BIBLICAL CRITIQUE: CAIN AND ABEL 2
Biblical Critique: Cain and Abel
Cain and Abel were born to Adam and Eve, the first man and woman created by God.
Both Cain and Abel were given different duties to provide for their families and were also taught
to provide thanks to the Lord. One means of showing gratitude to God was to give Him offerings
from their tasks. On one occasion, God showed praise for what Abel provided, while he gave no
regard for Cain’s. As a result, Cain became angry and shortly thereafter killed his brother in a fit
of rage. The Lord knew that Cain had killed Abel and in consequence Cain was cursed to face
difficulties for the rest of his life (New American Standard Version, 1960/2020, Genesis 4:1-12).
Read
Fact Verses
1.Cain and Abel are born to Adam and Eve 1-2
2.Abel kept flocks; Cain cultivated the soil 2
3.Cain and Abel brought offerings to the Lord 3-4
4.The Lord was pleased with Abel’s offering 4
5.The Lord was not pleased with Cain’s
offering
5
6.Cain became angry at God’s response to his
offering
5
7.God responded to Cain’s anger, reminding
him to master evil
6-7
8.Cain talked to Abel and killed him 8
9.God asked Cain where his brother was, and
Cain lied
9
10.God knew the truth and cursed Cain for the 10-12
BIBLICAL CRITIQUE: CAIN AND ABEL 3
rest of his life
Reflect
What do you see in the passage that relates
to God’s character, man’s character, or
Jesus?
Verses
God’s character Cain and Abel brought offerings to the
Lord; The Lord cursed Cain for killing his
brother
3-4; 11-12
Man’s character Adam and Eve had Cain and Abel; Cain
killed his brother Abel out of anger
1-2; 8
Jesus N/A N/A
Respond
The conflict between Cain and Abel begins when God has a different response to the
offerings presented by the two brothers. Abel is shown approval and commendation for his
sacrifice, while God shows disapproval toward Cain’s choice of offering. Abel, of course, is
happy with the Lord’s reaction, while Cain is incredibly angry and envious. In actuality, Cain’s
anger is with God as it was His reaction that created this emotional response. However, Cain did
not direct his anger and violence toward God, but his brother (New American Standard Version,
1960/2020, Genesis 4:1-12).
Cain then lied to God about his brother’s location and, because of his actions, was cursed
to a life of challenges. Therefore, in working hard and providing offerings in worship, Abel was
honoring God. In contrast, Cain’s violence and lies illustrate that he was working against the
word of the Lord. These actions also correlate with the actions stated in Barsky (2017) regarding
BIBLICAL CRITIQUE: CAIN AND ABEL 4
mindfulness. It is stated that emotions can seize the brain and lead to a fight or flight response.
Cain went into fight mode and his brother lost his life as a result. On the other hand, Abel was a
more mindful individual who had greater peace of mind and had one task he focused on, pleasing
the Lord. Cain, not as mindfully developed as Abel, had a competitive characteristic that
overpowered his task of providing offerings to God.
The offerings themselves show the priorities of both brothers. Abel sacrifices one of his
treasured animals, a firstborn, but Cain gives the Lord something he would not necessarily miss
that much. These actions alone show the selflessness of Abel and the selfishness of Cain. God
must always come first, and this should be shown in actions and words. Cain learns that by not
following this path he is doomed to a life of challenges. However, one who follows the correct
path, finds peace and refuge with the Lord in times of both conflict and tranquility.
Conclusion
Reading Cain and Abel sends a reminder to everyone that the Lord is to be placed above
all else. His expectations must always be adhered to because if one honors God, he or she will
find eternal protection. On the other hand, as learned from Cain, if one turns against God, the
repercussions will be a doomed life of struggle.
BIBLICAL CRITIQUE: CAIN AND ABEL 5
References
Barsky, A. (2017).EConflict resolution for the helping professions: Negotiation, mediation,
advocacy, facilitation, and restorative justice. Oxford University Press, Incorporated.
New American Standard Bible. (2020). New American Standard Bible Online.
https://www.bible.com/versions/100-nasb-new-american-standard-bible/ (Original work
published 1960).
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