Genesis Chapter 4 Summary
First sons of Adam, Cain and Abel. Murder of Abel. First civilization. Birth of Seth.
Discussion Questions for Genesis, Chapter 4
- In Genesis 4:1, Eve says, “I have gotten a man with the help of the Lord.” What role is given to the Lord in childbirth? How does this compare to society's view of God's role in childbirth? How does this role compare to your view of God's role in childbirth?
- Cain and Abel both bring an offering to God, but Genesis 4:5 says that God had no regard for Cain's offering. What standard or reason does God give for not regarding Cain's offering? If there is no standard, was it fair for God not to regard Cain's offering? Why or why not? How does this event reflect the common saying that God is a just God?
- Why did Cain kill Abel in Genesis 4:8? Would Cain be justified in blaming God for killing Abel because of the rejected offering? Why or why not?
- We are never given Adam and Eve's reaction to the events between Cain and Abel in Scripture. Why do you think that we are not given their reaction? What do you think their reaction was after one son was killed and the other was exiled?
- Cain is told by God that the land shall never yield its strength to him and that he will become a wanderer because he killed Abel. Cain's reaction in Genesis 4:14 is that the punishment is too great and he can't bear it. How do you view Cain's punishment? Do you think it was a fair punishment? Why or why not? Numbers 35:31 states that you will lose your life if you commit murder. Does that justify capital punishment? Why or why not?
- Genesis 4:17 says that Cain knew his wife and bore him a son, Enoch. One of the most asked questions in history is: Where did Cain's wife come from? What are the reasons supporting your answer? The same question can be applied to where Lamech's two wives came from in Genesis 4:19.
- Lamech states in Genesis 4:23 that he killed a man for wounding him and another for striking him. We have the two men, Cain's wife, and Lamech's two wives that are exiled. How can Christians explain several individuals that seem to have not come from Adam and Eve and remain true to the creation story?
- Who is Seth's wife in Genesis 4:26 who bore him his son Enosh? Why do you think it isn't mentioned that Seth has a wife after you view the painstaking details that scriptures provide in other birth narratives?
- Throughout Genesis 4, there are conversations between people and God. However, at the end of the chapter, it says, “At that time, people began to call upon the name of the Lord.” If people have had regular conversations with God, what do you think the last phrase means?
- People appear in scripture without reference to their direct descent from Adam and Eve. Where could they have come from? Does the mention of them affect your faith in God? Why or why not?
Key Words/Phrase
Offering, v. 4.
Characters
Adam, Eve, Cain, Abel, Seth.
Strong Verse(s)
4, 26.
