Genesis 3:14 "And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you."
Outline
*Moses keepeth Jethro's flock
*God appeareth to him in a burning bush
*He sendeth him to deliver Israel
*The name of God
*His message to Israel
Moses has now been tending Jethro's flocks for 40 years. Remember, he spent 40 years in the house of Pharaoh. I've read, but can't recall where, that it was common for a bush to catch fire in the desert and burn up. If that is the case, it would have been a common site for Moses in his 40 years out there. Something unusual happened this day.
v2 "And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked and behold the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed."
God now had the attention of Moses. Isn't that true even today? God must first have our attention before he can get a message across to us. v3 "And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt."
Here we see that Moses is paying attention to the strange happening of the bush. Why would it not burn up? Next, God calls Moses by name. It is clear that the encounter was not just for anyone passing by but for Moses in particular.
Then the Lord identifies himself to Moses but first there is the necessity to recognize God's holiness. Moses must know who he is talking to. To draw nigh to God we must understand and respect that He is a holy and righteous God. We cannot approach him on a casual basis.
v5 "And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground."
Many, in our day, might take offense at this statement. People tend to want to approach God as if he was the buddy down the street. No so. He is the God of the universe and must be respected as such.
v6 "Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face for he was afraid to look upon God."
Humanity has come a long way since the garden where the Lord walked in the cool of the day. Until Adam's sin, there was no seperation between him and the Lord. As time passes, we see the Lord talking to Abraham, Isaac and and Jacob. Now, man has slipped away and God has come in the flame of a burning bush. It has been 400 years with no word. No doubt, the people still cling to the promise of God and the prohecy of Joseph that his bones would be carried out. Four hundred years is a long time. Now, Moses, a seeming reject from Israel and the house of Pharaoh is hearing the Lord speak.
We will listen to the conversation next time.
Psalm 86:1 "Bow down thine ear, O Lord, hear me: for I am poor and needy."
Monday, November 06, 2006
Sunday, November 05, 2006
An Amazing Old Time Church Service
For a limited time, this service will be online. It includes Pastor Guffey's sermon on the Song of Solomon. Every Christian should listen and watch this service. You will be blessed. Once at the site go to webcast. Click on 10/29/2006 AM service. You are in for a treat.
Friday, November 03, 2006
Exodus 2 "Moses"
Exodus 2:10 "And the child grew and she brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water.
Moses means drawn out.
Moses was of the house of Levi. He had a brother Aaron and a sister Miriam who was the oldest.
He was the great leader and lawgiver of the children of Israel.
Moses life falls into three forty year periods. (See Acts 7:23,30,36) 1) His life in Pharaoh's house 2) Tending flocks in Midian 3) Delivering Israel from bondage.
Deuteronomy 34:10 "And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face."
We begin with the birth of Moses in a time when Pharaoh has ordered the death of all male children born to the children of Israel. His mother hid him for three months and then made the famous ark of bulrushes for him and placed him in the river near its brink.
Next, she had Miriam to watch him to see what would happen to him. Little did they know that in that ark was their deliverance as God had promised.
I find it so wonderful that during this time of death, that God would arrange it so that Pharaoh's daughter would love the child and get his own mother to nurse him until he was older. Then, when Pharaoh was so afraid that he would loose the free labor of the Israelites, God placed their very deliverer in the house of Pharaoh to grow up. Where else would he have been more safe?
The chapter moves quickly to the time when Moses is 40 years old and has grown up in a position to learn all the workings of Pharaoh and his rule. I expect, as in the movie, he became friends with many of them. His heart was with his people though and when he saw one being hit by an Egyptian, he killed the Egyptian and buried his body. The second day he went out and saw two of his brethern striving together and he reprimanded the guilty party. He also found out that his killing of the Egyptian was known. Indeed, Pharaoh sought to slay him so he fled to Midian.
Exodus 2:15 "Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well."
Midian was a son of Abraham by Keturah. The Midianites lived in the area from the Sinaitic penisula to the banks of the Euphrates. They were traders with Egypt.
We find Moses sitting beside a well which seems to be a good place for the men of the Israelites. If you remember, it was by a well that the servant met Rebekah, Isaac's wife and where Jacob met Rachel. These shepherds seem to have a mean streak in them for when the daughters of the priest of Midian came to water their father's flocks, the shepherds drove them away until Moses intervened.
Exodus 2:17 "And the shepherds came and drove them away; but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock."
The priest was pleased with Moses and gave him Zipporah to wed. After this, Moses is content and tended his father-in-law's sheep. The king of Egypt died. We now go to the point I mentioned in Exodus 1. When the trouble mounts up on Israel, they turn to God with their crys and prayers and God heard them.
Exodus 2:24-25 "And God heard their groaning and God remembered his covenant with Abraham with Isaac and with Jacob. And God looked upon the children of Israel and God had respect unto them."
We have, very quickly, covered the first 80 years of the life of Moses. These 80 years have been in preparation for the last 40 years of his life and his purpose in life which was to deliver the children of Israel from slavery and guide them on their journey to becoming a nation and a fighting force to be reckoned with so they were able to claim the promise land Canaan.
Psalm 3:1-2 "Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah."
Exodus 1 "Israel Grows"
Genesis 1:8-9 "Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph, And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we:"
As previously promised by God, the children of Israel are growing into a great multitude and the Egyptians are getting nervous about it. In fact, the king goes on to say that they have outnumbered them. His solution is to kill the males to slow down the population explosion. It is a growth he cannot stop. There are two midwives who attend the women giving birth. Perhaps there are more but two are named: Shiphrah and Puah.
Genesis 1:17 "But the midwives feared God and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive."
