Coffee & Devotions

Genesis 4:16-24

Genesis 4:16-24

With Bryan Schneider · Sharon RP Church

Published January 6, 2023

Watch the devotion

Listen

0:0016:50

Prepare

Opening Prayer

Thank the Father for the day and the blessing of coming to his Word, and ask the Spirit to work in mind, heart, affections, and will so his people know and love God.

Read

Scripture Passage

The Family of Cain

16 Then Cain went out from the presence of the Lord and dwelt in the land of Nod on the east of Eden. 17 And Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch. And he built a city, and called the name of the city after the name of his son—Enoch. 18 To Enoch was born Irad; and Irad begot Mehujael, and Mehujael begot Methushael, and Methushael begot Lamech.

19 Then Lamech took for himself two wives: the name of one was Adah, and the name of the second was Zillah. 20 And Adah bore Jabal. He was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock. 21 His brother’s name was Jubal. He was the father of all those who play the harp and flute. 22 And as for Zillah, she also bore Tubal-Cain, an instructor of every craftsman in bronze and iron. And the sister of Tubal-Cain was Naamah.

23 Then Lamech said to his wives:

“Adah and Zillah, hear my voice;

Wives of Lamech, listen to my speech!

For I have killed a man for wounding me,

Even a young man for hurting me.

24 If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold,

Then Lamech seventy-sevenfold.”

The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Ge 4:16–24.

A — About

What Is This Passage About?

Cain's family receives God's common mercy and develops cities, livestock, music, and metalworking, yet its spiritual descent deepens: Cain leaves God's presence, Lamech corrupts marriage by taking two wives, and he boasts in disproportionate murder and revenge. Civilization's gifts cannot cure a heart ruled by pride, anger, and violence.

B — Best Verse

Which Verse Best Summarizes the Passage?

Genesis 4:16; Genesis 4:19; Genesis 4:23-24

Bryan explicitly selects verses 19 and 23-24, then tentatively adds verse 16 after correcting an initial slip. These trace the story's movement from departure from God's presence through corrupted marriage to Lamech's boastful vengeance.

C — Called or Christ

C — Called to Do & Christ Connection

Read Lamech as a sober mirror of the sinful heart rather than assuming you are the hero. Repent of pride, revenge, anger, and marital unfaithfulness; plead for inward reform, practice Christlike patience, and model Jesus rather than following sin's natural downward path.

Devotional Study

Transcript of the devotion. Minor transcription errors may remain.

Genesis 4:16-24

Watch

Read

The Family of Cain

16 Then Cain went out from the presence of the Lord and dwelt in the land of Nod on the east of Eden. 17 And Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch. And he built a city, and called the name of the city after the name of his son—Enoch. 18 To Enoch was born Irad; and Irad begot Mehujael, and Mehujael begot Methushael, and Methushael begot Lamech.

19 Then Lamech took for himself two wives: the name of one was Adah, and the name of the second was Zillah. 20 And Adah bore Jabal. He was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock. 21 His brother’s name was Jubal. He was the father of all those who play the harp and flute. 22 And as for Zillah, she also bore Tubal-Cain, an instructor of every craftsman in bronze and iron. And the sister of Tubal-Cain was Naamah.

23 Then Lamech said to his wives:

“Adah and Zillah, hear my voice;

Wives of Lamech, listen to my speech!

For I have killed a man for wounding me,

Even a young man for hurting me.

24 If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold,

Then Lamech seventy-sevenfold.”

The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Ge 4:16–24.

Continue Your Bible Study

Explore more devotions or check out our Bible reading plans to develop a consistent study habit.