Genesis 4:24

“‘If Cain is avenged seven times, then Lamech seventy-seven times.’”  Genesis 4:24

This is a strange little story.  There is no explanation given, just Lamech claiming that he will be avenged even more than his ancestor if killed.  Figuratively the seventy-seven times means "indefinitely" or "forever."  Is he claiming his kill was justified?  Is he right?  Or is this an example of human sin seeking to excuse itself?

Genesis 4:23

“Lamech said to his wives, ‘Adah and Zillah, listen to me; wives of Lamech, hear my words.  I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for injuring me.’”  Genesis 4:23

The second recorded murder.  It sounds like it could be in self-defense, but “injuring” can be taken several different ways.  This could just mean he was insulted.

Genesis 4:22

“Zillah also had a son, Tubal-Cain, who forged all kinds of tools out of bronze and iron.  Tubal-Cain’s sister was Naamah.”  Genesis 4:22

Jabal and Jubal’s half-brother seems not to have made the same name for himself his brothers did, but was still skilled at forging.  These verses show that life was going on much as it is today.  Men were working their careers and having families and basically just living their lives.