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[Jul. 11th, 2005|08:51 pm] |
And Hevel was a keeper of sheep, but Qayin was a tiller of the ground. And in process of time it came to pass, that Qayin brought of the fruit of the ground an offering to the Lord. And Hevel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat parts thereof. And the Lord had respect for Hevel and to his offering: but to Qayin and to his offering he had no respect.
what is the purpose of the offerings? why does the Lord need them? monitoring? detection? it appears that the Lord did not want to encourage the new food production method. imposes another limitation:
when thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield to thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be on the earth. (assuming non-explanatory character of the phrase).
doesn't drive him underground, allows to procreate, despite the double displeasure: no respect for the offering & fratricide. alternatives? Shet (Adam + wife) to replace Hevel.
And the Lord said to him, Therefore whoever slays Qayin, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. |
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