The king of Egypt also increased the pressure on the children to work under extreme conditions. They in fact built treasure cities for Pharaoh called: Pithom and Raamses. Neither did this slow the population growth. v12a "But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew."...
Perhaps in desperation, Pharaoh gave another order. I noticed a little selfishness on the part of Pharaoh. He did not want the children of Israel to leave. Their labor was too important. He gave away his fear that they would leave in v10 "Come on, let us deal wisely with them, lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land."
"...get them up out of the land." He was afraid he would loose his free labor.
Genesis 1:22 "And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive."
After 400 years, it seems that pressure is mounting on the children of Israel. So what do we do when it becomes to much to bear for us? We usually pray.
Psalm 7:1-2 "O Lord my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me: Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver."
As previously promised by God, the children of Israel are growing into a great multitude and the Egyptians are getting nervous about it. In fact, the king goes on to say that they have outnumbered them. His solution is to kill the males to slow down the population explosion. It is a growth he cannot stop. There are two midwives who attend the women giving birth. Perhaps there are more but two are named: Shiphrah and Puah.
Genesis 1:17 "But the midwives feared God and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive."
The king of Egypt also increased the pressure on the children to work under extreme conditions. They in fact built treasure cities for Pharaoh called: Pithom and Raamses. Neither did this slow the population growth. v12a "But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew."...
Perhaps in desperation, Pharaoh gave another order. I noticed a little selfishness on the part of Pharaoh. He did not want the children of Israel to leave. Their labor was too important. He gave away his fear that they would leave in v10 "Come on, let us deal wisely with them, lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land."
"...get them up out of the land." He was afraid he would loose his free labor.
Genesis 1:22 "And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive."
After 400 years, it seems that pressure is mounting on the children of Israel. So what do we do when it becomes to much to bear for us? We usually pray.
Psalm 7:1-2 "O Lord my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me: Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver."
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Exodus "Beginning to End"
Exodus is, of course, the story of Israel coming out of Egypt toward the promise land. It starts with the people being oppressed by the Egyptians and concludes with the tabernacle. It contains 40 chapters and covers about 216 years.
Exodus may be divided into three sections:
*Israel in Egypt (1-15)
*From the Red Sea to Sinai (16-18)
*Israel at Sinai (19-40)
Exodus means: a going forth or going out. The main characters are Moses, Aaron and Joshua.
It is not just a story of a trip across the wilderness. All the original heads of family have died. Their history is largely made up of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob who is Israel. When, Jacob died there was no one leader to guide the people. It was left up to the family heads. As we will find, they went through a long period of slavery to the Egyptians. By referring back to Genesis, we know that it was about 400 years. So, in going from Genesis to Exodus we have spanned that 400 years and know only that they fell out of favor in Egypt because of a new king who did not know Joseph and that they were forced to serve the Egyptians with rigor.
So, not only is this a journey to the promise land, it is a time of preparation. A time when the people are organized from former slaves into a nation and fighting force. It also teaches us about redemption. It shows us our defilement and the need for constant cleansing in order to have a relationship with the Holy God. As in Genesis, Exodus ever points to Christ.
Remember the promise to Abraham and know that God does know how to take care of us.
Genesis 15:13-14 "And he said unto Abram (Abraham), Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance."
Psalm 30:5 "For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favor is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
Exodus may be divided into three sections:
*Israel in Egypt (1-15)
*From the Red Sea to Sinai (16-18)
*Israel at Sinai (19-40)
Exodus means: a going forth or going out. The main characters are Moses, Aaron and Joshua.
It is not just a story of a trip across the wilderness. All the original heads of family have died. Their history is largely made up of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob who is Israel. When, Jacob died there was no one leader to guide the people. It was left up to the family heads. As we will find, they went through a long period of slavery to the Egyptians. By referring back to Genesis, we know that it was about 400 years. So, in going from Genesis to Exodus we have spanned that 400 years and know only that they fell out of favor in Egypt because of a new king who did not know Joseph and that they were forced to serve the Egyptians with rigor.
So, not only is this a journey to the promise land, it is a time of preparation. A time when the people are organized from former slaves into a nation and fighting force. It also teaches us about redemption. It shows us our defilement and the need for constant cleansing in order to have a relationship with the Holy God. As in Genesis, Exodus ever points to Christ.
Remember the promise to Abraham and know that God does know how to take care of us.
Genesis 15:13-14 "And he said unto Abram (Abraham), Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance."
Psalm 30:5 "For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favor is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
"Joseph and Jesus" Comparison
To compare Joseph and Jesus I have presented a short passage from the life of Joseph then one from the life of Jesus. I believe we can safely say that Joseph going into Egypt to save his people was a picture of Jesus leaving heaven to save his people. For a complete picture, you might want to read the four gospels and the life of Joseph as found in the last chapters of Genesis.
Sent by his father:
Genesis 37:13 "And Israel said unto Joseph Do not thy brethren feed the flock in Shechem? come and I will send thee unto them. And he said to him, Here am I."
It is interesting to note that the brethren were not where they were suppose to be but had decided to go someplace else.
John 3:17 "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."
Thirty Years Old
Genesis 41:46 "And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh and went throughout all the land of Egypt."
Luke 3:22-23 "And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased. And Jesus himself bean to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph ...."
Conspired Against
Genesis 37:18 "And when they saw him (Joseph) afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him."
Luke 5:18 "Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God."
Special Coat
Genesis 37:23 "And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stripped Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colors that was on him."
John 19:23-24 "Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be that the scripture might be fulfilled which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots.
The Price
Genesis 37:26 "And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood? Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content."
Genesis 37:28 "...and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty piees of silver..."
Matthew 26:14-15 "Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver."
(Judah and Judas both mean praise)
Purpose to Save
Genesis 50:20 "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive."
