The Israelites complain again. This time, there is no water to drink and they complain that they'll die. Well, Moses asks God because the people are ready to stone him and the Lord tells him to strike a rock with his staff and water will come out. So, he does it and water is provided for them. We should pay careful attention to this because there is another water incident that is similar to this one and Moses deals with it a bit differently.
We move on to a story about Amalek coming to fight with Israel. This is also the first time we hear of Joshua. Moses asks him to gather men to fight and they do. Moses, Aaron and Hur go up to a hill top and whenever Moses' hands were held up, Israel was winning the battle. However, when his hands were not held up, Israel was losing. Well, Moses' was getting tired, so they put stones for him to rest on while Aaron and Hur held up Moses' hands. So, the Israelites won the battle. God also gets Moses to write down that he will blot out the memory of Amalek. We will read more about them later.
Thursday, October 27, 2016
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Exodus 16
The Israelites come to the wilderness of Sin and they grumbled against Moses and Aaron: “Would that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger”. The Lord hears their grumbling and decides to provide for them. He does this to test them: "Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day's portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not". There are a number of specific instructions they are to follow with regards to this food that they are to receive. They're to go out and gather it each day and not keep any leftover. On the 6th day, they are to gather twice as much. Whatever is leftover is to be kept for the 7th day where they are to eat the leftovers. However, they do not listen and some leave leftovers and it breeds worms. On the 7th day, some still go out to gather but there is none. Even in these simple tasks the Israelites cannot follow God's instruction.
Well, this food that is provided is called Manna. It is what the Israelites eat for 40 years while in the wilderness. Moses is commanded to keep a portion of it so that generations after can see what they ate.
Well, this food that is provided is called Manna. It is what the Israelites eat for 40 years while in the wilderness. Moses is commanded to keep a portion of it so that generations after can see what they ate.
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Exodus 15
They have just witnessed an amazing thing. God has saved them miraculously. They all sing a song to the Lord, singing of what he has done and how great God is. Miriam starts singing afterwards along with the women saying “Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously;
the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea”.
They're on their way and cannot find any water. They make it to a place where the water is too bitter to drink. Then, they start complaining, wondering what they are to drink since they cannot drink the water there. Well, after Moses cries to the Lord, the Lord shows him a log. Moses throws the log into the water and the water became sweet so that they could drink it. This is immediately followed by a statute made for them by the Lord saying "If you will diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer". They need to follow God and his way, not their own. As we will continue to see, they keep complaining and screwing up...
the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea”.
They're on their way and cannot find any water. They make it to a place where the water is too bitter to drink. Then, they start complaining, wondering what they are to drink since they cannot drink the water there. Well, after Moses cries to the Lord, the Lord shows him a log. Moses throws the log into the water and the water became sweet so that they could drink it. This is immediately followed by a statute made for them by the Lord saying "If you will diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer". They need to follow God and his way, not their own. As we will continue to see, they keep complaining and screwing up...
Exodus 14
The Lord tells Moses to tell the people to camp by the sea. He also tells Moses that Pharaoh will come after them and that the Lord will harden Pharaoh's heart. Ultimately, God will get glory for all this and "the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord".
So, Pharaoh and 600 chosen chariots and all the other chariots of Egypt come after Israel. The Israelites see them and are afraid, but Moses encourages them, "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent". They wont see them again, the Lord will fight for them. I like what he says last, "and you have only to be silent". They don't have to really do anything, they just have to sit back and watch quietly. God will take care of it.
The angel of God moves behind them between the Egyptians and the Israelites, keeping them separated. The sea is parted and they walk on dry ground with a wall of water on both their right and their left. Well, the Egyptians foolishly go in after them and God even "threw the Egyptian forces into a panic, 25 clogging[b] their chariot wheels so that they drove heavily". It isn't until then that they say “Let us flee from before Israel, for the Lord fights for them against the Egyptians". Why didn't they say this earlier?
Well, the sea returns to normal and the Egyptians are killed. This chapter ends well, "Thus the Lord saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. Israel saw the great power that the Lord used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses"
So, Pharaoh and 600 chosen chariots and all the other chariots of Egypt come after Israel. The Israelites see them and are afraid, but Moses encourages them, "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent". They wont see them again, the Lord will fight for them. I like what he says last, "and you have only to be silent". They don't have to really do anything, they just have to sit back and watch quietly. God will take care of it.
The angel of God moves behind them between the Egyptians and the Israelites, keeping them separated. The sea is parted and they walk on dry ground with a wall of water on both their right and their left. Well, the Egyptians foolishly go in after them and God even "threw the Egyptian forces into a panic, 25 clogging[b] their chariot wheels so that they drove heavily". It isn't until then that they say “Let us flee from before Israel, for the Lord fights for them against the Egyptians". Why didn't they say this earlier?
Well, the sea returns to normal and the Egyptians are killed. This chapter ends well, "Thus the Lord saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. Israel saw the great power that the Lord used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses"
Monday, October 24, 2016
Exodus 11-13
There is yet one more plague, the death of the firstborn. Every firstborn will be killed, even the firstborn of the animals. Moses tells this to Pharaoh and leaves. He apparently left "in hot anger". I wonder why Moses was so angry. Probably because Pharaoh had been so hard-hearted and refused to listen thus far.
The Passover meal is explained. This is the meal they eat when the Lord passes over them and does not kill their firstborn. When the blood on the doorposts is seen, the Lord passes over and does not kill the firstborn in that house. They are also to keep eating this Passover meal every year. This way, it is remembered and explained to the generations to come.
Well, all the firstborn are killed and Pharaoh finally tells them to go. They leave quickly, not even allowing the dough to rise. This is why, as explained, they eat unleavened bread in part of their observances. The firstborn is also consecrated to the Lord. They all belong to the Lord, and are required to be "bought back" or "redeemed".
As they travel, the Lord appears to them as a cloud by day and as a pillar of fire by night. They take Joseph's bones because he made the people swear to bring his bones with them when they left Egypt.
The Passover meal is explained. This is the meal they eat when the Lord passes over them and does not kill their firstborn. When the blood on the doorposts is seen, the Lord passes over and does not kill the firstborn in that house. They are also to keep eating this Passover meal every year. This way, it is remembered and explained to the generations to come.
Well, all the firstborn are killed and Pharaoh finally tells them to go. They leave quickly, not even allowing the dough to rise. This is why, as explained, they eat unleavened bread in part of their observances. The firstborn is also consecrated to the Lord. They all belong to the Lord, and are required to be "bought back" or "redeemed".
As they travel, the Lord appears to them as a cloud by day and as a pillar of fire by night. They take Joseph's bones because he made the people swear to bring his bones with them when they left Egypt.
Friday, October 21, 2016
Exodus 8-10
Plague number 2: frogs.
They come up and invade Egypt. Somehow, the magicians are able to re-create this plague. Pharaoh asks for Moses to take away the frogs and he will let them go to sacrifice to the Lord. However, when the frogs are gone, he hardened his heart and wouldn't listen to them.
Plague number 3: gnats.
This time, the magicians are unable to re-create the plague. They even warn Pharaoh that "this is the finger of God". However, Pharaoh's heart was hardened and wouldn't listen to them.
Plague number 4: flies.
The flies are unleashed and it is said "Throughout all the land of Egypt the land was ruined by the swarms of flies". Pharaoh calls them and tells them to sacrifice to their God within the land, hoping that he can work out a compromise. However, Moses replies saying that they cannot since if they sacrifice offerings that are not good in the sight of Egyptians, the Egyptians might kill them. They would need to go far away in order to avoid such a problem. Anyway, Pharaoh agrees to let them go sacrifice in the wilderness, only that they shouldn't go very far. Moses isn't convinced, saying "Only let not Pharaoh cheat again by not letting the people go sacrifice to the Lord". When the flies are gone, Pharaoh's heart is hardened and does not let the people go (big surprise).
Plague number 5: livestock die.
All of the Egyptian livestock die, but of course, none of the livestock of Israel die. Though it doesn't say specifically for each of the plagues (some it does say), I'm assuming that in these plagues a distinction is made between the Egyptians and the Israelites.
If you look ahead to the seventh plague, you'll notice the Egyptians taking their livestock into shelter. How do they have livestock if all are killed in this fifth plague? I'm assuming that either "all" did not really mean all when referring to the livestock of the Egyptians. It could've meant all in comparison to not one of the livestock of Israel. However, it is probably more likely that some of the Egyptians acquired livestock between the fifth and the seventh plague. Maybe it's a bit of both, I'm not entirely sure. There are a couple of other possibilities that I just looked up. Regardless, it doesn't take away from the authority and scripture since it doesn't mean for sure that scripture is contradicted.
