griffin comments gen 4

GRIFFIN COMMENTS—GEN 4

(Gen 4:1) And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD.

It is almost certain that her statement, that she had gotten a man from the Lord, referred to what she heard God say to the serpent when he was being cursed. She felt that this would be the one to redeem them and bring them back into the lost paradise. I am sure she missed that place and would like to get back as quickly as possible.

However, she was to be terribly disappointed. This son would turn out to be a representative of the very opposite. He would murder his brother.

OLD TESTAMENT SURVEY 2Co_3:14C. FIRST AND SECOND BIRTH Gen_4:1

*C. FIRST AND SECOND BIRTH

God has always rejected the first birth and accepted the second birth of the children of the Patriarchs. He set a pattern that continued until the New Testament. The reason for each was—

*(1) Cain and Abel: Way they worshipped made God choose.Gen_4:1-8

Why did God reject Cain and accept Abel?

*(2) Ishmael and Isaac: One was a child of doubt and the other was a child of promise.

Gen_16:11-12

Gen_17:15-20

*(3) Esau and Jacob: One was profane and one was spiritual.

Gen_25:21-27

GRIFFIN COMMENTS—GEN 4—PAGE 1

*(4) Manasseh and Ephraim: By divine order Jacob chose the younger over the older.

Gen_48:8-20

*(5) Israel and the Church: Law was first and it could not save; and grace came to the church age.

Mar_10:29-31

*(6) Old man and new: Our old man is sinful and must be born again of water and Spirit.

Joh_3:1-7

*(7) Physical body and Spiritual body: Time will come when our old body that is mortal will be done away with and we will put on the immortal body.

1Co_15:51-54

NOTE: This is only true in regard to the people who would play a part in the drama of redemption. It does not follow through in normal life. Ordinarily the firstborn has a different role normally.

[SEE BRIDE OF CHRIST 2Co_11:2

TYPES IN GENESISAdam Type of ChristEve Type of the Church and Gentile BrideCain Type of carnal manAbel Type of spiritual manEnoch Type of the translation of saints {rapture}Flood Type of redemptionSurvivors Type of churchLot Type of worldMelchizedek Type of Christ in role of priest and kingHagar Type of lawSarah Type of grace


Ishmael Type of natural inclinationsIsaac Type of ChristAbraham Type of God as FatherEleazer Type of the Holy GhostRebekah Type of the Church (Bride of Christ)Joseph Type of the perfect life of ChristAsenath Type of the Gentile Bride of Christ Sun Type of ChristMoon Type of ChurchStars Type of saints {especially ministry}6 days Type of regenerationSabbath Type of restCoats Type of imputed righteousnessSacrifice Type of Christ's crucifixionFlood Type of God's judgmentFlood Type of regenerationArk Type of ChristRaven Type of old or carnal natureDove Type of the Holy GhostSodom Type of final judgmentRam Type of Christ as substituteEgypt Type of the worldPharaoh Type of satan

Genesis shows us what springs from man. Different forms of life that grows from the root of old Adam (Law). In seeing how Adam behaved we know how our old Adam will behave. Notice the ungodly and the godly races that came from him--sin and grace, life and death, good and evil, love and hate, praying and cursing.

FROM ADAM CAMEABEL The second birth that contrasts the natural and spiritual. He gave the acceptable sacrifice.ENOCH Showing the resurrection with a pleasing testimony.NOAH: Showing the regeneration or new birth. He was taken from an old world and placed in a new worldABRAM: Father of the faithful. Going forth, not knowing whither, seeking a promise and promised land (Heb_11:6).ISAAC: Showing the life of sonship. He opened the wells of water and gave total obedience.


JACOB: Showing us the life of service. Begotten on resurrection ground, in a far country, winning a bride and flocks who will share in his joy.JOSEPH: Manifesting the perfect life of Christ. Not one sin is charged against Joseph. He shows the suffering of Christ and the glory that is to follow. He has dreams of reigning, then he suffers and ends with all in subjection to him.

Gen_1:7

(Gen 4:2) And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.

The difference between these two sons was noticeable from the beginning. Cain was firstborn, and Abel was the second birth. The first born was always rejected among the patriarchs, and the second birth was always accepted. This was the same with our first and second birth. Abel was tied to the sheep, as God has a close attachment to the Lamb. Cain was attached to this world. Abel had an acceptable worship and Cain had a home made religion. Cain took his brother’s life in self interest. Abel gave his life for his faith.

She “again bare” makes it possible that Cain and Abel were twins. yacaph (yaw-saf') means “to add or augment” (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing).

OLD TESTAMENT SURVEY 2Co_3:14 NOT IN ABI OUTLINE p. 70-81

ABEL: TYPICAL OF CHRISTa) Abel was a shepherd (Gen_4:2)

Jesus is the "Good Shepherd," the "Great Shepherd," and the "Chief Shepherd."

b) It was as a shepherd that Abel presented his offering to God. This is by far the most widely known and used psalm of all. In Psalm 22 He was the Great Shepherd Crucified. In Psalm 23 He is the Good Shepherd Magnified. In Psalm 24 He is the Chief Shepherd Glorified.