Luke 23:34 "Then said Jesus, Father forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment and cast lots."
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
If they had known what we know now, they might have seen the life of Joseph as a prophecy of things to come. Many events in Joseph's life were similiar to that of Jesus but there are of course differences. A picture is just that a likeness of the real thing. Joseph was a savior in the sense that he saved his people from famine. Joseph's salvation was of a temporary nature and saved only the body alive for a season. Jesus' salvation is eternal and deals with both soul and body.
I venture to say that it is impossible to understand the Bible without understanding that Christ is the theme. If you look, He is everywhere throughout the scripture.
Sent by his father:
Genesis 37:13 "And Israel said unto Joseph Do not thy brethren feed the flock in Shechem? come and I will send thee unto them. And he said to him, Here am I."
It is interesting to note that the brethren were not where they were suppose to be but had decided to go someplace else.
John 3:17 "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."
Thirty Years Old
Genesis 41:46 "And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh and went throughout all the land of Egypt."
Luke 3:22-23 "And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased. And Jesus himself bean to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph ...."
Conspired Against
Genesis 37:18 "And when they saw him (Joseph) afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him."
Luke 5:18 "Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God."
Special Coat
Genesis 37:23 "And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stripped Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colors that was on him."
John 19:23-24 "Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be that the scripture might be fulfilled which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots.
The Price
Genesis 37:26 "And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood? Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content."
Genesis 37:28 "...and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty piees of silver..."
Matthew 26:14-15 "Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver."
(Judah and Judas both mean praise)
Purpose to Save
Genesis 50:20 "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive."
Luke 23:34 "Then said Jesus, Father forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment and cast lots."
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
If they had known what we know now, they might have seen the life of Joseph as a prophecy of things to come. Many events in Joseph's life were similiar to that of Jesus but there are of course differences. A picture is just that a likeness of the real thing. Joseph was a savior in the sense that he saved his people from famine. Joseph's salvation was of a temporary nature and saved only the body alive for a season. Jesus' salvation is eternal and deals with both soul and body.
I venture to say that it is impossible to understand the Bible without understanding that Christ is the theme. If you look, He is everywhere throughout the scripture.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Genesis 'Summary"
Since August (2006), we have been going through the book of Genesis. It is the seedbed of what takes place in the rest of the Bible. We have studied humanity as a whole but have lately zeroed in on Abraham and his descendants and the nation Israel as it is formed. There have been other peoples branched off from this line. Ishmael is born to Abraham of Hagar who was an Egyptian and Sarah's handmaid. It was his descendants who were the caravan that carried Joseph into Egypt. Then there is Esau, the brother of Jacob, who sold his birthright and lost the blessing as the firstborn. He too became a great people. But the light is shining on Jacob, who is the brother of Esau and has become Israel after he communed with the Lord. It is from Israel that the promise that 'all nations' are to be blessed.
A people on the verge of starving have gone down to Egypt, but they carry the promise of the Lord.
I picture Israel as like a bubble in humanity. God has not forsaken the world but he has a plan for its salvation and so Israel, as the vessel of that promise, is protected down through the years. I will say it once more: Israel is like a pregnant lady. As we conclude this chapter, Israel carries the promise of God to the world. It seems to almost lie dormant as the nation itself is going through its formation and is soon to be born.
From the garden of perfection, to sin, destruction and the struggle of humanity to rebuild, we can see the seperation between God and humanity, yet he has not forsaken. It is a long journey for man to realize that he is hopelessly sinful and helpless without redemption by God. We have seen that those who had faith in God were those who pleased God. We have seen the need and the practice of a blood substitute to God for our sin. But what if there could be one blood sacrifice that would satisfy the righteous judgment of God for sin? What if there could be found one person who was pure enough to stand in the place of all humanity and be judged for sin and allow humanity to come back into communion with God? Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son but even Isaac was not pure enough. His blood was that of Adam. There was only one place to find that purity of sinlessness. It was in the very throne of God. What if it could be like before Adam sinned in the Garden? It is almost Christmas. That is the meaning.
A people on the verge of starving have gone down to Egypt, but they carry the promise of the Lord.
I picture Israel as like a bubble in humanity. God has not forsaken the world but he has a plan for its salvation and so Israel, as the vessel of that promise, is protected down through the years. I will say it once more: Israel is like a pregnant lady. As we conclude this chapter, Israel carries the promise of God to the world. It seems to almost lie dormant as the nation itself is going through its formation and is soon to be born.
From the garden of perfection, to sin, destruction and the struggle of humanity to rebuild, we can see the seperation between God and humanity, yet he has not forsaken. It is a long journey for man to realize that he is hopelessly sinful and helpless without redemption by God. We have seen that those who had faith in God were those who pleased God. We have seen the need and the practice of a blood substitute to God for our sin. But what if there could be one blood sacrifice that would satisfy the righteous judgment of God for sin? What if there could be found one person who was pure enough to stand in the place of all humanity and be judged for sin and allow humanity to come back into communion with God? Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son but even Isaac was not pure enough. His blood was that of Adam. There was only one place to find that purity of sinlessness. It was in the very throne of God. What if it could be like before Adam sinned in the Garden? It is almost Christmas. That is the meaning.
Genesis 50 "Joseph Dies"
Genesis 50:25-26 "And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones frome hence. So Joseph died, being and hundred and ten years old: and they embalmed him and he was put in a coffin in Egypt."
Joseph was about 30 years old when Israel came to Egypt. Jacob lived 17 years in Egypt then died. Joseph was 110 when he died, so the people lived under the protection of Joseph for about 63 years after Jacob died.
It should be no surprise that things change rapidly after Joseph's death. We have only to look back to a conversation between Abraham and the Lord in Genesis 15:13 "And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years."
