When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah. After he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked faithfully with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether, Enoch lived a total of 365 years. Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away. (Genesis 5:21-24)
Genealogies.
Chapters like chapter 5 of Genesis are the ones we run through pretty quickly to get back to the action. You get the drift after the first couple of father-son set ups. Man A was x years old and had a son called B, afterwards A lived another y years and then at z years old A died. Man B kept the pattern going.
I openly confess that these chapters appeared on the surface to be fairly tedious. That was before considering the names you had to pronounce – Mahalelel is easier to type than say. By the time I tried it I would either be laughing with the ‘ha’ in the name or not knowing how many times I’m supposed to say ‘lel’.
Thankfully, as I grew up, I recognised that there is significance in names. As there is significance in generations. The lineage from which Noah appears is not without incident, especially when we consider Enoch. It’s always worth exploring how significant Enoch was in setting a positive example of a life approved by God. I don’t think it’s any coincidence that the son he gives birth to turns out to live the longest.
Reinforcing the importance of the name, it’s also no surprise to discover Enoch’s great grandson is given a name whose meaning will have great significance for the task he will be given.
Just how setting a precedent had some negative effects from Cain to Lamech in chapter 4, so we see how blessed it can be to come from a lineage with godly character. That is not to say if your parents are not the greatest example you’re destined for failure. It is to encourage us to check our family tree and take ‘comfort’ in knowing that by faith in Jesus the Son we can be connected to the heavenly Father who gives that godly character which we can pass onto the generations to come.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
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