How we cite our quotes: (Chapter:Verse)
Quote #1
In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel for his part brought of the firstlings of his flock, their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell. (NRSV 4:3-5)
And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. (KJV 4:3-5)
Siblings just love the whole "but he started it!" shtick. Well, here, God started it. And the narrator gives us no explanation about why he preferred one offering over the other. Is this God being flippant?
Quote #2
But Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, playing with her son Isaac. So she said to Abraham, "Cast out this slave woman with her son; for the son of this slave woman shall not inherit along with my son Isaac." (NRSV 21:9-10)
And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking. Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac. (KJV 21:9-10)
Looks like Sarah is calling the shots concerning Ishmael and Isaac. Does this sibling rivalry have more to do with a rivalry between Mom and Dad?
Quote #3
When the boys grew up, Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field, while Jacob was a quiet man, living in tents. Isaac loved Esau, because he was fond of game; but Rebekah loved Jacob. (NRSV 25:27-28)
And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents. And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob. (KJV 25:27-28)
Once again, the parents seem to be fueling the fire. Are all children's issues in Genesis related to their parents' actions? Are there any hands-off parents?