We know from this passage that things were bound to change. In fact, we knew long before Joseph was sold into slavery. There is a promise with this prediction though in Genesis 28:15 we read "And behold I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land, for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of."
Then as Israel prepares to make his journey to Egypt and stopped off to pray. The Lord quiets Jacob's fears with a passage in Genesis 46:2-4. Here let me point out a couple of points:
*God tells Jacob not to fear
*God reminds Jacob of who he is
*Israel will become a great nation while in Egypt
*God will go down with Jacob
Let's read the verses: "And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night and said, Jacob, Jacob, And he said Here am I. And he said I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation: I will go down with thee into Egypt; and I will also surely bring thee up again: and Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes."
Joseph was not there for that conversation but he served the same God and had a direct line of communication himself. In the chapter we are looking at, we can see Joseph is confident that his people would leave Egypt in the future for he told them to carry his bones out. Look at verse 25 again ..."God will surely visit you and ye shall carry up my bones from hence."
In the mean time, Jacob has been carried back to the burial place of his fathers for burial. There was a great company from Pharaoh's people and Israel's. v9 "And there went up with him both chariots and horsemen: and it was a very great company."
The Bible makes a point of mentioned the 'floor of Atad' which we should keep in mind to see if it turns up again later in our study. The place was renamed Abelmizraim which is beyond Jordan by the Canaanites.
In summary, we have reached a point in the history of Israel where there is no 'one' leader. There are the 12 tribes but soon they will be without the father's of those tribes. They are a people in a foreign land. I wonder do they remember that it will be a total of 400 years before they get to leave. I wonder if they know they are growing into a 'great' nation. I believe the words of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob echoed throughout the tribes for 400 years.
Proverbs 4:23 "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."
Joseph was about 30 years old when Israel came to Egypt. Jacob lived 17 years in Egypt then died. Joseph was 110 when he died, so the people lived under the protection of Joseph for about 63 years after Jacob died.
It should be no surprise that things change rapidly after Joseph's death. We have only to look back to a conversation between Abraham and the Lord in Genesis 15:13 "And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years."
We know from this passage that things were bound to change. In fact, we knew long before Joseph was sold into slavery. There is a promise with this prediction though in Genesis 28:15 we read "And behold I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land, for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of."
Then as Israel prepares to make his journey to Egypt and stopped off to pray. The Lord quiets Jacob's fears with a passage in Genesis 46:2-4. Here let me point out a couple of points:
*God tells Jacob not to fear
*God reminds Jacob of who he is
*Israel will become a great nation while in Egypt
*God will go down with Jacob
Let's read the verses: "And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night and said, Jacob, Jacob, And he said Here am I. And he said I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation: I will go down with thee into Egypt; and I will also surely bring thee up again: and Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes."
Joseph was not there for that conversation but he served the same God and had a direct line of communication himself. In the chapter we are looking at, we can see Joseph is confident that his people would leave Egypt in the future for he told them to carry his bones out. Look at verse 25 again ..."God will surely visit you and ye shall carry up my bones from hence."
In the mean time, Jacob has been carried back to the burial place of his fathers for burial. There was a great company from Pharaoh's people and Israel's. v9 "And there went up with him both chariots and horsemen: and it was a very great company."
The Bible makes a point of mentioned the 'floor of Atad' which we should keep in mind to see if it turns up again later in our study. The place was renamed Abelmizraim which is beyond Jordan by the Canaanites.
In summary, we have reached a point in the history of Israel where there is no 'one' leader. There are the 12 tribes but soon they will be without the father's of those tribes. They are a people in a foreign land. I wonder do they remember that it will be a total of 400 years before they get to leave. I wonder if they know they are growing into a 'great' nation. I believe the words of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob echoed throughout the tribes for 400 years.
Proverbs 4:23 "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Genesis 49 "Destiny of the Twelve Tribes" "Jacob Dies"
Genesis 49:1 "And Jacob called unto his sons and said Gather yourselves together that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days."
The journey has ended for Jacob. He ends his journey as Israel. His is a struggle against the old man (his earthly nature) and the new man (his promise as Israel). We saw him often going from one identity to the other and back again. We as Christians are no different. We often struggle with wrong even when we know what the right thing is. It was Israel talking in verse 2.
v2 "Gather yourselves together and hear ye sons of Jacob; and hearken unto Israel your father."
Reuben is the firstborn and learns his future first. We must go back to chapter 35 verse 22 to understand Israel's comments to him "And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah, his father's concubine: and Israel heard it."..."
Now we can take a look at the pronouncement of Reuben's future. First Reuben is complimented as the firstborn and Israel calls him the beginning of his strength v3 , excellency of dignity and the excellency of power. But the mistake in the verse above has not been forgotten and now comes to bear. v4 "Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel, because thou wentest up to thy father's bed; then defiledst thou it; he went up to my couch."
Simeon and Levi are next in line and one of their past actions is not forgotten. It is true they were avenging their sister's bad treatment by Shechem but it appears that killing all of them was a bit extreme. Go back to chapter 34 verse 25 "And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brethern took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males."
Verse 7 (of chapter 49) tells of their destiny. "Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce, and their wrath for it was cruel: I will divide them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel."
Judah is blessed with a brighter future. In his line is mentioned Shiloh(Messiah). v10 "The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. v11 Binding his foal unto the vine, and his ass's colt unto the choice vine; he washed his garments in wine and his clothes in the blood of grapes: v12 His eyes shall be red with wine and his teeth white with milk."
