Genesis - Week Eight

Introduction

This study should address...

What does the Bible say?

What does the Bible Mean?

How can we apply that to our lives

Legend

Important

Questions

References

Personal Thoughts

Chapter 3

Verses 20-24

Genesis 3:20–24 ESV

The man called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living. And the Lord God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them. Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever—” therefore the Lord God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.

“The man called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living”

Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 3

Eve’s name in Hebrew, chawwah, is related to the Hebrew verb chayah, which may be translated “to live.” This is wordplay—Eve is described as the mother of all life.

ESV Church History Study Bible Notes: Voices from the Past, Wisdom for the Present Chapter 3

It is evident from this passage that Adam, by receiving the Holy Spirit, was wonderfully enlightened, and that he believed and understood the word spoken by God concerning the seed of the woman, which should bruise the head of the serpent; and that he therefore wished to signal his faith, and to adorn it by the name which he gave his wife, the name the like of which he had not given to any other creature. (Martin Luther, Luther on the Creation: A Critical and Devotional Commentary on Genesis)

Matthew Henry - “Adam probably had regard to the blessing of a Redeemer, the promised Seed, in calling his wife Eve, or life; for He should be the life of all believers, and in Him all the families of the earth should be blessed.”

Adam shows his dominion by naming his wife

The word for “living” never means just humans, but either all life or all animal life

Thus, not a fool proof support for sole progenitorship

This can also be satisfied by a genealogical ancestor

Or this could even refer to Eve as the one who would bring forth Jesus

Or symbolic/allegorical role as mother

Or ancient genetic ancestor

“And the Lord God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them”

God still cares for humans and despite their shame he provides for them

The Spurgeon Study Bible: Notes Chapter 3

Some creature had to die in order to provide them with garments, and we know who died in order that we might be robed in his spotless righteousness. The Lamb of God has made for us a garment that covers our nakedness so that we are not afraid to stand even before the bar of God.

“Then the Lord God said…to guard the way to the tree of life”

“the man” in Hebrew can be understood to include Eve

There is a plural here that could show the Trinity or more likely the Divine Council

It is clear from these verses that the tree of life is the source of man’s immortality

Thus being cut off from this tree causes them death

Unclear if they had already taken of the tree, if it was one time, or required regular partaking

God starts a sentence that is not finished, perhaps an unbearable thought

Interesting, maybe an anachronism

The priestly status of Adam and Eve as keepers of the garden has been removed from them and given to the Cherubim

Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 3

The Hebrew term used here is plural. The noun comes from the Akkadian term karub, which refers to a divine throne guardian. These guardians are often depicted in sculptures as sphinx-like—having the body of a lion and the head of a man. They are commonly depicted as guarding the throne of a deity. This fits the context, as the cherubim are placed as guardians of Eden, God’s dwelling place (see note on 2:8).

This is the only reference to a flaming, turning sword but it matches usual Yahweh imagery

Jesus provides a new way to that tree of life

Chapter 4

The Message of Genesis 1–11: The Dawn of Creation 1. Life Goes on (4:1–2a)

As Wenham’s commentary indicates, there are parallels in this story found in aspects of the Sumerian flood story from Babylon: man’s nomadic plight, the building of the first city, the establishment of worship. However, whereas the Mesopotamian story rests on an overall optimism of human nature which believes in human progress, the theme of

Verses 1-7

Genesis 4:1–7 ESV

Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, “I have gotten a man with the help of the Lord.” And again, she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground. In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.”

Notice anything in these verses?

“Now Adam knew Eve his wife…and Cain a worker of the ground.”

Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 4

Cain The meaning of this name is disputed. It likely relates to smithing or metalworking, as in the name Tubal-Cain, forefather of metalworkers (see v. 22).

Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 4

I have given birth to The Hebrew verb here, qanah, often translated as “gotten,” is a wordplay on the sound of Cain’s name (qayin). The verb qanah means “to acquire,” “to create,” or “to produce.” Eve’s statement here reflects her pride and joy in the birth of her firstborn (compare

Eve was joyful at the birth of her son perhaps as the offspring to overcome the serpent, yet this son would soon serve that serpent

There is a translation of these verses that renders “I have gotten the man of the Lord” indicating that Eve believed the prophesied offspring had already come

It is interesting to me how children are seen as a gift from God to which he is praised for. This is a process for which we understand the science, yet God still has authority over it.

Abel being referred to as Cain’s brother shows how Cain is the main character here

Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 4

Abel’s name in Hebrew, hevel, means “breath.” Since the chapter does not tie the name to Abel’s early death, it may refer generally to brevity of life. Alternatively, the name hevel could refer to Abel’s occupation, as the related Syriac word habla means “herdsman.”

Abel’s name can also mean “vanity” showing Eve’s immediate change from the joy of offspring to remembering the pain and misery she has subjected the world to through sin

Calvin believed it was more probable than not that Cain and Abel were twins given that conception is mentioned only once

Both sons were had occupations that were noble and God-honoring

“In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering…he had no regard.”

Why do you think one was accepted and the other not?

Hebrews shows us that these sacrifices were commanded by God

Hebrews 11:4 “By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks.”

Nothing indicates that Abel’s sacrifice was better due to being an animal sacrifice and Cain’s being a crop sacrifice.

