Introduction

Cain, the firstborn son of Adam and Eve, is a significant figure in the Bible, primarily known for his act of fratricide against his brother Abel. His account is a profound illustration of unholy fear, which manifests in jealousy, anger, and ultimately, violence. The account of Cain is found in Genesis 4:1-16, and it serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of sin and the consequences of allowing fear and resentment to fester unchecked.

Biblical Account

The narrative begins with Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam and Eve, presenting offerings to the Lord. Cain, a tiller of the ground, brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering, while Abel, a keeper of sheep, offered the firstborn of his flock and their fat portions. The Lord looked with favor upon Abel and his offering, but He did not regard Cain's offering with the same favor. This disparity in divine acceptance led to Cain's anger and his countenance falling (Genesis 4:3-5).

Unholy Fear and Jealousy

Cain's reaction to God's preference for Abel's offering is a classic example of unholy fear. Instead of examining his own actions and seeking to improve his relationship with God, Cain allowed jealousy and resentment to take root in his heart. The Lord, in His mercy, addressed Cain directly, warning him of the sin that was crouching at his door and urging him to master it (Genesis 4:6-7). However, Cain's fear of being overshadowed by his brother and his inability to control his emotions led him down a dark path.

The Act of Violence

Driven by unholy fear and jealousy, Cain lured Abel into the field and killed him. This act of violence was the first murder recorded in the Bible, marking a significant escalation in the manifestation of sin in the world. The Lord confronted Cain, asking him about Abel's whereabouts. Cain's infamous response, "Am I my brother's keeper?" (Genesis 4:9), reveals his defiance and lack of repentance.

Divine Judgment and Consequences

As a result of his actions, Cain faced divine judgment. The Lord pronounced a curse upon him, declaring that the ground would no longer yield its strength to him and that he would be a restless wanderer on the earth (Genesis 4:11-12). Cain's response to this punishment was one of despair, expressing fear that others would kill him. In His continued mercy, the Lord set a mark upon Cain to protect him from being slain, demonstrating God's justice tempered with grace (Genesis 4:13-15).

Theological Implications

Cain's account is a powerful reminder of the dangers of unholy fear. It illustrates how fear, when coupled with jealousy and anger, can lead to devastating consequences. Cain's inability to master his emotions and his failure to heed God's warning resulted in a tragic outcome that affected not only his life but also the lives of those around him. The narrative underscores the importance of self-examination, repentance, and the need to seek God's guidance in overcoming sin.

Legacy

Cain's legacy is one of warning. His life serves as a testament to the destructive power of unholy fear and the importance of maintaining a right relationship with God. The New Testament references Cain as an example of unrighteousness, contrasting his actions with those who walk in the light of Christ (1 John 3:12). His account continues to be a sobering reminder of the consequences of allowing sin to reign in one's heart.Genesis 4:14
Behold, you have driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from your 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 finds me shall slay me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... It was this ungodly fear of God that carried Cain from the presence of God into
the land of Nod, and that put him there upon any carnal worldly business, if ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

Letter cclx. To Optimus the Bishop.
... that this is the first doer of unholy deeds ... with the doctrine of the Church; from
Cain to the ... matters therein that might be investigated, for fear of prolonging ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter cclx to optimus the.htm

In his Temple
... by the presence of sensual passion and unholy thoughts ... With a deference born of this
fear, they went to ... Like the offering of Cain, they did not express faith in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 16 in his temple.htm

The Sin against the Holy Ghost.
... Such prayer is even denounced and forbidden as unholy. ... the Holy Ghost are frequently
in fear and trembling ... can not escape being haunted by the Cain-thought of ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxvii the sin against the.htm

Faith
... reward of all those that love and fear God; but ... his offering the Lord had respect,
but unto Cain and his ... is the faith which saves; and however unholy may have ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/faith.htm

2 Timothy iii. 4-Jan
... After this were Cain and Abel, then the sons of ... natural affection." The unthankful
then is unholy, and this ... are not deterred from wickedness by the fear of hell ...
/.../homily viii 2 timothy iii.htm

Persecution Every Christian's Lot
... proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural ... of
this in the wicked one Cain, who, because ... had it not been for fear of the ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/persecution every christians lot.htm

2 Timothy iii. 7-Jan
... blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural ... Cain despised
his brother, and so, immediately ... the devil agitate thy soul with fear. ...
/.../homily vii 2 timothy iii.htm

Matt. xii. 9, 10
... For being unholy wretches, and well assured that He would ... the man "in the midst;"
not in fear of them, but ... Whence, for example, did Cain become such as he was? ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xl matt xii 9.htm

The Letter of the Church of Rome
... from you, since each has abandoned the fear of God ... evil heart, by reviving that wicked
and unholy rivalry, [25 ... it happened after some days that Cain brought God ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the letter of the church.htm

What does it mean to have the fear of God? | GotQuestions.org

How can I overcome the fear of death? How can I stop being scared of dying? | GotQuestions.org

Is there any reason to fear going into a cemetery / graveyard? | GotQuestions.org

Fear: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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