Abel; Or, the Language of Sacrifice
J. R. Brown, M. A. Genesis 4:4-5 And Abel, he also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect to Abel and to his offering:… I. THE COMPREHENSIVENESS AND COMPLETENESS OF THE SCHEME OF OUR SALVATION. Abel, the leader of the noble army of martyrs, and the first human being that reached that glory that is to be revealed, was saved through that same atonement, and through the very same faith in the same atonement, as Abraham, Moses, Isaiah, Paul, Peter, John — as the saint of God who this day winged his triumphant flight to the mercy seat — as the latest human being that shall "wash his robes and make them white in the blood of the Lamb." II. HOW POWERFUL AND HOW PRECIOUS IS THE GRACE AND GIFT OF FAITH! Like the philosopher's stone, like the fabled touch of Midas, it turns into gold all it touches. It is the instrument of our justification, adoption, sanctification; it transforms the inner man, and fits him for communing with God on the heavenly Zion! III. HOW INDISPENSABLE WAS THE SACRIFICE, THE SHEDDING OF THE BLOOD, THE TAKING OF THE LIFE! His example is an eminent exhortation. He was dutiful to his parents, and in all the relationships of life, he was "diligent in business" — the keeper of sheep — he was "fervent in spirit, serving the Lord," not with mere vain and empty words, but with his substance. Let us "go and do likewise." (J. R. Brown, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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: WEB: Abel also brought some of the firstborn of his flock and of its fat. Yahweh respected Abel and his offering,