Ai; and this same term is used elsewhere as an appellative. Now, the
proper name Ai signifies, "a heap," as a heap of fallen buildings. And
if with this name you compound the verb _Irad_, the word thus
compounded will signify increase. Although the posterity of Cain, on
account of their excommunication, were at that time like a great heap
of ruins, it was his prayer that they might not altogether perish, but
be preserved and greatly increased by means of this son Irad. If
anyone can offer a better interpretation, I will by no means despise
it; for on obscure points like the present, conjecture is quite
allowable.

V. 18b. _And Irad begat Mehujael._

260. This name is formed from the verb _mahah_, which signifies "to
destroy," and from _jaal_, "he began," or "he attempted or dared."
Accordingly this name signifies that the posterity of Cain should now
enter upon so mighty an increase as to dare to set itself in array
against the true Church and to despise it and persecute it; so
mightily should it prevail by its wealth, wisdom, glory and numbers.
These, indeed, are for the most part the influences through which the
true Church is always overcome by the world and the false church.

V. 18c. _And Mehujael begat Methushael._

261. _Meth_ signifies "death," and _schaal_ means "to ask," or "to
demand." Hence we have the name Saul; that is, demanded. This name
indicates a spirit haughtier than any of the others. I understand it
to signify that Methushael threatens that he will avenge his parents,
who are dead, whom the other church--that is the true Church--has
punished with excommunication and exile.

V. 18d. _And Methushael begat Lamech._

262. Hitherto the Cainites seem to have insulted the true Church with
impunity and to have triumphed over them. But the name "Lamech"
signifies that God, at the time in which Lamech was born, inflicted on
the posterity of Cain their due punishment. The name Lamech is derived
from the verb _makak_, which signifies to humble, to diminish, to
suppress. Or, it may be understood actively, to mean that in the time
of Lamech the posterity of Cain so greatly increased that the true
Church was quite overwhelmed by them.

263. Such was the posterity of Cain; men, no doubt, renowned for their
wisdom and greatness. And I also believe that some of them were saved
by the uncovenanted mercy of God, as I have above explained. But far
the greater part of them most bitterly hated and persecuted the