March 12, 2021 omanba
THOMAS SCOTT COMMENTARY
Verses 6-7. Though Cain manifested a most rebellious spirit, yet the Lord condescended to expostulate with him, and showed that he had no cause of dissatisfaction; that the hypocrisy of his heart, ad the unwarranted method of his approach, had indeed deservedly excluded him from His gracious approbation; but that, if he came in another temper, and in the prescribed way, he too would be accepted. He further warned him, that “sin lay at the door,” ready to burst in upon him: for impenitence, and the indulgence of malignant passions, would open the way to the commission of greater crimes, which would expose him to still deeper condemnation; or the guilt of his unpardoned, because unexpiated, crimes lay at the door ready to seize on him, as a lion on his prey. Neither had Cain any cause for discontent or resentment, seeing Abel still loved him, and was ready to obey him as his elder brother, even as he had before done.—It is not said in what way the Lord spake to Cain; but it is probable that it was by some mild and familiar appearance in human form, as in many subsequent instances it was undeniably the case; for had it been with a display of terrific glory, as some suppose, it can hardly be conceived that he would have dared to answer as he afterwards did.
THOMAS HAWEIS COMMENTARY
Verses 6-7: God condescends to reason with Cain on the perverseness of his conduct. The sinner that perishes shall be left inexcusable. I stretched out my hands, but no man regarded. It were well, if on the first motions of sin in the heart, or in the first glance of the kindling eye, this question were in our thoughts, Why art thou wroth? There was no reason for it: for,
1. Acceptance was as free for him as for his brother, if he came in the same way: it was infidelity and disobedience only that excluded him; but that moment if he returned, he should find favor: bring the sacrifice of faith, it should be welcome, and go and sin no more. Note, God is ever ready to receive the returning sinner; may his goodness lead us to repentance. ‘Tis a fearful thing to abuse it, and thereby to treasure up wrath against the day of wrath.
But, 2. If he persisted in his evil, his unbelief and envious wrath, he must expect to be rejected, and judgment would proceed against him. Be assured, sooner or later, God will punish. Woe to that sinner, at whose door, in an hour of death, and in a day of judgment, un-pardoned sin is found.
3. God assures him, as Abel was his younger, he should also be his inferior. God designed not to degrade him from his birth-right, though his sin deprived him of the blessing: remember, dominion is not founded in grace: the gifts of God’s special favor alter not the distinctions of his providence. Religion never taught a man disloyalty, or disrespect for his superiors, but the want of it. The best Christians are ever the most submissive subjects, the most dutiful children, and most respectful servants.
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