When Adam's wife Eve conceived, she bore a son. Eve said, "I have received a man from the Lord." So she named him Cain.

Then she bore another child, a boy called Abel. He chose to be a shepherd, while Cain became a farmer. At a time appointed by God, Cain brought his harvest from the field as an offering unto the Lord, but Abel brought a lamb. The Lord showed respect toward Abel and his offering, but He did not honor Cain and his offering.

Cain was furious, so the Lord asked, "Cain, why are you so frustrated and angry?" God then reminded Cain that the death of an animal was required for sacrifice. Just as fig leaves did not cover Adam and Eve's sin, a gift of bloodless plants and vegetables could never cover sin either.

God said that refusal to bring an animal for sacrifice displayed Cain's rebellion, because he was not worshiping as God had instructed. The Bible says that Abel's sacrifice showed faith in God's words, but Cain's sacrifice did not. Throughout the Scriptures, God reveals that without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin.

But Cain still refused to obey God and bring an animal sacrifice. Instead, he blamed the problem on Abel, his brother, and when they were in the field, Cain attacked Abel and killed him.

Then the Lord asked Cain, "Where is your brother Abel?"

Cain answered, "I don't know: Am I my brother's keeper?"

God said, "What have you done? I hear the voice of your brother's blood crying to me from the ground. Now you will be cursed on the earth soaked with your brother's blood which was drawn by your own hand."

Then Cain went out from the presence of the Lord. His rebellion against God caused the first murder and the first broken family.

But Adam and Eve had many other sons and daughters.

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