Topical Bible: Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice by Abel

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In the biblical narrative, sheep hold significant importance as sacrificial animals, particularly in the context of offerings made to God. One of the earliest and most notable instances of sheep being offered in sacrifice is found in the account of Abel, the second son of Adam and Eve. This event is recorded in the Book of Genesis and serves as a foundational example of acceptable worship and sacrifice to God.

Biblical Account

The account of Abel's sacrifice is found in Genesis 4:2-4 : "Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, while Cain was a tiller of the soil. So in the course of time, Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the LORD, while Abel brought the best portions of the firstborn of his flock. And the LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering."

Abel's offering consisted of the "best portions of the firstborn of his flock," indicating that he offered sheep as a sacrifice. This act of worship was characterized by the quality and sincerity of the offering, as Abel chose the finest and firstborn of his flock to present to the Lord. The text highlights the distinction between Abel's offering and that of his brother Cain, whose offering was not regarded with the same favor by God.

Theological Significance

The offering of sheep by Abel is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrates the principle of giving God the best and the first, a theme that recurs throughout the Scriptures. Abel's choice to offer the firstborn of his flock reflects a heart of devotion and reverence, acknowledging God's sovereignty and provision.

Secondly, Abel's sacrifice is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of the sacrificial system that would later be established under the Mosaic Law, where sheep and other animals were offered as atonement for sin. Abel's offering, therefore, prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the "Lamb of God," who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

Faith and Righteousness

The New Testament further elucidates the significance of Abel's sacrifice. In Hebrews 11:4 , it is written: "By faith Abel offered a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God gave approval to his gifts. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead." This passage underscores that Abel's offering was made in faith, which was the basis for God's acceptance and Abel's commendation as righteous.

Abel's faith, demonstrated through his sacrificial offering, serves as an enduring example of true worship and righteousness. His actions are a testament to the importance of faith in one's relationship with God, as well as the necessity of offering one's best in service and devotion to the Creator.

Symbolism and Legacy

The offering of sheep by Abel has left a lasting legacy in biblical theology and symbolism. Sheep, as sacrificial animals, became emblematic of purity, innocence, and submission, qualities that are ultimately fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Abel's sacrifice, therefore, not only marks a pivotal moment in the early biblical narrative but also sets the stage for the unfolding account of redemption through sacrifice.

In summary, the offering of sheep by Abel is a profound act of worship that highlights the themes of faith, righteousness, and the giving of one's best to God. It serves as a foundational example of acceptable sacrifice and prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, the Lamb of God.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 4:4
And Abel, he also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect to Abel and to his offering:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Cain and Abel.
... was a husbandman, who tilled the ground; Abel was a shepherd, who kept sheep. One
day each offered a sacrifice to God. Cain brought fruit, and Abel brought a ...
/.../anonymous/mother stories from the old testament/cain and abel.htm

The Voice of the Blood of Christ
... nought but blood, be signified that there must be a life offered to him ... his great
and glorious Son must surrender his life as a sacrifice for his sheep. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the voice of the blood.htm

The Life of Adam
... were not to him acceptable, he offered withies and ... pleased not our Lord, for the
sacrifice would not ... their pasture, and ordained flocks of sheep, and departed ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the life of adam.htm

Of the Cause of Cain's Crime and his Obstinacy, which not Even the ...
... no place nor any time ought to be offered; or when ... pleased God, and won His favorable
regard to his sacrifice. ... prefigured by Abel the shepherd of sheep: but as ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 7 of the cause of.htm

On the Formation of the Character of Believers, and on Giving of ...
... shall incense and a pure sacrifice be offered unto me ... and such as corrupt the word;
and the sheep shall be ... the first place Thou did respect the sacrifice of Abel ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec ii on the formation of.htm

Concerning the Sacrament of Baptism
... him, but the faith by which he offered himself entirely to God; of which faith the
outward sacrifice was a ... were daily put to death and counted as sheep for the ...
/.../first principles of the reformation/concerning the sacrament of baptism.htm

The Meaning of Faith
... Through faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain ... sacrificed Isaac, yes,
was ready to sacrifice his only son ... They went about in skins of sheep and goats ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the meaning of faith.htm

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... by them we are killed all the day long, and accounted as sheep for the ... put all these
things together, namely, that I am to be offered a sacrifice, and for ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

Faith
... promise;" "By faith Sarah bare Isaac;" "By faith Abraham offered up Isaac ... Now, unless
man does stoop, his sacrifice cannot be accepted ... The meanest of his sheep; ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/faith.htm

Faustus Denies that the Prophets Predicted Christ. Augustin Proves ...
... fruit of the ground is rejected, while Abel's sacrifice of his sheep and the ... Why,
after leaving the ark, only clean animals are offered in sacrifice to God ...
/.../faustus denies that the prophets.htm