is important for farmers and all people tied to the land. Cain is destined to wander the earth with no place to call home, estranged from the very land that was his lifeline. And now he is further estranged from the God to whom he offered his best yield. His choices now color his relationship with the One who created him and gave him his being. It is ironic that Cain is so concerned about his own life when he held so little regard for his brother’s. He is worried about being killed when he himself is a killer. Yet he finally speaks his mind and lets God know that he is anguished and afraid.
God has every reason to ignore Cain’s pain. But God is characterized as caring and compassionate even when the divine choice is denied. Even when he stands guilty before God, Cain is given mercy. God assures him that he will not be killed:
Then YHWH said to him, “Not so! Whoever kills Cain will suffer a sevenfold vengeance.” And YHWH put a mark on Cain, so that no one who came upon him would kill him. (Gen. 4:15)
God provides protection for Cain just as God provided support for Adam and Eve. When they were cast out of the Garden, Adam and Eve received suitable clothing to replace the fig leaves they had sewn for loincloths (Gen. 3:21). Even when pronouncing judgment and punishment, God still provides support and care. God has compassion for Cain who had none for his brother. God does well even when Cain has not.
THIS CURIOUS STORY leaves many unanswered questions. However, we are not surprised that Cain is among the “bad boys.” While we hope he will take the higher way, we empathize with him. The God he worships and adores rejects him in favor of his younger brother. We see that Cain is alienated before he kills his brother: he has no idea why God prefers Abel. God offers no clue and holds Cain responsible for the way he will deal with this dilemma. Cain stands as mute and passive before God as did his father Adam when caught after eating the forbidden fruit. Cain seeks acceptance and approval but does not receive it from God. The sin lurking at the door of Cain’s heart has its way and sways him to an act of violence against his brother. Abel is the victim of injustice and his spilled blood must be avenged. Cain is sent into a life of exile and wandering—headed east just as Adam and Eve were sent east from the Garden of Eden. The human family continues to move farther and farther away from God.
Cain’s punishment is especially painful because he is no longer rooted in a place. Further, his own place in God’s heart has been shaken. He is sent away from God’s presence and sphere of love. He is not cut off, but the relationship has been seriously damaged. Cain’s ego and self-esteem have been destroyed, and he is forced to live out the consequences of his decisions. His emotions got the best of him, and now he must pay for his actions.
Beyond the mention that Adam and Eve produced two sons in the opening verse of chapter 4, they play no role in Cain’s story. They are absent from the action; they offer no solace or advice to their son. They do not protect Abel nor do they provide any care for Cain. Their absence is curious.
God places a mark of protection upon Cain. Anyone who kills him will face the vengeance of God. We are told that Cain left the presence of God and settled in Nod, east of Eden. Nothing is known of this mysterious Nod; its name is embedded in a Hebrew word that implies the troubled roving of one destined for an unsettled life as part of God’s judgment and punishment. Thus, Cain leaves the comfort of family and friends and finds himself wandering aimlessly, never satisfied or content. Even when he settles in Nod, the very name implies a continuing restlessness and dissatisfaction with his lot. He is a restless wanderer in a land of restlessness. Cain can never feel at home in Nod or anyplace else. We are told that Cain’s wife conceived, and Cain’s family line is outlined. He is the father of city dwellers, musicians, shepherds, and smiths (Gen. 4:17–24).
So what are we to make of Cain’s story? It is shaped by the J tradition and sets the stage for issues that will occur repeatedly in Israel’s history. Time and time again, the men and women of Israel will deal with the nature of worship, the rights and privileges of the older son, violence, murder, dysfunctional family relationships, and sin and its consequences. We will read with fascination the family squabbles between Jacob and Esau, Joseph and his brothers, and the prodigal son and his older brother.
Throughout this narrative, Cain neither confesses to nor repents of his brother’s murder. He pouts and whines. He is stubborn, arrogant, and petulant. He is indignant and takes no responsibility for his actions. When he receives the punishment he obviously deserves, he complains that the sentence is too much. Further, he fears for his life when he has had so little regard for that of his brother. Yet God continues to bless him even when Cain is required to live out the consequences of his choices and actions.
Конец ознакомительного фрагмента.
Текст предоставлен ООО «ЛитРес».
Прочитайте эту книгу целиком, купив полную легальную версию на ЛитРес.
Безопасно оплатить книгу можно банковской картой Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, со счета мобильного телефона, с платежного терминала, в салоне МТС или Связной, через PayPal, WebMoney, Яндекс.Деньги, QIWI Кошелек, бонусными картами или другим удобным Вам способом.
