Wk. 6: East of Ayden

Week Six

What is the Gospel of Peace? Genesis

Week Six: Life East of Ayden

Content of this Week’s Study:

Day One: 1st) Why Man Could Not Stay, 2nd) Matters of Playbooks

Day Two: An Acceptable Sacrifice

Day Three: Sin is Crouching at the Door

Day Four: Am I My Brother’s Keeper?

Day Five: The Short Genealogy of Cain

Day Six: A New Heir Apparent

Day One: Why Man Could Not Stay

I’m dividing today’s study into two sections.

In Section 1) “Matters of Trespass” we'll tackle some possible insight for why mankind had to leave God’s garden.

In Section 2) “Matters of Playbooks” we'll discuss the importance of tactical knowledge for successfully living in covenant with God.

Section I: Matters of Trespass

The idea of the expulsion of mankind from God’s garden has long been explained as; “if Adam and Eve ate of the tree of life after the fall, they would gain eternal life in their fallen state and live forever in their sin”; however, I think we have to apply our understanding of God as the King to this issue.

We have previously established the fact that dire consequences would result from approaching an earthly king (or, even, taking something that belongs to the king) against prescribed protocol and without invitation. In the ancient world the result of such a trespass would have been sure and instantaneous death.

Ownership is the idea behind the two covenantial trees in Gan-Ayden. Before the fall, though the King reserved the tree of the knowledge for Himself, Adam and Havah were “invited” to eat of all the other trees, including the tree of life - because they were in covenant with the King of the land. The result of Adam and Havah’s crime against God, when they usurped His reserved tree, was that they broke their Gan-Ayden covenant agreement they had made - to obey and represent the King - and, now; being outside of the covenant, they were no longer invited [approved] to partake of God’s tree of life.

Genesis 3:22-24(CJB)

22 Adonai, God, said, “See, the man has become like one of us, knowing good and evil *(experiencing tov and rah). Now, to prevent his putting out his hand and taking also from the tree of life, eating, and living forever — ” 23 therefore Adonai, God, sent him out of the garden of ‘Eden to cultivate the ground from which he was taken. 24 So he drove the man out, and he placed at the east of the garden of ‘Eden the k’ruvim and a flaming sword which turned in every direction to guard the way to the tree of life.

Write your conclusions:

In vs. 22 - God noted the problem:

Adam and Havah now experience "tov and rah" meaning they are outside of God's covenant, therefore - without God’s permission to partake of the fruit of His covenential tree. Though we know God will have mercy on this fallen pair and rebuild His relationship with them; the result of mankind’s unfortunate state is that they have become “like God” - responsible.

The remedy for preventing Adam and Havah, now outsiders, from further transgressing against the King was to:

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God, in His mercy, removed Adam and Havah from the temptation, and He did this precisely because His every intention was to repair the breach and open the door to the kingdom for those who wished, once again, to covenant with Him; and chances are, if He had allowed them to stay even though neither of them seems to have repented, they would have disobeyed Him again.

Vs.23: “therefore Adonai, God, sent him out of the garden of ‘Eden to cultivate the ground from which he was taken.”

Though scripture does not say Adam and Havah were to “guard” God’s gan again, we are told that Adam is engaged to “work” the soil. Havah too, will continue to “produce” offspring; the difference being that, now, outside of God’s provision of Aydenic shalom, mankind will experience pain without the blessings and resources that make their labor easy.

The ground outside the garden belongs to the creator just as the ground within the garden. The issue is that now that Adam and Havah are not under the King’s paradise covenant; they must cope with the creation on it’s terms, and the creation is not merciful and kind.

When God placed mankind in His gan, He elevated man above the place of his creation; now, they've been demoted.

In vs. 24 So he drove the man out, and he placed at the east of the garden of ‘Eden the k’ruvim and a flaming sword which turned in every direction to guard the way to the tree of life.

You may picture this as many artistic interpretations suggest -- as an angel flying behind Adam and Havah to chase them out of the garden.

Let’s sort this out a bit;

Strong’s:

Drove 1644H gârash, gaw-rash´; (PR); to drive out from a possession; especially- to expatriate or divorce: - cast up (out), divorced (woman), drive away (forth, out), expel, x surely put away, trouble, thrust out.

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God disengaged Adam as a defender of the garden and established the k’ruvim [cherubim] to “guard” the way to the tree of life. It would seem, however; though they’re no longer living in the Garden, Adam and Havah are still in God’s land of covenant, in Ayden. This may indicate that God has renewed His covenant, but now mankind will be kept from the gan until they [we] learn to walk in obedience to the King.

Your conclusion: Why was mankind (removed?) from the garden?

