CHARACTER STUDY OF CAIN – FIRSTBORN OF ADAM AND EVE, MURDERER OF ABEL
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text:
"And the Lord said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper?" – Genesis 4:9
Supporting Texts:
Genesis 4:1-16, 1 John 3:12, Hebrews 11:4, Jude 1:11
INTRODUCTION:
Cain was the firstborn son of Adam and Eve, making him the first naturally born human in history. His birth was a moment of great expectation, as Eve declared, "I have gotten a man from the Lord" (Genesis 4:1). However, despite his privileged position, Cain’s life was marked by jealousy, disobedience, and rebellion.
His story is most remembered for his murder of his younger brother Abel, which was the first recorded act of homicide in the Bible. This act of violence was triggered by envy when God accepted Abel’s offering but rejected Cain’s. His actions led to a curse from God, resulting in his separation from divine favour and his transformation into a fugitive.
In this study, we shall consider the life of Cain, his actions, his strengths and weaknesses, and the lessons we can learn from him.
1. CAIN WAS THE FIRSTBORN OF HUMANITY
As the first child of Adam and Eve, Cain had a unique place in history.
a) He was the first naturally born human
Unlike Adam and Eve, who were directly created by God, Cain was the first human to be born through the natural process of reproduction (Genesis 4:1).
b) He was expected to carry on God’s mandate
His birth was a fulfilment of God’s command to be fruitful and multiply (Genesis 1:28).
c) His name signified hope and expectation
Eve believed that Cain was a blessing from the Lord, indicating her faith in God’s plan (Genesis 4:1).
d) He grew up in a godly environment
Despite the fall, Cain had access to the teachings and knowledge of God from his parents (Genesis 3:21).
e) Biblical Example: Firstborns Who Carried Divine Expectations
Esau, like Cain, was a firstborn with great potential but lost his blessings due to wrong choices (Genesis 25:29-34).
2. CAIN WAS A TILLER OF THE GROUND
He followed in his father Adam’s footsteps as a worker of the land.
a) He was a hardworking farmer
Cain worked the soil, fulfilling his responsibility as part of humanity’s duty after the fall (Genesis 4:2).
b) He had skills in agriculture
His profession required diligence and knowledge of planting and harvesting (Genesis 4:2).
c) His work depended on God’s blessing
As a farmer, Cain’s success depended on God’s provision of rain and fertility (Deuteronomy 11:14).
d) He had an opportunity to offer his best to God
As a tiller of the ground, he could have honoured God with the firstfruits of his harvest (Proverbs 3:9).
e) Biblical Example: Hardworking Labourers in Scripture
Noah was also a man of the soil and planted a vineyard (Genesis 9:20).
3. CAIN’S OFFERING WAS REJECTED BY GOD
His sacrifice exposed his heart’s condition and led to his downfall.
a) He brought an offering to God
Cain participated in worship by presenting an offering from his crops (Genesis 4:3).
b) His offering lacked faith and excellence
Unlike Abel, who brought the best of his flock, Cain’s sacrifice was not accepted by God (Genesis 4:4-5).
c) God’s rejection revealed his heart’s issue
Cain’s attitude toward God and his offering showed that his heart was not right (Hebrews 11:4).
d) He became angry instead of repentant
Rather than seeking to correct his ways, he allowed anger to dominate him (Genesis 4:5).
e) Biblical Example: Other Offerings Rejected by God
King Saul’s disobedient sacrifice was also rejected by God (1 Samuel 15:22-23).
4. CAIN MURDERED HIS BROTHER ABEL
His anger and jealousy led to the first recorded act of murder.
a) He was warned by God about his anger
God advised Cain to rule over his sinful desires, but he ignored the warning (Genesis 4:6-7).
b) He lured Abel into the field
Cain deceived his brother and took him to an isolated place (Genesis 4:8).
c) He violently killed Abel
Overcome with rage, Cain committed the first murder (Genesis 4:8).
d) He denied responsibility
When God confronted him, Cain lied and asked, "Am I my brother’s keeper?" (Genesis 4:9).
e) Biblical Example: Betrayal and Murder in Scripture
Judas Iscariot also betrayed Jesus due to his selfish motives (Matthew 26:14-16).
5. CAIN WAS CURSED AND BANISHED
His punishment was severe, yet God still showed him mercy.
a) He was cursed from the ground
The land would no longer yield its strength for him (Genesis 4:11).
b) He became a restless wanderer
Cain was sentenced to a life of wandering with no permanent home (Genesis 4:12).
c) He feared for his life
He cried out that others might kill him in revenge (Genesis 4:13-14).
d) God put a mark on him for protection
Despite his sin, God showed him mercy by marking him to prevent his murder (Genesis 4:15).
e) Biblical Example: Consequences of Sin Leading to Exile
King Nebuchadnezzar was also punished with banishment when he became proud (Daniel 4:28-37).
6. STRENGTHS OF CAIN
Despite his sinful actions, Cain had qualities that were notable.
a) He was hardworking
As a farmer, he laboured to cultivate the land (Genesis 4:2).
b) He recognised the existence of God
Unlike later generations who denied God, Cain acknowledged Him (Genesis 4:3).
c) He had leadership potential
As the firstborn, he had the opportunity to lead and influence his family.
d) He understood the concept of sacrifice
Though his offering was not accepted, he at least attempted to worship God (Genesis 4:3).
e) Biblical Example: Hardworking Firstborns in Scripture
Reuben, the firstborn of Jacob, also had great potential but failed due to character flaws (Genesis 49:3-4).
7. WEAKNESSES OF CAIN
His flaws led to his downfall and eternal separation from God.
a) He had a rebellious heart
Cain ignored God’s warning and allowed sin to control him (Genesis 4:7).
b) He was consumed by jealousy
Instead of rejoicing in his brother’s success, he resented him (Genesis 4:5).
c) He allowed anger to lead him into sin
His unchecked emotions resulted in the murder of Abel (Genesis 4:8).
d) He refused to take responsibility
Instead of confessing, he denied his wrongdoing before God (Genesis 4:9).
e) Biblical Example: Others Who Let Anger Lead to Destruction
King Herod’s jealousy led him to kill innocent children (Matthew 2:16).
CONCLUSION:
Cain’s life serves as a warning against jealousy, anger, and disobedience. Though he had potential, he allowed sin to rule over him, leading to his downfall. His story highlights the importance of a right heart in worship and the dangers of unchecked emotions.
As believers, we must learn from Cain’s mistakes. We must offer our best to God, resist sinful desires, and take responsibility for our actions. When we walk in obedience, we remain in God's favour and enjoy His blessings.
