Comfort in Toil
S. Baring Gould, M. A. Genesis 5:29 And he called his name Noah, saying, This same shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands… These words, used by Lamech, apply far more truly to the descendant of Noah after the flesh, even Jesus Christ. I. When our Lord appeared among men the world was in almost as sad and hopeless a condition as when Lamech looked around him. Among the Gentiles there was ignorance, darkness, and false imaginations; among the chosen people there Was hardness and impenitence. Christ comforted His disciples after His resurrection by raising up the temple of their wrecked faith, as He raised again the temple of His own body. He comforted them with the assurance that their faith was not in vain, that He had the keys of death and hell, and was able to succour to the uttermost those who trusted in Him. II. The risen Christ comforted also the fathers of the ancient covenant. Moses and Elias appeared unto Him on Tabor, speaking with Him of the things concerning His passion. The ancient patriarchs could not enter into heaven till the gates were opened by the cross of Christ, and the handwriting that was against all sinners was taken away. III. The resurrection of Christ is a joy and comfort to us also — 1. Because in Him a way of safety was opened to the world. 2. Because He will repay a hundredfold all that is done for him. (S. Baring Gould, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And he called his name Noah, saying, This same shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of the ground which the LORD hath cursed. WEB: and he named him Noah, saying, "This same will comfort us in our work and in the toil of our hands, because of the ground which Yahweh has cursed."