Methuselah

Genesis 5:25 states: "When Methuselah was 187 years old, he became the father of Lamech." This verse is part of the genealogical record found in Genesis 5, which traces the lineage from Adam to Noah. Methuselah is a significant figure in this genealogy, known primarily for his remarkable longevity.

Genealogical Context

Methuselah is the son of Enoch, who is noted for his close walk with God and his subsequent translation to heaven without experiencing death (Genesis 5:24). Methuselah's name is often interpreted to mean "man of the dart" or "his death shall bring," which some scholars suggest may have prophetic implications regarding the coming flood during Noah's time.

Longevity

Methuselah is renowned for being the longest-lived human recorded in the Bible, reaching the age of 969 years (Genesis 5:27). His lifespan has intrigued both theologians and scholars, often symbolizing the antediluvian period's extended lifespans and the grace of God in allowing humanity ample time to repent before the flood.

Father of Lamech

At the age of 187, Methuselah became the father of Lamech, who is the father of Noah. This places Methuselah in a direct ancestral line to Noah, the central figure in the narrative of the flood. The birth of Lamech marks a continuation of the godly lineage that would ultimately lead to the preservation of humanity through Noah.

Theological Significance

Methuselah's life and the genealogical record in Genesis 5 serve to underscore the themes of divine patience and judgment. His long life is seen as a testament to God's enduring patience with a sinful world, delaying judgment to allow for repentance. The genealogy also highlights the faithfulness of God in preserving a remnant through whom His purposes would be fulfilled.

Conclusion

Methuselah stands as a pivotal figure in the biblical narrative, bridging the gap between the early patriarchs and the story of Noah. His life, as recorded in Genesis 5:25, invites reflection on the themes of longevity, divine patience, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through history.187 (1 Occurrence)

Genesis 5:25
Methuselah lived one hundred eighty-seven years, and became the father of Lamech.
(See NIV)

187 (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance 187 (1 Occurrence). Genesis 5:25 Methuselah lived one
hundred eighty-seven years, and became the father of Lamech. (See NIV). ...
/num/187.htm - 6k

Flee (187 Occurrences)
... This is sometimes omitted, making the verb transitive. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
FLEE. fle. See FLY. Multi-Version Concordance Flee (187 Occurrences). ...
/f/flee.htm - 38k

Beginning (187 Occurrences)
... 18); the author (Revelation 3:14). Jacob W. Kapp. Multi-Version Concordance
Beginning (187 Occurrences). Matthew 14:30 But when he ...
/b/beginning.htm - 38k

Valley (187 Occurrences)
... 13). See BROOK; CHAMPAIGN; LOWLAND; RIVER; SHEPHELAH. Alfred Ely Day.
Multi-Version Concordance Valley (187 Occurrences). Matthew ...
/v/valley.htm - 75k

Antiochus
... He was succeeded (BC 187) by his son, Seleucus Philopater, spoken of by Daniel
(11:20) as "a raiser of taxes", in the Revised Version, "one that shall cause an ...
/a/antiochus.htm - 17k

188 (1 Occurrence)

/num/188.htm - 6k

186 (1 Occurrence)

/num/186.htm - 6k

Maccabaeus
... He came under heavy tribute which he found it difficult to pay, and met his end
in 187, while plundering a Greek temple in order to secure its contents. ...
/m/maccabaeus.htm - 17k

Melita (1 Occurrence)
... Gozo and the islets Comino, Cominotto and Filfla, lying about 56 miles from the
southern extremity of Sicily, 174 from the mainland of Italy, and 187 from the ...
/m/melita.htm - 10k

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