Genesis 4

Genesis 4

4:5 We see later on that both grain offerings and animal burnt offerings are part of the sacrificial system, so it makes me wonder why exactly God looked with favor on Abel and his offering and not on Cain and his offering. The only real explanation is the heart condition of these two men. The offering itself wouldn't make a difference, but the manner in which it was given would. Given that often a downcast demeanor is the result of damaged pride, it is probable that this was Cain's attitude, and if so, God's disfavor is just.

4:7 I really like the way this is put. Sin crouches at the door of everyone since we are told Satan seeks out those whom he can devour (1 Peter 5:8), and trust me he is diligent! Peter says to "resist him" (1 Peter 5:9), which would then correspond to the command "you must master it."

4:8 God really gave some sound advice to Cain in the previous verse. In fact, Cain should have been honored to be addressed by God directly anyway, since this is not a common thing in the Bible. How does Cain respond? Blatant disregard. But this is interesting since Cain's jealousy was in regards to God's favor. We ought not to see God's favor in the way of Cain since God's favor is not limited to one person, rather view God's favor as something the be greatly desired and cherished, and attainable.

4:9 Did God not know where Abel was? Of course He knew. The question was meant to reveal Cain's heart, as it surely did.

4:9 What is the direct answer to Cain's rebuttal? YES! You are your brother's keeper! Can you hear the pride in Cain's voice when he says this? The antagonism drips from his lips.

4:9 This is the first time a person dies in the Bible. Prior to this, the only evidence that death even existed was when animals and plants would perish. It makes me wonder what Cain was thinking when he killed his brother. Perhaps he honestly didn't know if he would die or not? Hm, even so, he still would be guilty of the crime.

4:10 A person's life is in the blood (Leviticus 17:11). I don't know why, but this verse came to mind when I read this passage.

4:12 What was Cain's punishment? By cursing the ground so it would not yield crops to Cain, this dealt with his livelihood. By casting him away as a wanderer on the earth, this dealt with his family. The only thing he has left is his name, and at that he will always be remembered as a murderer. Cain's response to this is not surprising. But we must keep in mind that the wages of sin is not loss of livelihood, family and reputation. It is death (Romans 6:23). Sin would be a lot less appealing if we received its full punishment immediately.

4:14 Did Cain actually think that God would not be with him wherever he went? This also shows Cain's lack of faith.

4:14 Who was Cain scared of? This is similar to the question of where Cain got his wife. The answer to both of these questions was his family. Cain was scared of his family, fearing one of them would take revenge. Cain got his wife from his family, insomuch as he married his sister. Since they were the only humans living at the time, this is the only explanation. But it is not too fantastic to understand. Being only one generation from a pure genetic source, each sibling would be significantly diverse genetically to be free of anomaly. There are other reasons, but I suggest reading books from Answers in Genesis for further study.

4:15 I don't think this mark was anything mystical. In fact it could have been a physical deformation so others would know for sure that it was Cain and not some other man down the road.

4:17 Cain built a city? I thought Cain's curse was to wander the earth? Perhaps this was his pride again, rebelling further by disobeying God's command. I just have to shake my head. How could he live if he settled down in a city but could not work the land? Maybe he set himself up as leader and had others work for him? This may be taking it too far, but I wouldn't put it past him.

4:21 So we do have something for which to thank the descendants of Cain. They gave us musical instruments! Nifty.

4:24 We see here that the pride of Cain was not lost on his descendants. I wonder if the wound Lamech received from this young man was similar to the mark Cain received from God? At least then the saying here could have some credence. My gut feeling, though, says Lamech was simply attempting to claim the protection as his own for pride's sake.

4:26 It is good to see that the Lord is being called upon, though we do not know in what regard the calling takes place.