There's Theology in Genealogy (Part I)
It appears to me that Seth’s birth story in Genesis 4:25-26 serves as a literary pivot that sets up a contrast between the lineage of Cain and that of Seth. Both are sons of Adam, but their respective lineages go in very different directions. It becomes apparent that Seth’s line is the chosen line through whom God would restore divine blessing and life to the world. This may be emphasized by the very long life spans in Genesis 5.
Instead of quoting all of Genesis 5, here’s a summary:
Adam fathers Seth, and lives to be 930 years old
Seth fathers Enosh, and lives to be 912 years old
Enosh fathers Kenan, and lives to be 905 years old
Kenan fathers Mahalalel, and lives to be 910 years old
Mahalalel fathers Yared, and lives to be 895 years old
Yared fathers Enoch, and lives to be 962 years old
Enoch fathers Methuselah, lives to be 365 years old, and was “taken” by God.
Methuselah fathers Lamech, and lives to be 969 years old
Lamech fathers Noah, and lives to be 777 years old
Noah fathers Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
Each father is said to have “other sons and daughters”, but the sons listed are the ones through whom the chosen line continues.
Comparing Lineages
When we compare the genealogies of the brothers, we see that life spans aren’t present in Cain’s. Yet, we see similarities between some of the names listed in the genealogies. In Hebrew, these similar-sounding names share many of the same letters. Even if you read them out loud in English, you can hear some of the resemblance.
Cain (Gen. 4:17) & Kenan (Gen. 5:9-14) — Kenan can also be spelled as Cainan
Enoch (4:17-18) & Enoch (5:18-24)
Irad (4:18) & Yared (5:15-20)
Mehujael (4:18) & Mahalalel (5:12-17)
Methushael (4:18) & Methuselah (5:21-27)
Lamech (4:18-19) & Lamech (5:25-31)
Now, speaking of that name Lamech — here we go again with the number 7.
The Lamech in Cain’s family claims to be avenged 77 times. The Lamech in Seth’s family lives to be 777 years old. Somebody talk to me! These biblical authors are strategic!
While Lamech is the last name mentioned in Cain’s genealogy, Noah is the last name mentioned in Genesis 5. Cain’s family begins and ends with a murderer. But Seth’s family begins and ends with a baby who provides hope for their parents.
Wait, Hakeem. What’s so special about these guys? Stay tuned for Part II.