Character Study Of Seth Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF SETH – THIRD SON OF ADAM AND EVE, ANCESTOR OF NOAH

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text:

"And Adam knew his wife again, and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew." – Genesis 4:25

Supporting Texts:

Genesis 5:3-8, 1 Chronicles 1:1, Luke 3:38, Hebrews 11:6

INTRODUCTION:

Seth was the third recorded son of Adam and Eve, born after the tragic murder of Abel by Cain. His birth was seen as God’s provision of another righteous seed to continue the godly lineage that Abel would have carried forward. Unlike Cain, who walked in rebellion, Seth became the foundation of a lineage that sought after God.

His life was significant because through his descendants came Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and ultimately, Jesus Christ. Seth represents a divine replacement, a second chance, and a continuation of God's redemptive plan. The Bible records that during his lifetime, men began to call upon the name of the Lord, showing his spiritual impact.

This study explores Seth’s role in biblical history, his godly legacy, and the lessons believers can learn from his life.

1. SETH WAS A DIVINELY APPOINTED SON

Seth’s birth was a sign of God’s mercy and restoration.

a) His name means “appointed” or “compensation”

Eve recognised that Seth was given by God as a replacement for Abel (Genesis 4:25).

b) He was a continuation of the godly lineage

While Cain’s descendants followed the path of sin, Seth’s line preserved faith in God (Genesis 5:3-4).

c) His birth was a sign of hope for humanity

After the fall and Abel’s murder, Seth’s arrival brought renewal (Genesis 3:15).

d) He was a chosen vessel in God's divine plan

Through Seth’s lineage, God preserved the promise of redemption (Luke 3:38).

e) Biblical Example: Other Divinely Appointed Sons

Isaac was divinely appointed as Abraham’s promised child (Genesis 21:1-3).

2. SETH CONTINUED THE GODLY LINEAGE

Unlike Cain’s descendants, Seth’s family honoured God.

a) He fathered Enos, who initiated public worship

The Bible states that during Enos’ time, men began to call upon the Lord (Genesis 4:26).

b) His lineage included righteous men

From Seth’s line came men of faith like Enoch, Noah, and Abraham (Genesis 5:6-32).

c) His descendants preserved the knowledge of God

While the world became corrupt, Seth’s line upheld God’s ways (Genesis 6:9).

d) He lived in contrast to Cain’s descendants

While Cain’s family embraced wickedness, Seth’s family pursued righteousness (Genesis 4:16-24).

e) Biblical Example: Other Godly Lineages in Scripture

The lineage of David led to Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1-16).

3. SETH LIVED A LONG AND FRUITFUL LIFE

His life reflected God’s blessing upon the righteous.

a) He lived for 912 years

Seth’s long life symbolised divine preservation (Genesis 5:8).

b) He had many sons and daughters

His children expanded the godly lineage on earth (Genesis 5:7).

c) His longevity signified God’s grace

Before sin fully corrupted humanity, men lived long lives (Genesis 6:3).

d) He contributed to the population of the earth

Seth’s descendants played a key role in human expansion (Genesis 5:4-5).

e) Biblical Example: Other Men Who Lived Long Lives

Methuselah, the longest-living man, reached 969 years (Genesis 5:27).

4. SETH’S DESCENDANTS WERE MEN OF FAITH

His family line produced men who walked closely with God.

a) Enoch walked with God and was taken to heaven

Enoch was Seth’s great-great-grandson and never saw death (Genesis 5:24).

b) Noah was righteous in a corrupt world

Noah found grace in God's eyes and was chosen to build the ark (Genesis 6:8-9).

c) The lineage led to the Messiah

Jesus Christ was born from Seth’s bloodline (Luke 3:38).

d) His descendants stood against the corruption of the world

They maintained faith while Cain’s descendants drifted further into sin (Genesis 6:1-2).

e) Biblical Example: Other Generations That Preserved God’s Promise

The lineage of Judah led to King David and Jesus (Genesis 49:10).

5. SETH REPRESENTS GOD’S PLAN OF REDEMPTION

His life foreshadows God’s restoration plan through Christ.

a) He was a type of Christ as a righteous seed

Just as Seth replaced Abel, Christ came as the second Adam (Romans 5:19).

b) His family preserved true worship

Through Seth’s line, people continued calling on God (Genesis 4:26).

c) His descendants overcame the corruption of the world

Despite widespread sin, Seth’s lineage remained faithful (Genesis 6:9).

d) He represents God's mercy in the midst of judgment

Even after sin entered the world, God continued His plan of redemption (Genesis 3:15).

e) Biblical Example: Other Foreshadows of Redemption

Joseph’s life symbolised Jesus’ future suffering and exaltation (Genesis 50:20).

6. STRENGTHS OF SETH

Seth exhibited godly qualities that made his lineage unique.

a) He was divinely appointed by God

His birth was a sign of God’s sovereignty (Genesis 4:25).

b) He established a heritage of faith