Exodus 8:1-15
The sign of the stick turning to a snake had established Moses and Aaron’s power as superior to that of Pharaoh’s magicians, but it had little physical impact on anyone. The turning the water to blood impacted everyone, but they were familiar with techniques that enabled them to minimize the effects, as if it were just another flood like they were used to. While inconvenient, it really didn’t affect them very much.
“And the LORD spake unto Moses, Go unto Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Let my people go, that they may serve me. And if thou refuse to let them go, behold, I will smite all thy borders with frogs: And the river shall bring forth frogs abundantly, which shall go up and come into thine house, and into thy bedchamber, and upon thy bed, and into the house of thy servants, and upon thy people, and into thine ovens, and into thy kneadingtroughs: And the frogs shall come up both on thee, and upon thy people, and upon all thy servants.” (Exodus 8:1-4)
Since Egyptian culture revolved around the river. God would use it again, but they had never been inundated with frogs. Living along the river with abundant water the Egyptians maintained a very high standard of cleanliness. They despised those from drier areas as dirty because they had trouble maintaining such a standard of sanitation. The frogs would mess up the whole system. Pharaoh couldn’t conceive the effects and refused to allow them to go, and besides that no one could make frogs.
“And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch forth thine hand with thy rod over the streams, over the rivers, and over the ponds, and cause frogs to come up upon the land of Egypt. And Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt; and the frogs came up, and covered the land of Egypt.” (Exodus 8:5-6)
When the frogs began to come out of the river, in vast quantities, Pharaoh was shocked by the invasion, but called his magicians to see if they could do the same thing. Apparently God had caused the frogs to lay a lot of eggs that had hatched and matured enough to come out when Aaron stretched out his rod over the water.
“And the magicians did so with their enchantments, and brought up frogs upon the land of Egypt. Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, Entreat the LORD, that he may take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the LORD.” (Exodus 8:7-8)
A second batch of frogs crawled out when they did whatever they did, so Pharaoh concluded it wasn’t anything special and sent Moses and Aaron away. A day or so later, Pharaoh and his people were really getting upset by the unsanitary conditions the frogs were causing and he called Moses and Aaron back to get rid of them, because they didn’t know how to deal with the situation and his magicians had no answers.
“And Moses said unto Pharaoh, Glory over me: when shall I entreat for thee, and for thy servants, and for thy people, to destroy the frogs from thee and thy houses, that they may remain in the river only?” (Exodus 8:9)
The Hebrew word translated “glory” here means to boast about or to give credit to someone. Moses is simply asking Pharaoh to acknowledge that the Egyptians couldn’t solve the problem without his help. Moses asked when he wanted it done, and Pharaoh postponed it until the next day, hoping the frogs would disappear and he wouldn’t have to give Moses or God the credit. I imagine the people would have preferred it that day.
“And he said, To morrow. And he said, Be it according to thy word: that thou mayest know that there is none like unto the LORD our God. And the frogs shall depart from thee, and from thy houses, and from thy servants, and from thy people; they shall remain in the river only.
And Moses and Aaron went out from Pharaoh: and Moses cried unto the LORD because of the frogs which he had brought against Pharaoh. And the LORD did according to the word of Moses; and the frogs died out of the houses, out of the villages, and out of the fields. And they gathered them together upon heaps: and the land stank.” (Exodus 8:10-14)
When Moses prayed, the frogs all died. The people spent hours gathering up the dead frogs and piling them in huge piles where they began to rot,. The stench would last for weeks.
“But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.” (Exodus 8:15)
A person who gets in trouble for drinking or using drugs may temporarily stop to get out of trouble or a government may cut taxes to stimulate economic recovery, then resume what they were doing that caused the problem in the first place. Pharaoh responded the same way, promptly forgetting his promise when the pressure eased. This hardening of the heart or refusing to take the lesson to heart is far more common than we usually realize.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
The First Major Case Of Water Pollution
Exodus 7:14-25
The illusion his magicians performed was enough like the miracle Aaron had done that Pharaoh could convince himself it was nothing more than a more complex version of what the magicians had done. He became more determined to teach them who was the boss. People who want to believe something can nearly always convince themselves.
“And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh's heart is hardened, he refuseth to let the people go. Get thee unto Pharaoh in the morning; lo, he goeth out unto the water; and thou shalt stand by the river's brink against he come; and the rod which was turned to a serpent shalt thou take in thine hand. And thou shalt say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath sent me unto thee, saying, Let my people go, that they may serve me in the wilderness: and, behold, hitherto thou wouldest not hear.
Thus saith the LORD, In this thou shalt know that I am the LORD: behold, I will smite with the rod that is in mine hand upon the waters which are in the river, and they shall be turned to blood. And the fish that is in the river shall die, and the river shall stink; and the Egyptians shall loathe to drink of the water of the river.” (Exodus 7:14-18)
God allowed Pharaoh to think about the miracle over night, giving him a chance to change his mind before proceeding. The Nile river was the basis of Egypt’s greatness, providing water to drink and for irrigation, fish for food, rich alluvial soil and easy transportation. It was the major power in Egypt and was venerated as such. Much of Pharaoh’s power was derived from the government programs to prevent flooding and develop irrigation. That he could control such forces led to his being viewed as more than just an ordinary man.
The second miracle was to demonstrate that God had more power over the river than Pharaoh. The entire land depended on the river. By making it unusable, not only Pharaoh, but the entire population would become aware of God’s power over the biggest forces in their lives. They would lose both food and water when it turned to blood.
“And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and stretch out thine hand upon the waters of Egypt, upon their streams, upon their rivers, and upon their ponds, and upon all their pools of water, that they may become blood; and that there may be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in vessels of wood, and in vessels of stone.
And Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood. And the fish that was in the river died; and the river stank, and the Egyptians could not drink of the water of the river; and there was blood throughout all the land of Egypt.” (Exodus 7:19-21)
When Aaron stretched out his hand over the water it turned to blood. It was not like an overflow of blood from a meat processing plant polluting the river, where the water mixed with the blood, but a literal stream of blood, making the water as viscous as it would be at the height of flood season. The fish died for lack of oxygen and since blood begins to decay very soon, it wasn’t long before the stench of decaying blood and fish filled the air.
“And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the LORD had said. And Pharaoh turned and went into his house, neither did he set his heart to this also.” (Exodus 7:22-23)
The Magicians were able to produce an illusion similar to the blood, probably by dumping some dye into a bowl of water. Because it appeared similar, Pharaoh ignored the differences in scale and impact. Like many who have no personal experience, he had no concept of the logistics of simply dyeing the entire river. What is easy in a small container may well be nearly impossible on a large scale, even if Moses had used the same mechanism.
