The story of Cain holds much biblical teaching. Both Cain and Abel were sons of Adam and Eve and received the same teachings and education regarding the things of God. That’s why both offered the fruit of their labor, probably because their parents taught them to offer to God by setting aside the best of their harvest or livestock.
“And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord. Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell.” Genesis 4:3-4
These verses indicate to us how Cain offered out of obligation, and it didn’t come from his heart to set aside a portion for God. This happens with many people who reluctantly give and do things for others begrudgingly because they are selfish, egocentric, and greedy. This can also be seen among siblings in these times. Each person is different, and although parents do a job of Christian teaching, children ultimately make the decisions, and each person has their character.
When a person does God’s will and is loving towards their neighbor, God looks favorably upon them, while when a person is selfish and greedy without love for their neighbor, God cannot view this favorably. The biblical passage is further clarified when God speaks to Cain and speaks to all human beings, saying the following:
“Then the Lord said to Cain, ‘Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.’” Genesis 4:6-7
God clearly indicates to us that if we do good, we will be exalted. However, if we do not do good, God teaches us that sin is very close, and whether we sin or not will depend on us. We will not be able to blame anyone, not our parents, not our coworkers, not family members, nor friends because we have control over our desires.
THEORIES OF WHY CAIN KILLED ABEL
However, Cain’s greed and selfishness go beyond not wanting to offer good sacrifices to God. Not wanting to offer to God is simply a result of his selfish behavior. Therefore, the next step is to arrange to meet his brother Abel in the field.
“Now 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 killed him.” Genesis 4:8
The Word of God does not indicate more; it simply says that he told his brother to go to the field. But Bible scholars and rabbis conclude that it was not just a walk but that there was something much deeper, with different theories being proposed:
- Perhaps they went out to talk in the field about the future when their parents, Adam and Eve, passed away.
- Perhaps it was a conversation about the rights of an elder brother over a younger one so that Abel would be subject to Cain.
- Or maybe he simply killed him to take all the wealth Abel had and also his future inheritance.
Whatever Cain’s purpose was, it was surely much greater than what is usually taught to us, that he killed his brother out of envy. Everything seems to indicate that there would also be some material interest, and that he would benefit from his brother’s death. But the Word of God does not give the exact motive, so they are nothing more than theories, no matter how much expert scholars and rabbis suggest otherwise.
PUNISHMENT AND LEARNING OF CAIN
What is true is that God’s punishment was to drive him from the land and take away everything he had and everything that would belong to him as a son of Adam and Eve. God expels and punishes him so that he learns that he must have a different attitude towards others.
“Surely You have driven me out this day from the face of the ground; I shall be hidden from Your face; I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond on the earth, and it will happen that anyone who finds me will kill me.” Genesis 4:14
The name Cain means “acquisition” and Cain’s desire was to take from others. However, God’s punishment served as a learning experience for Cain because his first son was named Enoch, which in Hebrew is Anach, meaning “educated.” Not only does he name his son that, but he also founds a city.
“And Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch. And he built a city, and called the name of the city after the name of his son—Enoch.” Genesis 4:17
It would be logical to think that a selfish and egocentric person would prefer not to interact with others.
CONCLUSION
Conduct a self-examination and think about your attitude and your life in the face of these practices. If you want to change your life, we invite you to receive God in your heart, as only Jesus Christ can make you a new person. Visit our page KNOW CHRIST.
