Module 5a
Genesis 4:1-16
Reading Component
Read Genesis 4-6. Note on your summary whether you completed the reading. Write a 5-7 word descriptive title for Genesis 4:1-16. Read material covering Genesis 4:1-16 in the three textbooks and write a one-page summary comparing and contrasting the three commentaries. Post title and summary to the on-line classroom. Read the titles and summaries posted by other students. Be prepared to read and discuss your title and summary in class.
Genesis 4:1-16 Sin Mutates in the Human Race
Reading Assignment was completed.
Ross and Constable both view this chapter as the spread of sin from the family to society. Ross frequently compares and contrasts the story of Cain’s sin with that of Adam and Eve to show the degradation. Likewise, Constable quotes Wenham to show that while the stories are parallel, there is development as sin is more firmly entrenched and humanity is further alienated from God. Ross calls what Cain’s descendents lived under as “common grace,” that is, they were allowed to prosper in an earthly sense although they were not following God. The idea of believers living amongst such an unbelieving civilization would have important primary application for the Israelites. Ross lists seven theological motifs which a believer should notice.
The structure of this passage was very interesting, and Ross provides a chart showing the balance of the Cain and Abel narrative. The Bible Knowledge Commentary describes the structure as alternating the subject (Cain or Abel) clause after clause. Constable shows what appears to be a chiastic structure although he does not discuss it at great length.
Ross’s exposition focuses on Cain as “the archetype of antagonistic unbelief.” Ross discusses the suggestion (only a suggestion) that Cain was more suited to unbelief due to his occupation. The writer of Genesis shows by his description of the two offerings how Abel’s was more elaborate and really constituted the “best” he had to give. The Bible Knowledge Commentary says that Abel went out of his way to please God, while Cain was just performing a duty. Constable describes three different theories of what Abel’s sacrifice had that Cain’s didn’t, and discusses the fact that the term “firstfruits” was not used in describing Cain’s sacrifice. It is not explained how it was known that God accepted Abel’s offering and not Cain’s, but Ross states that this is really incidental. Ross notes that while Eve had to be talked into committing her sin; Cain would not be talked out of his, even by the Lord Himself. Ross stresses the point “do what is right and you will master sin.” The use of “desire” in 4:7 as in 3:16 is significant. The murder story has a parallel construction with the sin in the garden. Unlike his parents, Cain lies as well as repudiates any responsibility for caring for his brother. The Israelites would notice the significance of the responsibility of caring for their brethren.
Ross feels that Cain’s response showed no remorse, but simply lamented his state. Constable seems to agree, saying that it was filled with self-pity. Constable focuses on the punishment of nomadism, and discusses how contemporary cultures viewed it; he also discusses different theories on the mark that Cain received. Constable also notes that the term “Nod” itself means wandering. The concept of moving eastward appears as a motif of going away from God’s presence after both the Eden expulsion and the first murder. Constable actually quotes Ross in Bible Knowledge Commentary in saying “their sense of guilt was eased by their cultural development and their geographical expansion.”
Ross suggests that expositors of this passage can either examine why the righteous must tolerate people like Cain, or use it to warn against sin and provide advice for averting it. I John 3:11-13 is used as an illustration for love of the brethren. Ross concludes by saying “those who worship must have as their goal always to please God that they will not allow sin (envy and hatred) to work its ruinous ways in their lives.” Constable summarizes this almost identically. Ross quotes von Rad to explain the difference between the cry of Abel’s blood and the cry of Christ’s blood.
That was helpful for me too; I hadn’t thought about it that way.
That was a cool viewpoint, thanks for sharing!
Way to be efficient!