Bad Boys of the Bible:. Barbara J. Essex

of worship, the rights and privileges of the older son, violence, murder, dysfunctional family relationships, and sin and its consequences. We will read with fascination the family squabbles between Jacob and Esau, Joseph and his brothers, and the prodigal son and his older brother.

      Throughout this narrative, Cain neither confesses to nor repents of his brother’s murder. He pouts and whines. He is stubborn, arrogant, and petulant. He is indignant and takes no responsibility for his actions. When he receives the punishment he obviously deserves, he complains that the sentence is too much. Further, he fears for his life when he has had so little regard for that of his brother. Yet God continues to bless him even when Cain is required to live out the consequences of his choices and actions.