Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been intrigued by the story of Cain and Abel, and the offering they both gave to God. How does God see the gifts they gave, and what can we learn from this for today?
In fact, the word “offering” in our English translations is a little misleading in this story. The Hebrew word is “minha” which means to give a gift, or a present, particularly to someone who is superior, in order to show homage or submission to them. So it’s not so much a sacrifice, but a free-will gift.
While minha is used throughout the Old Testament, there are three specific instances in Genesis that are most helpful in showcasing the main aspects. So let’s take a look and see what we can find.
1. Abel gives the first and the best
In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor.
Genesis 4:3-5a (NIV)
It seems that both Cain and Abel recognised their need to show honour and submission to God by giving Him a gift. But notice how each of their gifts is described in Scripture. Cain brought a gift “of the fruit of the ground.” No other detail is given. As a grain farmer, he brought something he grew. And there is certainly no problem with that. However, it seems that Cain didn’t really put any particular thought into the gift he gave.
Now look at how Abel’s gift is described. He brings “the firstborn of his flock.” The very first lamb is the one he gives to God. Not only that, he gives the fat, which, according to their way of thinking, is the absolute choicest part. He’s thought about it. He wants God to have the first and the best. That’s why God looks favourably on Abel’s gift. It really has nothing to do with whether it is grain or a lamb. It has to do with the honour given to God by the gift.
It’s exactly the same with us, isn’t it? How many of you know when you receive a gift that someone has put time and effort into picking out for you, or making just for you. You treasure that gift because the giver has spent their time and effort to honour you by giving you something they spent time on. God honoured Abel the same way – because Abel honoured God.
2. Jacob shows his transformed heart
The second mention of minha in the Bible is again in the context of two brothers – this time it’s Jacob and Esau. Jacob, who snatches the inheritance rightfully belonging to Esau and then disappears, finally returns. Genesis 32 and 33 tell the story of Jacob’s return and how he sends a massive minha or gift to Esau, comprising of 550 different animals from the flocks and herds that he had with him (Genesis 32:13).
Throughout the narrative, Jacob’s focus is on Esau. He calls Esau his “lord,” and refers to himself as his “servant.” Jacob is taking the place of submission. In fact, this whole story is demonstrating the inner transformation that has taken place in Jacob’s heart. He is no longer the person that he was. Even when Esau refuses Jacob’s generous gift, Jacob insists that he keep it (Genesis 33:8-11).
Just as with Cain and Abel, Jacob’s minha isn’t really about the gift. The gift is simply a physical demonstration of Jacob’s heart towards his brother. He is taking the lower place of submission. He shows honour to his older brother in a way he never has before. He is putting things to rights by freely offering not just a large gift, but demonstrating respect, regard and submissiveness.
In fact, he is humbling himself – something the New Testament teaches as well (e.g. Luke 14:11; James 4:10; 1 Peter 5:6).
3. Joseph’s brothers take responsibility
The final reference to minha in Genesis is another story of two brothers – Joseph and Benjamin. Joseph, now second in charge of Egypt, wants to see if his previously deceitful brothers have changed. Will they treat their youngest brother Benjamin, like they treated him?
In fact, the family are reluctant to bring Benjamin to Egypt, and only seek to protect him. When they eventually return to Egypt for supplies also bring a minha or gift of “some of the best products of the land…a little balm and a little honey, some spices and myrrh, some pistachio nuts and almonds” (Genesis 43:16). It is an act of submission on their part, to this as yet unknown Egyptian ruler.
Again, the gift shows the posture and intent of their hearts. They have indeed changed. The gift they give is the best of what they have – even though they are in a famine (which is why they have to go to Egypt in the first place!). The story goes on to show that Judah, the brother that suggested Joseph be sold into slavery, is now willing to give his own life in place of Benjamin (Genesis 44:33).
Seeing differently
While we might tend to focus on the material gift as being most important, all the way through Scripture, God sees what is in the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).
In each of these stories, it seems that the gift was simply a demonstration of something that had taken place in the heart. Abel showed how much God meant to him by giving the first and the best to Him. Jacob gave Esau a massive gift out of his livestock in order to put things right and be reconciled with his brother. Joseph’s family demonstrated their changed hearts and their love for Benjamin.
So be encouraged today. God cares more about you than the substance of what you have to give. Be it time, energy, possessions, care, support of others, or whatever – it’s actually about the overflow of a heart that loves God. And that’s what God sees – even if people don’t.
