The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

Genesis 4:17: Exploring Cain's Wife: Unraveling a Biblical Mystery

Welcome to the latest episode of Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast with your host, Lance Smith. This is the third episode of a four-part series focusing on the perplexing figure of Cain and today, we address a frequently asked question: where did Cain find his wife?
The issue of Cain’s wife might seem trivial, but it actually presents an intriguing enigma. If we assume that Adam and Eve were the first and only humans created by God, who then bore Cain and Abel, there should not have been any other women for Cain to marry. So where did she come from? The narrative of Genesis 4:17 establishes that Cain had sexual relations with a wife, but offers no explanation beyond that, leaving many readers puzzled.
We discuss various theories to explain this anomaly, ranging from the possibility that Cain married a close relative like a sister or niece, to the theory that there existed a separate population from which he could choose a wife. We delve into scholarship of interrelated marriage and shed light on the original Hebrew meaning of 'wife'. We also explore fascinating theories like the Strattonian model which accommodates the story of Cain within an evolutionary framework.
Through detailed analysis and thought-provoking discussion, this episode challenges common preconceptions and encourages you to approach biblical mysteries with an open, inquisitive mind. Join us on this journey of discovery as we unravel the complexities of this ancient text and strive for a deeper understanding of its teachings.
Whether you agree or disagree with our conclusions, our goal is to challenge you to think critically about the Bible and engage with it in a new and meaningful way. We invite you to share your thoughts and join the conversation at our website or via email. Remember to subscribe, like, and leave a review on your podcast platform of choice. Until next time, stay curious and keep exploring!
Show Notes:
References to items discussed on this podcast may found at the following:
 
https://a.co/d/7shn4hI (The Big Book of Bible Difficulties from Amazon)
https://a.co/d/1MWGSGM (New Revised Standard Version Bible)
https://crossexamined.org/evolution-true-happen-adam-eve/ 
https://www.reasonablefaith.org/media/reasonable-faith-podcast/josh-swamidass-in-christianity-today 
https://www.reasonablefaith.org/media/reasonable-faith-podcast/questions-on-the-trinity-neanderthals-and-gravity
https://answersingenesis.org/bible-characters/cain/creation-basics/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwtqmwBhBVEiwAL-WAYVQRbUGOIZMIuj1aI-WA5xln61Ao-4m5EhZyK88b3VDTJiT_JCkqhRoC3BMQAvD_BwE
https://www.catholic.com/qa/why-incest-in-genesis-was-ok?_gl=1*nrm2t6*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTAyMTQ5NzQ1NS4xNzEyMDczMzgx*_ga_C1P2JNZ1YB*MTcxMjA3MzM4MC4xLjAuMTcxMjA3MzM4MC4wLjAuMA 
https://answersingenesis.org/bible-characters/cain/cains-wife-who-was-she/
 

Genesis 4:12-13: Why Wasn’t Cain Given Capital Punishment For The Murder He Committed?

Welcome to a thought-provoking episode of The Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast where host Lance Smith explores one of the oldest Biblical queries: Why did Cain not receive capital punishment for murdering his brother, Abel? Unlike many assumptions, Cain's escape from instant death isn’t an argument against capital punishment or divine justice, but possibly an expression of God’s graciousness.
Smith takes you on a deep dive into Genesis 4, detailing Ancient Hebrew translations, interpretations from different scholarly sources, and his own analytical thoughts. The discussion digs deeper into verses 12 and 13 from the New Living Translation, examining how the explicit punishments that God inflicted on Cain might have been worse than immediate death.
The episode also includes discussion about God’s rule changes after the days of Cain and Abel, how capital punishment became a consequence for murder, and how this all ties into the idea that God's judgement is often tempered by grace. Wrapped up with contemplative commentary on humanity’s tendency to move away from God, this episode gives you a chance to reconsider the traditional narrative and develop a well-rounded perspective.
Stay connected for next week’s episode titled, "Where Did Cain Get His Wife?" to dig even deeper into the intriguing life of one of Biblical history’s most infamous characters.
References to items discussed on this podcast may found at the following:
https://a.co/d/7shn4hI (The Big Book of Bible Difficulties from Amazon)
https://bibletalk.tv/the-punishment-of-cain 
https://tidings.org/articles/the-way-of-cain-4-cain-crime-and-punishment/ 
https://www.reasonablefaith.org/podcasts/defenders-podcast-series-3/excursus-on-creation-of-life-and-biological-diversity/excursus-on-creation-of-life-and-biological-diversity-part-22
https://www.gotquestions.org/Cain-death.html
https://www.blueletterbible.org/faq/don_stewart/don_stewart_716.cfm
https://www.jewishanswers.org/ask-the-rabbi-category/the-jewish-legal-system/criminal-law/?p=2476 
 

