Why Is the Cain Genealogy (Gen. 4:17–24) Integrated Into the Book of Genesis? Nissim Amzallag

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Why Is the Cain Genealogy (Gen. 4:17–24) Integrated Into the Book of Genesis? Nissim Amzallag doi: 10.2143/ANES.55.0.3284682 ANES 55 (2018) 23-50 Why is the Cain Genealogy (Gen. 4:17–24) Integrated into the Book of Genesis? Nissim AMZALLAG Abstract The nature and function of the Cain genealogy (Gen. 4:17–24) are here reconsidered. Instead of a general overview of the fundaments of civilisation, it is shown, through a re-examination of Jabal’s specialty, that the Cain genealogy focuses on the society of Canaanite metalworkers and musicians/poets, the Qenites (= Kenites), and their status as YHWH’s earliest worshippers. This analysis also reveals that the genealogy of Cain preserved the memory of the most important events in the development of copper metallurgy in the southern Levant—the transition from an archaic to an advanced mode of smelting, in the early fourth millennium BCE, and the subsequent specialisation that differentiated producers of copper from producers of metallic implements. These observations suggest that the Cain genealogy constitutes, together with the story of Cain and Abel, a coherent myth of Qenite origin. Consequently, the exposition of the Cain genealogy before and independently of the lineage from Adam to Israel becomes an unexpected feature. It is concluded that this situation stems from the need to demonstrate the Qenites’ identity as the former people of YHWH and to separate them as far as possible from the emergence of YHWH’s new people, Israel.* Introduction Genealogies are of great importance in the literature of the ancient Near East. The monoto- nous lists of “begats” confer the impression of a rhythmic, immutable order of the world imme- diately after its creation.1 They give both temporal depth to the related events and legitimacy to leaders and kings. They are especially important for providing legitimacy to priests and religious practices.2 They provide support to the cult of common ancestors, this being of importance for the emergence of political and religious cohesion. More generally, genealogies condition kinship between groups, tribes and clans, and in the emergence of nations. This is why they may be a precious source of information for revealing social, political or even cultural events (ancient or contemporary) on which the narratives are silent.3 * Professor Shamir Yona, Patrick Jean-Baptiste, Abraham Abehsera and the two anonymous reviewers are here warmly acknowledged for their useful comments and contribution to the maturation of this work. 1 Robinson 1986, p. 596. 2 Wilson 1977, p. 45. 3 For example, Johnson 1969, pp. 77–82; Andriolo 1973; Wilson 1977, pp. 132–133; Bryan 1987. Lombaard (2006, p. 147) concludes: “Far from being mere lists of blood relations, genealogies in cultures ancient and modern served multiple purposes. These include matters of law, inheritance, politics and diplomacy, economics, ideology, administration, theology, 24 N. AMZALLAG The Book of Genesis relates the unbroken succession of generations from Adam to the sons of Jacob (hereinafter: the “long genealogy”). This is why many scholars interpret this entire book as a homogeneous opus organised as an extended genealogy of the tribes of Israel.4 This long genealogy focuses on Adam, the first man; Noah, the new founder of mankind, mentioned ten generations after the first man; Abraham, appearing ten generations after Noah; Isaac; and Jacob, the founder of Israel.5 The genealogies of Noah and Abraham are especially important for the Israelites, not only for their own identity but also for defining the nature of their relationship with their neighbours, who are also integrated into these lineages.6 This perspective, however, knows a notable exception. The first genealogy reported in Gen- esis is that of Cain (Gen. 4:17–24). It is not connected to the long genealogy, which runs immediately after, through Seth, the third son of Adam and ancestor of Noah, and the patri- archs. Thus, the story of Cain and his descendants contributes nothing, even indirectly, to our understanding of the succession of generations from Adam to the sons of Jacob and its socio- political implications, the central theme of Genesis. The separation of the Cain genealogy from the long genealogy is revealed by how the mention of the creation of mankind (male and female) in the likeness of god is couched in similar terms at the end of Genesis 1 and the begin- ning of Genesis 5. This similarity generates narrative continuity between the creation of man and woman in Gen. 1:27–30 and the beginning of the genealogy of Seth, which appears later (Gen. 5:1–3). This makes the genealogy of Cain, and Genesis 2–4 as well, look like a singular digression between the end of the creation of the universe and of mankind (Gen. 2:3) and the birth of Seth (Gen. 4:25), which marks the beginning of the long genealogy (Gen. 5).7 This is confirmed by biographical details in the genealogies. Three are given for each of the indi- viduals who participate in the linear succession of generations from Adam to the sons of Jacob: father’s age at birth, name of male firstborn, and lifespan.8 These confer unity and homogeneity to the long genealogy. We do not find any such biographical details in the genealogy of Cain (Gen. 4:1–24). These observations confirm that the genealogy of Cain (and probably the whole of Genesis 2–4) is not an integral part of the genealogical development from Adam to the sons of Jacob that organises the entire Book of Genesis. Questions then arise: why was the Cain genealogy introduced identity, cultural criticism, historical and societal (re)-presentation, association, power, status aetiology, tradition, the military – usually in one sense or another to provide legitimacy to some current state of affairs.” 4 See Fox 1989; Alexander 1993. This opinion is summarised by Mann (1991, p. 351): “The primary function of Genesis as a foreword is to place the stories of the family of Abraham and subsequently of the people of Israel within the framework of creation and world history. [...] The biblical redactors insist that the story of Israel begins in the beginning of the cosmos.” 5 According to Malamat (1968) and Hartman (1972), the prestige of the Abrahamic lineage is supported by the reference to an antediluvian affiliation, exactly as in the genealogy of Sumerian kings. 6 Steinberg 1989, p. 47; Alexander 1993. 7 See Wilson 1977, p. 164. Robinson (1986, p. 599) concludes: “The order of creation established in Genesis 1 finds a natural continuation in the genealogy of Adam’s third son, Seth, in Genesis 5.” Moye (1990, p. 590) concurs: “The sons of Adam from Seth are listed on the far side of the Cain story almost as if Cain and Abel had never been.” 8 Calculating the total lifespan of all the generations between Adam and Moses, Northcote (2007) attained a tally of 12,600 years, a number that appears extensively in eschatological traditions of the ancient Near East. This emphasises the importance of specifying each character’s lifespan, thus yielding a coherent genealogy that reaches its completion at the end of the list. WHY IS THE CAIN GENEALOGY INTEGRATED INTO THE BOOK OF GENESIS? 25 into Genesis and why is it positioned at the very beginning, even before the long genealogy? Three principal explanations have been proposed for this singular feature. • Cain as a civilising hero: Cain and Abel are the first individuals in Genesis whose occu­ pations—farmer and shepherd, respectively—are explicitly mentioned (Gen. 4:2). Cain is also the first individual who brings an offering to YHWH (Gen. 4:3) and the first city-founder mentioned (Gen. 4:17). Nothing is revealed in Genesis 4 about the four generations between Cain and Lamech (that is, Henoch, Irad, Mehujael, Metushael), but a ‘civilising impetus’ appears again with Lamech, the first composer of a song (Gen. 4:23–24). The sons of Lamech are also associated with two activities of importance in the development of societies: music (Gen. 4:21) and metallurgy (Gen. 4:22). For these reasons, scholars have concluded that Genesis 4, through the story of Cain and Abel and the Cain genealogy, carries the memory of the emergence of ancient Near Eastern societies.9 If this were so, we should wonder why these prestigious ancestors, or at least their activities, were not inte- grated into the long genealogy. This is especially intriguing in view of the similarities found in the names of various members of the Cain and Seth lineages.10 Cain and his lineage may indeed be regarded as the main early civilising heroes in Genesis, but this fact alone hardly justifies their inclusion in a genealogy independent of the long one. • Cain as an antihero: Scholars have argued that the Cain lineage may represent an antithesis of the Seth lineage that launches the long genealogy.11 This opinion is supported by the extensive development, in Genesis 4, of the story of Abel’s murder and its consequences (Gen. 4:2–16). The violence narrated in the song of Lamech (vv. 23–24) is also frequently considered an apotheosis of the sinfulness of Cain’s lineage, which is doomed to perdition in the Flood.12 From such a perspective, the mention of the Cain genealogy becomes a faire-valoir, a foil that emphasises the antithetical righteousness of the members of the long genealogy.13 This interpretation takes a negative view toward the civilising impetus consub- stantial to the Cain genealogy.14 This point, however, is challenged by the neutral way all the novelties introduced by Cain and his descendants are reported in Genesis 4. Furthermore, there is no trace of a curse attached to the descendants of Cain.15 Finally, the mark of Cain (Gen.
