on the mount... / by my decrees...

This is a combined reading from Leviticus 25:1-26:2, and Leviticus 26:3-27:34, which finishes Leviticus.

Here is the summary:


(Ch.25)

The sabbath year, and the year of jubilee.

Redemption rights of properties.

The fellow country men who becomes desolate is to be treated as a hired servant, not a slave.

Redemption of fellow country men that become hired servants.


(Ch.26)

Yahweh promises blessings when the people walk in obedience.

-

Yahweh gives warning about the idolatry and the consequences of what will happen.


(Ch.27)

The various amount in making a vow/dedicating a person to Yahweh of different ages.

Laws on dedicating animals to Yahweh.

Laws on dedicating one's house to Yahweh.

Laws on dedicating one's field to Yahweh.


----- ----- ----- ----- -----


The two readings seem to contrast God's grace (Ch. 25-26.5) and truth (Ch. 26.5-27).

As easy and nice grace is, we sometimes desperately need the cold water of truth in our complacent lives, demonstrated firsthand in this blog.

Making excuses/trusting God... (it's a tough line) for the last several months of complacency:

i suppose it's easy to say "i needed to have fought" in keeping the law/vow/posting on time, but that would have only contributed to my pride, which is also dangerous...

because i already have gone this route, i would rather experience the "error" of relying on God's grace/trusting God about these postings...

because by any means, it's not that i don't feel at all that i haven't been engaging in battles for these last several months; in fact, exactly the opposite, in that it was a lot more like going through the beat downs from the bcp dept that night every single day; suffice it to say it has not been fun; i can only bank on Romans 8:28 for these tough times, i.e. living by the faith granted to me by God... go figure...


--

speak...

-
This reading is from Leviticus 21:1-24:23.


Here is the summary:


(Ch.21)

Various regulations for the priests:

Defilement because of a dead family member, or marriages between family members.

Not to participate with harlotry.

No one with a defect is to approach to make an offering.


(Ch.22)

More for the priests:

Rules for eating of the holy gifts.

If a priest becomes unclean, he must wait until sun sets to eat of the holy gifts.

Family members of priests who are able to eat of the holy gifts.


(Ch.23)

The holy convocations:

The sabbath.

The Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

The First Fruits.

The Harvest - Pentecost.

The Trumpets.

The Day of Atonement.

The Feast of Tabernacles (Booths).


(Ch.24)

The oil and the bread for the tabernacle.

A son of an Israelite woman with an Egyptian father is killed with stones because he curses Yahweh.

Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth.


----- ----- ----- ----- -----

The regulations for the priests start from Chapter 21 to 25, but it is interrupted by an incident of a son of an Israelite woman, who curses Yahweh.

This is precisely the same passage from which the (in)famous quote of "eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth" originates.


I remember hearing this phrase years ago in Japan when the only religion I knew was Buddhism. At the time it sounded relatively fair and just, although the prospect of losing my own eye or tooth felt a little too severe.

Years later, I read the commentary of Christ regarding this passage in Matthew 5:38, where he teaches to turn the other cheeck and leave the justice to God.

At the head knowledge level, what Christ said sounds really good and true.

However, when it comes time to live out what Christ taught, it becomes unfair and unjust, as we would like to carry out the process of justice.

The difference between knowing what Christ taught as opposed to believing what he taught comes down to doing things our way which is always easy, or living in the way of Christ which is not always easy.


--

after the death.../ holy ones...

-
This is another combined reading, from Leviticus 16:1-18:30, and Leviticus 19:1-20:27.

The summary:


(Ch.16)

Yahweh gives instructions for Aaron on approaching the mercy seat on the day of atonement.


(Ch.17)

Sacrifices may not be done other than at the tabernacle.

The blood from animals may not be eaten.

Animals torn by beasts may not be eaten.


(Ch.18)

Laws on immoral relations.

-

(Ch.19)

Living a life that is holy because Yahweh is holy.

Many details of holy living.


(Ch.20)

Sacrificing children is forbidden.

Immoral relations forbidden.


