1 The second son of Adam and Eve (Gen 4:1-16). In the biblical narrative, Abel is the one who offers an acceptable sacrifice to God, although we are not told why it is acceptable. He is therefore murdered by his jealous brother, Cain. The name Abel in Hebrew means “breath, vapor,” suggesting the fragile quality of his life. In the NT, Abel becomes a theological reference for innocent blood (Matt 23:35; Luke 11:51); (Heb 12:24) and an exemplar of faith (Heb 11:4). 2 A location in northern Israel. Abel of Beth-maacah, also known as Abel-beth-maacah, is mentioned in (2Sam 20:14-15). The name Abel stands alone in (2Sam 20:18). Each of these passages associates the location with Joab’s pursuit of Sheba, son of Bichri, through the territory.
Cain Murders Abel
1Now the man knew his wife Eve, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, “I have produced a man with the help of the Lord.”2Next she bore his ... View more
35so that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Barachiah, whom you murdere ... View more
51from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, it will be charged against this generatio ... View more
24and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
The Examples of Abel, Enoch, and Noah
4By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain's. Through this he received approval as righteous, God ... View more
14Sheba passed through all the tribes of Israel to Abel of Beth-maacah; and all the Bichrites assembled, and followed him inside.15Joab's forces came and besieg ... View more
18Then she said, “They used to say in the old days, ‘Let them inquire at Abel’; and so they would settle a matter.