The Shadows of Hebrew (Part 5)

Shalom Haverim,

And Welcome back to The Shadows of Hebrew.  In Part 5, we are going explore the next generation of Mankind, starting with the relationship between Cain and Abel, and their respective relationships with YHVH.

We learn very quickly that in Scripture, a person's name holds specific value (Naqab), and that it is important to understand the meaning or "value" of that name.

Therefore, as we began to study "Cain" and "Abel," we realized that there is a deeper story hidden within the Shadows of their Hebrew Names.

Cain in Hebrew is "Qayin," which is rooted in "Qana," the same word for "Jealousy" or "Zealous."  Now, if you recall from Part 1 of The Shadows of Hebrew, I had covered the concept of the Word "Qana," in Hebrew Thought.

Therefore, let's recap:

The Word for "Jealous" and "Zealous" are the same Word in Hebrew, which is "Qana."  This is also the root Word for "Cain," but we know that they have very different meanings in English.  Jealousy carries a connotation of "Covetous," whereas Zeal carries the premise of  "A Passion for."  In English, one holds a somewhat negative connotation, and the other a more positive intent.  All the while in Hebrew, it's the same WORD!

We proposed that when "Qana" is in reference to "The Flesh," it is to mean "Jealous," whereas when it is in the context of "Our God is a Jealous God," it is actually meant as "Zealous."  Otherwise this would mean that God is "Covetous" for us...  That just doesn't make sense...  Or would it be better translated as God has a "Passion" for us?  What is not His, that He should be found "Wanting?"  Therefore, Man can be Jealous, but God is Zealous - The same Word in Hebrew.

The question is How does this apply to Cain?  I believe that the Hebrew is giving us a hint into the story, a peak into a dimension that we would not have traditionally understood.  In fact, I believe that we have completely misunderstood Cain, and the circumstances leading up to both his and Abel's tragic outcome.

If we were to look at Cain's name in relation to "Qana," as a Prophetic Nature, we would see that the Spirit of Cain would depict "Jealousy," however there is an aspect to this that we so easily overlook.

WHY - Why was Cain Jealous?  Keeping in mind that "Zeal," is an aspect of "Jealousy," we can determine that Cain's Passion, is what drove him to murder.  Meaning that, it was a "Crime of Passion."  Which is to say that he was "Jealous for God."  It was his Jealousy for God that enraged his passion against his brother.

Therefore, let's have a look at the contrast depicted when we view "Qayin" against "Habel."  Habel (Abel) is rooted in the Hebrew, "Hebel" which means "Vanity" or "Pride."  Now, what's more, we have to understand the deeper implications of Vanity and Pride in Hebrew Thought.  The Hebrew sees this concept as meaning, "Valueless," or "False Value," apposed to "Self-Centred."  Therefore, this baits the next question, "Why would they 'Name' (Naqab) their son "False Value?"

I can only speculate that the positive intent behind naming him "Habel," was to demonstrate their fallen state as "Mankind."  Much in the same way that The Hebrew refers to "Man" as "Enosh."  Like "Adam," - "Enosh" means "Man" as well, however "Enosh" carries a negative connotation, referring to "The Corrupted Flesh."  Which could be understood that Adam and Chavah gave Habel this name to remind him, and all their descendants, that The Flesh is Vanity and Fleeting.  Meaning that, "Only the Eternal holds True Value," which is "Emet" (Truth).  

Which is to say, that they gave this "Name," not as a "Naqab" (Appointed Value) of Abel, but "Zakar," for Memorial and Prophetic purpose.  What else are we to assume? (If you recall the nature of "Male" and "Female" being relative to "Zakar" (To Remember) and "Naqab" (To Appoint Value), a lesson from the previous Installment.))

Therefore, this understanding illustrates that there is a dynamic in play, that without understanding the Hebrew meaning behind the names, we miss out on a greater dimension to this story.