It was as THE Shepherd that Jesus offered His offering to God (Joh_10:11).

c) Though giving no cause for it, Abel was hated of his brother. Cain was jealous of his brother.

Though giving no cause for it, Jesus was hated of His brethren according to the flesh (Joh_15:25; Psa_69:4; Mat_27:18).

d) It was out of envy that Cain slew him.

It was through envy that Jesus was delivered up to be crucified (Mat_27:18).

e) Abel did not die a natural death.

Jesus did not die a natural death, but was slain by wicked hands (Act_2:23).

f) Abel met with a violent death at the hands of his brother.

Jesus was crucified by "The house of Israel"—His own brethren.

g) After his death God declared Abel's blood cried unto Him and severe punishment was meted out upon his murderer.

After Jesus death, His murderers were severely punished by God (Mar_12:9).

h) Abel presented an offering unto God (Heb_11:4).

Jesus presented an offering to God (Eph_5:2).i) The offering which Abel presented was the "Firstling of

the flock," that is, it was a firstborn lamb.

The offering Jesus presented was Himself (1Pe_1:19).j) In bringing his offering by faith Abel honored and

magnified the will and Word of God.

In presenting Himself as an offering, Jesus honored and magnified the will and Word of God (Heb_10:7-9).


k) The offering which Abel presented is described as an excellent one (Heb_11:4).

The offering of Christ was an excellent one—it was a "sweet smelling savor" (Eph_5:2).

l) God has respect unto Abel and to his offering. He accepted them.

God accepted Christ's offering (Heb_10:12).m) In the presentation of his offering Abel obtained

witness that he was righteous (Heb_11:4).

While presenting Himself on the cross, Jesus obtained witness that He was righteous ("This was a righteous man") (Luk_23:47)

n) After he had presented Abel's offering, God publicly testified His acceptance.

God publicly testified acceptance of Christ's offering by raising Him from the dead.

o) Abel's offering still speaks.

Christ's blood still speaks better things (Heb_12:24).

CAIN: TYPICAL OF ISRAELJust as Abel and his offering are, at every point, a wonderful type of Christ and His offering; so Cain, who slew Abel, prefigures the Jews, who crucified the Messiah.a) Cain was a tiller of the ground (Gen_4:2). Thus the first

thing told about him connects him with the land.

The first thing conspicuous about the Jews is that they are a people of the land—the Promised Land [a holy land] (Gen_13:15).

b) By refusing to bring the required lamb, Cain rejected the offering which God's grace had provided.

In refusing the Lamb of God, the Jews rejected the offering which God's grace had provided (Joh_1:11).


c) In his self-righteousness, Cain brought an offering of his own choosing.

Paul declares that the Jews were "ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness (Rom_10:3).

d) The offering was brought as a product of his own labors.

The Jews rested upon their own obedience to God's law (Rom_10:21).

e) This offering was rejected by God.

God had no respect to their works (Act_13:39).f) It was Cain's God-given privilege to rule over his brother

(Gen_4:7).

Had Israel walked in God's statutes, they would have been the head of the nations (Deu_28:13).

g) This privilege was forfeited.

Through sin they forfeited the place and privilege (Isa_9:14).

h) Being envious of Abel, Cain wickedly slew him.

It was the Jews who crucified Christ (Act_5:30).i) God charged Cain with his crime.

God charged Israel with their crime (Act_2:22-23).j) God told Cain that Abel's blood cried for vengeance.

Christ's blood is now judicially resting upon the Jews (Mat_27:25).

k) Because of the shedding of blood, God's curse fell upon Cain.

Because of the crucifixion of their Messiah, God's curse fell upon Israel (Destroyed in 70 AD; Jer_24:9).

l) Part of Cain's curse consisted in the ground becoming barren to him (Gen_4:12).


Part of the curse which God has to bring upon Israel was the barrenness of their land (Lev_26:34-35).

m) Cain was to be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth.

The Jew has been an age-long wanderer in the earth (Deu_28:65).

n) Cain acknowledged that his punishment was greater than he could bear.

Israel will yet acknowledge that their punishment is greater than they can bear (Zec_12:10).

o) Because of Cain's sin, he was driven out (Gen_4:14).

Forty years after the crucifixion Israel was driven out of Palestine.

p) Because of Cain's sin, he was hidden from the face of God.

Since being driven out of Palestine, God's face has been hidden from them (Hos_1:9).

q) Every man's hand was against Cain (Gen_4:14).

For nearly 2,000 years, almost every man's hand has been against the Jew (Deu_28:66).

r) God set a mark upon Cain (Gen_4:15).

A mark of identification has been placed upon the Jew so that he can be recognized anywhere.

s) God declared that He would visit with a sevenfold vengeance those who slew Cain.

