Blood Brothersনমুনা

The Power of the Offering

Cain and Abel were the sons of Adam and Eve. Here’s a fun fact: It’s not stated outright, but it is possible that Cain and Abel were the first twins in the Bible! Genesis 4:1-2 shows that Eve delivered both, but it only mentions once that Eve became pregnant. The very names of Cain and Abel have a meaning, and they give us a glimpse of who they are. Let’s do a quick study on their names:

Cain in Hebrew: קין (pronounced "Kayin")

Cain means "acquired”. From the story, we learn that Cain is a person who gets what he wants in the moment. Cain was like a farmer producing crops (he “worked the soil”).

Abel in Hebrew: הבל (pronounced "Hevel")

Abel means "breath" or "vapor". A breath or vapor is short-lived, and unfortunately that was the case for Abel, too. Abel was a shepherd (he “kept flocks”).

Cain and Abel were both putting together an offering to give to God. Cain’s offering appears to be rushed or thrown together. Why do I say that? First, he was possibly racing to beat Abel by giving his offering, because his offering came first. Second, it says that he gave some of the fruits, not the first fruits (the first fruits of the harvest were considered the very best and given to God). A big indicator is how God viewed Cain’s offering; we’ll look at that in a moment.

By contrast, Abel appears to put more care into his offering. He brought the best portions from the firstborn of the flock and gave it as an offering (this would be the very best of what a shepherd would have, so this would be the first fruits of a shepherd). How did God view these offerings? Here’s what happened:

The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering,but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. – Genesis 4:4-5 (NIV)

He wasn’t angry with himself over a poorly made offering, but that his brother did better than him. Abel might not have even been aware that this offering had become a competition. Either way, Cain’s decision to compare his offering with others led to jealousy and anger. We need to remember in all that we do for the Lord: Comparison steals joy every time. Cain chose to focus on himself, not his offering to God. Not only was his joy stolen, but it was replaced with anger.

Before continuing this study, consider this: are you comparing in any way? If so, it either has or will lead you to feeling empty inside, longing for something more. This is often the start of a dangerous path towards jealousy and anger. Let’s pray that God would set us on the right path.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to see the path I’m on right now. If I’m comparing too much, please reveal that to me. If I’m on the wrong path, lead me and deliver me from the evil in my heart. I love you, Lord, and want to follow you! Amen.