Footnote 2 – Genesis as Rashomon

To give but two examples: In an effort to minimize the difference between his two daughters, Laban, speaking to the deceived Jacob, diminishes both Leah and Rachel by referring to them only as “this.” “Fulfill the week of this, and we will give you this also” (Genesis 29:27; emphasis added). Pharaoh’s servants, referring contemptuously to Moses, ask Pharaoh, “How long will this be a snare to us?” (Exodus 10:7).