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Cain and Abel Adam and Eve began a new life in a world that was now spoiled by sin. They missed the special relationship they had with God in the garden, but God did not forget them. Soon he gave them two sons named Cain and Abel. Abel was a shepherd and Cain was a farmer. Cain brought a few of his fruits and grains and gave them to God. Abel brought the first, best sheep he had and gave them to God. God was pleased with Abel's offering, but not with Cain's.
Cain was angry. He was jealous that God had been pleased with his brother's good offering. "Abel," Cain said to his brother. "Come walk with me in the field." Abel went with Cain and when they were far away, Cain killed Abel. Later, God asked Cain where Abel had gone. Cain replied, "I don't know. Am I always supposed to take care of my brother?" But God knew that Cain had killed Abel. He told Cain that he would not be able to grow his own crops any more. Instead, he would be a wanderer on the earth. Cain was afraid that someone would harm him. He complained that his punishment was too hard. God put a mark on Cain so that if anyone killed him that person would be punished, too. Cain left his mother and father
and lived in the land of Nod, in the east. Adam and Eve had another
son and named him Seth. Adam and Eve had many other children, and
their children had children, and soon people began to fill the land.
(From Classic Bible Stories, A
Family Treasury retold by Lise Caldwell (c) 1998 Standard Publishing.
Used by permission. This book may be purchased at your local Christian
Bookstore or from Standard Publishing (800-543-1301). |
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