Both of these are later commanded in the Levitical laws

It is possible through the Hebrew to infer that Cain could be offering what was easy and close at hand

Abel, on the other hand, seems to demonstrate more care in his sacrifice by providing his best as a sacrifice

Thus it is most likely that Cain’s sacrifice was not accepted due to the condition of his heart and his faith

Sacrifices work by the faith not the action

Some with a more calvinist view may actually say that one was regarded more than the other due to the mystery of God’s grace

God did not just regard Abel’s offering but Abel himself

Short chiasmus in sheep-ground-ground-sheep

“So Cain was very angry… ‘…but you must rule over it’”

God asks a rhetorical question to offer counsel not rebuke

The desire is the same as seen in Genesis 3:16 “To the woman he said, “I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children. Your desire shall be contrary to your husband, but he shall rule over you.””

Sin’s desire is to rule over you, but you must rule over it

The Lord is challenging Cain to do better which shows that he still has the opportunity to change and to overcome his sin

Cain was angered by the consequences of his own disobedience, childish in his desire to get the same for doing less

Verses 8-16

Genesis 4:8–16 ESV

Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?” And the Lord said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to me from the ground. And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. When you work the ground, it shall no longer yield to you its strength. You shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth.” Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is greater than I can bear. Behold, you have driven me today away from the ground, and from your face I shall be hidden. I shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.” Then the Lord said to him, “Not so! If anyone kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold.” And the Lord put a mark on Cain, lest any who found him should attack him. Then Cain went away from the presence of the Lord and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.

What sticks out about these verses?

“Cain spoke to Abel his brother… ‘The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to me from the ground.’”

The coldness of the crime is shown in the brevity to which it is mentioned

Cain has let his sin master him

He has become so blinded by his sin that he believed he could cover it up, and desired to hide from a God that will forgive with confession

Envy led Cain to be angry with God and then to be angry with Abel

The Masoretic text does not say what was said, but the Septuagint says “Let’s go out to the field”

Adam and Eve deflected when they were confronted, but Cain lies and denies having any responsibility over his brother

God reveals his knowledge of the crime

“And now you are cursed from the ground…Then Cain went away from the presence of the Lord and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden”

The ground is once again cursed due to sin

Man’s sin does not just disrupt our relationship with God, but also with man and nature

Cain can no longer live as a farmer, but required to live as an outcast and a wanderer

Outcast from what? Are there other people around?

Cain’s sin and punishment will overtake him, it is more than he can bear alone

Part of his punishment comes from being hidden from God and removed from him

God provides a protection for Cain since he does not seek to kill him or cause him harm

Cain is also protected since his kin can still produce good

God will not allow for retaliation or for the sin of Cain to continue

The “on” for the mark can also be translated “for” showing that the mark may not be physical

“Nod” means wandering, Cain moves even farther east of Eden and away from God and his people

Sevenfold is an idiomatic expression for abundantly

Verses 17-24

Genesis 4:17–24 ESV

Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch. When he built a city, he called the name of the city after the name of his son, Enoch. To Enoch was born Irad, and Irad fathered Mehujael, and Mehujael fathered Methushael, and Methushael fathered Lamech. And Lamech took two wives. The name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah. Adah bore Jabal; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock. His brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe. Zillah also bore Tubal-cain; he was the forger of all instruments of bronze and iron. The sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah. Lamech said to his wives: “Adah and Zillah, hear my voice; you wives of Lamech, listen to what I say: I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for striking me. If Cain’s revenge is sevenfold, then Lamech’s is seventy-sevenfold.”

What stands out about these verses?

“Cain knew his wife… The sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah”

Who do we think this wife is?

For me it is hard to see her as a sibling to Cain due to his mark and his past sins

Cain is the originator of urban civilization, and there is no indication that Cain’s actions here are seen as bad

Lamech is the first polygamist

Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 4

4:20 Jabal The name Jabal here and Jubal in v. 21 are noticeably similar. Jabal and Jubal may be derived from the Hebrew word yevul, meaning “to produce.” Jabal, Jubal, and Tubal-Cain are all depicted as inventors or founders.

4:22 Tubal-Cain who forged In addition to being related to Cain’s name, this name rhymes with the name Jubal, creating wordplay (see note on v. 20; note on v. 1).

Lamech’s children are then the inventors and creators of many technological developments

Though separated from God, God used these descendants to bring good into the world

Common Grace

There are parallels to the antediluvian history in ANE sources like the Sumerian King Lists which notably contain extended life spans

“Lamech said to his wives:… ‘… then Lamech’s is seventy-sevenfold’”

His pride and description of a younger man likely referring to a child or boy shows his evil

Lamech also seems to see the curse on Cain’s avenger to be a good sign and something to proud of

Perhaps he sees the divine protection as a sign of approval

Matthew 18:22 “Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

“And Adam knew his wife again…At that time people began to call upon the name of the Lord.”

Seth’s name refers to his place as a replacement for Abel

Means “annointing”

No one til this point at invoked God by his name of “Yahweh”

This is also associated with Seth showing his line to be the Godly one

This line would lead to Christ who would destroy the serpent

The beginning of true divine worship

General References and Sources

Study Bibles

ESV Study Bible

ESV Church History Study Bible

ESV Literary Study Bible

Spurgeon Study Bible

Faithlife Study Bible

Commentaries

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Matthew Poole’s Commentary

Dennis Prager’s Rational Bible on Genesis

David Atkinson, The Message of Genesis 1-11

John Davis, Paradise to Prison

Church History

Augustine, City of God

Augustine, Confessions

Aquinas, Summa Theologica