Expository notes, with practical observations; towards the opening of the five first chapters of the first book of Moses called Genesis. Delivered by way of exposition in several lords-dayes exercises.: By Benjamin Needler, minister of the gospel at Margaret Moses Friday-Street, London.

Quest. 28. vers. 23.

What may be the meaning of that speech of Lamech to his wives: I have slaine a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt, if Cain shall be avenged seven∣fold, truely Lamech seventy and seven∣fold.

Some conceive, that these words speake Lam••chs horrour of conscience, and feare of judgement, for the murders he had commit∣ted, as if he should say, If God will be a∣venged on Cain, much more on me.

But here is suppositum non supponendum: for it is not said God would be avenged on Cain, but on him who killed Cain.

The Jewes have a tradition, that Lamech was so exceedingly delighted in Hunting, that notwithstanding he was old, and

blind,, yet taking Tub all-Cain a youth, along with him, engaged in that sport, and by the direction of Tuball-Cain, he, instead of his game, killed Cain: which he under∣standing afterwards, was very wroth, and in his fury killed Tuball-Cain.

But this opinion hath more absurdities following it, then one.

1. 'Tis very unlikely Lamech being old, and blind would go on hunting.

2. That Tuball-Cain was killed, when a youth, being the text saith, he was an inven∣tor of arts.

3. 'Tis not likely that Cain was wandering up and down in the woods at this time, hav∣ing built a City, and his family very nume∣rous.

Others therefore more probably con∣ceive, [ 2] that Lamechs speech noted his inso∣lent contempt of Gods judgements, and a∣buse of his patience towards Cain, Eccl. 8. 11. Because sentence against an evil worke is not executed speedily, therefore the heart ••f the sonnes of men is fully set in them to do e∣vil.

The Scripture being silent who they were that were murdered by Lamech, it is our best way to be silent also.