Thursday, October 12, 2023

Bereshit - Reading #5

Bereshit בְּרֵאשִׁית - In the Beginning

Torah Portion Genesis 1:1-6:8

Reading #5 - Genesis 4:19–22


My Thoughts:


After Cain moves away and leaves the presence of G-d and his family, Scripture begins to list a line of his descendants. In this rather short reading we learn a little about Tubal Cain “a forger of every cutting instrument of bronze and iron.” If you begin to research this you may find that it was thought that Tubal Cain was actually a blacksmith that made weapons. Kind of ironic don’t you think? His distant great grandfather - Cain - commits the first documented murder in the Bible. Now his great grandson (to the 5th order?) is producing weapons.


Hashem specifically gives us the commandment not to murder. And yet we see how early on in the history of mankind this commandment is broken and sin perseveres. Don’t you ever wonder how man so quickly and easily began to sin, even when Hashem’s presence was still evident? Just something to think about. 


Challenge:


So, maybe you have a great time praying with Hashem or you are in a church/assembly service and really feel His presence in that place. But, five minutes later you do something sinful? I’ve been there and done it. My challenge today is to see if you can become MORE conscious of NOT sinning. Even if for just a day?


Reading #5 Genesis 4:19–22


4:19 Lamech took two wives: the name of the first one was Adah, and the name of the second one was Zillah. 20 Adah gave birth to Jabal, who was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock. 21 His brother’s name was Jubal, who was the father of all who handle the harp and pipe. 22 Zillah also gave birth to Tubal Cain, the forger of every cutting instrument of bronze and iron. Tubal Cain’s sister was Naamah.