Genesis Part 012
We are told that Abel offered a better sacrifice because it was offered by faith, through which he was considered righteous (Hebrews 11:4; Matthew 23:35).
Adam and Eve had two sons. Cain was the firstborn and Abel was the second born. They would also have other sons and daughters as mentioned in Genesis 5:4. Apparently, no other sons were born to Adam and Eve until the death of Abel as Seth seems to be the next male child in line Genesis 4:25). Cain became a farmer or tiller of the ground. Abel became a shepherd.
In Genesis 4:3 we see that time passes and at some point, Cain and Abel bring offerings to God. The UCG Bible reading program states:
"As to the acceptance of Abel’s offering and the rejection of Cain’s, some have suggested that there was something wrong in Cain bringing a grain offering. Yet we later see grain offerings as perfectly acceptable to God. Indeed, God said the grain offering was to be burnt 'on the altar for a sweet aroma, as a memorial to the Lord . . . It is most holy, like the sin offering and the trespass offering' (Leviticus 6:15, Leviticus 6:17)."
What was the problem with Cain’s offering? Genesis 4:4 tells us that Abel brought from the “firstlings” of his flock, but no such indication of giving God the first or best is attached to Cain’s offering. Perhaps the problem Cain’s overall attitude. Genesis 4:5 states, “But [God] did not respect Cain and his offering.” Notice that it was not just the offering that God did not respect, but Cain himself! Indeed, that may be the very reason that God did not accept his offering. We are often told in Scripture that God loathes the sacrifices, festivals and even prayers of those who are guilty of wrong and yet are unrepentant (see Isaiah 1:10-15). When such a person “offers a grain offering, [it is] as if he offers swine’s blood” (Isaiah 66:3). God recognized that Cain was on the verge of allowing sin to control him (Genesis 4:7)—to manifest itself in real thoughts and action.
We are told that Abel, on the other hand, offered a better sacrifice because it was offered by faith, through which he was considered righteous (Hebrews 11:4; Matthew 23:35). Faith comes by hearing God’s instruction (Romans 10:17). God’s commandments must have been transmitted through Adam and Eve. And God must have even prescribed rules for worship at some point, or else how would Cain and Abel have known to bring sacrifices? Abel was obedient—through faith.
Cain’s rejection roused him to anger and jealousy—though he may have already had these emotions to some degree. In any event, he did not master his urges, as God told him to (Genesis 4:7). Instead, he murdered his brother. Later, God confronted Cain:
“The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground” (Genesis 4:10).
When someone is said to cry out to God, the cries are usually for relief, protection or vengeance. Abel’s blood, figuratively speaking, cried out for vengeance. This is confirmed by Cain’s fear that vengeance would be taken out upon him by anyone who found him, and by God’s remarks in Genesis 4:15, which explicitly connect vengeance with the context. This is interesting because the book of Hebrews states that the blood of Jesus “speaks better things than that of Abel” (Hebrews 12:24). Why? Because Abel’s blood sought vengeance, which was well and just, but Christ’s blood offers mercy and forgiveness to those who will accept it, which is better.
Tomorrow we will continue the story of Cain and Abel.
UYA Team | uya@ucg.org
United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of the young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.
Please see the UCG Bible commentary for more information on Genesis 4.
