Cain the First to Draw the Sword in the Days of Amraphel

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Lech Lecha 7:1

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

[(Genesis 14:1:) AND IT CAME TO PASS IN THE DAYS OF AMRAPHEL.] Thus did Rabbi Tanchuma bar Abba begin: "THE WICKED HAVE DRAWN A SWORD, etc.... THEIR SWORD SHALL ENTER THEIR OWN HEART" (Psalms 37:14-15). What is the meaning of "THE WICKED HAVE DRAWN A SWORD"? This is Cain, for until then there had been no killer in the world; but Cain came and opened with killing, as it is said, "AND CAIN ROSE UP [AGAINST ABEL HIS BROTHER AND KILLED HIM]" (Genesis 4:8). The Holy One, blessed be He, said to him: Wicked one, you have opened with the sword in the world. "THE WICKED HAVE DRAWN A SWORD"—this is Cain. "TO BRING DOWN THE POOR AND NEEDY"—this is Abel. The Holy One, blessed be He, said to him: You have opened the sword in the world; the sword shall enter the heart of that same man. "THEIR SWORD SHALL ENTER THEIR OWN HEART" (Psalms 37:15).

Themes

Cain And AbelDivine Justice

Biblical References

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