Who Was Jared in the Bible?
A Man Living Before the Flood
Jared is a significant figure in the Bible, mentioned in the genealogies of Genesis 5 and Luke 3. He was an early patriarch who lived in the era before the Great Flood. Jared was the son of Mahalalel and the father of Enoch, and he lived for 962 years, making him one of the oldest people recorded in the Bible. His name, derived from the Hebrew יֶרֶד (Yered), means “descent” or “to descend.”
Jared’s Genealogy and Significance
Jared’s importance lies in his place within the genealogical lineage that stretches from Adam through Seth to Noah, who played a crucial role in preserving humanity during the Flood. Genesis 5:15-20 outlines his genealogy: “When Mahalalel had lived 65 years, he fathered Jared. Mahalalel lived after he fathered Jared 830 years and had other sons and daughters. Thus, all the days of Mahalalel were 895 years, and he died. When Jared had lived 162 years, he fathered Enoch. Jared lived after he fathered Enoch 800 years and had other sons and daughters. Thus, all the days of Jared were 962 years, and he died” (Genesis 5:15-20, ESV).
Jared’s Descendants and Legacy
Jared is perhaps best known for being the father of Enoch, a man who “walked with God” and was taken up to heaven without experiencing death (Genesis 5:24). This remarkable event emphasizes the righteousness that characterized Jared’s lineage. Furthermore, Jared is listed in the genealogy of Jesus in Luke 3:37, highlighting his place in the messianic line and underscoring the importance of his role in God’s redemptive plan for humanity.
Lessons for the Modern Christian
The Faithfulness of God Through Generations
Jared’s life, spanning over nine centuries, is a testament to the enduring faithfulness of God through generations. Despite living in a time that ultimately led to God’s judgment through the Flood, Jared’s lineage remained a vital link in the chain of God’s plan for redemption. For modern Christians, this illustrates the importance of faithfulness across generations and encourages us to trust in God’s long-term plans, even when immediate circumstances seem challenging.
The Impact of a Godly Heritage
Jared’s story, particularly through his son Enoch, demonstrates the profound impact of a godly heritage. Enoch’s close relationship with God can be seen as a reflection of the values and faith passed down from his father, Jared. This underscores the responsibility of parents and elders to instill strong spiritual foundations in their descendants. For contemporary believers, it’s a reminder that our faithfulness today can significantly influence future generations.
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Providential Care
Jared’s inclusion in the biblical genealogies signifies God’s providential care in preserving a lineage through which He would enact His redemptive purposes. Despite the widespread corruption that led to the Flood, God ensured that a righteous line, including Jared, was maintained. This reassures us of God’s unwavering commitment to His promises and His ability to preserve His purposes through all circumstances.
God’s Long-Term Plan
The lengthy lifespans of early patriarchs like Jared indicate God’s long-term view of history. God’s plans unfold over centuries, and every individual plays a part in this grand narrative. For modern believers, understanding God’s eternal perspective helps us to trust His timing and purposes, even when they extend beyond our immediate understanding.
Connection to Jesus Christ
The Lineage Leading to the Messiah
Jared’s role in the genealogy of Jesus, as recorded in Luke 3:37, is crucial in connecting the Old Testament patriarchs to the New Testament fulfillment of God’s promise through Christ. This lineage underscores the continuity of God’s plan from creation through to redemption in Jesus Christ. It highlights that Jesus’ coming was part of a divine plan established from the beginning of time, with Jared being an integral link in this redemptive chain.
The Fulfillment of Prophecy
Jared’s life, as part of the genealogy that leads to Jesus, exemplifies the fulfillment of God’s promises. Each name in the genealogy represents a step toward the ultimate fulfillment of God’s covenant to bring forth a Savior. This continuity reassures believers of the reliability and faithfulness of God’s word, encouraging us to place our trust in His promises and the ultimate redemption found in Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
Jared, though a seemingly minor figure in the biblical narrative, plays a significant role in the lineage leading up to the Flood and ultimately to Jesus Christ. His life, characterized by a remarkable longevity and his place as the father of Enoch, underscores the faithfulness of God in preserving a righteous lineage. For modern Christians, Jared’s story offers lessons on the importance of faithfulness, the impact of a godly heritage, and the assurance of God’s long-term plan for redemption. Through Jared, we are reminded of God’s meticulous care in fulfilling His promises and the profound significance of each individual within His grand design.