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NASB | Genesis 4:5 but for Cain and for his offering He had no regard. So Cain became very angry and his countenance fell. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Genesis 4:5 but for Cain and his offering He had no respect. So Cain became extremely angry (indignant), and he looked annoyed and hostile. |
Subject: Why was God unhappy with Cains offering? |
Bible Note: Robert, I think if you look at the rejection of Cain’s offering in the light that it did not measure up to Abel’s, then, you would have to admit God showed favoritism, which he doesn’t. Abel gave from what he had. Cain gave from what he had. One was no better than the other. So long as what is being offered is the best of what you have and it is offered with a pure heart, it is pleasing to God. Now, one can still offer the best to God, but not offer it in sincerity, then, it is no longer pleasing to God. Judging by Cain’s reactions after the fact, it is pretty straightforward to deduce that his actions and heart weren’t in the proper place prior to the offering. Therefore, God rejected it. Matthew 5:23-24 23"Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering. I think it was a matter of not having his heart in the right place, not necessarily what he was offering. Keep in mind; God did not reject Cain, just what he offered. Cain was a farmer, he offered from his harvest. Maybe, just maybe, he didn’t have a choice lamb to offer. Do you really think God would hold that against him? WOS |