SEV Biblia, Chapter 4:3
¶ Y aconteció andando el tiempo, que Caín trajo del fruto de la tierra presente al SEÑOR.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Genesis 4:3
Verse 3. In process of time] µymy Åqm mikkets yamim, at the end of days. Some think the anniversary of the creation to be here intended; it is more probable that it means the Sabbath, on which Adam and his family undoubtedly offered oblations to God, as the Divine worship was certainly instituted, and no doubt the Sabbath properly observed in that family. This worship was, in its original institution, very simple. It appears to have consisted of two parts: 1. Thanksgiving to God as the author and dispenser of all the bounties of nature, and oblations indicative of that gratitude. 2. Piacular sacrifices to his justice and holiness, implying a conviction of their own sinfulness, confession of transgression, and faith in the promised Deliverer. If we collate the passage here with the apostle's allusion to it, Heb. xi. 4, we shall see cause to form this conclusion. Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering] hjnm minchah, unto the Lord. The word minchah is explained, Lev. ii. 1, &c., to be an offering of fine flour, with oil and frankincense. It was in general a eucharistic or gratitude offering, and is simply what is implied in the fruits of the ground brought by Cain to the Lord, by which he testified his belief in him as the Lord of the universe, and the dispenser of secular blessings.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-7 - When Cain was born, Eve said, I have gotten a man from the Lord Perhaps she thought that this was the promised seed. If so, she wa wofully disappointed. Abel signifies vanity: when she thought she ha the promised seed in Cain, whose name signifies possession, she was s taken up with him that another son was as vanity to her. Observe, eac son had a calling. It is the will of God for every one to have something to do in this world. Parents ought to bring up their children to work. Give them a Bible and a calling, said good Mr. Dod, and God be with them. We may believe that God commanded Adam, after the fall, to shed the blood of innocent animals, and after their death to burn par or the whole of their bodies by fire. Thus that punishment whic sinners deserve, even the death of the body, and the wrath of God, of which fire is a well-known emblem, and also the sufferings of Christ were prefigured. Observe that the religious worship of God is no ne invention. It was from the beginning; it is the good old way, Jer 6:16 The offerings of Cain and Abel were different. Cain showed a proud unbelieving heart. Therefore he and his offering were rejected. Abe came as a sinner, and according to God's appointment, by his sacrific expressing humility, sincerity, and believing obedience. Thus, seeking the benefit of the new covenant of mercy, through the promised Seed his sacrifice had a token that God accepted it. Abel offered in faith and Cain did not, Heb 11:4. In all ages there have been two sorts of worshippers, such as Cain and Abel; namely, proud, hardened despiser of the gospel method of salvation, who attempt to please God in ways of their own devising; and humble believers, who draw near to him in the way he has revealed. Cain indulged malignant anger against Abel. He harboured an evil spirit of discontent and rebellion against God. God notices all our sinful passions and discontents. There is not an angry envious, or fretful look, that escapes his observing eye. The Lor reasoned with this rebellious man; if he came in the right way, he should be accepted. Some understand this as an intimation of mercy. "I thou doest not well, sin, that is, the sin-offering, lies at the door and thou mayest take the benefit of it." The same word signifies sin and a sacrifice for sin. "Though thou hast not done well, yet do no despair; the remedy is at hand." Christ, the great sin-offering, is said to stand at the door, Re 3:20. And those well deserve to perish in their sins, that will not go to the door to ask for the benefit of thi sin-offering. God's acceptance of Abel's offering did not change the birthright, and make it his; why then should Cain be so angry? Sinfu heats and disquiets vanish before a strict and fair inquiry into the cause.
Original Hebrew
ויהי 1961 מקץ 7093 ימים 3117 ויבא 935 קין 7014 מפרי 6529 האדמה 127 מנחה 4503 ליהוה׃ 3068
