The first mother, Eve, had 2 sons, Cain and Abel. Cain worked the soil; Abel kept flocks. When taking their offerings to God, Cain was jealous of his brother, because Abel’s offering was accepted by God, whereas his offering was not. Cain killed Abel over this jealousy.
Does this make Eve a bad mother? Was it Eve’s fault that Cain acted out so drastically? Hardly. But it was in fact, the sinful nature of mankind rearing its ugly head resulting in death. Cain was Eve’s firstborn child. His name means “brought forth” or “acquired.” Eve exclaimed, “With the help of God I have brought forth a man.” Wow! What a proclamation! And credit was given to God. I’m sure she loved him as much as any mother could.
Eve’s heart had to break when she lost her second son, Abel. God did not abandon the first family but blessed them with a third son, Seth. Seth means “substitute.” He would take the place of Abel. Scripture indicates that Adam had many other sons and daughters until he passed away at age 930.
This brings up so many questions. How many sons and daughters did Adam have? Did he have all of them with Eve, his wife? Did Eve pass away earlier than Adam? Then he may have had a second wife. A third wife? Did they reach an age when they could no longer bear children? Today, women are at more risk of having children after the age of 40.
At what age would Eve have been taking more risk? 500? 800?
Why don’t we read more about Eve in the Bible? You know she homeschooled! There were no schools to send her kids to. What curriculum did she use? She obviously wrote her own. On stone, right?! What would Eve have taught her children?
History – She walked with God. Knew him intimately. Her story of creation would have been first-hand.
Bible – No. No Bible yet. But faith? Yes, Eve would teach her children about God. She would teach about paradise, about obedience, and about the consequences of disobedience. She would have first-hand experience with the wages of sin. The loss, the heartache, and the devastation of not obeying God. Imagine Eve teaching on prayer!
Talking to God. Listening to God. Worship. Offering sacrifices to God.
Arithmetic – Somehow they had to keep track of days, months, and years. She would have taught how to count brothers, sisters, cousins, etc.
Reading & Writing – Possibly. Stick writing in the dirt. Probably not letters, but maybe symbols or pictures.
Humanities – Yes. I’m sure Eve taught her children love, empathy, forgiveness, giving, serving, and so much more.
If you are a mom, here is what I want to say from the life of Eve:
Don’t blame yourself for your children’s faults – Your children are going to make mistakes. The Bible says “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” It’s not your fault. Don’t blame yourself. Continue loving them. Keep supporting them. Comfort them. Set an example for them. And be there for them.
Recognize God’s help in your own life – “With the help of God I brought forth a man” is what Eve said when she had her firstborn. “With the help of God,” Eve gave credit to God for her help. We don’t do anything on our own. God gave us breath. God gave us life. 1 Corinthians 10:31 “Whatever you do – whether you eat or drink or not – do it all for the glory of God.”
Teach your children – Eve taught her children about God, life, forgiveness, and so much more. You don’t have to homeschool to teach your children. Teach your children your faith. Teach them how to love by loving them. More will be “caught” than “taught” by your children. Remember Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”