Abel
Abel was the second son of Adam and Eve (Genesis 4:2). The meaning of his name is uncertain; some believe that Abel means “breath” or “vanity,” and others believe it is a form of the word for “shepherd.” Abel was a righteous man who pleased God.
Abel was a shepherd and is known for bringing God a pleasing sacrifice—from the firstborn of his flock. Cain, Abel’s older brother, was a worker of the ground and did not bring God a pleasing sacrifice. Cain was angry at God’s displeasure and murdered Abel. In a striking picture of the need for justice, God said that Abel’s blood cried out to Him from the ground (Genesis 4:10). As part of God’s punishment on Cain, the ground would no longer yield its strength to him and he would be a wanderer and fugitive (verses 11–12).
Abel was a shepherd and is known for bringing God a pleasing sacrifice—from the firstborn of his flock. Cain, Abel’s older brother, was a worker of the ground and did not bring God a pleasing sacrifice. Cain was angry at God’s displeasure and murdered Abel. In a striking picture of the need for justice, God said that Abel’s blood cried out to Him from the ground (Genesis 4:10). As part of God’s punishment on Cain, the ground would no longer yield its strength to him and he would be a wanderer and fugitive (verses 11–12).