God's special curse has always rested upon those who curse Israel (Gen_12:3).

t) Cain left the land and went to dwell in a city (Gen_4:17)

· Israel left the farmlands of the Promised Land and even to this day tend to congregate in large cities.


These first two brothers were opposites. They thus started two distinct lines: Righteous and Unrighteous. These God has dealt with ever since. The final separation of the two lines will end at the Great White Throne Judgment. Abel slew a lamb; Cain slew his brother. The same spirit prevails today.

LONGEVITY OF MANThere were advantages for man living a long time. There were also many disadvantages.a) It promoted a speedy increase of the population.b) It preserved the original revelation of the One True God.c) It preserved a remembrance of paradise.d) It preserved the hope of redemption.

Though there were advantages to the longevity of man, it also had many disadvantages. The negative results of longevity were as follows:e) The wickedness of man reached desperate levels.f) The earth was filled with violence.g) Every man's imagination was only evil continually.

THE GREAT PROPHECIES AND ALLUSIONS TO CHRIST IN THE OLD TESTAMENT, which are expressly cited, either as predictions fulfilled in Him, or applied to Him in the New Testament, from Hale's Analysis of Sacred Chronology.

a) FIRST SERIES:

Describing Christ in His human nature, as the promised seed of the woman, in the grand charter of our redemption (Gen_3:15); and His pedigree, sufferings, and glory in His successive manifestations of Himself until the end of the world.(1) The seed of the woman: Gen_3:15; Gal_4:4; 1Ti_2:15;

Rev_12:5.(2) Born of a virgin: Psa_22:10; Psa_69:8; Psa_86:16;

Psa_116:16; Isa_7:14; Isa_49:1; Jer_31:22; Mic_5:3; Mat_1:23; Luk_1:26-35.


(3) Of the family of Shem: Gen_9:26.(4) Of the race of the Hebrews: 2Co_11:22; Phi_3:5.(5) Of the seed of Abraham: Gen_12:3; Gen_18:18;

Gen_22:18; Mat_1:1; Joh_8:56; Act_3:25.(6) Of the line of Isaac: Gen_17:19; Gen_21:12; Gen_26:4;

Rom_9:7; Gal_4:23-28; Heb_11:18.(7) Of Jacob or Israel: Gen_28:4-14; Exo_4:22; Num_24:7-17;

Psa_135:4; Isa_41:8; Isa_49:6; Jer_14:8; Luk_1:68; Luk_2:30; Act_28:20.

(8) Of the tribe of Judah: Gen_49:10; 1Ch_5:2; Mic_5:2; Mat_2:6; Heb_7:14; Rev_5:5.

(9) Of the house of David: 2Sa_7:12-15; 1Ch_17:11-14; 2Ch_6:42; Psa_89:4-36; Psa_132:10-17; Isa_9:7; Isa_11:1; Isa_55:3-4; Jer_23:5-6; Amo_9:11; Mat_1:1; Luk_1:69; Luk_2:4; Joh_7:42; Act_2:30; Act_13:23; Rom_1:3; 2Ti_2:8; Rev_22:16.

(10) Born at Bethlehem, the city of David: Mic_5:2; Mat_2:6; Luk_2:4; Joh_7:42.

(11) Adored by the Magi: Psa_72:10-15.(12) His passion or sufferings: Gen_3:15; Psa_22:1-18;

Psa_31:13; Psa_89:38-45; Isa_53:1-12; Dan_9:26; Zec_13:6-7; Mat_26:31; Luk_24:26; Joh_1:29; Act_8:32-35; Act_26:23

(13) His betrayal: Psa_41:9; Zec_11:12.(14) His desertion: Zec_13:7.(15) His death on the cross: Num_21:9; Psa_22:16;

Psa_31:22; Isa_53:8-9; Dan_9:26; Mat_20:19; Mat_26:2; Joh_3:14; Joh_8:28; Joh_12:32-33; 1Co_15:3; Col_2:15; Phi_2:8.

(16) His entombment and embalmment: Isa_53:9; Mat_26:12; Mar_14:8; Joh_12:7; Joh_19:40; 1Co_15:4.

(17) His resurrection on the third day: Psa_16:10; Psa_17:15; Psa_49:15; Psa_73:24; Mat_12:40; Mat_16:4; Mat_27:63; Joh_1:17; Joh_2:19; Act_2:27-31; Act_13:35; 1Co_15:4.

(18) His ascension into heaven: Psa_16:11; Psa_24:7; Psa_47:5; Psa_68:18; Psa_110:1; Psa_118:19; Joh_20:17; Act_1:11; Act_2:33; Eph_4:8-10; Heb_1:3; Heb_2:9; Rev_12:5.


(19) His second appearance at the regeneration: Isa_40:10; Isa_62:11; Jer_23:5-6; Dan_7:13-14; Hos_3:5; Mic_5:3; Hag_2:7; Mat_24:3-30; Mat_26:64; Joh_5:25; Heb_9:28; Rev_20:4; Rev_22:20.

