Jude 1:11 Woe to them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward… The way of Cain is that course of life which Cain took up to himself in following the lusts of his own heart against the will of God. It is described in Genesis 4, of which way there be seven steps or degrees, but every one out of the right way. 1. The first step was hypocrisy: he worshipped God by offering sacrifice as Abel did, but his heart was not a believing heart as Abel's was; his worship was outward and ceremonious, but not in spirit and truth, for his heart was an evil heart of unbelief. 2. The second his hatred of his own and natural brother, prosecuting him with his wrath and indignation. 3. The third his murder, whereby he slew his righteous brother. 4. The fourth his lying unto God, saying he knew not where his brother was. 5. The fifth his desperation, after that God had convicted him and pronounced sentence against him. 6. The sixth his security and carelessness; he regardeth not his sin nor the conscience of it, but busieth himself in building a city and calleth it after the name of his child, that, seeing his name was not written in heaven, he might yet preserve his name and memory in the earth. 7. The seventh and last, which was the highest step of his way, was his profaneness; for from thenceforth he cast off and contemned all the care and practice of God's worship, which appeareth (Genesis 4:26). (W.Perkins.) Parallel Verses KJV: Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. |
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