*Genesis 4:1-16
Cain and Abel, the first sons of Adam and Eve, make offerings to God, Cain kills his brother Abel out of jealousy, and God banishes Cain.
- Birth of Cain and Abel:
- Offerings to God:
- Cain offers produce from his fields as a sacrifice to God.
- Abel offers the best of his flock as his offering.
- God’s Acceptance:
- God accepts Abel’s offering but does not look favorably upon Cain’s offering.
- Cain’s Jealousy:
- Cain becomes jealous of Abel when he sees that God favors Abel’s offering.
- This jealousy turns into anger and resentment towards his brother.
- God’s Warning:
- God warns Cain that sin is crouching at his door, but he must master it.
- Murder of Abel:
- In a fit of jealousy and rage, Cain lures Abel into a field and kills him.
- Cain becomes the first murderer in human history.
- Divine Confrontation:
- God confronts Cain about Abel’s murder.
- Cain tries to evade responsibility, but God knows the truth.
- Cain’s Punishment:
- God curses Cain, making the land unproductive for him.
- Cain is banished from the presence of God and becomes a wanderer on the earth.
- Protection from Retribution:
- God places a mark on Cain to protect him from anyone seeking revenge.
- Cain’s Response:
- Cain expresses fear over his punishment and worries that others will kill him.
Genesis 4:1-16 teaches us about jealousy, anger, and personal responsibility. Cain became jealous of Abel and let his anger lead him to a terrible choice. This reminds us to guard our hearts against jealousy and to handle our emotions in a healthy way. When we feel upset, we should turn to God, seek peace, and make good choices instead of letting anger control us. God warned Cain to do what is right, just as we have opportunities to choose good over bad. Even when we make mistakes, this passage shows that God still cares for us, but our actions have real consequences.
Genesis 4:1-16 (WEB)
4:1 The man knew Eve his wife. She conceived, and gave birth to Cain, and said, “I have gotten a man with the LORD’s help.” 2 Again she gave birth, to Cain’s brother Abel. Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. 3 As time passed, Cain brought an offering to the LORD from the fruit of the ground. 4 Abel also brought some of the firstborn of his flock and of its fat. The LORD respected Abel and his offering, 5 but he didn’t respect Cain and his offering. Cain was very angry, and the expression on his face fell. 6 The LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why has the expression of your face fallen? 7 If you do well, won’t it be lifted up? If you don’t do well, sin crouches at the door. Its desire is for you, but you are to rule over it.” 8 Cain said to Abel, his brother, “Let’s go into the field.” While they were in the field, Cain rose up against Abel, his brother, and killed him.9 The LORD said to Cain, “Where is Abel, your brother?”He said, “I don’t know. Am I my brother’s keeper?”10 The LORD said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries to me from the ground. 11 Now you are cursed because of the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. 12 From now on, when you till the ground, it won’t yield its strength to you. You will be a fugitive and a wanderer in the earth.”13 Cain said to the LORD, “My punishment is greater than I can bear. 14 Behold, you have driven me out today from the surface of the ground. I will be hidden from your face, and I will be a fugitive and a wanderer in the earth. Whoever finds me will kill me.”15 The LORD said to him, “Therefore whoever slays Cain, vengeance will be taken on him sevenfold.” The LORD appointed a sign for Cain, so that anyone finding him would not strike him.16 Cain left the LORD’s presence, and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden.