having kids until he was in his sixties and kept at it even if only for a 100 years, there could have been a lot of people on Earth at that point. If Adam and each of his sons had 20 sons there could have been 60 million people in Enoch's generation alone. The next generation would have been 1 billion and the next 25 billion. There are over 7 billion people in the world now. If livescience is right that the Earth can only support 10 billion people max, then my guess is either they didn't have that many kids each and just like today there were people that didn't have kids.
Genesis 5:18
"When Jared had lived 162 years, he became the father of Enoch." Genesis 5:18
According to the Qbible Enoch means dedicated. So it sounds as if he was a dedication, I would think to God, but it really doesn't specify.
According to the Qbible Enoch means dedicated. So it sounds as if he was a dedication, I would think to God, but it really doesn't specify.
Genesis 5:17
" Altogether, Mahalalel lived 895 years, and then he died." Genesis 5:17
Can you imagine living almost a millennium? Now we think 70 is old.
Can you imagine living almost a millennium? Now we think 70 is old.
Genesis 5:16
"And after he became the father of Jared, Mahalalel lived 830 years and had other sons and daughters." Genesis 5:16
None of these men had only 1 or 2 kids. If they lived that long, how many did they have?
None of these men had only 1 or 2 kids. If they lived that long, how many did they have?
Genesis 5:15
"When Mahalalel had lived 65 years, he became the father of Jared." Genesis 5:15
According to the Qbible Jared means descendant. It also notes that the word used that is translated as "became the father of" could also be translated to "show lineage" which doesn't necessarily mean that these men mentioned in this genealogy were direct descendants of each other. It's possible that there are gaps in the line.
It makes you wonder if that is the case, how did they decide who to include and who to skip. Is it just a case of this guy did something memorable in our history or was an important figure that everyone knew who they were so we all remembered their names but not the ones in between? Like if someone were to ask me about the royal line of England. I could probably list a few and know who was descended from who, but not be able to list every generation.
Or this could be a literal genealogy where "became the father of" means "became the father of." Does it really matter now if there were gaps or not?
According to the Qbible Jared means descendant. It also notes that the word used that is translated as "became the father of" could also be translated to "show lineage" which doesn't necessarily mean that these men mentioned in this genealogy were direct descendants of each other. It's possible that there are gaps in the line.
It makes you wonder if that is the case, how did they decide who to include and who to skip. Is it just a case of this guy did something memorable in our history or was an important figure that everyone knew who they were so we all remembered their names but not the ones in between? Like if someone were to ask me about the royal line of England. I could probably list a few and know who was descended from who, but not be able to list every generation.
Or this could be a literal genealogy where "became the father of" means "became the father of." Does it really matter now if there were gaps or not?
Genesis 5:14
"Altogether, Kenan lived 910 years and then he died." Genesis 5:14
So Kenan actually lived longer than his father Enosh by 5 years.
So Kenan actually lived longer than his father Enosh by 5 years.
Genesis 5:13
"And after he became the father of Mahalalel, Kenan lived 840 years and had others sons and daughters." Genesis 5:13
Again Mahalalel is the only son mentioned by name.
Again Mahalalel is the only son mentioned by name.
Saturday, May 13, 2017
Genesis 5:12
"When Kenan had lived 70 years, he became the father of Mahalalel." Genesis 5:12
That's quite a name. It almost looks like someone was stuttering, but according the Qbible it actually means "praise of God." That means that Kenan, the great grandson of Adam, knew of God and thought he was worthy enough to name his son in honor of him.
That's quite a name. It almost looks like someone was stuttering, but according the Qbible it actually means "praise of God." That means that Kenan, the great grandson of Adam, knew of God and thought he was worthy enough to name his son in honor of him.
Genesis 5:11
"Altogether, Enosh lived 905 years, and then he died." Genesis 5:11
So far each son has lived a few years less than his father. Adam was 930. Seth 912, and Enosh 905. Is this the result of the original sin, the life spans getting shorter? Or is this just coincidence?
So far each son has lived a few years less than his father. Adam was 930. Seth 912, and Enosh 905. Is this the result of the original sin, the life spans getting shorter? Or is this just coincidence?
