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2. Cain and Abel

Boy Writing Hebrew Letters on Blackboard

Genesis 4:8-10 

Cain said to his brother Abel, ‘Let us go out to the field.’* 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 your brother Abel?’ He said, ‘I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?’ And the Lord said, ‘What have you done? Listen; your brother’s blood is crying out to me from the ground! 


Kid Explanation

There were two brothers named Cain and Abel who wanted to make God happy. They brought presents (offerings) to show their love. But when God seemed to liked Abel's present more, Cain felt very upset and angry. Instead of talking to God about his feelings, Cain killed his brother Abel. Because of this, Cain had to leave his home and go far away. But even though Cain did something wrong, God still watched over him and made sure he was safe. This story teaches us about handling our feelings in a good way and how God is always there for us, even when we make really bad mistakes.

Torah Scroll

Cain and Abel Deep Thoughts

Why wasn’t Cain’s offering good enough? 

  • Maybe, because what he gave God was from the ground, and remember the ground had been cursed in the previous chapter.  

  • Maybe beause Cain was a farmer, whereas Abel was a shepherd, a role often associated with goodness in the Bible (like Jesus being called the Good Shepherd)

  • Maybe we should note that God often chooses unexpected individuals for important tasks, rather than the firstborns or those expected to inherit. 

What does the 'mark of Cain' mean?

  • The 'mark of Cain' is a mysterious symbol mentioned in the Bible.

  • In Hebrew, it could mean 'sign,' 'omen,' 'warning,' or 'remembrance.'

  • According to the Bible, this mark served as a form of protection for Cain, preventing others from harming him.

  • It's suggested that if anyone harmed Cain, they would face God's wrath.

  • Was God still watching over Cain, despite his actions?

DEFINITIONS 

  • Martyr: A martyr is someone who chooses to die rather than give up their beliefs or religion.

  • Midrash: Midrash refers to stories or interpretations that accompany Hebrew scriptures, helping to provide background and deeper understanding of the text.

Regarding Abel:

  • The concept of Abel as a martyr is debated among scholars and religious interpretations. Some view Abel as a martyr because he was killed due to his righteousness and faithfulness to God.

  • Midrash (Turkey): According to one Midrashic tradition, Cain desired to eliminate Abel because Abel's promised wife was considered more beautiful.

About Seth:

  • Seth was the third son of Adam and Eve.

  • His name, Seth, means "appointed."

  • Seth was born to Adam when he was 130 years old.

  • He was believed to be the son most resembling his father Adam and was seen as a continuation of God's creative work.

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