Today, I’ve read the story of Cain and Abel for the first time and it resonates with me as I think about my siblings. When I think of my siblings, its difficult for me to admit I’m also guilty of being envious and angry. My siblings have never been bad people. There are three of us, I being the oldest, and as far as leadership goes, I could have done better. So, I suppose this may be a little bit of a confession article along with the story.
Furthermore, my brother has mostly been a very good man, despite my efforts to belittle him out of my jealousy. His whole life he was the perfect representation of a son for my parents. He helped my father work the farm, always did what was asked, and respected our father for the most part.
My sister, I envied because as far as women go, I felt she was always sure in herself and usually pretty gracious and generous to those she would call friends and even those that weren’t. I used to believe I treated her better than my brother, but I didn’t. As a child, I always had a need for control and as an adult now I can see how much damaged I’ve caused to both of them. At the time I couldn’t see it, and wish I would have.
The world is very confusing as wickedness seems to over power good much of the time. But, every once in awhile, I get to see some light from other fellow humans and I really cherish those moments, because they are few now a days. I also get to feel hope when that rare light shines from me, but those those days are few too. I hope there can be more of them.
This is something I’ve been asked to had over to God, but I haven’t. Forgiving myself has been a challenge for me and has probably led me to grow into the spinster I’ve become. Eventually I hope to get to that point, self-sabotage is something that is far too common, and extremely unhealthy and should be avoided.
Onto The Story of Cain and Abel
Cain was the first born son of Adam and Eve. Abel was their second.
Cain’s job was farming the land while Abel’s was caring for the sheep.
Both sons brought their offerings to God. Cain offered the harvest he grew in the fields and Abel offered the fattest parts of the firstborn’s from his livestock.
God was pleased with Abel’s offerings, but not with Cain’s. This made Cain very sad and angry. God noticed this and said,
“Why are you angry? Why are you looking so sad? Do what is right and then you will be accepted. If you don’t do what is right, sin is waiting at your door to grab you. It desires to control you. But you must rule over it.”
The Lord, Book of Genesis, Chapter 7, Verses 6-7
Cain asked Abel to go into the field with him. There, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.
God knew what Cain had done and cursed him. Cursed him to leave his land that would never bear harvest for him and he would roam restlessly around the earth.
Cain was concerned others would try to kill him. God placed a mark on Cain so if anyone found him they would not kill him. God warned that if anyone were to kill Cain, they would be paid back 7 times.
So then Cain left Eden and settled in the east of Eden in a land called Nod.
The Family Line of Cain
- Cain had a wife he loved and they produced a son Enoch.
- Enoch had a son Irad.
- Irad had a son Mehujael.
- Mehujael had a son Methushael.
- Methushael had a son Lamech. Who eventually had a son Noah (Yes, the Noah of Noah’s Ark). Noah’s Mother is unknown
Lamech and His Bloodline
Lamech took two wives, Adah and Zillah
- Lamech and Adah gave birth to two sons – Jabal and Jubal
- Jabal was the father of people who lived in tents and raised livestock
- Jubal was the father of everyone who plays string instruments and wind instruments
- Lamech and Zillah gave birth to a son and a daughter – Tubal-Cain and Naamah.
- Tubal-Cain made tools out of bronze and iron.
Lamech said to his wives
“Adah and Zillah, listen to me! You wives of Lamech, hear my words! I have killed a man because he wounded me. I have killed a man because he hurt me. Anyone who would of killed Cain would of been paid back seven times. But anyone who hurts me will be paid back 77 times.”
Book of Genesis, Lamech speaks, Chapter 4 Verses 23-24
Now, why 77 times? Why did Lamech feel he was more deserving of avenge if harm were to fall upon him versus Cain? And did God endorse this? These were my first thoughts when reading this.
We’re allowed questions, because we want a deeper understanding of why and how things happened the way they did. God wants us to ask questions. So if you find yourself surrounded by people that shame you for asking questions about the bible… find a new group. I’m lucky enough to have a few friends that are religious and are happy to help with any questions I need.
Adam and Eve’s 3rd Son
Adam and Eve decided to have another son to replace Abel, his name was Seth. Seth also had a son and named him Enosh. “Then people began to call on the name of the Lord.”