Genesis 5:10
"And after he became the father of Kenan, Enosh lived 815 years and had other sons and daughters." Genesis 5:10
I wonder if Kenan was his first born or if he had other children before.
I wonder if Kenan was his first born or if he had other children before.
Genesis 5:9
"When Enosh had lived 90 years, he became the father of Kenan." Genesis 5:9
According to the Qbible Kenan means possession. It seems like an odd name to give your son. Maybe it's not meaning possession the way we think of it - as a thing, something to be owned. Perhaps instead it's more like claiming kinship, saying, "this is my son and I'm proud of that." The Bible doesn't tell us anything about the character of Enosh or Kenan. All we know is that they were descendants of Adam and they lived really long lives.
According to the Qbible Kenan means possession. It seems like an odd name to give your son. Maybe it's not meaning possession the way we think of it - as a thing, something to be owned. Perhaps instead it's more like claiming kinship, saying, "this is my son and I'm proud of that." The Bible doesn't tell us anything about the character of Enosh or Kenan. All we know is that they were descendants of Adam and they lived really long lives.
Genesis 5:8
"Altogether, Seth lived 912 years, and then he died." Genesis 5:8
So total Seth lived total 912 years. That's a long life. Like Adam, he could have had many, many more children after Enosh before he died.
So total Seth lived total 912 years. That's a long life. Like Adam, he could have had many, many more children after Enosh before he died.
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
Genesis 5:7
"And after he became the father of Enosh, Seth lived 807 years and had other sons and daughters." Genesis 5:7
This sounds as if Enosh is his first born, but whether he was or wasn't, Seth definitely had more sons and daughters in the eight hundred years he lived after that. With lifespans that much longer if they started having kids in their 30s it's possible for them to have met many, many generations of their descendants.
This sounds as if Enosh is his first born, but whether he was or wasn't, Seth definitely had more sons and daughters in the eight hundred years he lived after that. With lifespans that much longer if they started having kids in their 30s it's possible for them to have met many, many generations of their descendants.
Genesis 5:6
"When Seth had lived 105 years, he became the father of Enosh." Genesis 5:6
Did Seth have other children before Enosh? Or is it just saying this is the line to pay attention to?
Did Seth have other children before Enosh? Or is it just saying this is the line to pay attention to?
Monday, January 16, 2017
Genesis 5:5
"Altogether, Adam lived 930 years, and then he died." Genesis 5:5
930 years! That's a long time to live. Did Adam really live that long? Why don't we live that long now?
According to Answers in Genesis with the Flood came a change to the environment and from there we see the maximum life span decrease to 120 years. It goes on to talk about genetic reasons and mutations. Reasons to Believe also points to our genetics and suggests that God tweaked them after the Flood to decrease our life spans. Another website, Christianity.net.au, gives a good point that we might not have the whole picture.
Science is always discovering new things and sometimes these appear to clash with the Bible, but sometimes a later discovery shows that there is not inconsistency or that the previous discovering was wrong. The Bible was not written as a Science text book to explain all the workings of the universe, so it doesn't even try to explain some of the things we don't understand that it hints at.
Not only was this an incredibly long life span, but this was also centuries after the Garden of Eden when God had told the first man that he would die if he ate of the tree of knowledge. Obviously they didn't drop dead when they ate the fruit, but instead, Adam lived 930 years. So he did die he just took a long time getting to it. If he hadn't of eaten from from that tree would Adam have lived forever? If nothing else, this shows that God is patient.
930 years! That's a long time to live. Did Adam really live that long? Why don't we live that long now?
According to Answers in Genesis with the Flood came a change to the environment and from there we see the maximum life span decrease to 120 years. It goes on to talk about genetic reasons and mutations. Reasons to Believe also points to our genetics and suggests that God tweaked them after the Flood to decrease our life spans. Another website, Christianity.net.au, gives a good point that we might not have the whole picture.
Science is always discovering new things and sometimes these appear to clash with the Bible, but sometimes a later discovery shows that there is not inconsistency or that the previous discovering was wrong. The Bible was not written as a Science text book to explain all the workings of the universe, so it doesn't even try to explain some of the things we don't understand that it hints at.
