From the Protevangel to the Flood (4): The Conflict of Cain and Abel

Introduction Once more it must be emphasized that a clear understanding of the character of Cain's sin is essential. What took place when Cain killed his brother Abel? Was it a mere murder -- homicide, or even fratricide? That would bring the narrative wholly in the sphere of the merely natural. It would rule out the specific scriptural element. The Word of God does not deal with mere murders. It treats of the history of God's kingdom and covenant and thus of the battle between the righteous...