Why was Cain's fruit offering rejected in favour of the blood sacrifice of Abel?

Question

Genesis 4:3-5
3And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.
4And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:
5But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. (KJV)

Answer 1

Genensis does not explain how the practice of sacrifical worship began. Some people assume that Cain's sacrifice of fruit was deficient because it did not involve the shedding of blood, which God required for forgiveness of sins. But nothing in ch 4 indicates that Cain and Abel came to God for forgiveness: their sacrifice was deficient because Cain did not 'do well', not because the scarifice was the 'fruit of the ground'.

Answer 2

According to the author of Hebrews Abel had a better attitude, involving real faith. It was his choice animals. Doubtless Cain could have selected the best fruits, but just gave an ordinary batch, I guess.

Hebrews11:4 By faith Abel brought God a better and more acceptable sacrifice than Cain.

Answer 3

good question! The scriptures does no longer prepare that there develop into something incorrect with the regular of Cain's offering yet that his objective wasn't precise. in assessment to Abel his offering wasn't stimulated with the help of religion. "with the help of religion Abel provided to God a extra spectacular sacrifice than Cain."-Hebrews 11:4

Answer 4

I don't think that it was rejected simply because Cain gave a vegetable offering, because grain offerings were allowed under the Old Testament under certain conditions.

Most people assume that it was either because Cain had a bad attitude, or perhaps God asked Cain for something else (or perhaps more), and Cain refused; Cain apparently gave God what Cain thought was good enough, instead of what God actually said that he wanted. The text is simply not clear as to why God rejected Cain's offering -- probably because it isn't critical to the story.

Answer 5

Because it was the work of his own hands. They both knew
because they were taught by their parents that blood was
the only sacrifice that pleased God. He offered fruits and
vegetables that he grew. That is why salvation is based on
Christ's sacrifice for us, not our good deeds. This was what
pleased the Father and was a type of what would come. Just
like the blood on the doorpost for the Passover. Christ is
the Passover Lamb. His blood was shed for all mankind.
Our good works are like filthy menstrual cloths to God.

Answer 6

I've heard people say it's because animal sacrifices were the only acceptable sacrifices (without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins). I think it may have been because Cain's offering wasn't the best that he had to give (like maybe he kept the best tomatoes for himself).

Answer 7

The sacrifice offered by Cain was not the one God wanted as God required a blood sacrifice until the death of Jesus - who was the ultimate sacrifice.

Answer 8

Because of sin the ground was cursed. Read the story of man's fall Adams sin. Jesus is the lamb of God who was the sacrifice we kept in shadows of the true sacrifice which later came to the world.

Answer 9

God wants us to give him our best. Abel gave the best the he had to give, but Cain was selfish and kept the best for himself, but tried to pass it off as being the best to God.

Answer 10

it was not what was offered, but the heart it was brought to Him out of.

"Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil"
"But Abel brought fat portions of the firstborn of his flock"

Cain had that. "here it is, take it" attitude while Abel had a "God, I give to you my best. I spared not what I give, and I give cheerfully" attitude.

who would you be happier with? someone who scratched lint out of their pocket for your birthday instead of buying you a good gift when they have the capability, or someone who goes and gives you a decent gift out of love?