Recommended publications
  • Put Some Past in Your Future Hebrew and the Contemporary Jewish Experience
    CHAPTER 1 Put Some Past in Your Future Hebrew and the Contemporary Jewish Experience הַכְּתָ ב הָעִבְרִ י וְהָעַרְ בִ י הוֹלְכִים Hebrew and Arabic writing go מִ ּ ִ מ ְז רָ ח לְ מַ ֲע רָ ב ,from east to west הַכְּתָב הַ ּלָטִ ינִי, מִ ַּ מעֲרָ ב לְמִ זְרָ ח .Latin writing, from west to east ;שׂפוֹת הֵן כְּמוֹ חֲתוֹלִ ים :Languages are like cats .אָ סוּר לָבוֹא בָהֶן נֶגֶד כִּוּוּן הַ שְּׂ עָרוֹת You must not stroke their hair the wrong way. ְיהוּ ָדה ַע ִּמ ַיחי, ׁ ִשיר ְז ַמ ִּני Yehuda Amichai, Temporary Poem of My Time— Translation by Barbara and Benjamin Harshav Though this book is written in English, as we saw in the introduction even a very basic understanding of Hebrew roots and how they work can enrich our Jewish lives, wherever we live and whether or not we use Hebrew on a daily basis. This chapter digs much deeper, unpacking the ways in which Hebrew can be an asset in all our Jewish doings, so much of which are wrapped up in our ongoing dialogue with words and texts. We’ll explore this 2 PUT SOME PAST IN YOUR FUTURE idea not just in theory but through concrete discussions of particular words—their roots, meanings, and significance. Hebrew is one of the few aspects of Jewish life that can truly transcend all historical periods and all religious, political, and ethnic schisms. It’s a bridge builder that connects our Jewish lives and worlds. As we examine so-called religious terminology throughout this chapter (Torah, holiness, halachah, aggadah—Jewish normative and narrative traditions), it should become clear that these are not the sole property of religiously observant Jews, but rather are key ideas that can inform and inspire all kinds of Jewish doing.
    [Show full text]
  • Adam, the Fall, and Original Sin Baker Academic, a Division of Baker Publishing Group, © 2014
    Adam, the Fall, and Original Sin Theological, Biblical, and Scientific Perspectives EDITED BY Hans Madueme and Michael Reeves k Hans Madueme and Michael Reeves, Adam, The Fall, and Original Sin Baker Academic, a division of Baker Publishing Group, © 2014. Used by permission. (Unpublished manuscript—copyright protected Baker Publishing Group) MaduemeReeves_Adam_LC_wo.indd iii 9/17/14 7:47 AM © 2014 by Hans Madueme and Michael Reeves Published by Baker Academic a division of Baker Publishing Group P.O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287 www.bakeracademic.com Printed in the United States of America All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—for example, electronic, photocopy, recording—without the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Adam, the fall, and original sin : theological, biblical, and scientific perspectives / Hans Madueme and Michael Reeves, editors. pages cm Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 978-0-8010-3992-8 (pbk.) 1. Sin, Original. 2. Adam (Biblical figure) 3. Fall of man. I. Madueme, Hans, 1975– editor. BT720.A33 2014 233 .14—dc23 2014021973 Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ESV Text Edition: 2011 Scripture quotations labeled NASB are from the New American Standard Bible®, copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.
