Genesis 39:1-20
“And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither.” (Genesis 39:1)
Several days after his brothers sold him as a slave, Joseph arrived in Egypt, where a powerful official saw him. Just seventeen, and in good health, he should be able to work for many years, and was young enough that he could be trained easily. If handled and trained properly he would be a great investment, so Potiphar bought him.
“And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand. And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.” (Genesis 39:2-4)
Down through the years, as I worked, people wanted to know how I learned to do some of the things I did. It was not that I was smarter, but that God blessed me by making things work, and numerous other Christian employees have described the same experience, so Joseph’s experience of prosperity in his work is rather typical for those who serve God. It wasn’t long until he was promoted to manager of Potiphar’s business.
“And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field. And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat.” (Genesis 39:5-6a)
Promoting Joseph resulted in Potiphar’s business doing better than it ever had, freeing him to concentrate on his political career. He no longer had to spend time at home taking care of family business. This probably resulted in a growing neglect of his wife and family.
“And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favored. And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.” (Genesis 39:6b-7)
As her husband began neglecting her in advancing his political career, Potiphar’s wife began to crave attention. Joseph was young and good looking and smart, and equally important, he was there. It wasn’t long before she began to want joseph to fulfill her natural cravings. I Corinthians 7:1-5 warns of the danger of neglecting our marriage. She propositioned Joseph.
“But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand; There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.” (Genesis 39:8-10)
It became a challenge to get Joseph into and affair, and before long Joseph began to see it as sexual harassment. He began to avoiding her as much as possible. This further inflamed her infatuation. As a slave, he did not have the option of finding a different job, and he had no good options to deal with the situation, as talking to her husband might well cause him to become jealous.
“And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within. And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out. And it came to pass, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and was fled forth, That she called unto the men of her house, and spake unto them, saying, See, he hath brought in an Hebrew unto us to mock us; he came in unto me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice: And it came to pass, when he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled, and got him out.” (Genesis 39:11-15)
One day, his duties caused him to be in her home when no one was around and she took advantage of the situation, attempting to force him to comply with her desire. He finally slipped out of his coat to get away. Being rejected made her really angry and as the old saying goes, “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.” To punish mim, she accused him of trying to rape her, first calling in the other employees.
“And she laid up his garment by her, until his lord came home. And she spake unto him according to these words, saying, The Hebrew servant, which thou hast brought unto us, came in unto me to mock me: And it came to pass, as I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me, and fled out. And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled.” (Genesis 39:16-19)
When Potiphar came home and she made her charges, his jealousy was immediately kindled, and she played on racial differences about the Hebrew servant to further inflame him. That the other servants said she’d told them the same thing made it more believable, and it was clearly Joseph’s coat, so he was assumed guilty.
“And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison.” (Genesis 39:20)
Friday, December 9, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
A Flawed Moral Standard
Genesis 38:12-30
“And in process of time the daughter of Shuah Judah's wife died; and Judah was comforted, and went up unto his sheepshearers to Timnath, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite.” (Genesis 38:12)
After recovering from his grief over his wife’s death, Judah went out to help shear his sheep, taking his friend Hirah with him. Even today with power clippers and nice facilities it may take eight to ten minutes just to shear each sheep. It also requires extra help to catch and hold them so a large herd takes a lot of time and leaves everyone exhausted. It is usually a time of camaraderie similar to that of a group of guys on a hunting trip.
“And it was told Tamar, saying, Behold thy father in law goeth up to Timnath to shear his sheep. And she put her widow's garments off from her, and covered her with a veil, and wrapped herself, and sat in an open place, which is by the way to Timnath; for she saw that Shelah was grown, and she was not given unto him to wife.” (Genesis 38:13-14)
It had been several years since Judah had promised that Shelah would marry Tamar in accordance with Deuteronomy 22:5-6. She had not messed around with other guys, but Shelah was a grown man and no indication of keeping the promise had been given. She took matters into her own hand, knowing where Judah was going to shear sheep. Because prostitutes and promiscuous women are usually shunned by other women, who see them as a threat to their happiness, they usually conceal their real identity, especially since prostitutes were often killed by their families, just as it is among many groups today. Tamar dressed up and covered herself with a veil so she wouldn’t be recognized and parked herself in place where people passing by would be sure to notice her, like the prostitutes did.
“When Judah saw her, he thought her to be an harlot; because she had covered her face. And he turned unto her by the way, and said, Go to, I pray thee, let me come in unto thee; (for he knew not that she was his daughter in law.) And she said, What wilt thou give me, that thou mayest come in unto me?” (Genesis 38:15-16)
Dressed like other harlots and in a public place where she’d draw attention, it is no surprise Judah assumed she was a prostitute. Our dress and actions convey an impression of who and what we are. It may be different than we intended, and the impression varies somewhat with the culture one is in. A woman dressed as Tamar was would not be assumed to be a prostitute in modern America, because our styles and culture are different.
“And he said, I will send thee a kid from the flock. And she said, Wilt thou give me a pledge, till thou send it? And he said, What pledge shall I give thee? And she said, Thy signet, and thy bracelets, and thy staff that is in thine hand. And he gave it her, and came in unto her, and she conceived by him.” (Genesis 38:17-18)
It had been a while since Judah had indulged in sex and he yielded to the temptation, approaching Tamar. His moral standard had deteriorated to the point where he was willing to seek out a prostitute to satisfy his physical cravings. Since it had been several years since he had seen her or given her any thought, he didn’t recognize Tamar, covered up as she was, and offered a young goat for sex. She agreed, but demanded collateral to be sure of getting paid. As collateral, she accepted his ring and bracelets, and his shepherd’s staff. They were far more valuable than a young goat. He agreed she could hold them until the goat was delivered. In the dark he still didn’t recognize her, and got her pregnant.
“And she arose, and went away, and laid by her veil from her, and put on the garments of her widowhood.” (Genesis 38:19)
The next morning, Tamar returned home and resumed living as she had before as a widow, as if nothing had happened.
“And Judah sent the kid by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive his pledge from the woman's hand: but he found her not. Then he asked the men of that place, saying, Where is the harlot, that was openly by the way side? And they said, There was no harlot in this place. And he returned to Judah, and said, I cannot find her; and also the men of the place said, that there was no harlot in this place. And Judah said, Let her take it to her, lest we be shamed: behold, I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her. ” (Genesis 38:20-23)
Judah sent his friend Hirah to deliver the goat and get his stuff back hide his own identity. It would be a shameful thing to be found out. None of the local men knew her and finally he was forced to report that he’d failed in his mission. Judah gave up on getting his stuff back, deciding it was better to lose it than to make his shame public. After all she was unlikely to reveal it since she had taken his stuff.