“And all the Egyptians digged round about the river for water to drink; for they could not drink of the water of the river. And seven days were fulfilled, after that the LORD had smitten the river.” (Exodus 7:24-25)
Digging holes alongside the river allowed water to seep in, filtering out the blood and most of the contaminates. It was probably a technique the Egyptians had learned from the annual flooding. It took seven days for the influx of water from upstream to wash away all the polluted water. Pharaoh had other people to get his water for him and was somewhat isolated from the effects. What was a disaster for his people was only a minor inconvenience for him. Like most politicians and bureaucrats of today, he could focus on consolidating his power and ignore the effects of his decisions.
The illusion his magicians performed was enough like the miracle Aaron had done that Pharaoh could convince himself it was nothing more than a more complex version of what the magicians had done. He became more determined to teach them who was the boss. People who want to believe something can nearly always convince themselves.
“And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh's heart is hardened, he refuseth to let the people go. Get thee unto Pharaoh in the morning; lo, he goeth out unto the water; and thou shalt stand by the river's brink against he come; and the rod which was turned to a serpent shalt thou take in thine hand. And thou shalt say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath sent me unto thee, saying, Let my people go, that they may serve me in the wilderness: and, behold, hitherto thou wouldest not hear.
Thus saith the LORD, In this thou shalt know that I am the LORD: behold, I will smite with the rod that is in mine hand upon the waters which are in the river, and they shall be turned to blood. And the fish that is in the river shall die, and the river shall stink; and the Egyptians shall loathe to drink of the water of the river.” (Exodus 7:14-18)
God allowed Pharaoh to think about the miracle over night, giving him a chance to change his mind before proceeding. The Nile river was the basis of Egypt’s greatness, providing water to drink and for irrigation, fish for food, rich alluvial soil and easy transportation. It was the major power in Egypt and was venerated as such. Much of Pharaoh’s power was derived from the government programs to prevent flooding and develop irrigation. That he could control such forces led to his being viewed as more than just an ordinary man.
The second miracle was to demonstrate that God had more power over the river than Pharaoh. The entire land depended on the river. By making it unusable, not only Pharaoh, but the entire population would become aware of God’s power over the biggest forces in their lives. They would lose both food and water when it turned to blood.
“And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and stretch out thine hand upon the waters of Egypt, upon their streams, upon their rivers, and upon their ponds, and upon all their pools of water, that they may become blood; and that there may be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in vessels of wood, and in vessels of stone.
And Moses and Aaron did so, as the LORD commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood. And the fish that was in the river died; and the river stank, and the Egyptians could not drink of the water of the river; and there was blood throughout all the land of Egypt.” (Exodus 7:19-21)
When Aaron stretched out his hand over the water it turned to blood. It was not like an overflow of blood from a meat processing plant polluting the river, where the water mixed with the blood, but a literal stream of blood, making the water as viscous as it would be at the height of flood season. The fish died for lack of oxygen and since blood begins to decay very soon, it wasn’t long before the stench of decaying blood and fish filled the air.
“And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the LORD had said. And Pharaoh turned and went into his house, neither did he set his heart to this also.” (Exodus 7:22-23)
The Magicians were able to produce an illusion similar to the blood, probably by dumping some dye into a bowl of water. Because it appeared similar, Pharaoh ignored the differences in scale and impact. Like many who have no personal experience, he had no concept of the logistics of simply dyeing the entire river. What is easy in a small container may well be nearly impossible on a large scale, even if Moses had used the same mechanism.
“And all the Egyptians digged round about the river for water to drink; for they could not drink of the water of the river. And seven days were fulfilled, after that the LORD had smitten the river.” (Exodus 7:24-25)
Digging holes alongside the river allowed water to seep in, filtering out the blood and most of the contaminates. It was probably a technique the Egyptians had learned from the annual flooding. It took seven days for the influx of water from upstream to wash away all the polluted water. Pharaoh had other people to get his water for him and was somewhat isolated from the effects. What was a disaster for his people was only a minor inconvenience for him. Like most politicians and bureaucrats of today, he could focus on consolidating his power and ignore the effects of his decisions.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Laying a Foundation
Exodus 6:28-7:13
Moses had originally set out to straighten things between Israel and Egypt in his own power. When that didn’t work and the Israelites didn’t appreciate his efforts, he had fled to Midian for safety and stayed forty years, returning only at God’s direction. Upon his return he had approached the people with God’s direction to gain their support. When he went to Pharaoh to request permission to just worship God it was refused and the oppression increased, turning the people against him.
“And it came to pass on the day when the LORD spake unto Moses in the land of Egypt, That the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, I am the LORD: speak thou unto Pharaoh king of Egypt all that I say unto thee.
And Moses said before the LORD, Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh hearken unto me?” (Exodus 6:28-30)
Most of us have a sense of familiarity when we hear names like Barak Obama, or George Bush, or Bill Clinton. We have heard their names and are familiar with their position abn at least some of their beliefs. How many of us have been disappointed after they were elected to find that we didn’t really know them at all? All we really knew was the person portrayed by media reporting, and not the person at all. All too often our knowledge of God is equally superficial, based solely on some pastor or other persons statements about him. No matter how good or bad that portrayal may be it is based on some one else’s understanding, not our own.
Though Moses had been commissioned by God, he still had a superficial picture of what God was like and how he would work. Our picture of God is often based on what we know about ourselves and others, rather than on God himself. Like Moses we have to learn that as God said in Isaiah 55:8-9, “…my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Moses still thought that an eloquent and persuasive speech, or recognition of his religious authority would be what convinced Pharaoh to listen to him. He did not yet understand that “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing,” as Jesus said in John 6:63.
“And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet. Thou shalt speak all that I command thee: and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh, that he send the children of Israel out of his land.” (Exodus 7:1-2)
Pharaoh did not know God. He was viewed and treated as a god by his people. In his own mind, he was the ultimate power, able to manipulate other forces. God would establish Moses as having similar power in Pharaoh’s mind. To promote that illusion, Moses would direct but Aaron would take the actions and do the speaking. In this manner, Pharaoh would begin to understand the concept of a true God, rather than just a superior man.
“And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt. But Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you, that I may lay my hand upon Egypt, and bring forth mine armies, and my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments. And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them.” (Exodus 7:3)
In order for the Egyptians to understand that Pharaoh was not truly a god, it would be necessary for him to be decisively defeated. Most people will yield after a while concluding that it is not worth the effort required to win. By doing so they preserve the idea that they could have won if they wanted to. To prevent that, God would strengthen Pharaoh’s determination, making him too stubborn to quit. Before it was done, the Egyptians would know that Pharaoh was not in the same league with God.