Plague number 6: boils.
Boils break out into sores on man and beast throughout Egypt. This is not pleasant and the Magicians cannot even stand before Moses because of the boils. However, Pharaoh still hardens his heart and will not listen.
Plague number 7: hail.
This time in what God tells Moses to say to Pharaoh, we hear a bit more. We see a purpose to the plagues, which is "so that you may know that there is none like me in all the earth". He even mentions that he could have cut them off from the earth and completely wipe them out, but he has not. However, God has another plan: "But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth". That is quite scary.
Some of the Egyptians actually listened and took their slaves and livestock into shelter. I'm actually surprised that some did not. Considering the track record of the first 6 plagues, you'd think that people would simply believe what Moses and Aaron was saying. However, God must've hardened their hearts as well, not just Pharaoh's heart. Actually, skipping ahead to chapter 10, we do see that mentioned: "Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the heart of his servants, that I may show these signs of mine among them".
So hail rains down and destroys quite a lot. They get called back to please with the Lord to cease the hail. Moses still doesn't believe that they'll let the Israelites go, "But as for you and your servants, I know that you do not yet fear the Lord God". As expected, Pharaoh doesn't let them go even after the hail has stopped.
Pharaoh even says "This time I have sinned; the Lord is in the right, and I and my people are in the wrong". I'm guessing that he doesn't really mean it considering he goes back on his word right after the hail ceases to fall.
Plague number 8: locusts.
We read of another reason given for these plagues: "that you may tell in the hearing of your son and of your grandson how I have dealt harshly with the Egyptians and what signs I have done among them". I'm sure you could talk to most Jews nowadays and they'd be able to tell you about how God saved the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
It's interesting that we hear of another voice of reason among the Egyptians, "Then Pharaoh's servants said to him, “How long shall this man be a snare to us? Let the men go, that they may serve the Lord their God. Do you not yet understand that Egypt is ruined?”". Pharaoh tries to reason with Moses and Aaron again, thinking only the men would go worship and leave the women and children behind. This doesn't work and Moses and Aaron refuse.
Locust swarm Egypt and Pharaoh asks for God to relent. Once again Pharaoh admits his sin to Moses and Aaron, "Then Pharaoh hastily called Moses and Aaron and said, “I have sinned against the Lord your God, and against you. Now therefore, forgive my sin, please, only this once, and plead with the Lord your God only to remove this death from me.”". Yes, you were right, Pharaoh doesn't let them go yet again.
Plague number 9: darkness.
Great darkness falls upon Egypt. it is so severe that people can't go anywhere or do anything. I wonder if they had candles or something like that. Perhaps it was so dark that they were unable to even find the candles to light them. Or perhaps the darkness was so great that the candles wouldn't work or would be snuffed out.
Pharaoh calls them again and tries to reason with them again. This time, he tries to have them leave their livestock behind. However, this will not work since they need the livestock. Pharaoh sends them away saying "Then Pharaoh said to him, “Get away from me; take care never to see my face again, for on the day you see my face you shall die.”". Actually, looking ahead you can see that Pharaoh does see Moses again. I guess Pharaoh didn't kill Moses as he said he would if he saw him again.
They come up and invade Egypt. Somehow, the magicians are able to re-create this plague. Pharaoh asks for Moses to take away the frogs and he will let them go to sacrifice to the Lord. However, when the frogs are gone, he hardened his heart and wouldn't listen to them.
Plague number 3: gnats.
This time, the magicians are unable to re-create the plague. They even warn Pharaoh that "this is the finger of God". However, Pharaoh's heart was hardened and wouldn't listen to them.
Plague number 4: flies.
The flies are unleashed and it is said "Throughout all the land of Egypt the land was ruined by the swarms of flies". Pharaoh calls them and tells them to sacrifice to their God within the land, hoping that he can work out a compromise. However, Moses replies saying that they cannot since if they sacrifice offerings that are not good in the sight of Egyptians, the Egyptians might kill them. They would need to go far away in order to avoid such a problem. Anyway, Pharaoh agrees to let them go sacrifice in the wilderness, only that they shouldn't go very far. Moses isn't convinced, saying "Only let not Pharaoh cheat again by not letting the people go sacrifice to the Lord". When the flies are gone, Pharaoh's heart is hardened and does not let the people go (big surprise).
Plague number 5: livestock die.
All of the Egyptian livestock die, but of course, none of the livestock of Israel die. Though it doesn't say specifically for each of the plagues (some it does say), I'm assuming that in these plagues a distinction is made between the Egyptians and the Israelites.
If you look ahead to the seventh plague, you'll notice the Egyptians taking their livestock into shelter. How do they have livestock if all are killed in this fifth plague? I'm assuming that either "all" did not really mean all when referring to the livestock of the Egyptians. It could've meant all in comparison to not one of the livestock of Israel. However, it is probably more likely that some of the Egyptians acquired livestock between the fifth and the seventh plague. Maybe it's a bit of both, I'm not entirely sure. There are a couple of other possibilities that I just looked up. Regardless, it doesn't take away from the authority and scripture since it doesn't mean for sure that scripture is contradicted.
Plague number 6: boils.
Boils break out into sores on man and beast throughout Egypt. This is not pleasant and the Magicians cannot even stand before Moses because of the boils. However, Pharaoh still hardens his heart and will not listen.
Plague number 7: hail.
This time in what God tells Moses to say to Pharaoh, we hear a bit more. We see a purpose to the plagues, which is "so that you may know that there is none like me in all the earth". He even mentions that he could have cut them off from the earth and completely wipe them out, but he has not. However, God has another plan: "But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth". That is quite scary.
Some of the Egyptians actually listened and took their slaves and livestock into shelter. I'm actually surprised that some did not. Considering the track record of the first 6 plagues, you'd think that people would simply believe what Moses and Aaron was saying. However, God must've hardened their hearts as well, not just Pharaoh's heart. Actually, skipping ahead to chapter 10, we do see that mentioned: "Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the heart of his servants, that I may show these signs of mine among them".
So hail rains down and destroys quite a lot. They get called back to please with the Lord to cease the hail. Moses still doesn't believe that they'll let the Israelites go, "But as for you and your servants, I know that you do not yet fear the Lord God". As expected, Pharaoh doesn't let them go even after the hail has stopped.
Pharaoh even says "This time I have sinned; the Lord is in the right, and I and my people are in the wrong". I'm guessing that he doesn't really mean it considering he goes back on his word right after the hail ceases to fall.
Plague number 8: locusts.
We read of another reason given for these plagues: "that you may tell in the hearing of your son and of your grandson how I have dealt harshly with the Egyptians and what signs I have done among them". I'm sure you could talk to most Jews nowadays and they'd be able to tell you about how God saved the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
It's interesting that we hear of another voice of reason among the Egyptians, "Then Pharaoh's servants said to him, “How long shall this man be a snare to us? Let the men go, that they may serve the Lord their God. Do you not yet understand that Egypt is ruined?”". Pharaoh tries to reason with Moses and Aaron again, thinking only the men would go worship and leave the women and children behind. This doesn't work and Moses and Aaron refuse.
Locust swarm Egypt and Pharaoh asks for God to relent. Once again Pharaoh admits his sin to Moses and Aaron, "Then Pharaoh hastily called Moses and Aaron and said, “I have sinned against the Lord your God, and against you. Now therefore, forgive my sin, please, only this once, and plead with the Lord your God only to remove this death from me.”". Yes, you were right, Pharaoh doesn't let them go yet again.
Plague number 9: darkness.
Great darkness falls upon Egypt. it is so severe that people can't go anywhere or do anything. I wonder if they had candles or something like that. Perhaps it was so dark that they were unable to even find the candles to light them. Or perhaps the darkness was so great that the candles wouldn't work or would be snuffed out.
Pharaoh calls them again and tries to reason with them again. This time, he tries to have them leave their livestock behind. However, this will not work since they need the livestock. Pharaoh sends them away saying "Then Pharaoh said to him, “Get away from me; take care never to see my face again, for on the day you see my face you shall die.”". Actually, looking ahead you can see that Pharaoh does see Moses again. I guess Pharaoh didn't kill Moses as he said he would if he saw him again.
