A.B. writes: The prevalent idea seems to be that Cain’s offering was rejected because no blood was shed in connection with it, the latter part of Hebrews 9:22 being quoted to support this idea. On looking at Hebrews 9, we find that the writer is referring to the law given through Moses, and quoting only the latter part of verse 22 introduces a contradiction to Leviticus 5:11-18, where we read that in exceptional cases flour, for example could be offered as a sin offering. There is harmony if the whole of verse 22 is read. “ALMOST all things are by the law purged with blood”
A few questions arise to be answered before we can feel sure that Cain’s offering was rejected because no blood was shed in connection with it. Was it a sin offering? Being a tiller of the ground, had Cain a lamb to offer? Had he the wherewithal to purchase one? (see Deuteronomy 16:10-11 and 2 Corinthians 8:12).
The priests shed blood in connection with their offering (Mai. 1), but it was not accepted. In both cases (Genesis 4:3 and Malachi 1:13) it is the same kind of offering (Heb. mincha ); translated “present” in Genesis 43:11 and 15, and “gift” in 2 Samuel 8:2 and 6. God testified of Abel’s “gifts” (Hebrews 11:4). He gave his best, but this is not recorded of Cain.
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Author: P. H. Adams
Keywords: Cain, Cain's offering, Cain and Abel, Abel's offering, more excellent sacrifice, better offering
Bible reference(s): Lev 5:11-13, 2 Cor 8:12, Heb 9:22, Heb. 11:4
Source: “Cain’s Offering,” The Testimony, Vol. 20 No. 235, July 1950, pp. 298-9.
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