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Section II: Matters of Playbooks:

The enemy knows how to deceive. That is what he did to Havah, and he has been successfully deceiving people in every generation and every nation since. You may ask, “How can we know we are not being deceived”? I suggest to you that, just as in the game of American football or on the battlefield, there are two vital tools we must be familiar with.

1) Every player or soldier needs to know their own team’s playbook from cover to cover. Warriors, whether on the “grid-iron” or the “battlefield” need to memorize the plays and strategies their team relies on, i.e. passing, running... or air capabilities, naval force, boots on the ground. In both instances: warriors need to know who is in charge in every situation.

For God's people, our “playbook” is, of course, scripture and primarily God's statutes and decrees in His Torah. The Bible gives us vital insight to how our team functions on and off the proverbial battlefield. There is nothing more important than studying our play-book so that, even though we are each unique and operate at varying levels of ability, we function in synchronized movements with our “Captain” and the rest of our team.

2, An athlete or soldier also needs to have knowledge of their opponent’s plays and tactics. Every team has a playbook. You are a follower of Yehoshua, therefore, the truth that you walk in; which is being written upon your heart - is a danger to the enemy’s pseudo kingdom. For that reason, the enemy has studied you and knows your strengths and weaknesses. He also knows our teams playbook. Its time we get some tactical insight too. We do this by:

1) tracking our own battles

2) studying historical accounts.

Turn to the next unused page + facing page in your journal. At the top of each page write, “The Enemy’s Playbook”. Begin on the first page by writing down the tactics the enemy used on you at some point in the past; the outcome; what you learned. Next, take a look at our Strong’s definitions of “serpent” and “cunning” (below); on the second page write the words that stand out to you in each - include any thoughts/inspirations which may result.

You’ll find opportunities to make more entries as you continue battling and as we go through future studies.

In the Strong’s:

Tanakh [Old Testament]

Serpent 5175H nâchâsh, naw-khawsh´; a snake (from its hiss) from 5172H (PR); properly- to hiss, i.e. whisper a magic spell; generally- to prognosticate:- x certainly, divine, enchanter, (use) x enchantment, learn by experience, x indeed, diligently observe.

Cunning (subtle in the KJV) 6175H ′ârûwm, aw-room´; cunning (usually in a bad sense):- crafty, prudent, subtle, This is a passive participle of 6191H aw-ram´; (PR); properly- to be (or make) bare; but used only in the derivative sense (through the idea perhaps of smoothness)…:- x very, beware, take crafty [counsel], be prudent, deal subtly.

Brit hadashah [New Testament]

Serpent 3789G ǒphis, of´-is; a snake, figuratively- (as a type of sly cunning) an artful malicious person, especially ha’satan:- serpent, from 3700G op-tan´-om-ahee; … to gaze (i.e. with wide open eyes, as at something remarkable…) …

Journaling:

The above journaling on "playbooks" will be sufficient for today.

Genesis Chapter Four

Day Two: An Acceptable Sacrifice

Today’s study is a reminder of how important it is to obey God’s precise instructions; detailed for you and I in scripture.

*When it comes to this narrative on Cain [Kayin] and Abel [Hevel], we find a lot of speculation in both the Jewish and Christian commentaries. I am linking a few articles (below) from one of my favorite Jewish sources (Chabad.org) to bounce some ideas off and to balance our information.

Genesis 4:1-2 (CJB)

1 The man had sexual relations with Havah his wife; she conceived, gave birth to Kayin [Cain= acquisition] and said, “I have acquired a man from Adonai.” 2 In addition she gave birth to his brother Hevel [Abel]. Hevel kept sheep, while Kayin worked the soil.

As we’ve mentioned before, some Jewish sources tell us that Adam and Havah had a number of children while still in Gan-Ayden; some say the earlier children were all girls. Other Jewish sources say that when Havah gave birth to Kayin – she also gave birth to Kayin’s twin sister; then, when Havah gave birth to Hevel – she also delivered, two, twin girls. You’ll find more details (and possible speculation) at the Chabad links provided below today's study.

Genesis 4:3-5 (CJB)

3 In the course of time Kayin brought an offering to Adonai from the produce of the soil; 4 and Hevel too brought from the firstborn of his sheep, including their fat. Adonai accepted Hevel and his offering 5 but did not accept Kayin and his offering. Kayin was very angry, and his face fell.

Many commentaries speculate on the reason why Kayin and Hevel brought sacrifices. Some sources suggest the sacrifice was a pre-commemoration of one of God’s prescribed holy days: i.e. Pasach, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, Shavuot, Yom Teruah [also called- Rosh Hashanah], Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shmini Atzeret [also called- The Eighth Great Day, or Simchat Torah.

*Since Hevel’s offering of a lamb was accepted by God, I tend to agree with this notion, and, for the same reason, I conclude this is a Pasach [Passover] sacrifice.

