The story of Cain and Abel unfolds in Genesis 4:1-8, where Adam and Eve bear Cain, described as acquired from the Lord, followed by Abel. Cain tills the ground while Abel keeps sheep. At an appointed time literally rendered as the end of days and possibly a Sabbath or holy day, Cain presents fruit of the ground as an offering to the Lord, while Abel offers the firstborn of his flock and their fat. The Lord respects Abel and his offering but does not respect Cain and his offering, prompting Cain to grow very angry with a fallen countenance. The Lord questions Cain about his anger, warns that doing well brings acceptance while sin lies at the door desiring him, and urges him to rule over it. Cain then speaks with Abel in the field and rises up to kill him. This rejection appears to have distressed Cain so profoundly that he commits murder and later lies to God. Hebrews 11:4 explains that Abel offered a more excellent sacrifice by faith, obtaining witness that he was righteous, with God testifying of his gifts. Since faith comes by hearing the word of God, Abel must have followed divine instructions on an appropriate offering. Cain likewise knew what was required yet disobeyed. Possible instructions given to Adam and his family include either the full sacrificial system later added to the Old Covenant or sufficient guidance to recognize the need for animal sacrifices that symbolize wholehearted devotion and point to a future redeemer. Examples from Noah, Abraham, and Jacob indicate that some form of sacrificial understanding existed before the Old Covenant. Sacrifices served to remind participants of their sins and falling short of God's glory, as well as to foreshadow the Son of God's redemptive work. Cain's offering fell short in this regard, apparently stemming from an assumption about himself that led him to disregard the required form.