What event is at the foundation of all human society and civilization? We see what the answer is as we look at Genesis 4:16-26.

It is important to understand what forms the foundation of society and civilization because doing so helps us understand our own lives, and also what is going on all around us all the time in current events and culture.

The Text of Genesis 4:16-26

Then Cain went out from the presence of the Lord and dwelt in the land of Nod on the east of Eden. And Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch. And he built a city, and called the name of the city after the name of his son—Enoch. To Enoch was born Irad; and Irad begot Mehujael, and Mehujael begot Methushael, and Methushael begot Lamech.

Then Lamech took for himself two wives: the name of one was Adah, and the name of the second was Zillah. And Adah bore Jabal. He was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock. His brother’s name was Jubal. He was the father of all those who play the harp and flute. And as for Zillah, she also bore Tubal-Cain, an instructor of every craftsman in bronze and iron. And the sister of Tubal-Cain was Naamah.

Then Lamech said to his wives:
“Adah and Zillah, hear my voice;
Wives of Lamech, listen to my speech!
For I have killed a man for wounding me,
Even a young man for hurting me.
If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold,
Then Lamech seventy-sevenfold.”

And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and named him Seth, “For God has appointed another seed for me instead of Abel, whom Cain killed.” And as for Seth, to him also a son was born; and he named him Enosh. Then men began to call on the name of the Lord.

In this discussion of Genesis 4:16-26 we look at:

• What Genesis 4 reveals about the human problem of sin
• How rivalry and scapegoating form the foundation of human civilization and culture
• How rivalry and violence escalate out of control
• The fact that God is the ultimate scapegoat for human violence
• The origin of religion

Resources:

• Become a Member of RedeemingGod.com
• Clint Jones, A Genealogy of Social Violence
• Subscribe and Leave a Review on iTunes

Downloadable Podcast Resources

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