because, although it was Adam who spoke these words to his son Cain,
yet he spoke them by the authority of God and by the Holy Spirit. In
view of so great a sin, was it not quite gentle to inquire, "Where is
Abel thy brother?" And yet, to this word, which contained nothing
severe, the hypocrite and murderer is ferocious and proud enough to
reply, "I know not." And he is indignant that he should be called to
an account concerning the matter at all. For the reply of Cain is the
language of one who resists and hates God.

128. But to this sin Cain adds one still worse. Justly under
indictment for murder, he presently becomes the accuser of God, and
expostulates with him: "Am I my brother's keeper?" He prefaces his
reply with no such expression of reverence or honor as is due both to
God and to his father. He did not say, "Lord, I know not." He did not
say, "My Father, didst thou make me the keeper of my brother?" Such
expressions as these would have indicated a feeling of reverence
toward God or toward his parent. But he answers with pride as if he
himself were the Lord, and plainly manifests that he felt indignation
at being called to account by him who had the perfect right to do so.

129. This is a true picture of all hypocrites. Living in manifest
sins, they grow insolent and proud, aiming all the while to appear
righteous. They will not yield even to God himself and his Word when
upbraided by them. Nay, they set themselves against God, contend with
him, and excuse their sin. Thus David says, that God is judged of men,
but that at length he clears and justifies himself, and prevails, Ps
51, 4. Such is the insolence of the hypocrites Moses has here
endeavored to paint.

130. But what success has Cain with his attempt? This, that his
powerful effort to excuse himself becomes a forcible self-accusation.
Christ says, "Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked
servant," Lk 19, 22. Now, this servant wished to appear without guilt,
saying: "I knew thee that thou art a hard man, reaping where thou
didst not sow; and I was afraid, and hid thy talent," Mt 25, 24-25.
Could he have brought a stronger accusation against himself, in view
of the fact that Christ immediately turns his words against him?
Thereby Christ evidences the wisdom of the Holy Spirit.

131. Such illustrations help us to learn not to contend with God. On
the contrary when you feel in your conscience that you are guilty,
take heed with all your s