Many Jewish sources confirm that Adam, Havah and their children were aware of the significance of the future events of God’s Passover (we saw earlier in our study, concealed in the wording, that Adam and Havah [along with many others] received God's Gospel in advance).

*Kayin was the first of the two brothers to bring his sacrifice to God, yet his offering was not acceptable. Allow me to suggest, though we’re not told so directly in scripture, that perhaps Kayin’s sacrifice was rejected because he brought God the offering he wanted to bring, failing to shemah and offer God the fat and blood of a lamb; as is laid out clearly in God's Torah.

In other words, perhaps Kayin was not walking in obedience to God's statutes and decrees. Had Adam and Havah’s eldest son disregarded God’s instructions; choosing, instead, to serve God in his own way?

Note; instructions for sacrifices, approaching and serving “the King of the universe” appropriately would have been part of God’s original covenant with Adam and Havah who were created to be God’s representatives on the earth. Kayin and Hevel would, naturally, have been taught how to serve God properly by their parents.

Hebrews 11:4 KJV

4 By faith, Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain. Through faith he was commended as righteous when God approved of his gifts. And through faith he still speaks, although he is dead.

It is important to understand that it was not because of “faith”, as this interpretation suggests, that Hevel’s offering was found acceptable; but because he was found “faithful”. Remember, the Jewish understanding of “faith” is inextricably tied to faithfulness. This is a covenant concept i.e. to be faithful to keep our covenant promises.

Re-read the above Hebrews 11:4, substituting “faithfulness” for “faith”.

In the Strong’s:

Better (excellent in the KJV) 4119G plěiōn, pli-own; … more- in quantity, number or quality; also (in plural) the major portion:- x above, + exceed, more excellent, further, very great (-er), long (-er), (very) many …

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Righteous1342G dikaiǒs, dik´-ah-yos; equitable (in character or action); by implication- innocent, holy (absolute or relative):- …righteous.

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Commended and Approved (witness and testifying in the KJV) 3140G marturěō, mar-too-reh´-o; to be a witness, i.e. testify (literally or figuratively):- … bear record,….

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This is very significant. The idea is of a “witness” bearing record of one’s faithfulness to the covenant; as Yeshua does for you and I; and which is the same idea of the Kohen “witnessing” a person’s mikvah (immersion); which was required before ascending to God's temple.

Q) Now that we’ve dug through this information, what was the author of Hebrews implying that Hevel was faithful to - but Kayin was not?

If you disagree with any part(s) of my hypothesis; write a brief description of your understanding in your journal.

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Let's compare Cain's actions to Abel's again:

1 John 3:12 TLV

12 Do not be like Cain, who was from the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his deeds were evil, while his brother’s were righteous.

Though it is not obvious; this idea of Kayin’s “deeds” being “evil” and Hevel’s being “righteous” is tied to our correction of - “faithfulness not faith”.

In the Strong’s:

Kayin’s actions were - “evil”?

Evil 4190G pǒnērǒs, pon-ay-ros´;

*Strong’s is a bit confusing in this description; first they give the basic definition as “hurtful or evil”; then they say it is not like 2556G which indicates evilness in “essential character” or 4550G which would imply degeneracy.

Figuratively it means – calamitous… morally- culpable*(responsible)… sinners, from 4192G, from the base of 3993G pen´-ace; … (to toil for daily subsistence); starving, i.e. indigent - poor.

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Consider, again, that the root word 1349G - in the description of “Righteous” Hevel’s actions; suggests that Hevel was “right with God” (i.e. walking “rightly”) and the description of “evil”, suggests that Kayin was not obeying his covenant with God.

*What if the incident recorded in today’s scripture, again, reveals the importance of faithfulness to our covenant with the Creator? Note: 1) Faithfulness is always accompanied by 2) Reverence which is always accompanied by 3) Submission. I call this the “behavioral-trinity of covenant” because this is what is required to be in covenant with a king: Submission, Reverence and Faithfulness.

Going back to vs. 1-2 we are told that Kayin’s name means “to acquire”, but this is not just because Havah had “acquired” a son, but, also because Kayin would acquire the family priesthood from his father. Originally, the eldest son was typically the father’s priestly heir.

The name Hevel on the other hand, means a “nothingness; emptiness or vanity”. Allow me to point out that this is not intended to suggest that Hevel was vain or empty-headed, but that Hevel was an extra. The family had acquired an heir to the priesthood with Kayin, therefore, Hevel was merely a backup. Today, in royal commentary, this idea would be expressed as “the queen has provided the nation with an heir - and a spare”.

Remember that Genesis 4:4 (See below) tells us that God “accepted Hevel” - and his offering. Vs.5, on the other hand, tells us that God “did not accept Kayin” - and his offering.

