PROCLAIM x BIBLEin365: DAY 02

Genesis 3 & 4 | Matthew 2 | Psalm 2

Date: January 6, 2026
Host: PROCLAIM x BIBLEin365 Team
Guest/Advisor: (Contextual mention) Erika Kirk, with Pastoral Advisor James Kaddis

Episode Overview

This episode continues the BIBLEin365 journey by reading and reflecting on foundational passages: the Fall in Genesis 3, the story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4, the infancy and early challenges of Jesus in Matthew 2, and the messianic promise in Psalm 2. The readings emphasize humanity's separation from God, early development of sin and redemption, and the sovereign plan unfolding from Genesis to Jesus.

Key Discussion Points and Scripture Readings

Genesis 3: The Fall of Man

(00:27–07:32)

• Temptation and Disobedience:
  The serpent – described as the craftiest beast – tempts Eve by questioning God’s command. Both Adam and Eve eat from the forbidden tree, and immediately realize their nakedness, experiencing shame and fear.

  “Did God actually say, 'You shall not eat of any tree in the garden'?” (Serpent, 00:34)

• God's Confrontation and Judgment: God seeks Adam and Eve, prompting confession and ultimately passing judgment on the serpent, the woman, and the man. Each receives a specific curse as a consequence of their actions.

  • Serpent: cursed to crawl and eat dust; prophecy of enmity and the first mention of redemptive hope ("he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel" – 03:25).
  • Woman: multiplied pain in childbirth, relational struggle.
  • Man: cursed ground, hard toil, inevitable death.

• Expulsion from Eden: After providing garments of skin for Adam and Eve, God drives them from Eden, barring the way to the Tree of Life.

  “Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil...” (06:16)

Genesis 4: Cain and Abel, Early Generations

(07:33–15:24)

• Offerings and Rejection: Cain and Abel offer gifts to God; only Abel’s is accepted, leading to Cain’s anger and ultimately to fratricide.

  “Sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.” (God to Cain, 09:54)

• Consequences for Cain: God confronts and punishes Cain, making him a wanderer but marking him for protection.

  “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Cain, 10:38)

• Lineages and Lamech's Boast: The descendants of Cain are listed, highlighting advances in civilization and an intensification of violence.

  “If Cain’s revenge is sevenfold, then Lamech’s is seventy-sevenfold.” (Lamech, 13:57)

• Hope through Seth: Adam and Eve bear another son, Seth, marking the beginning of people “calling upon the name of the Lord” (15:08).

Matthew 2: The Infancy of Jesus

(15:25–22:54)

• Visit of the Wise Men:
  Magi from the East seek the “king of the Jews,” guided by a star, and offer gifts to Jesus: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

  “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (Wise Men, 15:42)

• Herod’s Threat and the Escape to Egypt:
  After tricking Herod, Joseph is warned in a dream and flees with Mary and Jesus to Egypt, fulfilling prophecy.

  “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt...” (Angel to Joseph, 17:32)

• Herod’s Massacre:
  Herod, enraged, orders the massacre of Bethlehem boys under two, fulfilling Jeremiah’s lament.

  “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children...” (19:23)

• Return to Nazareth:
  After Herod's death, Joseph, again guided by dreams, returns to Israel, settling in Nazareth as prophesied.

Psalm 2: The Reign of the Lord’s Anointed

(22:55–end)

• Messianic Kingship:
  Nations rage against the Lord’s chosen, yet God establishes His “King on Zion.”

  “The Lord said to me, ‘You are my Son; today I have begotten you.’ … Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage...” (Psalmist, 24:07)

• Warning and Refuge:
  The psalm ends with a call for earthly rulers to serve the Lord, with a promise of blessing for those who take refuge in Him.

  “Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry... Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” (25:05)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.”
  — God to Cain, 09:54
  A warning against letting temptation master us, highlighting human responsibility.

• “Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil...”
  — God, 06:16
  An echo of the tragic cost of disobedience and the loss of direct fellowship with God.

• “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
  — Wise Men, 15:42
  A powerful acknowledgment of Jesus' messianic identity from Gentiles.

• “Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son... Blessed are all who take refuge in him.”
  — Psalm 2, 25:05
  A call to reverence, loyalty, and trust in God’s anointed.

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:27 – Genesis 3: The Fall
• 07:33 – Genesis 4: Cain and Abel, Early Generations
• 15:25 – Matthew 2: Visit of Magi, Herod’s Plot, Escape to Egypt, Return to Nazareth
• 22:55 – Psalm 2: The Coming King

Episode Tone and Language

The language is reverent and direct, presenting the Scripture text with solemnity and clarity. There is an unhurried pacing and a strong sense of continuity, helping listeners grasp the unfolding story of humanity’s need for redemption and God’s promise of a Savior.

Summary

This episode offers a seamless journey from the dawn of sin in Eden, through early human conflict, to the hope realized in Christ’s birth and kingship. With each passage, listeners see the consequences of rebellion, God’s persistent grace, and the unfolding promise of redemption—a pattern destined to shape the rest of the Bible-in-a-year experience.