Two Lamechs
Bible readers are often tempted to skip the genealogies; however, this is a mistake! For one reason, there are often interesting statements ensconced within them. For example, within the genealogies of Cain and Seth (Genesis 4-5) both contain a descendant named Lamech and both men are the only ones whose words are recorded.
Cain’s Lamech was an evil man who married two wives. With braggadocio, he informed his wives that with vengeance he killed a man younger than himself. Seth’s Lamech had a famous son named Noah. At the birth of this child, he stated, “Out of the ground that the Lord has cursed this one shall bring us relief from the work and from the painful toil of our hands” (5:29). There is no indication Lamech knew what lay in store for his son; rather, it is likely he saw another field hand to help eke out a living amidst the briers and brambles.
These two men provide a rich picture of the consequences of sin. On the one hand, Cain’s Lamech had no qualms with violating God’s “one man, one woman” rule for marriage. As well, he demonstrated no remorse in killing another made in God’s image. When one ignores God, it is easy to dismiss His plans and become desensitized to the wise reasoning behind them. In this, all should take caution. In modern times both rampant divorce and gay marriage flagrantly ignore God’s plan. Abortion and other murders demonstrate no respect for life. Christians must light the world; however, they must first make sure their views toward God and His will are not darkened by the callousness of the times.
Seth’s Lamech also provides a glimpse of sin’s consequences. Far from the braggart of the other genealogy, Lamech’s words demonstrate the pain of laboring in a sin choked world. While there are many blessings from God in the lives of His people, there is also the constant reminder that the enemy is at work. Witnessing workplace mischief, watching societal unrest and violence, seeing family and loved ones turn to wickedness demonstrate the “painful toil” of living in a sin-soaked world. The good news is that God will bring relief! A Child was born over 2,000 years ago who defeated sin and provides relief for those who will follow.
Two relatively unknown men provide great insight into matters of faith. May the ways of spiritual callousness not be allowed to overtake the faithful and may the faithful work tirelessly in knowing that the present discomfort will not last forever. The curse of sin has been broken!
