Genesis 5 Part 1: Introduction
Welcome to the new series, which will analyse the text of Genesis 5.
I’m publishing this on Agloria rather than the Tower of Adam newsletter as this will be a longer series and will slightly veer away from theology.
I will start by looking at all the different interpretations of the text and then move into my take. This is an original idea and could have far reaching implications.
This is a ‘white paper’ and so I would appreciate feedback. I’ve not seen my take anywhere else online, even in extra-Biblical text, Jewish folklore or Kabbalah mysticism.
Context of Genesis 5
Before we reach Genesis 5 in the Bible, we read about the beginning of Creation, the start of humanity and the first couple’s fall.
The subsequent birth of their two boys, where one kills the other, and like his parents, is sent away by God.
In Genesis 4, we learn about Cain’s line and read about their achievements in developing technologies.
And then on to Genesis 5, where we are told about Adam’s descendents, through Seth to Noah and his three sons.
Long Lifespans
One unusual feature of Genesis 5 is the extremely long lifespans. Each patriarch, excluding Lamech and Enoch, lived for around 900 years. That seems impossible to our modern minds.
No Dates for Cain
Another glaring difference between Genesis 4 and 5 is that we don’t see any recorded ages for Cain and his kin. Why mention the ages of Adam, Seth and their descendants, but not do the same for Cain?
The next post will look at the straightforward modern interpretation of the text.
(This series is a ‘slow burn’ and will take a little time to lay the foundation before moving to my view. But it will be worth it, my take is innovative and will be controversial in certain circles.)
Forgive me, I must cover the basics to lay a foundation.
Scripture is inerrant. Our omnipotent, compassionate God foreknew and intended each Word to be where it is. This is the basis from which the audience, humanity, is able to draw conclusions. Scripture is dense with layered meaning, including Genesis.
Contrast is one of the necessary means of scripture interpretation. Comparison between two items shows their differences. What is missing can be equally important to what is present.
Setting up the differences between Cain and Seth is crucial; it opens a door. Scholars and theologians have noted these differences for millennia. As the previous commenter noted, the differences are noncontroversial and uncontested. Personally, these were not strong in my mind until now.
Being theologically literate is a critical piece. Having no agenda save an agenda of truth seeking is also.
I eagerly await this series! I enjoy your take on things and your last one you thought would be controversial didnt feel that controversial to me.
So i’ll grab some popcorn and wait for the controversial bits while you build up to the big reveal!
God bless!