Ver. 18. "And Jared lived an hundred sixty and two years, and he begat Enoch."
Enoch, is taught, or dedicate: The true effect of rule or government, be it good or bad: in Cain's posterity it was bad; "for an evil tree cannot bring forth good fruit." By Enoch here, we are to understand, one taught in, and dedicated unto, God. This Enoch therefore was a son that would hear the rules, and submit to the government of his father Jared. "As an ear-ring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear" (Pro 25:12).
Ver. 19. "And Jared lived after he begat Enoch eight hundred years, and begat sons and daughters."
He lived therefore to see the fruit of his good rule and government in the church, even to see his teachable and dedicated son caught up to God, and to his throne. A good encouragement to all rulers in the house of God, and also to all godly parents to teach and rule in the fear of God; for that is the way to part with church members, and children with comfort; yea, that is the way, if we shall out-live them, to send them to heaven, and to God before us.
Ver. 20. "And all the days of Jared were nine hundred sixty and two years: and he died."
He lived then three hundred thirty-five years after Enoch, and died two hundred thirty-four before the flood.
Ver. 21. "And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah."
Methuselah signifieth, Spoiling his death: this therefore is the true fruits of one that is truly taught in, and dedicate to the service of God, as Enoch was; by this means he spoileth his death: wherefore he adds, "And Enoch walked with God." Walking with God, spoileth death, or overcomes it, or it shall be prevented, he shall not be hurt therewith: As Christ saith, "If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste death" (John 8:52).
Ver. 22. "And Enoch walked with God, after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters."
These words [after he begat Methuselah] may have respect either to his beginning to walk with God, or to the number of the years that he lived after the birth of Methuselah, or both.