“And Then He Died”

Writings of James Chilton

“When Adam had lived 130 years, he had a son in his own likeness, in his own image; and he named him Seth. After Seth was born, Adam lived 800 years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether, Adam lived 930 years, and then he died. When Seth had lived 105 years, he became the father of Enosh. And after he became the father of Enosh, Seth lived 807 years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether, Seth lived 912 years, and then he died. When Enosh had lived 90 years, he became the father of Kenan. And after he became the father of Kenan, Enosh lived 815 years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether, Enosh lived 905 years, and then he died. When Kenan had lived 70 years, he became the father of Mahalalel. And after he became the father of Mahalalel, Kenan lived 840 years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether, Kenan lived 910 years, and then he died. When Mahalalel had lived 65 years, he became the father of Jared. And after he became the father of Jared, Mahalalel lived 830 years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether, Mahalalel lived 895 years, and then he died. When Jared had lived 162 years, he became the father of Enoch. And after he became the father of Enoch, Jared lived 800 years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether, Jared lived 962 years, and then he died” (Genesis 5:3-20, NIV).

“and then he died.”  This phrase is repeated eight times in this section.  Why so many times?  It serves as a reminder of the consequences of the fall.  Man has not risen above the curse of death.  Human history is like riding a stationary bike.  We ride it for a time and then die, and someone else climbs on.  

Exodus 1:8 comes to mind: “Then a new king, who did not about Joseph, came to power in Egypt.”  Joseph was forgotten by most.  A day will come when most will not remember us.  We will be gone.  Being aware of this is important.  Genesis 5 reminds us that no matter how long we live – 900 years or 90 years, life is short.  Living with the awareness of the end will serve us well as a journey toward home.  

John 11:25-26 also comes to mind: “I am the resurrection and the life.  He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.”  We need not fear death because we have a Savior who awaits us.  When we close our eyes in physical death, our eyes will open to a new life.
And then we live!