For it is written this way: “After some days had passed, Cain brought a sacrifice to God from the fruits of the earth, and Abel also brought from the firstborn of the sheep and from their fat.”
“And God looked with favor on Abel and his gifts, but he did not pay attention to Cain and his sacrifices.”
“And Cain was deeply grieved, and his face fell.”
“And God said to Cain, ‘Why have you become so grieved, and why has your face fallen? If you offer rightly but do not divide rightly, have you not sinned?’”
“Be at peace. His turning is toward you, and you will rule over him.”
“And Cain said to Abel his brother, ‘Let us go out into the plain.’ And while they were in the plain, Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.”
You see, brothers and sisters, that jealousy and envy brought about the murder of a brother.
Because of jealousy our father Jacob fled from the presence of his brother Esau.
Jealousy caused Joseph to be persecuted to the point of death and to enter into slavery.
Jealousy forced Moses to flee from the presence of Pharaoh king of Egypt when he heard his fellow Israelite say, “Who appointed you ruler or judge over us? Do you intend to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?”
Because of jealousy Aaron and Miriam had to camp outside the encampment.
Jealousy brought Dathan and Abiram down alive into Hades because they rebelled against Moses, the servant of God.
Because of jealousy David was envied not only by foreigners, but was also persecuted by Saul king of Israel.