BBC: Genesis 4:23-24

Lamech said to his wives: “Adah and Zillah, hear my voice; you wives of Lamech, listen to what I say: 

I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for striking me. If Cain's revenge is sevenfold, then Lamech's is seventy-sevenfold.” - Genesis 4:23-24

The character of Lamech makes his entrance. After seeing the conclusion of his family, the Scriptures introduce the father and his faulty boasting. It is interesting that Lamech would make this deceleration to his wives. Whether this is because of isolation or general exaggerating, Lamech's words actually do not fall upon the people who deserve the warning.

Lamech's willingness to kill strikes a peculiar resemblance to Cain (Gen 4:8). But now death is easier and for much less. Lamech's words point to the further distance placed between God and the line of Cain. Lamech misunderstood the source of vengeance for Cain. God promised to bring vengeance if Cain was killed (Gen 4:15).

In this way Lamech shows how the line of Cain had removed themselves even from the last the blessing placed upon Cain. Cain's line had become independent from God and had begun to excel in their focus on worldly things (Gen 4:21-22).

*The Bible Blogging Commentary is a slow and simple treading of the Scriptures. No quotes from other theologians and no explicit Greek/Hebrew lessons.*