Our word for today is first used in the Bible in Genesis chapter four because there was no need for it until after sin entered the world. The word is מִנְחָה offering, gift, tribute, present. It is used 211 times in the Old Testament. Over half of the time (113) it is used in the first five books of the Bible referred to as the Law. And 35 times in Leviticus because in this book God lays out the kind of offerings that are required and acceptable. Why all this instruction about offerings and why are they needed? A good example of how this word is used is when Jacob is going back to see his brother Esau. The last time they were together Jacob had to flee because Esau wanted to kill him for stealing his birth right. Genesis 32:20 And be sure to say, ‘Your servant Jacob is coming behind us.’” For he thought, “I will pacify him with these מִנְחָה gifts I am sending on ahead; later, when I see him, perhaps he will receive me.” This helps us understand that the purpose of the offering or gift is to turn away anger from the one receiving it that has something against you. Because of our sin God has something against us that needs to be turned away so we can be accepted again.
There is no explanation as to why God accepted Abel’s offering but did not accept Cain’s, but it was probably for the same reasons God rejected the people’s offerings during Malachi’s time. Malachi 1:8 When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong? When you sacrifice lame or diseased animals, is that not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you?” says the Lord Almighty. Malachi 1:10-11 I am not pleased with you,” says the Lord Almighty, “and I will accept no offering from your hands. My name will be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to me, because my name will be great among the nations,” says the Lord Almighty. Malachi 1:13-14 “When you bring injured, lame or diseased animals and offer them as sacrifices, should I accept them from your hands?” says the Lord. “Cursed is the cheat who has an acceptable male in his flock and vows to give it, but then sacrifices a blemished animal to the Lord.”
Because of our sin an offering a sacrifice has to be made. God makes this clear in Leviticus 17:11 For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life. This is clarified in Hebrews 9:22 without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins. Because of our sin an offering a sacrifice has to be made one that God will accept not just anything will do. Jesus is identified as that perfect acceptable offering for sin in the New Testament 1 Peter 1:18-19 You were redeemed from the empty way of life … with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
