Genesis

בייה

Genesis 5 – Succeeding

We continue examining creations’ first family’s dimensions, happiness, struggles, sadness, pain, mysteries, development, growth, mistake thinking, and experiences. God Judges us with the fairest judgment possible. God Knows the nth degree of every situation. He entirely Knows every emotion, feeling, and heartache. (Bereisheit Rabba 22.12) Instructs, ‘Cain’s judgment shall not be as the judgment of other murderers. Cain slew but had none from whom to learn [the enormity of his crime], but henceforth, All who slay shall be slain.’

Murder is the unlawful taking of life. (Genesis 4.8) says, ‘Cain rose up against Abel his brother, הֹרֵג – Ho Rayg – and slew/murdered him.’ That was a horrible sinful, a vile act, yet, there were extenuating circumstances. That is how God Judges each of us. It was difficult for Cain because his parents separated. Even though Cain and Abel were fully developed, they still missed the warmth of their family unity. They didn’t have grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, or friends; they could share situations. They have been deprived of these relationships that some of us enjoy. There was no one to discuss Torah, play football or hide and seek.

Cain and his twin sister/wife were born on the afternoon of the sixth day, Rosh Ha Shanah, while living in the age of innocence. Later that afternoon Adam and Eve, his parents sinned. They were judged. One result of their sin was all humanity was excluded from Gan Eden. (Genesis 3.24) says, ‘So [God] Drove out the man; [humanity] and [God] Placed Kerubim at the east of Gan Eden, with a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard [prohibit humanity access to] the way of the tree of life.’ They were homeless. At that time, Ha Torah does not indicate any sin resulting from Cain. His expulsion from Gan Eden was based solely on his parents sins, yet that judgment was just. It was fair. Perhaps Cain harbored anger and resentment. (Genesis 4.16) informs us that ‘Cain settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden,’ i.e., east of the entrance where the Kerbuim with the flamings sword stood guard. Was Cain frightened? Yes! (Midrash Bereisheit 22.12) Says, ‘The cattle, beasts, and birds assembled to demand justice for Abel… Cain’s fear was due to the animals, seeing that there were no men on earth. Cain felt comforted and safe when he was close to Spiritual beings. It’s true! Spiritual beings bring us comfort, hope, and guidance.

Shortly after humanity’s expulsion from Gan Eden, Adam and Eve had another sexual encounter which immediately produced Abel and his twin sisters/wives. At this time, Adam separated from his wife, Eve, for 130 years. We move forward from Rosh Hashanah / Tishrei / the 7th Month and journey six months towards Erev Passover / Nissan the 1st month.

Tishrei – September – October

Cheshvan – October – November

Kislev – November – December

Tevet – December – January

Shevat – January – February

Adar – February – March

Nissan March – April – May

(Genesis 4.3) terms this as ‘the process of time.’ Our sages say that Adam informed his sons that the people of Israel would kill the Passover lamb/kid that evening. Here are two references. First reference: Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer Simchatchaim.com first edition 2021 Chapter 21.4 page 118, Second reference: Rabbi Meir Zlotowitz and Rabbi Nosson Scherman, The Artscroll Tanach Series – Bereishis Vol. I(a) (Brooklyn, New York: Mesorah Publications, Ltd. 3rd Impression, 1989), p 144 –This was an appropriate time to bring a tribute to the Lord. Cain brought spoiled flax seed as his Tribute. Abel brought the very best cream, cheese, and wool from the firstlings of his flocks as his Tribute. Blood offerings were not permitted at that time. Cain’s Tribute was rejected, and Abel’s Tribute was accepted. Cain was angry. Perhaps Cain’s anger had been festering from when he was driven out of Gan Eden. These situations, combined with his jealousy over Abel’s two twin sisters/wives, caused Cain to erupt. Rabbi Meir Zlotowitz and Rabbi Nosson Scherman, The Artscroll Tanach Series – Bereishis Vol. I(a) (Brooklyn, New York: Mesorah Publications, Ltd. 3rd Impression, 1989), p 149 –

(Genesis 4.15) says, ‘The Lord Set an אוֹת – Oht – mark/sign upon Cain.’ It was a protective sign. (Zohar A 36b) says, ‘This sign was one of the twenty-two letters of the Torah, and God Set it upon him to protect him.’ God Made animals fear him again. We do not know which Letter of the Aleph Bet God Used. However, based upon another teaching in Holy Scripture, it may have been a ת Tav, the last Letter of the Aleph Bet. (Shabbat 55a) says, Place a mark [Tav] upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof, etc. The Holy One, blessed be He, said to [the Angel] Gabriel, Go and set a Tav of ink upon the foreheads of the righteous, that the destroying angels may have no power over them; and a Tav of blood upon the foreheads of the wicked, that the destroying angels may have power over them.’

Genesis 5.3) says, ‘And Adam lived a hundred and thirty years, fathered a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth.’ He was the transmigration of Abel. What happened to Cain’s history? Cain and his descendants were erased from the face of the earth.

We can benefit greatly from the lessons/subjects discussed in Genesis if we apply the lessons to our lives. We can benefit greatly from the life lessons discussed in Genesis if we use them. Who would have dreamed that Creation’s First family dilemmas were so vast. We see the love and care by which God viewed and judged each situation. Knowing God’s perspective helps us to understand true fairness, good judgment, and confidence in Him. Creation’s First family experiences open avenues that allow us to make better choices so we can succeed and have favorable outcomes.

Dr. Akiva Gamliel Belk

Author

JewishPath.Org