----- ----- ----- ----- -----


There's a sundry of topics in this reading, but the unifying idea is probably centered around Chapter 19, which is all about living a holy life;

however, even in Chapter 19, there is a sundry of topics in living a holy life;

but as it is mentioned by Christ, all the details are simplified by loving God and loving our neighbor as ourselves.


Although we don't read the words "love" in these passages, it would be time worthwhile spent if we were to read these passages with it in our minds.


--

(when) she conceives.../ one being diseased...

-
This reading is a combined reading of Leviticus 12:1-13:59 and Leviticus 14:1-15:33.


The summary:


(Ch.12)

Laws of cleanness after childbirth.


(Ch.13)

Various types of examinations for detecting leprosy.

The law regarding leprosy on articles of clothing.

-

(Ch.14)

The law regarding the cleansing of the leper, which involves the guilt offering as a wave offering, grain offering, sin offering, then the burnt offering.

Cleansing a leprous house.


(Ch.15)

The law regarding a man that has a discharge, and the process of his cleansing with a sin offering and a burnt offering.

The law regarding semen from a man.

The law regarding menstrual period, and the process of her cleansing with a sin offering and a burnt offering.


----- ----- ----- ----- -----


The various clean & unclean laws starts at Chapter 11 in the previous reading and ends at Chapter 15 in this reading.

Of all the clean/unclean laws, leprosy gets two full chapters, and not only are they whole chapters, they are above average in length (13 has 59 verses, 14 has 57).


So why so much space usage on leprosy? Here are some thoughts:

C.Missler points out one of the main themes of the Bible is redemption, in particular from the results of sin.

Leprosy is said to be a picture of sin: It corrupts the affected with numbness and insensitivity of pain, it is contagious in a very bad way, etc.


Putting the above two ideas together...

If the theme of the entire Bible is redemption from sin, then it would seem natural for Yahweh to want to spend more time in the details of how a person is redeemed from this thing called leprosy (if the theme of the Bible is something completely different, then what I just said is completely meaningless :P ).


The picture of Christ in the two chapters is that he is the living water that cleanses those that are affected by sin (not exactly profound, but definitely worth meditating upon in the light of these particular passages).


--

eighth (day)...

-
this reading is from Leviticus 9:1-11:47.

the summary:


(Ch.9)

On the 8th day, Aaron and his sons are told by Moses to offer a sin offering and a burnt offering.

The sons of Israel are told to bring the sin offering, the burnt offering, the peace offering, and the grain offering.

Aaron and his sons offer the sin offering and then the burnt offering for themselves.

Aaron and his sons offer the sin offering, the burnt offering, the grain offering, and the peace offering.

Aaron blesses the people after they are done.

Moses and Aaron go into the tabernacle of congregation, when they come out, the glory of Yahweh appears to the people.

Fire comes down and consumes the burnt offering and the portions of fat.

The people shout and fall on their faces.


(Ch.10)

Nadab and Abihu, sons of Aaron, bring their own fire before Yahweh, and they're struck dead by a fire from Yahweh.

Aaron and sons Eleazar and Ithamar are bound to stay and not mourn, otherwise the whole congregation is in danger.

Yahweh warns Aaron, and especially to tell his son not drink on the job.

Moses continues telling Aaron and the remaining sons about the offerings (the grain offering, the wave offering).

Aaron's sons, Eleazar and Ithamar mess up on the goat for the sin offering; Moses is not happy.

Aaron advocates for the sons that the act of eating was foregone because of the tragedy; Moses is appeased.


(Ch.11)

Clean and unclean animals, fish, birds, and insects are mentioned.

Yahweh commands the people, "You shall be holy, for I am holy."


----- ----- ----- ----- -----


Recently, I've been thinking a lot about the passage in chapter 10, where Aaron is commanded not to mourn for the death of his sons.

As I am not a parent, nor have I ever mourned for the loss of a child, I imagine that was a very very sad thing for Aaron.

With that said, I have been going through some very mildly sad times in the last couple of days, and at those times, this passage, along with the other passages that require us to rejoice has been on my mind, which has not been at all enjoyable nor fun.