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
Exodus 4-7
Moses doesn't really want to be chosen and keeps trying to find excuses. Back in chapter 3 it started with “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?”. To this, God tells Moses that he will be with him. Then Moses brings worry of whether or not they will believe him. To this, God provides Moses with miraculous signs to show as proof. Next, Moses complains that he is not eloquent with words. To this, God replies, "Who has made man's mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak”. Lastly, Moses asks God to send someone else and God finally gets angry with him and provides his brother, Aaron, to speak for him. Wow, that's a lot of excuses. However, this isn't so bad in light of the fact that I often make many excuses or complaints for myself.
I find it very interesting how God makes mention of the firstborn so early on.
"Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the Lord, Israel is my firstborn son, and I say to you, “Let my son go that he may serve me.” If you refuse to let him go, behold, I will kill your firstborn son.’”
God already makes mention of the firstborn, seeing ahead of time the final plague he will bring about on Egypt.
There's a weird story about circumcision. Perhaps Moses didn't circumcise his son when he was supposed to and Zipporah does it to save Moses. Well, he doesn't die and gets to continue on to Egypt.
Moses, along with Aaron, make their first appearance to Pharaoh and ask to let the people go worship God (as God instructed them to say). Pharaoh will not let them and because of this, places heavier burdens on the Israelites. They are no longer given straw to make bricks, but are still required to produce the same amount of bricks. As they describe, Moses has made the Israelites "stink in the sight of Pharaoh". Though the people initially believed Moses, they are not liking how things are turning out for them so far. Fortunately, things take a turn for the better in chapter 6.
God promises deliverance and tells Moses what he is about to do. When the people are told, they don't listen "because of their broken spirit and harsh slavery".
We read a genealogy of Moses and Aaron oddly inserted in the story at this point. Perhaps this was a good of a place as any?
Well, they go back to Pharaoh who obviously is still not listening. They then get to see the first plague, turning the Nile into blood. The magicians of Egypt were able to do the same thing and Pharaoh still remained hard-hearted. Because of the Nile turning into blood, the Egyptians are forced to dig along the Nile to get water to drink, since they cannot drink the blood water of the Nile anymore. These plagues are meant so that they don't affect the Israelites, and so I guess the Israelites have water where they are.
I find it very interesting how God makes mention of the firstborn so early on.
"Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the Lord, Israel is my firstborn son, and I say to you, “Let my son go that he may serve me.” If you refuse to let him go, behold, I will kill your firstborn son.’”
God already makes mention of the firstborn, seeing ahead of time the final plague he will bring about on Egypt.
There's a weird story about circumcision. Perhaps Moses didn't circumcise his son when he was supposed to and Zipporah does it to save Moses. Well, he doesn't die and gets to continue on to Egypt.
Moses, along with Aaron, make their first appearance to Pharaoh and ask to let the people go worship God (as God instructed them to say). Pharaoh will not let them and because of this, places heavier burdens on the Israelites. They are no longer given straw to make bricks, but are still required to produce the same amount of bricks. As they describe, Moses has made the Israelites "stink in the sight of Pharaoh". Though the people initially believed Moses, they are not liking how things are turning out for them so far. Fortunately, things take a turn for the better in chapter 6.
God promises deliverance and tells Moses what he is about to do. When the people are told, they don't listen "because of their broken spirit and harsh slavery".
We read a genealogy of Moses and Aaron oddly inserted in the story at this point. Perhaps this was a good of a place as any?
Well, they go back to Pharaoh who obviously is still not listening. They then get to see the first plague, turning the Nile into blood. The magicians of Egypt were able to do the same thing and Pharaoh still remained hard-hearted. Because of the Nile turning into blood, the Egyptians are forced to dig along the Nile to get water to drink, since they cannot drink the blood water of the Nile anymore. These plagues are meant so that they don't affect the Israelites, and so I guess the Israelites have water where they are.
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Exodus 1-3
Starting out in Exodus, we read about how time passes and there is a new king who doesn't remember Joseph. Worried about these Israelites, he sets taskmasters over them making them slaves. As another precaution, he has all their baby boys killed to keep a man from rising up among them to oppose him. However, we learn of the midwives who do not listen and save the babies. As a result, God deals well with the midwives.
Moses is born and his mother hides him so that he is not killed. Eventually, she cannot hide him and sets him to float in a basket on the river bank with his sister watching from a distance. Pharaoh's daughter finds him, takes pity on him and takes him as her own. He grows up and sees an Egyptian beating a Hebrew. He kills the Egyptian but eventually this is found out and Moses flees.
In Midian, he saves the daughters of the priest of Midian from shepherds and he is taken in by them. He is given Zipporah as a wife and has a son named Gershom. Back in Egypt, the Israelites are groaning over their tough labor. Chapter 2 ends with God hearing their groaning and remembering his covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Now was the time for God to act.
The famous burning bush is in chapter 3 and God speaks to Moses. Moses is being sent to save his people. Moses questions choosing him and is reassured that God will be with him. When asking who to say sent him and what is his name, he is told to say "I Am" has sent you. God's title of "I Am" is found here in chapter 3. God is sending Moses and they will be brought up out of Egypt to the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, ther Perizzites, the Hivites and the Jebusites. Pharaoh will not let them leave, but God will stretch out his hand to strike Egypt with wonders and then Pharaoh will let them leave. They will ask for things as they leave and will not leave empty handed. In so doing, they will plunder the Egyptians.
Why doesn't God just save his people? Why does he have to go through all these plagues and signs and wonders? Why did they need to be slaves in the first place? Well, we read in Exodus 9, "But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth". This is all for God's name and his glory. In any case, we see his plan and see what he is about to do.
Moses is born and his mother hides him so that he is not killed. Eventually, she cannot hide him and sets him to float in a basket on the river bank with his sister watching from a distance. Pharaoh's daughter finds him, takes pity on him and takes him as her own. He grows up and sees an Egyptian beating a Hebrew. He kills the Egyptian but eventually this is found out and Moses flees.
In Midian, he saves the daughters of the priest of Midian from shepherds and he is taken in by them. He is given Zipporah as a wife and has a son named Gershom. Back in Egypt, the Israelites are groaning over their tough labor. Chapter 2 ends with God hearing their groaning and remembering his covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Now was the time for God to act.
The famous burning bush is in chapter 3 and God speaks to Moses. Moses is being sent to save his people. Moses questions choosing him and is reassured that God will be with him. When asking who to say sent him and what is his name, he is told to say "I Am" has sent you. God's title of "I Am" is found here in chapter 3. God is sending Moses and they will be brought up out of Egypt to the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, ther Perizzites, the Hivites and the Jebusites. Pharaoh will not let them leave, but God will stretch out his hand to strike Egypt with wonders and then Pharaoh will let them leave. They will ask for things as they leave and will not leave empty handed. In so doing, they will plunder the Egyptians.
Why doesn't God just save his people? Why does he have to go through all these plagues and signs and wonders? Why did they need to be slaves in the first place? Well, we read in Exodus 9, "But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth". This is all for God's name and his glory. In any case, we see his plan and see what he is about to do.
Friday, October 14, 2016
Genesis 39-50
After a short but important interruption to zoom in on Judah, we resume back with Joseph. He's sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard. There, Joseph prospers and he is put in charge of just about everything in Potiphar's house. This is when trouble begins, because Potiphar's wife begins to desire Joseph. She continues to ask him to sleep with her, but he refuses. We not only see how God is blessing Joseph, but also Joseph's moral character. One day, she seems to have an opportune moment to get him to sleep with her (planned?). He manages to escape, leaving his coat behind. Potiphar's wife spins a story saying Joseph tried to sleep with her. So, Joseph is thrown into prison. This isn't any prison, but the prison where the king's prisoners were confined. However, even there, Joseph prospers and is blessed. He becomes in charge of all the prisoners. How does this happen? Because the Lord was with him and the Lord made whatever he did succeed.
In prison, we learn of two new characters, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker. They both have a dream and Joseph interprets their dreams. The interpretation is that the chief cupbearer is to be restored to his position in three days, and the chief baker is to be hanged. They come to pass and Joseph asks the chief cupbearer to remember him, but he forgets Joseph.
Two years later, Pharaoh has a dream and nobody can interpret it. This is when the chief cupbearer finally remembers Joseph and tells Pharoah. He is brought before Pharoah and interprets the dream. What's interesting is that Joseph says "It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer". Joseph doesn't take credit for himself, but rightfully gives credit to God. The interpretation of the dream is that there will be 7 years of plenty followed by 7 years of famine and the 7 years of famine will greatly overshadow the 7 years of plenty. Joseph is rewarded and promoted to 2nd only to Pharoah. He is to take charge of preparing for the coming famine. He gets a new name and Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On as a wife. He gathers food during the 7 years of plenty. During that time, two sons are born to him, Manasseh and Ephraim.
