Genesis 4

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 4:13

13. My punishment is greater than I can bear The words thus rendered will bear two interpretations, that given in the text, and that of the margin: My sin is greater than can be forgiven . Both interpretations are very ancient, and both yield a pertinent sense; but the next verse, in which Cain goes on to bewail the greatness of his curse, sustains the view that Cain deplored his punishment more than his sin . Both views, however, may be so far united as to show that in the murderer’s... read more

Daniel Whedon

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 4:14

14. Thou hast driven Cain seems to charge all his curse on God, as if ignoring that he himself was the guilty cause . From the face of the earth Special reference to the district of Eden. Compare Genesis 4:16. His sentence to be a vagabond and a fugitive involved this separation from Eden. From thy face From that hallowed spot on the east of the garden of Eden where the symbols of the divine Presence were set, (Genesis 3:24,) and where, probably, all sacrifices to Jehovah had hitherto... read more

Daniel Whedon

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 4:15

15. Therefore Because there was just reason for such fear of the blood-avenger, and in order to save Cain from such death, the Lord uttered what follows in the text. Vengeance… sevenfold Judgment and penalty of the most extreme character, passing down, perhaps, to children’s children through many generations. God takes the punishment of Cain into his own hands, not because he was not deserving of death, but because in that early time it were better to preserve Cain a living monument of... read more

Daniel Whedon

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 4:16

THE CAINITES, Genesis 4:16-24. 16. Cain went out from the presence of the Lord From that sacred spot on the east of the garden, where Jehovah had revealed his presence and glory to Adam and his sons . Comp . Genesis 4:14. Land of Nod The word Nod means wandering, and is from the same root as that translated vagabond in Genesis 4:12; Genesis 4:14. It probably took this name from Cain’s fleeing and dwelling there, and the writer uses it here proleptically . Its location, on the east... read more

Daniel Whedon

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 4:17

17. Cain knew his wife See on Genesis 4:1. “The text assumes it as self-evident that she accompanied him in his exile; also that she was a daughter of Adam, and, consequently a sister of Cain. The marriage of brothers and sisters was inevitable in the case of the children of the first men, if the human race was actually to descend from a single pair, and may, therefore, be justified in the face of the Mosaic prohibition of such marriages, on the ground that the sons and daughters of Adam... read more

Daniel Whedon

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 4:18

18. Irad… Mehujael… Methusael Compare the similar names in the Sethite genealogy recorded in the next chapter, Jared, Mahalaleel, and Methuselah . Hence some have supposed a confusion growing out of two forms of one and the same old legend . But why may not different families have adopted similar or identical names in that as in later ages? Enoch and Lamech are names that occur in both genealogies, but the piety of the sons of Seth, bearing these names, is in notable contrast... read more

Daniel Whedon

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 4:19

19. Lamech took… two wives Here is the first recorded instance of bigamy, and it is here noted as originating in the race of Cain . “The names of the women,” says Keil, “are indicative of sensual attractions, Adah, the adorned; and Zillah, the shady, or the tinkling . ” read more

Daniel Whedon

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 4:20

20. Jabal… father of… tents… cattle Though descended from a city-builder, he adopted the nomadic life; but, unlike Abel, who probably held to a settled habitation and kept only sheep or small cattle, Jabal led a wandering life, living in tents, which were easily pitched and easily removed from place to place. Thus he was the originator of genuine nomadic life. read more

Daniel Whedon

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 4:21

21. Harp and organ Here used as general names of stringed and wind instruments of music . “That the inventor of musical instruments should be the brother of him who introduced the nomad life is strictly in accordance with the experience of the world . The connexion between music and the pastoral life is indicated in the traditions of the Greeks, which ascribed the invention of the pipe to Pan and of the lyre to Apollo, each of them also being devoted to pastoral pursuits . ” SMITH’S ... read more

Daniel Whedon

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 4:22

22. T ubal-cain It is quite natural to compare this name and character with the Vulcan of Roman mythology, but the names have no necessary connexion . Instructor of every artificer Rather, a forger of all that cuts brass and iron . The invention of metal instruments marks an advancing civilization, but is no evidence in itself that the previous times were barbarous or savage . Their wants were fewer, but increasing population, pursuing new arts and enterprises, furnishes the... read more

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 4:13

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 4:14

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 4:15

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 4:16

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 4:17

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 4:18

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 4:19

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 4:20

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 4:21

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 4:22

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