I believe we as believers are called to serve and love God even when the thing that is the most precious in our sight is taken away. I wonder if Aaron had tears in his eyes while continuing on with his duties as he was commanded by Yahweh to not be sad.

This is probably one of the toughest trials we would encounter as believers in being faced with holding on to one's faith, to believe, and to trust the sovereign God, as Romans 8:28 claims to say.

The picture of Christ in this passage is Christ taking on the sin, and becoming the sacrifice and an example of the result of sin in being struck dead by Yahweh's judgment, while the Father dutifully continues his work with sadness in his heart.


--

command...

-
this reading covers Leviticus 6:1-8:36.

the summary:


(Ch.6)

The details of the sins for the guilt/tresspass offering.

More details of the burnt offering.

More details of the grain offering, and the grain offering for a priest.

More details of the sin offering.


(Ch.7)

More details of the guilt/tresspass offering; treatment of fat is detailed.

More details of the peace offering.

Eating the fat and blood offered to Yahweh is forbidden.

The portions of meat from the peace offering belong to the priests.

The end of the offering sections.


(Ch.8)

Moses presents Aaron and the priests in front of the congregation.

Moses puts the coat, the ephod, the breastplate, the miter, and the gold plate on Aaron.

Moses anoints the tabernacle and Aaron with the anointing oil.

Moses kills the bull and offers some of its parts as a sin offering.

Moses kills one of the rams and offers it as a burnt offering.

Moses kills the other ram and offers it as a ram of ordination.

Moses sprinkles the garments of Aaron and his sons, making them holy.

Moses instructs Aaron and his sons to eat their portions from the offerings, and stay at the tabernacle for 7 days.


----- ----- ----- ----- -----


Chapters 6 and 7 review the sacrifices/offerings discussed in the previous reading.

As mentioned previously, the sin offering is always the first thing offered, then usually the burnt offering which is pleasing to Yahweh, then the grain offering is discussed.

Then the sin offering is taken up again, along with the tresspass offering, and then the peace offering.

I'm not quite sure why the sin offering is mentioned the second time, but I have a strong feeling it is designed in such a way that speaks of Christ.

Maybe the next time I go through this passage something will become clearer...


Chapter 8 is when Moses presents Aaron to the congregation as the high priest, and Moses performs the sacrifices and offerings. After this time, Aaron and his sons are to perform the sacrifices and offering.

The picture I see from the above: by replacing Moses with Christ, and the priests being us believers, Christ shows us once and for all the thing that needs to be done, and he calls us to follow suit, in passing his teaching to us and to the next generation.


--

and Yahweh called...

-
This reading starts Leviticus, from Leviticus 1:1-5:26.

Here is the quick summary:


(Ch.1)

The burnt offering:

Specifics for offering a bullock.

Specifics for offering a sheep or a goat.

Specifics for offering a turtledove or a (young) pigeon.


(Ch.2)

The grain offering:

It may be baked in an oven, made in a pan, or be fried.

It is not to be offered with leaven or honey.

Salt must accompany the grain offering.

Special instructions for the grain offering of the first fruits.


(Ch.3)

The peace offering:

Specifics for offering a bullock; treatment of fat is detailed.

Specifics for offering a sheep; treatment of fat is detailed.

Specifics for offering a goat; treatment of fat is detailed.

The blood of the animals are not to be eaten.


(Ch.4)

The sin offering:

Specifics for the atonement of the high priest; a bullock is offered.

Specifics for the atonement of the whole congregation; a bullock is offered.

Specifics for the atonement of the leaders; a male goat is offered.

Specifics for the atonement of the common people; a female goat or a female sheep is offered.


(Ch.5)

The details of the sins for the sin offering.

The guilt/tresspass offering.

A ram is required for the offering.

----- ----- ----- ----- -----

The 5 main offerings/sacrifices are discussed in this reading.

Discussing things in a slightly out of order fashion...


The last two sacrifices in Chapter 4 and 5 uniquely and distinctly picture Christ as the sin and guilt offering for anyone that puts their trust in his work.

The sin offering always comes before any of the other offerings in practice where a sacrifice or an offering is made.


