Bible Genealogy
An important passage of the Christian Gospel recites Jesus's family tree that leads him all the way back to a direct descendant of Abraham, and another passage extends the tree back to God. The section just lists every man's name in the bloodline, and the purpose is to prove that all of the most holy and pious men across the New and Old Testaments are connected. In Genesis 4, we read the genealogy of Cain down to Lamech (17-18). While Jesus and his ancestors seem to be united through service to God, Cain and Lamech are together the only two people to have committed murder at this point in biblical time. These show a recurring idea that moral character is hereditary, and having sinful ancestors is a risk factor for eventually becoming sinful in the same way. The story of Cain and Abel tells us that the Fall may not be the only Original Sin in that carries over through birth. Supporting this, God recalls Cain's punishment when condemning Lamech, declaring that "Sevenfold vengeance shall be taken for Cain: but for Lamech seventy times sevenfold. God wants to further ensure that no one kills Lamech so that he is more likely to suffer an entire lifespan, while God deterred people less from killing Cain.
The link between the two murderers across their genealogy seems to be a warning that people are doomed to commit the same sins as those who came before them. This could mean that they are fated to fail, or that people never learn. However, Genesis 4 concludes with a note that Adam and Eve had another child named Seth to replace Abel (25). Because God favored Abel, should God appreciate Abel's replacement? It turns out that Jesus's bloodline comes from Seth. A striking idea of Genesis 4 suggests that God decided very early on who would become devoted to him and who would become sinners.
The link between the two murderers across their genealogy seems to be a warning that people are doomed to commit the same sins as those who came before them. This could mean that they are fated to fail, or that people never learn. However, Genesis 4 concludes with a note that Adam and Eve had another child named Seth to replace Abel (25). Because God favored Abel, should God appreciate Abel's replacement? It turns out that Jesus's bloodline comes from Seth. A striking idea of Genesis 4 suggests that God decided very early on who would become devoted to him and who would become sinners.
Very interesting. Had not noticed such a direct connection with bloodlines like this, although they are mentioned a lot in the Bible.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering what the family tree description was for, and thank you for illuminating the point that "these show a recurring idea that moral character is hereditary".
ReplyDeleteThis idea of premeditated, predestined lives is something that is controversial within the various branches of Christianity (Calvinism, predestination) to my current knowledge. Or, perhaps, there has to be examples of sin, examples and consequences of what not to do for the rest of humankind to follow.