Abel signifies vanity, a vain, mortal, miserable man, whereas she thought Cain to be more than an ordinary man; or this name might prophetically design his miserable life, and untimely and unnatural death. To till the ground was esteemed a more honourable calling than that of a shepherd, and therefore either chosen by the elder brother, or allotted to him by his father. read more
Either, 1. In general, at the return of the set time then appointed, and used for the solemn service of God. Or, 2. At the end of the year, when there might be now, as there was afterward among the Jews, more solemn worship and sacrifices; the word days being often put for a year, as Leviticus 25:29; 1 Samuel 1:3; 1 Samuel 27:7. Or, 3. More probably at the end of the days of the week, or upon the seventh and last day of the week, Saturday, which then was the sabbath day, which before this time... read more
The firstlings; either, 1. The first-born, which God reserved to himself, both at this time, and afterwards by an express law, Exodus 13:2; Numbers 3:13. Or, 2. The choicest and most eminent of the flock; for the best of any kind are oft called first-born, as Job 18:13; Jeremiah 31:19; Hebrews 12:23. The fat thereof was either, 1. Properly, the fat being properly now required by God, as afterwards was expressed, Exodus 29:13,Exodus 29:22; Leviticus 3:3. Or, 2. The best of them, as the word fat... read more
Cain was very wroth; partly with God, who, had cast so public a disgrace upon him, and given the preference to his younger brother; and partly with Abel, because he had received more honour from God, and therefore was likely to have more respect and privilege from his parents than himself. His countenance fell; whereas before it was lifted up and cheerful, now it fell down through sense of guilt, disappointment of his hope, shame and grief, and envy at his brother. read more
The Lord spoke unto Cain, that he might bring him to repentance, and the knowledge of his sin. Why is thy countenance fallen? The cause of this dejectedness is not from me, but from thyself. read more
If thou doest well, or, for the future shalt do well, i.e. repent of thy sin, amend thy life, offer thy offerings with a willing and cheerful mind and honest heart, in faith and love, as Abel did, shalt thou not be accepted? Or, pardoned, received into favour? Or, exalted, and either preserved in or restored unto those rights of the first-born, which thou art conscious to thyself that thou hast forfeited? Or, elevated in thy looks, i.e. would not, or should not, thy countenance have been... read more
Cain talked with Abel, either, 1. Familiarly and friendly, as he used to do, thereby to make him secure and careless; or by way of expostulation and contention; in the field, into which Abel was led, either by his own employment, or, 2. By Cain's persuasion; this being a fit place for the execution of his wicked purpose. Slew him, possibly with stone or club, or with some iron tool belonging to husbandry. read more
Where is Abel? Not that God was ignorant where he was, but partly to convince him of his sin, and to lead him to repentance, and partly to instruct judges to inquire into causes, and hear the accused speak for themselves, before they pass sentence. Thy brother, whom nature and near relation obliged thee to love and preserve. Am I my brother’s keeper? Why dost thou inquire of me concerning him who is of age to look to himself? Is he such a stripling that he needs a guardian? Or didst thou ever... read more
I hear thy words, but what say thy actions? What a hideous crime hast thou committed! In vain dost thou endeavour to hide it or deny it. In the Hebrew it is bloods, either to aggravate the crime, or to show the plenty of the blood split, or to charge him with the murder of all those that might naturally have come out of Abel’s loins; which was a far greater crime in the nonage of the world, when the world greatly wanted people. From the ground, upon which it was spilt by thy bloody hands. read more
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Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Genesis 4:1
This modest expression is used both in Scripture and other authors, to signify the conjugal act or carnal knowledge. So Genesis 19:8; Genesis 24:16; Numbers 31:17; Matthew 1:25; Luke 1:34. Cain, whose name signifies a possession. A man, a male child, as Genesis 7:2, which was most welcome. From the Lord; or, by or with the Lord, i.e. by virtue of his first blessing, Genesis 1:28, and special favour. Or, a man the Lord, as the words properly signify: q.d. God-man, or the Messias, hoping that... read more