Why God Would Not Accept Cain's Offering

“Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord.” (Genesis 4:3)

It is usually believed that Cain wantonly flouted a Divine command to bring an animal sacrifice, and presumptuously offered what he chose to bring, rather than that which God had previously stipulated, so that it was on account of this wilful defiance that God would not accept Cain’s offering.

In the absence of any express revelation on the point, we cannot say with any certainty why Cain’s offering was rejected. There are, however, a few small points which deserve to be considered carefully before we come to any decision in the matter.

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Author: P. H. Adams

Keywords: Cain, Cain's offering, Cain's offering rejected, Cain and Abel

Bible reference(s): Gen 4:2-3, Gen 4:7, Heb 11:4, 1 John 3:12

Source: “Difficulties in the Daily Readings,” The Testimony, Vol. 20 No. 229, January 1950, pp. 30-1.

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