The bible is, in truth and in fact, a riveting story. To be ignorant of scripture is to be ignorant of the astonishing love story of God with humanity. It is to be ignorant of how God works, through his people and through His church.

There are some great ‘gems’ in scripture, even in the most boring parts. Genealogies are definitely boring on their first read, especially for a new reader. However they are also very revealing for those who are more acquainted and comfortable with bible reading.

Here is an example of a surprise in a genealogy, one that made the rounds a couple of years ago on the email circuit, which pointed out the story that the meanings of the listed names carry:

Genesis ch 5 genealogy:

Adam means ‘man’
Seth means ‘appointed’
Enosh means ‘mortal’
Kenan means ’sorrow’
Mahalalel means ‘the blessed God’
Jared means ‘will come down’
Enoch means ‘teaching’
Methusaleh means ‘his death shall bring’
Lamech means ‘the despairing’
Noah means ‘comfort’

Putting together the meanings of those names in order, we get the statement

“Man (is) appointed mortal sorrow (but) the blessed God will come down, teaching (and) his death shall bring the despairing comfort.”

The bible IS the great love story of God and humanity. The spiritual lives of saints and the church have been fed for 2000 years by the beauty and activities of God and man in scripture.

We hope to help you get a good start on a private study!