“And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter in law hath played the harlot; and also, behold, she is with child by whoredom. And Judah said, Bring her forth, and let her be burnt.” (Genesis 38:24)
Societies tend to set a double standard, condemning a woman for promiscuous behavior while condoning it in a man. God’s standard is that both are guilty and in Deuteronomy 22, he commanded that both should be executed. After all, a woman cannot commit adultery without a man doing it too. As is so often the case, Judah demanded she be punished, while excusing his own sin, not realizing it had been with her.
“When she was brought forth, she sent to her father in law, saying, By the man, whose these are, am I with child: and she said, Discern, I pray thee, whose are these, the signet, and bracelets, and staff. And Judah acknowledged them, and said, She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more.” (Genesis 38:25-26)
It must have come as quite a shock to be identified as her partner in adultery, but there was no question whose the things were. Judah had to acknowledge his own guilt, both in the sex act in in his failure to keep his promise to give his younger son to be her husband, while she had done as he demanded. The responsibility was more his than hers.
“And it came to pass in the time of her travail, that, behold, twins were in her womb. And it came to pass, when she travailed, that the one put out his hand: and the midwife took and bound upon his hand a scarlet thread, saying, This came out first. And it came to pass, as he drew back his hand, that, behold, his brother came out: and she said, How hast thou broken forth? this breach be upon thee: therefore his name was called Pharez. And afterward came out his brother, that had the scarlet thread upon his hand: and his name was called Zarah.” (Genesis 38:27-30)
Jacob’s attitude about cheating have been learned by his sons, and the cheating was not limited to business. Reuben had an affair with his father’s wife Bilhah, and Judah had chosen to hire a prostitute. While we can’t control the temperament of our children, we can have a lot of influence on the attitude they develop. Genesis provides the best examples of how our actions affect our families of any of the scriptures, and I Corinthians 10:11 says, “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.”
The failure to study and learn from these examples is probably the biggest cause of the moral breakdown in the modern church.
“And in process of time the daughter of Shuah Judah's wife died; and Judah was comforted, and went up unto his sheepshearers to Timnath, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite.” (Genesis 38:12)
After recovering from his grief over his wife’s death, Judah went out to help shear his sheep, taking his friend Hirah with him. Even today with power clippers and nice facilities it may take eight to ten minutes just to shear each sheep. It also requires extra help to catch and hold them so a large herd takes a lot of time and leaves everyone exhausted. It is usually a time of camaraderie similar to that of a group of guys on a hunting trip.
“And it was told Tamar, saying, Behold thy father in law goeth up to Timnath to shear his sheep. And she put her widow's garments off from her, and covered her with a veil, and wrapped herself, and sat in an open place, which is by the way to Timnath; for she saw that Shelah was grown, and she was not given unto him to wife.” (Genesis 38:13-14)
It had been several years since Judah had promised that Shelah would marry Tamar in accordance with Deuteronomy 22:5-6. She had not messed around with other guys, but Shelah was a grown man and no indication of keeping the promise had been given. She took matters into her own hand, knowing where Judah was going to shear sheep. Because prostitutes and promiscuous women are usually shunned by other women, who see them as a threat to their happiness, they usually conceal their real identity, especially since prostitutes were often killed by their families, just as it is among many groups today. Tamar dressed up and covered herself with a veil so she wouldn’t be recognized and parked herself in place where people passing by would be sure to notice her, like the prostitutes did.
“When Judah saw her, he thought her to be an harlot; because she had covered her face. And he turned unto her by the way, and said, Go to, I pray thee, let me come in unto thee; (for he knew not that she was his daughter in law.) And she said, What wilt thou give me, that thou mayest come in unto me?” (Genesis 38:15-16)
Dressed like other harlots and in a public place where she’d draw attention, it is no surprise Judah assumed she was a prostitute. Our dress and actions convey an impression of who and what we are. It may be different than we intended, and the impression varies somewhat with the culture one is in. A woman dressed as Tamar was would not be assumed to be a prostitute in modern America, because our styles and culture are different.
“And he said, I will send thee a kid from the flock. And she said, Wilt thou give me a pledge, till thou send it? And he said, What pledge shall I give thee? And she said, Thy signet, and thy bracelets, and thy staff that is in thine hand. And he gave it her, and came in unto her, and she conceived by him.” (Genesis 38:17-18)
It had been a while since Judah had indulged in sex and he yielded to the temptation, approaching Tamar. His moral standard had deteriorated to the point where he was willing to seek out a prostitute to satisfy his physical cravings. Since it had been several years since he had seen her or given her any thought, he didn’t recognize Tamar, covered up as she was, and offered a young goat for sex. She agreed, but demanded collateral to be sure of getting paid. As collateral, she accepted his ring and bracelets, and his shepherd’s staff. They were far more valuable than a young goat. He agreed she could hold them until the goat was delivered. In the dark he still didn’t recognize her, and got her pregnant.
“And she arose, and went away, and laid by her veil from her, and put on the garments of her widowhood.” (Genesis 38:19)
The next morning, Tamar returned home and resumed living as she had before as a widow, as if nothing had happened.
“And Judah sent the kid by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive his pledge from the woman's hand: but he found her not. Then he asked the men of that place, saying, Where is the harlot, that was openly by the way side? And they said, There was no harlot in this place. And he returned to Judah, and said, I cannot find her; and also the men of the place said, that there was no harlot in this place. And Judah said, Let her take it to her, lest we be shamed: behold, I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her. ” (Genesis 38:20-23)
Judah sent his friend Hirah to deliver the goat and get his stuff back hide his own identity. It would be a shameful thing to be found out. None of the local men knew her and finally he was forced to report that he’d failed in his mission. Judah gave up on getting his stuff back, deciding it was better to lose it than to make his shame public. After all she was unlikely to reveal it since she had taken his stuff.
“And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter in law hath played the harlot; and also, behold, she is with child by whoredom. And Judah said, Bring her forth, and let her be burnt.” (Genesis 38:24)
Societies tend to set a double standard, condemning a woman for promiscuous behavior while condoning it in a man. God’s standard is that both are guilty and in Deuteronomy 22, he commanded that both should be executed. After all, a woman cannot commit adultery without a man doing it too. As is so often the case, Judah demanded she be punished, while excusing his own sin, not realizing it had been with her.
“When she was brought forth, she sent to her father in law, saying, By the man, whose these are, am I with child: and she said, Discern, I pray thee, whose are these, the signet, and bracelets, and staff. And Judah acknowledged them, and said, She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more.” (Genesis 38:25-26)
It must have come as quite a shock to be identified as her partner in adultery, but there was no question whose the things were. Judah had to acknowledge his own guilt, both in the sex act in in his failure to keep his promise to give his younger son to be her husband, while she had done as he demanded. The responsibility was more his than hers.
