27 Figuratively, Abelâs blood cried out to Jehovah God for vengeance, or justice. For permissions, view our Copyright Policy. First published in Tabletalk Magazine, an outreach of Ligonier. 12:1â13:1 Luke 11:45â52. His life span âperhaps about a century longâ was short for humans of that era, but Abel made his years on this earth count. His blood also cried for vengeance, and this plea was satisfied when sin and death were conquered. 2:23â25 Ps. The Next 500 Years: 2017 National Conference, Right Now Counts Forever: 4-Volume Collection, Show Me Your Glory: Understanding the Majestic Splendor of God, Naming Ligonier the Beneficiary of a Bank or Investment Account, Gifts That Provide Income and Tax Benefits. What does this Blood declare? 12:24). And to the blood of sprinkling. And God saw justice done, punishing wicked Cain for his crime. Your gift enables our worldwide outreach. The first shedding of human blood was a ⦠Cain was jealous of Abel because Abelâs offering was accepted by God but his wasnât. Jesus Christ identified Abel as the first of the righteous martyrs for Godâs way of life. vengeance! 91 Zech. Now therefore take and cast him into the plat of ground, according to the word of the LORD. Abel had no private pique against Cain; doubtless could Abel have done so, he would have forgiven his brother; but the blood spoke justly, and only asked its due when it shouted "Vengeance! Speaking to the Pharisees, who would later instigate His martyrdom, Jesus Christ said: âOn you may come all the righteous blood ⦠And when the Lamb opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of ⦠Matt 23:35. that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of Abel the righteous unto the blood of Zachariah son of Barachiah, whom ye slew between the sanctuary and the altar. the voice of your brother's blood cries to me from the ground. Abelâs blood exposed Cain in his wretchedness. and to Jesus, the Mediator of a new covenant [uniting God and man], and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks [of mercy], a better and nobler and more gracious message than the blood of Abel [which cried out for vengeance]. . For the saints, the blood of Jesus speaks a better word than Abelâs (Heb. But Jesus' blood speaks "a better word" than that. (Gen. 4:9-12) More important, the record of Abelâs faith speaks to us today. Our Saviour speaks of "him as "righteous" (Matt. But before the presence of our Judge in Heaven, there is a Blood which speaks better than the blood of Abel. 2) The blood of sprinkling concerning which he speaks is different to that of Abelâs. And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaks better things than that of Abel. As you go about your daily business remember that God sees everything you do, and therefore your best attempt to hide your sin is useless. But in fact, the opposite happened (Numbers 35:33). Here the gradation is at the highest point. You can read more in-depth Bible verses from the Scripture below and use the articles and videos to understand the meaning behind this teachable event in the Bible. 12:24. If there was no Provision made for our Pardon and Redemption, but what is reveal'd in the pure and perfect Law of GOD; not only the Criminal here present, but also every Soul of us must be condemn'd and damn'd to all Eternity; for we Page 14 being Transgressors of the Law, it calls as loud for Vengeance against us, as the Blood of Abel did for Vengeance against Cain; Cursed is every one that ⦠Psalm 50:21 These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes. Again he refuses to repent when confronted with his sin. First, consider that the Biblical account of the murder of Abel by Cain does not make the claim that Abelâs blood cried out for vengeance. The Ligonier Ministries site requires Javascript, but you’ve got Javascript disabled. When the Judge of all punishes Cain (Gen. 4:10–11), He demonstrates in practice what He promises by His word — that He always hears His faithful servants’ cries for vindication (Ex. The blood of Abel and the blood of Jesus Hebrews 12:24. "The blood of sprinkling" is" "said to speak "better things than that of Abel" (Heb. John Calvin comments on how this passage warns us when we are convicted of sin. If the blood of Abel got God's attention and cried out for vengeance and a curse, how much more does the blood of Christ cry out, "Blessings!" His blood also cried for vengeance, and this plea was satisfied when sin and death were conquered. vengeance!" Its just demand on believers is met at Calvary where, in bearing our penalty, the blood that destroys the wicked becomes for us a cleansing flood (9:11–14; 1 John 1:7). (Hebrews 12:24) 1. All the lost promise of Abel is being restored in you and me. Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular, Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular, Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular, Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed, Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural, Preposition | first person common singular, Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, OT Law: Genesis 4:10 Yahweh said What have you done? You have come to Jesus, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks of forgiveness instead of crying out for vengeance like the blood of Abel 3) Abelâs blood cried out for vengeance. “The Lord said, ‘What have you done? 3:16). 1) In comparing the Old Covenant with the New, the Hebrew writer speaks of two bloods. This is actually a prophetic type for us as New Testament believers regarding grace. 12:24);" "i.e., the blood of Jesus is the reality of which the blood of" the offering made by Abel was only the type. When the Lord asks him about Abel’s whereabouts, Cain tells God that his brother’s location is unknown to him (Gen. 4:9). Hebrews 12:24 â â and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel. Though the Lord no longer confronts us audibly, “let those, therefore, whose consciences accuse them, beware lest, after the example of Cain, they confirm themselves in obstinacy.” We must not harden our hearts as Cain did. First, an Israelite’s brother had the primary responsibility to rescue him if he was in trouble (Lev. So blood in a sense can speak. ASV, YLT, EMB, ANDERSON, WORRELL, MOFFATT, GOODSPEED, MNT, MACE, WESLEY. This is a summary of the Biblical account of brothers Cain and Abel. There are several references to Abel in the New Testament. We are the joy set before Him. To fellowship with Jesus, the Mediator of the New Covenant as Moses was of the Old. God, responding to Cainâs evasion after murdering his brother Abel, says, âYour brotherâs blood is crying out to me from the ground. Thank God the blood of Jesus speaks better things than the blood of Abel! Abel's blood spoke for vengeance, Jesus' blood speaks for mercy. Christ has as much right to demand mercy upon sinners, as Abel's blood had to cry vengeance against Cain. While Abel's blood spoke for vengeance on Cain, Jesus' blood speaks for mercy for all humans. Genesis 3:13 And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? In Genesis chapter 4 we read the story of Cain killing his brother Abel. (Gen. Ge Gn). This blood of sprinkling was the foundation of our Lord's mediatorial office. Our" blood" also speaks! Ex. Donate Now. 4) The blood of Jesus cries out for salvation. Perhaps, Abel's blood was releasing a screech, "Vengeance, I want vengeance!" You might expect that the blood of a holy man like Abel (Hebrews 11:4) would make the ground holy too. Our Saviour speaks of him as "righteous" ( Matthew 23:35). And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. Cain futilely imagines he can hide his trespass from God, for Abel’s blood cries out for justice (Gen. 4:10). In Gen 1-3 God, man, woman, and a snake all have speaking roles; then in Gen 4 it is human blood that speaks, or cries out, from the ground. Heb 12:24 To Jesus the mediator of the new covenant. The Blood of Christ: Whereas Abelâs blood spoke from the ground, Christâs blood speaks from heaven. However Jesus' blood speaks for vengeance for His spiritual enemies, Satan and his whole crowd. Cain does the opposite of what this obligation requires, revealing the flagrancy with which he breaks the covenant. It speaks better things than Abel's blood that cried out for vengeance. Psalm 90:8 is a powerful reminder of our Lordâs all-seeing gaze. And he said, What have you done? Hebrews 12:24, ESV: "and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel." His brother killed him, and his blood poured onto the ground. As you read the first four verses of chapter one, you canât help but be overcome by the reality of who Jesus is and what God has done. Tools. Abelâs blood polluted the ground. New Living Translation You have come to Jesus, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks of forgiveness instead of crying out for vengeance like the blood of Abel. in all its fullness to as many people as possible. Abelâs blood cries for vengeance, but Christâs blood cries for forgiveness. . But if the blood of Abel cries out for vengeance, along with âthe blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesusâ (Revelation 17:6), the blood of Christ Himself, as our text assures us, speaks of better things than those called forth by Abelâs blood. Genesis 18:20 And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous; Exodus 3:7 And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; 2 Kings 9:26 Surely I have seen yesterday the blood of Naboth, and the blood of his sons, saith the LORD; and I will requite thee in this plat, saith the LORD. Thus, Cain’s sin is particularly grave. For though Abelâs innocent blood cried out for justice against sin, Jesusâs innocent blood cried out for mercy for sinners. This promise is