Topical Bible: Malice: Cain Toward Abel

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Introduction

Malice, a deep-seated animosity or ill will, is vividly illustrated in the biblical account of Cain and Abel. This narrative, found in the book of Genesis, serves as a profound example of how unchecked envy and resentment can lead to destructive actions. The account of Cain and Abel is not only a historical account but also a moral lesson on the dangers of harboring malice in one's heart.

Biblical Account

The account of Cain and Abel is recorded in Genesis 4:1-16. Cain and Abel were the first two sons of Adam and Eve. Abel was a keeper of sheep, while Cain was a tiller of the ground. In the course of time, both brothers brought offerings to the LORD. Abel offered the firstborn of his flock and their fat portions, while Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil.

The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but He did not look with favor on Cain and his offering. This disparity in divine acceptance ignited a spark of malice in Cain's heart. Genesis 4:5-7 states, "So Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell. Then the LORD said to Cain, 'Why are you angry, and why has your countenance fallen? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you refuse to do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires you, but you must master it.'"

The Manifestation of Malice

Despite the LORD's warning, Cain allowed his anger and jealousy to fester. The malice within him grew, leading to a tragic outcome. Genesis 4:8 recounts, "Then Cain said to his brother Abel, 'Let us go out to the field.' And while they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him."

Cain's act of fratricide was the first murder recorded in Scripture, a direct result of the malice that had taken root in his heart. This act of violence was not merely a crime against Abel but also a grievous sin against God, who had created both brothers in His image.

Divine Judgment and Consequences

Following Abel's murder, the LORD confronted Cain, asking, "Where is your brother Abel?" to which Cain responded, "I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?" (Genesis 4:9). The LORD then pronounced judgment on Cain, declaring that Abel's blood cried out from the ground. As a consequence, Cain was cursed from the ground that had received his brother's blood, and he became a restless wanderer on the earth (Genesis 4:10-12).

Cain's punishment highlights the severe consequences of malice and sin. The LORD's judgment served as a reminder of the sanctity of life and the importance of mastering one's sinful desires.

Theological Implications

The account of Cain and Abel underscores the destructive power of malice and the importance of heeding God's warnings. It illustrates the need for individuals to guard their hearts against envy and resentment, which can lead to sin. The narrative also emphasizes God's justice and the moral order He established, where sin has consequences.

Furthermore, the account foreshadows the ultimate redemption through Christ, who, unlike Abel, willingly laid down His life and whose blood speaks a better word than the blood of Abel (Hebrews 12:24). This redemption offers hope and reconciliation for those who turn away from malice and seek forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 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.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Second Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to Brotherly Love.
... of suffering, nor permit its malice and ingratitude to ... the fact that a man of Cain's
qualifications, born ... display such hatred and inhumanity toward poor Abel ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/second sunday after trinity exhortation.htm

Acts xxviii. 1
... with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome." (v ... Cain slew his brother, but
in this he rather benefited him ... in the life to come: but as to malice, the case ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily liv acts xxviii 1.htm

Knox -- the First Temptation of Christ
... we have to note the mark, that altho the malice of Satan ... he did not stir up the cruel
heart of Cain against him till God declared His favor toward him by ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/knox the first temptation.htm

Acts ii. 37
... They conceived no malice toward each other; they committed all to ... what more malicious
than Cain? ... out unsuspiciously, while they received his words in malice? ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily vii acts ii 37.htm

The Exhortation of the Last HomilyIs Continued in This. ...
... But thou, who art travelling toward better things, and hast the ... Cain lived, groaning
and trembling! ... be not children in understanding; howbeit in malice be ye ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily v the exhortation of.htm

Rom. Iv. 1, 2
... him, that He may speedily become appeased toward him. ... Now consider; Cain was the
slayer, Abel was the slain ... us flee from envy, let us extinguish malice, let us ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily viii rom iv 1.htm

The Letter of the Church of Rome
... while they were in the field Cain attacked his ... how free he is from anger toward his
whole ... all wickedness, evil, avarice, contentiousness, malice, fraud, gossip ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the letter of the church.htm

In his Temple
... a parable, showing that He read their malice, and saw ... in these offerings when the
great event toward which they ... Like the offering of Cain, they did not express ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 16 in his temple.htm

General Index.
... Bunyan, John, 252. Cain, hatred of, for Abel, 46. ... self-exaltation of, 504, 554.
enmity of, toward man, 505, 510. ... power and malice of, 517. ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /general index.htm

Bourdaloue -- the Passion of Christ
... behold, also, what has happened through the malice of men ... to give up His spirit,
raised this cry toward heaven, "My ... than the blood of Abel against Cain; then, O ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/bourdaloue the passion of.htm