(Submitted by: Irvin)

" . . . And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.

And 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: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. " (Genesis 4:2--5, KJV)

Many have speculated (and some quite assertively ) as of why Cain's offerings were not "respected". Basically two reasons can be safely assumed as the cause of God's displeasure: one, the attitude of mind that Cain had with his offerings, the other, the quality of the offerings. When the events are considered: his jealousy toward his brother that drove him to the final violence, a poor attitude in giving offerings to God is very plausible. That vas likely a factor in giving a poor quality products rather than the very best. There is a Scripture that indicates God's response to such offerings:

"You offer defiled food on My altar, but say, ' In what way have we defiled You?' By saying, ' The table of the Lord is contemptible.' And when you offer the blind as a sacrifice, is it not evil? Offer it then to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you favourably?' Says the Lord of hosts." ( Malachi 1:7-8)

Cain's mental attitude was possibly the key factor in displeasing God, as it would not escape, God knowing man's inner thoughts. The Apostle Paul's writings attest to this fact:

"So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver." (1Corinthians 9:7)

Answer Given By: Adrian Borean