There’s often a lot of confusion about the two people named Enoch in Genesis. The first Enoch was the son of Cain and Awan (according to the Book of Jubilees). It’s often believe the city that Cain built was named after Enoch. However, in the original Hebrew text, it’s unclear if the city was named after him or if the city was actually built by Enoch himself.
The Prophet Enoch The Enoch that most people are familiar with is actually descended from Seth, the third son of Adam and Eve. That Enoch is the prophet that people know about, the one who ascended into heaven after living for 365 years. His father’s name was Jared. That Enoch was also the great-great-grandfather of Noah. Enoch, Son of Cain, and His Lineage The son of Cain would have a great many descendants. His son’s name was Irad, and Irad’s son was named Mehujael. One of the more notable members of Enoch’s lineage was Lamech, who was the grandson of Mehujael and the son of Methushael. The reason that Lamech is notable is that he was the first noted polygamist in the bible, taking on two wives, Adah and Zillah. This is where Enoch’s lineage starts to become interesting. Jabal, Son of Lamech & Adah Jabal is notable in the bible as the “ancestor of all who live in tents and raise livestock.” There are a couple different interpretations of this bible verse, which is Genesis 4:20. Some theologians believe that Jabal was the father of all cattle ranchers, as well as the father of all tent-dwellers. Basically, he would be considered an agricultural pioneer and also an architectural pioneer. It’s also believed that Jabal was a weaver, so he was a clothing pioneer, as well. It’s also possible that Jabal was literally just a nomadic herder of cattle. Other theologians believe that Jabal was the father of the Bedouin lifestyle. Whereas his uncle Abel simply sustained himself with his flocks, Jabal could actually trade with his livestock, meaning a major cultural advancement. In any case, Jabal was a notable guy.
Jubal, Son of Lamech & Adah
Jubal may not be quite as notable as Jabal, but he is important nonetheless. The bible refers to Jubal as the “ancestor of all who played the harp and flute." Different translations of the bible differ on what actual instrument that he played. In the Hebrew text, it is said that he played the Kinnor and the Uggab. The Kinnor is translated to be a harp in the NIV translation and a lyre in the ESV translation. The Uggab is translated as a flute in the NIV and a pipe in the ESV. Noted Old Testament scholar Gordon Wenham made the suggestion that he could have played a “reed or a Pan’s pipe.” Whatever the case may be, Jubal was a noted musician. Anyone who plays a harp, lyre, or any woodwind instrument can be thankful for Jubal’s contributions to music. Tubal-Cain, Son of Lamech & Zillah One of Zillah’s two children with Lamech was named Tubal-Cain. His name has been interpreted to mean "he who spices the craft of Cain." In Genesis 4:22, it says that Tubal-Cain was the “forger of all instruments of bronze and iron” and an “instructor of every artificer in brass and iron,” depending on which translation of the book that you read. There are a couple of interpretations of this verse. Some suggest that Tubal-Cain may have been a pioneer of brass and iron artificer. Scholar T.C. Mitchell has suggested that he “discovered the possibilities of cold forging native copper and meteoric iron.” It’s also fair to say that Tubal-Cain may have also been the first chemist, and others suggest he may have been a miner. The Hebrew history Antiquities of the Jews written by Josephus gives us a bit more insight into Tubal-Cain. He apparently “exceeded all men in strength, and was very expert and famous in martial performances.” In that same text, it’s said that he “first of all invented the art of working brass.” It’s also believed that he used this art to make weapons of war. Whatever the truth may have been, Tubal-Cain was very good at metalworking. Naamah, Daughter of Lamech & Zillah The last of Lamech’s children in the bible is a daughter named Naamah, Tubal-Cain’s sister. It’s not really clear why she is specifically mentioned in the bible other than to point out that Zillah had two children with Lamech. One early Jewish text actually identifies Naamah as the wife of Noah, which would certainly be notable. However, there is some controversy on this subject. A medieval Jewish text names a different Naamah as the wife of Noah, one related to Seth and not from Cain’s bloodline. Additionally, a 17th century theologian by the name of John Gill theorized that Naamah was actually the wife of Noah’s son Ham. There’s also a demon by the name of Naamah who’s mentioned in the Zohar, one of the foundational texts of Jewish mysticism. It’s very possible that this Naamah simply was a daughter of Lamech and her name simply was later used for others. Still, the popularity of her name is at the very least interesting. While Enoch, Son of Cain’s lineage isn’t nearly as exciting as his uncle Seth’s, it’s still good to see that Cain’s lineage did bear some interesting people.
