A Study Of Comparison

A Survey Of Scirpture

Genesis 4:1-8

The narrative hightlights the occupation of Cain and Abel (Gen. 4:2). “Sheepherding and agriculture provided an occasion for a natural rivalry.”

K. A. Mathews, Genesis 1-11:26, vol. 1A, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1996), 266.

There is a theme of pride in the first few chapters of Genesis that starts with Cain (Gen. 4:7) and continues through the tower of Babel (Gen. 11:1-9).

The context of the rivalry is worship (Gen. 4:3-5).

God’s rejection of Cain’s offering had to due with his heart. Not giving the “first” to God unlike Abel (Gen. 4:4-5).

The author intends to compare Cain to Abel in the text.

Comparison litterally “kills” in this story (Gen. 4:8).

God offer an opportunity for restoration (Gen. 4:7).

Main takeaways:

Comparison can both be positive and negative.

On the positive side, it teaches us about God’s Will (what is good and what is not). How we are to relate to God.

On the negative side, it stirs up unrighteous anger and causes Cain to tear down his brother instead learning from Abel and resetting his own heart.