17 Cain had relations with his wife and she conceived , and gave birth to Enoch ; and he built a city , and called the name of the city Enoch , after the name of his son . 18 Now to Enoch was born Irad , and Irad became the father of Mehujael , and Mehujael became the father of Methushael , and Methushael became the father of Lamech .
19 Lamech took to himself two wives : the name of the one was Adah , and the name of the other , Zillah . 20 Adah gave birth to 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 lyre and pipe . 22 As for Zillah , she also gave birth to Tubal-cain , the forger of all implements of bronze and iron ; and the sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah .
23 Lamech said to his wives , "Adah and Zillah , Listen to my voice , You wives of Lamech , Give heed to my speech , For I have killed a man for wounding me; And a boy for striking me; 24 If Cain is avenged sevenfold , Then Lamech seventy-sevenfold ."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 4:17-24
Commentary on Genesis 4:16-18
(Read Genesis 4:16-18)
Cain cast off all fear of God, and attended no more on God's ordinances. Hypocritical professors, who dissemble and trifle with God, are justly left to themselves to do something grossly scandalous. So they throw off that form of godliness to which they have been a reproach, and of which they deny the power. Cain went out from the presence of the Lord, and we never find that he came into it again, to his comfort. The land Cain dwelt in was called the land of Nod, which means, 'shaking,' or 'trembling,' and so shows the restlessness and uneasiness of his own spirit, or 'the land of a vagabond:' they that depart from God cannot find rest any where else. Those on earth who looked for the heavenly city, chose to dwell in tabernacles or tents; but Cain, as not minding that city, built one on earth. Thus all who are cursed of God seek their settlement and satisfaction here below.
Commentary on Genesis 4:19-24
(Read Genesis 4:19-24)
One of Cain's wicked race is the first recorded, as having broken the law of marriage. Hitherto, one man had but one wife at a time; but Lamech took two. Wordly things, are the only things that carnal, wicked people set their hearts upon, and are most clever and industrious about. So it was with this race of Cain. Here was a father of shepherds, and a father of musicians, but not a father of the faithful. Here is one to teach about brass and iron, but none to teach the good knowledge of the Lord: here are devices how to be rich, and how to be mighty, and how to be merry; but nothing of God, of his fear and service. Present things fill the heads of most. Lamech had enemies, whom he had provoked. He draws a comparison betwixt himself and his ancestor Cain; and flatters himself that he is much less criminal. He seems to abuse the patience of God in sparing Cain, into an encouragement to expect that he may sin unpunished.