Chapter 5—Cain and Abel Tested
This chapter is based on
Genesis 4:1-15
.
Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam, differed widely in character.
Abel had a spirit of loyalty to God; he saw justice and mercy in the
Creator’s dealings with the fallen race, and gratefully accepted the
hope of redemption. But Cain cherished feelings of rebellion, and
murmured against God because of the curse pronounced upon the earth
and upon the human race for Adam’s sin. He permitted his mind to
run in the same channel that led to Satan’s fall—indulging the desire
for self-exaltation and questioning the divine justice and authority.
These brothers were tested, as Adam had been tested before them,
to prove whether they would believe and obey the word of God. They
were acquainted with the provision made for the salvation of man, and
understood the system of offerings which God had ordained. They
knew that in these offerings they were to express faith in the Saviour
whom the offerings typified, and at the same time to acknowledge
their total dependence on Him for pardon; and they knew that by thus
conforming to the divine plan for their redemption, they were giving
proof of their obedience to the will of God. Without the shedding of
blood there could be no remission of sin; and they were to show their
faith in the blood of Christ as the promised atonement by offering the
firstlings of the flock in sacrifice. Besides this, the first fruits of the
earth were to be presented before the Lord as a thank offering.
The two brothers erected their altars alike, and each brought an
offering. Abel presented a sacrifice from the flock, in accordance with
the Lord’s directions. “And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his
offering.” Fire flashed from heaven and consumed the sacrifice. But
Cain, disregarding the Lord’s direct and explicit command, presented
only an offering of fruit. There was no token from heaven to show that
it was accepted. Abel pleaded with his brother to approach God in the
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divinely prescribed way, but his entreaties only made Cain the more
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