When Did Humanity Begin to Call Upon God?
In this article, you will learn how Genesis 4:26 contradicts Exodus 20:3, 1 Samuel 12:21, Isaiah 45:5, Romans 1:20 and Acts 17:27-28. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The verse Genesis 4:26 states that in the days of Enos, people began to call upon the name of the Lord. This suggests a point in history where mankind started actively worshiping and praying to God. However, when we dive deeper into other biblical scriptures, we find apparent contradictions that challenge this notion.
Exodus 20:3, for instance, emphasizes exclusive worship of God, which might imply a continuity rather than a beginning. If God's presence and command were already known, as suggested by this verse, then the idea of starting to call upon God suddenly seems questionable.
Moreover, when we look at 1 Samuel 12:21, it warns against turning to "vain things" as it assumes that knowledge of God has been a constant part of human history. This view highlights how divine communication wasn't something newly introduced but rather continually present.
In Isaiah 45:5, the exclusivity and presence of God is strongly emphasized. This implies God's consistent acknowledgment by humanity, rather than needing a particular starting point like the time of Enos.
Further adding to the complex tapestry of this narrative is Romans 1:20, which insists that God's invisible qualities have been clear since the creation of the world. This suggests divine awareness existed from the beginning, challenging the notion presented in Genesis 4:26 about this practice beginning with Enos.
Finally, in the New Testament, Acts 17:27-28 underscores how God was always accessible, indicating that seeking Him didn't start at any singular point in history.
In light of these perspectives, one might wonder if there is a genuine contradiction or merely differing interpretations. Each verse offers a unique lens through which we view humanity's relationship with the divine. Just like a person suddenly noticing the beauty of a sunrise may feel it's only now visible, some argue Genesis 4:26 records humanity collectively realizing a relationship that always existed.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Genesis 4:26 | And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD. [Enos: Heb. Enosh] [to call...: or, to call themselves by the name of the Lord] |
| 2. | Exodus 20:3 | Thou shalt have no other gods before me. |
| 3. | 1 Samuel 12:21 | And turn ye not aside: for [then should ye go] after vain [things], which cannot profit nor deliver; for they [are] vain. |
| 4. | Isaiah 45:5 | I [am] the LORD, and [there is] none else, [there is] no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: |
| 5. | Romans 1:20 | For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: [so...: or, that they may be] |
| 6. | Acts 17:27-28 | That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: |