Earlier today, I asked Damien, Aaron, and Gary to check out the Hebrew in the verses I sent them from Genesis 4. What stood out to Damien also stood out to me. It is certainly an important point. I thought I would pass our emails along to you:
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Hey guys, how does this sound?
Genesis 4
3. In process of time, it happened that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord.4. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of its fat. And the Lord had respect for Abel and his offering,5. but for Cain and his offering, He had no respect. And Cain became very angry, and his countenance fell.”
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The Hebrew seems to me to emphasize that neither Cain nor his offering was acceptable. So, maybe make it “and for his offering”.
djc
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Yes, Damien, that is what struck me this morning, that God rejected both Cain and what he brought because, as John tells us, “his deeds were evil.” Everybody everywhere needs to understand that the fact that if one’s deeds displease God, neither we nor our worship is acceptable to God
jdc
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good, here’s mine:
And so it was, after some days, Cain brought the fruit of the ground, a gift unto the Lord.
And Abel, he also brought the firstborn of his sheep, and from the best. And the Lord looked with favor on Abel and his gift.
But towards Cain and his gift, he gave no regard. And Cain burned with much anger, and his countenance fell.”
Gary