Gen 4:3-5 | TNotes | STEP | 4:3 There was nothing wrong with offering grain to the Lord (Lev 2:14 ; Deut 26:2-4 ), but Cain brought only a token gift ( some of his crops ), whereas God requires the first and best (Exod 23:16 , 19 ; 34:22 , 26 ). Cain’s heart attitude made his offering inferior to Abel’s (cp. Heb 11:4 ).

a4:3►

bLev 2:14►

cDeut 26:2-4►

dExod 23:16►

e19►

f34:22►

g26►

hHeb 11:4►

i4:4-5►

‏ Genesis 4:3-5

4:3 ^a There was nothing wrong with offering grain to the Lord (Lev 2:14 ^b; Deut 26:2-4 ^c), but Cain brought only a token gift (some of his crops), whereas God requires the first and best (Exod 23:16 ^d, 19 ^e; 34:22 ^f, 26 ^g). Cain’s heart attitude made his offering inferior to Abel’s (cp. Heb 11:4 ^h).
Summary for Gen 4:4-5: 4:4-5 ⁱ the best portions of the firstborn lambs: Or the firstborn of his flock and their fat portions. Abel was giving God the best animals and the richest parts. Abel’s offering, in contrast to Cain’s, was the best he had to offer. True worship is a costly privilege.