Lamech's Lament

"And Lamech... begat a son: and he called his name Noah (lit. Rest).... And Lamech lived AFTER HE BEGAT NOAH five hundred ninety and five years, and BEGAT SONS AND DAUGHTERS... and he died" (Genesis 5:28-31). "Both young men and maidens, old men and children: let them praise the name of the LORD" (Psalm 148:12,13). "We exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, that ye would walk worthy of God" (1 Thessalonians 2:11,12).

We read of Lamech's firstborn boy:
His name was Noah, meaning "Rest",
And in that son was cause for joy:
He walked with God, and so was blest.

But Lamech lived for many years,
And sons and daughters yet were born.
The life they chose would cause him tears,
Unless they turned away from scorn.

For Noah's sisters and his brothers
All had their opportunity,
But Noah's seven (and no others)
Were in the ark, where they could flee.

O fathers, teach your children well:
Exhort them daily while you may
To find their Hiding Place from hell
In Christ who bids them come today!

We ponder, Lord, the lamentation
And cause for fear that Lamech knew
For children turned from Your salvation
And from the truth that's found in You.

Lord, thank You for Your faithful love
That longs to spare us from lament,
That brought our Savior from above,
And bids each sinner to repent.

So teach us, Lord, to speak the truth
With love to all who yet will hear
In later years or tender youth,
That we may make Your Gospel clear.