Genesis 4:5 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

Bible Comments

But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. Unto Cain - As being unconscious of his sinfulness, and consequently unhumbled, and to his offering, as not being accompanied, as Abel's was, with faith and a sacrifice for sin, he had not respect - He could not, consistently with his holiness and justice, approve of the one or receive the other. Of the manner in which God testified his approbation we are not informed; it was probably, as in the case of Elijah, by sending down fire from heaven, and consuming the sacrifice.

Cain was very wroth - That displeasure which should have been turned against his own unhumbled heart was turned against his innocent brother, who, though not more highly privileged than he, made a much better use of the advantages which he shared in common with his ungodly and unnatural brother.

Genesis 4:5

5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.