Each of us will have gone through times in life where our foundations have been shaken. Where difficulties or pain have been almost overwhelming. Right at the beginning of our Bibles we find such a story. The very first recorded event following Adam and Eve’s departure from the garden of Eden was the birth of two sons. It seems Cain and Abel may have been twins. And their birth began a series of events that took this first family through the trial of heartbreak, to finally be re-established in hope.
Re-establishing hope where it has been lost is always in the heart of Father God. Eve’s journey through heartbreak and back to re-established hope is the story that lies just beneath the surface of Genesis 4.
The start of Eve’s journey
Eve only says a few words, yet what she does say, demonstrate the trajectory she must travel in her heart response to God. And it’s a journey each of us also need to travel if we are truly going to follow God and re-establish hope. So let’s look at Eve’s journey. It begins with the birth of Cain and Abel.
Now the man knew his wife Eve, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, “I have produced [acquired] a man with the help of the Lord.” Next she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a tiller of the ground.
Genesis 4:1-2 (NRSV)
Cain (Hebrew qayin) means to acquire or possess something. He grows up and as the oldest, he follows in his father’s footsteps as a tiller of the ground. Eve’s words on Cain’s birth were literally “I have acquired a man from [with] the Lord.” Notice that Eve mentions herself first, placing the emphasis on the fact that she has now produced something, with God’s help. It seems that she sees herself as a co-creator with God.
Sometimes we unwittingly do the same thing. We place ourselves first in our thinking and in our prayers. We ask God to help us with what we are doing. It’s often unconsciously done, but does that mean it’s right? Let’s continue with the story and find out.
At this point, Eve’s hopes of fulfilling God’s promise that one of her offspring would crush Satan’s head (Genesis 3:15), are set on Cain – the one she has acquired from God. After all, that’s what God promised, isn’t it?
And then she has another son, and he may very well have been Cain’s twin. Abel (Hebrew havel) means breath or to be empty. Even his name sounds like ‘breath.’ His name may reflect the circumstances of his birth, but we cannot be sure. Eve is silent at his birth (at least nothing is recorded in scripture). However, Abel grows up and becomes a shepherd. The sacrifice he gives to God that shows he values God and has placed Him first. He offers the first and the best of his flock to God.
Heartbreak and hope
We all know what happens next.
“Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let us go out to the field.” And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel, and killed him.”
Genesis 4:8 (NRSV)
Cain, the one Eve put her hope in, kills Abel and is banished. This whole story is truly heart-breaking for everyone involved.
I also wonder if the story of Cain and Abel provides a window into the ongoing picture here on earth for those who truly seek to give the first and best to God. There will always be “Cain’s” that will verbally abuse, accuse and even seek to destroy those who seek to follow God wholeheartedly.
But there is hope. Seth is born to Adam and Eve.
Re-establishing foundations
Seth (Hebrew shet) means to set or put something in place; to establish. Seth brought a re-establishment towards God. It’s interesting that if we look at the account of Adam and Eve’s family line in Genesis 5, we see no mention of either Cain or Abel.
“When Adam had lived one hundred thirty years, he became the father of a son in his likeness, according to his image, and named him Seth.”
Genesis 5:3 (NRSV)
The words “likeness” and “image” are the same words God uses in Genesis 1:26-27 when He makes mankind. This is significant. It’s like returning to God’s original intent for humanity. And it’s Seth that brought about a return towards God.
“To Seth also a son was born, and he named him Enosh. At that time people began to invoke [call on] the name of the Lord.”
Genesis 4:26 (NRSV)
The name Enosh means man or mankind, with reference to mankind’s frailty. Enosh is a reminder of who we are before Almighty God. We are totally reliant on God’s love, guidance, power, protection and provision. It’s actually not about what we can do, but what He can do.
The end of Eves’ journey
At Seth’s birth, Eve said “God has given me another seed.” Notice that Eve now put’s God first. There is a complete change in emphasis in Eve’s words compared with what she said at Cain’s birth. It’s like she finally realises that God has to come first in all things. Now, she is grateful to partner with Him rather than try and take the lead herself.
When we place God first, like Eve did when she bore Seth, things change. Hope is re-established, and sometimes this can impact generations.
I’m not sure where you find yourself in Eve’s journey today. But ultimately, Eve’s story is not so much about her, but about Father God, who is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is our hope, and He is our firm foundation. And He is also the One who provides the victory. As Jesus said,
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 (NIV)