Genesis 4:5-Does God Show Respect To Certain Persons (Cain and Abel)?

Welcome to this episode of Bible Difficulties and Answers, a deep dive into the captivating story of Cain and Abel. Our understanding will be immensely enriched by recent Christian scholarship, illuminating the age-old question: why did God accept Abel's sacrifice and not Cain's?
We delve into Abel's sacrifice, noted as 'the best portions of the firstborn lambs', and contrast this with Cain's offering of 'some of his crops'. Our host, Lance Smith, challenges the traditional notion that Abel's acceptance was solely because he offered a blood sacrifice, while Cain did not.
Through the study of different interpretations and research, Lance paints a vivid picture of how the inner person influences the outward expression of sacrifice. The crux of the issue may lie in the motivation and attitude behind the offering, rather than the nature of the offering itself.
Drawing from various sources, Lance asserts that Abel's acceptance possibly hinges on the heartfelt giving of the best he had, while Cain's rejection could be attributed to the lackadaisical offering of just 'some' of his crops and not the best or first fruits.
This episode enriches our perception of how God respects persons, paying particular attention to the heart and motivation behind their acts. You are invited to join us as we continue our exploration next week into why Cain wasn't given capital punishment for the murder he committed.
You can reach Lance directly or learn more at our website and email address. Please like, subscribe, write a review, and give this podcast a five-star rating. Your engagement helps spread the knowledge about the most intriguing book ever written. Until the next episode, take care and stay blessed!
References to items discussed on this podcast may found at the following:
https://a.co/d/7shn4hI (The Big Book of Bible Difficulties from Amazon)
https://www.gotquestions.org/Cain-and-Abel.html
https://hermeneutics.stackexchange.com/questions/35718/in-genesis-42-8-why-did-god-not-accept-cains-offering
https://www.amazon.com/Genesis-Creation-Early-Man-Christian/dp/1887904026 (Genesis, Creation and Early Man: The Orthodox Christian Vision)
https://ssnet.org/blog/monday-two-offerings/ 
 

Genesis 3:8-How Could Adam And Eve Go From God’s Presence If God Is Everywhere?

Today we explore a verse to determine why Adam and Eve tried to hide from God walking through the garden. Actually, does God “walking” and humans hiding from an omnipresent God even make sense? We’ll look at how cartoons like Arthur and Thomas the Train might help us understand this problematic verse, along with a doctrine of Christology and how it might fit here, and finally, how a clearer understanding of the Hebrew used here may unlock the solution. As usual, I will present a number of different opinions from my research and conclude with my own thoughts. Show notes will include links to all we discuss. References to items discussed on this podcast may found at the following:
https://a.co/d/7shn4hI (The Big Book of Bible Difficulties from Amazon)
https://www.reasonablefaith.org/podcasts/defenders-podcast-series-3/excursus-on-creation-of-life-and-biological-diversity/excursus-on-creation-of-life-and-biological-diversity-part-20
https://carm.org/about-jesus/what-does-christ-mean/
https://www.gotquestions.org/God-walk-garden.html
https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/genesis-3-8
https://www.teii.org/biblical-theology-education/the-thunder-and-wind-of-yahwehs-judgment-the-meaning-of-genesis-38/

Genesis 3:5-Is Man Made Like God Or Does He Become Like God?

