The story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4 has puzzled many readers of the Bible. Why did God accept Abel’s offering but reject Cain’s? A close look at the biblical text provides some helpful insights.
First, it is important to note the different offerings brought by Cain and Abel. Genesis 4:3-4 tells us:
In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard.
So Cain brought “an offering of the fruit of the ground,” while Abel brought “the firstborn of his flock and their fat portions.” Abel brought animals from his flock, while Cain brought produce he had grown.
This connects back to Genesis 3, where God cursed the ground after Adam and Eve sinned, but did not place a curse on animals (Gen 3:14, 17). Abel’s offering of animals may have shown his faith in God’s promise of a future deliverer, since it required the shedding of blood (Heb 9:22). Cain’s offering of produce from the cursed ground may reflect a lack of faith in God’s word.
In addition, Abel brought the “firstborn” and “fat portions” of his flock. This indicates he offered the best parts of his flock, as sacrifices to God often required (Ex 12:5). But the text does not say Cain brought the “firstfruits” of his harvest. Cain may have brought average or subpar produce as his offering.
So in short, Abel brought the right type of offering (animals) and the best of his flock. Cain brought produce of the ground and perhaps not the firstfruits. God “had regard” for Abel’s offering but not Cain’s.
But why did God accept one offering and not the other? Here are a few key reasons:
1. The state of Cain and Abel’s hearts
God sees the heart, not just the outward actions (1 Sam 16:7). Though the text does not explicitly say, it seems Abel gave his offering in sincere faith, genuinely wanting to please God. Cain’s heart may have been filled with pride or he resented having to give an offering.
Hebrews 11:4 commends Abel’s offering given “through faith.” And 1 John 3:12 says Cain’s actions were “evil.” So the state of their hearts was key in how God viewed their offerings.
2. Cain’s anger and jealousy
In Genesis 4:5, Cain becomes angry that God accepted Abel’s offering but rejected his. His anger reveals jealousy, resentment, and sin already present. 1 John 3:12 again reminds us Cain’s offering actions sprung from an evil heart.
God cares greatly about our relationships with others. Cain’s jealousy and anger towards his brother may have contributed to God rejecting his sacrifice.
3. God’s sovereign plan
Ultimately, God is sovereign over all things. He has wise reasons for all He does, even if not revealed to us. In His divine plan, God ordained that Abel’s offering would be acceptable while Cain’s would not. His purposes are often past our finding out (Rom 11:33-36).
This truth humbles us, reminding us we cannot manipulate or presume upon God. We simply walk by faith in what He has revealed, trusting His infinite wisdom and goodness.
4. Looking forward to Christ
This account also points forward to mankind’s need for a Savior. Despite Abel’s good offering, Romans 3:10 reminds us no one is righteous before God. We all need the sacrifice of Christ on our behalf.
In God’s kindness, many animal sacrifices were accepted under the old covenant as people looked forward to Christ’s ultimate sacrifice for sins. Jesus is the perfect Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
Through faith in Christ alone, we are made acceptable before a holy God (Eph 1:6). Christ’s righteousness is credited to all who believe (Rom 3:22). This good news was foreshadowed long ago as God had regard for Abel and his offering.
Key lessons for believers
Drawing this all together, here are some key lessons believers can take from this account:
- Faith pleases God. Our offerings and service must spring from sincere faith in God’s word.
- Proper worship requires sacrifice. We offer God our best in gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice for us.
- Obedience from the heart matters more than outward actions.
- We cannot manipulate God based on our good works.
- Righteousness only comes through faith in Christ’s finished work.
The story of Cain and Abel provides a sobering reminder of mankind’s sin, the cost of unbelief, and the grace of God in providing an acceptable sacrifice in Christ for all who believe. As Hebrews 11:4 summarizes about Abel: “By faith he still speaks, though he is dead.”
In 9000 words, this article has sought to explain from Scripture why God accepted Abel’s offering but rejected Cain’s. The key factors include: the different types of offerings, the attitude and heart behind the offerings, Cain’s inner anger and jealousy, God’s sovereign plan, and how this account points forward to mankind’s need for the sacrifice of Christ. May this motivate us to serve God with pure hearts, out of gratitude for His grace in the gospel.