fulfilled in Christ who was vindicated by God in His resurrection (Rom. We are only told that God said â the voice of thy brotherâs blood crieth unto me from the ground. The verb rendered “crying” in verse 10 is the same word used elsewhere to speak of the pleas of those who have met injustice (Ex. 23:35). Abelâs blood cried out, âVengeance! As you get into chapter twelve (following on the heels of the great âfaith chapterâ â Hebrews 11) you find this passage: . The voice of your brotherâs blood is crying to Me from the ground. For a quick overview, Cain and Abel were the first and second sons of Adam and Eve. Jesus blood speaks of our rights in Christ - forgiveness of sins, the defeat of satan e.t.c. 135:14). Hebrews 12:24 Parallel Verses [â See commentary â] Hebrews 12:24, NIV: "to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel." 25:47–55). The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to me from the ground’” (Gen. 4:10). Secondly, Leviticus says life is in the blood (17:11), and so the most defiling substance possible is the shed blood of an innocent person. The verb rendered âspeaksâ [âspeakethâ â older versions] is a present tense, active voice form. ââ¦to Jesus the Mediator of a new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.â Heb. Revelation 6:9. 12:24). Though we might think we can sin in secret, God knows every evil deed we commit, even if no one else on the planet finds out. The blood of Jesus and even your blood defeats enemies. to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. Vengeance is mine, and recompense, for the time when their foot shall slip; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and their doom comes swiftly.â 1 Thessalonians 5:15 ESV / 115 helpful votes And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brotherâs blood from your hand.â Abelâs blood spoke from the ground. Which speaketh better things than that of Abel - Which cried for vengeance. 22:22–24; Ps. Hebrews 12:24 â â and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel. It speaks on our behalf. Verse Concepts. You can read about the murder of Abel in Genesis 4:3-10. - Hebrews 12:24 . Abel, the first martyr of faith, is a foreshadowing of our Lord Jesus, whose âblood⦠speaks a better word than the blood of Abelâ (Hebrews 12:24). And Christ's blood speaketh justly, when it saith, "Mercy!" Hebrews 12:24. to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. Fix that problem! Cain is graciously given a chance to confess his iniquity, but he is too hardened to submit. Moses’ original audience would have been especially disturbed by this account. Do you honestly believe our Creator is not watching every thing you do? People's Bible Notes for Hebrews 12:24. 8:11; 1 Tim. The mission, passion and purpose of Ligonier Ministries is to proclaim the holiness of God Vengeance!â after his brother Cain murdered him (see Genesis 4:8â11). How have you transgressed the Lord in private? Christâs blood is preserved in heaven. To Christ's atoning blood ⦠I want us just to think about what the blood of Abel is crying about and what the blood of Jesus is speaking about because the blood of Jesus carries promises with it. The idea of blood speaking is not common, and there is undoubtedly a reference to Ge 4:10, where Abel's blood cried from the ground for vengeance on his killer. The sprinkled blood speaks. 22:22–23). It suggests that, in some sense, Abelâs influence and the lessons associated with him are reverberating across the centuries of biblical history â even to our own day. Remember that when we plead the blood of Jesus the blood contends and protects us from the powers of darkness. His blood opens up for us a way into the Most Holy Place , whereas Abel's blood sought to shut out the wicked person. And when it is the blood of Jesus, it âspeaks better thingsâ than that of Abel. Joshua 7:19 And Joshua said unto Achan, My son, give, I pray thee, glory to the LORD God of Israel, and make confession unto him; and tell me now what thou hast done; hide it not from me. As if the crime of murder was not atrocious enough, Cain compounds his sin with a lie. He died knowing that he had the love and approval of his ⦠Because of Christâs death, we can enter the presence of God, from which our first parents were banished. God uses figurative language to represent Abelâs death: âThe voice of your brotherâs blood cries out to Me.â Obviously, Abelâs blood was not literally âcrying outâ because the Bible teaches that the âdead know nothingâ (Ecclesiastes 9:5). "The blood of sprinkling" is said to speak "better things than that of Abel" ( Hebrews 12:24); i.e., the blood of Jesus is the reality of which the blood of the offering made by Abel was only the type. For the saints, the blood of Jesus speaks a better word than Abel’s (Heb. Furthermore, he addresses the Creator flippantly, claiming no responsibility for the well-being of his kin.