Bible Study – Genesis 5:1-27
Bible study on Genesis 5:1-27 – This is the book of Adam’s generations. On the day God created man, in the likeness of God he made him.
Genesis 5:1 – The Bible contains several lists of ancestors, called genealogies. There are two basic opinions about these lists: (1) they are complete, telling the whole story of a family, tribe or nation; or (2) they are not exactly exhaustive, and may only include illustrious people or heads of families. “His son” could also mean “his descendants”. Why are genealogies included in the Bible?
Genealogies
The Hebrew people passed on their beliefs through oral tradition. For many years, in many places, writing was primitive or non-existent, and the stories were told to children who, likewise, passed them on to their children later. Genealogies provided an outline to help remember the stories. Thus, for centuries, these genealogies were added to and passed down from father to son.
More important than preserving family tradition, genealogies are included in the Bible to confirm the promise that the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would be born from the lineage of Abraham. The genealogies also point out a remarkable characteristic of God.
People are important to him as individuals, not just as races or nations. For this reason, God addresses people by name, mentioning their lifespan and descendants. When you’re in a crowd, remember that God’s gaze and love are on each individual and on you!
Lifespan
Genesis 5:3-5 – All human beings are related, ever since Adam and Eve. All people form a family that shares the same flesh and blood. Remember this when prejudice enters your mind or hatred invades your feelings. Each person is God’s valuable and unique creation.
Genesis 5:25-27 – How did these people live so long? Some believe that the ages described here represent the duration of family dynasties rather than the ages of individuals.
Those who defend the idea of real age offer three explanations:
(1) The human race was more genetically pure in this period, so there were fewer diseases to shorten life spans;
(2) no rain had fallen on the earth until then, and “the waters that were over the expanse” (1:7) prevented harmful cosmic rays and protected people from environmental factors that accelerate aging;
(3) God gave people long lives so that they would have enough time to “fill the earth” (1:28).
Bible study on Genesis 5:1-27 – This is the book of Adam’s generations. On the day God created man, in the likeness of God he made him.
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