Cheleb: The Finest

Cain’s offering—also called minchah in our text—was a perfectly acceptable “form” of sacrifice. There is no apparent deliberation on God’s part as to whether Abel’s lamb was more acceptable—or more appropriate—than fruit. To make such a distinction on our part is to say that Abel’s works were better than Cain’s, and we know that people are justified not by works, but rather by faith.¹

So what was the problem?

We also read of Abel’s offering that it was “the firstlings of his flock and the fat thereof” The firstlings also point to later days, when God would require the firstborn of every womb,² but it also points to a Firstfruits offering³—a tithe if you will.

Likewise the Word tells us that it was the “fat thereof.” The Hebrew for “fat” is cheleb. It certainly can be translated as fat (which will belong only to God in the Tabernacle period—a soothing aroma),⁴ but it is equally translated as “best, finest, or choicest.” The best and finest becomes part of the later sacrificial system also, that no blemish or fault could be found on the animal being given to the Almighty.

We therefore see a remarkable picture of Yeshua in Abel’s offering. The sacrifice was voluntary, the Firstfruit, and the best—without spot or blemish.

“Able made his offering … based on the purest and most humanly natural motive for any sacrifice: thankfulness. It was to thank God for His infinite goodness and kindness that Abel chose the firstlings of his flock and the choicest parts thereof. He put his heart into giving the offering. He desired to make it of exceptional quality. [Rabbi] Ramam points out that this example should serve as a model for all who wish to offer a sacrifice to God.”⁵

One of the most important lessons for us in Abel’s sacrifice is that he was expressing sacrificial love. He was willing to give his first and finest to the Almighty. His sacrifice was accepted not because of its components or ritual, not on the basis of works, but because of the condition of Abel’s heart. It is in this regard that the Old Testament reminds us, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.”⁶

But for Cain and for his offering He had no regard. So Cain became very angry and his countenance fell (Gen. 4:5).

Most English translations render chara as “angry,” but it can very appropriately be translated as “depressed.” We do not find in Cain’s offering the same zeal that we do in Abel’s. In fact, we could say that Cain was merely going through the motions without the deep conviction, without the broken spirit, or contrite heart.

Tags: cheleb, finest

Category: Biblical Studies, Spring 2000