Genesis 4:3-5 (CJB)

*Oh, no! Now we can understand. Kayin, the firstborn and “natural” heir has been refused as priest, and his younger brother “the spare” has been chosen by God instead.

Journaling:

The book of Hebrews is a discourse on Yom Kippur [The Day of Atonement] which revolves around God's Temple and the priesthood. What the author, who is unknown but definitely someone with extensive knowledge of God's Temple, priesthood and sacrifices, is doing in Hebrews 11:4 is using these two brothers as an example of how to be acceptable priests to our King; it is by “faithfulness” to His kingship, decrees and judgements, i.e. faithfulness to God's [our King] commandments.

Re-write Hebrews 11:4 (re-added below) in your own words: Add words from the Strong’s definitions if it/when it helps.

Hebrews 11:4

4 By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain. Through faith he was commended as righteous when God approved of his gifts. And through faith he still speaks, although he is dead.

Extras:
Link – Article – Chabad.org – “Cain and Abel: The Story of the First Sibling Rivalry”: https://www.chabad.org/parshah/article_cdo/aid/3749639/jewish/Cain-and-Abel-The-Story-of-the-First-Sibling-Rivalry.htm

Link – Article – Chabad.org – “When Religion Causes Conflict”: https://www.chabad.org/parshah/article_cdo/aid/966629/jewish/When-Religion-Causes-Conflict.htm

Link – Question and Answer – Chabad.org – “Whom did Cain and Abel Marry”: https://www.chabad.org/parshah/article_cdo/aid/960277/jewish/Whom-did-Cain-and-Abel-marry.htm

Day Three: Sin is Crouching at the Door

After He rejected Kayin - and his sacrifice, God says something interesting to this dejected man.

Genesis 4:6-7 (The Voice)

6 Why are you angry? And why do you look so despondent? 7 Don’t you know that as long as you do what is right, then I accept you? But if you do not do what is right, watch out, because sin is crouching at the door, ready to pounce on you! You must master it before it masters you.

”In the Strong’s:

see my personal interpretation of our scripture (under each of the Strong’s definitions), and write your own thoughts, insights and conclusions in your journal.

Right (good or doest-well in the KJV) 3190H yâtab, yaw-tab´; (PR); to be (causatively)- make well, literally- (sound, beautiful) or figuratively - (happy, successful, right):- be accepted, amend, use aright, benefit, be (make) better…

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*My ongoing personal interpretation: “Is it not true that if one does what I say is 'right' (good)" (continues below)

Accept (accepted in the KJV) 7613 se′êth,she-ayth´: an elevation … figuratively- elation or cheerfulness; exaltation in rank or character:--- be accepted, dignity, excellency, highness, raise up self, rising, from 5375H naw-saw´; (PR); to lift (used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative…):--- accept, advance, arise … bring forth… carry away … fetch … marry, magnify … receive …

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*My ongoing personal interpretation: “he will be chosen?” (continues below)

Sin 2403H chattâ′âh, khat-taw-aw´; an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concrete)- an offender…, from 2398H khaw-taw´; (PR);properly- to miss; hence, (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference- to forfeit, lack … trespass.

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Remember 1 John 3:4 KJV

4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

*My ongoing personal interpretation: “If you do not carefully guard your vital covenant with me, you will transgress my law, and truly I tell you, transgression is in your heart even now, but you must conquer your self-will.”

Journaling:

Write your thoughts:

Q) Isn’t God warning Kayin against repeating the same mistake his parents made when they chose to live deliciously and ceased fulfilling their role in God’s garden; What if it’s not enough to, merely, avoid doing what is wrong; what if God is telling Kayin that the key is to make sure you, carefully, do what God says is right?

*If what I am suggesting is true and the reason Kayin’s offering was rejected is because he did not follow God's instructions (decrees); then you and I better review our own beliefs to make sure we are in line with God's will.

Genesis 4:8 Chabad.org

8 And Cain spoke to Abel his brother, and it came to pass when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and slew him.

Day Four: Am I My Brother’s Keeper?

Knowing, of course, what Kayin has done; God asks Kayin.

Genesis 4:9 CJB

9 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?”

He said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?”

*Wow, is that the proper way to answer the King?

The word "keeper" here means something like babysitter.

Guilt has to be at the forefront of the mind of the man who invented murder, so, hoping it will put him beyond suspicion, Kayin cops an attitude; suggesting that he’s not responsible for Hevel and has no idea where he is. God makes it clear that He is not deceived by Kayin’s tactics; He is perfectly aware of everything that has happened.

Genesis 4:10 CJB

10 He said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying out to me from the ground!

*The question God asks here should be familiar. This is the same question God asked Havah in Genesis 3:13

“13 Adonai, God, said to the woman, ‘What is this you have done?’”,

-when she and Adam ate from God’s reserved tree, however, in that case, Eve had been deceived. Here, Havah's son Kayin had a clear, though faulty, motive.