“And it came to pass in the time of her travail, that, behold, twins were in her womb. And it came to pass, when she travailed, that the one put out his hand: and the midwife took and bound upon his hand a scarlet thread, saying, This came out first. And it came to pass, as he drew back his hand, that, behold, his brother came out: and she said, How hast thou broken forth? this breach be upon thee: therefore his name was called Pharez. And afterward came out his brother, that had the scarlet thread upon his hand: and his name was called Zarah.” (Genesis 38:27-30)
Jacob’s attitude about cheating have been learned by his sons, and the cheating was not limited to business. Reuben had an affair with his father’s wife Bilhah, and Judah had chosen to hire a prostitute. While we can’t control the temperament of our children, we can have a lot of influence on the attitude they develop. Genesis provides the best examples of how our actions affect our families of any of the scriptures, and I Corinthians 10:11 says, “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.”
The failure to study and learn from these examples is probably the biggest cause of the moral breakdown in the modern church.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Passing On The Family Culture
Genesis 38:1-11
“And it came to pass at that time, that Judah went down from his brethren, and turned in to a certain Adullamite, whose name was Hirah. And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite, whose name was Shuah; and he took her, and went in unto her.
And she conceived, and bare a son; and he called his name Er. And she conceived again, and bare a son; and she called his name Onan. And she yet again conceived, and bare a son; and called his name Shelah: and he was at Chezib, when she bare him. And Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, whose name was Tamar.” (Genesis 38:1-6)
After Jacob’s return from Padanaram and separation from Esau, other than their family, there was no one else around to associate with except the local people. Judah became friends with an dolomite named Hirah and went to visit him. While he was there he saw an attractive Canaanite girl and took her home to be his wife. Before long they had three sons.
II Corinthians 6:14 commands, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” Abraham had flatly refused to allow Isaac to marry a Canaanite girl, and Isaac had been upset when Esau married one, because of the danger of them causing their sons to turn away from God. Jacob doesn’t seem to have been troubled by Judah’s marriage at all.
“And Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD slew him. And Judah said unto Onan, Go in unto thy brother's wife, and marry her, and raise up seed to thy brother. And Onan knew that the seed should not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in unto his brother's wife, that he spilled it on the ground, lest that he should give seed to his brother. And the thing which he did displeased the LORD: wherefore he slew him also.” (Genesis 38:7-10)
We don’t know what kind of things Er did, but we know he was consciously and deliberately doing wrong, but he clearly had no respect for or fear of God. If he was like most who are deliberately evil, he gloated over getting by with it and thought it proved he was smarter than his brothers and cousins. While God gives numerous chances to repent, as he said in Genesis 6:3, “… My spirit shall not always strive with man,…” Er continued to the point God killed him because of his wickedness.
Deuteronomy 25:5-6 commands, “If brethren dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry without unto a stranger: her husband's brother shall go in unto her, and take her to him to wife, and perform the duty of an husband's brother unto her. And it shall be, that the firstborn which she beareth shall succeed in the name of his brother which is dead, that his name be not put out of Israel.” Judah directed Onan to fulfill this command after Er died.
Onan was willing to have sex with her but didn’t want to have a child by her, especially since it would be counted as his brother’s, so he withdrew just before ejaculation. This angered the Lord to the point of killing him as well, raising a lot of questions about modern birth control policies and procedures. Prior to the Rowe V Wade decision, it was generally accepted that if a girl got pregnant the guy who was responsible should marry her, and most birth control was developed to prevent such pregnancies. If she didn’t get pregnant, he had no further responsibility. This was directly contrary to Exodus 22:16, “And if a man entice a maid that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely endow her to be his wife.”
Under that old tradition, ensuring one would not have to marry required planning in advance. Rowe V Wade enabled one to eliminate the pregnancy after the fact, thus avoiding responsibility for marriage. Abortionists are not pro-choice, they are anti-responsibility. The choice is made when they indulge in the sex act, whether pregnancy results or not. That abortion is also murder compounds the sin. Recent child support laws attempt to force people to accept some of their responsibility.
Romans 14:23 states, “…for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” Any form of birth control to avoid unwanted pregnancy is to some degree a refusal to trust God. To that degree it is sin. The same can be said of many of the methods used by fertility clinics. While most Christians are offended by sex change operations, believing it implies that God has no right to decide a person‘s sex, and many oppose abortion, few question birth control or fertility treatments. Much of the fertility clinic’s efforts are doing the same thing, denying God‘s right to decide whether we have children or not. Were the septuplets a blessing from God or a demonstration of rebellion, either by the doctors, or the parents?
“Then said Judah to Tamar his daughter in law, Remain a widow at thy father's house, till Shelah my son be grown: for he said, Lest peradventure he die also, as his brethren did. And Tamar went and dwelt in her father's house.” (Genesis 38:11)
After Onan’s death, Tamar was still childless. Judah instructed her to wait for his youngest son to grow up. Knowing that God had killed both of the older ones for doing wrong, he feared Shelah might be like his brothers. After all, he had had basically the same training. Tamar complied with his wishes, going back to live with her parents.
“And it came to pass at that time, that Judah went down from his brethren, and turned in to a certain Adullamite, whose name was Hirah. And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite, whose name was Shuah; and he took her, and went in unto her.
And she conceived, and bare a son; and he called his name Er. And she conceived again, and bare a son; and she called his name Onan. And she yet again conceived, and bare a son; and called his name Shelah: and he was at Chezib, when she bare him. And Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, whose name was Tamar.” (Genesis 38:1-6)
After Jacob’s return from Padanaram and separation from Esau, other than their family, there was no one else around to associate with except the local people. Judah became friends with an dolomite named Hirah and went to visit him. While he was there he saw an attractive Canaanite girl and took her home to be his wife. Before long they had three sons.
II Corinthians 6:14 commands, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” Abraham had flatly refused to allow Isaac to marry a Canaanite girl, and Isaac had been upset when Esau married one, because of the danger of them causing their sons to turn away from God. Jacob doesn’t seem to have been troubled by Judah’s marriage at all.
“And Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD slew him. And Judah said unto Onan, Go in unto thy brother's wife, and marry her, and raise up seed to thy brother. And Onan knew that the seed should not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in unto his brother's wife, that he spilled it on the ground, lest that he should give seed to his brother. And the thing which he did displeased the LORD: wherefore he slew him also.” (Genesis 38:7-10)
We don’t know what kind of things Er did, but we know he was consciously and deliberately doing wrong, but he clearly had no respect for or fear of God. If he was like most who are deliberately evil, he gloated over getting by with it and thought it proved he was smarter than his brothers and cousins. While God gives numerous chances to repent, as he said in Genesis 6:3, “… My spirit shall not always strive with man,…” Er continued to the point God killed him because of his wickedness.