(20) His last appearance at the end of the world: Job_19:25-29; Psa_50:1-6; Ecc_12:14; Dan_12:2-3; Mat_25:31-46; Joh_5:28-30; Act_17:31; Rev_20:11-15.

b) SECOND SERIES:

Describing His character and offices, human and divine.(1) The Son of God: Psa_2:7; Psa_72:1; Pro_30:4; Dan_3:25;

Mat_3:17; Mat_17:5; Mar_1:1; Luk_1:35; Joh_1:34-50; Joh_3:16-18; Joh_20:31; Rom_1:4; Heb_1:1-5; 1Jo_4:1; Rev_1:5-6.

(2) The Son of man: Psa_8:4-5; Dan_7:13; Mat_16:13; Mat_26:64; Joh_1:51; Joh_3:13; Joh_5:27; Heb_2:7; Rev_1:13; Rev_14:14.

(3) The Holy One, or saint: Deu_33:8; Psa_16:10; Psa_89:19; Isa_10:17; Isa_29:23; Isa_49:7; Hos_11:9; Hab_1:12; Hab_3:8; Mar_1:24; Luk_1:35; Luk_4:34; 1Jo_2:20.

(4) The Saint of saints: Dan_9:24.(5) The Just one, or Righteous: Psa_34:19-21; Isa_41:2;

Jer_23:5; Zec_9:9; Mat_27:19-24; Luk_1:17; Luk_23:47; Act_3:14; Act_7:52; Act_22:14; Jam_5:6; 1Jo_2:29.

(6) The wisdom of God: Pro_8:22-30; Mat_11:19; Luk_11:49; 1Co_1:24.

(7) The oracle (or word) of the Lord or of God: Gen_15:1-4; 1Sa_3:1-21; 2Sa_7:4; 1Ki_17:8-24; Psa_33:6; Isa_40:8; Jer_25:3; Mic_4:2; Luk_1:2; Joh_1:1-14; Joh_3:34; Heb_4:12; Heb_11:3; 1Pe_1:23; 2Pe_3:5; Rev_19:13.

(8) The Redeemer or Savior: Gen_48:16; Job_19:25-27; Psa_19:14; Isa_41:14; Isa_44:6; Isa_47:4; Isa_59:20; Isa_62:11; Isa_63:1; Jer_50:34; Mat_1:21; Luk_2:11; Joh_1:29; Joh_4:42; Act_5:21; Rom_11:26; Rev_5:9.

(9) The Lamb of God: Isa_53:7; Joh_1:29; Act_8:32-35; 1Pe_1:19; Rev_5:6; Rev_13:8; Rev_15:3; Rev_21:22; Rev_22:1.


(10) The Mediator, Intercessor, or Advocate: Job_33:23; Isa_53:12; Isa_59:16; Luk_23:34; 1Ti_2:5; Heb_9:15; 1Jo_2:1; Rev_5:9.

(11) Shiloh, the Apostle: Gen_49:10; Exo_4:13; Mat_15:24; Luk_4:18; Joh_17:3; Joh_20:21; Heb_3:1.

(12) The High Priest: Psa_110:4; Isa_59:16; Heb_3:1; Heb_4:14; Heb_5:10; Heb_9:11.

(13) The Prophet like Moses: Deu_18:15-19; Luk_24:19; Mar_6:15; Joh_1:17-21; Joh_6:14; Act_3:22-23.

(14) The Leader, or Chief Captain: Jos_5:14; 1Ch_5:2; Isa_55:4; Dan_9:25; Mic_5:2; Mat_2:6; Heb_2:10.

(15) The Messiah, Christ, King of Israel: 1Sa_2:10; 2Sa_7:12; 1Ch_17:11; Psa_2:2; Psa_45:1, Psa_45:6; Psa_72:1; Psa_89:38; Isa_61:1; Mat_2:2-4; Mat_16:16; Luk_23:2; Joh_1:41-49; Joh_6:69; Act_4:26-27; Act_10:38.

(16) The God of Israel: Exo_24:10-11; Jos_7:19; Jdg_11:23; 1Sa_5:11; 1Ch_17:24; Psa_41:13; Isa_45:3; Eze_8:4; Mat_15:32; Joh_20:28.

(17) The Lord of Hosts, or the Lord: 2Sa_7:26; 1Ch_17:24; Psa_24:10; Isa_6:1-5; Mal_1:14; Rom_12:19; Phi_2:9-11.

(18) King of kings and Lord of lords: Psa_89:27; Psa_110:1; Dan_7:13-14; Mat_28:18; Joh_3:35; Joh_13:3; 1Co_15:25; Eph_1:20-22; Col_3:1; Rev_19:16.

PARALLELISM OF GOD'S PLANa) Original heaven and earth were perfect.b) Ruined by revolt.c) Six creative days transformed the earth and then it was

cursed because of sin (Gen_3:17).d) Man was dealt with as a whole from Adam to Abraham

(Gen_1:11).e) Chosen nation called and blessed (Gen_12:1).f) Christ first appearing (Heb_9:26).g) Church taken out of the world (Act_15:14).

