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Genesis Chapter 4
4:1: Now the man had relations with his
wife Eve, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain
Cain: = To beget.
4:3: So it came about in the course of time that Cain brought an offering to the Lord
Course of time: Possibly a time when sacrifices were due.
The institute of sacrifices was likely already established and taught by Adam to his offspring. This might be inferred by the act of God when he sacrificed
animals to provide a covering for Adam & Eve in the garden. Three key elements: An animal had to be slaughtered; blood was shed; a covering was provided for their nakedness - their knowledge of sin.-
4:4 & 5: The Lord had regard for Abel and for his offering, but for Cain and for his offering He had no regard.
Had no regard: Cain’s
sacrifice did not involve the shedding of blood and was therefor unacceptable. Cain was most likely aware of the sacrificial requirements, but chose to do it his way by bringing the works of his own
hands. Both Cain and Abel were sinners and the theme being presented here is one of faith vs works. See heb. 11:4 Also, Cain as a type of Pharisee and Abel as a type of prophet. See Luke 11:49
4:12: When you cultivate the ground, it shall no longer yield its strength to you
Yield its strength: Many
times the consequences of our sin pervert or render useless that which we know best; IE: knowledge, talents and area of expertise.
4:15: And the Lord appointed a sign for Cain, lest anyone finding him should slay him.
Sign: Rather than a mark, this might very well have been a sign requiring faith on the part of Cain that he would have known and was able to
exercise to preserve his life.
4:16: Then Cain went out from the presence of the Lord and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.
Nod: Meaning
wanderer, may indicate that Cain became a nomad.
East of Eden: Might also indicate the land of Asia where the word of God has been fervently
rejected throughout history.
4:17-22: In the generations of Cain related in these verses, it is obvious that Cain’s descendants are named after God. These generations give us a picture of the long-suffering and grace of
God. God gave Cain time to repent of his error, and from all indications, he probably did.
4:26: Then men began to call upon the name of the Lord.
Better translated - profane
Genesis Chapter 5
THE GENERATIONS OF NOAH
There has been some controversy about
the extended lives of the generations following Adam, however, no serious challenge has arisen that would prove that these long life spans were anything other than what the Bible tells us.
Two interesting insights: V 5:24 The days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years. And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.
Enoch: Enoch was the generation midway between Adam and Abraham. Might not be important, but interesting.
Walked with God: Enoch did not die as all men do, but was taken by God. This may indicate that Enoch will return as one of the two witnesses during the end times.
5:25 Methuselah: Whose name means “To die” or “To send forth judgement” had the longest life span recorded in the Bible. Considering the
meaning of his name, “To send forth judgement” it is not ironic or coincidence that the flood of Noah began at the death of Methuselah.
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