(The Lord speaking is red text)
And Mahalaleel lived sixty and five years, and begat Jared:
Mahalal’el lived sixty-five years and fathered Yered.
When Mahalalel was 65 years old, he became the father of Jared.
And Mahalalel lived sixty and five years, and begat Jared:
And Mahalaleel{H4111} lived{H2421} sixty{H8346}{H8141} and five{H2568} years{H8141}, and begat{H3205} Jared{H3382}:
1. **Themes:**
- **Genealogy and Longevity:** Genesis 5:15 is part of the genealogy of Adam through Noah, emphasizing the long lifespans of the antediluvian patriarchs. The verse highlights the theme of lineage and the continuity of generations, a common thread throughout the Book of Genesis.
- **Divine Blessing:** The long life of Mahalaleel and his ability to father a child at the age of 65 may be seen as a reflection of the divine blessing upon humanity to "be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 1:28).
- **Humanity's Early History:** The verse contributes to the biblical narrative of human history from creation to the flood, setting the stage for the subsequent story of Noah and the renewal of humanity.
2. **Historical Context:**
- **Antediluvian Period:** The verse is set in the period before the Great Flood, which is a significant event in the early history of the world according to the biblical narrative. This period is characterized by the close relationship between God and humanity, as well as the gradual increase of human wickedness that ultimately leads to the flood.
- **Biblical Chronology:** Genesis 5 provides a detailed chronology from Adam to Noah, with each patriarch's age at the birth of their son and the total years they lived. This chronology was important for the ancient Israelites in understanding their place in history and the passage of time from creation.
- **Ancient Near Eastern Context:** The concept of long lifespans for ancient figures is not unique to the Bible and can be found in other contemporary Mesopotamian literature, such as the Sumerian King List. This suggests a shared cultural milieu where extraordinary lifespans were a motif used to convey the idea of a distant, almost mythological past.
In summary, Genesis 5:15 is a verse that fits within the broader theme of divine blessing and the passage of generations, while also reflecting the historical context of ancient Near Eastern beliefs about the lifespans of early human ancestors.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)