If anyone kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him SEVENFOLD

[tonychanyt]

After Cain killed his brother Abel, Genesis 4:

15 the Lord said to him, “Not so; anyone who kills Cain will suffer vengeance seven times over.” Then the Lord put a mark on Cain so that no one who found him would kill him.

Why 7 times over?

This was not literal. Seven was the number for completeness. Whoever kills Cain would be punished completely.

Lamech says 9 verses later:

24 If Cain is avenged seven times, then Lamech seventy-seven times.

Again, it is not literal. Lamech exaggerates the completeness.

Elsewhere, Psalms 79:

12 O Lord, pay back our neighbors seven times for the scorn they have hurled at you.

Leviticus 26:

28 then in my anger I will be hostile toward you, and I myself will punish you for your sins seven times over.

Seven symbolizes thoroughness and completeness.

Cain was a murderer. Why did the punishment of him who would kill Cain seem so severe?

God had already punished Cain by cursing him from the ground and making him a fugitive and wanderer (Ge 4:11-12). God had a special purpose for Cain despite his sin. It was a mark of grace. God's desire to prevent further violence. Vengeance belonged to God (De 32:35).

Why would killing Cain be a bad thing?

Because God had already pronounced sufficient punishment on Cain justly, he did not want others to add to it.

 

[KevinT]

Here's a similar text:

Daniel 3:19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was filled with fury, and the expression of his face was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He ordered the furnace heated seven times more than it was usually heated.

KT

 

[Diamond72]

Why would killing Cain be a bad thing?

Who was it that Cain was worried would kill him?
Were there people alive outside of Eden that Cain was worried about?

 

[KevinT]

Who was it that Cain was worried would kill him?
Were there people alive outside of Eden that Cain was worried about?

Clearly, it would’ve been one of his relatives. I would think that the murder occurred within 100 years or so from the time they were expelled from Eden. During that time, there could be many generations of humans born. And in a world without a police force to enforce propriety, it was probably the responsibility of those present to punish wrongdoing. So it would have been from his relatives that he would be at risk of being killed by as punishment for his murder.

 

[Diamond72]

Clearly, it would’ve been one of his relatives.

Not so clear to me, but I studied history before I studied the Bible.

 

[KevinT]

Not so clear to me, but I studied history before I studied the Bible.

So I think you are saying that the traditional narrative of God creating an Adam and Eve, and all descendants coming from them is not correct. Am I reading you right?

KT

 

[Diamond72]

So I think you are saying that the traditional narrative of God creating an Adam and Eve, and all descendants coming from them is not correct. Am I reading you right?

No you are not reading right. There is no conflict between the Bible and Science. They are in 100% agreement. Although science does have limits, there are no limits to the Bible. The Bible is infinite. Even the words in the Bible have infinite meaning. Every book in the world could not explain all of the meaning of one word in the Bible.

John 21 25 Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.

 

[KevinT]

No you are not reading right. There is no conflict between the Bible and Science. They are in 100% agreement. Although science does have limits, there are no limits to the Bible. The Bible is infinite. Even the words in the Bible have infinite meaning. Every book in the world could not explain all of the meaning of one word in the Bible.

John 21 25 Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.

OK, sorry to misunderstand what you were saying. The Bible says that Cain and Abel were the children of Adam and Eve. I thought you were raising questions about other people living at that time. What were you thinking about this?

KT

 

[Diamond72]

What were you thinking about this?

Of course it is very important to study the Bible. I think Science and History helps us to better understand our Bible. God gives us natural evidence to strength our faith and to learn more about Him. It is good that He does because a lot of religious people can not be trusted. He even puts a desire in us to learn more about Him.

There are several reasons why some people might think science is a lie:

1. Misunderstanding of the Scientific Process: Science is a method of inquiry that involves forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, and revising theories based on evidence. This process can lead to changes in scientific understanding, which some people might interpret as inconsistency or dishonesty1.
2. Misinformation and Disinformation: In the age of social media, false information can spread quickly. Some individuals or groups may deliberately spread misinformation to undermine scientific consensus for various reasons, including political or financial gain1.
3. Complexity and Accessibility: Scientific concepts can be complex and difficult to understand. When people don’t fully grasp these concepts, they might be more susceptible to doubting or rejecting scientific findings2.
4. Historical Misconduct: There have been instances where scientists have committed fraud or misconduct. These cases, although rare, can damage public trust in science34.
5. Conflicting Interests: Sometimes, scientific findings can conflict with personal beliefs, economic interests, or political agendas. This can lead to skepticism or outright rejection of scientific evidence1.

It’s important to approach scientific claims critically but also to recognize the rigorous processes and peer review that underpin credible scientific research. If you have any specific concerns or examples in mind, feel free to share them!