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Demonology - Lilith as Adam's Wife
Lilith is a famous demon that is known for many different reasons. One of the most important stories about Lilith is her association with Adam, as his first wife before Eve. It was actually said in Judaism for a time that Lilith, not Eve, was responsible for Adam’s downfall. Who is Lilith? While many Christians believe that Eve was the first woman, it may actually be the case that Lilith was actually the first woman created. In Jewish folklore, it is said that Lilith was actually made from the same dirt as Adam. 13th century writings say that Lilith left Adam and coupled with Archangel Samael, after she refused to be a subservient for Adam. Lilith in the Bible Interestingly, Lilith only makes a single appearance in the Bible. In that case, she was depicted as a shunned demon in the wilderness. It was the prophet Isaiah who shunned her. She then reappears in Jewish sources from the Middle Ages as Adam’s first wife. Though she isn’t mentioned again in the Bible, she is referred to as a succubus in the text of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Modern Lilith Worship
Lilith has migrated into the mythologies and folklore of many different cultures, including the Israelites, Egyptians, Greeks, and even the ancient Hittites. In Babylonian Demonology, Lilith is depicted as a winged spirit who preyed on pregnant women and infants. Although the exact portrayal can vary, most who speak of Lilith say she represents everything chaotic and ungodly. Some say she has cast a spell on humankind. She is also sometimes referred to as the patron of abortions. In some cultures, especially Jewish cultures, protective spell bowls are buried to protect women and their offspring from Lilith. Her image also appears on many modern incantation bowls. Some argue with the depiction of her as an evil being, but instead state that she represents freedom, since she refused to be submissive. It is said that instead she represents the idea that we all are equal beings and created from the same earth. Forneus - Grand Marquis of HellThe demon Forneus reigns in Hell as a Grand Marquis. He commands 29 legions and happens to be well-respected. He is a close companion of Lucifer and has made a definite impression on the realm. He is known for being well educated, which is a rare trait for a demon. Learn a little about his background and typically appearance just in case you meet him in all his hellish glory. The Traits of ForneusForneus most often takes the appearance of a great sea monster, which is in direct conflict with his high level of education and intelligence. His name is derived from the Latin word 'fornus', which means an oven. That is perfect because Forneus reigns in a place where flames rage every day. He has the ability to take on a human form when meeting with others. In fact, he seems to prefer the human form over his demonic form and often wears red robes and the crown of the Marquis. Forneus has become one of the most well recognized demons in the underworld, which only adds to his infamy. Forneus the ProtectorMyths suggest that he causes men to have good reputations in other worlds and he is an influential force in many men’s lives. Forneus is an expert in communication, rhetoric and foreign languages, and when he chooses to teach men these arts, it results in the transformation of their lives. Many even see an improvement in their social standing. This has made Forneus an excellent placeholder for Lucifer himself, and hell has certainly grown tremendously since Forneus influence began. Forneus also has the great distinction of having worked for both angels and demons, which makes him somewhat unique in Hell. Indianapolis Biblical Horror Author Josephine LeonardJosephine Leonard’s latest book series, Whence They Came and her short story novel, Tales of the Demon,, will mention Forneus and many other theological demons. Josephine Leonard promises to unveil Whence They Came later this fall, and she hopes legions of fans are waiting to get the very first look.
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AuthorJosephine Leonard is a biblical horror author. Archives
May 2020
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