Topical Encyclopedia Jared is a significant figure in the genealogical records of the Bible, known primarily for his place in the lineage leading to Jesus Christ. His account is found in the Old Testament, specifically in the genealogies that trace the descendants of Adam through Seth, ultimately leading to the birth of Jesus as recorded in the New Testament.Biblical References: Jared is first mentioned in the Book of Genesis, where he is listed as the sixth generation from Adam. Genesis 5:15-20 provides the account of Jared's life: "When Mahalalel was 65 years old, he became the father of Jared. And after he had become the father of Jared, Mahalalel lived 830 years and had other sons and daughters. So Mahalalel lived a total of 895 years, and then he died. When Jared was 162 years old, he became the father of Enoch. And after he had become the father of Enoch, Jared lived 800 years and had other sons and daughters. So Jared lived a total of 962 years, and then he died." Jared's lifespan of 962 years makes him one of the longest-lived figures in the Bible, second only to Methuselah. His longevity is a testament to the antediluvian (pre-Flood) era, where lifespans were significantly longer than in subsequent generations. Genealogical Significance: Jared is a pivotal link in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, as outlined in the Gospel of Luke. Luke 3:37 lists Jared as an ancestor of Jesus, tracing the lineage from Adam through Seth, down to Jesus. This genealogy underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to bring forth a Savior from the line of Adam, through whom all nations would be blessed. Family and Legacy: Jared's most notable descendant is his son Enoch, who is renowned for his close walk with God. Genesis 5:24 states, "Enoch walked with God, and then he was no more, because God took him away." Enoch's life and his unique departure from the earth are often seen as a foreshadowing of the righteous being taken up by God, a theme that resonates with the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Jared's legacy is further cemented by his place in the lineage of Noah, through whom God preserved humanity during the Great Flood. This preservation is a precursor to the ultimate salvation offered through Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as the "second Adam" in Christian theology. Theological Implications: Jared's inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan throughout history. Each name in the genealogy represents a link in the chain of God's covenantal promises, culminating in the birth of Jesus, the Messiah. Jared's life, though briefly mentioned, serves as a reminder of the faithfulness of God in preserving a lineage through which salvation would come to all humanity. In summary, Jared's role as an ancestor of Jesus underscores the importance of genealogies in the Bible, not merely as historical records but as testimonies to God's sovereign plan and the unfolding of His promises through the ages. Nave's Topical Index Luke 3:37Which was the son of Mathusala, which was the son of Enoch, which was the son of Jared, which was the son of Maleleel, which was the son of Cainan, Nave's Topical Index Resources What is the book of Enoch and should it be in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was the oldest man in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |