5:1-2 This is a quick chapter: The Genealogy of Adam (genealogy is largely explained through a patriarchal society.) Most of the world's cultures today are patriarchal: of, relating to, or characteristic of a system of society or government controlled by men (remember Genesis 3:16).
Notice that Cain is not considered a child of Adam; this is because Cain is considered a spawn of the serpent (figuratively and perhaps even literally as well).
Notice that Cain is not considered a child of Adam; this is because Cain is considered a spawn of the serpent (figuratively and perhaps even literally as well).
5:3 Adam is written to have lived 130 years before having his third child (these time estimates may be explanation of a different human-lifespan or they are simply different measurements of time; either way, it's generally irrelevant). To Adam and Eve was born Seth.
5:4-5 At age 930, Adam left the earth. His sons and daughters remained. After our individual time here, life on earth continues and what we produced while we were here continues to impact the world.
5:6-8 Seth (compensation) lived 870 years, had Enosh and other sons and daughters.
5:9-11 Enosh (human) lived 905 years, had Cainan and other sons and daughters.
5:12-14 Cainan (possession) lived 910 years, had Mahalalel and other sons and daughters.
5:15-17 Mahalalel (praise of God) lived 895 years, had Jared and other sons and daughters.
5:18-20 Jared (descent) lived 962 years, had Enoch and others sons and daughters.
5:21-24 Enoch (dedicated) lived 365 years, had Methuselah and other sons and daughters. There is a particular note in these verses of Enoch's dedication to God; it is also mentioned that Enoch did not die but actually transfigured to be with God. One of very few to have done this. Enoch is mentioned after this in the Bible, particularly in the following verses:
Hebrews 11:5
By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
Jude 14:14-15
Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, 15 to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.”Because of Enoch's faith (walking with God) he was given much responsibility and blessed opportunity (even extending from the beginning to the very end).
5:25-27 Methuselah (man of the dart) lived 969 days, had Lamech and other sons and daughters.
5:28 Lamech (powerful) lived 770 years and had Noah.
5:29 Noah (rest) is marked for his purpose on earth: "This one will comfort us concerning our work and the toil of our hands...". Through Noah would come a rejuvenation of earth, and a forgiveness from God within His relationship between with humanity.
5:30-31 Lamech (powerful) lived 770 years, had Noah and other sons and daughters.
5:32 Noah begot Shem (name), Ham (hot) and Japheth (opened).
And this from this chapter we can deduce that the population of humanity on earth abounded.
