Daily Matza July 16th

The Effect of a G-dly Family on Mankind Part 3

[Read GEN 4:25-5:17]

What a contrast we see in transitioning from Cain’s line [4:15-24+chapter 6] to Seth’s. I call it Seth’sline [underlined below] since both he and Cain had the same Abba [Dad]–Adam. But when his descendancy is contrasted with Cain’s, it is like the difference between night[darkness and sinfulness] and day [light and righteousness].

Seth’s name was defined by his mother in 4:25. She named him Seth–G-d has appointed,[anointed, compensated] another seed for me instead of [under, below, as in lineage] Abel. She was clearly saying that she believed two things: first that he was a substitute blessing from G-d; and second that Seth would be a righteous man of faith like Abel.

Her declaration resembled a Hebrew blessing, as she predicted a holy future for his life. And she was right in her blessing/prediction! Seth later had a son, whose name was Enosh [weak, sickly, mortal man],referring only to his physical weakness/condition, not his lack of spiritual strength. Notice the impact of these two men whom G-d powerfully used–a strong father [Seth] and a son who was physically frail. The amazing result was, Then men began to call upon the L-rd, which was impossible unless Seth and Enosh were walking with God themselves, taught their sons and other men who was, what He had said and done, and how to call upon Commentary on The Whole Bible [p. 21] says that the verse could be correctly translated, Then men began to be called by the name of the L-rd. If so, then G-d’s holy name probably was a name applied to them in contempt by the world, that is, Cain’s ung-dly family. But it was a badge of honor, andhighly regarded by Seth’s line.

Seth carried on that G-dly legacy for 912 years; through Enosh for 905 years; his son Cainan for 910 years; his son Mahalalel [praise of and to G-d] 895 years; and his son Jared lived 162 years before he fathered and began to spiritually guide a son named Enoch [trained by G-d, dedicated to G-d]. We’ll look at his legacy and impact upon the world later. But, you get the idea. Night and day! What a difference fromyesterday! [Fathers naming their sons in this way was a definitie sign of their commitment to raise those sons for God.]

Never forget the contrast between light and darkness, between Seth’s line and Cain’s:

• Seth’s grandson plus three generations, a man named Enoch [trained/dedicated to G-d], walked with God for 300 years, and was not, for G-d took him.
• Cain’s grandson Enoch was grandfather to the first polygamist and committed the second murder in the history of the world. What a difference!

Your children are a precious gift/blessing from the L-rd, as Eve acknowledged. Bless them, train them in His ways, and dedicate them to Him!

Selah…Shalom…