Zebulun v13 ...haven of ships
Issachar v15 ...a servant unto tribute
Dan v16...shall judge his people
Gad v19 ...shall overcome at the last
Asher v20...royal dainties
Naphtali v21...giveth goodly words
Joseph receives a long blessing found in verses 22-26. It tells of attempts to kill Joseph but God made him strong. A notable part of v24 is (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:) . Joseph is given the blessings from heaven above and of the deep and tells of a crown for him.
Benjamin v27...shall ravin as a wolf ...and divide the spoil.
Jacob then describes the burial place of his father's and demands to be buried there.
V33 "And when Jacob had made an end of commanding his sons, he gathered up his feet into the bed, and yielded up the ghost and was gathered unto his people."
CI Scofield divides Jacob's (Israel's) spiritual progress into 6 modules (1) the first exercise of faith, as shown in the purchase of the birthright Gen 25,28-34 and 27,10-22 (2) the vision at Bethel Gen 28 10-19 (3) walking in the flesh Gen 29 1-31 55 (4)the transforming experience Gen 32 24-31 (5) the return to Bethel: idols put away Gen 35 1-7 (6) the walk of faith Gen 37 1-49-33 .
Psalm 31:14 "But I trusted in thee, O Lord: I said, Thou are my God."
The journey has ended for Jacob. He ends his journey as Israel. His is a struggle against the old man (his earthly nature) and the new man (his promise as Israel). We saw him often going from one identity to the other and back again. We as Christians are no different. We often struggle with wrong even when we know what the right thing is. It was Israel talking in verse 2.
v2 "Gather yourselves together and hear ye sons of Jacob; and hearken unto Israel your father."
Reuben is the firstborn and learns his future first. We must go back to chapter 35 verse 22 to understand Israel's comments to him "And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah, his father's concubine: and Israel heard it."..."
Now we can take a look at the pronouncement of Reuben's future. First Reuben is complimented as the firstborn and Israel calls him the beginning of his strength v3 , excellency of dignity and the excellency of power. But the mistake in the verse above has not been forgotten and now comes to bear. v4 "Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel, because thou wentest up to thy father's bed; then defiledst thou it; he went up to my couch."
Simeon and Levi are next in line and one of their past actions is not forgotten. It is true they were avenging their sister's bad treatment by Shechem but it appears that killing all of them was a bit extreme. Go back to chapter 34 verse 25 "And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brethern took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males."
Verse 7 (of chapter 49) tells of their destiny. "Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce, and their wrath for it was cruel: I will divide them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel."
Judah is blessed with a brighter future. In his line is mentioned Shiloh(Messiah). v10 "The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. v11 Binding his foal unto the vine, and his ass's colt unto the choice vine; he washed his garments in wine and his clothes in the blood of grapes: v12 His eyes shall be red with wine and his teeth white with milk."
Zebulun v13 ...haven of ships
Issachar v15 ...a servant unto tribute
Dan v16...shall judge his people
Gad v19 ...shall overcome at the last
Asher v20...royal dainties
Naphtali v21...giveth goodly words
Joseph receives a long blessing found in verses 22-26. It tells of attempts to kill Joseph but God made him strong. A notable part of v24 is (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:) . Joseph is given the blessings from heaven above and of the deep and tells of a crown for him.
Benjamin v27...shall ravin as a wolf ...and divide the spoil.
Jacob then describes the burial place of his father's and demands to be buried there.
V33 "And when Jacob had made an end of commanding his sons, he gathered up his feet into the bed, and yielded up the ghost and was gathered unto his people."
CI Scofield divides Jacob's (Israel's) spiritual progress into 6 modules (1) the first exercise of faith, as shown in the purchase of the birthright Gen 25,28-34 and 27,10-22 (2) the vision at Bethel Gen 28 10-19 (3) walking in the flesh Gen 29 1-31 55 (4)the transforming experience Gen 32 24-31 (5) the return to Bethel: idols put away Gen 35 1-7 (6) the walk of faith Gen 37 1-49-33 .
Psalm 31:14 "But I trusted in thee, O Lord: I said, Thou are my God."
Friday, October 27, 2006
Genesis 48 "Manasseh and Ephraim"
Genesis 48:1 "And it came to pass after these things, that one told Joseph, Behold, thy father is sick: and he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim."
Israel here begans his death bed statement and it is very thorough. He began by telling how God Almighty appeared to him at Luz and promised to bless him and his descendants. Then he turns to Joseph's two sons. He told Joseph that even though they were born in Egypt, they were as much his sons as Reuben and Simeon.
Now his thoughts return to his journey with the Lord. He recalled how Rachel died in a place called Ephrath which is the same as Bethlehem. (Another hint of the Lamb that takes away the sins of the world.)
Again, he turns to Joseph's sons. v8 And Israel beheld Joseph's sons and said Who are these? Israel's eyesight had grown dim and so Joseph brought his sons nearer. It seems Israel has again forgotten the boys as he tells Joseph how he thought he would never see him again. Joseph pulled the boys back again within reach of Israel.
Something happens here. The firstborn is not touched by Israel's right hand as Joseph had placed him. Manasseh was the firstborn. Israel's right hand was placed on Ephraim. Joseph objected to the point of removing his hand but Israel insisted. The blessing was done as Israel intended. v15 And he blessed Joseph and said God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day, then there is mention of someone else which I found very significant and I believe refers to the Lord. We discussed how at different times the Lord appeared as a man and it is no stranger to me that he might appear as an angel. v16 The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads and let my name be named on them and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.
So, as Jacob received the blessing over his brother Essau, Ephraim has received the blessing over his older brother Manasseh. Let me say here, that I do not understand everything I read but I can accept it because I trust the author of the Bible. Just as I do not quite understand this last verse which appears to give Joseph preference over his brothers through his sons.
v22 "Moreover, I have given to thee one portion above thy brethren which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow.
