Topical Encyclopedia Cain, the firstborn son of Adam and Eve, is a significant figure in the early chapters of Genesis. His life and actions have profound implications for the understanding of sin, judgment, and redemption in the biblical narrative. Cain is most famously known for committing the first murder by killing his brother Abel, an act that led to his curse and exile.Biblical Account The account of Cain is primarily found in Genesis 4. After the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden, Eve gave birth to Cain and later to Abel. Cain became a farmer, while Abel was a shepherd. In the course of time, both brothers brought offerings to the LORD. Cain offered "some of the fruits of the soil," while Abel brought "the firstborn of his flock and their fat portions" (Genesis 4:3-4, BSB). The LORD looked with favor on Abel's offering but not on Cain's, leading to Cain's anger and eventual murder of Abel (Genesis 4:5-8, BSB). Judgment and Exile Following the murder, the LORD confronted Cain, who famously responded, "Am I my brother’s keeper?" (Genesis 4:9, BSB). As a result of his sin, Cain was cursed from the ground that had received his brother's blood. The LORD declared that when Cain worked the ground, it would no longer yield its strength to him, and he would be a restless wanderer on the earth (Genesis 4:11-12, BSB). Despite his punishment, the LORD placed a mark on Cain to protect him from being killed by others, demonstrating a measure of divine mercy even in judgment (Genesis 4:15, BSB). Descendants of Cain Cain's lineage is detailed in Genesis 4:17-24. After his exile, Cain settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden, where he built a city and named it after his son, Enoch (Genesis 4:17, BSB). Cain's descendants include several notable figures: · Enoch: Not to be confused with the Enoch who "walked with God" (Genesis 5:24, BSB), this Enoch was the firstborn of Cain and the namesake of the city Cain built. · Irad, Mehujael, Methushael, and Lamech: These are the subsequent generations following Enoch. Lamech is particularly noteworthy for his declaration of vengeance, which echoes and amplifies the violence of Cain (Genesis 4:23-24, BSB). · Jabal, Jubal, and Tubal-Cain: Lamech's sons, who are credited with significant cultural advancements. Jabal is described as the "father of those who dwell in tents and raise livestock," Jubal as the "father of all who play the harp and flute," and Tubal-Cain as a "forger of every implement of bronze and iron" (Genesis 4:20-22, BSB). Theological Implications Cain's account is a profound exploration of sin's nature and consequences. His actions demonstrate the destructive power of unchecked anger and jealousy. The narrative also highlights God's justice and mercy, as seen in Cain's punishment and the protective mark placed upon him. Cain's descendants, while contributing to human culture and civilization, also reflect the continuation of sin's impact through Lamech's boastful violence. Cain's legacy is a somber reminder of humanity's fallen state and the need for redemption, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 4:17,18And 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. Nave's Topical Index Library The Promise. From the Fall to the Flood. The Answer to the Question Raised. Acts 17:26 "One Blood. " On the Church Chapter iv "In the Volume of the Book it is Written of Me" (Heb. . . Parental Duties Considered and Urged. Christ the Conqueror of Satan Letter Xlvi. Paula and Eustochium to Marcella. Resources How did Cain die? What happened to Cain? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the phrase raising Cain? | GotQuestions.org Who was Cain in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Cain: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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