Topical Bible: Hatred: Cain

◄ Hatred: Cain ►

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Introduction

Hatred is a powerful and destructive emotion that is vividly illustrated in the biblical account of Cain, the firstborn son of Adam and Eve. The account of Cain and Abel, found in Genesis 4, serves as a profound example of how unchecked emotions can lead to devastating consequences. Cain's actions and the resulting curse highlight the dangers of harboring hatred and the importance of mastering one's emotions.

Biblical Account

The narrative of Cain and Abel begins in Genesis 4:1-16. Cain, a farmer, and Abel, a shepherd, both bring offerings to the Lord. Abel's offering is accepted, while Cain's is not. Genesis 4:4-5 states, "And the LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but He had no regard for Cain and his offering. So Cain became very angry, and his countenance fell."

God addresses Cain's anger in Genesis 4:6-7 , saying, "Why are you angry, and why has your countenance fallen? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you refuse to do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires you, but you must master it." This divine warning underscores the potential for sin to dominate if not controlled.

Despite the warning, Cain's anger festers into hatred, leading him to commit the first murder by killing his brother Abel. Genesis 4:8 recounts, "Cain said to his brother Abel, 'Let us go out to the field.' And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him."

Consequences of Hatred

The consequences of Cain's hatred are severe. When confronted by God, Cain responds with defiance and indifference, asking, "Am I my brother's keeper?" (Genesis 4:9). As a result, God curses Cain, making him a restless wanderer on the earth. Genesis 4:11-12 declares, "Now you are under a curse and driven from the ground, which opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for you. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth."

Cain's punishment serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of hatred and the alienation it brings from both God and fellow humans. The mark placed on Cain (Genesis 4:15) signifies God's continued protection, yet it also highlights the lasting impact of his sin.

Theological Implications

The account of Cain and Abel is often interpreted as a lesson on the nature of sin and the importance of mastering one's emotions. Cain's failure to heed God's warning illustrates the ease with which anger can escalate into hatred and violence. This account serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of allowing negative emotions to govern one's actions.

From a theological perspective, Cain's account underscores the need for repentance and the pursuit of righteousness. It highlights the importance of offering sincere worship to God and maintaining a heart free from malice. The narrative also foreshadows the redemptive work of Christ, who calls believers to love one another and overcome hatred with love.

Conclusion

The account of Cain and Abel remains a powerful illustration of the destructive nature of hatred and the importance of mastering one's emotions. Through this account, the Bible teaches the necessity of self-control, the dangers of unchecked anger, and the enduring consequences of sin.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 4:5,8
But to Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

1 John iii. 11, 12
... Before this tribunal every emotion of hatred appears as murder. ... of the evil one,
the children of the devil, in whom hate governs as in Cain their representative ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/the first epistle of john/1 john iii 11 12.htm

The Growth and Power of Sin
... No new provocation appears, but the old feelings, kept down for a time, come in
again with a rush, and Cain is swept away by them. Hatred left to work means ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the growth and power of.htm

1 John iii. 12-15
... As Cain hated and murdered Abel on account of the contrariety between the godly
and the ... itself known by the want of love, by the selfish nature, hatred; so on ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/neander/the first epistle of john/1 john iii 15-dec.htm

Second Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to Brotherly Love.
... 14. Innocent Abel becomes the object of anger and hatred when the Word of God lays
hold of Cain revealing God's displeasure where he had fancied himself worthy ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/second sunday after trinity exhortation.htm

Of the Fratricidal Act of the Founder of the Earthly City, and the ...
... between Romulus and Remus shows how the earthly city is divided against itself;
that which fell out between Cain and Abel illustrated the hatred that subsists ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 5 of the fratricidal act.htm

The Testament of Benjamin Concerning a Pure Mind.
... seven [189] hundred years was Cain judged, and Lamech in seventy times seven; because
for ever those who are likened unto Cain in envy unto hatred of brethren ...
/.../xii the testament of benjamin concerning.htm

The Criminal and his Relation to Society.
... What was the effect of Cain's anger upon his own life? Gladstone said, "I do not
have time to hate anybody.". In what way do anger and hatred hamper one's ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study iii the criminal and.htm

Many Evils have Already Flowed from this Source in Ancient Times.
... And it came to pass, while they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel
his brother, and slew ... [23] Through envy, David underwent the hatred not only ...
/.../chapter iv many evils have already.htm

Many Evils have Already Flowed from this Source in Ancient Times.
... And it came to pass, while they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel
his ... [4021] Through envy, David not only underwent the hatred of foreigners ...
/.../keith/the epistles of clement/chapter iv many evils have already.htm

But they Change their Ground and Endeavour to Vilify Our Faith in ...
... For this reason it was that He did not produce his healing for man's disease
immediately on Cain's hatred and murder of his brother; for the wickedness of ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/chapter xxix but they change.htm