CAIN MURDERING ABEL HIS BROTHER
Gen 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.
THE KINGDOM OF LIGHT & THE KINGDOM OF DARKNESS SERIES – CASE STUDIES
Gen 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
The Expositions in the Case Studies are Types, Figures, Emblems and Representations of the two main and enduring divisions of Mankind and bear Witness to the Absolute antithesis and Eternal Enmity between Good and Evil as Ordained by GOD IN THE ABOVE Scripture.
Please see the Introduction, CASE STUDIES, for a complete overview of this Series.
Cain and Abel
Cain and Abel were the sons of Adam and Eve and the first two brothers recorded in the history of the Bible. They were born to them after the Fall from Grace and after their eviction (due to the sin of disobedience) from the Garden of Eden, their first home. See the full story and supporting Scriptures in the Blog, >> Your Spirit/Adam and Eve. <<
Gen 4:1 And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD.
Gen 4:2 And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.
CAIN
Cain was the Eldest and was in the superior position as the FIRST BORN, however his heart was not pure. It had a criminal propensity which appeared to spring from Envy and Jealousy towards his brother which rendered both his Offering and his Person Unacceptable to GOD while they each made their Individual Offering Presentation to GOD. GOD Respected Abel’s Offering but HE Rejected Cain’s.
Gen 4:3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.
Gen 4:4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:
Gen 4:5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
The Scripture dictates it was both the Person of Cain and his Offering/Gift that GOD did not have Respect to or Accept. Evil must be nipped off in the bud Before it Flowers. It must be stopped before it grows into full bloom and spreads its pollen and spores into Seedlings of Sin. GOD intervened by reasoning with Cain, warning him of this fact. GOD made him aware of the evil tendency of his heart stating that it must be Resisted, or sin would follow.
Gen 4:6 And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?
Gen_4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
Cain’s intent of his heart (not doing well) was not acceptable to GOD when he brought his offering to the Altar. The Scriptures states the exact reason for the Rejection when it noteds he did not “do well” and that the LORD had Respect to Abel’s offering. GOD told Cain the reason his offering was rejected, was he did not do well which indicated he was doing or had done something that perverted his offering/gift. On the other hand Abel’s gift were testified to ne accepted. Knowing Abel’s Sacrifice should be the focus as his way was the right way.
Without conjecturing which facet of his presentation was incorrect or out of compliance with GOD’S Will, we can ascertain from the Scriptures that whatever it was, GOD’S consideration of the Offering /Conduct was “not well”.
The admonishment from GOD, was made to allow Cain the opportunity to repent for the condition of his Mind, Heart or Actions and possibly allow Reconcilement however it was related to his Actions and Offering. He was given the time to Repent. It is not enough to physically bring an offering to GOD as a “show of works”; it must be Presented from the heart. GOD told Cain to Resist the sin that was growing in his Heart.
All things required by GOD must be done in Accordance to the way HE Ordained it, allowing HIS people to be in Compliance with HIS Will. This is what makes a gift, sacrifice or Offering acceptable to GOD, only then will GOD have respect towards it. It must be in obedience to the Divine Will; from Love to GOD and with true Devotion to HIM in the Faith of the Promised Seed, (CHRIST) and with a view to HIS Sacrifice for Atonement and Acceptance. If done in this way the offering will be well pleasing and acceptable to GOD. Otherwise it is compounded sin which is iniquity (evil, sin, wickedness, crime, abominations, injustice, immorality, cruelty) and it will be rejected.
Jas 4:7 Be subject therefore unto God; but resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
When gifts and offerings are brought to the altar it should be approached with Holiness and Love, without irreconcilable differences, Animosity, or Conflicts, with another person. Before the Offering is made all must be reconciled as CHRIST Commanded:
Mat 5:23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
Mat 5:24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
It is no good considering any conflict irreconcilable. The fulfillment of the Law is Love. If we are obedient to GOD, we will follow HIS Commandments, the Commandments of CHRIST and Resolve all Disunity, Strife, Anger, Dissension, Opposition, Animosity, Antagonism and such Passions that cause Schism and Discord.
