Grain offering in Leviticus 2 vs Cains offering of the fruits of the Field

[AdamjEdgar]

Genesis 4:3 So in the course of time, Cain brought some of the fruit of the soil as an offering to the LORD, 4while Abel brought the best portions of the firstborn of his flock
​

Why did God accept grain offerings in Leviticus 4 for Israelites, but not Cains offering in Genesis Ch4?

 

[HTacianas]

Genesis 4:3 So in the course of time, Cain brought some of the fruit of the soil as an offering to the LORD, 4while Abel brought the best portions of the firstborn of his flock
​

Why did God accept grain offerings in Leviticus 4 for Israelites, but not Cains offering in Genesis Ch4?

It isn't a matter of what the offering was. It was Cain's behavior. Cain was evil so his offering wasn't accepted. God said to him:

Gen 4:7 “If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.”

 

[Thatgirloncfforums]

Notice the contrast between 'some' and 'best'

Genesis 4:3 So in the course of time, Cain brought some of the fruit of the soil as an offering to the LORD, 4while Abel brought the best portions of the firstborn of his flock
​

Why did God accept grain offerings in Leviticus 4 for Israelites, but not Cains offering in Genesis Ch4?

 

[Clare73]

Genesis 4:3 So in the course of time, Cain brought some of the fruit of the soil as an offering to the LORD, 4while Abel brought the best portions of the firstborn of his flock
​

Why did God accept grain offerings in Leviticus 4 for Israelites, but not Cains offering in Genesis Ch4?

Because he did not offer it in faith (Hebrews 11:4).

 

[disciple Clint]

Genesis 4:3 So in the course of time, Cain brought some of the fruit of the soil as an offering to the LORD, 4while Abel brought the best portions of the firstborn of his flock
​

Why did God accept grain offerings in Leviticus 4 for Israelites, but not Cains offering in Genesis Ch4?

several times God tells us that He is not as concerned with what or how much we give but with our reason for giving. If we give under some compulsion or because we expect to be blessed in return (give and it will be given to you) God looks at our hearts and sees selfishness where love should be.

 

[Thatgirloncfforums]

Because he did not offer it in faith (Hebrews 11:4).

Hebrews seems to suggest that the fruit of Able's faith was a right offering. Not strictly speaking, faith itself. In the Genesis text, it seems as though Cain did not offer the first fruits of his harvest.

 

[Gregorikos]

Abel brought of the firstborn of his flock (Gen 4:4)
Cain brought an offering.

Giving to God of the first and best of your produce is a principle of Scripture that apparently Cain did not follow.

The grain offering in Lev 2 is acceptable to God because it is also the first fruits. (2:12)

 

[Freth]

The underlying lesson here is obeying God exactly as He specified. Cain deviated from God's specific instructions, and replaced God will with his own. (Genesis 4:7)

 

[Clare73]

Hebrews seems to suggest that the fruit of Able's faith was a right offering. Not strictly speaking, faith itself. In the Genesis text, it seems as though Cain did not offer the first fruits of his harvest.

Thanks. . .but is that not unbelief (disobedience) = apeitheia, same Greek word for both "disobedience" and "unbelief," because disobedience manifests unbelief.

In the context of Hebrews 11, which is faith, where
all (vv. 1,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,11,13,17,20,21,22,23,24,27,28,29,30,31) are commended for their faith (v.39),
the issue is faith (always manifested in obedience).

 

[Thatgirloncfforums]

True! You're so right!

Thanks. . .but is that not unbelief (disobedience) = apeitheia, same Greek word for both "disobedience" and "unbelief," because disobedience manifests unbelief.

In the context of Hebrews 11, which is faith, where
all (vv. 1,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,11,13,17,20,21,22,23,24,27,28,29,30,31) are commended for their faith (v.39),
the issue is faith (always manifested in obedience).

 

[Acts29]

Genesis 4:3 So in the course of time, Cain brought some of the fruit of the soil as an offering to the LORD, 4while Abel brought the best portions of the firstborn of his flock
​

Why did God accept grain offerings in Leviticus 4 for Israelites, but not Cains offering in Genesis Ch4?

Intent of the heart. Abel offered his best. Cain offered what was worthless to him.