After the first harvest Kayin, the first born, representing the family, brought leftovers. His attitude was wrong. He felt he add to offer “something” to God. (Hirsch’s cites Malachi who blames Israel for the same thing. He adds, “People establish temples and churches with the same spirit in which they build hospitals and jails.”)
Hevel did not want to be represented by this and brought his own offering. He chose the first and the best of his flock. The first represents all the rest that comes after it. With his offering he was dedicating all of God’s gifts to the service of God.
God rejected Kayin, the first born’s offering and accepted Hevel’s.
Beraishis 4:4-5
pages 126-127
