Adam and Eve’s Family outside the Garden

Whereas Chaps. 2–3 recount the Life of Adam and Eve inside the garden, Chap. 4 will relate a new episode in the ongoing story of the first couple’s experience—but now outside the garden. The abrupt announcement of Cain and Abel’s birth (vv. 1–2) is told so as to show the linkage between Chap. 3’s intimations of continued life and prosperity (3:15–16, 20) and the beginning realization of that hope despite human sin in the garden. Sadly, the optimism of the narrative turns to the sordid account of sin’s continuing encroachment by the murder of Abel at the hands of his elder brother (vv. 3–16). Remarkably, however, the grace of God toward Cain enables Adam’s firstborn to survive and later father an impressive lineage whose members are remembered for notable cultural achievements. Unfortunately, these achievements were overshadowed by their wicked accomplishments (vv. 17–24). The “tôlĕdôt of the heavens and earth” (2:4–4:26) concludes on the high note of another evidence of God’s grace toward Adam and Eve. Seth, Adam’s third son, replaces the murdered Abel and heads a new lineage that is remembered as the benchmark for “when men began to call on the name of the LORD” (4:25–26).

Mathews, K. A. Genesis 1-11:26. Vol. 1A. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1996. Print. The New American Commentary.