Gen 4:1-5
4 Now the man had marital relations with his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. Then she said, "I have created a man just as the Lord did!" 2 Then she gave birth to his brother Abel. Abel took care of the flocks, while Cain cultivated the ground.
3 At the designated time Cain brought some of the fruit of the ground for an offering to the Lord. 4 But Abel brought some of the firstborn of his flock - even the fattest of them. And the Lord was pleased with Abel and his offering, 5 but with Cain and his offering he was not pleased. So Cain became very angry, and his expression was downcast.
(from The NET Bible®, Copyright © 1996-2006 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C.,
I used to wonder why Cain’s offering was not pleasing to the Lord in contrast to what Abel brought to the Lord. Was it the difference in that which came from the earth and that which had life in it? After all, the earth had fallen under a curse due to man’s disobedience. Was it because Cain didn’t know what would please the Lord? A few verses further, God reminds Cain that he knows what to bring, what is required.
The key is that Able brought his best to the Lord and Cain did not. He did bring something, but only some to the fruit. Cain’s heart is further revealed by his anger at God’s rejection. I guess he felt like God ought to be satisfied with whatever he brought, or could spare. Perhaps Cain felt that his opinion as to what was right or wrong was more important than what God saw as right and wrong. Cain placed himself before God.
Isn’t it easy step into that same place? We please God when we put Him first. We will see as we go further in the story the tragic results of Cain’s unwillingness to obey God.
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