GENESIS
CHAPTER
4
1. Now the man knew his wife Eve, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, "I have produced a man with the help of the LORD."
(Genesis chapter 4 verse 1)
On observing the first verse of the fourth chapter of the book of Genesis we observe an important change in Eve that is very important for our spiritual growth. This is the fact that she attributed the conception of her son as being withe the help of God and did not take all the merit for herself. In life we are collaborators with the will of God in every thing we do and say. Our attitude is to be anything is possible if you will it to be possible. On the other hand if anything is not according to your will it will not be.
2. Next she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a tiller of the ground.
(Genesis chapter 4 verse 2)
The author of the book of Genesis gives us the following information in relation to the first human's offspring. One of the brothers was a farmer, Cain who worked the ground and Abel who bred sheep. On reflecting the farmer produced the grass and veg to feed the sheep, while the sheep in turn provided the wool to make clothes and other material such as rope and more important the flesh served as food to nourish the family. Therefore as in society all our roles in some way are complementary to that of each other to keep the social system in good working order and harmony.
3. In the course of time Cain brought to the LORD an offering of the fruit of the ground, 4 and Abel for his part brought the firstlings of his flock, their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering, 5 but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell.
(Genesis chapter 4 verses 3 to 5)
On reflecting it seems that Cain's offering in comparison to that of Abel was of an inferior quality. On the other hand Abel's offering was of the best quality and preparation. This created strife between the two brothers so much that Cain became depressed and angry at both God and his brother.
6. The LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry, and why has your countenance fallen?
(Genesis chapter 4 verse 6)
God knew the reason behind Cain's anger however, as in the Cain of the first humans God gives us the opportunity of voicing our feelings to him while probing us in order to think rationally over the given situation. During such situations of anger, depression and emotional stimulation our thinking tends to become clouded and our perception of reality becomes corrupted.
7. If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is lurking at the door; its desire is for you, but you must master it."
(Genesis chapter 4 verse 7)
It seems that Cain did not do well as previously mentioned his offering was of an inferior quality, therefore him and his offering were not accepted by God. As in prayer time, if we offer God the remnants of our day in prayer while spending the bulk of the hours of the day in worldly pleasure our offering would also be refutable and of an inferior quality.
When we feel not accepted our mood is altered and we become angry. When we are in a state of anger, we are in a state of disharmony, within ourselves and with others. This means the bond of spiritual harmony is broken and we are in a state of sin. When we are in this miserable condition, the Holy Spirit of God leaves and the Spirit of evil enters in on the situation. However according to verse seven, God has given us the capacity and command to master our feelings and emotions and overcome the situation that frees us from the bondage of sin.
8. Cain said to his brother Abel, "Let us go out to the field." And when they were in the field Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him.
(Genesis chapter 4 verse 8)
It seems that Cain was in such a deep state of sin, that the Devil took control of him and persuaded him to murder his brother Abel. On reflecting apart from physical death we can also kill each other with our tongues by hurting each others emotions which leads to the destruction of our self-esteem and when on a long term becomes emotional abuse which can lead to much psychological anguish and problems such as self harm etc which may take form in different forms.
9. Then the LORD said to Cain "Where is your brother Abel?" He said, "I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?"
(Genesis chapter 4 verse 9)
'Am I my brother's keeper?'. This declaration is very important for us to reflect on. As Christians we have the responsibility for the salvation of other peoples spiritual welfare. We have to keep in mind that religion is not only a private matter but, even a universal one, in the sense that we cannot be saved on our own but as a Church which is the universal body of Christ on earth.
10. And the LORD said, "What have you done? Listen; your brother's blood is crying out to me from the ground!
(Genesis chapter 4 verse 10)
The soul of the human being is immortal, in the sense that after the physical death has taken place the life of the soul is fully activated and appears before God. As believers in Jesus Christ we affirm that on dying our soul appears before God. In the case of Abel who was slaughtered by his brother, his soul appeared before God and cried to him in a spirit of agony and unrest. We can only imagine the souls and voices of agony of the millions of aborted babies who appear every day before God, victims of human egoism and sin.
11. And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother's blood from your hand.
(Genesis chapter 4 verse 11)
God cursed Cain from the face of the earth which was now against him for having contaminated the earth with Abel's blood who was a very good person. According to verse eleven from the fourth chapter of the book of Genesis it seems that Cain not only slaughtered his brother but also buried him into a hole in the ground in order to cover up his sin.
12. When you till the ground, it will no longer yield to you its strength you will be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth."
