A quick look at Genesis 4 and 5 can be confusing. There are similar names, but as you dig deeper you realize, a contrast exists. In today’s reflection we contrast Cain’s line with Seth’s line, by looking at the two Enoch’s, the legacy of each line, and how each one looked to the future.
Two Enochs
Cain’s first son was named Enoch. During his life, Cain built a city and named it Enoch after his son. King David in Psalm 49 attributes this practice to fools who think their houses will continue on. In contrast, Enoch of the line of Seth, walked with God. His relationship with God was so close that God took him. One’s connection remained to the earth while the other one connected to God’s kingdom.
Legacy
Cain’s line, through his wife Adah were Jabal and Jubal. While Jabal was the father of those who live in tents and raise livestock, Jubal was the father of those who play the harp and the flute. His son through his wife Zillah, named Tubal-Cain, was an instructor of every craftsman in bronze and iron. There was also one sister. In the listing of Adam’s line through Seth, unlike Cain’s, the years of their lives are listed rather than their accomplishments. Methuselah, lived the longest at 969 years, a blessing from the LORD.
Future
By the time we see the name Lamech, we also see a tendency in how they looked to the future. Lamech of the line of Cain, called his wives together. He confessed of murder and remembered his father. His look to the future was grim. The writer of Genesis interjects at this point to mention the birth of Seth, to replace the line of Abel. He mentions the birth of Seth’s son Enosh, and comments that it is the time when men began to call on the name of the LORD. Then in contrast, Lamech of the line of Seth, fathered Noah, and foretold this of him, “This one will comfort us concerning or work and the toil of our hands.” It is a look of hope.
In today’s reflection we contrasted Cain’s line with Seth’s line, looked at the two Enoch’s, the legacy of each line, and how each one looked to the future.