http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/readingplans/index.php/2011/01/02?plan=2&version=49
Wow. Here are some questions:
1. Who was Cain afraid of when he said he would be hunted down? His parents? Or were other people alive and on the earth that are not accounted for in the previous chapters. Or maybe, were the “sons of God” who we hear about later set loose?
2. So….Cain has a wife with him in Nod. Would that be an unnamed sister or some other random person not accounted for?
3. Lamech – He seems to show us that murder is still alive and well. Notice, instead of pleading that God avenge anyone who comes after him, he tells his wives (yes, plural) that he should be avenged seventy-sevenfold. Were they supposed to be his protectors?
4. Enoch – Does this prove that only the good die young? He only lived 365 days and was no more. These other scoundrels are living 800-900 years!
5. Do I even need to mention the Nephilim? Obviously they were wiped out by the flood, but were “the sons of Gods” angels mating with women? Were humans the first kind of creation to reflect the full image of God by having 2 separate genders, or are there other “daughters of God” we have not read about? The Lord created them – male and female – in His image.
6. Anyone else ever remember learning the story of Noah and the ark where he only brought two of every animal? How about hearing how the people around him mocked him for building the boat? Didn’t read that today…..
7. Notice that Noah and his sons each have one wife. Not lots of wives. Noah found favor in the eyes of God….I think this may be important to remember later….
8. Going back a bit, apparently, it wasn’t until Seth was born that people began calling on the name of Lord again. Seriously? Adam and Eve were so quick to forget Him? Was that a “what have you done for me lately” attitude of being angry with God for allowing Abel to be murdered by their other son, only to call on Him again when a new son was born?
Yes, I could go on. But I won’t. I can say this – holding on to a literal account becomes very difficult as you read these chapters. I would be interested to hear from anyone who does.
How does this affect my faith? It makes me want to get a nod when all is said and done like Enoch and Noah. However, Enoch lived a short (relatively) life and Noah was required to do some crazy stuff. It isn’t easy to get a nod……
Minister Like a Girl 
Jan 02, 2011 @ 17:01:42
I don’t think literal interpretation or not is a deal breaker. Jesus used stories to help us understand many concepts and even facts. Good post D.
Jan 02, 2011 @ 21:53:14
1. After reading today about the “sons of God”, I am inclined to think that our questions regarding “God making THEM in His image..male and female” that he made more than just Adam and that Adam was a “son of God” until he sinned. Those who did not sin remained “sons of God” and were later release into the earth. At least that theory helps me make some sense of these chapters.
5. I don’t think that angels were able to mate…they weren’t male or female. So I think there were “daughters of God” who were different than Eve because they were not made from a mans rib but created by God.
I have read these chapters so many times in the past and never has this stood out to me before… I think this may be one of those gray areas that this side of heaven we in our simple human minds may never fully comprehend.
Jan 03, 2011 @ 02:11:09
Hebrews 6:18 – it is impossible for God to lie. I believe it! I believe in the literal even though I may, and do, have questions. Its neat how the Bible is so intriguing, don’t you think?