Personal Note: Sorry for the delay in posting, I’ve had a couple of busy weeks.
In Genesis Chapter Five we see the continuation of the Earth being populated by Adam and Eve.
At the end of Chapter Four, we see where Eve gives birth to Seth then Seth has a son – Enosh. At this time, “people began to call on the name of the Lord.” (Genesis 4:26)
Years pass and Enosh has a son, Kenan; Kenan fathers Mahalaiel; Mahalaiel fathers Jared; Jared fathers Enoch (I’d still like to know how God took him); Enoch fathers Methuselah; Methuselah fathers Lamech; and finally, Lamech fathers Noah.
We’ll get more into Noah’s story next post but what I’d like to know is what did they do this 1000 plus years other than have children.
Lamech gives us a clue in the naming of his son, Noah.
A 1000 plus have passed since Adam gave birth to Seth with people walking with God and calling on the name of the Lord. But as we see in modern-day times, with each generation born, it seems we get further and further away from the Lord.
Apparently, Lamech is tired. He’s tired of working the ground so hard trying to get it to produce food – all because of the curse God placed upon the ground because of sin. Life has become hard. Work is hard. Complaining is rampant.
There must have been something special about Noah when he was born for Lamech to name him Noah or was he just hoping against hope that this child was finally the “one” to bring relief.
For those not familiar with the meaning behind Noah’s name, turn to Genesis Chapter Five, Verse 29.
“And he named him Noah, saying, this one will bring us relief from the agonizing labor of our hands, caused by the ground the Lord has cursed.”
It’s interesting to me that Lamech wants relief from the hard work – the curse of the ground – not from the curse of sin. I’m sure the story of the Tree of Life was passed down along with the curse of the ground story. Didn’t they realize they were dying and that someone could eventually save them.
Sadly, Lamech did not get to see Noah’s name played out – but was he part of the problem of why Noah was given a name so powerful. I believe he was. If you listen to the undertone of the statement he made when he named Noah, you’ll hear the real reason – he’s complaining.
Complaining is something that is a heart issue. It wasn’t that Lamech had to work the ground, it’s that he hated that he had to work the ground knowing that at one time Adam did not have to. It’s the lack of thankfulness that can harden a heart.
Yet, still he hoped. He hoped that there would come a savior who could save them from the hard labor. And it’s true – this will be someone who will save us from the hard labor. Lamech’s naming of Noah we find a prophecy of Jesus. The one who never complained.
Jesus – He is the one who brings relief from the agonizing labor of our hands caused by the ground the Lord had cursed all because He took the agonizing labor of His hands, hung on a tree which was cursed by the ground that God had cursed. He took that curse and turned things around for us.
Yes, we still have to work and sometimes the ground doesn’t produce like we want it to (trust me, I did not get a green thumb). Yes, we at times still complain but we need to remember that we (I) can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (me) (Philippians 4:13).
So, instead of complaining, be thankful.
I’m thankful Lamech named his son Noah. I’m even more thankful that Jesus died on the cross and rose again. I’m thankful that Jesus broke the curse of sin. I’m thankful that He fulfilled Lamech’s hope.
What are you thankful for?
Sacred Halak 