In addition, CHRIST teaches that any sin in the heart such as Anger, Lust, Jealousy Envy, etc., is the same as committing the Act of Sin because it starts from the Heart and Defiles the person.
Mat 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
CHRIST teaches that sin of all types proceed from the heart including but not limited to: Evil Thoughts, Anger, Envy, Murder, Adultery, Fornication, Theft, False Witness, Covetousness, and Blasphemy. Most sins appear harmless because people often think they are not hurting anyone else when the sin may only be in their Mind and Imagination. But sin never remains small or harmless and they don’t stay in our Mind. They Manifest in the Physical World where they are seen and felt.
Mat 15:18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
Mat 15:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
Mat 15:20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.
Cain’s evil works and Enmity towards his brother continued to grow and eventually it culminated in the act of Murder, specifically evoked by Abel’s Righteous character, his service and GOD’S Acceptance of his offering. Cain had a choice to act on the Principles of the Kingdom of Light or the Kingdom of Darkness and he chose Darkness. See >> The Two Divisions of Mankind <<
Gen 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.
Heb 11:4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he had witness borne to him that he was righteous, God bearing witness in respect of his gifts: and through it he being dead yet speaketh.
1Jn_3:12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.
Cain compounded his sin one on top of the other, which is the way of sin. When GOD asked him to account for his actions (murder) he began by asking the whereabouts of Abel. Cain lied to GOD claiming he did not know the whereabouts of Abel.
Gen 4:9 And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper?
Jas_1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
What Have You Done?
Gen 4:10 And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground.
It is clear that GOD was aware of Cain’s crime although HE did not accuse him immediately.
Gen 4:11 And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother’s blood from thy hand;
Gen 4:12 When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.
The long-suffering of GOD is seen throughout the Bible especially with the Relationship between Israel and HIMSELF which is written for our Admonishment. However, while GOD is showing Mercy, a person may develop a Reprobate mind whereas, although warned, they continue to sin and Disobey GOD as many people do daily.
They reason with themselves and connive ways to achieve what they covet while appearing not to Transgress GOD’S Commandment such as Baalam. So notorious was the act of this man, he is mentioned in the Book of Revelation as having a doctrine (of Satan) causing Israel to sin terribly, as is the way of Satan, through subtle means.
Rev 2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
Cain has added yet more negativity to the domain of Man. The ground was already cursed because of the sin of disobedience of Adam & Eve, now this was added to Earth’s Calamity. The ground was polluted because of Cain and his sin of murder.
We can identify Cain’s serpentine character and his malignant heart as a seed of the serpent and as a inhabitant of the Kingdom of Darkness by his continuance in sin after being waned by GOD and his reaction when GOD proceeded with his sentencing.
Gen 4:13 And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear.
Gen 4:14 Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me.
His immediate concern is that he has been discovered and when his lie does not relieve his situation he resorts to complaining. There is no Repentance, no Contrition, no Remorse for his sin. In addition he attempts to impugn GOD; to tell him that the punishment is too severe; challenging the weight of sin and the weight of punishment ratio, even though judicially he deserved to die for his crime, the sin of murder which hints that the Principles of GOD’S Law were known as early as this time.
Num 35:19 The revenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer: when he meeteth him, he shall slay him.
Num 35:21 Or in enmity smite him with his hand, that he die: he that smote him shall surely be put to death; for he is a murderer: the revenger of blood shall slay the murderer, when he meeteth him.
No where is it recorded that Cain alludes to, much less, repents for the sinful thoughts of his wicked heart, for the evil action of murdering his brother or his wicked interaction with GOD. He complains and laments that his life will become too miserable (“more than he can bear”) being a fugitive (in fear of Retribution) because he can no longer till the land and must leave his Paternal home (vagabond). He can no longer “settle down” being a fugitive and a vagabond according to the curse.