Well, the famine begins and people start going to Joseph to buy food. What's interesting is that Jacob and his family are looking to buy food, so the sons of Jacob go to Egypt to buy food (except for Benjamin). Joseph recognizes his brothers but they don't recognize him. Joseph speaks harshly to them and accuses them of being spies and puts them in custody. He questions them about who they are and finds out about a younger brother as well as the fact that their father is doing well. Well, when they are released, they are told that if they return, they must bring their brother Benjamin with them. Also, Simeon is kept captive until they return.
Well, they leave with the food they wanted, but Joseph instructs his men to put back the money in their sack as well as provisions for the journey. On the way back, when they find out about their money returned, they are surprised and a bit scared. Well, they told everything to Jacob and Reuben even steps in to put his children on the line for the sake of Benjamin. However, Jacob will hear none of this.
Well, eventually the food runs out and they have to go back for more food. However, they can't go back without Benjamin. This time, Judah puts himself on the line for Benjamin, guaranteeing his safety. The blame is to be placed on Judah and Jacob agrees. They return to Egypt with double the money, in hopes to return what was placed in their sacks when they left. They also brought presents from the land as gifts. When they arrive, they are received well and they eat with Joseph. Actually, they were worried because they were taken to Joseph's house and they thought they were going to be assaulted. Anyway, Simeon is released and when they try to return the money placed in their sacks, they are told that they already received payment for the food.
They eventually make their way with food as well as money. One important thing left is Joseph's silver cup left in Benjamin's sack. After they have left, Joseph sends men after them to ask about the silver cup and it is found in Benjamin's sack. What's interesting is that Judah offers to take Benjamin's place. He has already gauranteed Benjamin's safety to Jacob and now he must follow through with that. To Joseph, what can he offer except his own life in place of Benjamin's? Judah explains how Jacob cares for Benjamin and how Judah offered to bear the blame should anything happen to Benjamin.
Finally, Joseph cannot control himself any longer and lets himself be known. They don't believe him at first, but they eventually realize that he really is Joseph. What's interesting is that he tells them "And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life". He recognizes part of God's plan and that they shouldn't be angry with themselves or distressed. All is made well, they send for Jacob who doesn't believe at first. Joseph embraces his brothers and eventually gets to see his father. They settle in the land of Goshen.
The famine continues and people run out of money to pay for food, so Joseph buys their livestock in return for food. When they run out of livestock, they sell their land and themselves for food. Joseph buys all of Egypt for Pharoah and they all have to pay a fifth from then on or something like that.
Jacob lives another 17 years in Egypt and dies at 147 years of age. He wants to be buried back with his fathers and has Joseph swear to him. And, 3 chapters shy of the end of Genesis. I guess I could try...
Jacob blesses Joseph's sons and swaps hands, blessing the younger more than the older (which is unusual). Jacob blesses his sons and dies. He gets buried with his fathers. The brothers are afraid of Joseph because they think he might repay them now that Jacob is dead. However, that isn't the case and everything is fine. Joseph dies and that's the end of Genesis.
In prison, we learn of two new characters, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker. They both have a dream and Joseph interprets their dreams. The interpretation is that the chief cupbearer is to be restored to his position in three days, and the chief baker is to be hanged. They come to pass and Joseph asks the chief cupbearer to remember him, but he forgets Joseph.
Two years later, Pharaoh has a dream and nobody can interpret it. This is when the chief cupbearer finally remembers Joseph and tells Pharoah. He is brought before Pharoah and interprets the dream. What's interesting is that Joseph says "It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer". Joseph doesn't take credit for himself, but rightfully gives credit to God. The interpretation of the dream is that there will be 7 years of plenty followed by 7 years of famine and the 7 years of famine will greatly overshadow the 7 years of plenty. Joseph is rewarded and promoted to 2nd only to Pharoah. He is to take charge of preparing for the coming famine. He gets a new name and Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On as a wife. He gathers food during the 7 years of plenty. During that time, two sons are born to him, Manasseh and Ephraim.
Well, the famine begins and people start going to Joseph to buy food. What's interesting is that Jacob and his family are looking to buy food, so the sons of Jacob go to Egypt to buy food (except for Benjamin). Joseph recognizes his brothers but they don't recognize him. Joseph speaks harshly to them and accuses them of being spies and puts them in custody. He questions them about who they are and finds out about a younger brother as well as the fact that their father is doing well. Well, when they are released, they are told that if they return, they must bring their brother Benjamin with them. Also, Simeon is kept captive until they return.
Well, they leave with the food they wanted, but Joseph instructs his men to put back the money in their sack as well as provisions for the journey. On the way back, when they find out about their money returned, they are surprised and a bit scared. Well, they told everything to Jacob and Reuben even steps in to put his children on the line for the sake of Benjamin. However, Jacob will hear none of this.
Well, eventually the food runs out and they have to go back for more food. However, they can't go back without Benjamin. This time, Judah puts himself on the line for Benjamin, guaranteeing his safety. The blame is to be placed on Judah and Jacob agrees. They return to Egypt with double the money, in hopes to return what was placed in their sacks when they left. They also brought presents from the land as gifts. When they arrive, they are received well and they eat with Joseph. Actually, they were worried because they were taken to Joseph's house and they thought they were going to be assaulted. Anyway, Simeon is released and when they try to return the money placed in their sacks, they are told that they already received payment for the food.
They eventually make their way with food as well as money. One important thing left is Joseph's silver cup left in Benjamin's sack. After they have left, Joseph sends men after them to ask about the silver cup and it is found in Benjamin's sack. What's interesting is that Judah offers to take Benjamin's place. He has already gauranteed Benjamin's safety to Jacob and now he must follow through with that. To Joseph, what can he offer except his own life in place of Benjamin's? Judah explains how Jacob cares for Benjamin and how Judah offered to bear the blame should anything happen to Benjamin.
Finally, Joseph cannot control himself any longer and lets himself be known. They don't believe him at first, but they eventually realize that he really is Joseph. What's interesting is that he tells them "And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life". He recognizes part of God's plan and that they shouldn't be angry with themselves or distressed. All is made well, they send for Jacob who doesn't believe at first. Joseph embraces his brothers and eventually gets to see his father. They settle in the land of Goshen.
The famine continues and people run out of money to pay for food, so Joseph buys their livestock in return for food. When they run out of livestock, they sell their land and themselves for food. Joseph buys all of Egypt for Pharoah and they all have to pay a fifth from then on or something like that.
Jacob lives another 17 years in Egypt and dies at 147 years of age. He wants to be buried back with his fathers and has Joseph swear to him. And, 3 chapters shy of the end of Genesis. I guess I could try...
Jacob blesses Joseph's sons and swaps hands, blessing the younger more than the older (which is unusual). Jacob blesses his sons and dies. He gets buried with his fathers. The brothers are afraid of Joseph because they think he might repay them now that Jacob is dead. However, that isn't the case and everything is fine. Joseph dies and that's the end of Genesis.
Genesis 35-38
God speaks to Jacob again and it seems like he's reminding him about his name change. We also read about the death of Rachel. She dies giving birth to Benjamin. Isaac also dies and he is buried by his sons, Esau and Jacob.
Chapter 36 is full of Esau's descendants. One interesting thing that was noticed (not by me) was that the listing of Esau's wives is slightly different from a few chapters earlier. I've quickly looked at a 6 wife theory and a 4 wife theory to put the two together. Anyway, I don't really know what's going on here.
Moving on, Joseph, being Jacob's favorite, is given a coat by his father. He is hated by his brothers, since they know that he is favored. Also, he begins having dreams about them having to bow down to him, and they hate him even more. There is also mention of him rating out his brothers with a bad report. They don't like Joseph.
One day, Jacob sends Joseph to check on his brothers. They see him from far away and plan against him. They take his coat and throw him into a cistern. Rueben convinces them not to kill Joseph and Judah gets them to sell Joseph as a slave. Reuben returns, wanting to save Joseph, but he is too late. They return the coat to Jacob after dipping it in blood and Jacob believes that Joseph was killed by a wild animal.
