Presumably, those who first heard the tale were expected to understand the practice and simply follow the storyline, as most readers do today. The beginning of Genesis 4 presents the Cain and Abel story, but before trying to understand why Cain was repulsed it’s worth noting that offerings had neither been discussed in the Bible to that point nor explained in the passage itself. Hopefully, the exercise itself will provoke further research and contemplation. Taking a cue from these two pieces of data, the present installment of “Reading What’s There” will search the text for clues as to why Cain’s offering failed, outline four possible explanations, and conclude with an exhortation. Plus, the Hebrew word for offering in Genesis 4 refers to the thank offering rather than a sin offering. The New Testament book of Hebrews, however, suggests another factor when it says that Abel brought a “better sacrifice” because he brought it in faith (Hebrews 11:4). Even biblically literate Christians may assume that the sole reason Cain’s offering wasn’t approved is because he didn’t bring a blood sacrifice. Fewer individuals take time to consider exactly why Cain’s offering was rejected, or what his gift intended to accomplish in the first place.

Most people who’ve been exposed to the Western cultural tradition know that Cain killed his brother Abel and that, before the murder, God had rejected Cain’s offering.

Cain and abel offering