Interesting Facts

• Abel was the second son of Adam and Eve.
• Eve named him Abel, saying, “In vanity we came into the earth, and in vanity we shall be taken from it”.
• Abel was a keeper of sheep.
• YHWH had respect for Abel and his offering.
• Abel’s blood cried from the ground to heaven after he was slain by Cain.

Genealogy

• Abel was the son of Adam and Eve.
• He was the younger brother of Cain.
• He had sisters, including Âwân.
• The sources do not mention Abel having any marital connections or offspring. After his death, Adam and Eve had another son named Seth, who was considered a replacement for Abel.

Historical Context

Abel lived in the early generations of humanity after creation. During this time, the primary means of sustenance involved tilling the ground and keeping flocks. The practice of presenting offerings to YHWH had been established. The narrative suggests a relatively simple social structure centered around family units, with the beginnings of defined roles such as tiller of the ground (Cain) and keeper of sheep (Abel). The sources also indicate a direct interaction between humanity and the Divine, as seen in YHWH’s acceptance of Abel’s offering. The concept of land possession and potential disputes over it seems to have been present, as indicated by the argument between Cain and Abel regarding their respective lands. The slaying of Abel marks the first recorded act of murder and violence in human history according to these texts.

Narrative

Abel’s story is relatively brief but highly significant. He was born to Adam and Eve as their second son. He became a keeper of sheep. A crucial point in his narrative is the occasion when he and his brother Cain brought offerings to YHWH. Abel brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof, and the Lord showed respect for his offering. This acceptance stood in contrast to YHWH’s lack of respect for Cain’s offering of the fruit of the ground. This divine preference ignited jealousy and wrath in Cain. The tension between the brothers escalated, leading to a confrontation in the field. According to one account, the dispute arose because Abel’s flock grazed on the land Cain had ploughed. Abel responded to Cain’s anger by asserting God’s role as judge and avenger of wrongdoing. Tragically, this confrontation ended with Cain rising up against Abel and slaying him. One source specifies that Cain used the iron part of his ploughing instrument. After the act, Abel’s blood cried out from the ground to YHWH. Abel is portrayed as a righteous individual whose offering was pleasing to God, ultimately becoming the first victim of fratricide due to his brother’s envy. His death had profound consequences, leading to Cain’s curse and banishment. The memory of Abel persisted, as Adam and Eve mourned his death for a significant period, and they later had another son, Seth, whom Eve considered a replacement for Abel.