“And Moses and Aaron did as the LORD commanded them, so did they. And Moses was fourscore years old, and Aaron fourscore and three years old, when they spake unto Pharaoh.” (Exodus 7:6-7)
Pharaoh had contacts who were responsible for communication with the Jews. Moses and Aaron were not among them. Two relatively unknown old men in their eighties approach him again on behalf of the entire nation, saying God sent them. It is not hard to understand why he didn’t consider them of much importance. He’d never even seen Moses in the meetings before.
“And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, Show a miracle for you: then thou shalt say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and cast it before Pharaoh, and it shall become a serpent.
And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the LORD had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent.” (Exodus 7:8-10)
As a sign to Pharaoh that this was from God. Aaron would use his walking stick to repeat the miracle that had happened when Moses cast his staff on the ground at Mt Sinai. When he threw it on the ground, it became a snake.
“Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods. And he hardened Pharaoh's heart, that he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.” (Exodus 7:11-13)
The snake was an important religious figure in Egypt. To demonstrate their power and awe the people, the priests had developed methods of handling them. We are told that one trick they used was to hypnotize the snake so it became rigid and could easily be carried. It appears that this is what the wise men did in this case. When thrown on the ground the trance was broken and the snakes began to move around.
Aaron had used and actual walking stick, whereas the magicians used a hypnotized snake, but the appearance was very similar, and Pharaoh chose to believe it was the same, even when Aarons snake ate all the others, then turned back into a stick without having to be hypnotized again. Though Pharaoh discounted the miracle, it clearly established Aaron as being as powerful as his priests and Magicians. It was a first step in reaching the Egyptians. That the snake was one of their religious symbols further enhanced his standing.
People pay little attention to those they think have nothing to offer. This miracle had established that he might have something to offer. The Christian’s life serves a similar purpose before the world. If his testimony does not imply anything of value, there is no reason to listen to what he says. The seemingly pointless meetings lay the foundation for hearing the gospel. Christians have no right to expect people to listen until they have assurance there is something to hear. Only a few first time contacts provide a valid opportunity to witness verbally.
Moses had originally set out to straighten things between Israel and Egypt in his own power. When that didn’t work and the Israelites didn’t appreciate his efforts, he had fled to Midian for safety and stayed forty years, returning only at God’s direction. Upon his return he had approached the people with God’s direction to gain their support. When he went to Pharaoh to request permission to just worship God it was refused and the oppression increased, turning the people against him.
“And it came to pass on the day when the LORD spake unto Moses in the land of Egypt, That the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, I am the LORD: speak thou unto Pharaoh king of Egypt all that I say unto thee.
And Moses said before the LORD, Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh hearken unto me?” (Exodus 6:28-30)
Most of us have a sense of familiarity when we hear names like Barak Obama, or George Bush, or Bill Clinton. We have heard their names and are familiar with their position abn at least some of their beliefs. How many of us have been disappointed after they were elected to find that we didn’t really know them at all? All we really knew was the person portrayed by media reporting, and not the person at all. All too often our knowledge of God is equally superficial, based solely on some pastor or other persons statements about him. No matter how good or bad that portrayal may be it is based on some one else’s understanding, not our own.
Though Moses had been commissioned by God, he still had a superficial picture of what God was like and how he would work. Our picture of God is often based on what we know about ourselves and others, rather than on God himself. Like Moses we have to learn that as God said in Isaiah 55:8-9, “…my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Moses still thought that an eloquent and persuasive speech, or recognition of his religious authority would be what convinced Pharaoh to listen to him. He did not yet understand that “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing,” as Jesus said in John 6:63.
“And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet. Thou shalt speak all that I command thee: and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh, that he send the children of Israel out of his land.” (Exodus 7:1-2)
Pharaoh did not know God. He was viewed and treated as a god by his people. In his own mind, he was the ultimate power, able to manipulate other forces. God would establish Moses as having similar power in Pharaoh’s mind. To promote that illusion, Moses would direct but Aaron would take the actions and do the speaking. In this manner, Pharaoh would begin to understand the concept of a true God, rather than just a superior man.
“And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt. But Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you, that I may lay my hand upon Egypt, and bring forth mine armies, and my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments. And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them.” (Exodus 7:3)
In order for the Egyptians to understand that Pharaoh was not truly a god, it would be necessary for him to be decisively defeated. Most people will yield after a while concluding that it is not worth the effort required to win. By doing so they preserve the idea that they could have won if they wanted to. To prevent that, God would strengthen Pharaoh’s determination, making him too stubborn to quit. Before it was done, the Egyptians would know that Pharaoh was not in the same league with God.
“And Moses and Aaron did as the LORD commanded them, so did they. And Moses was fourscore years old, and Aaron fourscore and three years old, when they spake unto Pharaoh.” (Exodus 7:6-7)
Pharaoh had contacts who were responsible for communication with the Jews. Moses and Aaron were not among them. Two relatively unknown old men in their eighties approach him again on behalf of the entire nation, saying God sent them. It is not hard to understand why he didn’t consider them of much importance. He’d never even seen Moses in the meetings before.
“And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, Show a miracle for you: then thou shalt say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and cast it before Pharaoh, and it shall become a serpent.
And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the LORD had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent.” (Exodus 7:8-10)
As a sign to Pharaoh that this was from God. Aaron would use his walking stick to repeat the miracle that had happened when Moses cast his staff on the ground at Mt Sinai. When he threw it on the ground, it became a snake.
“Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods. And he hardened Pharaoh's heart, that he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.” (Exodus 7:11-13)
The snake was an important religious figure in Egypt. To demonstrate their power and awe the people, the priests had developed methods of handling them. We are told that one trick they used was to hypnotize the snake so it became rigid and could easily be carried. It appears that this is what the wise men did in this case. When thrown on the ground the trance was broken and the snakes began to move around.
Aaron had used and actual walking stick, whereas the magicians used a hypnotized snake, but the appearance was very similar, and Pharaoh chose to believe it was the same, even when Aarons snake ate all the others, then turned back into a stick without having to be hypnotized again. Though Pharaoh discounted the miracle, it clearly established Aaron as being as powerful as his priests and Magicians. It was a first step in reaching the Egyptians. That the snake was one of their religious symbols further enhanced his standing.
People pay little attention to those they think have nothing to offer. This miracle had established that he might have something to offer. The Christian’s life serves a similar purpose before the world. If his testimony does not imply anything of value, there is no reason to listen to what he says. The seemingly pointless meetings lay the foundation for hearing the gospel. Christians have no right to expect people to listen until they have assurance there is something to hear. Only a few first time contacts provide a valid opportunity to witness verbally.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Who Are Moses And Aaron?
