Skip to content

The sin of murder stands out, but so does God’s patient mercy. Look how He spared Cain in hopes he would repent!

BibleGateway: Genesis 4:3-16

ESV Text: Genesis 4:3-16


KJV Text:

The section starts at about 0:13 and ends at about 2:16

Right click here to save the file for off-line use.

     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, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.

     8 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.

     9 And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper? 10 And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground. 11 And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother’s blood from thy hand; 12 When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.

     13 And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear. 14 Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me. 15 And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.

     16 And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.(KJV)


Hymn: TLH 279:
Today Thy Mercy Calls Us

— Organ Audio

Right click here to save the file for off-line use.


1. Today Thy mercy calls us 
To wash away our sin. 
However great our trespass, 
Whatever we have been, 
However long from mercy 
Our hearts have turned away, 
Thy precious blood can cleanse us 
And make us white today. 

2. Today Thy gate is open, 
And all who enter in 
Shall find a Father’s welcome 
And pardon for their sin. 
The past shall be forgotten, 
A present joy be given, 
A future grace be promised, 
A glorious crown in heaven. 

3. Today our Father calls us, 
His Holy Spirit waits; 
His blessed angels gather 
Around the heavenly gates. 
No question will be asked us 
How often we have come; 
Although we oft have wandered, 
It is our Father’s home. 

4. O all-embracing Mercy, 
O ever-open Door, 
What should we do without Thee 
When heart and eye run o’er? 
When all things seem against us, 
To drive us to despair, 
We know one gate is open, 
One ear will hear our prayer.