However, the first three offerings are all pleasing to Yahweh; perhaps this is why they are mentioned before the offerings that take priority over them.

Clearly, Christ who is the ultimate fulfillment of these sacrifices is pleasing to Yahweh.

However, if we are able to gather the word pictures of these first three sacrifices, it gives us a clue on how we may also be pleasing to Yahweh.

1. The burnt offering is to be wholly dedicated to Yahweh without anything remaining.

2. The grain offering is to be doused in oil.

3. The peace offering stresses that the fat is to be given to Yahweh.


For those that are not familiar with these word pictures, here is a quick explanation of the above 3:

1. We are to wholly dedicate our lives to God without any reservation.

2. We are to be completely filled with the Holy Spirit, not just a splash.

3. The best parts of what we can give must be given to Yahweh.



Obviously, these are called "sacrifices" since they require a sacrifice on our parts.

Some sacrifices are really easy to make, while other sacrifices require us to deny ourselves.


As we see in other parts of the Scriptures, most of the hard sacrifices deal with our hearts, which is much more difficult because it is very subtle.

So what are we to do? We are to have a complete dependence on God in his wisdom and strength, as opposed to trying "fix" or manipute things on our own (which is difficult, again, because they are "sacrifices").


--

and he (Moses) assembled.../ amounts of

-
This reading is a combined reading of Exodus 35:1-38:20 and Exodus 38:21-40:38, which wraps up Exodus.


Here is the summary:


(Ch.35)

The commandment of the sabbath told by Moses.

Moses tells the people about the offerings for the tabernacle.

Moses summons the workers to build the elements of the tabernacle.

The people respond with bringing the freewill offering to Yahweh.

Moses presents to the people Bezaleel of Judah and Aholiab from Dan being filled with the skill by Yahweh.


(Ch.36)

The skilled workers start building the tabernacle.

Because of the abundance, Moses tells the people to stop the giving.

The curtains are made.

The boards for the walls are made.

The special curtains are made.


(Ch.37)

The ark of the covenant and the mercy seat are made.

The table is made.

The lampstand is made.

The altar of incense is made.


(Ch.38)

The altar of burnt offering and its utensils are made.

The washbasin is made.

The courtyard components are made.


(Ch.38:21-)

Inventory of the materials used to build the tabernacle.


(Ch.39)

Aaron's ephod is made.

The breastplate for the ephod is made.

Clothing for the priests are made.

The people present the finished work to Moses.

Moses inspects the work and blesses them for following Yahweh's instructions.


(Ch.40)

Yahweh gives instructions on setting up the tabernacle.

Moses sets up the tabernacle on the first day of the first month in the second year.

The glory of Yahweh fills the tabernacle.


----- ----- ----- ----- -----


As I remember one of my favorite teachers C.Missler mentioned, each of the elements of the tabernacle reflects on the person of Christ Jesus.

So I was contemplating what would reflect this occurrence of the glory of Yahweh filling the tabernacle, and it seemed like it reflected the passage in the gospels when the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus when he was baptized by John.

As I imagine, it must have been a quite an awesome sight to witness the glory of Yahweh fill the tabernacle, but yet, witnessing the Holy Spirit descend upon Jesus would be awesome in a different sense.

Given the choice of seeing one or the other, I would choose the latter...
...I suppose that may be a "no-brainer", as my friend Rod would say...


--

when you take (a census)...

-
This reading is from Exodus 30:11-34:35.


The summary:


(Ch.30)

The specifications for the census.

The specifications for the washbasin and its use.

The specifications for the anointing oil and its use.

The specifications for the incense and its use.


(Ch.31)

Bezaleel from Judah and Aholiab from Dan along with others are given the skill to craft the elements of the tabernacle.

The sign/covenant of the Sabbath.

Moses is given two tablets of stone written by God.


(Ch.32)

Aaron gathers gold from Israel for a golden calf to worship.

Yahweh is ready to destroy the Israelites.

Moses intercedes for the people.

Moses sees the calf worship, and breaks the stone tablets in anger.

After Aaron gives his excuse, Moses calls for anyone that is for Yahweh; the Levites come forward.

