Genesis 4:9 Commentary
THOMAS SCOTT COMMENTARY
Verse 9. The Lord soon called the murderer to account for his conduct (as he had formerly done Adam and Eve); inquiring of him, “Where his brother Abel was?” and his answer accorded to the idea before suggested of his pride and unbelief. He denied that he knew where Abel was, as if he could conceal his crime from God himself; and he insolently demanded, whether he was his brother’s keeper!—I know not whether we are to consider this as a denial of the omniscience, or a rejection of the authority, or a defiance of the omnipotence of God; but it plainly shows that sin had hardened his heart, and blinded his understanding.
THOMAS HAWEIS COMMENTARY
Verse 9: The murder was secret, and no doubt, carefully concealed. But there is a great eye, from which nothing is hid, nothing is secret: and he in this world orders his providence often in ways almost miraculous, to bring the blood that is covered to light. God here, 1. Maketh inquisition for it by an alarming question, suited to cover him with confusion, perhaps designed to humble him to repentance. 2. His answer; false and insolent.
(1.) False, I know not. A direct and willful lie. He would fain conceal it; what folly! Can omniscience be imposed upon? One sin never comes alone; he who dared to commit murder, hesitates not to cover it with a lie. They have both the same father: thus sin ever blinds the eyes and hardens the heart.
(2.) Insolent. Am I my brother’s keeper? Who else should have been? Who so proper? Who so bound in love and duty? Note, God justly expects of us a kind concern for our brethren; if they receive damage to body or soul, through our neglect, much more through our means, he will require it at our hands.
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