Genesis 3:1-24, 4:1-7 continuation
'And Eve conceived and bare Cain...from the Lord' . Another strange statement that we often find in the Bible. Eve's words couldn't be more puzzling. Did God have a hand in the birth of Cain? How? Earlier, we are told clearly that Adam 'knew his wife and she conceived....' .
We have a similar case to that of Hannah in 1 Sam.1. Hannah was barren and desperately wanting to have a child. Finally, after promising to give the child back to God, God granted her request. In a way, Samuel was a child from God. Hannah simply offered the child back to God. The case with Eve is different of course but the principle is the same. Perhaps the effects of sin affected Eve's childbearing so she intreated God for a child.
In 2 Cor.5:17, Paul gives us the answer to the puzzle. In Christ, the purpose of Creation is restored in man and even sex finds its original purpose and place in our lives. Passions and desires can be curbed and they find a new direction. No more slaves to sin but serving Christ in newness of life.
It is interesting to note Cain's name-a Spear. Could it be the thing that pierced a shut womb? Cain's name also signifies the role he played later in life, the attack and murder of his brother.
After Cain, Eve had another son called Abel-Breath or Vapor. How significant-Job 33:4.
The parents who once knew God are now away from God's life and communion; but fulfilling God's command to be fruitful and multiply. What is the fruit of their relationship? Their first child turns out to be a murderer whereas the second one a peacemaker, a breath of life.
How did Adam and Eve as parents influence their children? What sort of effect did their lives have on them? Questions that trouble parents throughout the history of the family-Pro.22:6. From later events it is obvious that both children had a knowledge of who God was and what He required from them. Knowledge that was handed down from their parents. Could Adam and Eve ever forget their life in the garden of Eden and the fellowship they had with God? Can we ever forget the love of God shed in our hearts once we have tasted it, even when we backslide?
to be continued
'And Eve conceived and bare Cain...from the Lord' . Another strange statement that we often find in the Bible. Eve's words couldn't be more puzzling. Did God have a hand in the birth of Cain? How? Earlier, we are told clearly that Adam 'knew his wife and she conceived....' .
We have a similar case to that of Hannah in 1 Sam.1. Hannah was barren and desperately wanting to have a child. Finally, after promising to give the child back to God, God granted her request. In a way, Samuel was a child from God. Hannah simply offered the child back to God. The case with Eve is different of course but the principle is the same. Perhaps the effects of sin affected Eve's childbearing so she intreated God for a child.
In 2 Cor.5:17, Paul gives us the answer to the puzzle. In Christ, the purpose of Creation is restored in man and even sex finds its original purpose and place in our lives. Passions and desires can be curbed and they find a new direction. No more slaves to sin but serving Christ in newness of life.
It is interesting to note Cain's name-a Spear. Could it be the thing that pierced a shut womb? Cain's name also signifies the role he played later in life, the attack and murder of his brother.
After Cain, Eve had another son called Abel-Breath or Vapor. How significant-Job 33:4.
The parents who once knew God are now away from God's life and communion; but fulfilling God's command to be fruitful and multiply. What is the fruit of their relationship? Their first child turns out to be a murderer whereas the second one a peacemaker, a breath of life.
How did Adam and Eve as parents influence their children? What sort of effect did their lives have on them? Questions that trouble parents throughout the history of the family-Pro.22:6. From later events it is obvious that both children had a knowledge of who God was and what He required from them. Knowledge that was handed down from their parents. Could Adam and Eve ever forget their life in the garden of Eden and the fellowship they had with God? Can we ever forget the love of God shed in our hearts once we have tasted it, even when we backslide?
to be continued