The Bible does not say a lot directly about the physical abilities of Jacob nor his fathers. In the above verse we can see that he could be a man of war when necessary. I remember at the well where he met Rachel. He must have been a commanding figure for as he stood alone, those there did not object to his speech nor when he rolled the stone away.
Proverbs11:31 "Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner."
Israel here begans his death bed statement and it is very thorough. He began by telling how God Almighty appeared to him at Luz and promised to bless him and his descendants. Then he turns to Joseph's two sons. He told Joseph that even though they were born in Egypt, they were as much his sons as Reuben and Simeon.
Now his thoughts return to his journey with the Lord. He recalled how Rachel died in a place called Ephrath which is the same as Bethlehem. (Another hint of the Lamb that takes away the sins of the world.)
Again, he turns to Joseph's sons. v8 And Israel beheld Joseph's sons and said Who are these? Israel's eyesight had grown dim and so Joseph brought his sons nearer. It seems Israel has again forgotten the boys as he tells Joseph how he thought he would never see him again. Joseph pulled the boys back again within reach of Israel.
Something happens here. The firstborn is not touched by Israel's right hand as Joseph had placed him. Manasseh was the firstborn. Israel's right hand was placed on Ephraim. Joseph objected to the point of removing his hand but Israel insisted. The blessing was done as Israel intended. v15 And he blessed Joseph and said God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day, then there is mention of someone else which I found very significant and I believe refers to the Lord. We discussed how at different times the Lord appeared as a man and it is no stranger to me that he might appear as an angel. v16 The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads and let my name be named on them and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.
So, as Jacob received the blessing over his brother Essau, Ephraim has received the blessing over his older brother Manasseh. Let me say here, that I do not understand everything I read but I can accept it because I trust the author of the Bible. Just as I do not quite understand this last verse which appears to give Joseph preference over his brothers through his sons.
v22 "Moreover, I have given to thee one portion above thy brethren which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow.
The Bible does not say a lot directly about the physical abilities of Jacob nor his fathers. In the above verse we can see that he could be a man of war when necessary. I remember at the well where he met Rachel. He must have been a commanding figure for as he stood alone, those there did not object to his speech nor when he rolled the stone away.
Proverbs11:31 "Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner."
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Genesis 47 "Joseph's Dealing's for Pharaoh"
The first part of the chapter is a continuation of the story in chapter 46. Jacob met Pharaoh and they talked a little then Jacob's people are given v11 ..."the best of the land in the land of Rameses..."
Genesis 47:15 "And when money failed in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came unto Joseph and said Give us bread: for why should we die in thy presence? for the money faileth."
The famine is so great that life has come down to bear necessities for the people. Joseph, thanks to God's warning, has stored for the 7 years of famine. At first, the people could just buy what they needed from the storehouses, but now the famine drags on and the money has run out. Joseph offered them bread for their cattle. In a year v18 they came again for bread but even the cattle were gone.
v19 "Wherefore shall we die before thine eyes, both we and our land? buy us and our land for bread and we and our land will be servants unto Pharaoh: and give us seed, that we may live and not die that the land be not desolate."
Joseph did as they asked and removed the people v21 to cities. Joseph bought all the land except the land of the priests. Joseph then gave them seed to plant the land with the understanding that one-fifth of the grain would go to Pharaoh and four-fifth's to the people.
v27 "And Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the country of Goshen and they had possessions therein, and grew and multiplied exceedingly."
Jacob lived in Egypt 17 years and now it was almost time for him to die. He brought Joseph to him and told of the promise of God Almighty(c48). He also made him promise to not bury him in Egypt.
v31 "And he said, Swear unto me. And he sware unto him. And Israel bowed himself upon the bed's head."
It is a chilling time in Genesis. Until now the budding nation has wondered with their flocks while they became a multitude. Relatively speaking, it is a more peaceful time with a few squabbles to deal with. The future looms though. In the final chapters we shall see the outcome.
Proverbs 14:34 "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people."
Genesis 47:15 "And when money failed in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came unto Joseph and said Give us bread: for why should we die in thy presence? for the money faileth."
The famine is so great that life has come down to bear necessities for the people. Joseph, thanks to God's warning, has stored for the 7 years of famine. At first, the people could just buy what they needed from the storehouses, but now the famine drags on and the money has run out. Joseph offered them bread for their cattle. In a year v18 they came again for bread but even the cattle were gone.
v19 "Wherefore shall we die before thine eyes, both we and our land? buy us and our land for bread and we and our land will be servants unto Pharaoh: and give us seed, that we may live and not die that the land be not desolate."
Joseph did as they asked and removed the people v21 to cities. Joseph bought all the land except the land of the priests. Joseph then gave them seed to plant the land with the understanding that one-fifth of the grain would go to Pharaoh and four-fifth's to the people.
v27 "And Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the country of Goshen and they had possessions therein, and grew and multiplied exceedingly."
Jacob lived in Egypt 17 years and now it was almost time for him to die. He brought Joseph to him and told of the promise of God Almighty(c48). He also made him promise to not bury him in Egypt.
v31 "And he said, Swear unto me. And he sware unto him. And Israel bowed himself upon the bed's head."
It is a chilling time in Genesis. Until now the budding nation has wondered with their flocks while they became a multitude. Relatively speaking, it is a more peaceful time with a few squabbles to deal with. The future looms though. In the final chapters we shall see the outcome.
Proverbs 14:34 "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people."
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
"Shadows and the Lamb"
Genesis 46: 3-4 Partial "...I am God, the God of thy father; fear not ...I will go down with thee ...and I will surely bring thee up again..."