Gen 4:15 And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.
His Lament is for the Loss of his Earthly material belongings. Home, Property, Land, the Yield of Produce from the Land, his Possessions and possibly his Status in the family. In contrast, he has robbed his brother Abel of Man’s most Valuable Possession, his Life.He has robbed his Mother and Father of a son and if there were other Children, a sibling. See >> Relationship <<
He does not consider the Mercy of GOD although HE gives him a level of undeserved protection by placing a mark upon him, including a Mandate of a Sevenfold Curse on anyone who slays him, as a Deterrent to others, Preventing further murder because of Revenge.
No longer able to till the land Cain builds a City and finds other ways to gain and Accrue Carnal Material Wealth. He may also have built the city as a means of protection from those he feared would venture to avenge the death of Abel. Even this was due to his own evil mind and what he conceived mentally due to the heinousness of his crime.
A City was also a way to keep the families together forming a Formidable defense structure. It is possible that he may have used the instruments and machinery invented by his sons to force the Earth to produce food or used the implements as a source of income or barter for the food he was not able to grow himself. At any rate his family appears to have used their time and abilities in other ways than farming.
Lamech of Cain
A murderous propensity and non-contrition was later learned and or “inherited” by a descendant of Cain, named Lamech, who also was Guilty of Murder. Lamech also furnishes the first recorded instance of Polygamy.
Gen 4:19 And Lamech took unto him two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah.
Gen 4:20 And Adah bare Jabal: he was the father of such as dwell in tents, and of such as have cattle.
He, like Cain, did not exhibit any remorse or repentance for his sin of murder but excused it as a means to justify it and to minimize any retribution from the Murdered Man’s family members .His only sentiment expressed was to almost brag a point of “the Multiplicity of the curse on anyone who killed Cain was multiplied even more, if anyone killed him.”
Gen 4:23 And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt.
Gen 4:24 If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold.
From the polygamous union Lamech gave birth to sons who were the progenitors to war and music which were not used to the Glory of GOD. Lamech, like Cain, did not put his Trust in GOD, but in the weapons and instruments invented by his sons, or their implements and machinations which enhanced the physical and material powers of Man by gain through allurement of music, dancing, women, fornication, games, or by force and violence.
Gen 4:21 And his brother’s name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ.
Gen 4:22 And Zillah, she also bare Tubalcain, an instructer of every artificer in brass and iron: and the sister of Tubalcain was Naamah.
Abel the First Martyr
Abel, the first recorded person Murdered also ranks as the first Martyr (spoken by CHRIST) (Mat_23:35), whose blood cried for Vengeance (Gen_4:10); and brought despair (Gen_4:13). Scripture contrasts the blood of Abel with the Blood of CHRIST. whereas Abel’s blood asked for Vengeance, the Blood of CHRIST JESUS appeals to GOD for Forgiveness and speaks Peace for the same crime (Murder of the Innocent) (Heb_12:24) and is preferred before Abel’s. Even on the cross CHRIST asked for Forgiveness for his Oppressors and Murderers. CHRIST also gave a Judgment to the Jews involved with HIS “Assassination”.
Mat 23:35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.
Heb 12:24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
Luk 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
As a side note: it appears that Abel may have been the priest of the Family and when he was murdered it may have ceased or Adam may have resumed the office. When Seth was born it appears Eve believed that Seth was the new continuance of the expected Sacred Line for the Appointed Messiah as prophesied in Genesis 3:15.
Gen 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
At the birth of Seth Eve said GOD had appointed her another “Seed instead of Abel” – Eve must have received on this occasion some Divine Communication or Revelation. She seems to know that this son was to continue the Appointed Line, in the place of Abel, to continue that Sacred Line by which the Messiah was to come.
Gen 4:25 And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew.
Gen 4:26 And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.
