Unknown Consequences

In Genesis 4:23-24, there is only two verses to a tragic event:

The predominate scripture interpretation, of Genesis 4:23-24, is Lamech's killing was sinfully accidental and Lamech was forgiven, where we do not know the consequences.  The point of the two verses, is Lamech is grieved and worried, which is the correct start for all of us of when we do something sinful.  From examination of the verses, should shows us that this is another beautiful example of how God's Grace and Mercy is always operational for those who seek God. 

Event Occurred in the Antediluvian Period

In Genesis 4, we read about the account of a descendent of Adam and Eve, named Lamech who lived during the Antediluvian Period, before the Great Flood of Noah.  In the few scriptural verses given, we read that Lamech kills a boy.  These few verses point to a different conclusion than some Biblical commentaries suggest.  Note there is a different Lamech mentioned in Genesis 5:25-28, who is part of the Royal Blood line of Jesus Christ.

Often in the minds of many Christians, there is the thought that God forgives all sins except for a few specific sins where murder is supposedly one that cannot be forgiven.  Sometimes, all of us will point to even the most heinous sins of war and forget that Jesus Christ's perfect life and sacrificial life on the Cross was for everyone that has ever lived.   While everyone must accept Jesus Christ as their Savior, not everyone will do so, which is required for Salvation and once we have Salvation, it is impossible lose Salvation.  Murder and killing are forgivable and paid for by our Savior Jesus Christ!

Was the Killing Defense, Rage or Something Else?

From Genesis 4:23-24, we learn that Lamech apparently kills a boy who either:

• Attacked him, or
• wounded Lamech unintentionally.

The lament of Lamech, appears to indicate a deep remorseful regret and a desire for forgiveness.  Some Rabbinical sources point that the language in the Hebrew suggests the killing of the boy was for an accident that the boy did.  The boy did not intend to cause harm to Lamech.  Lamech, in turn, reacted callously without the intention of killing.  At the worst, Lamech's intention was to give the boy the equivalent pain. 

The example given by one Rabbinical source, was Lamech and the boy might have been farming where the boy inadvertently swung a farming tool, without looking, that struck Lamech.  Lamech, not knowing it was an accidental action, struck back against the boy and then realized the boy action of swinging of the farming tool was an accident. 

As another personal example, this author at the age 5, was accidentally hit by a shovel in the head, that required several stitches, by my cousin Mark standing behind me. The two of us were unaware that we were standing back-to-back when Mark swung the shovel over his head to hit something on the ground.  55 years later my cousin Mark still occasionally remind me of it, where he always says he had no idea of what he was thinking and he is still very sorry for it, where there is absolutely no ill-feelings or animosity.

Notice that in verse 24 that Lamech is also concerned about the punishment, which is most likely why many Biblical Scholars have jumped to the wrong conclusion that the killing was intentional and Lamech was evil.  Additionally, many Christians incorrectly think that everyone that lived in the antediluvian period were evil, other than the specific people of Noah's family and Enoch.  The Antediluvian period was a long period of time, and it wasn't until before the Great Flood that the people at that time had reached to a pinnacle apostate state because of the Nephilim influence. 

The Rabbinical sources, that this author have read, state that Lamech knew the potential penalty that God could have required because of the example of Cain's penalty for killing where the scripture indicates God forgave Cain but Cain suffered penalties and loss. 

The seventy-sevenfold reference indicates that Lamech also knew that since God gave the example of Cain with the warning given to anyone who kills Cain, then Lamech could receive an even worse punishment.

Lamech Knew Cain's Consequences?

Lamech most likely knew Cain personally and also would know that God gave Cain a Mark or Token for Cain to have Faith in God for protection so that no one would kill Cain.  Cain was required to have faith in the Mark or Token from God. 

Lamech also knew that Cain did have consequences for killing Abel, and this was the fear of Lamech.  If the Rabbinical commentaries on these two verses, along with some Christian Biblical Scholars, are true then Lamech was guilty, at worst, of negligent homicide.  We also read that Lamech's life was not taken, which points to Lamech being forgiven.

Negligent homicide is a term used in modern-day law that indicates someone commits a crime that results in the death of someone, when the criminal action's intent was not to kill.  Lamech's crime is apparently acting quickly in revenge without taking the time to think that should have resulted in forgiveness of the boy. 

We also need to remember that the boy who is killed by Lamech is under the Age of Accountability which will also give us peace and assurance.

What to read next?

What is Salvation?  Is it possible to lose Salvation?  We have eternal life.  Evolution is not real.  When a Christian suffers is there benefits from it.  Do we Tithe?  What does the 3rd Commandment tell us?  What is Grace and Mercy?  Is there an Age of Accountability?  Is there a place of unending punishment and exile form God?