Not only was this an incredibly long life span, but this was also centuries after the Garden of Eden when God had told the first man that he would die if he ate of the tree of knowledge. Obviously they didn't drop dead when they ate the fruit, but instead, Adam lived 930 years. So he did die he just took a long time getting to it. If he hadn't of eaten from from that tree would Adam have lived forever? If nothing else, this shows that God is patient.
Thursday, January 12, 2017
Genesis 5:4
"After Seth was born, Adam lived 800 years and had other sons and daughters." Genesis 5:4
So if Adam's daughters were born after Seth, how old was Cain when he got his wife? How many children did Adam and Eve have? 800 years is long time to be able to have more kids. They could have raised a few and then when those were old enough to take care of themselves had a few more and that cycle could have repeated until Eve was too old to have more children. If men and women lived so much longer then did menopause hit later too?
So if Adam's daughters were born after Seth, how old was Cain when he got his wife? How many children did Adam and Eve have? 800 years is long time to be able to have more kids. They could have raised a few and then when those were old enough to take care of themselves had a few more and that cycle could have repeated until Eve was too old to have more children. If men and women lived so much longer then did menopause hit later too?
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
Genesis 5:3
"When Adam had lived 130 years, he had a son in his own likeness, in his own image; and he named him Seth." Genesis 5:3
Here it compares Adam having his son with God creating man. So would that make Adam and Eve his children?
Here it compares Adam having his son with God creating man. So would that make Adam and Eve his children?
Friday, January 6, 2017
Genesis 5:2
"He created them male and female and blessed them. And when they were created, he called them "man." Genesis 5:2
This verse clarifies that it's not just the men of our species that our created in God's image. Here it is reaffirming that these places where the word "man" has been used is referring to mankind, both the men and women. So it's not just men that are created in God's image, women are too.
This verse clarifies that it's not just the men of our species that our created in God's image. Here it is reaffirming that these places where the word "man" has been used is referring to mankind, both the men and women. So it's not just men that are created in God's image, women are too.
Thursday, January 5, 2017
Genesis 5:1
"This is the written account of Adam's line. When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God." Genesis 5:1
This verse is confirming Genesis 1:26 that man was created in the image of God. Instead of "when God created" the Qbible has "in the day God created." It's like saying, "Remember that one day, when God created man?" I think it's just a reminder for us that we are created to be like him. I know I don't do a very good job a lot of the time, but maybe we are more capable of being like him then we give ourselves credit for. Like God mankind is the one species on Earth that makes things. All you have to do is look at all our technology and invention to see how creative men and women can be. There are some pretty stunning examples all around us. The desire to create something does seem to be a pretty driving motivator also. There a definitely some days I just get the urge to make...something (usually something artsy like a painting or the like) but I don't always know what and it never turns out as good as it looks in my head. Even so, there is a satisfaction felt once I have finished a painting or put together a bookshelf. What other ways are we like God?
This verse is confirming Genesis 1:26 that man was created in the image of God. Instead of "when God created" the Qbible has "in the day God created." It's like saying, "Remember that one day, when God created man?" I think it's just a reminder for us that we are created to be like him. I know I don't do a very good job a lot of the time, but maybe we are more capable of being like him then we give ourselves credit for. Like God mankind is the one species on Earth that makes things. All you have to do is look at all our technology and invention to see how creative men and women can be. There are some pretty stunning examples all around us. The desire to create something does seem to be a pretty driving motivator also. There a definitely some days I just get the urge to make...something (usually something artsy like a painting or the like) but I don't always know what and it never turns out as good as it looks in my head. Even so, there is a satisfaction felt once I have finished a painting or put together a bookshelf. What other ways are we like God?
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
Genesis 4:26
"Seth also had a son, and he named him Enosh. At that time men began to call on the name of the Lord." Genesis 4:26
So Adam and Eve's third son had a son. (Was this their first grandchild in proximity to them? They probably didn't have much contact with Cain's children.) Now with a new generation further removed from intimate contact with God men began to call on God. Was Enosh the one that started this?
So Adam and Eve's third son had a son. (Was this their first grandchild in proximity to them? They probably didn't have much contact with Cain's children.) Now with a new generation further removed from intimate contact with God men began to call on God. Was Enosh the one that started this?
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