The names Kayin and Hevel mean “Acquisition” and “Transitory”. The occupations they chose suited their personalities, expressed in their names.
Kayin became a farmer. Much energy is spent on tilling the soil leaving little time for spiritual growth. The moral risk involved in this occupation is the attachment to ownership. The farmer can become overly proud of the results of his hard work and of his possessions.
Hevel became a shepherd. Working with and caring for animals fosters humane feelings. The flock do not owe their existence to man. Therefore there is less risk of becoming too proud of ownership. This occupation doesn’t drain all one’s energies, allowing time for spiritual growth. (Our forefathers, Moshe and King David were shepherds).
Agriculture vs Shepherding – Egypt vs Israel
Over attachment to land and property dulls the spirit. The desire for property and more productivity leads to enslaving others. The farmer who needs good climate to prosper can easily come to worship the forces on nature. Slavery and idolatry first emerged in the midst of agricultural peoples.
Ancient Egypt culture was based on its agriculture. (The Nile river was its constant source of irrigation and was worshiped. – GS) It was a culture based on enslaving others and idolatry. The national success in the land’s production was the center of all. The individual had no value, with no dignity or freedom.
The Egyptian people had a particular dislike for the Jews who arrived in their midst, a tribe of shepherds. Their values were faith in God, the freedom of man and realizing man’s likeness to God.
Once granted their own land, Israel would also become an agricultural people and share these challenges with the rest of humanity. The Torah provides the Jewish people with the antidote to the dangers of such a life. Laws such as ערלה and כלאים remind us of God’s existence. Laws such as שכחה, לקט and פאה direct us to be humane and brotherly. (By faithfully following these laws, and the land prospering and society flourishing, the Jewish nation would model what God wants all of mankind to strive for. -GS)
Beraishis 4:2
(pages 123-125)
