Verses 1-32
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The names that were chosen for the men in this genealogy were chosen for a reason.
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Remember that even the names we are given play a part in God's purposes.
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In this case, the meanings of the names, if you arrange them in order, actually read as a summary of the gospel message!
| Adam | Man |
| Seth | Appointed |
| Enosh | Mortal |
| Kenan | Sorrow; |
| Mahalalel | The Blessed God |
| Jared | Shall come down |
| Enoch | Teaching |
| Methuselah | His death shall bring |
| Lamech | The Despairing |
| Noah | Rest, or comfort. |
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These names tell the story of how man was given to the sorrow of mortality—death. But God would come down to us as Jesus and teach about His death. His death began with despair, but became our rest and comfort, having saved us from sin and death.
Verse 22-24
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Enoch walked with God. What does this mean? He had such deep understanding of the things of God and such deep communion with God that he lived as though he were already in heaven. Therefore, God took him there. He did not die.
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Paul, for instance, desired to be resurrected before his death, so that he also could be this close with Christ (Philippians 3:10-14). The point is simple. Seek to live here as you would live in heaven, and purify yourself even as Christ is pure (1 John 3:3).
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Verse 29
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Remember that just as Noah was born at the right time, to bring rest to the earth, God has us born at exactly the right time (see Acts 17:26), and for an important purpose. Value the time you were born into. You play an important role! The Bible says about King David that "he served God's purpose in his generation" (Acts 13:36). God also has a purpose for you that's important for your generation. Remember this!