We continue our “Series in Genesis“
BEFORE READING GENESIS 4, I RECOMMEND READING JOHN GILL’S INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS
Chapter CONTEXT from MHCC: In this chapter we have both the world and the church in a family, in a little family, in Adam’s family, and a specimen given of the character and state of both in after-ages, nay, in all ages, to the end of time. As all mankind were represented in Adam, so that great distinction of mankind into saints and sinners, godly and wicked, the children of God and the children of the wicked one, was here represented in Cain and Abel, and an early instance is given of the enmity which was lately put between the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent. We have here, I. The birth, names, and callings, of Cain and Abel (v. 1, 2). II. Their religion, and different success in it (v. 3, 4 and part of v. 5). III. Cain’s anger at God and the reproof of him for that anger (v. 5-7). IV. Cain’s murder of his brother, and the process against him for that murder. The murder committed (v. 8). The proceedings against him. 1. His arraignment (v. 9, former part). 2. His plea (v. 9, latter part). 3. His conviction (v. 10). 4. The sentence passed upon him (v. 11, 12). 5. His complaint against the sentence (v. 13, 14). 6. The ratification of the sentence (v. 15). 7. The execution of the sentence (v. 15, 16). V. The family and posterity of Cain (v. 17-24). VI. The birth of another son and grandson of Adam (v. 25, 26).
| Genesis chapter 4 outline | |
| Ge 4:1-7. | The birth, occupation, and offering of Cain and Abel. |
| Ge 4:8-10. | Cain murders his brother Abel. |
| Ge 4:11-16. | The curse of Cain. |
| Ge 4:17. | Has a son called Enoch, and builds a city, which he calls after his name. |
| Ge 4:18-24. | His descendants, with Lamech and his two wives. |
| Ge 4:25. | The birth of Seth, |
| Ge 4:26. | and Enos. |
Here in Chapter four (4), we have the beginnings of life after the Garden. Just as God had promised Adam and Eve things were no longer going to be easy (Gen 3:16-20) or even peaceful. The very first recorded story of murder in history is that between Adam and Eve’s sons Cain and Able.
Most who read this story, say that Cain was jealous of Able because God favored his offering over Cains. Yet if we read the text (v.3-7) carefully we understand that Cain was not a jealous man he was an angry man. Angry at God and because he could not strike out at God, he took it out on the best available target, Able his brother. Note also that before God passes judgment (righteously for God foreknew the actions) upon Cain, He tries reasoning with him (v.6-7) which only seems to make Cain madder.
How often sin distorts man’s perception of reality. It causes man to strike out at those who we love around us. Maybe it is not physical violence, maybe only verbal but the damage can cut just as deep. There are always consequences (v.9-12) for our actions, maybe not as severe as that of a murdered but the eternal consequences of unrepentant sin are far greater.
Praying through Genesis 4
Heavenly Father, thank You for the truth of Your Word and for Your own eye-witness account of what took place in the garden when man sinned against God and of Your wonderful plan of redemption so that by grace through faith in Christ’s sacrificial death and glorious resurrection all who believe on You will not perish but have everlasting life. Help us each day to see and understand the consequences of our sins, and to confess our sins, so that we will not strike out against others. Thank You in Jesus’s name, AMEN.
Source: Adapted from – https://prayer.knowing-jesus.com/Genesis/4
Faithful Steward Ministries and FSM Women's Outreach 
It is interesting that the Bible is not especially what Cain did when he made his sacrifice to God that was inappropriate, but it is clear that Cain knew how to rectify the matter, but he stubbornly refused. That suggest, as you observed, that Cain was angry with God. Pride kept Cain from offering an appropriate sacrifice. Instead of submitting to God, he wanted to be God, and he had no intention of repenting of his sin.
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Although not specifically mentioned, one can deduce from the context that Adams’s responsibility especially after the fall was to teach his offspring how to properly worship (including offering sacrifices) God. As noted Cain failed in two ways to offer the appropriate sacrifice, he offered the first fruits of “his” labor and then failed to repent when given the clear opportunity. It is NEVER about us and always about the sovereign God of the universe.
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