Suddenly, the story shifts to Judah has 3 sons and get a wife, Tamar, for his firstborn. God kills his fistborn because he is wicked. Then, Judah instructs his secondborn to sleep with Tamar to produce children for his dead older brother. The second born son is also wicked, not performing his duty properly by spilling his seamen on the ground, so God kills him too. Judah is worried about his youngest son and though he promises to give him to Tamar eventually, he does not.
So, Tamar, recognizing this, dresses up as a prostitute in order to sleep with Judah. Judah does and she gets pregnant. Judah didn't know it was Tamar and eventually finds out what she did and that she is pregnant with his child. Though what she did was "wrong", Judah still says "She is more righteous than I". This probably refers to the fact that Judah was wrong for not giving his youngest son to her even though he said he would. Anyway, she bears twins, Perez and Zerah.
I don't know or don't remember the significance, but this story is quite significant. I'll have to look into it more, but at the very least, we know that it is through him and his line that Jesus is born. That is significant. Why did God choose Judah? What about Rueben, the oldest? What about Levi, from whom are the priests? What about Joseph, who God used to save many from the famine? One thing I read was about how Rueben had a moral failing causing him to be overlooked. He defiled his father's bed (he slept with Bilhah). As for Simeon and Levi, the next in line, the reason why they didn't get picked was probably because of the incident with Dinah.
Chapter 36 is full of Esau's descendants. One interesting thing that was noticed (not by me) was that the listing of Esau's wives is slightly different from a few chapters earlier. I've quickly looked at a 6 wife theory and a 4 wife theory to put the two together. Anyway, I don't really know what's going on here.
Moving on, Joseph, being Jacob's favorite, is given a coat by his father. He is hated by his brothers, since they know that he is favored. Also, he begins having dreams about them having to bow down to him, and they hate him even more. There is also mention of him rating out his brothers with a bad report. They don't like Joseph.
One day, Jacob sends Joseph to check on his brothers. They see him from far away and plan against him. They take his coat and throw him into a cistern. Rueben convinces them not to kill Joseph and Judah gets them to sell Joseph as a slave. Reuben returns, wanting to save Joseph, but he is too late. They return the coat to Jacob after dipping it in blood and Jacob believes that Joseph was killed by a wild animal.
Suddenly, the story shifts to Judah has 3 sons and get a wife, Tamar, for his firstborn. God kills his fistborn because he is wicked. Then, Judah instructs his secondborn to sleep with Tamar to produce children for his dead older brother. The second born son is also wicked, not performing his duty properly by spilling his seamen on the ground, so God kills him too. Judah is worried about his youngest son and though he promises to give him to Tamar eventually, he does not.
So, Tamar, recognizing this, dresses up as a prostitute in order to sleep with Judah. Judah does and she gets pregnant. Judah didn't know it was Tamar and eventually finds out what she did and that she is pregnant with his child. Though what she did was "wrong", Judah still says "She is more righteous than I". This probably refers to the fact that Judah was wrong for not giving his youngest son to her even though he said he would. Anyway, she bears twins, Perez and Zerah.
I don't know or don't remember the significance, but this story is quite significant. I'll have to look into it more, but at the very least, we know that it is through him and his line that Jesus is born. That is significant. Why did God choose Judah? What about Rueben, the oldest? What about Levi, from whom are the priests? What about Joseph, who God used to save many from the famine? One thing I read was about how Rueben had a moral failing causing him to be overlooked. He defiled his father's bed (he slept with Bilhah). As for Simeon and Levi, the next in line, the reason why they didn't get picked was probably because of the incident with Dinah.
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Genesis 32-34
Well, it's been a long time since Jacob saw his brother, Esau. If you remember, Jacob stole Esau's blessing just before fleeing and Esau declared that he wanted to kill Jacob. Well, they were about to meet and Jacob is afraid. So, he divides his camp thinking that at least one could escape if the other was attacked. Also, He sends gifts ahead in hopes to appease Esau.
That night, he takes everything he owns and sends it across the ford of Jabbok, "and Jacob was left alone". All alone there, he wrestles with a man until daybreak. The man touches Jacob's hip and puts it out of joint. Even still, Jacob refuses to let the man go until he blesses him. The man blesses Jacob and gives him a new name, Israel. This man he wrestles with is God, for he names the place Peniel, saying "For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered".
So, Jacob meets Esau and Esau is happy to see his brother. They argue about the gifts, but Esau finally accepts them. Esau goes back to Seir and Jacob goes to Succoth. What I find weird is why it sounds like Jacob intended to go to Seir with Esau, but then seems to just go to Succoth without telling him? Apparently, we read later in chapter 36 that because the land could not support both Esau and Jacob, they separated.
Moving on, we read about Dinah, the only daughter of Jacob that is mentioned. There might be others, but we wouldn't know how many to be exact. Anyway, a man named Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite rapes Dinah, but then falls in love with her. He wants her as his wife and goes with his father to get her. However, Jacob's sons (I'm guessing Simeon and Levi mainly) only agree to giving their sister to them if they all get circumcised. Shechem and Hamor happily agree. However, while they and all their people are still in pain from the circumcision, Simeon and Levi go and kill them all and plunder all their goods. This displeases Jacob, but Simeon and Levi only think it right for what Shechem did to Dinah.
That night, he takes everything he owns and sends it across the ford of Jabbok, "and Jacob was left alone". All alone there, he wrestles with a man until daybreak. The man touches Jacob's hip and puts it out of joint. Even still, Jacob refuses to let the man go until he blesses him. The man blesses Jacob and gives him a new name, Israel. This man he wrestles with is God, for he names the place Peniel, saying "For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered".
So, Jacob meets Esau and Esau is happy to see his brother. They argue about the gifts, but Esau finally accepts them. Esau goes back to Seir and Jacob goes to Succoth. What I find weird is why it sounds like Jacob intended to go to Seir with Esau, but then seems to just go to Succoth without telling him? Apparently, we read later in chapter 36 that because the land could not support both Esau and Jacob, they separated.
Moving on, we read about Dinah, the only daughter of Jacob that is mentioned. There might be others, but we wouldn't know how many to be exact. Anyway, a man named Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite rapes Dinah, but then falls in love with her. He wants her as his wife and goes with his father to get her. However, Jacob's sons (I'm guessing Simeon and Levi mainly) only agree to giving their sister to them if they all get circumcised. Shechem and Hamor happily agree. However, while they and all their people are still in pain from the circumcision, Simeon and Levi go and kill them all and plunder all their goods. This displeases Jacob, but Simeon and Levi only think it right for what Shechem did to Dinah.
Genesis 24-31
Abraham gets his servant to swear to him that he'll find a wife for his son. Specifically, he wants his servant to go back to Abraham's country to find a wife there, not from the land in which they are currently living. They do this thing where they put their hand under the other person's thigh, which is kinda weird. Anyway, the servant heads out to find a wife for Isaac and asks the Lord to show him a sign regarding this person who he is to find for Isaac. She is to offer to water his camels when he asks her for a drink. And guess what, this happens. Excited, the servant gives her a bunch of jewelry and asks her a bunch of questions. He tells his story to the girl and her family and they agree to allow the girl to go with him. Lots of gifts are given and the they eventually are on their way back. So, she goes back and they get married. They even go into the Sarah's tent and the chapter ends saying how Isaac was comforted after his mother's death.
Abraham dies at 175 years old and gives all he has to Isaac. We read about Abraham's descendants and then about Esau and Jacob. Rebekah, Isaac's wife was barren, so Isaac prays to God regarding this. She gives birth to twins, Esau and Jacob. It would be expected for the older to do well, but this is not the case. This is an example of the younger succeeding the older. This is also an example of favoritism, where Isaac favors Esau, but Rebekkah favors Jacob.
Well, as they grow up, we learn what kind of man Esau is. He despises his birthright, selling it for bread and a bowl of stew. He didn't really care for it and didn't value it as it should be valued. It was definitely worth more than a meal. He was probably exaggerating to say that he was about to die. He may have been hungry, but he could've survived long enough to find food some other way.
Moving on, we see God makes a promise to Isaac. It moves on down the line and God decides to establish his oath he made to Abraham to Isaac. Because of Abraham, his children are blessed and we see this through the life of Isaac. Unfortunately, we also see similar failings. Isaac follows in his father's footsteps by lying about his wife and saying that she is his sister.
