_A.M. 1. B.C. 4004._ This chapter is the only authentic history extant of the first age of the world from the creation to the flood, containing (according to the Hebrew text) one thousand six hundred and fifty-six years. The genealogy here recorded is inserted briefly in the pedigree of our Saviour... [ Continue Reading ]
_The book of the generations of Adam_ That is, a list or catalogue of his posterity, not of all, but only of the holy seed, _from whom, as concerning the flesh, Christ came;_ of the names, ages, and deaths of those that were the successors of the _first_ Adam in preserving the promise, and the ances... [ Continue Reading ]
_He called their name Adam_ He gave this name both to the man and the woman. Being at first one by nature, and afterward one by marriage, it was fit they should both have the same name in token of their union.... [ Continue Reading ]
Seth was born in the one hundred and thirtieth year of Adam's life, and probably the murder of Abel was not long before. Many other sons and daughters were born to Adam besides Cain and Abel, before this; but no notice is taken of them, because an honourable mention must be made of _his_ name only,... [ Continue Reading ]
_All the days of Adam were nine hundred and thirty years_ The long lives of men in ancient times, here recorded, are also mentioned by heathen authors. And it was wisely so ordered, both for the greater increase of mankind, and the more speedy replenishing of the earth in the first ages of the world... [ Continue Reading ]
We have here all that the Holy Ghost thought fit to leave upon record concerning five of the patriarchs before the flood, Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, and Jared. There is nothing noticed concerning any of those particularly, though we have reason to think they were men of eminence, both for prude... [ Continue Reading ]
_Enoch walked with God_ A Scriptural phrase for eminent piety. He set God always before him, and acted as one that considered he was always under his eye. He lived a life of communion and intercourse with God in his ordinances and providences. He made God's will his rule, and God's glory his end, in... [ Continue Reading ]
_He was not_ Any longer on earth or among men; for _God took him_ Out of this sinful and miserable world to himself. _He was translated_, as it is explained, Hebrews 11:5, _that he should not see death_, and _was not found_ by his friends who sought him, as the _sons of the prophets_ sought Elijah,... [ Continue Reading ]
He _called his name Noah_ Which signifies rest; _saying_ No doubt by a spirit of prophecy; _This same shall comfort us concerning our toil_, &c. That is, the hard labour and manifold troubles to which they were sentenced. This he did, 1st, By the invention of instruments of husbandry, whereby tillag... [ Continue Reading ]
_And Noah begat Shem, Ham, and Japheth_ It should seem that Japheth was the eldest, (Genesis 10:21,) but Shem is put first, because on him the covenant was entailed, as appears by Genesis 9:26, where God is called the _Lord God of Shem._ To him, it is probable, the birthright was given, and from him... [ Continue Reading ]