Exodus 6:14-26
God had chosen Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Because of Moses’ fear they wouldn’t listen, God assigned Aaron to be his spokesperson. Now God directed the author to describe Moses’ genealogy so we can know who he is. Most of the time our focus is on Jesus Christ and most of the genealogies address his lineage, to show that he is of the family of Judah, demonstrating his qualifications to be the Messiah, first prophesied by Jacob in Genesis 49:8-12.
Jacob had fallen in love with Rachel, but was tricked into marrying her sister Leah instead. Later he married Rachel as well, jealousy between them resulted in his tsaking their maids as wives also, compounding the problems. Here we get a brief look at some of Leah’s descendants. That God chose Moses and identifies him so clearly seems especially significant.
“These be the heads of their fathers' houses: The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel; Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi: these be the families of Reuben.” (Exodus 6:14)
As the oldest of Jacob’s sons, Reuben should have been the most favored, and would have seemed the most likely leader, but as a result of the constant turmoil he developed a lack of stability, committing incest with Bilhah, one of Jacob’s wives. His descendants tended to follow his example.
“And the sons of Simeon; Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman: these are the families of Simeon.” (Exodus 6:15)
Simeon was Leah and Jacob’s second son. He and his younger brother, Levi both were inclined to let their anger take over, with the result that they murdered the men of Shechem over Hamor’s perceived wrong to their sister Dinah.
“And these are the names of the sons of Levi according to their generations; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari: and the years of the life of Levi were an hundred thirty and seven years. The sons of Gershon; Libni, and Shimi, according to their families. And the sons of Kohath; Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel: and the years of the life of Kohath were an hundred thirty and three years. And the sons of Merari; Mahali and Mushi: these are the families of Levi according to their generations.” (Exodus 6:16-19)
Jacob had strongly condemned Simeon and Levi for their murders of the men of Shechem, instructing that they were not to be allowed to get together as they would egg each other on. Levi’s three sons would later become responsible for the care of the tabernacle and leading the worship of God. Each family would have specific responsibilities.
“And Amram took him Jochebed his father's sister to wife; and she bare him Aaron and Moses: and the years of the life of Amram were an hundred and thirty and seven years. And the sons of Izhar; Korah, and Nepheg, and Zichri. And the sons of Uzziel; Mishael, and Elzaphan, and Zithri.” (Exodus 6:20-22)
Levi’s son Kohath had a son named Amram, who married one of Kohath’s younger sisters, Jochebed. Moses and Aaron were their sons, making them descendants of Levi on both sides of the family. One of Moses and Aaron’s cousins was Korah, a man who would later cause a lot of trouble, having an attitude similar to that of his great grandfather Levi.
Hebrews 7 stresses the importance that the lineages of Moses and Aaron are from the tribe of Levi while Christ came from the tribe of Judah and that there was no overlap to demonstrate that Christianity is not an extension of the Jewish religion. As Paul describes it, the old Testament religion served as a scaffold or temporary platform for building Christianity. It was never intended as the final structure.
Moses was not chosen from Reuben’s family, from Judah’s, or from Joseph or Benjamin’s. He was chosen from a family with a record of cruelty and self will. It clearly indicates that while family background has a great deal of impact on our lives, God can and will use anyone who is willing to obey him.
“And Aaron took him Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Naashon, to wife; and she bare him Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.” (Exodus 6:23)
Aaron had four sons. Later, in Leviticus 10:1-2 and Numbers 3:2-4, Nadab and Abihu were killed because they ignored God’s command in fulfilling the priest’s duties. Being of Aaron’s family was not enough to save them.
“And the sons of Korah; Assir, and Elkanah, and Abiasaph: these are the families of the Korhites.” (Exodus 6:24)
Moses and Aaron’s cousin Korah would be killed in Numbers 16, because he decided he had the right to do as he wished. His entire family died as well.
“And Eleazar Aaron's son took him one of the daughters of Putiel to wife; and she bare him Phinehas: these are the heads of the fathers of the Levites according to their families.” (Exodus 6:25)
God had told Abraham that his descendants would be in Egypt four hundred years. Genesis 15:16 concludes, “But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.” Kohath was one of those who had gone to Egypt with Jacob. They would go out of Egypt in his great great grandson Phineas’s lifetime, four generations later, again proving that it was God who made the promise.
“These are that Aaron and Moses, to whom the LORD said, Bring out the children of Israel from the land of Egypt according to their armies. These are they which spake to Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring out the children of Israel from Egypt: these are that Moses and Aaron.” (Exodus 6:26-27)
God had chosen Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Because of Moses’ fear they wouldn’t listen, God assigned Aaron to be his spokesperson. Now God directed the author to describe Moses’ genealogy so we can know who he is. Most of the time our focus is on Jesus Christ and most of the genealogies address his lineage, to show that he is of the family of Judah, demonstrating his qualifications to be the Messiah, first prophesied by Jacob in Genesis 49:8-12.
Jacob had fallen in love with Rachel, but was tricked into marrying her sister Leah instead. Later he married Rachel as well, jealousy between them resulted in his tsaking their maids as wives also, compounding the problems. Here we get a brief look at some of Leah’s descendants. That God chose Moses and identifies him so clearly seems especially significant.
“These be the heads of their fathers' houses: The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel; Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi: these be the families of Reuben.” (Exodus 6:14)
As the oldest of Jacob’s sons, Reuben should have been the most favored, and would have seemed the most likely leader, but as a result of the constant turmoil he developed a lack of stability, committing incest with Bilhah, one of Jacob’s wives. His descendants tended to follow his example.
“And the sons of Simeon; Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman: these are the families of Simeon.” (Exodus 6:15)
Simeon was Leah and Jacob’s second son. He and his younger brother, Levi both were inclined to let their anger take over, with the result that they murdered the men of Shechem over Hamor’s perceived wrong to their sister Dinah.
“And these are the names of the sons of Levi according to their generations; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari: and the years of the life of Levi were an hundred thirty and seven years. The sons of Gershon; Libni, and Shimi, according to their families. And the sons of Kohath; Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel: and the years of the life of Kohath were an hundred thirty and three years. And the sons of Merari; Mahali and Mushi: these are the families of Levi according to their generations.” (Exodus 6:16-19)
Jacob had strongly condemned Simeon and Levi for their murders of the men of Shechem, instructing that they were not to be allowed to get together as they would egg each other on. Levi’s three sons would later become responsible for the care of the tabernacle and leading the worship of God. Each family would have specific responsibilities.