*What’s really interesting is that God tells Kayin he will now be subject to the same consequence his father suffered when he willfully broke God’s rules.

Genesis 4:11, 12 (CJB)

11 Now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood at your hands. 12 When you farm the ground it will no longer yield its strength to you. You will be a fugitive, wandering the earth.”

Genesis 4:13 (CJB)

13 Kayin said to Adonai, “My punishment is greater than I can bear".

*Listen to how verse 13 is interpreted at Chabad.org (I am including a link below today’s study for those who want to research this further on your own):

Genesis [Bereshit] 4:13 (Chabad.org)

13 And Cain said to the Lord, "Is my iniquity too great to bear?

*This interpretation of this verse is interesting. Why would Kayin be asking God about "bearing his iniquity"?

In the Strong's:

Bear 5375H Nasa, naw-saw; (PR); to lift, *[used] in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, absolutely and relatively...: -accept, advance, arise...(able to … suffer to) bear... bring forth, burn, carry away... pardon... take away...

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1 Peter 2:24 (TOL)

24 He *[Yeshua] Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we, removed from sins, might live for righteousness. “By His wounds you were healed.” 25 For you like sheep were going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.

*Remember, during our previous study [Week One: Day Five] we took note of the hint that Abraham, Adam and Havah, etc. knew the “good news” of the gospel in advance. It is natural to assume that if Adam and Havah knew God would make a way back, they would also teach and assure their descendants that God is faithful to fulfill His promise.

Q 1) Does murdering his brother mean Kayin was beyond repair?

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Q 2) Is it necessary to repent (make teshuvah= turn back) to have our iniquities forgiven?

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Q 3) Do you see any evidence that Kayin repented of his disobedience or the crime of murdering his brother?

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Genesis 4:14 (CJB)

14 You are banning me today from the land and from your presence. I will be a fugitive wandering the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.”

*As we've noted before: though man could no longer live in the garden after Adam and Havah’s trespass, it could be assumed they were allowed to stay outside the gan in the land of Ayden. Now it seems Kayin is being banished from the land itself.

*Kayin may have been a type or picture of what would later become the “Northern kingdom of Israel” (the N. kingdom, which would be so disobedient [unfaithful] that God would actually “divorce” them) who were removed from the land toward the East. For a refresher, see the sections titled “Two House” and “Where is Eden” in the “Topics” cache on the home page.

Possible Similarity to Hosea’s Prophecy:

*Though these scriptures use different words; the meaning seems to me to be the same.

Hosea 9:17 (CJB)

17 My God will cast them aside, because they wouldn’t listen to him, and they will become wanderers among the Goyim.

Genesis 4:12 (CJB)

12 When you farm the ground it will no longer yield its strength to you. You will be a fugitive, wandering the earth.”

In the Strong’s:

As used in Hosea

Wanderers 5074H nâdad, naw-dad´; (PR); properly- to wave to and fro (rarely to flap up and down); figuratively- to rove, flee, or (causatively-) to drive away: - chase (away), x could not, depart, flee (x apace, away), (re-) move … wander …

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As used in Genesis

Fugitive 5128H nûwa′, noo´-ah; (PR); to waver, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (as subjoined): - continually, fugitive, x make, to go up and down, be gone away, (be) move (-able, -d), be promoted, reel, remove, scatter, set, shake, sift, stagger, to and fro, be vagabond, wag, (make) wander (up and down).

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Wandering/Nod (vagabond in the KJV) 5110H nuwd, nood; (PR); to nod, i.e. waver, figuratively- to wander, flee, disappear; also (from shaking the head in sympathy), to console, deplore, or (from tossing the head in scorn) taunt: - bemoan, flee, get, mourn, make to move, take pity, remove, shake, skip for joy, be sorry, vagabond, way, wandering.

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*I suggest these references to "wandering" refer to being outside the covenant.

Genesis 4:15-16 (CJB)

15 Adonai answered him, “Therefore, whoever kills Kayin will receive vengeance sevenfold,” and Adonai put a sign on Kayin, so that no one who found him would kill him. 16 So Kayin left the presence of Adonai and lived in the land of Nod [wandering], east of ‘Eden.
*Nod is Strong's 5110H (above)

Journaling:

Note the differences between the (above) two translations of vs. 13 (and any other translation you want to add) then record your thoughts on the idea that Kayin was actually asking God to bear - or thinking God would bear, his iniquities.

Day Five: The Short Genealogy of Kayin

A Roadmap to the End?

In the ancient world people were named to reveal something about their character or their destiny. We saw this with Adam and Havah, and it was very clear in the naming of Adam and Havah's two sons; Kayin (heir) and Hevel (spare). We will see this idea play out repeatedly as we continue on our journey.

