Cain

Cain, the firstborn son of Adam and Eve, is a significant figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of divine judgment upon individuals. His account is primarily found in Genesis 4:1-16. Cain's life and actions serve as a profound example of personal sin leading to divine judgment.

The Offering and Rejection

Cain and his brother Abel both brought offerings to the LORD. Cain, a tiller of the ground, presented some of the fruits of the soil, while Abel, a keeper of sheep, offered the firstborn of his flock and their fat portions. The LORD looked with favor upon Abel and his offering, but He did not regard Cain and his offering. The text does not explicitly state why Cain's offering was rejected, but it implies a deficiency in Cain's heart or attitude (Genesis 4:3-5).

The Sin of Cain

Cain's reaction to God's rejection of his offering was one of intense anger and dejection. The LORD addressed Cain, warning him about the sin that was crouching at his door, desiring to have him, but urging him to rule over it (Genesis 4:6-7). Despite this divine counsel, Cain allowed his anger to fester, leading to the premeditated murder of his brother Abel in the field (Genesis 4:8).

Divine Judgment

The LORD's judgment upon Cain was swift and severe. When questioned by God about Abel's whereabouts, Cain responded with defiance, "I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?" (Genesis 4:9). The LORD declared that Abel's blood cried out from the ground, and as a result, Cain was cursed from the ground that had received his brother's blood. The ground would no longer yield its strength to Cain, and he would become a restless wanderer on the earth (Genesis 4:10-12).

The Mark of Cain

Cain expressed despair over his punishment, fearing that anyone who found him would kill him. In response, the LORD set a mark upon Cain to protect him, declaring that anyone who killed Cain would suffer vengeance sevenfold (Genesis 4:13-15). This mark served as both a sign of protection and a perpetual reminder of his judgment.

Legacy and Significance

Cain's account is a poignant illustration of the consequences of sin and the nature of divine judgment. His actions and the resulting judgment highlight the seriousness with which God views sin, particularly sins of the heart such as jealousy, anger, and defiance. Cain's life serves as a warning and a lesson about the importance of obedience, repentance, and the condition of one's heart before God.Genesis 4:11,12
And now are you cursed from the earth, which has opened her mouth to receive your brother's blood from your hand;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Sins of Communities Noted and Punished.
... intelligent reader to his own reflections upon them ... and the degrading, and even
desolating judgments of heaven ... The character of individuals is not to be judged ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxix the sins of.htm

The Letter of the Church of Rome
... shall be sheltered by his mercy from the judgments to come ... the water surrounding
it and fixed it upon the sure ... that because of one or two individuals the solid ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the letter of the church.htm

An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality.
... at that time consisted of these two individuals, it is ... God of Abel's offering may
be looked upon as the ... inferred from the history of Abel, is exemplified in a ...
/.../an essay on the scriptural.htm

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