"And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him." Genesis 4:8 KJV
I was raised in a Protestant Christian faith and not necessarily a practicing one. You know the kind. The family that say they're Baptist, Church of God, Methodist etc. yet really never go to church. Just continue believing what they were told growing up whether lies or not. Yeah, you get the gist.
Now, I study and because the Christian faith grew out of Judaism I am a firm believer that to truly understand where you're going you've gotta know where you've been. That means reading from Jewish writings. That brings us to the verse above about Cain killing Abel. First impression and no other authority on the subject Cain and Abel, being brothers, simply get in an argument which leads to Abel's death.
Most Christians go no further to investigate and learn anymore of the story. That's sad. What We do know is that this story is part of the first 5 books of the Bible and is included and taught in Judaism.
So, I purchased The Midrash, Artscroll Series, Kleinman Edition, to read more of what was conveyed from the Oral Torah.
What I'm going to highlight from my studies regarding Cain and Abel is not exhaustive and you're highly encouraged to seek out more information. I want people from the Christian faith to realize there is more to the story than simply that one verse.
The Midrash states that the phrase "when they were in the field" was unnecessary but teaches us that the two brothers argued over the division of land.
View 1 states:
Cain took the land and Abel took everything else (moveable things) so Cain killed Abel because there was no where Abel couldn't walk based on that division which wouldn't belong to Cain.
View 2 states:
Both brothers equally took of land and property but then an argument erupted over whose land the Temples would be built upon.
A. Adam knew the location of the spot for the appearance of the Divine Presence because Adam had brought an offering to God to this spot. This would be the future location of the Temples.
View 3 states: The murder was over a woman. An extra twin was born with Abel. Cain, being the oldest wanted a double portion inheritance from Adam, but Abel said he'd take her to wife because she was born with him.
Needless to say, it's very interesting reading and it has broadened my understanding of this and many other Old Testament verses.