“And Amram took him Jochebed his father's sister to wife; and she bare him Aaron and Moses: and the years of the life of Amram were an hundred and thirty and seven years. And the sons of Izhar; Korah, and Nepheg, and Zichri. And the sons of Uzziel; Mishael, and Elzaphan, and Zithri.” (Exodus 6:20-22)
Levi’s son Kohath had a son named Amram, who married one of Kohath’s younger sisters, Jochebed. Moses and Aaron were their sons, making them descendants of Levi on both sides of the family. One of Moses and Aaron’s cousins was Korah, a man who would later cause a lot of trouble, having an attitude similar to that of his great grandfather Levi.
Hebrews 7 stresses the importance that the lineages of Moses and Aaron are from the tribe of Levi while Christ came from the tribe of Judah and that there was no overlap to demonstrate that Christianity is not an extension of the Jewish religion. As Paul describes it, the old Testament religion served as a scaffold or temporary platform for building Christianity. It was never intended as the final structure.
Moses was not chosen from Reuben’s family, from Judah’s, or from Joseph or Benjamin’s. He was chosen from a family with a record of cruelty and self will. It clearly indicates that while family background has a great deal of impact on our lives, God can and will use anyone who is willing to obey him.
“And Aaron took him Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Naashon, to wife; and she bare him Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.” (Exodus 6:23)
Aaron had four sons. Later, in Leviticus 10:1-2 and Numbers 3:2-4, Nadab and Abihu were killed because they ignored God’s command in fulfilling the priest’s duties. Being of Aaron’s family was not enough to save them.
“And the sons of Korah; Assir, and Elkanah, and Abiasaph: these are the families of the Korhites.” (Exodus 6:24)
Moses and Aaron’s cousin Korah would be killed in Numbers 16, because he decided he had the right to do as he wished. His entire family died as well.
“And Eleazar Aaron's son took him one of the daughters of Putiel to wife; and she bare him Phinehas: these are the heads of the fathers of the Levites according to their families.” (Exodus 6:25)
God had told Abraham that his descendants would be in Egypt four hundred years. Genesis 15:16 concludes, “But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.” Kohath was one of those who had gone to Egypt with Jacob. They would go out of Egypt in his great great grandson Phineas’s lifetime, four generations later, again proving that it was God who made the promise.
“These are that Aaron and Moses, to whom the LORD said, Bring out the children of Israel from the land of Egypt according to their armies. These are they which spake to Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring out the children of Israel from Egypt: these are that Moses and Aaron.” (Exodus 6:26-27)
Monday, January 16, 2012
Reaction to Increased Persecution
Exodus 5:22-6:9
Moses was concerned that perhaps he had caused more harm when he saw the impact on the people. Great leaders are aware of the pain their actions may cause. Selfish leaders are concerned only with accomplishing their goals. Years of herding sheep had taught Moses the need for considering the fears and needs of his flock. When he had first tried to help them forty years before, he was too impatient to make changes to consider the effects of his actions.
“And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Lord, wherefore hast thou so evil entreated this people? why is it that thou hast sent me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all.” (Exodus 5:22-23)
Though God had warned Moses “…but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go,” in Exodus 4:21, Moses had not expected what happened. Israel hadn’t been delivered and their situation had gotten worse rather than better. God knew exactly what he was doing. Israel would not be willing to leave the safety of Egypt and trust God until it became unbearable to stay. People tend to stick with the familiar in an attempt to avoid pain until forced to accept change.
“Then the LORD said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh: for with a strong hand shall he let them go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land.” ((Exodus 6:1)
For four hundred years, Israel had lived in Egypt, depending on the Egyptian system for their survival. Like most Christians today, they had never been conscious that it was God who provided their daily needs, making the crops grow and preventing the Egyptians from killing them. God would use Pharaoh’s rebellion to show Israel his power and develop trust. He would cause Pharaoh to drive them out so they would have no choice but to trust Him.
“And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the LORD: And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them. And I have also established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage, wherein they were strangers. And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage; and I have remembered my covenant.” (Exodus 6:2-5)
Seeing Moses distress, God revealed himself to Moses in a way he had not even revealed himself to the Patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They had never known him by the name Jehovah, yet God had established a covenant with them, beginning in Genesis 12, more than six hundred fifty years before. Genesis 15:6 tells us Abram “…believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” Clearly knowing the name Jehovah is not essential to be saved or to serve God, as some teach.
“Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments: And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.” (Exodus 6:6-7)
The covenant God made with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob had been passed down to his heirs, and God reminded Moses that he hadn’t forgotten it either. He was even more aware of their suffering than Moses. It is easy for us to feel that he isn’t aware of what we are experiencing, or that he doesn’t really care. He was going to fulfill his promise, although things would get worse for a while. The things that happened would convince them of God’s power and love for them.
“And I will bring you in unto the land, concerning the which I did swear to give it to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it you for an heritage: I am the LORD.” (Exodus 6:8)
Eventually they would claim the land God had promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob for their own, because God never breaks his promise. As Titus 1:2 tells us, God cannot lie, and he doesn’t change, according to Malachi 3:6.
“And Moses spake so unto the children of Israel: but they hearkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage.” (Exodus 6:9)
While Moses was reassured by God’s promise, the people were not. They were unable or unwilling to look beyond their misery to trust God.. Many times we try to advise people but their focus on their problems prevents seeing what is available. That will only change as God reveals his power to them. We cannot force it.
“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Go in, speak unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, that he let the children of Israel go out of his land. And Moses spake before the LORD, saying, Behold, the children of Israel have not hearkened unto me; how then shall Pharaoh hear me, who am of uncircumcised lips?” (Exodus 6:10-12)
When Israel refused to listen to what God had told him Moses was really discouraged. Why would Pharaoh listen to someone with no great religious standings when they said God said? He wouldn’t even be coming as the religious leader of the Jews, or having any formal recognition from some other organization. In today’s terms, he had not been ordained and had no doctorate to prove his qualifications. He had no evidence saying he was dedicated to God. God commanded them to go anyway.
“And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, and gave them a charge unto the children of Israel, and unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt.” (Exodus 6:13)
Moses was concerned that perhaps he had caused more harm when he saw the impact on the people. Great leaders are aware of the pain their actions may cause. Selfish leaders are concerned only with accomplishing their goals. Years of herding sheep had taught Moses the need for considering the fears and needs of his flock. When he had first tried to help them forty years before, he was too impatient to make changes to consider the effects of his actions.
