The Bible is filled with stories of death, but the first death recorded in the Bible is that of Abel. Abel was the son of Adam and Eve, and his death is recorded in Genesis 4. Abel was killed by his brother Cain, who was jealous of the fact that God accepted Abel’s offering but not his own. This is the first recorded instance of murder in the Bible.
The Bible also records the death of animals. In Genesis 7, God instructs Noah to take two of every kind of animal into the ark to save them from the flood. After the flood, God instructs Noah to sacrifice some of the animals as an offering to Him. This is the first recorded instance of animal sacrifice in the Bible.
The Bible also records the death of many people throughout its pages. In Exodus 12, God instructs the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb as a way of atoning for their sins. This is the first recorded instance of human sacrifice in the Bible.
In addition to these instances of death, the Bible also records the death of many other people throughout its pages. In Numbers 16, God instructs Moses to put to death the rebellious Korah and his followers. In Judges 11, Jephthah sacrifices his daughter as a burnt offering to God. In 1 Samuel 4, the Philistines kill the Israelites in battle. In 2 Samuel 18, Absalom is killed by Joab. In 1 Kings 13, the prophet is killed by a lion.
The Bible also records the death of many of its major characters. In Genesis 5, Adam dies at the age of 930. In Exodus 12, Moses dies at the age of 120. In 2 Samuel 24, David dies at the age of 70. In 1 Kings 11, Solomon dies at the age of 80. In 2 Kings 25, Jehoiachin dies at the age of 37. In 2 Chronicles 36, Zedekiah dies at the age of 55.
Genesis 4 is also the first time a human being dies. In spite of the fact that God forbid Adam to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and warned him that “in that day you eat of it you shall die,” he lives to the ripe age of 930 (Gen 2:17; 5:5). The first human death recorded in the Bible is that of Abel, who was killed by his brother Cain.
The Bible records many other deaths throughout its pages, from animals to people to major characters. While the death of Abel is the first death recorded in the Bible, it is certainly not the last. Death is a part of life, and the Bible makes it clear that it is a part of God’s plan. As we read the Bible, we can learn more about God’s plan for death and how we can prepare for it.
