What Jealousy Did in Ancient Times

1 For it is written, ‘And after some days Cain brought an offering to God from the fruits of the earth, and Abel also brought an offering from the firstborn of his flock and their fat portions.’ 2 And God looked favorably upon Abel and his gifts, but He paid no attention to Cain and his offerings. 3 And Cain grieved deeply, and his face fell. 4 And God said to Cain, ‘Why are you so sorrowful, and why has your face fallen? If you have offered correctly but not divided correctly, have you not sinned? Be still.’⁠a 5 ‘He will turn to you, and you will rule over him.’ 6 And Cain said to Abel, his brother, ‘Let us go to the fields.’ And while they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. 7 You see, brothers and sisters, jealousy and envy led to a brother’s murder. 8 Because of jealousy, our father Jacob fled from the presence of his brother Esau. 9 Jealousy caused Joseph to be persecuted almost to death and sold into slavery. 10 Jealousy forced Moses to flee from Pharaoh, king of Egypt, when his fellow Israelite said to him, ‘Who made you a judge or ruler over us? Will you kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?’ 11 Because of jealousy, Aaron and Miriam were shut out of the camp. 12 Jealousy brought Dathan and Abiram down alive to Hades because they rebelled against Moses, the servant of God.⁠b 13 Because of jealousy, David was not only envied by the Philistines but was also persecuted by Saul, king of Israel.