Topical Bible: Shepherd: Abel

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Topical Encyclopedia

Abel, the second son of Adam and Eve, is a significant biblical figure known for his role as a shepherd. His account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, where he is depicted as a righteous man whose life and actions have profound theological implications.

Biblical Account

Abel's narrative is introduced in Genesis 4:2, where it is stated, "Later she gave birth to Cain’s brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, while Cain was a tiller of the soil." This verse establishes Abel's occupation as a shepherd, contrasting with his brother Cain, who was a farmer. The distinction between their vocations sets the stage for the subsequent events that unfold in their lives.

The account continues with both brothers bringing offerings to the Lord. Genesis 4:4-5 records, "And Abel brought the best portions of the firstborn of his flock, and the LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but He had no regard for Cain and his offering. So Cain became very angry, and his countenance fell." Abel's offering, consisting of the firstborn of his flock, is described as being pleasing to God, highlighting his faith and devotion.

Theological Significance

Abel's role as a shepherd is emblematic of his character and relationship with God. His offering is often interpreted as an act of genuine faith and obedience, reflecting a heart aligned with God's will. Hebrews 11:4 further emphasizes this, stating, "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."

Abel's faith and righteousness are contrasted with Cain's actions, leading to the first recorded murder in human history. Genesis 4:8 recounts, "Then Cain said to his brother Abel, 'Let us go out to the field.' And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him." This tragic event underscores the consequences of sin and the destructive nature of jealousy and anger.

Legacy and Symbolism

Abel's legacy extends beyond his life, as he is often seen as a symbol of the righteous sufferer. His blood, shed unjustly, is mentioned in Genesis 4:10, where God says, "What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground." This imagery is echoed in the New Testament, where Abel is referenced as a precursor to Christ, whose own blood speaks a better word (Hebrews 12:24).

In Christian theology, Abel's account serves as a reminder of the importance of faith, the consequences of sin, and the hope of redemption. His life and death foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, who lays down His life for His sheep (John 10:11).

Abel's role as a shepherd, therefore, is not merely an occupational detail but a profound symbol of his faithfulness and the enduring message of righteousness in the face of adversity.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 4:2
And she again bore his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

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

The Shepherd of Our Souls.
... of Christ, a shepherd's work has been marked out with special Divine favour, as
being a shadow of the good Shepherd who was to come. "Righteous Abel" was "a ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon xvi the shepherd of.htm

Cain and his Brother Abel
... Abel was a shepherd, but Cain was a farmer. One day Cain brought, as an offering
to Jehovah, some fruit and grain that he had grown. ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/cain and his brother abel.htm

The Story of Adam and Eve
... Cain, the older brother, chose to work in the fields, and to raise grain and fruits.
Abel, the younger brother, had a flock of sheep and became a shepherd. ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of adam and.htm

The Beginning of Things. Away Back in the Beginning of Things God ...
... After this two little children were sent to comfort Adam and Eve"first Cain, and
then Abel. When they grew up Cain was a farmer, but Abel was a shepherd. ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter i the beginning of.htm

Concerning the Posterity of Adam, and the Ten Generations from Him ...
... the two brethren were pleased with different courses of life: for Abel, the younger ...
actions, he excelled in virtue; and his employment was that of a shepherd. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 concerning the posterity.htm

The Typical Significance of the Scriptures Declare their Divine ...
... literally "emptied Himself" (Phil.2:7), when He assumed the nature of man who is
"like unto vanity" (Ps.72:9). By calling, Abel, was a shepherd, and it was in ...
/.../the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter six the typical significance.htm

The Second Part.
... Not so saith The Life Itself, Our Shepherd Himself. ... and in one was unrighteousness,
in one was righteousness: unrighteousness in Cain, righteousness in Abel. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/the second part.htm

Of the Cause of Cain's Crime and his Obstinacy, which not Even the ...
... He was also a figure of the Jews who slew Christ the Shepherd of the flock of men,
prefigured by Abel the shepherd of sheep: but as this is an allegorical and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 7 of the cause of.htm

Second Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to Brotherly Love.
... Abel, however, the inferior, the poor shepherd, offered the firstlings of his sheep,
given him of God and obtained without effort and toil of his own. ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/second sunday after trinity exhortation.htm