Introduction
Genesis 4:25-26 marks a critical turning point in biblical history. Following the tragic events of Cain’s murder of Abel, we see a glimmer of hope in the birth of Seth and, subsequently, his son Enosh. The passage states:
“Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and called his name Seth, for she said, ‘God has appointed for me another offspring instead of Abel, for Cain killed him.’ To Seth also a son was born, and he called his name Enosh. At that time people began to call upon the name of the LORD.” (Genesis 4:25-26, ESV)
This passage is significant for several reasons. First, it establishes the continuation of the godly lineage through Seth. Second, it introduces Enosh, whose name carries deep theological implications. Lastly, it marks the first recorded instance of collective worship and invocation of Yahweh’s name.
The Consequences of Sin: From Expulsion to Murder
Before examining the significance of Enosh and the subsequent calling upon the name of the Lord, it is necessary to understand the broader context. Adam and Eve had been expelled from the Garden of Eden due to their disobedience (Genesis 3). God had warned that eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil would bring death (Genesis 2:17). While physical death did not occur immediately, spiritual death—separation from God—became a reality. Sin had entered the world, corrupting all of human existence.
The first clear manifestation of this corruption was the murder of Abel by his brother Cain (Genesis 4:8). Cain, driven by jealousy and rage, took the life of his righteous brother, an act that demonstrated the quick and devastating effects of sin. As the firstborn of Adam and Eve, Cain was expected to carry forward the human race, but instead, he brought forth bloodshed. This heinous act showed that sin was not merely an isolated incident but a growing malignancy that threatened humanity’s future.
The Birth of Seth: God’s Provision
Following Abel’s death and Cain’s exile, Eve bore another son, Seth. His name means “appointed” or “granted,” reflecting Eve’s recognition that God had graciously provided another offspring. The significance of Seth’s birth is monumental, as he becomes the father of a line through which faithfulness to God is preserved. Unlike Cain’s descendants, who became known for their rebellion, Seth’s descendants would be those who “call upon the name of the Lord.”
Enosh: The Fragility of Man
Seth’s son, Enosh, is a figure of great theological importance. His name, as noted by biblical scholar Kenneth A. Mathews, connotes the “fragility of man.” The Hebrew word Enosh is often used in Scripture to emphasize human weakness and mortality (cf. Psalm 103:15-16; Job 7:17). The naming of Enosh signals an awareness that human life is fleeting and ultimately dependent on God.
At this point in history, humanity had not yet acquired great wealth, power, or fame. There were no kingdoms, no vast empires, no accumulated fortunes—only the stark reality of life’s brevity. Unlike later generations who sought to make a name for themselves (Genesis 11:4), the early descendants of Adam were deeply aware of their mortality.
The Universal Problem: Death
The greatest existential crisis for humanity has always been the certainty of death. As Solomon later writes, “For the living know that they will die” (Ecclesiastes 9:5). This awareness of death, apart from God, leads to either despair or defiance. Some, like Cain and his descendants, sought to establish earthly legacies, attempting to defy their own mortality through human achievement. Others, like those in Seth’s line, turned toward God in recognition of their dependence on Him.
The ultimate distinction between the righteous and the wicked is how they respond to this reality. For the righteous, death is not the end; it is the beginning of eternal life in God’s presence. For the wicked, death is the terrifying reality of eternal separation from God’s holiness, goodness, and mercy. Jesus Himself warned of this reality:
“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’” (Matthew 25:41, ESV)
This truth ought to shake every person to the core. If sin leads to death, and if death apart from God results in eternal judgment, what hope is there?
The First Revival: Calling Upon the Name of the Lord
Genesis 4:26 declares that “at that time people began to call upon the name of the LORD.” This phrase marks the first recorded act of public worship and corporate prayer. The Hebrew verb qara’ (“to call”) is used elsewhere in Scripture to indicate an earnest plea for divine help (cf. Joel 2:32; Psalm 116:4).
This act of calling upon the Lord was not merely a religious ritual; it was a declaration of dependence on God in the face of human mortality. The contrast between the lines of Cain and Seth becomes clear—while Cain’s descendants pursued cultural achievements apart from God (Genesis 4:17-22), Seth’s descendants turned to God in faith.
The Gospel in Genesis 4:25-26
The pattern set in Genesis 4:25-26 foreshadows the gospel message. Just as humanity’s only hope after the fall was to call upon God’s name, so too is salvation available today only by calling upon the name of Jesus Christ:
“For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’” (Romans 10:13, ESV)
This call is not merely verbal but a heart-cry of repentance and faith. Seth’s descendants recognized their mortality and sought God, just as every person today must recognize their sinfulness and turn to Christ. Jesus, the greater Seth, came to undo the curse of death by offering eternal life to those who trust in Him.
Call Upon the Name of the Lord – NOW
The urgency of the gospel cannot be overstated. Death is certain, and eternity is at stake. The Bible warns, “it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). There is no second chance beyond the grave. Today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).
Do not wait. Do not harden your heart.
Just as Seth’s line turned to God in their frailty, so too must we turn to Christ, who alone offers the hope of eternal life. Call upon the name of the Lord—now.
Conclusion
Genesis 4:25-26 reveals a fundamental truth about human existence: we are mortal, fragile, and utterly dependent on God. The birth of Enosh and the subsequent call upon the name of the Lord mark a turning point in human history, setting the stage for a people who seek God in the midst of a fallen world. This passage ultimately points forward to Jesus Christ, the only One who can save us from death and grant us eternal life.
The question remains: will you call upon the name of the Lord? Eternity hangs in the balance. Turn to Christ today.
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