all the people after him, that God did not wish children or men killed
as offerings for worship; and while all the people around offered such
sacrifices, the Israelites, who came from Abraham and from Isaac, never
offered them, but offered oxen and sheep and goats instead.

These gifts, which cost so much toil, they felt must be pleasing to God,
because they expressed their thankfulness to him. But they were glad to
be taught that God does not desire men's lives to be taken, but loves
our living gifts of love and kindness.




THE STORY OF JACOB


After Abraham died, his son Isaac lived in the land of Canaan. Like his
father, Isaac had his home in a tent; around him were the tents of his
people, and many flocks of sheep and herds of cattle feeding wherever
they could find grass to eat and water to drink.

Isaac and his wife Rebekah had two children. The older was named Esau
and the younger Jacob.

Esau was a man of the woods and very fond of hunting; and he was rough
and covered with hair.

Jacob was quiet and thoughtful, staying at home, dwelling in a tent, and
caring for the flocks of his father.