Cain is inevitably afraid of being murdered as a retributive act . God, however, interferes to prevent such a catastrophe, and even takes steps to relieve the trembling culprit from the apprehension of a violent death. God having formed a purpose of mercy toward the human family, was sedulously bent upon exercising it even toward the murderer of a brother. He does not punish his repeated crimes by "immediate death," but instead gave him a long day of grace and opportunity to reflect, repent, return to God, and even yet offer in faith a typical atonement by blood for his sin.