Isaac prospers in the land and is sent away from the land because of how great he has become. We read about these wells he re-digs and quarrels over with the people. Eventually, they find a spot and a well where there aren't people to quarrel over. Eventually, the people who sent him away find him to make them swear an oath. The recognize that Isaac is so great that they should try to agree to some sort of treaty. I guess this is pretty smart on their behalf. We also read about how Esau takes for himself two wives, both Hittites. The last verse in the chapter shows that things aren't going well for the family, "and they made life bitter for Isaac and Rebekah".
We finally get to the story where Jacob deceives his blind father to give him the blessing and not Esau. I always wondered the difference between the birthright and the blessing. The birthright is the double inheritance that the firstborn receives, as well as the position of leadership over the family line. I'm not entirely sure, but the blessing is given by the father to the children. I guess a special blessing is given to the eldest. Anyway, it is stolen by Jacob and Esau wants to kill Jacob, so he flees to Rebekah's family. Rebekah also hopes that he will find a wife there, unlike Esau who has Hittite woman for wives.
Esau realizes how his wives are not favorable in the sight of his parents, so he goes to find a wife from the descendants of Ishmael. There's actually a weird bit about the different wives that Esau has. It's a bit confusing, but you can go try to look it up for yourself.
Jacob has a dream about a stairway to heaven (not related to the rock song) and God speaks to Jacob through the dream and blesses him. He builds an altar to God there and decides to follow God as his God and also decides to tithe a tenth to God.
He finds Laban, his relative and wants to marry his daughter, Rachel. He works for Laban for 7 years for Rachel, but he is tricked and given Leah instead of Rachel. He works another 7 years for Rachel and now has two wives. Rachel is barren and Leah isn't loved by her husband, since Jacob wanted Rachel in the first place. Also, Leah has weak eyes. Anyway, God sees this and blesses Leah with children. He gives birth to Reuben, Simeon, Levi and Judah. Rachel has Jacob sleep with her servant, Bilhah, to have children through her. Bilhah bears Dan and Naphtali. Leah uses the same trick and tries to have children through her servant, Zilpah. Zilpah bears Gad and Asher. Later, in some weird exchange we read that Rachel allows Leah to sleep with Jacob for Rueben's mandrakes. So, Leah bears Issachar and later Zebulun. It is also noted that she bears Dinah, the only daughter mentioned so far. Finally, after all this, God finally opens Rachel's womb and she bears Joseph.
Abraham dies at 175 years old and gives all he has to Isaac. We read about Abraham's descendants and then about Esau and Jacob. Rebekah, Isaac's wife was barren, so Isaac prays to God regarding this. She gives birth to twins, Esau and Jacob. It would be expected for the older to do well, but this is not the case. This is an example of the younger succeeding the older. This is also an example of favoritism, where Isaac favors Esau, but Rebekkah favors Jacob.
Well, as they grow up, we learn what kind of man Esau is. He despises his birthright, selling it for bread and a bowl of stew. He didn't really care for it and didn't value it as it should be valued. It was definitely worth more than a meal. He was probably exaggerating to say that he was about to die. He may have been hungry, but he could've survived long enough to find food some other way.
Moving on, we see God makes a promise to Isaac. It moves on down the line and God decides to establish his oath he made to Abraham to Isaac. Because of Abraham, his children are blessed and we see this through the life of Isaac. Unfortunately, we also see similar failings. Isaac follows in his father's footsteps by lying about his wife and saying that she is his sister.
Isaac prospers in the land and is sent away from the land because of how great he has become. We read about these wells he re-digs and quarrels over with the people. Eventually, they find a spot and a well where there aren't people to quarrel over. Eventually, the people who sent him away find him to make them swear an oath. The recognize that Isaac is so great that they should try to agree to some sort of treaty. I guess this is pretty smart on their behalf. We also read about how Esau takes for himself two wives, both Hittites. The last verse in the chapter shows that things aren't going well for the family, "and they made life bitter for Isaac and Rebekah".
We finally get to the story where Jacob deceives his blind father to give him the blessing and not Esau. I always wondered the difference between the birthright and the blessing. The birthright is the double inheritance that the firstborn receives, as well as the position of leadership over the family line. I'm not entirely sure, but the blessing is given by the father to the children. I guess a special blessing is given to the eldest. Anyway, it is stolen by Jacob and Esau wants to kill Jacob, so he flees to Rebekah's family. Rebekah also hopes that he will find a wife there, unlike Esau who has Hittite woman for wives.
Esau realizes how his wives are not favorable in the sight of his parents, so he goes to find a wife from the descendants of Ishmael. There's actually a weird bit about the different wives that Esau has. It's a bit confusing, but you can go try to look it up for yourself.
Jacob has a dream about a stairway to heaven (not related to the rock song) and God speaks to Jacob through the dream and blesses him. He builds an altar to God there and decides to follow God as his God and also decides to tithe a tenth to God.
He finds Laban, his relative and wants to marry his daughter, Rachel. He works for Laban for 7 years for Rachel, but he is tricked and given Leah instead of Rachel. He works another 7 years for Rachel and now has two wives. Rachel is barren and Leah isn't loved by her husband, since Jacob wanted Rachel in the first place. Also, Leah has weak eyes. Anyway, God sees this and blesses Leah with children. He gives birth to Reuben, Simeon, Levi and Judah. Rachel has Jacob sleep with her servant, Bilhah, to have children through her. Bilhah bears Dan and Naphtali. Leah uses the same trick and tries to have children through her servant, Zilpah. Zilpah bears Gad and Asher. Later, in some weird exchange we read that Rachel allows Leah to sleep with Jacob for Rueben's mandrakes. So, Leah bears Issachar and later Zebulun. It is also noted that she bears Dinah, the only daughter mentioned so far. Finally, after all this, God finally opens Rachel's womb and she bears Joseph.
Thursday, October 6, 2016
Genesis 20-23
Yet again we read of this whole issue where Abraham pretends that Sarah is his sister. This is technically true since they are half siblings, but it is still wrong to mislead people. In any case, there is yet another mishap. What's interesting is that it's stated how God keeps Abimelech from sinning. I have been reading a book recently and it mentions how God has the ability to keep people from sinning. Here in Genesis 20, we read one example of this.
Well, in this case, Abimelech does not send Abraham away but instead allows him to simply choose where he would like to live in this land. Abimelech and his people have also become sick because of this mishap. Specifically, God had closed the wombs of Abimelech's wife and female slaves. So, Abraham prays over them and God heals them.
One interesting thing that was brought to my attention by my wife was how old Sarah is at this point. More specifically, how she is so old yet people still find her beautiful. Can you imagine someone wanting a 90 year old as their wife because of her beauty?
Isaac is born and Abraham sends Hagar and Ishmael away. Wandering in the wilderness, they run out of water and are about to die. However, an angel speaks to her and God opens her eyes to a well of water. So, they survive and the boy grows up to be good with the bow.
Abimelech realizes that Abraham is blessed by God. He asks Abraham to promise to deal well with him and his descendants. There is also an issue about a well. Abraham agrees to deal well with Abimelech and his people and there is an exchange of sheep and oxen over a well that Abraham dug.
Now we get to the famous story where Abraham has to sacrifice his son, Isaac. This is quite a story because he finally has a son in his old age and God asks Abraham to sacrifice him. God even told him about the blessings through Isaac, which would be weird if Isaac was to die already. In the book of Hebrews, we actually get an inside look to what was going through Abraham's head. He thought that God would raise Isaac from the dead.
Just before Abraham is about to sacrifice Isaac, an angel stops him and they sacrifice a ram instead (which God provided). This was obviously a test, seeing whether or not Abraham was willing to give up his son for God.
What's interesting is that when Isaac asks Abraham about not having an animal to sacrifice, he tells him that God will provide a lamb. God does provide in the end, but he provides a ram, not a lamb. I remember hearing of some significance to this very fact. It is a possible reference to how God will provide a lamb, meaning Jesus.
Many years pass and Sarah dies at the age of 127. Abraham seeks for a place to bury her and the people he is living among, the Hittites, are happy to provide him with a place to bury Sarah. This shows that Abraham is well liked and respected among the people of the land. He wants to buy a cave from a man named Ephron, but Ephron wants to just give it to Abraham. They argue and he finally agrees to receive payment for this cave (and field). So, he buries Sarah in the cave that he now owns because he bought it.
Well, in this case, Abimelech does not send Abraham away but instead allows him to simply choose where he would like to live in this land. Abimelech and his people have also become sick because of this mishap. Specifically, God had closed the wombs of Abimelech's wife and female slaves. So, Abraham prays over them and God heals them.