“And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Lord, wherefore hast thou so evil entreated this people? why is it that thou hast sent me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all.” (Exodus 5:22-23)
Though God had warned Moses “…but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go,” in Exodus 4:21, Moses had not expected what happened. Israel hadn’t been delivered and their situation had gotten worse rather than better. God knew exactly what he was doing. Israel would not be willing to leave the safety of Egypt and trust God until it became unbearable to stay. People tend to stick with the familiar in an attempt to avoid pain until forced to accept change.
“Then the LORD said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh: for with a strong hand shall he let them go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land.” ((Exodus 6:1)
For four hundred years, Israel had lived in Egypt, depending on the Egyptian system for their survival. Like most Christians today, they had never been conscious that it was God who provided their daily needs, making the crops grow and preventing the Egyptians from killing them. God would use Pharaoh’s rebellion to show Israel his power and develop trust. He would cause Pharaoh to drive them out so they would have no choice but to trust Him.
“And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the LORD: And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them. And I have also established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage, wherein they were strangers. And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage; and I have remembered my covenant.” (Exodus 6:2-5)
Seeing Moses distress, God revealed himself to Moses in a way he had not even revealed himself to the Patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They had never known him by the name Jehovah, yet God had established a covenant with them, beginning in Genesis 12, more than six hundred fifty years before. Genesis 15:6 tells us Abram “…believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” Clearly knowing the name Jehovah is not essential to be saved or to serve God, as some teach.
“Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments: And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.” (Exodus 6:6-7)
The covenant God made with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob had been passed down to his heirs, and God reminded Moses that he hadn’t forgotten it either. He was even more aware of their suffering than Moses. It is easy for us to feel that he isn’t aware of what we are experiencing, or that he doesn’t really care. He was going to fulfill his promise, although things would get worse for a while. The things that happened would convince them of God’s power and love for them.
“And I will bring you in unto the land, concerning the which I did swear to give it to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it you for an heritage: I am the LORD.” (Exodus 6:8)
Eventually they would claim the land God had promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob for their own, because God never breaks his promise. As Titus 1:2 tells us, God cannot lie, and he doesn’t change, according to Malachi 3:6.
“And Moses spake so unto the children of Israel: but they hearkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage.” (Exodus 6:9)
While Moses was reassured by God’s promise, the people were not. They were unable or unwilling to look beyond their misery to trust God.. Many times we try to advise people but their focus on their problems prevents seeing what is available. That will only change as God reveals his power to them. We cannot force it.
“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Go in, speak unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, that he let the children of Israel go out of his land. And Moses spake before the LORD, saying, Behold, the children of Israel have not hearkened unto me; how then shall Pharaoh hear me, who am of uncircumcised lips?” (Exodus 6:10-12)
When Israel refused to listen to what God had told him Moses was really discouraged. Why would Pharaoh listen to someone with no great religious standings when they said God said? He wouldn’t even be coming as the religious leader of the Jews, or having any formal recognition from some other organization. In today’s terms, he had not been ordained and had no doctorate to prove his qualifications. He had no evidence saying he was dedicated to God. God commanded them to go anyway.
“And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, and gave them a charge unto the children of Israel, and unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt.” (Exodus 6:13)
Friday, January 13, 2012
It Got Worse
Genesis 5:1-23
“And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness.” (Exodus 5:1)
After sharing his position and getting the support of the Israelite leaders, Moses and Aaron approached Pharaoh requesting permission to go into the wilderness to worship their God.
“And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go.” (Exodus 5:2)
In Abraham’s day the Pharaoh had known the Lord. Six hundred fifty years later, the Pharaoh in Moses’ day did not know the Lord. In fact the religion of Egypt had changed to the point the Pharaoh himself was worshipped as a God. The entire religion and government centered on him. In his arrogance he no longer considered any God beyond himself.
“And they said, The God of the Hebrews hath met with us: let us go, we pray thee, three days' journey into the desert, and sacrifice unto the LORD our God; lest he fall upon us with pestilence, or with the sword.” (Exodus 5:3)
Israel had not worshipped God freely for most of the time they had been in Egypt. They were only requesting permission to worship their God and thus turn away his wrath for their unfaithfulness.
“And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens. And Pharaoh said, Behold, the people of the land now are many, and ye make them rest from their burdens.
And Pharaoh commanded the same day the taskmasters of the people, and their officers, saying, Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather straw for themselves. And the tale of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish ought thereof: for they be idle; therefore they cry, saying, Let us go and sacrifice to our God. Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words.” (Exodus 5:4-9)
By granting their request, Pharaoh believed he would be acknowledging that some God had more authority than he did. Determined to teach them a lesson, he decided to increase the burden on them. Totalitarian regimes throughout history have become more repressive and cruel at any suggestion that they should grant a little freedom.
“And the taskmasters of the people went out, and their officers, and they spake to the people, saying, Thus saith Pharaoh, I will not give you straw. Go ye, get you straw where ye can find it: yet not ought of your work shall be diminished.
So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw. And the taskmasters hasted them, saying, Fulfil your works, your daily tasks, as when there was straw.” (Exodus 5:10-13)
Pharaoh’s command gives us a very strong evidence both of the historical accuracy of the book and of the dates involved. In the first part of the Middle Kingdom public works were built out of quarried stone. Later, high quality brick was used and remains of these structures are still common today. After about 1660 BC, the quality of materials used in brick making deteriorated dramatically, replacing straw with trash for reinforcement. Few ruins from that period exist today. Unfortunately, most historians have Accepted Ussher’s chronology and ignored this record.
“And the officers of the children of Israel, which Pharaoh's taskmasters had set over them, were beaten, and demanded, Wherefore have ye not fulfilled your task in making brick both yesterday and to day, as heretofore? Then the officers of the children of Israel came and cried unto Pharaoh, saying, Wherefore dealest thou thus with thy servants? There is no straw given unto thy servants, and they say to us, Make brick: and, behold, thy servants are beaten; but the fault is in thine own people.” (Exodus 5:14-16)
Stunned by the increased demands and stiffened penalties for failure, the Hebrew leaders appealed to Pharaoh for relief, insisting they would not be able to maintain the production and quality under the new rules.
“But he said, Ye are idle, ye are idle: therefore ye say, Let us go and do sacrifice to the LORD. Go therefore now, and work; for there shall no straw be given you, yet shall ye deliver the tale of bricks.” (Exodus 5:17-18)
Unfortunately most policy makers have been chosen from people who have little or no contact with the people doing the actual job. As a result, they begin to place unreasonable demands on the people they depend on, and cannot understand that it is impossible to meet the demands without sacrificing something else. Pharaoh had never had to make bricks and had no real understanding of what was required. Egypt had been in an economic decline for many years, and here was an austerity measure he could take without cutting public programs. Placing the burden on the Hebrews would not cause much unrest among the Egyptians.
