Genesis 4:1–26

Find a quiet place, alone and apart from distractions. Be comfortably alert, still, and at peace. Say the Lord’s Prayer. Pray for family, friends, neighbors, and yourself. Slowly and carefully read the passage of Scripture. Also see: Dt.12:20–25, 15:19–23; Mt. 23:29–36; Col.1:15–20; Heb. 11:1–6; 1 John 3:11–15.

1.    First born of Adam and Eve was Cain, the second born was Abel. Abel “keep” sheep while Cain farmed the land, and from each of which they brought offerings of their produce to the LORD.

2.    Abel would have killed a sheep, the firstborn of his flock, shed its blood, in order to present his offering. Is this a prophetic event, pointing to the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross?

3.    Cain’s reaction to the rejection by the LORD of his offering was one of anger, and the LORD reached out to him but then out of Cain’s anger he kills his younger brother.

4.    As a result Cain becomes a “fugitive and a wanderer on the earth.” This “punishment,” and fear sets deep into his being.

5.    But the LORD issues a protection for Cain even gives him a “mark” to protect him. (The nature of the “mark” remains a mystery. The best thought is that it was something visible like a tattoo.) The need for the protection is that others may seek to harm him. Who these others are also remains a mystery.

6.    Cain and his wife have a son, Enoch, who builds a city. Five generations after Cain Lamech is born, who would have two wives.

7.    Lamech’s kills a young man for “wounding” him, a severe reaction and Lamech understands that his punishment will be greater than that of Cain.

8.    This segment of Scripture concludes with the birth of Seth, born of Adam and Eve, who would supplant Cain. After a period of time, “people began to call upon the name of the LORD.” And this is a hopeful sign of a better future.