One interesting thing that was brought to my attention by my wife was how old Sarah is at this point. More specifically, how she is so old yet people still find her beautiful. Can you imagine someone wanting a 90 year old as their wife because of her beauty?
Isaac is born and Abraham sends Hagar and Ishmael away. Wandering in the wilderness, they run out of water and are about to die. However, an angel speaks to her and God opens her eyes to a well of water. So, they survive and the boy grows up to be good with the bow.
Abimelech realizes that Abraham is blessed by God. He asks Abraham to promise to deal well with him and his descendants. There is also an issue about a well. Abraham agrees to deal well with Abimelech and his people and there is an exchange of sheep and oxen over a well that Abraham dug.
Now we get to the famous story where Abraham has to sacrifice his son, Isaac. This is quite a story because he finally has a son in his old age and God asks Abraham to sacrifice him. God even told him about the blessings through Isaac, which would be weird if Isaac was to die already. In the book of Hebrews, we actually get an inside look to what was going through Abraham's head. He thought that God would raise Isaac from the dead.
Just before Abraham is about to sacrifice Isaac, an angel stops him and they sacrifice a ram instead (which God provided). This was obviously a test, seeing whether or not Abraham was willing to give up his son for God.
What's interesting is that when Isaac asks Abraham about not having an animal to sacrifice, he tells him that God will provide a lamb. God does provide in the end, but he provides a ram, not a lamb. I remember hearing of some significance to this very fact. It is a possible reference to how God will provide a lamb, meaning Jesus.
Many years pass and Sarah dies at the age of 127. Abraham seeks for a place to bury her and the people he is living among, the Hittites, are happy to provide him with a place to bury Sarah. This shows that Abraham is well liked and respected among the people of the land. He wants to buy a cave from a man named Ephron, but Ephron wants to just give it to Abraham. They argue and he finally agrees to receive payment for this cave (and field). So, he buries Sarah in the cave that he now owns because he bought it.
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Genesis 18-19
Now the Lord appeared to Abraham. To Abraham, he looked up and saw 3 men. Immediately, he asks them to stay and allow him to serve them. They agree and he runs to get things prepared to serve them. They ask about Sarah and tell about how she will bear a son. Sarah, listening to the conversation, laughs at this thinking it impossible since she is very old. Then, they ask why she laughed and Sarah denies that she laughed.
As they are leaving, the Lord wonders to himself whether or not he should tell Abraham of what he is about to do. There is a great outcry in Sodom and Gomorrah and the Lord is going to go check it out. Now, God knows everything and doesn't need to "check it out"; however, we read this progression of this story and how God chose to play out this story.
Abraham asks about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and asks if he will spare the city for the sake of 50 righteous people. The Lord says he will not. Abraham continues to lower the number, asking whether or not he will spare the city for the sake of a certain number of righteous people in the city. The last number is 10. If you know how this turns out, you realize that he still destroys the city. This means that there were not even 10 righteous people in the city.
The Lord arrives in the city and Lot "pressed them strongly" to stay with him instead of in the town square. They do and eat with him, but they are soon surrounded by young and old men of the city. They demand Lot hand over the men so that they may have sex with them. Obviously, this is wrong and Lot refuses. In a weird turn of events, Lot offers his daughters to them instead of his guests. This is also wrong, but perhaps the sinfulness of the city had been rubbing off on him. In any case, they turn on Lot but his guests save him and blind them men.
Lot is told that the city will be destroyed, so he goes to warn his to be sons-in-law, but they think he's joking. The angels urge him to leave, but he lingers. So, they take him by force to leave the city along with his daughters and wife. He asks them to allow him to escape to a nearby city instead of the hills and they allow. As they flee, they are told not to look back, but Lot's wife looks back and is turned into a pillar of salt. They leave and Sodom and Gomorrah is destroyed.
I guess these men are angels, and they talk about how the Lord is to destroy the city. In the previous chapter, Abraham speaks to the Lord and these men visit. It's interesting that 3 men visit Abraham, but only 2 men visit Lot. I'm not sure what to make of this, but we know that Abraham speaks to the Lord and Lot is visited by 2 men who are referred to angels. Those angels also refer to the Lord as sending them to destroy the place, as well as saying that the Lord is about to destroy the city. I'm not entirely sure...
Anyways, we read about how Lot's daughters get him drunk to sleep with him so that they can bear children. The son of the firstborn becomes the father of the Moabites and the son of the younger becomes the father of the Ammonites. This is important to note for later when we read about these people. They are not well looked upon because of their dark beginnings.
As they are leaving, the Lord wonders to himself whether or not he should tell Abraham of what he is about to do. There is a great outcry in Sodom and Gomorrah and the Lord is going to go check it out. Now, God knows everything and doesn't need to "check it out"; however, we read this progression of this story and how God chose to play out this story.
Abraham asks about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and asks if he will spare the city for the sake of 50 righteous people. The Lord says he will not. Abraham continues to lower the number, asking whether or not he will spare the city for the sake of a certain number of righteous people in the city. The last number is 10. If you know how this turns out, you realize that he still destroys the city. This means that there were not even 10 righteous people in the city.
The Lord arrives in the city and Lot "pressed them strongly" to stay with him instead of in the town square. They do and eat with him, but they are soon surrounded by young and old men of the city. They demand Lot hand over the men so that they may have sex with them. Obviously, this is wrong and Lot refuses. In a weird turn of events, Lot offers his daughters to them instead of his guests. This is also wrong, but perhaps the sinfulness of the city had been rubbing off on him. In any case, they turn on Lot but his guests save him and blind them men.
Lot is told that the city will be destroyed, so he goes to warn his to be sons-in-law, but they think he's joking. The angels urge him to leave, but he lingers. So, they take him by force to leave the city along with his daughters and wife. He asks them to allow him to escape to a nearby city instead of the hills and they allow. As they flee, they are told not to look back, but Lot's wife looks back and is turned into a pillar of salt. They leave and Sodom and Gomorrah is destroyed.
I guess these men are angels, and they talk about how the Lord is to destroy the city. In the previous chapter, Abraham speaks to the Lord and these men visit. It's interesting that 3 men visit Abraham, but only 2 men visit Lot. I'm not sure what to make of this, but we know that Abraham speaks to the Lord and Lot is visited by 2 men who are referred to angels. Those angels also refer to the Lord as sending them to destroy the place, as well as saying that the Lord is about to destroy the city. I'm not entirely sure...
Anyways, we read about how Lot's daughters get him drunk to sleep with him so that they can bear children. The son of the firstborn becomes the father of the Moabites and the son of the younger becomes the father of the Ammonites. This is important to note for later when we read about these people. They are not well looked upon because of their dark beginnings.
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
Genesis 15-17
The Lord speaks again to Abram, this time in a vision. “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great”. But in light of this, Abram wonders what use is a reward to him when he is childless. All that he has will be passed down to someone who is not even related to him. So, what good is a reward? Well, God simply tells him that he will have a son and that his offspring will be so many that they will be like the many stars in the sky.
Abram believed and this was counted as righteousness. I remember this because it is a point that Paul makes in the New Testament. Some of the Jews took pride in their circumcision or in their works, but Paul reminds them that Abram's righteousness was by faith and it was before he was circumcised.
The Lord tells Abram about the land that he will possess, but Abram asks for assurance of this. I guess he still questions this. So, the Lord gets Abram to arrange some animals. The Lord confirms what he says by having "a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch" pass between the pieces (the animal carcasses). There is also a bit of a foretelling of what will happen. Abram's offspring will sojourners in a foreign land and be afflicted for 400 years (slavery in Egypt). Then, they will be delivered and the Egyptians will be judged and they will leave with great possessions. Abram will be buried in a good old age. Then, they will return back here, to this land that is promised by God.
Next, we read a story about Sarai and Hagar. Sarai is still barren, and they decide to have Abram have children by Hagar, Sarai's servant. This is obviously a bad idea, but they do it anyways and Hagar is pregnant. However, this immediately causes strife and Hagar looks with contempt on Sarai and Sarai deals harshly towards Hagar and then Hagar runs away. Having run away, an angel appears to Hagar and tells her about the child she is to bear. So, Ishmael is born and I guess things continue on.
The Lord tells Abram about of circumcision and all the males are to circumcised. This is part of the covenant, that all the males are to be circumcised.
Abram is also renamed Abraham and Sarai is renamed Sarah. I guess there is great meaning to these names. Abraham means "father of a multitude" and Sarah means "princess". I understand "Abraham" because God tells of his offspring being many, but I don't quite get "Sarah". Perhaps this is to reinforce the idea that Sarah is important, even though she still hasn't been able to bear any children.
