Malbim on Genesis 4,7 Honors

Summary of the commentary

Part 1

"God revealed to Cain That God took no pleasure in offerings, but only in obedience. The main thing is that you should better your ways. You did not bring a worthy offering. Improving the offering will not help matters. For whether you bring a good gift or not. it matters not, since sin lie at the door to accuse you…

Part 3

The Almighty explained to him three points:

1- the evil inclination is ever ready and a person should study his motives and not allow his baser instincts to get the better of him since it always lies in wait to poison his behavior.

2-he further informed him that on the one hand his baser (physical material) passions (desires) long to lead him into sin and demoralize (knock him down spiritually) him

3- But on the other hand it is within his power to rule over them by exercising the freedom of will given to a person. A person was only truly free if he ruled over the bestial (physical material) parts of his nature and not allowed them to rule over him.

The Malbim-Use Sefaria

1. What was his full name?
2. When did he live?
3. Who were his intellectual opponents?

The commentary

Part 1

What is important good sacrifices or moral improvement?

Based on part 3

1. What is the way to improve your behavior and avoid the evil inclination?

2. What is the consequence of giving in to the baser passions?

3. When is a person truly free?

Based on part 2

1. What is the difference between being a human and being an animal?

2. What are the two worlds inside a person?

3. Who is supposed to lead and rule according to the Malbim?