When the Church is completed (Eph_3:21) and Christ returns for the restitution of all things (Act_3:21), then the reverse order will be followed.


a) The church will be taken up to be with Christ (1Th_4:13-18).

b) Christ’s second appearance on the earth (Heb_9:28; Zec_14:4).

c) Chosen nation blessed (Rom_11:25; Act_15:16).d) Man dealt with as a whole (Act_15:17).e) Curse removed and the earth re-created in beauty

(Amo_9:13-15; Isa_35:1; Psa_67:7).f) Satan’s final rebellion (Rev_20:7-10).g) New heaven and new earth (Rev_21:1).

Exercise #3

1. How do Adam and Eve compare to Christ and His church?

2. What happened when sin broke communion with God?

3. What curse came upon man when Adam sinned?

4. How did Jesus change that curse?

5. What curse came upon the woman?

6. How is Abel typical of Christ?

7. How is Cain typical of Israel?

8. How was longevity of early man advantageous?

9. How was longevity of early man disadvantageous?

10. How do Old Testament scriptures


allude to Christ—

a. In His human nature?

b. In His character and offices, human and divine?

FIRST BIRTH REJECTED(Gen_4:1-17; Rom_9:8)

1. CAIN AND ABEL (Gen_4:1-17)

Eve said, "I have gotten a man."She expected him to bruise the serpent's headHowever, he joined with the serpent's doctrine

Cain was worldly minded"Doesn't matter as long as you are sincere" attitude.

Abel was spiritual minded"Makes a difference if God said it."

2. ISHMAEL AND ISAAC (Gen_16:1-4, Gen_16:15; Gen_21:1-3)

Ishmael was a child of doubt (Gen_22:2)He was not recognized by GodHe was born of the fleshIsaac was the child of faith (promise)

3. ESAU AND JACOB (Gen_25:31-34)

Both wrong in habitsDifference? Treatment of spiritual thingsRom_8:5-7 Carnal mind versus the spiritual mindRom_9:10-13 Loved Jacob, hated Esau

Esau had no faith


Thought he was dying so he sold his birthrightNot important to him1Co_2:14 "Natural man cannot receive"

4. MANASSEH AND EPHRAIM (Gen_48:13-14, Gen_48:17-20)

Jacob changed hands when he blessed themHe knew God's planIt had to be a revelation because he was blind (Gen_48:10)

5. ISRAEL AND THE CHURCH (Rom_9:8; Rom_8:14-17; Joh_3:6 Gal_3:26-29)

Children of promiseIsrael bound under the lawIsrael carnal in their thinkingChurch is a Spiritual kingdomLuk_12:32 "Father's pleasure to give the Kingdom"

Rom_14:17 "In the Holy Ghost."Rom_7:1-6

6. FIRST AND SECOND BIRTH (1Co_15:45-47 [2] Joh_14:20 1Jo_4:13 Joh_3:1-5)

Nicodemas "You must be born again."First birth is worldlySecond birth is spiritualFirst birth is of doubtSecond birth is of faith

Col_2:11-13 CircumcisionRom_6:2-11; Rom_8:10-11 1Co_3:16 Act_2:1-4 (All filled)

(Gen 4:3) And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.


This offering is acceptable as a meat offering to the Lord, but a sin offering is always required before a meat offering can be accepted. Cain got things backward.

CHRIST - IN ABEL1. Abel offered a divinely appointed sacrifice.

God appointed the time (Gen_4:3) "In process of time.” God appointed the place (Gen_4:3-4) "brought.” God appointed the manner (Heb_11:4 "by faith") God

had spoken. Christ Himself was a divinely appointed sacrifice. God appointed the time (Gal_4:4-5; Joh_17:1; 1Pe_1:20 God appointed the place (Luk_9:51; Luk_13:33)

"Jerusalem." God appointed the manner (Joh_3:14; Joh_12:32-33)

"lifted up." Contrast this with Cain's offering, contrary to God's

Word (Jud_1:11).

2. Abel offered a flawless sacrifice.

Gen_4:4 "Of the firstling of the flocks."Exo_12:5 "Your lamb shall be without blemish…first year. Christ Himself was a perfect sacrifice.1Pe_1:19 "Christ, as of a lamb without blemish…spot."Heb_7:26 "Holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinnersLuk_3:22 "Thou art My beloved Son; in Thee... well pleased.'Contrast Cain's offering coming from the cursed ground.

3. Abel offered a bloody sacrifice.

Gen_4:4 "And of the fat." (The lamb had been slain).Heb_9:22 "Without shedding of blood is no remission." Christ gave His own blood in sacrifice.Heb_9:14 "How much more shall the blood of Christ purge”


Rev_1:5; Rev_5:9 "Redeemed by Thy blood." (1Pe_1:18-19Contrast Cain's sacrifice that was bloodless.