Abraham thinks the covenant will be established with Ishamel, but the Lord tells him that it will be established with the son Sarah is to bear, Isaac. And with this, Abraham circumcises all the men of his house. That must've been painful...
Abram believed and this was counted as righteousness. I remember this because it is a point that Paul makes in the New Testament. Some of the Jews took pride in their circumcision or in their works, but Paul reminds them that Abram's righteousness was by faith and it was before he was circumcised.
The Lord tells Abram about the land that he will possess, but Abram asks for assurance of this. I guess he still questions this. So, the Lord gets Abram to arrange some animals. The Lord confirms what he says by having "a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch" pass between the pieces (the animal carcasses). There is also a bit of a foretelling of what will happen. Abram's offspring will sojourners in a foreign land and be afflicted for 400 years (slavery in Egypt). Then, they will be delivered and the Egyptians will be judged and they will leave with great possessions. Abram will be buried in a good old age. Then, they will return back here, to this land that is promised by God.
Next, we read a story about Sarai and Hagar. Sarai is still barren, and they decide to have Abram have children by Hagar, Sarai's servant. This is obviously a bad idea, but they do it anyways and Hagar is pregnant. However, this immediately causes strife and Hagar looks with contempt on Sarai and Sarai deals harshly towards Hagar and then Hagar runs away. Having run away, an angel appears to Hagar and tells her about the child she is to bear. So, Ishmael is born and I guess things continue on.
The Lord tells Abram about of circumcision and all the males are to circumcised. This is part of the covenant, that all the males are to be circumcised.
Abram is also renamed Abraham and Sarai is renamed Sarah. I guess there is great meaning to these names. Abraham means "father of a multitude" and Sarah means "princess". I understand "Abraham" because God tells of his offspring being many, but I don't quite get "Sarah". Perhaps this is to reinforce the idea that Sarah is important, even though she still hasn't been able to bear any children.
Abraham thinks the covenant will be established with Ishamel, but the Lord tells him that it will be established with the son Sarah is to bear, Isaac. And with this, Abraham circumcises all the men of his house. That must've been painful...
Monday, October 3, 2016
Genesis 12-14
Wow, so now my homework is to read chapters 11 to 50 in 2 weeks. That's a bit crazy, but we'll see how it goes... I guess it's not impossible, just a lot more reading than I'm used too (sadly?).
Abram gets called by God to leave. This was apparently not common since most people live where they grow up and stay in their communities and don't venture far off. Yes, I guess Abram is already in a bit of a different situation since he has already moved with his dad Terah. However, this still doesn't change the fact that what he was being called to was uncommon to say the least.
God chooses Abram and is going to make him into a great nation and will bless him. It is through Abram that God will bless the whole world. We don't read of any hint of disobedience or questioning. Abram simply follows what the Lord tells him and goes. Lot goes with him and they take their possessions (animals, servants, etc).
Why did God choose Abram? Why didn't he choose someone else? Was Abram a good guy or something? We read nothing of this and we actually learn later about some shady things that Abram does do. He isn't the best of dudes. However, to his credit, he does obey and simply goes as the Lord instructs him. So why does he choose him? I don't know. God does what he does and he obviously had a plan. At the very least, I don't think there was anything special about Abram that caused God to pick him.
We then read about some trouble arising. There is a famine, and for people of those days, this was quite a hardship. With a famine, how would they grow food to feed themselves? So, they decide to go down to Egypt to live there. In Egypt, Abram does something that is far from upright, he tells everyone that Sarai is his sister and asks her to do the same. He fears for his own life, thinking they would kill him in order to take his beautiful wife from him. They do take Sarai, thinking her to be Abram's sister and give Abram many gifts for the sake of Sarai. However, God sends plagues and it is found out that she really is his wife. So, upset about this whole situation, they return his wife and send them away.
Moving on, we learn that Abram and Lot's wealth has grown a lot. It is so much that it is hard for them to live in the same place together. As a result, they decide to separate so that they don't run into more problems. Lot settles in Sodom and Abram moves on to live in Canaan. Though Abram seems to be on the right path, Lot is in for trouble. Lot originally got first pick of where to live, and he chose Sodom because the land was well watered. However, we read "Now the men of Sodom were wicked, great sinners against the Lord". This will only spell trouble for him later on.
A large war breaks out in the land and 4 kings go up against 5 kings. As a result of the battle, the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah flee and the enemy chases them and takes the lands and the things in the lands as possessions. This includes Lot and all that he owns. One escapes to tell Abram of this and he embarks to save Lot. With only 318 trained men of his own, he manages to save Lot along with his possessions.
It is here that we read of a notable (albeit brief) character, Melchizedek. Melchizidek is both a priest and a king, which makes him quite unique. He is special because he is referred to in the New Testament with respect to Jesus. We read in the book of Hebrews how Jesus is a priest after the order of Melchizedek.
In any case, we read about how Abram gives to Melchizedek 10%. Why does he do this? Apparently, he doesn't want anything to think that he was made rich by Sodom or the spoils. Instead, he prospers because God makes him to prosper. This is probably where most get the idea to tithe 10%. I remember later hearing of a teaching on this refuting the 10% tithe. With reference to 2 Corinthians 8-9, we are to be cheerful givers and to give generously. So, instead of a 10% tithe (though, 10% isn't necessarily a bad thing), we should focus on being a cheerful giver and giving generously.
Abram gets called by God to leave. This was apparently not common since most people live where they grow up and stay in their communities and don't venture far off. Yes, I guess Abram is already in a bit of a different situation since he has already moved with his dad Terah. However, this still doesn't change the fact that what he was being called to was uncommon to say the least.
God chooses Abram and is going to make him into a great nation and will bless him. It is through Abram that God will bless the whole world. We don't read of any hint of disobedience or questioning. Abram simply follows what the Lord tells him and goes. Lot goes with him and they take their possessions (animals, servants, etc).
Why did God choose Abram? Why didn't he choose someone else? Was Abram a good guy or something? We read nothing of this and we actually learn later about some shady things that Abram does do. He isn't the best of dudes. However, to his credit, he does obey and simply goes as the Lord instructs him. So why does he choose him? I don't know. God does what he does and he obviously had a plan. At the very least, I don't think there was anything special about Abram that caused God to pick him.
We then read about some trouble arising. There is a famine, and for people of those days, this was quite a hardship. With a famine, how would they grow food to feed themselves? So, they decide to go down to Egypt to live there. In Egypt, Abram does something that is far from upright, he tells everyone that Sarai is his sister and asks her to do the same. He fears for his own life, thinking they would kill him in order to take his beautiful wife from him. They do take Sarai, thinking her to be Abram's sister and give Abram many gifts for the sake of Sarai. However, God sends plagues and it is found out that she really is his wife. So, upset about this whole situation, they return his wife and send them away.
Moving on, we learn that Abram and Lot's wealth has grown a lot. It is so much that it is hard for them to live in the same place together. As a result, they decide to separate so that they don't run into more problems. Lot settles in Sodom and Abram moves on to live in Canaan. Though Abram seems to be on the right path, Lot is in for trouble. Lot originally got first pick of where to live, and he chose Sodom because the land was well watered. However, we read "Now the men of Sodom were wicked, great sinners against the Lord". This will only spell trouble for him later on.
A large war breaks out in the land and 4 kings go up against 5 kings. As a result of the battle, the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah flee and the enemy chases them and takes the lands and the things in the lands as possessions. This includes Lot and all that he owns. One escapes to tell Abram of this and he embarks to save Lot. With only 318 trained men of his own, he manages to save Lot along with his possessions.
It is here that we read of a notable (albeit brief) character, Melchizedek. Melchizidek is both a priest and a king, which makes him quite unique. He is special because he is referred to in the New Testament with respect to Jesus. We read in the book of Hebrews how Jesus is a priest after the order of Melchizedek.
In any case, we read about how Abram gives to Melchizedek 10%. Why does he do this? Apparently, he doesn't want anything to think that he was made rich by Sodom or the spoils. Instead, he prospers because God makes him to prosper. This is probably where most get the idea to tithe 10%. I remember later hearing of a teaching on this refuting the 10% tithe. With reference to 2 Corinthians 8-9, we are to be cheerful givers and to give generously. So, instead of a 10% tithe (though, 10% isn't necessarily a bad thing), we should focus on being a cheerful giver and giving generously.
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