Cain and Abel, Genesis 4, is one of the most fascinating stories in the Bible. You probably know the story. This week I invite you to think about why the story is there and what you can learn from it.

G-d preferred Abel’s offering, resulting in Cain’s jealous fit – during which he murdered his younger brother. Yet this is hardly the narrative one finds in Genesis.

The Cain and Abel account is depicted on the Ghent Altarpiece designed by Hubert and Jan van Eyck in the 1420s. It is found in St. Bavo’s Cathedral in that Belgian city.

The notion that the Lord had no respect for his offering was only in Cain’s mind. Rabbi Hirschensohn imagines that Abel did not leave his firstlings on the mountain, but sent the animal away.

This is Italian artist Pier Francesco Mola’s depiction of Cain’s murder of his brother Abel. Mola lived from 1612-1666. (Courtesy Photo) Told in the fourth chapter of Genesis, the story of ...

The Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was […] Skip to content. All Sections. Subscribe Now. 85°F. Thursday, May 8th 2025 ...

Cain reacted to this by leading Abel out to a field and killing him, after which God marked him so that he could never be executed for his sins. Even in ancient times, living a long life in ...