4. Abel offered a personal sacrifice (for himself).

Heb_11:4 "By which he obtained witness that he was righteous." Christ was a substitutionary sacrifice (for others).1Co_15:3 "Christ died for our sins." (Isa_53:5-6). Heb_9:28 "Christ was.. offered to bear the sins of many."Eph_5:2 "Christ.. .hath given Himself for us an offering." Contrast Cain's offering that ignored sin's penalty.

5. Abel offered an acceptable sacrifice.Gen_4:4 "Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering."Heb_11:4 "more excellent sacrifice.. .God testifying of his gifts. Christ Himself was an acceptable sacrifice.Heb_10:6-7 Christ offered Himself to please God.Heb_10:12 "After he offered.. .sat down" in heaven.Contrast Cain's sacrifice that was rejected by God.

6. Abel offered a temporarily effective sacrifice.Lev_17:11 "The blood maketh an atonement." (covering).Heb_10:1, Heb_10:4, Heb_10:11 "Can never take away sins." (until). Christ Himself was an eternally sufficient sacrifice.Heb_10:10 "Offering of.. .Christ once for all."Heb_10:12 "Offered one sacrifice for sins forever."Heb_9:12 "Having obtained eternal redemption for us."

(Gen 4:4) And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:

This was not the first animal sacrifice. Two animals had to die to give Adam and Eve their clothing. Both of these sons surely had heard the story and knew that God had not accepted the fig leaf religion and required blood as a covering. Something of this nature must have registered


with Abel, but Cain could get no further than the fig leaves. He thought God should be satisfied with his products as much as He was with that of Abel.

OLD TESTAMENT SURVEY 2Co_3:14GOD'S DWELLING PLACES Gen_4:4 [AFTER PLAN OF SALVATION Act_2:38]God is approached through altars. Thus from earliest times of man's history God has dwelt in the altars made by worshippers. He dwells in the praises of His people, and especially as they worship Him at His altar. The altars from the beginning became progressively greater from that of Abel to the Holy City.1. Abel: His altar was on the ground (Gen_4:4).2. Noah: His altar was the first recorded as built up

toward heaven (Genesis 8:20).3. Moses: He put the altar in a tabernacle (Exodus 25-40).4. David: He wanted the altar to be in an elaborate temple

and thus had Solomon build a place for God's name to dwell (1 Kings 6+).

5. Jesus: He became our altar by becoming first of all our sacrifice, or Lamb slain (Joh_1:29; Col_2:9).

6. Christian: God has placed the altar within the hearts of His people. Now the body is a temple of God (1Co_6:19).

7. Holy City: Eventually the dwelling place of all God's people will itself be a temple. John saw no temple there because the whole thing is a temple and the people of God are there in whom dwells God's temple (Rev_21:22).

(Gen 4:5) But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.

Cain could not hide his resentment and bitterness. His countenance fell. He had a frown on his face and it told off on him. It is extremely difficult to hide an attitude. That is a common thing today; we are constantly reading the attitudes of people by their body language. It is very difficult to hide. Jacob read the countenance of Laban (Gen_31:2; Gen_31:5).


(Gen 4:6) And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?

Of course, God was not asking this question because He did not know, as in the next questions He asks. He asked to get Cain to think about his actions. It was obvious that Cain was angry. It showed on his face, on the angry expression as he looked toward his brother.

“Acquiring the Skills for Reading Gestures”How to Read a Person Like a Book, page 13-15 (Pictures do not transfer to this Bible so must be looked at from Microsoft Word)Gen_4:6 Jos_1:8

"Learning is acquired by reading books,but the much more necessary learning,the knowledge of the world, is only to beacquired by reading men, and studyingall the various editions of them."—Lord Chesterfield, "Letters to His Son"

An airport is an excellent spot for viewing the entire human emotional spectrum. As travelers arrive and depart, you can see the woman who is very apprehensive about flying pinching the fleshy part of her hand for reassurance, as if she were saying to herself, "It's going to be all right." In the same manner people say, "I had to pinch myself to make sure that it wasn't a dream." A male waiting for departure time may also be unsure about flying. However, he is sitting in a rigid, upright position with his ankles locked. His hands are clenched together, making one big fist, while he rhythmically massages one thumb against the other on top of his interlocked hands. These gestures indicate a nervous attitude. Walking away from the departure area, you see three men in telephone booths. One of them (Figure 1) is standing with his body at attention. His coat is buttoned. He gives the impression that whoever he is talking to is very


important to him. He might be a salesman talking to a customer on the telephone as if he were actually in his presence.

The second caller's body is relaxed (Figure 2). He slouches over, shifts his weight from foot to foot, and rests his chin on his chest. He appears to be looking at the floor and nods his head as if saying, "Yeah, yeah." Reading this person further, you get the impression that he is comfortable but possibly bored with the conversation and attempting to hide the fact. The receiver of the call can be taken for granted. It is probably his wife or an old friend.

