Genesis 4:2-5

GENESIS—NOTE ON Genesis 4:2 The fact that God had regard for Abel and his offering, but not for Cain, does not mean that shepherds are better than farmers or that animal offerings are better than plant offerings. Both kinds of offerings will be part of the later Levitical system (for offerings of the fruit of the ground, see Deuteronomy 26:2). This passage and others suggest that God’s acceptance of Abel and rejection of Cain had to do with the attitudes of their hearts. Cain’s fundamentally bad heart can be seen in his resentment toward his brother and in his unloving attitude in the rest of the passage (see also 1 John 3:12). As compared to Cain’s offering, Abel’s offering (from the firstborn of his flock) is more costly, perhaps expressing greater devotion (see also Hebrews 11:4).