Topical Bible: Murder: Early Introduction of

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Murder, the unlawful and premeditated taking of human life, is introduced early in the biblical narrative, marking a significant moment in the history of sin and human relationships. The first recorded instance of murder is found in the book of Genesis, where Cain, the firstborn son of Adam and Eve, kills his brother Abel. This act of violence is not only a personal tragedy but also a profound theological event that illustrates the depth of human depravity following the Fall.

Genesis 4:1-16 provides the account of this first murder. Cain and Abel, both sons of Adam and Eve, bring offerings to the Lord. Abel's offering, the firstborn of his flock, is accepted by God, while Cain's offering from the fruits of the soil is not. In response to God's favor towards Abel, Cain becomes "very angry, and his countenance fell" (Genesis 4:5). Despite God's warning to Cain about sin crouching at his door, Cain invites Abel to the field and kills him, committing the first murder (Genesis 4:8).

This early introduction of murder highlights several key themes in biblical theology. First, it underscores the destructive power of sin. The narrative shows how quickly sin escalates from disobedience in the Garden of Eden to fratricide. The murder of Abel is a direct consequence of the Fall, illustrating the pervasive nature of sin and its ability to corrupt human relationships.

Second, the account of Cain and Abel introduces the concept of divine justice and mercy. After the murder, God confronts Cain, asking, "Where is your brother Abel?" to which Cain responds, "I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?" (Genesis 4:9). God then pronounces judgment on Cain, cursing him to be a wanderer on the earth. Yet, even in judgment, God shows mercy by placing a mark on Cain to protect him from being killed by others (Genesis 4:15).

The account of Cain and Abel also sets a precedent for the biblical understanding of the sanctity of human life. Abel's blood cries out to God from the ground, signifying that human life is precious and that God is deeply concerned with justice (Genesis 4:10). This theme is reiterated throughout Scripture, emphasizing that murder is a grave sin against both God and humanity.

Furthermore, the early introduction of murder in the Bible serves as a warning about the dangers of unchecked anger and jealousy. Cain's inability to master his emotions leads to catastrophic consequences, illustrating the importance of self-control and the need to heed God's warnings.

In summary, the early introduction of murder in the Bible through the account of Cain and Abel provides profound insights into the nature of sin, the sanctity of life, and the character of God as both just and merciful. This narrative sets the stage for the biblical teachings on murder and justice that unfold throughout the Scriptures.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 4:8
And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Introduction to Apologia Contra Arianos.
... Introduction to Apologia Contra Arianos. ... subvention of the rebel Philumenus, the
chalice of Ischyras, murder and mutilation ... 8. (346, winter, or early spring). ...
/.../introduction to apologia contra arianos.htm

Introduction.
... as by hatred and rebellion and murder in his ... The early shepherd days, the manifold
sorrows, the hunted ... as a kind of double introduction, a frontispiece and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/i introduction.htm

The Contents. The Introduction, Concerning the Causes of Atheism 1
... The INTRODUCTION 131. ... Of Sobriety, or Men's Duty towards themselves, and of the
Unlawfulness of Self-Murder 187. ... And by Early Prejudices and False Notions 250. ...
/.../the contents the introduction concerning.htm

Introduction. Chapter i. --Life of S. Cyril.
... Introduction. ... orbis, et Arianum se esse miratus est [50] ." Early in the ... them; rascality,
adultery, theft, idolatry, poisoning, quarrelling, murder, are rife ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/introduction chapter i life of s.htm

Judges
... The introduction, and appendix, though added late, contain very ancient ... war, are
clearly the echo of an early time, we ... Jael is praised for a murder which was a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/judges.htm

The First General Epistle of John
... it as a kind of introduction (Lightfoot), a ... That conviction of the early church is
corroborated by ... "murder, idolatry, fraud, denial of Christ, blasphemy, and ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the first general epistle of 2.htm

At Gerasa - the Healing of the Demonised.
... of course, it would be in the early morning that ... and issue in the betrayal and judicial
murder of Jesus. ... As in nature the introduction of a dominant element ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxv at gerasa -.htm

The General Epistle of Jude
Introduction to the New Testament. ... and in the second place since Moses had committed
murder in Egypt ... of Enoch a book that was highly esteemed by the early church ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the general epistle of jude.htm

The Gospel of Matthew
Introduction to the New Testament. ... This favors the idea that it was done very early. ...
place of his nativity 2: 6; his flight into Egypt 2:15 ; the murder of the ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the gospel of matthew.htm

Deuteronomy
... dealing with the expiation of an uncertain murder.]. ... being disproportionately long
for an introduction, it repeatedly ... the one hand, from the early influence of ...
/.../mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/deuteronomy.htm