Why did God not regard Cain's offering in Genesis 4:5? What Genesis 4:5 Says “but He had no regard for Cain and his offering. So Cain became very angry, and his countenance fell.” (Genesis 4:5) Comparing the Offerings • Cain brought “some of the fruit of the soil” (v. 3) — no mention of firstfruits or best. • Abel brought “fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock” (v. 4) — the choicest and first. • Abel’s gift involved shed blood; Cain’s did not. The Heart Behind the Gift • Offerings reveal hearts. Abel trusted God enough to part with the finest. • Cain’s token gesture suggests formality without faith. • Cain’s instant anger at God’s correction exposes pride and refusal to repent. Scriptural Support • Hebrews 11:4 — “By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did…”. • 1 John 3:12 — “Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother…”. • Proverbs 21:27 — “The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable—how much more so when brought with evil intent!”. • Leviticus 17:11 — “For the life of the flesh is in the blood…”, foreshadowing the need for a blood-based atonement. Why God Rejected Cain’s Offering 1. It lacked faith. 2. It withheld the best. 3. It ignored the principle of atoning blood. 4. It flowed from an unrepentant heart. Lessons for Us • God looks at the giver first, then the gift. • True worship springs from faith, obedience, and wholehearted surrender. • Offering “some” is not the same as offering the “first and best.” • When God convicts, humble repentance restores; resentment widens the gap. |
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