We saw it in the garden when the innocent animals were killed to make a covering for Adam and Eve. We will see it again in 400 years when the lamb is sacrificed to put blood on the doorpost. These are shadows of the cross of Christ (The Lamb of God) when again innocent blood is shed for the world.
Our studies in Genesis are hints of things to come.
Genesis 46 "Who went down to Egypt?"
Genesis 46:1-4 "And Israel took his journey with all that he had and came to Beersheba and offered sacrifices unto the God of his father Issac. And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night and said Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I. And he said, I am God, the God of thy father; fear not to go down into Egypt, for I will there make of thee a great nation: I will go down with thee into Egypt and I will also surely bring thee up again; and Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes."
It is notable here that Israel prayed as he left Canaan enroute to Egypt. Perhaps he had heard the story from Abraham that the time in Egypt would be 400 years. He prayed there and it would be a long time before his descendants returned to pray again.
v6 "And they took their cattle, and their goods, which they had gotten in the land of Canaan and came into Egypt, Jacob and all his seed with him.
The middle of the chapter is a list of the children of Israel. Judah was sent ahead to Joseph to find the way to Goshen and there Joseph was reunited with his family.
Let's jump back to Genesis 15:7 "And he said unto him, I am the Lrod that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees to give thee this land to inherit it." v13 "And he said unto Abram Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs and shall serve them and they shall afflict them four hundred years; And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge and afterward shall they come out with great substance."
The promise seems long coming and has been repeated to Abraham, Issac and Jacob. Now, the dark part of the journey to their inheritance has started. It seems that circumstances prevented any other course of action than going down to Egypt. God did, in fact, arrange it. All is well here in chapter 46 but with leadership change comes policy change. The good treatment here of Israel is based on the goodwill of Joseph with the Pharaoh.
For a really good summary of the history of Israel you may read Stephen's sermon beginning in Acts chapter 7 of the New Testament.
Psalm 4:3 "But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the Lord will hear when I call unto him."
It is notable here that Israel prayed as he left Canaan enroute to Egypt. Perhaps he had heard the story from Abraham that the time in Egypt would be 400 years. He prayed there and it would be a long time before his descendants returned to pray again.
v6 "And they took their cattle, and their goods, which they had gotten in the land of Canaan and came into Egypt, Jacob and all his seed with him.
The middle of the chapter is a list of the children of Israel. Judah was sent ahead to Joseph to find the way to Goshen and there Joseph was reunited with his family.
Let's jump back to Genesis 15:7 "And he said unto him, I am the Lrod that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees to give thee this land to inherit it." v13 "And he said unto Abram Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs and shall serve them and they shall afflict them four hundred years; And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge and afterward shall they come out with great substance."
The promise seems long coming and has been repeated to Abraham, Issac and Jacob. Now, the dark part of the journey to their inheritance has started. It seems that circumstances prevented any other course of action than going down to Egypt. God did, in fact, arrange it. All is well here in chapter 46 but with leadership change comes policy change. The good treatment here of Israel is based on the goodwill of Joseph with the Pharaoh.
For a really good summary of the history of Israel you may read Stephen's sermon beginning in Acts chapter 7 of the New Testament.
Psalm 4:3 "But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the Lord will hear when I call unto him."
Genesis 45 "The Why of Joseph's Sojourn in Egypt"
We have see what appears to be a story of a very mean event in the Bible when brothers conspired to sell their younger brother simply because they did not like him. Joseph has been in Egypt for 13 years now and all the time his father thought him to be dead. A famine has come on all the land but thanks to God's warning in Pharaoh's dream and Joseph's interpretation food has been stored in Egypt and Joseph is ruler under Pharaoh. He is in a position to save his family from the famine. The following two verses, I think, are the key to understanding why that sometimes, bad things can happen for good.
Genesis 45:7-8 "And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughtout all the land of Egypt."
So the Pharaoh ordered Joseph to send along wagons with his brothers to bring down his family. The land of Goshen is to be their home. Gifts were exchanged and finally Israel (Jacob) arrived in Egypt to a happy reunion with the son he thought was dead.
v28 "And Israel said, It is enough; Joseph my son is yet alive: I will go and see him before I die.
Proverbs 27:23 "Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds."
Genesis 45:7-8 "And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughtout all the land of Egypt."
So the Pharaoh ordered Joseph to send along wagons with his brothers to bring down his family. The land of Goshen is to be their home. Gifts were exchanged and finally Israel (Jacob) arrived in Egypt to a happy reunion with the son he thought was dead.
v28 "And Israel said, It is enough; Joseph my son is yet alive: I will go and see him before I die.
Proverbs 27:23 "Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds."
"Hebrew" definition
According to my "Comprehensive Bible Helps" Hebrew is a Gentile reference to the descendants of Abraham. It refers to "one who comes from beyond" and "one who has crossed over" as crossing the Euphrates River.
It was used in reference to Israel's whole family and refers back to Abraham.
"The Hebrews" was a term chosen for its indication of purity of blood and strictness of religion. It also refers to a sense of tradition, community of language and desginates the people as a race.
The term was used by foreigners in that sense in referring to the descendants of Abraham in the oldest times.
It was used in reference to Israel's whole family and refers back to Abraham.
"The Hebrews" was a term chosen for its indication of purity of blood and strictness of religion. It also refers to a sense of tradition, community of language and desginates the people as a race.
The term was used by foreigners in that sense in referring to the descendants of Abraham in the oldest times.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Genesis 44 "The Cup"
Genesis 44:1-2 "And he (Joseph) commanded the steward of his house, saying Fill the men's sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put every man's money in his sack's mouth. And put my cup, the silver cup, in the sack's mouth of the youngest, and his corn money. And he did according to the words that Joseph had spoken."
