Cain and Abel — Genesis 4
Cain and Abel — Genesis 4
Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, "I have gotten a man with the help of the Lord." And again, she bore his brother Abel. Two brothers — the first children born into a fallen world.
Two Brothers, Two Paths
Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground. Two brothers, two different paths. Abel tended his flock with care. His heart was toward God.
The Offerings
In the course of time, Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground. And Abel also brought — of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering. But for Cain and his offering, He had no regard. So Cain was very angry — and his face fell.
God's Warning
The Lord said to Cain, "Why are you angry? And why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well — sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you. But you must rule over it."
The First Murder
Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field — Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him.
Then the Lord said to Cain, "Where is Abel your brother?"
He said, "I do not know. Am I my brother's keeper?"
Judgment and Mercy
And the Lord said, "What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood is crying to Me from the ground. And now — you are cursed from the ground. You shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth."
Cain said, "My punishment is greater than I can bear. Whoever finds me will kill me."
Then the Lord put a mark on Cain — lest any who found him should attack him. Even in judgment, mercy.
A New Beginning
Then Cain went away from the presence of the Lord and settled in the land of Nod. And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son — Seth. "God has appointed for me another offspring instead of Abel."
At that time, people began to call upon the name of the Lord.
The first sin outside the garden. The first murder. But even now — mercy. Even in exile — a new beginning.
*Watch the full narrated video above. Episode 3 of "The Story of Scripture" series.*