Welcome back to In The Garden. Today, we step into the genealogy of Genesis 5—a chapter that, at first glance, reads like a long list of names and numbers. But if we pause and lean into it as poetry, the chapter transforms. It’s not just history; it’s a carefully crafted meditation on life, legacy, and the faithful unfolding of God’s creation.

Genesis 5 traces the line from Adam to Noah, giving each man a name, an age at the birth of his son, and the age at which he dies. These aren’t just data points. In Hebrew, names carry meaning. Adam, the earthling, gives birth to Seth, “appointed,” a replacement, a promise continued. Enosh, meaning “mortal,” reminds us of humanity’s fragile state. Kenan, “possession,” marks inheritance. Mahalalel, “praise of God,” speaks of worship threaded into life. Jared, “descent,” hints at the downward arc of hum ...