Monetary Giving In The Book Of Genesis

It may also include time and talents, but the bulk of this research will focus on monetary giving.
A quick review of the people who gave in the book of Genesis reveals the following. God received and was glorified through the sacrifices of many. The example of Abel and Cain show they gave from what they were personally responsible. Abel’s gift showed faith in action through gratitude by giving his first and fattest. The example of Abraham showed his homage to Melchizedek. It also showed without hesitation a desire to give God all the credit. Abraham returned most of the spoils to the kings of Sodom. That means that all but a small percentage was given to God or the Kings of Sodom. Abraham did not want the Kings of Sodom to say they were the
For instance, the use of the word brother showing their blood relationship. Of the seven times, only once was brother used in a derogatory fashion. The other six show their relationship although estranged still as brothers. A third observation, Abel was easily convinced to take a trip with his brother without hesitation to his own death. Eve showed her appreciation to God and her relationship to her son that was “granted” by God to replace Abel. This showed her connection to Abel through her loss as a mother. The final two observations were the relationship they had with God and how God related to them. The Lord looked on both Abel and Cain. Abel with favor for both his gift and Abel himself. Martin Luther’s commentary drew special attention to how God’s favor fell on Abel. There is also a lengthy dialogue between Cain and God before and after the bloody murder of Abel. Although this is not a major theme of the narrative it does show the matrix of relationships that were present. Which is very true of today’s context? Most of what is done with a person’s money is done in context of relationships. These can create a sense of ownership as individuals, partnership with others, and intimacy toward
“In the course of time” shows a general reference to time not a specific commanded time. It is often used to transition the narrative or give specific reference to when it happened. Not true for this reference. There was no corresponding statement that this was the time they were supposed to bring an offering. There was also no record of God requesting that they bring a sacrifice or when to do so. Although, it may have been the end of a season, or when it was economically feasible, there are no other seasonal references to giving in Genesis. Cain, Abel, Abraham, Jacob, and Jacob’s example were seemingly one-time events not on going examples.
Many pages have been written and a lot of confusion has resulted from the debate to describe the purpose of the gift. Was it a gift, sacrifice, or offering. The gifts from Cain and Abel were voluntary not intended to atone for sin even through Abel’s gift was a blood sacrifice. The Hebrew word “minchâh” was used to describe the type of offering Cain and Abel provided. This same word was used 12 times in the book of Genesis to mean present or gift. Another possible synonym for gift, a