With this in mind, let's have a look at what the Scripture actually says:

1 And the man knew Eve his wife; and she conceived and bore Cain, and said: 'I have gotten a man with the help of the LORD.' 2 And again she bore his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. 3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. 4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering; 5 but unto Cain and to his offering He had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. 6 And the LORD said unto Cain: 'Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? 7 If thou doest well, shall it not be lifted up? and if thou doest not well, sin coucheth at the door; and unto thee is its desire, but thou mayest rule over it.' 8 And Cain spoke unto 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 4:1-8


Over the Millenia, there has been great speculation over what was wrong with Cain's offering.  Why was Abel's "Kosher," and Cain's not?  The most commonly accepted interpretation is that Abel offered an Animal Sacrifice, which was Kosher, whereas Produce from the Ground, was not.  It was also commonly noted that it mentions the "Bikkurim" (First Fruits) of Abel's Sacrifice, but it is not mentioned of Cain's.  Later in Scripture, we will learn the importance of giving "The First' back to YHVH.  

Ultimately, this means that it was up to "Qayin" to "Make Trade" for his produce with "Habel," so that he could have a proper "Blood" sacrifice to offer as well.

I point out the significance of "Make Trade," as this is actually another aspect of the root concept of the name "Qayin" - "To Buy."  This is also where we get the Title and Concept of "Canaanite" which means "Merchant."  Therefore, the answer to his problems were right there within the concept of his own name.

Then WHY didn't he do it, providing that this interpretation is correct, that Animal Sacrifice was required?

As we "Dig Deeper," (Pun intended) we have to look at How Hebrew Thought conceptualizes a "Farmer," or One Who works the ground.

For those of you familiar with the Scriptures, we know that the first thing that Noah did, after he and his family exited the Ark, was to "Plant a vineyard."  In our Study, we found that some translations referred to this as "Noah 'debased' himself."  As we read this, seeing the various translations side by side, we asked ourselves, "Why does it refer to 'Planting a Vineyard,' as "Debasing Himself?"

Many Theologians, especially those bent on the taboo of alcohol, connect this to the fact that in planting the vineyard, lead to his drunkenness, and the subsequent fall of Ham.

However, if we return to the story of Cain and Abel, the Hebrew explains this concept within Hebrew Thought.

The Hebrew Reads:

"וַתֹּסֶף לָלֶדֶת, אֶת-אָחִיו אֶת-הָבֶל; וַיְהִי-הֶבֶל, רֹעֵה צֹאן, וְקַיִן, הָיָה "עֹבֵד אֲדָמָה.

2 And again she bore his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a "tiller of the ground." Genesis 4:2

In the JPS translation, where I copied this insert from, the Word for "Obed" in Hebrew, is translated as "Tiller," however, "Obed," literally means "Servant" of the Ground.

This concept within Hebrew Thought tells us that one who works the ground is subject to the ground's cooperation of producing fruit.  If the ground does not produce, then you are without.

Now, remember the curse that came with the exile from The Garden.

17 And unto Adam He said: 'Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying: Thou shalt not eat of it; cursed is the ground for thy sake; in toil shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life.

18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field.

19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken; for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.'

Therefore, the one that "Works the Ground," is "Obed" (A servant to the Ground).  This is the meaning behind Noah "debasing" himself, and this understanding begins to explain the deeper dynamic of this relationship with Cain and Abel.

Now, let's look at another contrast to help further solidify this depiction of what lead up to this "Crime of Passion."

²⁶ Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals,^[a] and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” Genesis 1:26

Therefore, when you look at these 2 aspects of this scenario, we are seeing that YHVH has given us "Dominion" over the Animals, but due to The Curse, we are "Subject" to the Ground.  And so, Cain "debased" (Obed) himself as a "Farmer"of crops.

(The aside conclusion is that Noah planting a vineyard, being described as "debasing" himself, has nothing to do with the consuming of alcohol, in and of itself - However, THAT - is a whole other study).

Now, as we begin to piece this picture together, we are finding that Abel, took "Dominion" over his Occupation, and Cain "Subjected" himself to his. There is a deeper lesson in Understanding this relationship within our own lives.  "Are we Masters of our Trade, or Slaves to our Work?"  We should work to Live, and not Live to Work.

Therefore, in understanding these dichotomies between Cain and Able, we are beginning to see the forces of nature stir within the Spiritual Realm.  "War was Brewing."

