Ge 4:1 And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived,
and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD.
Ge 4:2And she again(03254) bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.
As we begin this study, first attention will be to the words "and she again," in Gen 4:2.
03254 yacaph
{yaw-saf'}
a primitive root; TWOT - 876; v
AV - more 70, again 54, add 28, increase 16, also
6, exceed 4, put 4, further 4, henceforth 4, can 2, continued 2, give 2,
misc. 17; 213
1) to add, increase, do again
1a) (Qal) to add, increase, do again
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to join, join oneself to
1b2) to be joined, be added to
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to cause to add, increase
1c2) to do more, do again
There has been speculation as to whether or not Cain and Abel were twins, and therefore, no age difference to speak of existed. This, in turn, opens a door concerning attitudes and birthrights as they appear in later chapters.
When we review the creative days and narratives of Gen 1-3, the word and is one of continuing events. Confusion or speculation do not exist. The events simply follow each other over a given period of time as we normally perceive consecutive events. However, while still reading the same book, beginning with chapters 25:24; 38:27 and also in So 4:2,5; 6:6; 7:3; we see the specific word "twins."
08380
ta'owm {taw-ome'} or ta'om {taw-ome'}
from 08382; TWOT - 2489a; n m
AV - twin 4; 4
1) twin
It seems to me then, that these first two offspring were born at different times, rather than being twins in the sense we understand. This same sort of continuum appears when we read of the birth of Seth.
Ge 4:25 And Adam knew his wife again (05750); and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew.
05750 `owd
{ode} or `od {ode}
from 05749; TWOT - 1576a
AV - again, more, good while, longer, else,
since, yet, still; 30
subst
1) a going round, continuance adv
2) still, yet, again, besides
2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence)
2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition)
2c) again
2d) still, moreover, besides
Here we are seeing a variant word, but nothing changes. We have, within the context of time on the move, the same sort of syntax as as before. What we should concentrate on is sibling rivalry. The scriptures clearly show that Cain is a firstborn son. As such (and alluding to common sense), he is a matter of great pride to his parents. After all, it is humankind's first creative effort in the propagation of the human race. We can even speculate that he became a "spoiled brat ." There was no competitor for the parental affections, no competition in the areas of talent; or for that matter, anything else. Cain was a part of the "flow." He could see the pride in his parents. And not to be forgotten, also had the knowledge of good and evil, which probably went unchecked since the entire world population was at a status quo. In short, he (Cain) "had it made."
After a Biblically undisclosed passage of time though, Eve changed in the eyes of her son. He could see the physical and emotional differences in both parents; but mostly in his mother. This would have been for him, as is the case in contemporary "only child" situations, potentially devastating. Complicating this, finally, is the arrival of the second born son, Abel. The new little addition to the family usurped Cain of his parent's undivided attention and affections. Not only that, but it has placed an unexpected and unwanted burden of additional work. The scenario of discontent is most obvious.
As a result, enmity on a scale we can only speculate about, came to a head, when, according to the worship of that time, both Cain (07014) and his brother were required to bring an offering before the Lord God.
07014 Qayin
{kah'-yin}
the same as 07013 (with a play upon the affinity to
07069); TWOT - 2017,2016
AV - Cain 17, Kenite 1; 18
n pr m Cain = "possession"
I find it interesting to view the Hebrew definition of Cain's name. He is a prized "possession" to is parents. Would you care to reflect for a moment on how this attitude affected him? Perhaps we have discovered yet another facet of the man's personality. The list of his problems grows.
01893 Hebel
{heh'-bel}
the same as 01892;; n pr m
AV - Abel 8; 8
Abel = "breath"
The status quo of a three person family has been altered. A fresh "breath" is in the air and in time, the new human should be a considerable asset in helping with each day's labors. There is another child to admire and hold in a pride full (joyful?) manner. There is also another mouth to feed, which could be most problematic considering that the earth now gave forth crops grudgingly because of the curse which had been pronounced on it. The toils of each day would of necessity be increased to a point where the needed help was at a premium. And this "new one?" "All he has to do is sit around and play with the animals." Enter more hostile feelings.
Shall we critique the situation? Cain is tired. He is tired of shared affections, an unequal work load, and the constant competition of this younger brother. He wishes (as do so many) that Abel had never been born. Perhaps he is also frightened that there would be still more "others" who would create increasing burdens he (Cain) wouldn't be able to carry. Something has to be done, especially now that God has shown this newcomer a preference to him, having rejected his (Cain's offering. "What a bum deal. "That's okay, my day will come."
Ge 4:8 And 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 slew him.
Cain has aborted his brother's life! He now has the distinction of being the world's first murderer. It was premeditated, and as is so customary, denial of responsibility is the keynote of his attitude and conversation. See how he reacts to God:
Ge 4:9 And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper?
Does this reflect the "me first" attitude we see so often? Who in our social setting today, fosters such attitudes? People, think about these things very carefully. Think about your responsibilities in rearing your children, and dealing with others. We are seeing the family torn apart. Can you see why? Can you see the importance of teaching responsibilities as well as rights? Do you agree that the promotion of cooperation is more important than that of being a star or hero image?
Abel was a Son of God. He was keenly aware of life and how it should be cared for. He was also keenly aware how difficult it is to give up something (someone) dearly loved, for a greater cause; that of pleasing God. Not many people do this today, or for that matter, even care about it. How sad!
In contrast we see Cain, who in his selfishness, yielded to the temptation of finding the easy way out. He would say or do anything that would give him some sort of gain. He had absolutely no qualms of conscience, even when brought to trial for murder. He could think only of shouting "poor me" as a way to gain an advantage. I don't doubt that he thought he could out-think God. Satan did that too, didn't he? And so, those who adopt and adapt such attitudes become the Sons of Man. They may live long and prosperous lives, continuing to delude themselves into thinking they are the masters of their own destinies.