Question:
Please explain Genesis 4:7, especially the last two clauses, “And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.”
Answer:
These are a part of the Lord’s instruction to Cain. Some are confused by the word “him,” thinking it relates to Able rather than to sin. However, comparisons to other Bible versions can make this much plainer:
“If thou doest well, shall it not be lifted up? and if thou doest not well, sin coucheth at the door; and unto thee shall be its desire; but do thou rule over it.” (Genesis 4:7, ASV)
“If you do well, will your face not be cheerful? And if you do not do well, sin is lurking at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.” (Genesis 4:7, NASB)
In other words, Cain would not be cast down but lifted up if he did well. His sacrifice would be accepted. Sin is represented as a beast of prey couching at the door, desiring him, and ready to spring upon him. Peter used this exact description of Satan in 1 Peter 5:8: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” But God’s appeal to him is to do His will and so rule over the sin. Pre-eminence over Abel is not presented, but pre-eminence over sin.
