1 Clement 4

1For it is written thus: “And it came to pass after some days that Cain brought from the fruits of the earth an offering to God, and Abel also brought from the firstborn of the sheep and from their fat portions.

2And God looked upon Abel and upon his gifts, but to Cain and to his sacrifices he paid no heed.

3And Cain was greatly grieved, and his face fell.

4And God said to Cain, ‘Why have you become grieved, and why has your face fallen? If you offer rightly, but do not divide rightly, have you not sinned?’

5Be still; his turning is toward you, and you shall rule over him.’

6And Cain said to Abel his brother, ‘Let us go into the field.’ And it came to pass, while they were in the field, Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.

7See, brothers, jealousy and envy brought about fratricide.

8Because of jealousy our father Jacob fled from the face of Esau his brother.

9Jealousy caused Joseph to be persecuted even to death and to enter into slavery.

10Jealousy compelled Moses to flee from the presence of Pharaoh king of Egypt, when he heard from his fellow tribesman, ‘Who appointed you judge or magistrate over us? Do you want to kill me, as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?’

11Because of jealousy Aaron and Miriam lodged outside the camp.

12Jealousy brought Dathan and Abiram down alive into Hades because they rebelled against Moses, the servant of God.

13Because of jealousy David incurred envy not only from the foreigners, but was also persecuted by Saul king of Israel.