Today we explore a verse that looks at the initial creation of man. Is Man made like God or does he become like God? Genesis 3:5 details a famous Biblical incident–as the serpent (Satan) tempts Eve and subsequently Adam to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Our problem is, if we were made in the image of God, how can we become like God as this verse states? As usual, I will present a number of different opinions from my research and conclude with my own thoughts. Show notes will include links to all we discuss. References to items discussed on this podcast may found at the following:
https://a.co/d/7shn4hI (The Big Book of Bible Difficulties from Amazon)
https://www.reasonablefaith.org/podcasts/defenders-podcast-series-3/s3-doctrine-of-man/doctrine-of-man-part-20
https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/what-is-the-nature-and-strategy-of-satan/
https://carm.org/annihilationism/annihilationism-and-genesis-217-and-in-the-day/
https://carm.org/about-god/what-happens-to-mans-free-will-in-heaven/
https://thebiblesays.com/commentary/gen/gen-3/genesis-31-5/
https://skipmoen.com/2018/05/what-we-really-want-2/

Genesis 2:19-How can we explain the difference in the order of creation events between Genesis 1 and 2?

Today we explore a verse that gives a potentially contradictory account of the first creation story in Genesis 1. We’ll look at different Biblical translations to solve this apparent contradiction and in the process discover if the desire is to actually create an accurate rendering of the scripture or to advance a preferred political narrative. And lastly, we’ll see how an obscure English grammar tense of Pluperfect may very well solve any and all problems associated with this verse. As usual, I will present a number of different opinions from my research and conclude with my own thoughts. Show notes will include links to all we discuss. References to items discussed on this podcast may found at the following:
https://a.co/d/7shn4hI (The Big Book of Bible Difficulties from Amazon)
https://a.co/d/ior3sPw (MacArthur Study Bible from Amazon)
https://a.co/d/eoCiBwD (NRSV Bible from Amazon)
https://crossexamined.org/a-matter-of-days-interpreting-the-first-chapter-of-genesis/
https://reasons.org/question/doesnt-genesis-2-contradict-genesis-1
https://creationbc.org/index.php/pluperfect-the-right-solution-for-the-genesis-219-problem/

Genesis 2:17-Why Didn’t Adam Die The Day He Ate The Forbidden Fruit, As God Said He Would?

Today we explore a verse that liberal scholars use to undermine and discredit the Genesis account of creation. Other Biblical scholars argue that God's command that if you eat (of the fruit) you will surely die, means a spiritual death and not an immediate physical death. Or, does the Hebrew word in this verse actually give us the clearest and best answer? As usual, I will present a number of different opinions from my research and conclude with my own thoughts. Show notes will include links to all we discuss. References to items discussed on this podcast may found at the following: https://a.co/d/7shn4hI (The Big Book of Bible Difficulties from Amazon)  https://www.bibleref.com/Genesis/2/Genesis-2-17.html https://crossexamined.org/a-crash-course-in-how-to-study-the-bible-part-1/ https://www.reasonablefaith.org/writings/question-answer/what-did-jesus-suffer https://www.reasonablefaith.org/podcasts/defenders-podcast-series-2/s2-creation-and-evolution/creation-and-evolution-part-14 https://carm.org/annihilationism/annihilationism-and-genesis-217-and-in-the-day/ https://answersingenesis.org/death-before-sin/genesis-2-17-you-shall-surely-die/

Genesis 2:8-Was The Garden Of Eden A Real Place Or Just A Myth?

Today we explore a verse that a large number of biblical scholars in the late 19th and early 20th century were regarding as nothing more than myth. However, thanks to modern day textual interpretation, scholarship is shining a new light on the reliability of the story as described in Genesis 2:8. And, how does the story of the Garden of Eden run afoul of today’s view of a social justice Jesus? As usual, I will present a number of different opinions from my research and conclude with my own thoughts. References to items discussed on this podcast may found at the following:
https://a.co/d/7shn4hI (The Big Book of Bible Difficulties from Amazon)
W. F. Albright, The Location of the Garden of Eden, The American Journal of Semitic Languages and Literatures, University of Chicago Press, Vol. 39, No. 1 (Oct., 1922), pp. 17, 27.
https://biblescienceguy.wordpress.com/2015/12/16/was-adams-garden-of-eden-real/
https://crossexamined.org/was-gods-original-creation-perfect/
https://jashow.org/articles/was-the-garden-of-eden-a-real-place/
https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/what-ancestry-dna-kits-reveal-about-god-our-past-and-the-way-forward/