Let's, for a moment, look to Jacob and Esau, and compare these scenarios.  Jacob was the younger, and desired for his brother's "Birth Right."  As the story goes, we see Jacob accomplish this objective, at least on a Spiritual Level.  Now, the comparative link is that when Abel offers the "Bikkurim" (First Fruits) this is a symbolic gesture of the same objective.  The Word "Bikkurim" also implies - "First Born."

Now let's tie this back into the meaning of their names.  Qayin, The First Born, subjected himself to the ground and placed himself into a dependent situation with his younger brother, because his brother governed over the very thing, required to preform "The Acceptable" Sacrifice.

Now, let's Mirror this against the Story of Jacob and Esau from Genesis 25.  It tells of how Jacob had made some stew, and Esau had come in from the field, famished.  As is goes, Jacob finds himself in a position of strength above his brother, and uses that leverage to obtain a verbal contract on the Birth Right.  As is turns out, when Jacob completes his objective of obtaining his brother's Birth Right, Esau plots to "Murder" him.  

Do we see the Parallel?  If it was not for Rivka's intervention, the story of Cain and Abel, would have been relived... So to Speak.

Habel, (Vane by Nature) obedient to this understanding, gave an "Acceptable" Sacrifice, regardless of where his maturity, and or walk with HaShem was at.

Qayin, the Older (Full of Zeal by Nature) felt it even more 'debasing' to depend upon his brother's "Value" to provide the acceptable sacrifice.  Therefore, he offered the work of his hands, as a sacrifice to YHVH.

Was this what YHVH wanted - What man THOUGHT was best?  Here is the beginning of "Religion."

The problem was that YHVH had a Plan, and in as much, the Sacrifice of Life was designed to teach us this lesson, so that we would pass this Message on from Generation to Generation, lest we forget (Zakar).

Therefore this Message (B'shar - In Flesh - "The Gospel") was transferred down through these Patriarchs to their descendants, as a sign of the Price that Messiah would pay upon His Coming.  Therefore, as much as Cain's Heart was in it, his "Obedience" was not.  Which in the end, tells us where the heart is truly at.  Your "Heart" cannot be "into" something if, "Obedience" does not follow.  Where is the Emunah? (Faith -in- Action)

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Jeremiah 17:9

This is why Qayin's offering was "Unacceptable."  It didn't convey "The Message," in "The Flesh" - "The Gospel."

Although YHVH knew that deep down, Qayin desired to do the right thing, as it was the reason for his "Passion" for YHVH, his actions were Faithless - "Disobedient."  

Now, failure is never the problem.  However, NOT correcting ("Dan") the mistake, and learning from our errors, IS the problem!

HaShem attempted to correct Cain's attitude, but Cain refused to listen.  Therefore, he concerned himself with his brother's relationship with YHVH, and Cain took it upon himself to deal with that issue.  His Name, got the best of him.  

It would appear in respective nature, Abel's Name got the best of him as well, and in doing so, he provoked his brother to "Qana."  This explains where the War was Brewing.  

However, what this all boils down to is Obedience to HaShem's Commands.  This was another example of that "Tohu-Bohu" of the Universe.  Qayin had the right desire, but the wrong means about getting it.  Abel had the right means, but his attitude was flawed.  If ONLY they could have worked it out together!  

Nevertheless, by being "Obedient" and "Doing," Abel's "Works" gained him God's favour, in spite of his flaws.  Ironically, this was the very thing that set Cain off.  The Genesis of Hubris and Tragedy.

"Faith without Works is dead,"  Therefore Qayin's Passion was commendable, obtaining him "Grace," but not "Tamim," (YHVH's Favour).  We must always remember that Grace is not the Goal.  It is the "Opportunity" to correct our path, in order to eventually gain YHVH's "Tamim" (His Righteousness).