Deuteronomy 25:5-6 commands, “If brethren dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry without unto a stranger: her husband's brother shall go in unto her, and take her to him to wife, and perform the duty of an husband's brother unto her. And it shall be, that the firstborn which she beareth shall succeed in the name of his brother which is dead, that his name be not put out of Israel.” Judah directed Onan to fulfill this command after Er died.
Onan was willing to have sex with her but didn’t want to have a child by her, especially since it would be counted as his brother’s, so he withdrew just before ejaculation. This angered the Lord to the point of killing him as well, raising a lot of questions about modern birth control policies and procedures. Prior to the Rowe V Wade decision, it was generally accepted that if a girl got pregnant the guy who was responsible should marry her, and most birth control was developed to prevent such pregnancies. If she didn’t get pregnant, he had no further responsibility. This was directly contrary to Exodus 22:16, “And if a man entice a maid that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely endow her to be his wife.”
Under that old tradition, ensuring one would not have to marry required planning in advance. Rowe V Wade enabled one to eliminate the pregnancy after the fact, thus avoiding responsibility for marriage. Abortionists are not pro-choice, they are anti-responsibility. The choice is made when they indulge in the sex act, whether pregnancy results or not. That abortion is also murder compounds the sin. Recent child support laws attempt to force people to accept some of their responsibility.
Romans 14:23 states, “…for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” Any form of birth control to avoid unwanted pregnancy is to some degree a refusal to trust God. To that degree it is sin. The same can be said of many of the methods used by fertility clinics. While most Christians are offended by sex change operations, believing it implies that God has no right to decide a person‘s sex, and many oppose abortion, few question birth control or fertility treatments. Much of the fertility clinic’s efforts are doing the same thing, denying God‘s right to decide whether we have children or not. Were the septuplets a blessing from God or a demonstration of rebellion, either by the doctors, or the parents?
“Then said Judah to Tamar his daughter in law, Remain a widow at thy father's house, till Shelah my son be grown: for he said, Lest peradventure he die also, as his brethren did. And Tamar went and dwelt in her father's house.” (Genesis 38:11)
After Onan’s death, Tamar was still childless. Judah instructed her to wait for his youngest son to grow up. Knowing that God had killed both of the older ones for doing wrong, he feared Shelah might be like his brothers. After all, he had had basically the same training. Tamar complied with his wishes, going back to live with her parents.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Sold Into Slavery
Genesis 37:12-36
“And his brethren went to feed their father's flock in Shechem. 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. And he said to him, Go, I pray thee, see whether it be well with thy brethren, and well with the flocks; and bring me word again. So he sent him out of the vale of Hebron, and he came to Shechem.
And a certain man found him, and, behold, he was wandering in the field: and the man asked him, saying, What seekest thou? And he said, I seek my brethren: tell me, I pray thee, where they feed their flocks. And the man said, They are departed hence; for I heard them say, Let us go to Dothan. And Joseph went after his brethren, and found them in Dothan.” (Genesis 37:12-17)
Still playing favorites, Jacob kept Joseph at home while sending his brothers out to herd sheep, further deepening their resentment. After a period of time, Jacob sent Joseph out to check on them. It had been long enough they had had to relocate the herd, and they were not where Joseph expected to find them. Finally he met a man who knew where they had gone and went to Dothan.
“And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him. And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh. Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams.” (Genesis 37:18-20)
Having already been in trouble because of his tattling, the older boys knew he would be looking for something to tattle about. It stirred up their anger and hatred even more, capping a life time of family conflicts and favoritism. Colossians 3:21 warns, “Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.” Jacob’s were despaired of receiving fair treatment and love as long a s Joseph was alive. Since Simeon and Levi had murdered the men of Shechem and all of them had spoiled the city, the idea of murder didn’t seem like as much of a big deal since they had gotten by with it before. Once again we see how the family culture influenced the attitudes of the children.
Ephesians 6:4 tells us how to avoid this type of attitude among our children. “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Jacob had neglected to teach his family about the Lord, as was obvious from Rachael’s stealing Laban’s idols and his lack of worship while in Padanaram. His favoritism and selfishness accentuated the problems, leading to the intent to kill Joseph. As the beneficiary of Jacob’s actions, Joseph had become quite proud and overbearing.
“And Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him. And Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him; that he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again.” (Genesis 37:21-22)
Reuben knew that it was wrong to murder their brother, and that as the eldest it was his responsibility to try to prevent it. Years of being caught in the fighting had led to his becoming hesitant to speak up or take action. Others like Simeon and Levi had become quite aggressive, and even belligerent and he was afraid of angering them. He suggested that if they left Joseph in a pit where he couldn’t escape, he would still die, but they wouldn’t have killed him and wouldn’t have to lie. His goal was to free Joseph when the others weren’t around and let them think Joseph had escaped by himself.
“And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stripped Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him; And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it. And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt.” (Genesis 37:23-25)
When Joseph finally came up to them his brothers acted on Reuben’s suggestion, stripping off the coat that symbolized his father’s favoritism. Hoping for an opportunity to free Joseph later, Reuben volunteered to watch the flocks while the rest of them ate lunch. While they were eating they spied a caravan of Ishmeelites in the distance, carrying spices, incense and medical supplies to Egypt to trade.
“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. Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.” (Genesis 37:26-28)
Judah had thoroughly imbibed Laban and Jacob’s efforts to get rich. When he saw the Ishmaelites he saw and opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. It they sold Joseph they could make some money, and get rid of him at the same time. The other brothers were agreeable so they sold Joseph as a slave for two pieces of silver each, or between sixty and a hundred dollars each. They wouldn’t carry guilt for having killed Joseph, and they had a had the money besides.
“And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes. And he returned unto his brethren, and said, The child is not; and I, whither shall I go?” (Genesis 37:29-30)
When the brothers went out to herd the flocks, Reuben used the excuse of getting his lunch to rush to the pit and free Joseph, not knowing the others had sold him. He was panic stricken when he found Joseph gone, suspecting they may have killed him in his absence. As the oldest, he was sure the blame would fall on him. I wonder if they ever told him what happened and gave him his two pieces of silver?
“And they took Joseph's coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood; And they sent the coat of many colours, and they brought it to their father; and said, This have we found: know now whether it be thy son's coat or no. And he knew it, and said, It is my son's coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces.” (Genesis 37:31-33)
Taking the hated coat that symbolized their father’s favoritism, the brothers smeared it with blood to make it appear that Joseph had been killed and took it back to Jacob to ask if it was Joseph’s. Identifying the coat, Jacob was convinced some evil wild animal had killed his son, carrying away and eating the body.
