A Distortion of God's Plan - January 2, 2009

Title: A Distortion of God’s Plan Topic: Polygamy, Violence

Scripture: (Gen 4:19-24 NKJV) Then Lamech took for himself two wives: the name of one was Adah, and the name of the second was Zillah. 20And Adah bore Jabal. He was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock. 21 His brother's name was Jubal. He was the father of all those who play the harp and flute. 22 And as for Zillah, she also bore Tubal-Cain, an instructor of every craftsman in bronze and iron. And the sister of Tubal-Cain was Naamah. 23Then Lamech said to his wives: "Adah and Zillah, hear my voice; Wives of Lamech, listen to my speech! For I have killed a man for wounding me, Even a young man for hurting me. 24 If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, Then Lamech seventy-sevenfold."

Observation: As far as I can tell, Lamech was the first polygamist in mentioned in the Bible. God’s plan had been for one man and one woman to be married, but Lamech took two wives. I don’t know if this is related to his choice or not, but he is also the first man mentioned who killed another man not a close relative (although the world was young enough that in reality they were relatively close blood relatives. I also wonder if this man’s murder had anything to do with his marital choices as the two are mentioned in these few verses.
- A second observation is that we can see another example of birth order and how children can be so different in their choice of career or job based on the order in which they were born. We see this difference also in Cain, Abel, and Seth.

Application: It seems to me that God’s plan for marriage leads to many tragic consequences, among them violence and death. We can see them in Lamech’s choice and what they led to as he boastfully tells his wives of his actions in killing someone else and also assuring himself that if Cain’s curse was bad, anyone who kills him would suffer an even worse curse. In a sense, he is setting himself up higher than God. Polygamists, and adulterer’s, rationalize their actions and in a sense, place themselves higher than God. So, a few lessons from this story:
1. Polygamy goes against God’s plan.
2. Polygamists and adulterers rationalize to excuse their actions.
3. By rationalizing, polygamists and adulterers set themselves above God and His will
4. Polygamy and adultery may lead to violence and even murder – emotionally and/or physically

Prayer: Father, may we follow Your will for our lives and never allow ourselves to sin or rationalize that what we’re doing is good when it is in reality contrary to Your will. In so doing, help us and protect us as we maintain our covenant of marriage intact with each other and with You.