(Genesis chapter 4 verse 12)
God's curse implied that the ground would no longer produce its best product and as a consequence Cain would have to move from one place to another instead of having a fertile land from which to reap his crops in order to ensure his well being as a farmer.
13. Cain said to the LORD, "My punishment is greater than I can bear!
(Genesis chapter 4 verse 13)
As a human facing the consequences of his actions it is normal for us to complain to God for the penalty that befalls us even though it is our sinful actions that stimulated the non desired consequences.
14. Today you have driven me away from the soil, and I shall be hidden from your face; I shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and anyone who meets me may kill me."
(Genesis chapter 4 verse 14)
When being in such a desolate condition, our brain has a tendency of blowing the situation out of proportion and misinterpret the situation. When passing judgement on Cain God never declared that Cain was banished from the earth or that anyone who finds Cain could kill him.
15. Then the LORD said to him, "Not so! Whoever kills Cain will suffer sevenfold vengeance." And the LORD put a mark on Cain, so that no one who came upon him would kill him.
(Genesis chapter 4 verse 15)
God loves us so much that He will never willfully permit our death. In order to protect Cain God made a sign on him as a means of protection. At the time of baptism, by means of the priest God makes a sign on us to protect us against the forces of evil.
16. Then Cain went away from the presence of the LORD, and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.
(Genesis chapter 4 verse 16)
Cain was compelled to leave the presence of God due to the severity of his sinful act, however he did not live the life of a wandered. It seems that God gave him the opportunity to settle down in Nod which was a sort of sanctuary or place of immunity granting security for fugitives, and have a new beginning. God loves us so much that He does not want to see us lose our souls.
17. Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch; and he built a city, and named it Enoch after his son Enoch.
(Genesis chapter 4 verse 17)
On reflecting it can be observed that we can find a change in attitude in the person who wanders away from the presence of God. One character trait is that the person becomes self-centered instead of God Centered. This is reflected by the fact, that the city that Cain built was named after his son Enoch and not after his God. Moreover Cain built himself a city that means strength in his own power and security and even fame and pride.
18. To Enoch was born Irad; and Irad was the the father of Mehujael, and Mehujael the father of Methushael,and Metushael the father of Lamech. 19 Lamech took two wives the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah. 20 Adah bore Jabal; he was the ancestor of those who live in tents and have livestock. 21 His brother's name was Jubal; he was the ancestor of all those who play the lyre and pipe. 22 Zillah bore Tubal-Cain, who made all kinds of bronze and iron tools. The sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah.
(Genesis chapter 4 verses 18 to 22)
On reflecting on verses eighteen to twenty-two of the fourth chapter of the book of Genesis we can observe that many people emerged from Cain's descent and thus gradually the population spread of the world actually took place. One might doubt whether this is actually true, however it is no coincidence that the above names are also found in Greek mythology. Moreover on reflecting we also that in time these nations reflect the changes of the times and the changes and discoveries made throughout these ages, such as the bronze and iron ages and those during which music and musical instruments were invented and mastered, thus reflecting the psychological and social development of the nations on earth, however nothing is said on the spiritual development of the same people.
23. Lamech said to his wives; "Adah and Zillah, hear my voice; you wives of Lamech, listen to what I say; I have killed a man for striking me. 24 If Cain is avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy-sevenfold."
(Genesis chapter 4 verses 23 and 24)
Verses twenty-three and twenty-four are enough to answer the mentioned issue regarding spiritual growth in ones's relationship with God. When reflecting on verses twenty-three and twenty-four it becomes evident that in contrast to growth humanity was experiencing a rapid state of degradation leading to the increase of sin and sinful acts, which even to this day is still on the increase leading to much disorder, pain and anguish.
25. Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and named him Seth, for she said, "God has appointed for me another child instead of Abel, because Cain killed him." 26. To Seth also a son was born, and he named him Enosh. At that time people began to invoke the name of the LORD.
(Genesis chapter 4 verses 25 and 26)
When considering the trauma that the world experienced by means of Cain and his offspring, verses twenty-five and twenty-six are a source of encouragement that as much as evil people evil exist in the world that bring periods of tribulation and instability there are also people who bring peace and tranquility. The Holy Spirit of God never stops working in his aim of restoring stability in the world. God works on all levels meaning both the spiritual and even on a social level. During times of tribulation in the Roman Catholic Church when it became a super power, God sent the humble Saint Francis of Assisi, to help restore the balance. During these times and even later on in the life of the Church and the world God never stops working. When God decided that changes were needed in the Roman Catholic Church for the good of all, God stirred up the hearts of responsible people to initiate and apply these changes by means of Vatican 2 and the documents revealed through it to help restore order and continue in guiding us in our spiritual life.
