Tim Maas Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

The Lamech mentioned in the passage cited in the question (Genesis 4:1-26) was a wicked descendant of Cain (Adam and Eve's son who murdered his brother Abel).

God had punished Cain for his murder of Abel by cursing him and sending him away to live as a fugitive (Genesis 3:11–12). When Cain complained about the severity of the punishment, God marked Cain and promised that anyone who harmed him would receive punishment sevenfold (Genesis 3:15).

Cain settled in the land of Nod and eventually begat children (Genesis 4:16–18) who continued the trend of sin. Lamech son of Methushael was Cain’s great-great-great grandson, and he followed Cain’s disobedient and murderous ways. Lamech married two wives—the Bible’s first mention of polygamy—and he committed murder. (Another man struck and wounded Lamech in some way. Although Lamech had not been killed, he unjustifiably slew the man who had wounded him.)

Afterward, Lamech boasted of his sin to his two wives and exulted in the fact that he suffered no consequences: “If Cain is avenged seven times, / then Lamech seventy-seven times” (Genesis 4: 24). 

As noted in Genesis 4, this Lamech was also the father of Jabal, Jubal, and Tubal-Cain, as well as their sister Naamah. Jabal was the ancestor of those who live in tents and raise livestock. Jubal was the ancestor of those who play stringed instruments and pipes. Tubal-Cain forged tools out of brass and iron.

July 25 2023 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report