Let's take a moment to learn a lesson from the Prophet Samuel:

22 And Samuel said: 'Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt-offerings and sacrifices, as in hearkening to the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.  1 Samuel 15:22

Therefore, in spite of his motivation, Abel was obedient to the process and objective.  This was "Acceptable."  His "Emunah" (Faith -in- Action) trumped the Vanity in his Heart!  Whereas Cain, had "desire" for the things of God, but not "The Faith," to carry them out.  This is why Hebrews teaches us that it is only By Faith, can we please God.  This does not mean that "Belief" is better than "Works."  It means that Faith requires Action - "Emunah," to BE "Faith!"

Although the connection that I have just made between 1 Samuel, and this particular situation between Cain and Abel, appears to be a paradox, it is not.  In 1 Samuel, we read (in context), "Do not Sacrifice, what was not meant for sacrifice," but rather, Obey YHVH's Commands.  In Genesis 4, this is the same point.  For Cain to "Sacrifice" Produce, was not "Acceptable."  Produce was not meant for this type of offering.

Therefore, Cain took it upon himself to demonstrate to YHVH that his sacrifice WAS worthy.  What?  To prove God wrong?  What a ridiculous notion!

 What Samuel is teaching us is that, "Obedience," supersedes our "Feelings" or "Thoughts" on the matter.  "Obedience is ABOVE Sacrifice."  Meaning that YHVH reads our intentions in a completely different way than we do, as Flesh.  

Yes, our heart must be in it, but our heart has to demonstrate its desire through Obedience (Emunah), which is Faith, as well.  Our heart can be just as passionate towards rebellion, all the while, disguised as "Good Intentions."

Meaning that, if YHVH had conveyed this understanding to His children, that Animal Sacrifice was necessary, then regardless of what we "Think or Feel," we must be Obedient.  The Samuel connection explains the deeper meaning behind this.  This is not about "The Sacrifice" alone, this is about Obeying His Word.

As much as Qayin did not Sacrifice properly, due to disobedience, Sacrificing when given instruction to do something else, makes the Sacrifice "Valueless" ("Abel") Anyway! - What a Paradox, hidden in the Hebrew.?

This is why Yeshua Teaches us:

²¹ “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder,^[a] and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’

²² But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister^[b][c] will be subject to judgment.Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’^[d] is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

²³ “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you,

²⁴ leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.  Matthew 5:21-24

He teaches us this to demonstrate that a Kosher Attitude must accompany a Kosher Gift.  If it is not, then the Offering is "Pigul" (Unacceptable).  Therefore, in Abel's case, the proper attitude was that he was obedient (Emunah), in spite of his Vanity.  He was not perfect, but his sacrifice was.  Cain, on the other hand, could not accept the fact that his brother lived with such Vanity, and yet his Offering was accepted.

Perhaps this may explain that emotion that we all feel when we see our brother, whom we have deemed as, "Not serving God" (According to OUR OWN interpretation), all the while, The LORD is blessing him.  Isn't that "Frustrating?"  

Welcome to Cain's Passion.  Welcome to all the "Fatwas" and "Jihads" and "Crusades" - All built upon the Self-Righteousness of Qana.

This is why we must always, pluck the beam from our own eye first, before our Brother's issues become "Our Problem."  If Cain didn't take matters into his own hands, YHVH may have been able to work on Abel's Pride, and teach him humility, and to walk in Wholeness (Tamim).

In the end, this was not about the Sacrifice, it was about being Obedient to His Word.  This does not mean that we do not need to Sacrifice, that would be taking a very shallow interpretation of this context comparison.  This simply means that, "Obedience is ABOVE our Thoughts or Feelings on the matter."  In other words, "Just do what it is that He has called YOU to do."  Don't worry about your brother.  He has to do what HE has to do!  This is between Him, and YHVH.

To bring this back to focus, let me give you a modern day example, of understanding YHVH's Commands.  Many years ago, when I wrote my Drivers test, there was a question on the exam that asked, "If you come to a red light, and a police officer is directing traffic, and instructs you to proceed, do you:

A) Wait until it is safe to proceed, and then do so?
B) Proceed as Instructed?
C) Honk your horn and advise the Officer that the light is red?