I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer:
I would also like to thank you for lovingly and patiently keeping the balance on earth by sending Holy People such as Pope Francesco among others who you use as your hands and mouth in order to help us stay on the right track and walk in your footsteps.
3. In the course of time Cain brought to the LORD an offering of the fruit of the ground, 4 and Abel for his part brought the firstlings of his flock, their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering, 5 but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell.
(Genesis chapter 4 verses 3 to 5)
On reflecting it seems that Cain's offering in comparison to that of Abel was of an inferior quality. On the other hand Abel's offering was of the best quality and preparation. This created strife between the two brothers so much that Cain became depressed and angry at both God and his brother.
6. The LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry, and why has your countenance fallen?
(Genesis chapter 4 verse 6)
God knew the reason behind Cain's anger however, as in the Cain of the first humans God gives us the opportunity of voicing our feelings to him while probing us in order to think rationally over the given situation. During such situations of anger, depression and emotional stimulation our thinking tends to become clouded and our perception of reality becomes corrupted.
7. If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is lurking at the door; its desire is for you, but you must master it."
(Genesis chapter 4 verse 7)
It seems that Cain did not do well as previously mentioned his offering was of an inferior quality, therefore him and his offering were not accepted by God. As in prayer time, if we offer God the remnants of our day in prayer while spending the bulk of the hours of the day in worldly pleasure our offering would also be refutable and of an inferior quality.
When we feel not accepted our mood is altered and we become angry. When we are in a state of anger, we are in a state of disharmony, within ourselves and with others. This means the bond of spiritual harmony is broken and we are in a state of sin. When we are in this miserable condition, the Holy Spirit of God leaves and the Spirit of evil enters in on the situation. However according to verse seven, God has given us the capacity and command to master our feelings and emotions and overcome the situation that frees us from the bondage of sin.
8. Cain said to his brother Abel, "Let us go out to the field." And when they were in the field Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him.
(Genesis chapter 4 verse 8)
It seems that Cain was in such a deep state of sin, that the Devil took control of him and persuaded him to murder his brother Abel. On reflecting apart from physical death we can also kill each other with our tongues by hurting each others emotions which leads to the destruction of our self-esteem and when on a long term becomes emotional abuse which can lead to much psychological anguish and problems such as self harm etc which may take form in different forms.
9. Then the LORD said to Cain "Where is your brother Abel?" He said, "I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?"
(Genesis chapter 4 verse 9)
'Am I my brother's keeper?'. This declaration is very important for us to reflect on. As Christians we have the responsibility for the salvation of other peoples spiritual welfare. We have to keep in mind that religion is not only a private matter but, even a universal one, in the sense that we cannot be saved on our own but as a Church which is the universal body of Christ on earth.
10. And the LORD said, "What have you done? Listen; your brother's blood is crying out to me from the ground!
(Genesis chapter 4 verse 10)
The soul of the human being is immortal, in the sense that after the physical death has taken place the life of the soul is fully activated and appears before God. As believers in Jesus Christ we affirm that on dying our soul appears before God. In the case of Abel who was slaughtered by his brother, his soul appeared before God and cried to him in a spirit of agony and unrest. We can only imagine the souls and voices of agony of the millions of aborted babies who appear every day before God, victims of human egoism and sin.
11. And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother's blood from your hand.
(Genesis chapter 4 verse 11)
God cursed Cain from the face of the earth which was now against him for having contaminated the earth with Abel's blood who was a very good person. According to verse eleven from the fourth chapter of the book of Genesis it seems that Cain not only slaughtered his brother but also buried him into a hole in the ground in order to cover up his sin.
12. When you till the ground, it will no longer yield to you its strength you will be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth."
(Genesis chapter 4 verse 12)
God's curse implied that the ground would no longer produce its best product and as a consequence Cain would have to move from one place to another instead of having a fertile land from which to reap his crops in order to ensure his well being as a farmer.
13. Cain said to the LORD, "My punishment is greater than I can bear!
(Genesis chapter 4 verse 13)
As a human facing the consequences of his actions it is normal for us to complain to God for the penalty that befalls us even though it is our sinful actions that stimulated the non desired consequences.
14. Today you have driven me away from the soil, and I shall be hidden from your face; I shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and anyone who meets me may kill me."
(Genesis chapter 4 verse 14)
When being in such a desolate condition, our brain has a tendency of blowing the situation out of proportion and misinterpret the situation. When passing judgement on Cain God never declared that Cain was banished from the earth or that anyone who finds Cain could kill him.
