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Genealogies of
Genesis
(Genesis 5:1–32)
Introduction
Genesis 5:1–32 records the line from Adam to Noah. In these names
and years God teaches the dignity of His image, the certainty of
death, the beauty of walking with Him, and the hope He provides.
The Image and
the Likeness
Genesis affirms that God created mankind in His image (Genesis
1:26–27; 5:1–2). When Adam fathered Seth, Moses writes that Seth was
born “in Adam’s likeness, after his image” (Genesis 5:3). Scripture
preserves both truths: humanity bears the Creator’s image with real
worth and purpose, and humanity now lives in a world where sin has
left its mark. The genealogy keeps both before us—dignity bestowed
by God and realism about a fallen world.
The Refrain
of Mortality
Across the chapter a solemn cadence returns: “and he died” (Genesis
5:5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 27, 31). Eden’s warning proves true (Genesis
2:16–17; 3:17–19). Death’s drumbeat teaches us to number our days,
to reckon with accountability, and to seek the life God gives.
Scripture later explains that through one man sin entered the world,
and death through sin (Romans 5:12).
Longevity
and the Antediluvian World
The ages amaze: 912, 905, 910, 969. Early life spans stretched
across centuries. Moses’ theological point is clear: even in a world
very different from ours, life still concluded under Adam’s
sentence. After the Flood, Scripture notes a changed rhythm for the
earth and for human life (Genesis 8:22; 9:1–7). Yet in every age,
God’s purposes stand.
Enoch:
Walking With God
Enoch “walked with God” for three centuries, “and he was not, for
God took him” (Genesis 5:21–24). Jude identifies Enoch as “the
seventh from Adam” and cites his prophetic witness (Jude 14–15).
Hebrews adds that Enoch “was taken so that he did not see death,”
for “before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God”
(Hebrews 11:5). The genealogy’s dark refrain pauses here to display
living fellowship—steady communion, daily obedience, and persevering
trust.
Two Lines,
Two Legacies
Genesis 4–5 sets Cain’s line alongside Seth’s. In Cain’s seventh,
Lamech boasts of violence (Genesis 4:19–24). In Seth’s seventh,
Enoch walks with God (Genesis 5:21–24; Jude 14). Generations move in
different directions according to their reverence or rebellion. The
record urges every household to choose the path of faith.
Methuselah
and the Nearness of Judgment
Methuselah lived 969 years (Genesis 5:27). When the genealogical
chronology is aligned with the Flood narrative, his death falls in
the year the Flood came (Genesis 7:6, 11). The long span of his life
underscores God’s patience even as judgment approached.
Noah: A
Name of Comfort
Lamech named his son Noah, saying, “This one will comfort us
concerning our work and the toil of our hands, because of the ground
which the Lord has cursed” (Genesis 5:29; cf. Genesis 3:17–19). In a
world wearied by thorns and sweat, God raised up a man through whom
He would preserve a remnant and unfold His promise.
Why
Genealogies Matter
These lists are Scripture’s theology in history. They testify that
God remembers names, advances His promise from generation to
generation, confronts us with death’s certainty, and directs us to
hope beyond the grave. Job confessed, “I know that my Redeemer
lives…and in my flesh I shall see God” (Job 19:25–27). The gospel
reveals that Redeemer in fullness, and the resurrection assures that
those who belong to Christ will be changed “in a moment, in the
twinkling of an eye” (1 Corinthians 15:51–52).
Genealogies
Of Genesis Sermon Outline:
-
Text:
Genesis 5:1–32
-
Theme:
God’s image, human mortality, holy walking, patient judgment,
and promised comfort.
-
Created
in God’s Image; Born in Adam’s Likeness
(Genesis 1:26–27; 5:1–3)
-
The
Cadence of “And He Died” (Genesis
5; Genesis 2:16–17; 3:17–19; Romans 5:12)
-
Enoch’s
Fellowship with God (Genesis
5:21–24; Jude 14–15; Hebrews 11:5)
-
Two
Sevens, Two Ways (Genesis
4:19–24; 5:21–24)
-
Methuselah’s Long Patience and the Flood’s Nearness
(Genesis 5:27; 7:6, 11)
-
Noah—A
Word of Comfort (Genesis 5:28–29;
3:17–19; 8:22)
-
Our
Redeemer and Our Resurrection Hope
(Job 19:25–27; 1 Corinthians 15:51–52)
Call to
Action
Set your heart to walk with God as Enoch did—daily, steadily,
sincerely. Acknowledge the brevity and certainty of your days, and
turn to the living Redeemer. Obey the gospel of Christ: believe His
word, repent of sins, and be baptized into Christ to rise and walk
in newness of life. Continue in faith with a life that pleases God,
looking for the resurrection and the comfort He has promised.
Key
Takeaways
-
Genealogies
teach dignity and realism: God’s image and life in a fallen
world (Genesis 1:26–27; 5:1–3).
-
The repeated
refrain “and he died” summons repentance and wisdom (Genesis 5;
Romans 5:12).
-
Enoch’s walk
shows that fellowship with God is possible and precious (Genesis
5:21–24; Hebrews 11:5).
-
Lineage
reveals legacy—paths marked by violence or by faith (Genesis
4:19–24; 5:21–24; Jude 14–15).
-
God is
patient, yet judgment draws near; His comfort attends the
faithful (Genesis 5:27–29; 7:6, 11; 8:22).
-
Our Redeemer
lives, and resurrection hope steadies the soul (Job 19:25–27; 1
Corinthians 15:51–52).
Scripture
Reference List
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Genesis
1:26–27 – Humanity created in
God’s image.
-
Genesis
2:16–17 – The command and the
warning of death.
-
Genesis
3:17–19 – The curse upon the
ground and human toil.
-
Genesis
4:19–24 – Lamech’s boast and
Cain’s lineage.
-
Genesis
5:1–32 – The genealogy from Adam
to Noah; the refrain “and he died.”
-
Genesis
5:3 – Seth born in Adam’s
likeness.
-
Genesis
5:21–24 – Enoch walked with God;
God took him.
-
Genesis
5:27 – Methuselah’s 969 years.
-
Genesis
5:28–29 – Noah named; promise of
comfort amid toil.
-
Genesis
7:6, 11 – Dating of the Flood
relative to Noah’s age.
-
Genesis
8:22 – Post-Flood seasons and
stability by God’s decree.
-
Jude
14–15 – Enoch, the seventh from
Adam, prophesies.
-
Hebrews
11:5 – Enoch’s translation; his
walk pleased God.
-
Romans
5:12 – Sin and death entering
through one man.
-
Job
19:25–27 – Confession: “I know
that my Redeemer lives.”
-
1
Corinthians 15:51–52 – The change
“in a moment” at the resurrection.
Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at
Granby, MO |
The
church of Christ
