Hebrews 11:4 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Abel offered, &c.— The divine original sacrifice seems not only strongly insinuated, but plainly demonstrable from this place. It has been inferred from the words πλειονα θυσιαν,— which may be rendered a greater, or fuller sacrifice,—that Cain contented himself with presenting only the mincha,—a bread-offering without a victim; whereas Abel sacrificed both; and by presenting a lamb, shewed his faith in the great sacrifice of the Lamb of God. There can be no doubt from the words of the sacred writer, that in whatever Abel's sacrifice consisted, it was his faith which gave its excellence to it. For the next clause, see Genesis 4:4. It is added, And by it (his faith), he bring dead, yet speaketh,—recommending to us in all ages, that believing regard to the great Atonement, which he expressed by bringing an animal sacrifice, while Cain contented himself with the fruits of the earth; and though Abel became the early victim of Cain's rage, yet that circumstance, in conjunction with the declaration thathe received of the divine acceptance and favour, is very instructive, in that it affords so powerful an evidence of a future state. And as his blood cried to God for vengeance against his murderer, (Genesis 4:10-11.) so it warns others, in all ages, that the righteous blood of God's servants will cry to him for vengeance against them that shed it. See 1 John 3:11-12.