“And the officers of the children of Israel did see that they were in evil case, after it was said, Ye shall not minish ought from your bricks of your daily task. And they met Moses and Aaron, who stood in the way, as they came forth from Pharaoh: And they said unto them, The LORD look upon you, and judge; because ye have made our savour to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to slay us.” (Exodus 5:19-21)
If dropped into hot water, a frog immediately jumps out, but if placed in cold water and the temperature is raised gradually, he may sit there until he is cooked. For four hundred years the persecution of the Israelites had been steadily increasing, finally reaching the point where their children were being murdered and they had not time for themselves at all. Though they were troubled and griped about their situation, they had accepted it.
When Moses came and presented the possibility of escape, they were excited about the possibility. When they began to take steps to change the situation, and experienced resistance they began to blame Moses, rather than the Egyptians.
Over the years I have seen numerous people in abusive situations seek the Lord because it was almost unbearable, yet when changes they were making in their own lives caused conflict with the abusers, they blamed it on what I was teaching them and walked away. Invariably, the abuse became even worse, because the abuser was more convinced they would continue to put up with it. We often overlook this tendency in our efforts to help people. No one enjoys the pain, but many as fitness trainers tell us “no pain, no gain.” Unfortunately pain does not necessarily indicate progress. It may indicate that more harm has been done. Moses was upset by the people’s reaction.
“And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Lord, wherefore hast thou so evil entreated this people? why is it that thou hast sent me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all.” (Exodus 5:22-23)
“And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness.” (Exodus 5:1)
After sharing his position and getting the support of the Israelite leaders, Moses and Aaron approached Pharaoh requesting permission to go into the wilderness to worship their God.
“And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go.” (Exodus 5:2)
In Abraham’s day the Pharaoh had known the Lord. Six hundred fifty years later, the Pharaoh in Moses’ day did not know the Lord. In fact the religion of Egypt had changed to the point the Pharaoh himself was worshipped as a God. The entire religion and government centered on him. In his arrogance he no longer considered any God beyond himself.
“And they said, The God of the Hebrews hath met with us: let us go, we pray thee, three days' journey into the desert, and sacrifice unto the LORD our God; lest he fall upon us with pestilence, or with the sword.” (Exodus 5:3)
Israel had not worshipped God freely for most of the time they had been in Egypt. They were only requesting permission to worship their God and thus turn away his wrath for their unfaithfulness.
“And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens. And Pharaoh said, Behold, the people of the land now are many, and ye make them rest from their burdens.
And Pharaoh commanded the same day the taskmasters of the people, and their officers, saying, Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather straw for themselves. And the tale of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish ought thereof: for they be idle; therefore they cry, saying, Let us go and sacrifice to our God. Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words.” (Exodus 5:4-9)
By granting their request, Pharaoh believed he would be acknowledging that some God had more authority than he did. Determined to teach them a lesson, he decided to increase the burden on them. Totalitarian regimes throughout history have become more repressive and cruel at any suggestion that they should grant a little freedom.
“And the taskmasters of the people went out, and their officers, and they spake to the people, saying, Thus saith Pharaoh, I will not give you straw. Go ye, get you straw where ye can find it: yet not ought of your work shall be diminished.
So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw. And the taskmasters hasted them, saying, Fulfil your works, your daily tasks, as when there was straw.” (Exodus 5:10-13)
Pharaoh’s command gives us a very strong evidence both of the historical accuracy of the book and of the dates involved. In the first part of the Middle Kingdom public works were built out of quarried stone. Later, high quality brick was used and remains of these structures are still common today. After about 1660 BC, the quality of materials used in brick making deteriorated dramatically, replacing straw with trash for reinforcement. Few ruins from that period exist today. Unfortunately, most historians have Accepted Ussher’s chronology and ignored this record.
“And the officers of the children of Israel, which Pharaoh's taskmasters had set over them, were beaten, and demanded, Wherefore have ye not fulfilled your task in making brick both yesterday and to day, as heretofore? Then the officers of the children of Israel came and cried unto Pharaoh, saying, Wherefore dealest thou thus with thy servants? There is no straw given unto thy servants, and they say to us, Make brick: and, behold, thy servants are beaten; but the fault is in thine own people.” (Exodus 5:14-16)
Stunned by the increased demands and stiffened penalties for failure, the Hebrew leaders appealed to Pharaoh for relief, insisting they would not be able to maintain the production and quality under the new rules.
“But he said, Ye are idle, ye are idle: therefore ye say, Let us go and do sacrifice to the LORD. Go therefore now, and work; for there shall no straw be given you, yet shall ye deliver the tale of bricks.” (Exodus 5:17-18)
Unfortunately most policy makers have been chosen from people who have little or no contact with the people doing the actual job. As a result, they begin to place unreasonable demands on the people they depend on, and cannot understand that it is impossible to meet the demands without sacrificing something else. Pharaoh had never had to make bricks and had no real understanding of what was required. Egypt had been in an economic decline for many years, and here was an austerity measure he could take without cutting public programs. Placing the burden on the Hebrews would not cause much unrest among the Egyptians.
“And the officers of the children of Israel did see that they were in evil case, after it was said, Ye shall not minish ought from your bricks of your daily task. And they met Moses and Aaron, who stood in the way, as they came forth from Pharaoh: And they said unto them, The LORD look upon you, and judge; because ye have made our savour to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to slay us.” (Exodus 5:19-21)
If dropped into hot water, a frog immediately jumps out, but if placed in cold water and the temperature is raised gradually, he may sit there until he is cooked. For four hundred years the persecution of the Israelites had been steadily increasing, finally reaching the point where their children were being murdered and they had not time for themselves at all. Though they were troubled and griped about their situation, they had accepted it.
When Moses came and presented the possibility of escape, they were excited about the possibility. When they began to take steps to change the situation, and experienced resistance they began to blame Moses, rather than the Egyptians.
Over the years I have seen numerous people in abusive situations seek the Lord because it was almost unbearable, yet when changes they were making in their own lives caused conflict with the abusers, they blamed it on what I was teaching them and walked away. Invariably, the abuse became even worse, because the abuser was more convinced they would continue to put up with it. We often overlook this tendency in our efforts to help people. No one enjoys the pain, but many as fitness trainers tell us “no pain, no gain.” Unfortunately pain does not necessarily indicate progress. It may indicate that more harm has been done. Moses was upset by the people’s reaction.