“And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days. And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him.” (Genesis 37:34-35)
Jacob was broken hearted at losing his son, especially so soon after losing his mother. Hypocritically, the boys sought to comfort him, never letting on what had really happened. Jacob would suffer, believing Joseph dead for twenty years, never knowing that his suffering was the result of the examples he had set for his children.
“And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, and captain of the guard.” (Genesis 37:36)
In Egypt, Joseph was sold to the Captain of Pharaohs guard. At seventeen, he must have looked like a very good investment, old enough to work hard but young enough to learn easily, and with a lot of years of labor to be expected.
Just as Joseph was sold into slavery, we are “sold under sin”, as natural men, according to Romans 7:14. Just as Joseph became a slave by the actions of his brothers, we became sinners by the actions of Adam. Romans 5:19 tells us, “…by one man's disobedience many were made sinners,…” By disobeying God, Adam sold us all into slavery to sin. Fortunately, God has provided a way out. The last part of Romans 5:19 declares, “… by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.”
“And his brethren went to feed their father's flock in Shechem. 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. And he said to him, Go, I pray thee, see whether it be well with thy brethren, and well with the flocks; and bring me word again. So he sent him out of the vale of Hebron, and he came to Shechem.
And a certain man found him, and, behold, he was wandering in the field: and the man asked him, saying, What seekest thou? And he said, I seek my brethren: tell me, I pray thee, where they feed their flocks. And the man said, They are departed hence; for I heard them say, Let us go to Dothan. And Joseph went after his brethren, and found them in Dothan.” (Genesis 37:12-17)
Still playing favorites, Jacob kept Joseph at home while sending his brothers out to herd sheep, further deepening their resentment. After a period of time, Jacob sent Joseph out to check on them. It had been long enough they had had to relocate the herd, and they were not where Joseph expected to find them. Finally he met a man who knew where they had gone and went to Dothan.
“And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him. And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh. Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams.” (Genesis 37:18-20)
Having already been in trouble because of his tattling, the older boys knew he would be looking for something to tattle about. It stirred up their anger and hatred even more, capping a life time of family conflicts and favoritism. Colossians 3:21 warns, “Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.” Jacob’s were despaired of receiving fair treatment and love as long a s Joseph was alive. Since Simeon and Levi had murdered the men of Shechem and all of them had spoiled the city, the idea of murder didn’t seem like as much of a big deal since they had gotten by with it before. Once again we see how the family culture influenced the attitudes of the children.
Ephesians 6:4 tells us how to avoid this type of attitude among our children. “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Jacob had neglected to teach his family about the Lord, as was obvious from Rachael’s stealing Laban’s idols and his lack of worship while in Padanaram. His favoritism and selfishness accentuated the problems, leading to the intent to kill Joseph. As the beneficiary of Jacob’s actions, Joseph had become quite proud and overbearing.
“And Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him. And Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him; that he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again.” (Genesis 37:21-22)
Reuben knew that it was wrong to murder their brother, and that as the eldest it was his responsibility to try to prevent it. Years of being caught in the fighting had led to his becoming hesitant to speak up or take action. Others like Simeon and Levi had become quite aggressive, and even belligerent and he was afraid of angering them. He suggested that if they left Joseph in a pit where he couldn’t escape, he would still die, but they wouldn’t have killed him and wouldn’t have to lie. His goal was to free Joseph when the others weren’t around and let them think Joseph had escaped by himself.
“And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stripped Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him; And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it. And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt.” (Genesis 37:23-25)
When Joseph finally came up to them his brothers acted on Reuben’s suggestion, stripping off the coat that symbolized his father’s favoritism. Hoping for an opportunity to free Joseph later, Reuben volunteered to watch the flocks while the rest of them ate lunch. While they were eating they spied a caravan of Ishmeelites in the distance, carrying spices, incense and medical supplies to Egypt to trade.
“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. Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.” (Genesis 37:26-28)
Judah had thoroughly imbibed Laban and Jacob’s efforts to get rich. When he saw the Ishmaelites he saw and opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. It they sold Joseph they could make some money, and get rid of him at the same time. The other brothers were agreeable so they sold Joseph as a slave for two pieces of silver each, or between sixty and a hundred dollars each. They wouldn’t carry guilt for having killed Joseph, and they had a had the money besides.
“And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes. And he returned unto his brethren, and said, The child is not; and I, whither shall I go?” (Genesis 37:29-30)
When the brothers went out to herd the flocks, Reuben used the excuse of getting his lunch to rush to the pit and free Joseph, not knowing the others had sold him. He was panic stricken when he found Joseph gone, suspecting they may have killed him in his absence. As the oldest, he was sure the blame would fall on him. I wonder if they ever told him what happened and gave him his two pieces of silver?
“And they took Joseph's coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood; And they sent the coat of many colours, and they brought it to their father; and said, This have we found: know now whether it be thy son's coat or no. And he knew it, and said, It is my son's coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces.” (Genesis 37:31-33)
Taking the hated coat that symbolized their father’s favoritism, the brothers smeared it with blood to make it appear that Joseph had been killed and took it back to Jacob to ask if it was Joseph’s. Identifying the coat, Jacob was convinced some evil wild animal had killed his son, carrying away and eating the body.
“And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days. And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him.” (Genesis 37:34-35)
Jacob was broken hearted at losing his son, especially so soon after losing his mother. Hypocritically, the boys sought to comfort him, never letting on what had really happened. Jacob would suffer, believing Joseph dead for twenty years, never knowing that his suffering was the result of the examples he had set for his children.
“And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, and captain of the guard.” (Genesis 37:36)
In Egypt, Joseph was sold to the Captain of Pharaohs guard. At seventeen, he must have looked like a very good investment, old enough to work hard but young enough to learn easily, and with a lot of years of labor to be expected.
Just as Joseph was sold into slavery, we are “sold under sin”, as natural men, according to Romans 7:14. Just as Joseph became a slave by the actions of his brothers, we became sinners by the actions of Adam. Romans 5:19 tells us, “…by one man's disobedience many were made sinners,…” By disobeying God, Adam sold us all into slavery to sin. Fortunately, God has provided a way out. The last part of Romans 5:19 declares, “… by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.”
Monday, December 5, 2011
Stirring Up Conflict
Genesis 37:2-11
Isaac had favored Esau while Rebekah had favored Jacob, creating a jealousy between the boys. Then Jacob was tricked into marrying Leah when he loved Rachael, when he married Rachael as well, jealousy and conflict became a way of life. Rachael’s death in giving birth to Benjamin probably accentuated the favoritism. The story takes place ten or eleven years after Jacob’s return from Padanaram.
“These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report.” (Genesis 37:2
Jacob had not formally married Bilhah or Zilpah, yet the scripture recognizes them as his wives. Leah’s four sons were not with the others herding the flocks, but Jacob was. Apparently they were not behaving as they should, and Jacob told on them. Having been raised surrounded by jealousy and conflict, the older boys were angered by Jacob’s tattling.
“Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.” (Genesis 37:3-4)
Joseph was the oldest son of his favorite wife, but younger than all the kids but Benjamin and Dinah. In his old age, Jacob doted on Joseph, giving him expensive gifts and aggravating the jealousy of the other boys. He could have hardly done anything more likely to stir up resentment between his children and their hatred reached a point where the boys wouldn’t speak to Joseph.
“And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more. And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed: For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf.” (Genesis 37:5-7)
God sent Joseph a dream about future events, that one day the other boys would look up to him, probably to comfort Joseph in his isolation. Joseph couldn’t wait to rub it in that some day his brothers would be bowing to him.
“And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.” (Genesis 37:8)
His snotty attitude and superior airs further inflamed his brother’s anger. Their hatred grew stronger as a result. Joseph just wouldn’t quit.
“And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me.
And he told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth?” (Genesis 37:9-10)
Even his father was troubled by Joseph’s claims that one day the entire family would be bowing down to him. Though the jealousy was largely the result of his own favoritism, even Jacob realized how offensive Joseph’s attitude was and rebuked him. It was probably the first time he’d realized just how spoiled Joseph had become.
“And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.” (Genesis 37:11)
Though he’d been offended by Joseph’s flaunting of his dream, Jacob took it seriously, believing it came from God. That he didn’t remonstrate more strongly on their behalf only made his brothers more jealous. They knew what would have happened to them if they had said something like that.
Isaac had favored Esau while Rebekah had favored Jacob, creating a jealousy between the boys. Then Jacob was tricked into marrying Leah when he loved Rachael, when he married Rachael as well, jealousy and conflict became a way of life. Rachael’s death in giving birth to Benjamin probably accentuated the favoritism. The story takes place ten or eleven years after Jacob’s return from Padanaram.
“These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report.” (Genesis 37:2
Jacob had not formally married Bilhah or Zilpah, yet the scripture recognizes them as his wives. Leah’s four sons were not with the others herding the flocks, but Jacob was. Apparently they were not behaving as they should, and Jacob told on them. Having been raised surrounded by jealousy and conflict, the older boys were angered by Jacob’s tattling.
“Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.” (Genesis 37:3-4)
Joseph was the oldest son of his favorite wife, but younger than all the kids but Benjamin and Dinah. In his old age, Jacob doted on Joseph, giving him expensive gifts and aggravating the jealousy of the other boys. He could have hardly done anything more likely to stir up resentment between his children and their hatred reached a point where the boys wouldn’t speak to Joseph.
“And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more. And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed: For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf.” (Genesis 37:5-7)
God sent Joseph a dream about future events, that one day the other boys would look up to him, probably to comfort Joseph in his isolation. Joseph couldn’t wait to rub it in that some day his brothers would be bowing to him.
“And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.” (Genesis 37:8)
His snotty attitude and superior airs further inflamed his brother’s anger. Their hatred grew stronger as a result. Joseph just wouldn’t quit.
“And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me.
And he told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth?” (Genesis 37:9-10)
Even his father was troubled by Joseph’s claims that one day the entire family would be bowing down to him. Though the jealousy was largely the result of his own favoritism, even Jacob realized how offensive Joseph’s attitude was and rebuked him. It was probably the first time he’d realized just how spoiled Joseph had become.
“And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.” (Genesis 37:11)
Though he’d been offended by Joseph’s flaunting of his dream, Jacob took it seriously, believing it came from God. That he didn’t remonstrate more strongly on their behalf only made his brothers more jealous. They knew what would have happened to them if they had said something like that.
Friday, December 2, 2011
God’s Promise To Esau Fulfilled
Genesis 36:31-37:1
For nearly a thousand years, Edom was an autonomous country. Initially it appears to have been a loose association of clans or tribes, About the time of Israel’s Exodus from Egypt, they developed a united kingdom, with Bela the son of Beor named as the first king. Another of Beor’s sons, Balaam, is described as a prophet of God in Numbers 22:-24. Eventually, Israel established their own monarchy and conquered Edom. During that period, Edom was ruled by a Jewish deputy or governor, as prophesied to Rebekah in Genesis 25:23. “And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.”
This passage and I Chronicles outline the history of Edom before they were conquered by Israel. The Edomite kings were contemporaries of Israel’s judges. Being king does not appear to have been a hereditary position among the Edomites.
“And these are the kings that reigned in the land of Edom, before there reigned any king over the children of Israel.
And Bela the son of Beor reigned in Edom: and the name of his city was Dinhabah. And Bela died, and Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his stead. And Jobab died, and Husham of the land of Temani reigned in his stead. And Husham died, and Hadad the son of Bedad, who smote Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Avith.
And Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead. And Samlah died, and Saul of Rehoboth by the river reigned in his stead. And Saul died, and Baalhanan the son of Achbor reigned in his stead. And Baalhanan the son of Achbor died, and Hadar reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Pau; and his wife's name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab.” (Genesis 36:31-39)
Prior to the development of the kingdom the various clans occupied specific parts of Edom, and the descendants of Esau are listed specifically by their different groups, distinguishing them from the descendants of the Horites.
“And these are the names of the dukes that came of Esau, according to their families, after their places, by their names; duke Timnah, duke Alvah, duke Jetheth, Duke Aholibamah, duke Elah, duke Pinon, Duke Kenaz, duke Teman, duke Mibzar, Duke Magdiel, duke Iram: these be the dukes of Edom, according to their habitations in the land of their possession: he is Esau the father of the Edomites.” (Genesis 36:40-43)
More detail about Edomite history can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edom. The history of Edom shows once again that God has fulfilled his promises, even for those who did not serve him.
“And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan.” (Genesis 37:1)
Because their respective bands were more than the area could support in addition to the various Canaanite tribes, Esau had chosen to move to Edom. Undoubtedly, his decision to go was influenced by his wives connections to the Ishmaelites and the Horite, Seir. Since Jacob had no such connections, it made sense for him to remain where he was. Having sold his birthright, Esau had given up his right to claim God’s promise to Abraham and Isaac to own that land, so it was proper that he should be the one to leave.
Tradition proclaims Moses as the writer of the first five books of the bible, Genesis to Deuteronomy. Since Israel did not have a king until about five hundred years after Moses’ death, it is fairly obvious that Moses could not have written this part of the book as he would not have known the sequence of Edomite kings to follow him. Since the Bible does not attribute the books to Moses, this is not a problem, despite the arguments. Like many of the religious conflicts, the debate here is based on tradition rather than scripture.
Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy all record things Moses said, as well as what God said. The statements in Mark 12:26 and I Corinthians 3:15 do not necessarily indicate Moses is the author but rather that just as Joshua deals primarily with Joshua’s leadership, these books deal primarily with events during Moses’ leadership. Since most historical records do not name the record keeper, the fact that no writer is named is consistent with this as an actual contemporary historical record. As such there would have been a number of writers, which is consistent with manuscript analysis. Document examiners say there were at least five different writers. Moses may of may not have been one of them. Rather than discrediting the Pentateuch, this supports it’s historical value.
For nearly a thousand years, Edom was an autonomous country. Initially it appears to have been a loose association of clans or tribes, About the time of Israel’s Exodus from Egypt, they developed a united kingdom, with Bela the son of Beor named as the first king. Another of Beor’s sons, Balaam, is described as a prophet of God in Numbers 22:-24. Eventually, Israel established their own monarchy and conquered Edom. During that period, Edom was ruled by a Jewish deputy or governor, as prophesied to Rebekah in Genesis 25:23. “And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.”
This passage and I Chronicles outline the history of Edom before they were conquered by Israel. The Edomite kings were contemporaries of Israel’s judges. Being king does not appear to have been a hereditary position among the Edomites.
“And these are the kings that reigned in the land of Edom, before there reigned any king over the children of Israel.
And Bela the son of Beor reigned in Edom: and the name of his city was Dinhabah. And Bela died, and Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his stead. And Jobab died, and Husham of the land of Temani reigned in his stead. And Husham died, and Hadad the son of Bedad, who smote Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Avith.
And Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead. And Samlah died, and Saul of Rehoboth by the river reigned in his stead. And Saul died, and Baalhanan the son of Achbor reigned in his stead. And Baalhanan the son of Achbor died, and Hadar reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Pau; and his wife's name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab.” (Genesis 36:31-39)
Prior to the development of the kingdom the various clans occupied specific parts of Edom, and the descendants of Esau are listed specifically by their different groups, distinguishing them from the descendants of the Horites.
“And these are the names of the dukes that came of Esau, according to their families, after their places, by their names; duke Timnah, duke Alvah, duke Jetheth, Duke Aholibamah, duke Elah, duke Pinon, Duke Kenaz, duke Teman, duke Mibzar, Duke Magdiel, duke Iram: these be the dukes of Edom, according to their habitations in the land of their possession: he is Esau the father of the Edomites.” (Genesis 36:40-43)
More detail about Edomite history can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edom. The history of Edom shows once again that God has fulfilled his promises, even for those who did not serve him.
“And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan.” (Genesis 37:1)
Because their respective bands were more than the area could support in addition to the various Canaanite tribes, Esau had chosen to move to Edom. Undoubtedly, his decision to go was influenced by his wives connections to the Ishmaelites and the Horite, Seir. Since Jacob had no such connections, it made sense for him to remain where he was. Having sold his birthright, Esau had given up his right to claim God’s promise to Abraham and Isaac to own that land, so it was proper that he should be the one to leave.
Tradition proclaims Moses as the writer of the first five books of the bible, Genesis to Deuteronomy. Since Israel did not have a king until about five hundred years after Moses’ death, it is fairly obvious that Moses could not have written this part of the book as he would not have known the sequence of Edomite kings to follow him. Since the Bible does not attribute the books to Moses, this is not a problem, despite the arguments. Like many of the religious conflicts, the debate here is based on tradition rather than scripture.
Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy all record things Moses said, as well as what God said. The statements in Mark 12:26 and I Corinthians 3:15 do not necessarily indicate Moses is the author but rather that just as Joshua deals primarily with Joshua’s leadership, these books deal primarily with events during Moses’ leadership. Since most historical records do not name the record keeper, the fact that no writer is named is consistent with this as an actual contemporary historical record. As such there would have been a number of writers, which is consistent with manuscript analysis. Document examiners say there were at least five different writers. Moses may of may not have been one of them. Rather than discrediting the Pentateuch, this supports it’s historical value.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
A New Man, But With The Old Memories
Genesis 33:1-20
Jacob had cheated his twin brother out of his blessing and Esau swore to kill him for it. To save his life his parents sent Jacob to his uncle’s house to find a wife. Twenty seven years later Jacob had been afraid to meet Esau, sending everyone else ahead while he stayed on the other side of the brook.
“And Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, Esau came, and with him four hundred men. And he divided the children unto Leah, and unto Rachel, and unto the two handmaids. And he put the handmaids and their children foremost, and Leah and her children after, and Rachel and Joseph hindermost. And he passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.” (Genesis 33:1-3)
After a night wrestling with the Lord, Jacob was a changed man, no longer bound by fear. He divided up his family according to the love he had for them, but rather than hiding behind them, went before them to meet Esau. He went in a spirit of humility and repentance, aware that Esau had reason to be angry.
“And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept. And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant.” (Genesis 33:4-5)
Wonder of wonders, Esau was thrilled to see Jacob after so long a time and their reunion was quite emotional. Finally Esau asked to be introduced to Jacob’s family
“Then the handmaidens came near, they and their children, and they bowed themselves. And Leah also with her children came near, and bowed themselves: and after came Joseph near and Rachel, and they bowed themselves.” (Genesis 33:6-7)
Constantly aware of the wrong he’d done his brother, Jacob had assumed Esau was still angry and when he heard Esau was coming with a large force assumed it was with the intent of killing him. Before being confronted by the Lord, he’d sent out various herds to try to distract Esau’s anger. Though he had been really angry, Esau had forgotten his anger long before and had to ask why Jacob sent them.
“And he said, What meanest thou by all this drove which I met? And he said, These are to find grace in the sight of my lord. And Esau said, I have enough, my brother; keep that thou hast unto thyself.” (Genesis 33:8-9)
Esau was less concerned than Jacob about having more, and while he appreciated the gesture, felt it was unnecessary. He was just glad to have his brother back.
“And Jacob said, Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found grace in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand: for therefore I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me. Take, I pray thee, my blessing that is brought to thee; because God hath dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough. And he urged him, and he took it.” (Genesis 33:10-11)
In his relationship with Laban, everything had a price. Nothing was given for free. Jacob had always been a little selfish, but association with Laban had developed the attitude . Jacob’s “present” to Esau had been given from a sense of debt and fear rather than from love. When he sent it out his only concern was with staying alive. In reality, it was a bribe, not a gift. Unfortunately, many people give for the same reason. How many times have you been offered a “free” gift for buying or doing something?
Esau turned down the bribe, saying he had enough. Laban would never have done so. Suddenly Jacob could keep it if he wanted too. When he insisted on giving it to Esau, it was no longer a bribe, but a gift, a demonstration of love and appreciation.
“And he said, Let us take our journey, and let us go, and I will go before thee.
And he said unto him, My lord knoweth that the children are tender, and the flocks and herds with young are with me: and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die. Let my lord, I pray thee, pass over before his servant: and I will lead on softly, according as the cattle that goeth before me and the children be able to endure, until I come unto my lord unto Seir.
