Genesis 4:1-8
Now the man had relations with his wife Eve, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain, and she said, “I have gotten a manchild with the help of the LORD.” Again, she gave birth to his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of flocks, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.
So it came about in the course of time that Cain brought an offering to the LORD of the fruit of the ground. Abel, on his part also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fattiest portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and for his offering; but for Cain and for his offering HE had no regard. So Cain became very angry and his countenance fell.
Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.”
So it came about in the course of time that Cain (the oldest) brought an offering to the LORD of the fruit of the ground. Cain is the one who initiated this gift-giving to the LORD. And because he was a tiller of the ground, he brought an offering “of the fruit of the ground”. Hebrew tradition tells us that he brought flax seed – from which linen is made – and it was considered the best (highest and most expensive) seed. This is important, because Cain brought a good offering. But we need to see in the text that it was “in the course of time that Cain brought an offering.” Even though Cain initiated giving a sacrifice to the LORD, it was not his firstfruits.
Abel, on his part also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their (fattest) portions (maybe we could say fluffiest and cutest portions – the one he gave the most attention and treats to). And the LORD had regard for Abel and for his offering; but for Cain and for his offering HE had no regard. Have you ever received a gift from someone, and you knew it was their best that they were giving you? i have a friend who gave up her planned trip to Mexico just to be with me and drive me to downtown Denver when i needed to file something at the County Courthouse. Her choice made me feel so special – truly loved. She loves her trips to Mexico! She was giving me the best of her time, and i struggled to receive it because it was so precious. It really felt like she was sacrificing something special to her – simply because she loves me.
Cain brought a good gift, but it was “in the course of time“, suggesting that it might have been old. It was not the first or the best quality – it was possibly some leftover that was laying around after planting season. Here’s where the story gets really interesting. “The LORD had regard for Abel’s offering….”
Have you ever wondered how it makes GOD feel when HE sees us giving our best? HE, of course, would not struggle to receive it (like i did). HIS regard in this text suggests that it really touched HIS heart – HE considered it worthy of HIS attention, appraised the action and admired Abel’s faith, and cared enough to hold his sacrifice in high esteem. Abel was showing faith, letting go of something he was attached to. He believed GOD was more valuable and trusted that GOD would restore to him after he gave his best. Abel is the first human being to be mentioned in the Hebrews Hall of Faith!
Hebrews 11:4 – Faith moved Abel to choose a more acceptable sacrifice to offer GOD than his brother Cain, and GOD declared him righteous because of his offering.
Sacrifice in the original Hebrew language is the word ‘korban’ and it holds the idea of “coming near” – detaching yourself from one thing in order to attach to a Greater One. When we let go of something we are attached to and show GOD HE is more important to us, it does not go ignored! HE turns toward us – as it says in the text, HE has regard for us.
This is the point in the story where we see Cain using his own opinion and judgment of the situation to process. He definitely could have been thinking that he should be the one to catch GOD’s attention. After all, he was the first one to bring an offering, and he brought flax seed, which was considered a special grain.
If we begin to justify our position and tell ourselves we have a right to feel the way we do, it sets us up for resentment. Cain resented that GOD really appreciated Abel’s sacrifice. And we need to ask ourselves, “Is it so wrong to recognize someone for their selflessness?” Selflessness is the goal after all! To live as CHRIST lived is to learn how to lay down your “self” and bless GOD while blessing others. Cain scrutinized GOD’s delight in his brother Abel. He judged it unfair. And “So Cain became very angry and his countenance fell.”
Our Creator is so kind. HE actually came alongside Cain and gave him some helpful advice – coaching him and encouraging him to change his mind. Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.”
We do not have to be upset when we are not regarded. When our sons or daughters do not have time for us, when our boss overlooks us, when a mate forgets our birthday. We form expectations of how we would like others to treat us, especially when we have given something to these relationships. This can set us up to be offended when the expectation is not met.
Notice that Cain did not respond or engage in conversation with GOD when GOD was giving Divine advice. Instead:
Cain told Abel his brother. And it came about when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.
Anytime we choose to have conversation with other humans (or with a snake) instead of remaining in constant conversation with the One we were made for, we risk becoming even more frustrated and responding in sin. Going to Abel to talk it out did not help Cain calm his expectations.
OUR EXPECTATIONS AND AGENDAS CAN (AND DO) PREVENT US FROM GIVING OUR BEST.
Letting go of our expectations and choosing to remain in constant fellowship with our LORD will help us to give our best and remain HIS image-bearers. HE has given us free will. We can choose to cling to our own pride, expectations, and agendas, or we can choose to reflect HIS humble and generous image on this earth.
One reaps a curse. The other reaps reward.
Don’t let your Cain kill your Abel.
Last modified: October 29, 2025