From these clues, can you visualize how a third caller might look as he talks to his girlfriend? This caller's face is hidden. His hunched shoulder may be concealing it from view or his body may be completely turned away from passers-by. His head is probably tilted to one side, and he handles the phone as if it were the object of his affection (Figure 3). As you move toward the baggage-claim area, you may see a family group, which you can identify by the striking similarity in the way they all walk. Others on their way to the baggage-claim counter who have been met by family or friends usually appear the happiest and walk with a great deal of enthusiasm. Those who are waiting to be met keep rising on their toes and looking around. During our brief visit to the airport we have become aware of the different actions of people. Merely by noting a variety of gestures we have been able to make guesses about people: attitudes, relationships, and situations. We have even conjured up an image of the person on the other end of the telephone line. Our observations have been of people acting and reacting in the real world, not in an isolated laboratory situation. In short, we have been exposed to the vast field of nonverbal communication that complements and supplements and can even displace verbal exchange. We have begun to read a person like a book.

Keys to Success Notebook, page 54


3. Body Language

(Gen 4:7) If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.

In other words, “Now that you see that your own way did not work, why don’t you do the obvious; go get a sacrifice as your brother did, and make the right kind of sacrifice.” If you do not like it because your brother has the preeminence, go by the rules and you will have your rightful place as the first-born. It is all in your hands. The sin lying at the door is apparently a “sin offering” lying at the door that will put you in the same category as your brother. Your brother brought his sin offering, now go get yours and all will be well. But self-will got the better of the day.

What sin desires is what Cain carries out.

(Gen 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.

I could not imagine this conversation being anything other than this difference in the acceptance and rejection of their offerings. That would certainly be what was on Cain’s mind, and would most likely have brought the subject up, and in discussing it the conversation would soon turn into a quarrel on Cain’s part. Such a family dispute is all too common. When those who are closest to us are not in agreement with our views, it does not take much for one who feels resentment, or considers himself offended, to start an argument. This one led all too quickly to murder; another common result of family feuds.

(Gen 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?


As mentioned earlier, this question was not because God did not know where his brother was, as evidenced by His reply to Cain. God wanted him to know he was more than a brother’s keeper, he was to be a brother’s fellow worshipper. God is interested in harmony and cooperation, and one thing He hates is one who sows discord among brethren (Pro_6:19)

(Gen 4:10) And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.

This would cause Paul to later write in the Book of Hebrews, that although Abel was dead, his blood yet spoke (Heb_11:4). There is something about our character that continues to speak after we are gone. We read also of the cry of Sodom coming up before God (Gen_18:20), and the cry of His people being persecuted by the Egyptians (Exo_3:7). He saw the blood of Naboth (2Ki_9:26). James spoke of the cry of the poor against the rich coming up before God (Jam_5:4).

(Gen 4:11) And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand;He would already be under the curse of Adam, so that he ate his bread by the sweat of his face. But now he was under another curse that would make life even harder. It was the earth that was the recipient of his brother’s blood, so it would be the earth that would refuse to respond to his efforts.

This curse is represented as coming up from the ground, as if the ground which had been moistened with the blood were to be the instrument of inflicting the curse. In Ezekiel we read of the "mountains devouring men" (Eze_36:12-14), and elsewhere of the land "spewing out" (Lev_18:28; Lev_20:22); so here the very ground is impregnated with evil to Cain, and sends up its curses on him. The soil is to cast him off; the earth is to loathe him! inanimate nature, more tender-hearted than he (inasmuch as it drank in the


blood), is to set its face against him. It had received the innocent blood into its bosom, and it was to send up unceasingly on the murderer an endless curse. (H. Bonar)

(Gen 4:12) When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.

He would have to learn to make a living by his own ingenuity, and thus the curse made him an inventor, in an effort to survive. He would be forever running when no one was pursuing him. He would always feel threatened by anyone who was angry at him. His conscience would never let him rest (Deu_28:65-66). The sound of the shaking leaf would chase him (Lev_26:36).

(Gen 4:13) And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear.

What a common feeling is manifest here of a person who begins to feel the consequences of his sin. A heavy weight comes to the heart and a sense of hopelessness sets in.

He who drove Adam out of paradise, now drives Cain out of Eden. Adam's sin brought expulsion from the inner circle, Cain's from the outer. He is to be cast out from the land where he had been born, where was his home; from the ground which he had tilled. He was now doubly banished; compelled to go forth into an unknown region, without a guide, or a promise, or a hope. (H. Bonar)

(Gen 4:14) Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me.

What a difference this was from the reaction if it had been Abel who was told he would be driven from the face of God. With Cain it was a feeling of selfishness, a feeling that God was mistreating him. To Abel it would have been a feeling of


loss of a greatest need, a most desired friend. Very likely men still saw the Shekinah of God and that would be the presence of God that Cain refers to here as no longer being able to see.

(Gen 4:15) And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.