15. Then the LORD said to him, "Not so! Whoever kills Cain will suffer sevenfold vengeance." And the LORD put a mark on Cain, so that no one who came upon him would kill him.
(Genesis chapter 4 verse 15)
God loves us so much that He will never willfully permit our death. In order to protect Cain God made a sign on him as a means of protection. At the time of baptism, by means of the priest God makes a sign on us to protect us against the forces of evil.
16. Then Cain went away from the presence of the LORD, and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.
(Genesis chapter 4 verse 16)
Cain was compelled to leave the presence of God due to the severity of his sinful act, however he did not live the life of a wandered. It seems that God gave him the opportunity to settle down in Nod which was a sort of sanctuary or place of immunity granting security for fugitives, and have a new beginning. God loves us so much that He does not want to see us lose our souls.
17. Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch; and he built a city, and named it Enoch after his son Enoch.
(Genesis chapter 4 verse 17)
On reflecting it can be observed that we can find a change in attitude in the person who wanders away from the presence of God. One character trait is that the person becomes self-centered instead of God Centered. This is reflected by the fact, that the city that Cain built was named after his son Enoch and not after his God. Moreover Cain built himself a city that means strength in his own power and security and even fame and pride.
18. To Enoch was born Irad; and Irad was the the father of Mehujael, and Mehujael the father of Methushael,and Metushael the father of Lamech. 19 Lamech took two wives the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah. 20 Adah bore Jabal; he was the ancestor of those who live in tents and have livestock. 21 His brother's name was Jubal; he was the ancestor of all those who play the lyre and pipe. 22 Zillah bore Tubal-Cain, who made all kinds of bronze and iron tools. The sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah.
(Genesis chapter 4 verses 18 to 22)
On reflecting on verses eighteen to twenty-two of the fourth chapter of the book of Genesis we can observe that many people emerged from Cain's descent and thus gradually the population spread of the world actually took place. One might doubt whether this is actually true, however it is no coincidence that the above names are also found in Greek mythology. Moreover on reflecting we also that in time these nations reflect the changes of the times and the changes and discoveries made throughout these ages, such as the bronze and iron ages and those during which music and musical instruments were invented and mastered, thus reflecting the psychological and social development of the nations on earth, however nothing is said on the spiritual development of the same people.
23. Lamech said to his wives; "Adah and Zillah, hear my voice; you wives of Lamech, listen to what I say; I have killed a man for striking me. 24 If Cain is avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy-sevenfold."
(Genesis chapter 4 verses 23 and 24)
Verses twenty-three and twenty-four are enough to answer the mentioned issue regarding spiritual growth in ones's relationship with God. When reflecting on verses twenty-three and twenty-four it becomes evident that in contrast to growth humanity was experiencing a rapid state of degradation leading to the increase of sin and sinful acts, which even to this day is still on the increase leading to much disorder, pain and anguish.
25. Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and named him Seth, for she said, "God has appointed for me another child instead of Abel, because Cain killed him." 26. To Seth also a son was born, and he named him Enosh. At that time people began to invoke the name of the LORD.
(Genesis chapter 4 verses 25 and 26)
When considering the trauma that the world experienced by means of Cain and his offspring, verses twenty-five and twenty-six are a source of encouragement that as much as evil people evil exist in the world that bring periods of tribulation and instability there are also people who bring peace and tranquility. The Holy Spirit of God never stops working in his aim of restoring stability in the world. God works on all levels meaning both the spiritual and even on a social level. During times of tribulation in the Roman Catholic Church when it became a super power, God sent the humble Saint Francis of Assisi, to help restore the balance. During these times and even later on in the life of the Church and the world God never stops working. When God decided that changes were needed in the Roman Catholic Church for the good of all, God stirred up the hearts of responsible people to initiate and apply these changes by means of Vatican 2 and the documents revealed through it to help restore order and continue in guiding us in our spiritual life.
I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer:
Oh God thank you for never stopping working in our lives. Forgive us for those times when we decided to act according to our wills instead of according to your Holy Will. Forgive us for choosing the corrupted ways of the world, instead of following the paths that you show us by means of your Holy Word as passed on to us by Your Holy Spirit by means of the Roman Catholic Church which is your eyes, mouth and body representing your presence on earth. Thank your for speaking to us in our hearts by means of our conscience and by other people chosen by you to enlighten us in our ways.
I would also like to thank you for lovingly and patiently keeping the balance on earth by sending Holy People such as Pope Francesco among others who you use as your hands and mouth in order to help us stay on the right track and walk in your footsteps.
Thank You God.
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