First off, a reminder: if you are reading only the Old Testament, don't forget to do the Psalm each day also. The Book of Psalms is in the Old Testament, but is set apart as a separate reading for the Challenge!
So the contradictions in Genesis continue. We get one listing of genealogy in Chapter 4 and a different one (with some similarities) in Chapter 5. Which one is right? It doesn't matter. That isn't the important message in these chapters.
In Chapter 4, we have an interesting character, Lamech. In verse 24 he boasts: "If Cain is avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy-sevenfold." The emphasis here seems to be indicating that the writer wanted the listener/reader to understand what was happening in humanity was the excalating of violence and vengeance. Interesting note: Check out what Jesus does in Matthew 18:21-23.
In Chapter 6, we begin Noah's story. Take note that what we have today is really an intertwining of two parallel stories (much like the Creation stories). As you read, pay attention to the differences and similarities. What does each version have to offer? Can you tell when a thread of one version intertwines with another? What can we learn about Scripture when we understand that there are two stories here, and not just one?
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you when you read these passages?
As I was reading Genesis, I could not figure out why God is pleased with Abel's offering but not Cain's? Do we know why?
ReplyDeleteMary, I don't know why that is either. Sometimes we just aren't going to understand.
ReplyDeleteMJ, check out Gen. 5:31 Lemech lived a total of 777 years, and then he died. That's kind of interesting too!
Amy....yes, 777....seems to be a repeating number. I would not want to live that long.
ReplyDeleteMary: The Hebrew reads that God "accepts" or "takes notice of" or "gives heed" to Abel's offering, but God does not "accept" or "take notice of" or "give heed" to Cain's offering. A couple of thoughts: There are times we do not understand God's response to what we've done. Even if we've done what we were supposed to do and were dutiful. It doesn't seem fair that God doesn't take notice. But God, nor Scripture, explains here why God didn't. In a fallen world, things will seem unfair and that is when we are vulnerable to sin. Look at God's warning in versee 7. But Cain does not take notice of God's warning. Another thought: Maybe the important thing is to do what we are supposed to do, even if no one seems to take notice. Maybe another person needs the notice more than we do. Doing the right thing isn't always about recognition, but about doing the right thing because it's the right thing to do. No simple, easy answers here. Just thoughts. Keep wrestliing with it. When something strikes me or feels unsettled within me when I am reading Scripture, I tuck it away and "chew on it" from time to time. Keep thinking and letting the Word work on you.
Thanks for your answer, Mother Jane. I will continue to think about it.
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