“And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Lord, wherefore hast thou so evil entreated this people? why is it that thou hast sent me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all.” (Exodus 5:22-23)
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Returning To Egypt
Exodus 4:18-31
After forty years herding sheep, Moses had lost the arrogance he‘d once had, developing a realistic understanding of his own abilities and limitations. He had never lost his concern for his people, but was no longer willing to take foolish or unproductive actions such as killing a minor bully. With God’s assurance and support, he had the possibility of success.
“And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father in law, and said unto him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return unto my brethren which are in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace.” (Exodus 4:18)
After his encounter with the angel of God, Moses’ desire to meet with his family and relatives was renewed. Unlike Jacob, he had a good relationship with his father-in-law, and there was no sense of need for deceit, because he had developed a strong relationship with God, resulting in an openness Jacob never had.
“And the LORD said unto Moses in Midian, Go, return into Egypt: for all the men are dead which sought thy life. And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt: and Moses took the rod of God in his hand.” (Exodus 4:19-20)
Not only the old pharaoh, but all the officers who remembered Moses’ crime had died in the intervening years, and God assured him he would face no threat on that account. With that assurance, Moses took his family and returned to Egypt. He did not take a large herd of cattle or numerous servants with him. He did carry the walking stick God had transformed into a snake.
“And the LORD said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go. And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn: And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn.” (Exodus 4:21-23)
God had shown the three miracles to Moses to persuade the Hebrews that God had sent Moses. Now God instructed him to show the same three miracles to Pharaoh, but warned him he would not listen and would refuse to grant their initial request. Because he refused to listen, God would harden his heart, enabling him to ignore the plight of other people in his own self will. It is that hardened heart that enables our own politicians to ignore the effects of their policies on the people.
If Pharaoh stubbornly continued to refuse to allow God’s people to go, killing them to prevent their escape, even at the risk of destroying his own people, God would kill Pharaoh’s own son and heir.
“And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the LORD met him, and sought to kill him. Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet, and said, Surely a bloody husband art thou to me. So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision.” (Exodus 4:24-26)
God had specified that male circumcision was the one requirement to participate in God’s blessings in Genesis 17:10-14. “This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised. And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you. And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed. He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.”
Any person who refused circumcision, whether of Jewish descent or not, was to be counted as not Jewish and forbidden to participate in the Jewish rituals. It was the indication they took god’s promises seriously. Moses had not fulfilled the covenant by having his children circumcised, and God threatened him with death for his failure. His wife circumcised their son with a sharp stone to save his life, feeling the action was unnecessarily cruel.
Baptism serves much the same purpose in Christian life. Like the circumcision being baptized indicates how seriously we take God’s promises and commands. If we don’t take them seriously enough to be baptized we ought not participate in the communion or be considered part of the church.
“And the LORD said to Aaron, Go into the wilderness to meet Moses. And he went, and met him in the mount of God, and kissed him. And Moses told Aaron all the words of the LORD who had sent him, and all the signs which he had commanded him.” (Exodus 4:27-28)
Though there had been no communication between them, God sent Aaron to meet Moses, where Moses described his mission and God’s directions, enlisting his help as spokesperson.
“And Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel: And Aaron spake all the words which the LORD had spoken unto Moses, and did the signs in the sight of the people. And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.” (Exodus 4:29-31)
Together they went to the tribal leaders, where Aaron shared what Moses had told him and they performed the signs god had given Moses. Convinced that it was of God, in humility the people worshipped God for caring about them.
After forty years herding sheep, Moses had lost the arrogance he‘d once had, developing a realistic understanding of his own abilities and limitations. He had never lost his concern for his people, but was no longer willing to take foolish or unproductive actions such as killing a minor bully. With God’s assurance and support, he had the possibility of success.
“And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father in law, and said unto him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return unto my brethren which are in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace.” (Exodus 4:18)
After his encounter with the angel of God, Moses’ desire to meet with his family and relatives was renewed. Unlike Jacob, he had a good relationship with his father-in-law, and there was no sense of need for deceit, because he had developed a strong relationship with God, resulting in an openness Jacob never had.
“And the LORD said unto Moses in Midian, Go, return into Egypt: for all the men are dead which sought thy life. And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt: and Moses took the rod of God in his hand.” (Exodus 4:19-20)
Not only the old pharaoh, but all the officers who remembered Moses’ crime had died in the intervening years, and God assured him he would face no threat on that account. With that assurance, Moses took his family and returned to Egypt. He did not take a large herd of cattle or numerous servants with him. He did carry the walking stick God had transformed into a snake.
“And the LORD said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go. And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn: And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn.” (Exodus 4:21-23)
God had shown the three miracles to Moses to persuade the Hebrews that God had sent Moses. Now God instructed him to show the same three miracles to Pharaoh, but warned him he would not listen and would refuse to grant their initial request. Because he refused to listen, God would harden his heart, enabling him to ignore the plight of other people in his own self will. It is that hardened heart that enables our own politicians to ignore the effects of their policies on the people.
If Pharaoh stubbornly continued to refuse to allow God’s people to go, killing them to prevent their escape, even at the risk of destroying his own people, God would kill Pharaoh’s own son and heir.
“And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the LORD met him, and sought to kill him. Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet, and said, Surely a bloody husband art thou to me. So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision.” (Exodus 4:24-26)
God had specified that male circumcision was the one requirement to participate in God’s blessings in Genesis 17:10-14. “This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised. And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you. And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed. He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.”
Any person who refused circumcision, whether of Jewish descent or not, was to be counted as not Jewish and forbidden to participate in the Jewish rituals. It was the indication they took god’s promises seriously. Moses had not fulfilled the covenant by having his children circumcised, and God threatened him with death for his failure. His wife circumcised their son with a sharp stone to save his life, feeling the action was unnecessarily cruel.
Baptism serves much the same purpose in Christian life. Like the circumcision being baptized indicates how seriously we take God’s promises and commands. If we don’t take them seriously enough to be baptized we ought not participate in the communion or be considered part of the church.
“And the LORD said to Aaron, Go into the wilderness to meet Moses. And he went, and met him in the mount of God, and kissed him. And Moses told Aaron all the words of the LORD who had sent him, and all the signs which he had commanded him.” (Exodus 4:27-28)
Though there had been no communication between them, God sent Aaron to meet Moses, where Moses described his mission and God’s directions, enlisting his help as spokesperson.
“And Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel: And Aaron spake all the words which the LORD had spoken unto Moses, and did the signs in the sight of the people. And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.” (Exodus 4:29-31)
Together they went to the tribal leaders, where Aaron shared what Moses had told him and they performed the signs god had given Moses. Convinced that it was of God, in humility the people worshipped God for caring about them.
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