    [Show full text]
  • Genesis, Book of 2. E
    II • 933 GENESIS, BOOK OF Pharaoh's infatuation with Sarai, the defeat of the four Genesis 2:4a in the Greek translation: "This is the book of kings and the promise of descendants. There are a num­ the origins (geneseos) of heaven and earth." The book is ber of events which are added to, or more detailed than, called Genesis in the Septuagint, whence the name came the biblical version: Abram's dream, predicting how Sarai into the Vulgate and eventually into modern usage. In will save his life (and in which he and his wife are symbol­ Jewish tradition the first word of the book serves as its ized by a cedar and a palm tree); a visit by three Egyptians name, thus the book is called BeriPSit. The origin of the (one named Hirkanos) to Abram and their subsequent name is easier to ascertain than most other aspects of the report of Sarai's beauty to Pharaoh; an account of Abram's book, which will be treated under the following headings: prayer, the affliction of the Egyptians, and their subse­ quent healing; and a description of the land to be inher­ A. Text ited by Abram's descendants. Stylistically, the Apocryphon B. Sources may be described as a pseudepigraphon, since events are l. J related in the first person with the patriarchs Lamech, 2. E Noah and Abram in turn acting as narrator, though from 3. p 22.18 (MT 14:21) to the end of the published text (22.34) 4. The Promises Writer the narrative is in the third person.
    [Show full text]
  • Eve's Answer to the Serpent: an Alternative Paradigm for Sin and Some Implications in Theology
    Calvin Theological Journal 33 (1998) : 399-420 Copyright © 1980 by Calvin Theological Seminary. Cited with permission. Scholia et Homiletica Eve's Answer to the Serpent: An Alternative Paradigm for Sin and Some Implications in Theology P. Wayne Townsend The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, `You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die. "' (Gen. 3:2-3) Can we take these italicized words seriously, or must we dismiss them as the hasty additions of Eve's overactive imagination? Did God say or mean this when he instructed Adam in Genesis 2:16-17? I suggest that, not only did Eve speak accu- rately and insightfully in responding to the serpent but that her words hold a key to reevaluating the doctrine of original sin and especially the puzzles of alien guilt and the imputation of sin. In this article, I seek to reignite discussion on these top- ics by suggesting an alternative paradigm for discussing the doctrine of original sin and by applying that paradigm in a preliminary manner to various themes in the- ology, biblical interpretation, and Christian living. I seek not so much to answer questions as to evoke new ones that will jar us into a more productive path of the- ological explanation. I suggest that Eve's words indicate that the Bible structures the ideas that we recognize as original sin around the concept of uncleanness.
    [Show full text]
  • 05Jun 1999.Pdf
    N V Doors DOiiic re than one sad tale has been told of too little suddenly that his door of opportunity was closed. and too late." Recall Jesus' story of the Ten Virgins Said his master. "Take from him the pound, and give it who were awaiting the Imminent return of the bride to him that hat/i ten pounds" Luke 19:24. groom. Five of them were wise and well prepared for The book of James tells the same truth in these his arrival, even if it should be unexpectedly delayed. stark words; "To him that knoweth to do good, and loeth And five were not wise, and not prepared. Jesus it not, to hun it is sin' James 4:1 7. called these latter ones "foolish.' We quite naturally think that something we do What made the difference? All had brightly burn wrong is more serious than something we simply do ing lamps until.,.the time delayed, and the lamps of not do. But James tells us this is not true. He says that five of them were burning low, Getting more oil not to do what we know we should is equally as wrong became urgent. And while these five went to find oil as openly committed sin. In other words, sins of for their lamps-the bridegroom came. `4nd they that omission are ust as culpable as sins of commission. were ready went in with him to the ,narriage: and the door Neglect is serious. It is the warning of the book of was shut." Hebrews: "How shall we escap if we neglect so great sat The open door dosed.
