This week is a renewed look at a study I undertook four years ago on the early Patriarchs from the book of Genesis, following on from Adam and Eve taking into account the second half Genesis chapter 4 verses 16-24, through to Chapter 5.
This is not a well known part of the early history of man kind after the creation of man and man's fall (sin), but it does reveal a great deal about the development of human kind in this early period.
Yesterday I gave the illustration of the famous swimmer Dawn Fraser who won Olympic Gold in the same 100 metre event at three successive Olympics, yet her life was much more than that one aspect of her life. So too in these Genesis accounts, we're only given a single aspect is highlighted.
Naamah
What is said about Naamah? Genesis chapter 4 verse 22: "and the sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah." There are a whole range of ideas as to why Naamah is mentioned. The Jewish midrash writings suggest that this Naamah was the wife of Noah, others suggest she was mentioned because she was a singer. Others suggest she was in fact Ham's wife, the son of Noah but again this is speculation.
Naamah is the first woman in this list and women have a special place in God's plan. She is followed by a great list of women who served God and mentioned through he Bible such as Sarah, Rebekah, Rahab, Ruth, Deborah and ...... In Jewish writings, there is further consideration. This polygamous marriage had problems. There is consideration given that Adah was no where near as attractive as Zillah and given less attention by Lamech.
But Zillah gave birth to a baby girl who grew into a beautiful young woman and therefore Naamah's name has been associated with beauty and that entire genre of the beauty commerce. Need we say more?
Enos - a cousin
Enos is the first son of Seth and comes from a different line from that of his cousins which we have been looking at over the previous three days. We see here a significant change when Enos comes on the scene. Seth his father was the third son of Adam and Eve, and all grand-parents know how they dot upon their grand children, especially their first grand child.
The text of Genesis chapter 4 verse 26 reads as follows: "(Seth) called his name Enos; then began men to call upon the name of the Lord." The other side of the family leads to polygamy and ultimately the Flood which was the method by which God judged the wickedness of man.
Adam and Eve had Enos on their knee as grand parents and taught him the love of God and how He still loved them although they had sinned. They would have told him the story of Cain his uncle and how he killed his other uncle Abel and how the earth cried out. The Psalms speak of children as blessings and the Genesis text reads in chapter 5 verse 9 "and he begat sons and daughters".
These two things we can say of Enos: First, he was associated with a turning to the Lord, the first revival and for that he is remembered forever. It is also the first mention of prayer in the Bible. Prayer is the mainstay of a vital relationship with God. Calling on the name of the Lord is indeed, prayer.
Second, his progeny as a blessing from the Lord, is recounted in order that every generation might give thanks for a life given to God. I recall praying at my eldest daughter's wedding for the children of their children, as did the great grand parents of the famous 19the century evangelist D L Moody.
Enoch
Enoch is the fifth generation from Seth – there was Enos (who we looked at yesterday), Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared and then Enoch. Verses 22 - "And Enoch walked with God." And again in verse 24 - "And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him."
Confirmation is stated in Hebrew chapter 11 verse 5 - "By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
Verse 6: "For without faith it is impossible to please Him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
What we see here is the original situation (Genesis chapter 5) and its explanation (Hebrews chapter 11). Clearly Enoch came from a godly family heritage, as opposed to the line of his cousins through Lamech and his sinful polygamous situation.
Enoch's faith in God was such that he walked a life wholly given to following the Lord in all that he undertook as reflected in Hebrews chapter 11. Such was his godly integrity that he became example to all who put their trust in God and who daily walk with Him.
Indeed, God was so delighted that as Enoch walked with God, as one preacher said, that on one occasion, perhaps God said something like this - "We're closer to my house than yours, we'll keep going!"
Dr Mark Tronson is a Baptist minister (retired) who served as the Australian cricket team chaplain for 17 years (2000 ret) and established Life After Cricket in 2001. He was recognised by the Olympic Ministry Medal in 2009 presented by Carl Lewis Olympian of the Century. He mentors young writers and has written 24 books, and enjoys writing. He is married to Delma, with four adult children and grand-children.
Mark Tronson's archive of articles can be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/mark-tronson.html
