The offerings of the two brothers: the flame of Abel’s sacrifice rises towards God, or the latter chooses Abel’s lamb by pointing to it. This mythical narrative is fundamental since it corresponds to the irruption of violence, to the first murder whose account explains its circumstances and its consequences.Ĭain is cursed and becomes a wanderer but he has a future for God protects him, which allows for the stopping of the spiral of violence. And the LORD said to Cain: 'Where is Abel your brother? ' And he said: 'I know not: Am I my brother's keeper?' And He said : 'What have you done? the voice of your brother's blood cries out to me from the ground ! (Genesis 4:2-10)Ĭain is exposed to the risk of revenge but God puts a “sign” on him: the murderer is protected even if he is obliged to flee as a wanderer and a vagabond. '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 killed him. And the LORD had respect to Abel and to his offering: But to Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and their fat. And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering to the LORD. Cain can use a weapon: a wooden club, an ass’s jawbone or an iron dagger.Īdam and Eve had two boys, Cain then Abel.Īnd Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. God’s preference can be represented by the fire of sacrifice rising towards heaven for Abel, whereas it goes down for Cain.Ībel’s murder. Cain does not always offer cereals but they are the fruits of the earth for he is a tiller whereas Abel is a breeder, a pastor. The offerings are often placed on an altar to be burnt as a sacrifice. Then Cain runs away while God asks him what he has done with his brother. God’s hand coming out of the heaven shows the lamb and so God’s preference for Abel’s gift.Ībel’s murder is brutal Cain kills his younger brother with his own hands. The religious offering is made with respect hands are covered according to the oriental custom. Cain presents some cereals while Abel offers a lamb.

The scene is divided into two or three parts, from left to right The apparitions of Christ to Mary MagdaleneĬain and Abel are the first two children of Adam and Eve.The circumcision and the Presentation in the temple.Salome and the execution of John the Baptist.

Images of cain and abel