We can gather from this that the line of the Messiah was determined from the beginning, and that it was not first devised in the days of Abraham; for the Promise was then only Renewed.
Also, Seth’s Progeny alone continued after the Flood, when all of the other families of the Earth were destroyed, Noah being the tenth descendant from Adam through Seth.
The following list shows the individuals in the order of their succession:
1. Adam;
2. Seth;
3. Enos;
4. Cainan;
5. Mahalaleel;
6. Jared;
7. Enoch;
8. Methuselah;
9. Lamech, (the second);
10.Noah.
In order to keep this line distinct, we find particular care was taken that, where there were two or more sons in a family, the one through whom GOD designed to bring CHRIST into the World was, by some special means pointed out. In the family of Adam, Seth was chosen; in the family of Noah, Shem; in the family of Abraham, Isaac; and afterwards David, and Solomon and on. All of these things were ordained by GOD from the beginning according to the Grand Design which evoked the promise of Genesis 3:15, in the Garden of Eden. See – “GOD’S PURPOSE FOR MAN series for the continued discussion of the providence of GOD. The Scriptures below depict the ordained line of CHRIST according to Matthew – from beginning to end and according to Luke from end to beginning. Mary (the mother of JESUS) and Joseph was from the same tribal lineage so either line of ascent or descent would be the same blood line if it were reckoned from her lineage.
MATTHEW – LINEAGE OF CHRIST FROM ABRAHAM TO JOSEPH
Mat 1:1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
Mat 1:2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;
Mat 1:3 And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;
Mat 1:4 And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;
Mat 1:5 And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;
Mat 1:6 And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;
Mat 1:7 And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;
Mat 1:8 And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;
Mat 1:9 And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias;
Mat 1:10 And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias;
Mat 1:11 And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon:
Mat 1:12 And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;
Mat 1:13 And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;
Mat 1:14 And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;
Mat 1:15 And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;
Mat 1:16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
The next group of Scriptures depict the ordained lineage according to Luke – from end to beginning:
LUKE – LINEAGE OF CHRIST FROM JOSEPH TO ADAM
Luk 3:23 And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli,
Luk 3:24 Which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi, which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Janna, which was the son of Joseph,
Luk 3:25 Which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Amos, which was the son of Naum, which was the son of Esli, which was the son of Nagge,
Luk 3:26 Which was the son of Maath, which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Semei, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Juda,
Luk 3:27 Which was the son of Joanna, which was the son of Rhesa, which was the son of Zorobabel, which was the son of Salathiel, which was the son of Neri,
Luk 3:28 Which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Addi, which was the son of Cosam, which was the son of Elmodam, which was the son of Er,
Luk 3:29 Which was the son of Jose, which was the son of Eliezer, which was the son of Jorim, which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi,
Luk 3:30 Which was the son of Simeon, which was the son of Juda, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Jonan, which was the son of Eliakim,
Luk 3:31 Which was the son of Melea, which was the son of Menan, which was the son of Mattatha, which was the son of Nathan, which was the son of David,
Luk 3:32 Which was the son of Jesse, which was the son of Obed, which was the son of Booz, which was the son of Salmon, which was the son of Naasson,
Luk 3:33 Which was the son of Aminadab, which was the son of Aram, which was the son of Esrom, which was the son of Phares, which was the son of Juda,
Luk 3:34 Which was the son of Jacob, which was the son of Isaac, which was the son of Abraham, which was the son of Thara, which was the son of Nachor,
Luk 3:35 Which was the son of Saruch, which was the son of Ragau, which was the son of Phalec, which was the son of Heber, which was the son of Sala,
Luk 3:36 Which was the son of Cainan, which was the son of Arphaxad, which was the son of Sem, which was the son of Noe, which was the son of Lamech,
Luk 3:37 Which was the son of Mathusala, which was the son of Enoch, which was the son of Jared, which was the son of Maleleel, which was the son of Cainan,
Luk 3:38 Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God.
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