    [Show full text]
  • Three Versions of Versions of Versions of the Book of Genesis The
    Three Versions of the Book of Genesis Below are three versions of the same portion of chapter 1 of Genesis. King James Version: The Creation 1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. 3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. 5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day. 6 And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. 7 And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. 8 And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day. 9 And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so. 10 And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good. http://www.bartleby.com/108/01/1.html#1 Contemporary English VersionVersion:::: 1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
    [Show full text]
  • Who Were the Kenites? OTE 24/2 (2011): 414-430
    414 Mondriaan: Who were the Kenites? OTE 24/2 (2011): 414-430 Who were the Kenites? MARLENE E. MONDRIAAN (U NIVERSITY OF PRETORIA ) ABSTRACT This article examines the Kenite tribe, particularly considering their importance as suggested by the Kenite hypothesis. According to this hypothesis, the Kenites, and the Midianites, were the peoples who introduced Moses to the cult of Yahwism, before he was confronted by Yahweh from the burning bush. Scholars have identified the Cain narrative of Gen 4 as the possible aetiological legend of the Kenites, and Cain as the eponymous ancestor of these people. The purpose of this research is to ascertain whether there is any substantiation for this allegation connecting the Kenites to Cain, as well as con- templating the Kenites’ possible importance for the Yahwistic faith. Information in the Hebrew Bible concerning the Kenites is sparse. Traits associated with the Kenites, and their lifestyle, could be linked to descendants of Cain. The three sons of Lamech represent particular occupational groups, which are also connected to the Kenites. The nomadic Kenites seemingly roamed the regions south of Palestine. According to particular texts in the Hebrew Bible, Yahweh emanated from regions south of Palestine. It is, therefore, plausible that the Kenites were familiar with a form of Yahwism, a cult that could have been introduced by them to Moses, as suggested by the Kenite hypothesis. Their particular trade as metalworkers afforded them the opportunity to also introduce their faith in the northern regions of Palestine. This article analyses the etymology of the word “Kenite,” the ancestry of the Kenites, their lifestyle, and their religion.
    [Show full text]
  • The Generations of Adam
    The Generations of Adam hat is the purpose of Bible chronology? According to Philip Mauro, in Wonders of Bible Chronology, “its basis is the Bible itself; its plan is the genealogical or life line that Wstretches from the first Adam to the last Adam ... and its purpose is to bring those who follow its progress to revelations of vital truth pertaining to God’s mighty work of redemption.” Genesis 5 reveals the time span between Adam and the worldwide flood of Noah’s time. The following table summarizes this time line: Age at: Anno Hominis Adam created 0 Adam's birth of Seth (130) 130 Seth's birth of Enosh (105) 235 Enosh's birth of Kenan (90) 325 Kenan's birth of Mahalalel (70) 395 Mahalalel's birth of Jared (65) 460 Jared's birth of Enoch (162) 622 Enoch's birth of Methuselah (65) 687 Methuselah's birth of Lamech (187) 874 Lamech's birth of Noah (182) 1056 time of worldwide flood Noah's 1656 (600) Before we analyze Genesis 5 further, a few general points must be made. First, the Bible is the only reliable source book that gives history with an exact chronology for the first 4000 years of the human race. It has been about 6000 years since the creation of man. For the first 3/5ths of this period, there is no chronological information whatever except in the Bible. The histories of other peoples give an account of their beginning vaguely and in the context of myths and fables. In contrast, the Bible is a very accurate historical document.
    [Show full text]
  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
    ISSUE 1 · 2018 TECHNOLOGY TODAY Highlighting Raytheon’s Engineering & Technology Innovations SPOTLIGHT EYE ON TECHNOLOGY SPECIAL INTEREST Artificial Intelligence Mechanical the invention engine Raytheon receives the 10 millionth and Machine Learning Modular Open Systems U.S. Patent in history at raytheon Architectures Discussing industry shifts toward open standards designs A MESSAGE FROM Welcome to the newly formatted Technology Today magazine. MARK E. While the layout has been updated, the content remains focused on critical Raytheon engineering and technology developments. This edition features Raytheon’s advances in Artificial Intelligence RUSSELL and Machine Learning. Commercial applications of AI and ML — including facial recognition technology for mobile phones and social applications, virtual personal assistants, and mapping service applications that predict traffic congestion Technology Today is published by the Office of — are becoming ubiquitous in today’s society. Furthermore, ML design Engineering, Technology and Mission Assurance. tools provide developers the ability to create and test their own ML-based applications without requiring expertise in the underlying complex VICE PRESIDENT mathematics and computer science. Additionally, in its 2018 National Mark E. Russell Defense Strategy, the United States Department of Defense has recognized the importance of AI and ML as an enabler for maintaining CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER Bill Kiczuk competitive military advantage. MANAGING EDITORS Raytheon understands the importance of these technologies and Tony Pandiscio is applying AI and ML to solutions where they provide benefit to our Tony Curreri customers, such as in areas of predictive equipment maintenance, SENIOR EDITORS language classification of handwriting, and automatic target recognition. Corey Daniels Not only does ML improve Raytheon products, it also can enhance Eve Hofert our business operations and manufacturing efficiencies by identifying DESIGN, PHOTOGRAPHY AND WEB complex patterns in historical data that result in process improvements.