Stick with me over the course of these next few studies as we dig into this section of scripture. In the end you might be inclined to think there could be more here than meets our Western, modern eyes.

Today, let's take a closer look at the descendants of Kayin to see if we can infer some possible insight about what happened after Kayin wandered away from God to start a new life in the East.

Genesis 4:17 (CJB)

17 Kayin had sexual relations with his wife; she conceived and gave birth to Hanokh. Kayin built a city and named the city after his son Hanokh.

In the Strong’s:

Hanokh (Enoch in the KJV) 2585H Chǎnôwk, khan-oke´; initiated, from 2596H khaw-nak´; (PR); properly- to narrow, figuratively- to initiate or discipline: - dedicate, train up.
*[The website Abarim Publications gives possibilities of the meaning as: trained, initiated, dedicated, etc.]

https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Enoch.html

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One definition of "Initiated or initiate" from Oxford Languages:

2. admit (someone) into a secret or obscure society or group, typically with a ritual.

Q) What do you think?

Kayin’s city was named after his son whose name meant something like Initiated or dedicated. So, could our verses here reveal that Kayin built his own "City of dedication" aka “holy city” - outside of God’s land of covenant?

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Genesis 4:18 (CJB)

18 To Hanokh was born ‘Irad. ‘Irad fathered Mechuya’el, Mechuya’el fathered Metusha’el, and Metusha’el fathered Lemekh.

In the Strong’s:

Irad 5897H ′Iyrâd, ee-rawd´; fugitive.

*[Abarim Publications suggests: "Fugitive", "City of Witness", to be free or perhaps "homelessness", etc.]

https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Irad.html

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*Hanokh (“initiation”) had a son named “fugitive” or "City of Witness".

Mechuya’el (Mehujael in KJV) 4232H Mechîyyâ′êl, mekh-ee-yaw-ale´; … from 4229H (PR); properly- to stroke or rub; by implication- to erase.
*[Abarim Pub. suggests: "Destroyed or Smitten of God"]
https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Mehujael.html

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*Fugitive had a son possibly named “erase”, "destroy" or “blot out?””

Metusha’el (Methusael in the KJV) 4967H Methûwshâ′êl, meth-oo-shaw-ale´; man who (is) of God *[may not indicate “the God”], *(from two separate words)

#1 is 4962H math; properly- an adult (as of full length)… from the same root as 4970H maw-thah´-ee; properly- extent (of time)…

#2 is 410H ale: strength, mighty, especially-the Almighty (but also used of any diety)... idol...

*[Abarim Pub. suggests: "Man of God", Man With No God, or the question "When God?"]

https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Methushael.html

X___________________________________________________.

“Blot out” had a son who's name possibly implied “the man who has become a god” or “the man with no God”..,

“ The man god” or possibly “man with no god”) had a son named “Lemekh”.

Lemekh (Lamech in the KJV) 3929H Strong’s doesn’t have a definition of this name, but some possible ideas from other sources are: “A strong youth”; or “Make a vow”.

*[Abarim Pub. suggests: "strong man, “for lowering, for humiliation”, etc.]

https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Lamech.html

X___________________________________________________.

*Lemekh seems to be the inventor of plural marriage, although some of the sages suggest that Hevel had two twin sisters and he married both of them. That does seem to be speculation.

Genesis 4:19 (CJB) 19 Lemekh took himself two wives; the name of the one was ‘Adah, while the name of the other was Tzilah.

In the Strong’s:

Adah 5711H ′êdâh, ay-daw´; ornament, from 5710H aw-daw´; (PR); to advance, i.e. pass on or continue; causatively- to remove, specifically- to bedeck (to bring an ornament upon):- adorn, deck (self), pass by, take away.

*[Abarim Pub. suggests: Ornament or pass by]

https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Adah.html

X___________________________________________________.

Tzilah (Zillah in the KJV) 6741H Tsillâh, tsil-law´; feminine of 6738H tsale; shade whether literal or figurative:- defence, shade (-ow), from 6751H tsaw-lal´; (PR); to shade, as twilight or an opaque object:- begin to be dark, shadowing, [rather identified with 6749H through the idea of hovering over,“; (PR) (Properly) to tumble down, i.e. settle by a waving motion: - sink ...,

*[Abarim Pub. suggests: Shadow or Bell

https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Zillah.html

X___________________________________________________.

Remember that Lemekh is the descendant of Kayin who it seems started his own religion outside the land, so perhaps Lemekh and his two wives represent the end of Kayin's false religious system.

Let's take a look at the names of the offspring of these two women.

