Genesis 4:1-15 NKJV
4 Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, and said, “I have acquired a man from the Lord.” 2 Then she bore again, this time his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. 3 And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord. 4 Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, 5 but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell.
6 So the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? 7 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.”
8 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.
9 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?”
He said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?”
10 And He said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground. 11 So now you are cursed from the earth, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. 12 When you till the ground, it shall no longer yield its strength to you. A fugitive and a vagabond you shall be on the earth.”
13 And Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is greater than I can bear! 14 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.”
15 And the Lord said to him, “Therefore, whoever kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold.” And the Lord set a mark on Cain, lest anyone finding him should kill him.
In Genesis 4:1-15, we witness the devastating effects of sin in humanity’s first murder. Martin Luther’s commentary provides insights into its relevance to our faith and daily walk. Despite their sin, Adam and Eve fulfill God’s command to “be fruitful and multiply.” This passage reminds us to honor marriage and procreation as blessings from God, distinguishing between sinful human desires and God’s goodness.
Eve believed Cain was the promised Seed, teaching us to trust God’s promises, even when their fulfillment seems unclear. We must trust in God’s perfect timing. God upends human expectations, favoring the humble. Abel’s faith made his sacrifice acceptable, showing that genuine faith, not status, pleases God. Abel’s offering was accepted because it was made in faith, while Cain’s was rejected due to reliance on status. True worship comes from a heart of faith. This reminds us that the true church, often hidden and despised, remains dear to God. True believers show humility and faithfulness, enduring hardships for the Gospel.
God’s mercy toward Cain, even after his grievous sin, highlights His compassion and desire for repentance. This points to the ultimate mercy and redemption in Jesus Christ, reminding us to cling to God’s Word and promises. Cain’s anger and fallen countenance reflect spiritual turmoil and pride. God’s admonition emphasizes that faith, not human effort, is needed to overcome sin.
These verses warn against arrogance from human achievements, emphasizing humility before God. The story of Cain and Abel serves as a warning against pride and a call to trust in God’s grace. Despite temporal blessings, Cain is spiritually excluded, highlighting the tension between the prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous, underscoring the need for divine grace. Let us pray: O Lord, let your merciful ears be open to the prayers of your humble servants. Teach us to ask for what pleases you, that we may receive what we ask for; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.