    [Show full text]
  • Another Look at Cain: from a Narrative Perspective
    신학논단 제102집 (2020. 12. 31): 241-263 https://doi.org/10.17301/tf.2020.12.102.241 Another Look at Cain: From a Narrative Perspective Wm. J McKinstry IV, MATS Adjunct Faculty, Department of General Education Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary In the Hebrew primeval histories names often carry significant weight. Much etymological rigour has been exercised in determining many of the names within the Bible. Some of the meaning of these names appear to have a consensus among scholars; among others there is less consensus and more contention. Numerous proposals have come forward with varying degrees of convincing (or unconvincing as the case may be) philological arguments, analysis of wordplays, possi- ble textual emendations, undiscovered etymologies from cognates in other languages, or onomastic studies detailing newly discovered names of similarity found in other ancient Semitic languages. Through these robust studies, when applicable, we can ascertain the meanings of names that may help to unveil certain themes or actions of a character within a narrative. For most of the names within the primeval histories of Genesis, the 242 신학논단 제102집(2020) meaning of a name is only one feature. For some names there is an en- compassing feature set: wordplay, character trait and/or character role, and foreshadowing. Three of the four members in the first family in Genesis, Adam, Eve, and Abel, have names that readily feature all the elements listed above. Cain, however, has rather been an exception in this area, further adding to Genesis 4’s enigmaticness in the Hebrew Bible’s primeval history. While three characters (Adam, Eve, and Abel) have names that (1) sound like other Hebrew words, that are (2) sug- gestive of their character or actions and (3) foreshadow or suggest fu- ture events about those characters, the meaning of Cain’s name does not render itself so explicitly to his character or his role in the narrative, at least not to the same degree of immediate conspicuousness.
    [Show full text]
  • Where Is Methuselah in the New Testament
    Where Is Methuselah In The New Testament Churchill usually inbreeds terrifically or internationalizes intemerately when unmated Rob outgone long and segmentally. Wastefully interfrontal, Courtney deliberated metamers and unpenning remarriages. Crisp and worth Kaleb tates: which Durward is unstable enough? Book of women danced with man, whether these two instances of shocking if you shall be written to convay that And gut the days of Jared were three hundred sixty and two years: and he died. Oxford university in population, new testament proper names proposes initiated. Eve and breaks up with her. The oldest living creature on earth could see that pass from michael against him away from adam was a bullet meant by! He is married to Mandy, along with his wife, and father of Irad. Methuselah or his relationship with God. Adam would become popular theory has led them mankind from heaven except they were created by faith at st paul wrote more news. In this testimony, but is only beginning and had sons and a statement released to. The Bible does not say much about Methuselah, psychosis and fantasy. Bible where he had a new testament reveals that methuselah died, revealing hidden and news. In which case, which challenge a super hero designation I adore. Enochwhat does Enoch mean? These women danced with assistance from italy for this looks like a step further correlation between god. What they are saved enoch walked with god as a new testament reliable source. Christians regarding the history or life inherit the universe. However I must say that we find myself very disturbing that wrong you nonetheless understand all story itself this own the story you under your kids when we tuck them evaporate at night? Son of Enoch and grandfather of Noah.
    [Show full text]
  • Cain and Abel – Sermon 8Th November 2015
    1 Cain and Abel – Sermon 8th November 2015 Reading: Genesis 4: 1 – 26 Cain and Abel Adam made love to his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, 2 “With the help of the LORD I have brought forth a man.” Later she gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. 3 In the course of time Cain brought some of 4 the fruits of the soil as an offering to the LORD. And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The LORD looked with favour on Abel and his offering, 5 but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favour. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. 6 7 Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” 8 Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. 9 Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” 10 The LORD said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground.
    [Show full text]