Genesis 4:20-21 (CJB)

20 ‘Adah gave birth to Yaval; he was the ancestor of those who live in tents and have cattle. 21 His brother’s name was Yuval; and he was the ancestor of all who play lyre and flute.

Strong’s:

Yaval (Jabal in the KJV) 2989H Yâbâl, yaw-bawl´;the same as 2988H Yaw-bawl´; a stream:- [water-] course, stream, from 2986H Yaw-bal´;(PR); properly- to flow; causatively - to bring (especially with pomp):- bring (forth), carry, lead (forth).

X___________________________________________________.
Link- Name Definition – Abarim Publications – “Jabal”: http://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Jabal.html#.W07CnMInapo

Yuval (Jubal in the KJV) 3106H Yûwbâl, yoo-bawl´; stream, from 2986H see (PR) from Yaval (above).

X___________________________________________________.

Link- Name Definition – Abarim Publications – “Jubal”:

http://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Jubal.html#.W07DbMInapo

The above links the name Yuval with the Jubilee year when God commanded that all debts (sins) be forgiven and a person can return to their inheritance. So, these young men in the fallen line are given a name linked to the Jubilee?
Link – Article – My Jewish Learning – “The Jubilee (Yovel) Year”: https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/sabbatical-year-shemitah-and-jubilee-year-yovel/

Genesis 4:22 (CJB) 22 Tzilah gave birth to Tuval-Kayin, who forged all kinds of tools from brass and iron;

In the Strong’s:

Tuval-Kayin (Tubal-Cain in KJV) 8423H Tûwbal [Qayin], too-bal´ [kah´-yin]; Apparently from 2986H *[see definitions of Yaval and Yuval],

and

7014H Qayin, kah´-yin; same as 7013H kah´-yin; (with a play upon the affinity to 7069H kaw-naw´; (PR); to erect, create…purchase…by implication- to own…purchase, recover, redeem…)…

X___________________________________________________.
*Note the reference to redemption in the root word of the name/word Kah-yin. If we surmise the meaning of these two names as “Tuval (bring) and Kayin (redemption)...
Link – Name meaning – Abarim Productions – “Cain”:

http://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Cain.html#.Wzso38Inapo

the sister of Tuval-Kayin was Na‘amah.
Naamah 5279H Na′ǎmâh, nah-am-aw´; pleasantness, from 5277H… from 5276H (PR); naw-ame´; to be agreeable (literally or figuratively): - … be delight, …pleasant, …sweet.

X___________________________________________________.
Link – Name meaning. – Abarim Publications – “Naamah”

http://www.abarim-publications.com/Meanin/Naamah.html#.Wzs5hMInapo

Think about it: the children of Lemekh seem to be of the last generation before the world-wide flood of Noah. This timing means that the four offspring of Lemekh were of the “end days generation"; just as were the sons of Noah.

Rashi [Jewish commentator] said that Naamah became Noah’s wife.

Certain other sages said that at least one of Noah’s sons married a descendant of Kayin. Could it be that Naamah actually married Shem, Ham or Yaphet?

*Let's try to conceptualize this second idea, and we’re only hypothesizing here.

As we will consider in our studies next week, I think we're safe assuming that Noah was a righteous man who was found worthy by God because he did not cross over to Kayin's man-made religion; so why would Noah then take a descendant of Kayin for his wife or to become the wife of one of his sons; unless the girl had herself, crossed over, returning to obedience to God.

Genesis 4:23-24 (CJB)

23 Lemekh said to his wives, “‘Adah and Tzilah, listen to me; wives of Lemekh, hear what I say: I killed a man for wounding me, a young man who injured me. 24 If Kayin will be avenged sevenfold,
then Lemekh seventy-sevenfold!”

Note that Lemekh says Kayin was to be avenged seven times, so he would be avanged seventy seven times. Remember, Hebrew letters are also numbers. Each letter/number has spiritual significance, and when they're doubled or tripled the meaning is magnified.

The number seven is associated with the Shabbat [Sabbath], which is the seventh day of the week. Shabbat is a weekly dressed rehearsal for the millennial reign of Messiah; it is therefore, associated with Messiah.

Journaling:

Make note of your thoughts on the possibility of Kayin's line surviving the flood because his descendant, Naamah returned to Covenant with God and married into Noah's line.

Considering the idea that Kayin was divorced by God and built his own city of dedication, how many cities of dedication around the world today can you list? Is God OK with these man-made places of pilgrimage?

Day Six: A New Heir

Genesis 4:25-26 (CJB)

25 Adam again had sexual relations with his wife, and she gave birth to a son whom she named Shet, “For God has granted me another seed in place of Hevel, since Kayin killed him.” 26 To Shet too was born a son, whom he called Enosh. That is when people began to call on the name of Adonai.

