Genesis 4:4

And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:

And Abel {H1893}, he {H1931} also brought {H935} of the firstlings {H1062} of his flock {H6629} and of the fat {H2459} thereof. And the LORD {H3068} had respect {H8159} unto Abel {H1893} and to his offering {H4503}:

and Hevel too brought from the firstborn of his sheep, including their fat. Adonai accepted Hevel and his offering

while Abel brought the best portions of the firstborn of his flock. And the LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering,

And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And Jehovah had respect unto Abel and to his offering:

Commentary

Genesis 4:4 describes the second offering presented to God after the Fall, detailing Abel's contribution and God's favorable response to it. This verse stands in stark contrast to the preceding one, which speaks of Cain's offering and its rejection.

Context

Following the expulsion from the Garden of Eden, humanity began to engage with the land and its produce. Cain became a tiller of the ground, and Abel became a keeper of sheep. This verse immediately follows Cain's presentation of his produce. The narrative here introduces the foundational concept of worship and sacrifice, highlighting that not all offerings are equal in God's sight.

Key Themes

  • Quality of Offering: Abel brought "the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof." This indicates that he offered the best, the prime, and the choicest parts. The "firstlings" signify the firstborn, which were often considered sacred, and the "fat" was traditionally the richest and most valuable portion of an animal, later designated for God in Mosaic law (Leviticus 3:16). This suggests a deliberate and generous act of worship.
  • Divine Acceptance: The phrase "the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering" signifies God's divine approval and acceptance. This acceptance was not merely of the gift itself, but, crucially, of the giver first. This implies that God looks not only at what is offered but also at the heart and attitude behind the offering (1 Samuel 16:7).
  • Faith as the Foundation: While not explicitly stated here, Hebrews 11:4 clarifies that "By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain," through which he "obtained witness that he was righteous." This New Testament insight reveals that Abel's offering was superior because it was rooted in faith, understanding the need for a blood sacrifice for atonement, perhaps as a prefiguring of the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "respect" or "had respect unto" is sha'ah (שָׁגָה), meaning "to look at," "to gaze upon," or "to have regard for." It implies a careful, approving attention from God. The choice of "firstlings" (bekhor) and "fat" (chelev) emphasizes the premium nature of Abel's offering, signifying an offering of true value and devotion.

Reflection and Application

Genesis 4:4 teaches us profound truths about worship and our relationship with God. It emphasizes that God values the heart and intention behind our offerings more than the offering itself. Our worship, whether through material giving, service, or devotion, should always be characterized by our best, offered with a sincere and faithful heart. Abel's example reminds us that true worship is an act of faith, recognizing God's sovereignty and our dependence on Him, and ultimately pointing towards the necessity of blood for the remission of sins, perfectly fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

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Cross-References

  • Hebrews 11:4

    ΒΆ By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

  • Proverbs 3:9

    Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

  • Exodus 13:12

    That thou shalt set apart unto the LORD all that openeth the matrix, and every firstling that cometh of a beast which thou hast; the males [shall be] the LORD'S.

  • 1 Peter 1:19

    But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

  • 1 Peter 1:20

    Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

  • Numbers 18:17

    But the firstling of a cow, or the firstling of a sheep, or the firstling of a goat, thou shalt not redeem; they [are] holy: thou shalt sprinkle their blood upon the altar, and shalt burn their fat [for] an offering made by fire, for a sweet savour unto the LORD.

  • Hebrews 9:22

    And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
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