Cursed is the deceitful man that hath in his flock a male, and making a vow offereth in sacrifice that which is feeble to the Lord: for I am a great King, saith the Lord of hosts, and my name is dreadful among the Gentiles.
וְאָר֣וּר נוֹכֵ֗ל וְיֵ֤שׁ בְּעֶדְרוֹ֙ זָכָ֔ר וְנֹדֵ֛ר וְזֹבֵ֥חַ מָשְׁחָ֖ת לַֽאדֹנָ֑י כִּי֩ מֶ֨לֶךְ גָּד֜וֹל אָ֗נִי אָמַר֙ יְהוָ֣ה צְבָא֔וֹת וּשְׁמִ֖י נוֹרָ֥א בַגּוֹיִֽם׃
3 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Cain faced condemnation not for offering something of minimal worth, but for presenting the least significant offering from his possessions: “Cursed is the deceitful one,” declares the prophet, “who possesses an unblemished male in his flock... but offers to the Lord what is flawed.” This is not merely a statement, but rather a reflection on the act of holding back. Therefore, one who has little is not considered guilty; indeed, he may even be deserving of commendation.
Ultimately, it is fitting that He pronounces a curse upon the ungodly offeror. If a person makes a vow and possesses a faultless male animal from his flock, he commits an offense against God if he keeps it for himself instead of offering it to the Lord. This act is viewed as nothing less than a transgression against the Almighty. Unlike those who worship lifeless idols amid darkness and confusion, we serve the One True God, the Creator of all, before whom the heavens tremble and the earth, along with its inhabitants, quake in fear. This demonstrates the profound grace shown to the Gentiles, for it is declared that the name of the Lord arose from among them, esteemed and magnificent; thus, we should cultivate such a spirit in our hearts.
Our Lord Jesus Christ welcomed the idolatrous centurion, proclaiming, “Amen I say unto you, neither” in whom “I have found a little faith in Israel” (Matt. 8:10). The one who offers sacrifices to God yet acts inappropriately is “accursed,” when he ought to honor God with only the finest from his flocks, as previously stated, pure and male. It is noteworthy that while male offerings were central to sacrifice, the law also permitted the sacrifice of females (Lev. 22ff.). The fact that these sacrifices were voluntary and required a male implies a deeper message for the offeror, suggesting that to approach the fragrant presence of God, one must exhibit courage, mastery over sinful desires, and a departure from all vice. The offerings presented for sin stemmed from herds of sheep and goats. This served as a mystery to those who brought the sacrifices, as the female is seen as weaker and lesser in strength compared to the male. Each sin would escalate when the mind grew weary and spiritual fortitude waned.
The one who is cursed stands among his flock as the male and consumes that which is perishable from the Lord. Those who present such offerings resemble individuals who, despite their capabilities, ought to aspire to heavenly glory for their souls. Instead, they direct their minds toward earthly matters, feeling weak and resistant to spiritual endeavors, neglecting holiness and righteousness. They are akin to Cain, who enjoyed the finest but offered to God only the leftovers he had left.
Passages read together with this verse.
THEOSIS