MPV Commentary

1. Eve said, "I have gotten a man from the Lord," expressing her gratitude for God's help in giving birth to Cain. The name Cain means "a possession" or something highly valued. In contrast, Abel was named because he reminded Eve of the suffering she had brought upon her children.

Cain and Abel were likely twins, as was common at that time (Genesis 5:4). Their births marked a significant turning point in human history.

2. Abel was a shepherd, responsible for caring for sheep and goats. He is mentioned first because of his superior character, which was evident even from an early age.

3. Over time, both Cain and Abel brought offerings to the Lord. Cain's offering consisted of fruits from the ground, while Abel offered the firstlings of his flock and their fat portions (Genesis 4:4). This act demonstrated their faith in God's existence and His claim on their worship.

4. The Lord accepted Abel's offering but not Cain's. The Hebrew phrase "had respect unto" means to look at something with a keen, earnest glance. In this case, it signified the divine approval of Abel's offering, which was consumed by fire (Genesis 15:17; Judges 13:20).

7. If you do well, won't you be accepted? This question implies that Cain would have received special privileges and authority if he had acted rightly. However, sin lay at his door, indicating a need for a sin offering to restore him to God's favor.

A sin offering was necessary because Cain was not innocent; he was a sinner who needed to acknowledge his wrongdoing. Abel, on the other hand, offered through faith (Hebrews 11:4), demonstrating his dependence on God as a creature.

8. As a result of his jealousy and anger, Cain talked with Abel, concealing his true intentions until the right moment to strike (1 John 3:12; Jude 11).

9. When questioned about Abel's disappearance, Cain lied, saying he didn't know what had happened. One sin often leads to another.

10. The voice of Abel's blood cried out to God, accusing Cain of his crime. This was a direct challenge from the divine presence itself.

11-12. Now you are cursed from the earth, and you will be a fugitive and a degraded outcast (Genesis 3:14). This curse was added to the original one pronounced on the ground for Adam's sin.

13-14. Cain complained that his punishment was too severe, but he showed no signs of repentance or remorse. He feared that anyone who found him would kill him, indicating that the human population had grown significantly.

15. To spare Cain's life, God set a mark upon him, not as a visible brand on his forehead but as a sign or token that his life would be preserved. This mark made Cain an object of universal horror and avoidance.

16. After leaving the presence of the Lord at Eden, Cain severed himself from his relatives and abandoned the ordinances of religion. He became a wanderer, forsaking all fear of God (Matthew 12:45).

17-22. Cain built a city, where humanity made significant social progress. His descendants were known for their inventive genius in various arts.

19. Lamech took two wives, violating the law of marriage and introducing polygamy into human society. This practice has led to corruption and misery throughout history.

23-24. Lamech spoke to his wives about his actions, claiming that he had slain a man in self-defense. He assured them that an unintentional homicide like himself was not in danger due to the preservation of Cain's life.

26. As people began to call upon the name of the Lord, it is likely they were doing so in contempt by the world, using God's name as a title for themselves.