The correct answer was "B" - "Proceed as Instructed." In spite of the red light, because the Officer has the authority due to the present circumstance, we are to accept the temporal alteration.  The point being is that when we get so hung up on  "The Legalism" of The Law, that we begin to ignore YHVH's sovereignty in special circumstances, we loose contact and intimacy with our dynamic (LIVING) relationship with HIM.  This does not mean that we are "exempt" from The Law.  God does not want us to Break His Law, just learn HOW to follow "Instructions." We must understand that He would never have us do something contrary to His Command.  WE just need to be open to look for the deeper intent of "HIS" Purpose.

Let's tie this understanding back into Cain's situation.  As speculated, he was upset that his "Vane" brother's sacrifice was acceptable, but his "Heartfelt," and "Passionate" - "Zealous" contribution was not?  Sin began to brew within him.

Therefore YHVH, as a Father, speaks with him:

6 And the LORD said unto Cain: 'Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?
7 If thou doest well, shall it not be lifted up? and if thou doest not well, sin coucheth at the door; and unto thee is its desire, but thou mayest rule over it.'  Genesis 4:6-7

Look at the words that YHVH chooses, "You may rule over it."  We need to subjugate our nature, like Abel did over the Animals.  YHVH is teaching us, through this story, that we should not give in, and like Cain, be subject to the Ground and to our own Nature.

Now, here's the aspect of Qayin that we have got all wrong.  The Traditional interpretation is that Cain, didn't care enough to offer the Proper Sacrifice, and Abel did.  What the Shadows of Hebrew are teaching us is that, on the contrary, Cain cared a lot!  In fact, he was so Zealous (Jealous) for God that his Passion drove him to Kill his Brother!

This understanding explains a lot of the missing pieces to the story.  If Abel was "Perfect," then why did YHVH not protect him from his brother?  Also, as we know, YHVH does not tolerate "Murder," which He prescribes "Death" as the penalty for it.  Then why does he protect Cain?  Is this inconsistency with justice?

These underlying dynamics are explained within their names - The Motivations - Where their Hearts were at.

This tells us something about HaShem, and the depiction of Mashiach in Isaiah 11:

2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD. 3 And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD; and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither decide after the hearing of his ears; 4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the land; and he shall smite the land with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. 5 And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. Isaiah 11:2-5

In essence, He see past our Actions, and into the heart of our Intentions.  All the same, this is not to be misunderstood that, "Our actions are overlooked."  There are consequences for our Actions, in this World, and the One to Come.  Nevertheless, this understanding explains why He demonstrates Grace and Mercy upon some, and not on others.  This is an understanding that we (As Human) cannot fully comprehend.  Therefore, what appears to our flesh as "injustice," is simply based upon our finite understanding of the bigger (Spiritual) picture.

This is why Yeshua teaches:

¹¹ When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

¹² On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. ¹³ But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’^[a] For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:11-13

And this is why Paul teaches:

²² Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off. ²³ And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. ²⁴ After all, if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree,how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree!

³⁰ Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, ³¹ so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now^[h] receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy to you. ³² For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.

³³ Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and^[i]knowledge of God!
    How unsearchable his judgments,
    and his paths beyond tracing out!
³⁴ “Who has known the mind of the Lord?
    Or who has been his counselor?”^[j]
35 “Who has ever given to God,
    that God should repay them?”^[k]
36 For from him and through him and for him are all things.
    To him be the glory forever! Amen. (Exerts from Romans 11)

Therefore, God gives "Ra" to Cain - "An Additional Curse" upon the ground:

¹⁰ The Lord said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground. ¹¹ Now you are under a curse and driven from the ground, which opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. ¹² When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for you. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth.” Genesis 4:10-12

YHVH cut off Cain's connection with the Ground, but was this a "Curse?"  

Initially, we view this as a "Curse" upon Cain, but as we will see in the upcoming Installment of "The Shadows of Hebrew," this Curse becomes a Blessing to Cain.  We will learn that if we simply Trust HaShem, even in our chastisement, we will live to see the ultimate Blessing.

Thanks for Reading this installment of Shadows of Hebrew.  Tune in next week, when we look at more "Secrets of Biblical Economics."

Blessings.

Don Daniel Henriquez De La Fuente