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Chapter 6—Cain and Abel and Their Offerings
This chapter is based on
Genesis 4:1-15
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Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam, were very unlike in character.
Abel feared God. Cain cherished rebellious feelings and murmured
against God because of the curse pronounced upon Adam and be-
cause the ground was cursed for his sin. These brothers had been
instructed in regard to the provision made for the salvation of the
human race. They were required to carry out a system of humble
obedience, showing their reverence for God and their faith and de-
pendence upon the promised Redeemer, by slaying the firstlings of
the flock and solemnly presenting them with the blood as a burnt
offering to God. This sacrifice would lead them to continually keep
in mind their sin and the Redeemer to come, who was to be the great
sacrifice for man.
Cain brought his offering unto the Lord with murmuring and
infidelity in his heart in regard to the promised Sacrifice. He was
unwilling to strictly follow the plan of obedience and procure a
lamb and offer it with the fruit of the ground. He merely took of
the ground and disregarded the requirement of God. God had made
known to Adam that without shedding of blood there could be no
remission of sin. Cain was not particular to bring even the best of the
fruits. Abel advised his brother not to come before the Lord without
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the blood of sacrifice. Cain, being the eldest, would not listen to his
brother. He despised his counsel, and with doubt and murmuring in
regard to the necessity of the ceremonial offerings, he presented his
offering. But God did not accept it.
Abel brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat, as God
had commanded; and in full faith of the Messiah to come, and with
humble reverence, he presented the offering. God had respect unto
his offering. A light flashes from heaven and consumes the offering
of Abel. Cain sees no manifestation that his is accepted. He is angry
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