1 Now the man had relations with his wife Eve, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain, and she said, “I have obtained a male child with the help of the Lord.” 2 And again, she gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of flocks, but Cain was a cultivator of the ground.

3 So it came about in the course of time that Cain brought an offering to the Lord from the fruit of the ground. 4 Abel, on his part also brought an offering, from the firstborn of his flock and from their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering; 5 but for Cain and his offering He had no regard. So Cain became very angry and his face was gloomy.

Genesis 4:1-5 (NASB)

First fruit’s first fruit

God had told Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply. The original word for “had relations” is knew. “Most terms and phrases people use for sex today are either coarse or violent, but the Bible sees sex as a means of knowing one another in a committed relationship. Knew indicates an act that contributes to the bond of unity and the building up of a one-flesh relationship.” (enduringword.com) 

So here are the first fruit, Cain and Abel. In addition, we have the first fruit of the first fruit, as an offering. Cain was a farmer, Abel, a shepherd. Both are good vocations in line with God’s commands. Both brought offerings to the Lord. 

Offering 

How did Cain and Abel know to bring an offering? The text doesn’t say. It surely seems natural to bring an offering from your work, your produce. Some scholars note that Cain’s sacrifice was not the best of what he had whereas Abel offered the best. “Abel’s faith is evident in his bringing the best (“fat portions”) of his flock (v. 4), whereas Moses did not describe Cain’s offering as his best (v. 3)… “Many believe that Abel realized the need for the death of a living substitute to atone for his sins, but Cain did not.” (planobiblechapel.org)

Regarded (Accepted) 

Were it not for Hebrews 11:4 we might not know why Abel’s sacrifice was regarded but not Cain’s. “Cain’s offering was the effort of dead religion, while Abel’s offering was made in faith, in a desire to worship God in spirit and in truth.” (enduringword.com) 

Further, Hebrews 11:6 tells us, “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” 1 John 3:12 adds, “Because his own deeds were evil, but his brother’s were righteous.” 

Response

The focus of the passage is Cain’s response. He became very angry and, we can presume, envious and maybe embarrassed. His sin is been exposed. Will he repent? If you know the story, we’ll see tomorrow how he deals with it. 

RЯeflection

• This passage may cause you to evaluate your worship, your offering and sacrifice to the Lord. Are your motives right?