4th.: Cain’s Protection
Adam and Eve's first two children were the brothers Cain, and Abel.
After they had grown, Cain murdered Abel (see Gen. 4:8).
God questioned Cain about this.
God, “Where is Abel they brother?” (Gen. 4:9).
Cain, “I know not; am I my brother’s keeper?”
God, “What have you done? The voice of thy brother’s blood cries unto me from the ground?” (Gen. 4:10-12).
Instead of executing Cain, God punished him by taking away Cain's green thumb (see Gen. 4:11-12).
Cain pouted, “My punishment is greater than I can bear.
Behold you have 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 finds me shall slay me.” (Gen. 4:13-14).
Cain showed no remorse.
Nevertheless, Cain foresaw that others might wish to take vengeance on him.
So he brought this to God’s attention.
God, who is rich in mercy (Cain wasn't) , honored Cain's request.
He set a mark of protection* upon Cain that the other sons & daughters of Adam and Eve had to heed (Gen. 4:15b).
How much more will God protect us, if we ask for it?
*
Why didn't God execute Cain on the spot?
Good question. I don't know that answer, God didn't give the reason.
“The horse is prepared against the day of battle, but safety is of the Lord.” (Pr. 21:31)