What are the similarities between Cain and Abel?
Both came from the same parents. It was not a factor of heredity in God’s acceptance of Abel’s sacrifice and not Cain’s. Both entered an elemental line of work: one was a farmer, the other a shepherd. Both lines of work were honorable. Both brothers came to an altar, apparently at the same time, and performed a religious act of worship. Both brought the best offerings from their own areas of work. One brought his produce and the other the best sheep in his flock. II. Without any explanation we are told that “The Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering He had no regard.” Does that shock you a bit? Do you find yourself asking, “What’s going on here? Was there some good reason why Cain’s offering didn’t suit God and Abel’s did?” We search in vain for some clear basis of judgment in the text of Genesis. Westermann believed that this story demonstrates that God is inscrutable. God does whatever He wants and who knows why? Doesn’t it seem that some people see