God was willing to grant Cain this request, that he not be killed when someone found him, but his attitude toward God through it all shows a man who never did understand God and a God who could never get through to His creature. He certainly could not say that God was not merciful to him, for everything possible was done to save him.

(Gen 4:16) And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.

When I read a statement like this, that someone went out from the presence of the Lord, I cannot think of anything more dreadful, because I am a Christian and I love God and would never want to even think of going out from His presence. But when I think of Cain’s attitude toward God, I doubt if he had the same feelings I would have. I would rather think he was indifferent to that part. What he would dislike was that he was not having his way.

(Gen 4:17) And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch: and he builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch.A whole lot of history is left out of these early accounts, so we do not know how many years this was after he was driven from the presence of God. All we know is that he married [his sister of course since Eve is the mother of all living, and there were no other women in the world other than sisters] and built a city, and named the city Enoch after his son. He shows early a need for memorials to be


sure he is remembered, or at least his son to be remembered through the name of the city.

(Gen 4:18) And unto Enoch was born Irad: and Irad begat Mehujael: and Mehujael begat Methusael: and Methusael begat Lamech.

His lineage would run parallel to that of his brother Seth and there are similarities among the names of their children. It appears Seth had a tendency to be influenced by his older brother.

The generations of Cain:

1. Nothing good is said of any one of them; but, heathen-like, they appear to have lost all fear of God and regard to man.

2. Two or three of them became famous for arts; one was a shepherd, another a musician, and another a smith; all very well in themselves, but things in which the worst of men may excel.

3. One of them was infamous for his wickedness, namely Lamech. He was the first who violated the law of marriage; a man giving loose to his appetites, and who lived a kind of lawless life. Here ends the account of cursed Cain. We hear no more of his posterity, unless it be as tempters to the sons of God, till they were all swept away by the deluge!(A. Fuller.)

(Gen 4:19) And Lamech took unto him two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah.

As the two brothers, Cain and Abel, show the two common types of people that have been in the world since the beginning, the righteous and the unrighteous, so we see that each lives out the expected trend. Here we see the first marriage to more than one wife. It is no surprise that it would start with Cain, nor is it a surprise that in time the


children of Seth would be influenced by the trend set by his brother.

(Gen 4:20) And Adah bare Jabal: he was the father of such as dwell in tents, and of such as have cattle.

From Cain’s perspective we constantly see a desire to overcome the obstacles of his curse. He was the originator of humanism, of success motivation, of invention. Here he began to dwell in tents, a new concept of living quarters, a new way to avoid the elements. On the other hand, we do not find Seth having to worry about survival nearly so much because there were not nearly the obstacles he had to face.

(Gen 4:21) And his brother's name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ.

Cain’s family now turned to entertainment, trying to find something to satisfy that emptiness in the heart that comes to those who have gone out from the presence of the Lord. Music itself must have originated with God and was for worship purposes, but the first musical instruments, which would give artificial sounds were made by the descendants of Cain.

(Gen 4:22) And Zillah, she also bare Tubalcain, an instructer of every artificer in brass and iron: and the sister of Tubalcain was Naamah.

Next the family of Cain became inventors to find a way to get the tasks done easier, since the extra curse made life sometimes unbearable. Of course each invention intended to a good use, ordinarily turns into a problem. The knife appears to be referred to here in the implements of metal, and that served well to carve the meat for the table, but it also can become an easier way of murder. Sure enough, it was not long before there was another killing and the murderer felt justified.


(Gen 4:23) And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt.

Yes, he says, I killed him, but he hit me first. That is not just a statement invented by children who justify their action toward a brother or sister. The revenge feeling goes back to the beginning and was always justified by the one who committed the crime. Apparently his wives were afraid their husband would be killed but he tried to alleviate their fears by the fact that it was in self-defense and if the slayer of Cain were to suffer seven times for his crime then it would be even more for his own slayer.

(Gen 4:24) If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold.

Now I am sure there was bad blood between this family and the family of the person he killed. A new family feud was begun at this time because neither would be willing to solve the offense. We have no idea how long the feud lasted. Such feuds sometimes go on for generations until eventually neither side remembers what started it. That is why God is so adamant about settling offenses.

(Gen 4:25) And Adam knew his wife again; 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.

There must be a blood line that goes from Eve to Christ and it will come through this child. The remainder of the historical part of the Old Testament will center around the descendents or Seth. Cain will continue as long as possible, but his wickedness will not allow him to continue forever. He goes only to the flood in Noah’s day. It is apparent that Noah's family was not married into the line of Cain.

(Gen 4:26) And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.


God had implied that a name was important back when He told Adam to name the animals, and then Adam gave his wife two names. It has always been observable that God places a lot of emphasis on a name. His own name is hallowed and each new appellation which He uses speaks more and more of who He is. Though worship apparently goes back to Adam and Eve, when coats were made from the skins of [probably] sacrificial animals, then the acceptable sacrifice of Abel. However we find no invoking a name in worship. At this point however, men began to invoke Jehovah in their worship.


griffin comments gen 4

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