We are obliged to examine this chapter for the issues it presents. In it the practice of sacrifice to God is discussed. The character of those who made the sacrifices are opposite of each other. The first murder in history and its reason is declared. More questions than answers are before each reader. As we review this chapter, we must consider its teachings between right and wrong.
Cain was a farmer. Abel was a sheepherder. They each brought first fruits of their livelihood to sacrifice to God. Cain and his offering was immediately rejected by God while Abel and his offering was immediately accepted by God. Consequently, Cain became very angry so much so that his facial expressions betrayed him. In the same way God challenged Adam who was hiding in the Garden of Eden after sinning, so did God challenge Cain reminding him of the presence of sin. This event is important as it set forth throughout the rest of the Old Testament the necessity of shedding innocent blood in sacrifice for sin leading up to Jesus who is the perfect sacrifice on the cross for us.
We have no idea what Cain talked to Abel about while they were in the field but at that time Cain murdered him. Verse nine demonstrates the arrogance of Cain. So far, the story is quite obvious and understandable. However, in this verse, things changed drastically. God gave Cain the opportunity to own up to his crime. Instead, he denied the whereabouts of Abel. He verbally attacked the Almighty by asking if he was expected to be the keeper of his brother. These words have been grossly misapplied up to today. God did not answer Cain nor tell him that he had any expectations of Cain in regard to Abel. In effect, it is not possible for us to be our brother’s keeper, nor did God say that we should.
We are all responsible for our location to God and our decisions relative to him. By examining this verse, we can easily see the nature of Cain’s character. He was haughty. He was arrogant. He was proud. He expected a relationship with God to be on his terms and not on God’s terms. He had little regard for the death of his brother.
God gave Cain another opportunity to own his crime by asking point-blank what he had done. Next, a curse on Cain appeared because of his deed. He would have great difficulty in his efforts of farming. He would be a fugitive and a vagabond. The farthest point of the earth would be his destination. Cain’s reply was not contrition but again complained about himself and how hard these things would be as he experienced them.
In verse 14 Cain only showed concern for himself for the consequences he initiated. Once again, he verbally attacked God for what was his punishment. Never did he express remorse. Always did he pity himself. What a stark contrast these two men are who were raised by the same parents in the same location and under the same circumstances. They each made choices that brought upon them curses or blessings. Parents should take heart, even though they do the best for their children, their offspring are still responsible for their own decisions.
It is unsure what this mark that God placed on Cain as a protection and warning to those who might consider harming him. Afterwards, he left the comforts of home and his parents to travel to a distant land the Bible calls Nod. Many people have speculated about the identity of Cain’s wife. Since the human race was new, there was no DNA or genetic disposition that would prevent Cain from marrying his sister. (Genesis 5:4) The second murder of history was by Lamech possibly as self-defense. (Genesis 4: 23,24)
He was fearful that God would place a curse on him worse than that of Cain. There is no indication of that in the Bible. In contrast, our interest is stirred by the record of Eve giving birth to Seth; he was also called Enos. The chapter concludes with a very important point. It says, “then began men to call upon the name of the Lord.” Throughout the history that we have displayed and examined it can be encouraging to us that mankind turned to God. Of course, so should we follow that example of turning to God on a daily basis.
Christian Writer 