In the Strong’s:

Shet (Seth in the KJV) 8352H Shêth, shayth; put, i.e. substituted; from 7896H (PR); to place (*[used] in a very wide application): - apply, appoint, array, bring, consider, lay (up), let alone, x look, make, mark, put (on), + regard, set, shew, be stayed, x take.

X___________________________________________________.
Link – Name meaning – Abarim Publications -“Seth”:

http://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Seth.html#.W01HrcInapo

Answer the following:
Q) Havah named her third son _____________; which means:

sub_________________

Q) Havah named him this because he somehow “replaced” ____________.

Q) We deduced Hevel was accepted by God to serve as _____________.

Q) If what I suggested in the Day 2 study this week is true and God chose Hevel as His priest, and now, Seth was Hevel’s replacement, what was Seth’s Title?

X___________________________________________________.

In the Strong’s:

Enosh: *Note: although the names of Kayin and Shet’s sons are similar in Western Bible translations, this is not the case in Hebrew.

(Enos in the KJV) 583H ′Ěnôwsh, en-ohsh´: this is the same word as 582H en-oshe´; properly- a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified 120H [Adam]) hence, a man, in general (singularly or collectively) … from 605H aw-nash´; (PR); to be frail, feeble, figuratively- melancholy: -desperate (-ly wicked) …

X___________________________________________________.

Q) Why do you think Seth named his first-born son something like “mere-mortal”?

X___________________________________________________.

Consider the underlined portion of vs. 26, first from the (CJB) version (above), then from the Chabad and KJV interpretations (below):

Genesis 4:26 (Chabad.org)

26 And to Seth also to him a son was born, and he named him Enosh; then it became common to call by the name of the Lord.

Genesis 4:26 KJV

26 And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the Lord.

We know the words “by” and “upon” in these translations are inferred. That is often why there are differences between translations. There is not a clear; “it became common to call by”, or “men began to call upon”.

As for the Jews; most modern religious Jews go with the idea that at the time of the birth of Seth’s son, people began to call by - using part of the name of God in their children’s names, for example: Yehoshua [God will save].

Christians, on the other hand, tend to assume this passage reveals a lack of commitment to God before the birth of Enosh, so scholars assert that people now began to turn back to God.

Regarding the Jewish idea of people using the name of God as part of a name; we don’t see evidence of this in the Biblical record for a couple generations.

The Christian idea of people lacking a commitment to God is likewise dubious as the evidence in this chapter of an ongoing priesthood is quite clear.

For another possible answer to this dilemma; we have to consider the clues in the scriptures around today’s verses. The human population was exploding exponentially; so was human disobedience. God’s people; i.e. Seth’s line, “mere-mortals”; struggle to keep their covenant with God.

The line from Kayin serving in their city of dedication - outside the land of Ayden; possibly polluting the standards God prescribed for those who want to serve Him.

If Kayin’s city was, indeed, the seat of a pagan religious system - it was probably the birthplace of: eating unclean things (of all types), Animism, temple prostitution, human sacrifice… Under this influence, mankind would quickly become carnal, with no limits on the types and severity of crime. How could anyone withstand such perversity to walk uprightly in covenant with God?

Journaling:

Write the missing words in the description of the main topics of each study we’ve covered throughout this week.

Day One: Genesis 3:22-24 Adam and Havah had usurped God’s reserved

___________ and were sent outside the________________.

Day Two: Genesis 4:1-5 Kayin presumably didn’t follow God’s commands and brought an offering contrary to what was required. As a result of his disobedience, Kayin was rejected from serving as God's ______________. Hevel, in the meantime obeyed God’s specific commands and was chosen as Priest. Kayin rose up and ___________________ his brother.

Day Three: Genesis 4:6-8 After Kayin invented murder; he also exposed his lack of reverence for __________ and invented the lie when he denied any knowledge of his dead __________________ whereabouts.

Day Four: Genesis 4:9-16 Kayin was unrepentant for his crimes and had to leave the land of _____________ to live as an aimless __________________ -outside the land of covenant.

Day Five: Genesis 4:17-24 Kayin seems to have built a _________ of dedication outside God's land and perhaps proclaimed his ________ as priest. According to their names and their deeds, Kayin’s descendants quickly became increasingly lawless. Lemekh, Kayin’s great, great, great grandson married two women who each had two children. The names of the children of Lemekh seem to hint at a connection with the ____________ year [50th year], and some Jewish sources say that Lemekh's line married into the line of ________.

Day Six: Upon the birth of her third son, Havah proclaims him a [replacement] for her son Hevel, who we deduced had been chosen by God as His priest until he was murdered by his brother Kayin. Based upon these understandings we hypothesized that Sheyth would now serve as God's ___________.

Week Six of our GOP Study is now complete.

Be Strong and Courageous friends!

Week Six

What is the Gospel of Peace? Genesis

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