Corruption: Genesis 4 through 11 show many examples of human corruption. Unlike Adam who was originally created in the image of God in His likeness, his progeny took on the image of fallen and sinful Adam (5:3). Cain turns out to be a murderer and a deceiver (like Satan!). Lamech outdoes Cain as the polygamist who boasted of his murders (4:23-24). The generations from Adam onward died with the resounding refrain (“and he died”).[1] “Death spread to all men, because all sinned” (Rom. 5:12). Then comes the generation of Noah, not only plagued with demonic activity (6:2-4; cf. Jude 6-7) but full of violence and corruption (6:11). The heart of man was intent on “only evil continually” (6:5). The flood did not drown out sin. Noah (and Ham!) was also a sinner (9:21-24) and his seed continued to rebel and defy God at Babel (11:4). Indeed, all have sinned (Rom. 3:23) and no one is sinless (Eccl. 7:20).

Hope: A flicker of hope continues in these chapters. After the disappointment with Cain, Eve sees Seth as “another seed” from the LORD (4:25). But neither he nor his son Enosh was the serpent crusher. Thus men began to call upon the name of the LORD, seeking Him to fulfill His word (3:15). At the birth of Noah, Lamech hopes that Noah may bring relief from the pain caused at the fall (5:29). But Noah is not the promised seed either, nor was Shem the believer (9:26), for he died (11:11) like the rest. His line ends with Abram and his barren wife Sarai. Hope once again flickers with this man, for God promised that in him all the families of the earth will be blessed (12:3).

[1] Enoch does not die, but even he refused to walk with the LORD for the first 65 years of his life. He repents and walks with God thenceforth (5:21-22). There is victory over death for the believer who seeks the LORD by faith and lives to please Him (Heb. 11:5-6).