“And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah.”
This verse is part of the genealogy mentioned in Genesis 5, which provides a lineage from Adam to Noah. Each person mentioned in this genealogy is recorded as having lived for a certain number of years, begetting sons and daughters, and then passing away.
Enoch is an interesting figure in biblical history. He is known for his unique relationship with God and for being one of the few individuals in the Bible who did not experience physical death. In fact, the book of Genesis records that Enoch “walked with God” and that “he was not, for God took him” (Genesis 5:24). This means that Enoch was taken by God directly into heaven without experiencing death.
The mention of Enoch’s age and the birth of his son, Methuselah, in Genesis 5:21 is significant in that it establishes a connection between Enoch and the longevity of his son. Methuselah is known as the longest-lived human being in recorded history, living for 969 years according to Genesis 5:27.
The name Methuselah has been interpreted to mean “when he dies, it shall be sent” or “his death shall bring.” It is believed that God, in His wisdom and foreknowledge, allowed Methuselah to live for such a long time as a sign and warning to the people of that time. The flood, which occurred during Methuselah’s lifetime, was a divine judgment brought upon the earth due to the wickedness and corruption of humanity.
The significance of Enoch’s life and Methuselah’s birth lies in the fact that Methuselah died in the same year as the flood. It can be seen as a confirmation of the prophecy contained within his name, as Methuselah’s death indeed marked the beginning of the judgment and destruction of the flood.
In summary, Genesis 5:21 introduces us to Enoch and mentions the birth of his son, Methuselah. This verse sets the stage for the extraordinary lives of both Enoch and Methuselah, with Enoch having a unique relationship with God and ultimately being taken by God without experiencing death, and Methuselah living longer than any other recorded human, serving as a sign of the impending judgment and the coming flood.