Joseph is still playing a bit of a game with his brothers. At first he caused them to fear by putting their money in the sacks of corn on their first trip. Now, he put the money in the sacks and also his cup in Benjamin's sack. He then sent his men to chase after Jacob's sons and accuse them of theft of the cup. The brothers declaring their innocence said whoever has the cup will be your servant and us v9. The steward changed it to only the one who has the cup and it is found in Benjamin's sack.
The brothers follow back to Joseph's house and Judah stepped forward to plead to Joseph for Benjamin for he said it would kill his father if he lost him also. Judah went over the entire story of Jacob's condition and his resistance at sending Benjamin on this journey. Judah offers himself in Benjamin's place for his father's sake.
Genesis 44:33-34 (Judah talking) "Now therefore, I pray thee, let thy servant abide instead of the lad a bondman to my lord; and let the lad go up with his brethren. For how shall I go up to my father, and the lad be not with me? lest peradventure I see the evil that shall come on my father."
We will find the end to this part of the story in the next chapter as Joseph can refrain no longer from telling them who he is.
Proverbs 19:17 "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again."
Genesis 43 "Joseph wants to see Benjamin"
Genesis 43: 1-3 "And the famine was sore in the land. And it came to pass, when they had eaten up the corn which they had brought out of Egypt, their father said unto them, Go again, buy us a little food. And Judah spake unto him, saying The man did solemnly protest unto us, saying Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you."
The saga now continues in a touching story of two brothers seperated for 13 years and now Joseph is firm about Benjamin being brought on this their second journey to get food. Jacob is as firm that Benjamin is not going for fear something will happen to him. Joseph and Benjamin are the only two sons of Rachel, Jacob's first love who has died.
Finally, with food run out, Jacob agrees to let Benjamin go. He sent gifts and double the money Joseph had left in the sacks on the first trip. Joseph had them to a meal and inquired of their father. They dine and Benjamin is treated to 5 times the portion at the meal. Joseph is again overcome with emotion and must hid to weep.
Although, they are able to buy food of the Egyptains. There is a culture clash even at this early time.
Genesis 43:32 "And they set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themselves: because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that is an abomination unto the Egyptians.
This verse may be the first mention of the term Hebrew. I cannot remember another in Genesis so far.
Another culture difference is found in another chapter which we have not yet come to. It is found in
Genesis 46:34 "That ye shall say Thy servants trade hath been about cattle from our youth even until now both we and also our fathers: that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians."
Proverbs 20:24 "Man's goings are of the Lord; how can a man then understand his own way?"
The saga now continues in a touching story of two brothers seperated for 13 years and now Joseph is firm about Benjamin being brought on this their second journey to get food. Jacob is as firm that Benjamin is not going for fear something will happen to him. Joseph and Benjamin are the only two sons of Rachel, Jacob's first love who has died.
Finally, with food run out, Jacob agrees to let Benjamin go. He sent gifts and double the money Joseph had left in the sacks on the first trip. Joseph had them to a meal and inquired of their father. They dine and Benjamin is treated to 5 times the portion at the meal. Joseph is again overcome with emotion and must hid to weep.
Although, they are able to buy food of the Egyptains. There is a culture clash even at this early time.
Genesis 43:32 "And they set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themselves: because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that is an abomination unto the Egyptians.
This verse may be the first mention of the term Hebrew. I cannot remember another in Genesis so far.
Another culture difference is found in another chapter which we have not yet come to. It is found in
Genesis 46:34 "That ye shall say Thy servants trade hath been about cattle from our youth even until now both we and also our fathers: that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians."
Proverbs 20:24 "Man's goings are of the Lord; how can a man then understand his own way?"
Monday, October 23, 2006
Genesis 42 "Spies?"
Genesis 42:1 "Now when Jacob saw that there was corn in Egypt, Jacob said unto his sons, Why do ye look one upon another?"
The famine is in full swing and the land of Canaan is getting hungry. Jacob has heard about the corn in Egypt and so expresses his dismay that his sons are looking at each other instead of already being on their way to get corn. The sons departed but Jacob kept Benjamin at home for fear something would happen to him. Joseph played a little game with is brothers since they did not recognize him in his Egyptain garb and of course he is 30 now.
Joseph accused them of being spies come to scope out the land perhaps indicated they intended to do some harm. Jacob's sons pleaded their case but Joseph still pretended to be suspicious.
v12 "And he said unto the, Nay, but to see the nakedness of the land ye are come."
At first Joseph told them one could go back and fetch his other brother, but after 3 days in ward he decided to let all go but one. The sons talked to each other in Hebrew thinking Joseph would not understand, about how they had betrayed him. Joseph was deeply touched and had to turn away from them.
v25 "Then Joseph commanded to fill their sacks with corn and to restore every man's money into his sack, and to give them provision for the way and thus did he unto them."
Upon finding the money when they returned home, they were quite confused and told their father all that had happened and of the demand that Benjamin be brought. Reuben offered his two sons as ransom for Benjamin if only Jacob would let him go down to Egypt but still Jacob hesitated.
v38 "...My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead and he is left alone..."
As we will see in the next chapter the subject is dropped until the corn ran out, then it comes up again.
It seems life is all about transitions and this story is no exception. I mentioned before that the nation Israel was like a pregnant lady who carried the promise of Abraham. In the coming chapters, we will witness the birth of the nation itself. We have journeyed with Abraham from Ur and with Issac as he cleaned out the wells his father dug and now Jacob. He has sojourned in Canaan since his return from Syria and the house of Laban. Now he is old and a great host is lead by him. He is responsible for their well-being. From here on, Jacob will be referred to as Israel and his people will move from a family to a nation but not without hardship. As childbirth is not without travail, so a nation born is not without travail. We will see.
Proverbs 25:21 "If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink."
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