And Esau said, Let me now leave with thee some of the folk that are with me. And he said, What needeth it? let me find grace in the sight of my lord. So Esau returned that day on his way unto Seir.” (Genesis 33:12-16)
Even though Jacob was a new man, with a new attitude, he still had the old habits, and the old memories. Esau had forgiven and no longer was troubled by what Jacob had done, but Jacob hadn’t. His sense of guilt kept him from freely accepting Esau’s forgiveness, and prevented a full restoring of the brotherly love they had once had. He refused Esau’s help, and as soon as Esau was out of sight, he went in a different direction. Most people who’ve done wrong find it difficult to accept the forgiveness of others as real, because they are so conscious of and embarrassed by their wrongdoing. They may avoid contact even though others have forgiven them.
“And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built him an house, and made booths for his cattle: therefore the name of the place is called Succoth. And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padanaram; and pitched his tent before the city. And he bought a parcel of a field, where he had spread his tent, at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem's father, for an hundred pieces of money. And he erected there an altar, and called it Elelohe-Israel.” (Genesis 33:17-20)
Initially Jacob went to Succoth, where he built shelters for his cattle, and a house for himself. Latter he moved to Shechem, an area belonging to the Hittites of descendants of Heth, and bought land from them. It was the same people Abraham bought the cave of Machpelah from for a burial ground.
At Shechem Jacob built and altar and worshipped God again. It is only his third time, but for the first time he does not think of God as the God of Abraham and Isaac, but as his own God. This time he named the place Elelohe-Israel, or “God, the God of Israel.” He was no longer living on his parents relationship to God, but had his own.
While some people who’ve grown up in a Christian home are like Isaac, and develop faith from watching their parents faith, others are like Jacob, only making a decision as to what they believe after severe trials. Some are like Esau, and reject God’s promises, as not worth considering. Each person is accountable for his own choice.
Jacob had cheated his twin brother out of his blessing and Esau swore to kill him for it. To save his life his parents sent Jacob to his uncle’s house to find a wife. Twenty seven years later Jacob had been afraid to meet Esau, sending everyone else ahead while he stayed on the other side of the brook.
“And Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, Esau came, and with him four hundred men. And he divided the children unto Leah, and unto Rachel, and unto the two handmaids. And he put the handmaids and their children foremost, and Leah and her children after, and Rachel and Joseph hindermost. And he passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.” (Genesis 33:1-3)
After a night wrestling with the Lord, Jacob was a changed man, no longer bound by fear. He divided up his family according to the love he had for them, but rather than hiding behind them, went before them to meet Esau. He went in a spirit of humility and repentance, aware that Esau had reason to be angry.
“And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept. And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant.” (Genesis 33:4-5)
Wonder of wonders, Esau was thrilled to see Jacob after so long a time and their reunion was quite emotional. Finally Esau asked to be introduced to Jacob’s family
“Then the handmaidens came near, they and their children, and they bowed themselves. And Leah also with her children came near, and bowed themselves: and after came Joseph near and Rachel, and they bowed themselves.” (Genesis 33:6-7)
Constantly aware of the wrong he’d done his brother, Jacob had assumed Esau was still angry and when he heard Esau was coming with a large force assumed it was with the intent of killing him. Before being confronted by the Lord, he’d sent out various herds to try to distract Esau’s anger. Though he had been really angry, Esau had forgotten his anger long before and had to ask why Jacob sent them.
“And he said, What meanest thou by all this drove which I met? And he said, These are to find grace in the sight of my lord. And Esau said, I have enough, my brother; keep that thou hast unto thyself.” (Genesis 33:8-9)
Esau was less concerned than Jacob about having more, and while he appreciated the gesture, felt it was unnecessary. He was just glad to have his brother back.
“And Jacob said, Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found grace in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand: for therefore I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me. Take, I pray thee, my blessing that is brought to thee; because God hath dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough. And he urged him, and he took it.” (Genesis 33:10-11)
In his relationship with Laban, everything had a price. Nothing was given for free. Jacob had always been a little selfish, but association with Laban had developed the attitude . Jacob’s “present” to Esau had been given from a sense of debt and fear rather than from love. When he sent it out his only concern was with staying alive. In reality, it was a bribe, not a gift. Unfortunately, many people give for the same reason. How many times have you been offered a “free” gift for buying or doing something?
Esau turned down the bribe, saying he had enough. Laban would never have done so. Suddenly Jacob could keep it if he wanted too. When he insisted on giving it to Esau, it was no longer a bribe, but a gift, a demonstration of love and appreciation.
“And he said, Let us take our journey, and let us go, and I will go before thee.
And he said unto him, My lord knoweth that the children are tender, and the flocks and herds with young are with me: and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die. Let my lord, I pray thee, pass over before his servant: and I will lead on softly, according as the cattle that goeth before me and the children be able to endure, until I come unto my lord unto Seir.
And Esau said, Let me now leave with thee some of the folk that are with me. And he said, What needeth it? let me find grace in the sight of my lord. So Esau returned that day on his way unto Seir.” (Genesis 33:12-16)
Even though Jacob was a new man, with a new attitude, he still had the old habits, and the old memories. Esau had forgiven and no longer was troubled by what Jacob had done, but Jacob hadn’t. His sense of guilt kept him from freely accepting Esau’s forgiveness, and prevented a full restoring of the brotherly love they had once had. He refused Esau’s help, and as soon as Esau was out of sight, he went in a different direction. Most people who’ve done wrong find it difficult to accept the forgiveness of others as real, because they are so conscious of and embarrassed by their wrongdoing. They may avoid contact even though others have forgiven them.
“And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built him an house, and made booths for his cattle: therefore the name of the place is called Succoth. And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padanaram; and pitched his tent before the city. And he bought a parcel of a field, where he had spread his tent, at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem's father, for an hundred pieces of money. And he erected there an altar, and called it Elelohe-Israel.” (Genesis 33:17-20)
Initially Jacob went to Succoth, where he built shelters for his cattle, and a house for himself. Latter he moved to Shechem, an area belonging to the Hittites of descendants of Heth, and bought land from them. It was the same people Abraham bought the cave of Machpelah from for a burial ground.
At Shechem Jacob built and altar and worshipped God again. It is only his third time, but for the first time he does not think of God as the God of Abraham and Isaac, but as his own God. This time he named the place Elelohe-Israel, or “God, the God of Israel.” He was no longer living on his parents relationship to God, but had his own.
While some people who’ve grown up in a Christian home are like Isaac, and develop faith from watching their parents faith, others are like Jacob, only making a decision as to what they believe after severe trials. Some are like Esau, and reject God’s promises, as not worth considering. Each person is accountable for his own choice.
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