the Third Week of Advent
Click here to join the effort!
Bible Dictionaries
Abel
Morrish Bible Dictionary
or The second Son of Adam. The name, Hebel given him by his mother, signifying 'breath' or 'vanity,' possibly originated in her disappointment at Cain not proving to be the promised Redeemer. In process of time the great difference in the two brothers was manifested by Abel offering to God a slain animal, whilst Cain brought the fruit of own labour from the cursed ground, ignoring the facts that in the fall of Adam life had been forfeited and the ground cursed. Abel presented a sacrifice in the way of faith through a slain firstling of the flock. Hebrews 11:4 . He thus obtained a witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: cf. Matthew 23:35 . Thus early were brought out in clear lines the two seeds: one born of God, and the other 'of that wicked one' 1 John 3:12 . Abel is a type of Christ, as Cain is that of the Jew. As the Jews broke the law against both God and their neighbour, so Cain disregarded God's judgement on man, and slew his brother. In Cain is also exemplified the religion of the natural man, who, disregarding his distance from God, thinks he can approach at any time and with any form of worship.
These files are public domain.
Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission.
Morrish, George. Entry for 'Abel'. Morrish Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/mbd/a/abel.html. 1897.