The Levites are instructed by Yahweh to slay the people; about 3000 men die.


(Ch.33)

The people mourn because of what Yahweh says to them.

Everyone seeking Yahweh met with Moses at the tent of meeting.

Moses intercedes for the people, and asks to see the glory of Yahweh.


(Ch.34)

Yahweh has Moses go to the top of Sinai with 2 stone tablets.

Yahweh reviews the commandments for the covenant.

Moses is there 40 days and 40 nights.

Moses' face shines because he was with Yahweh.


----- ----- ----- ----- -----


The children of Israel gets in serious trouble with Yahweh for the infamous golden calf idol worship orgy in chapter 32.

Yahweh actually instructs the Levites to carry out a mass public execution because the idol worshiping people are offensive.


Yahweh deemed another public execution about 2000 years ago because we, as idol worshipers, are offensive for which I am grateful.


--

command/decree...

This reading goes from Exodus 27:20-30:10.


The summary:


(Ch.27)

The specifications for the light of the tabernacle.


(Ch.28)

The garment for Aaron:

The specifications for the ephod.

The specifications for the breastplate.

The specifications for the robe of the ephod.

The specifications for the gold plate and the turban.

The specifications for the clothes of Aaron and sons.


(Ch.29)

The specifications for consecrating Aaron and his sons as priests.

The specifications for the continual daily offering.


(Ch.30)

The specifications for the altar of incense.


----- ----- ----- ----- -----


The focus of these passages is the garments for the priests.

As believers in Christ, we are also called to be priests;

so I did a word search for "clothed with":


The NASB search gave 42 results that ranged from being clothed

with worms (Job 7:5) to being clothed with Christ (Gal 3:27).


The same search in KJV gave 50 results, but was missing Gal 3:27.

It turns out they use "put on" which also includes Colossians 3:14,

which was the thing I was initially thinking.



--

gift/offering...

This reading ranges from Exodus 25:1-27:19.


The quick summary...



(Ch.25)

Yahweh has Moses tell the willing people to bring the necessary materials for the tabernacle.


The specifications for the ark.

The specifications for the table of showbread.

The specifications for the lampstand.


(Ch.26)

The specifications for the linen curtains.

The specifications for the the goat hair curtains.

The specifications for the boards to support the tabernacle.

The specifications for the veil between the holy place and the most holy.


(Ch.27)

The specifications for the altar.

The specifications for the court of the tabernacle.


----- ----- ----- ----- -----


The details of the tabernacle begins from this section to the next two readings.

An interesting detail that I had not noticed before was that the poles for the ark (Ch 25) are not to be removed...

I wondered, "why not???"

...I still don't know why...



Then the prospect of reading about the details like the boards and sockets felt completely dry, so I searched for pictures of what I was reading.

In the course of the search, I found the tabernacle model kit.

You can build your own tabernacle, as specified by Yahweh (but smaller).

I imagine this would be a good thing to build while reading along these passages.


--

laws...

The next reading ranges from Exodus 21:1-24:18.


Here is a summary...


(Ch.21)

Laws regarding servants.

Laws regarding violence.

Laws regarding animal control (in particular, oxen).


(Ch.22)

Laws regarding stolen/damaged property.

Laws regarding social responsibility.

Laws regarding responsibilities to God.


(Ch.23)

Laws regarding justice. (not favoring against the poor, nor disrespecting the rich; fairness to the innocent and righteous)

Laws of the Sabbath.


Three feasts are to be kept to honor the LoRD.


The people are to follow the leading of the Angel of the LoRD to take down the false god worshipers.

Promises of the blessings from the LoRD in abiding in Him.

Warning in not giving into the false gods.


(Ch.24)

Yahweh summons Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and 70 elders, Moses goes near Yahweh alone.

Moses returns with the words of Yahweh, the people say they will obey the words of Yahweh.

Moses writes everything down, builds an altar early in the morning along with 12 pillars according to the 12 tribes of Israel.

Mose instructs some men to offer burnt offerings and peace offerings to Yahweh.

Moses takes the blood and sprinkles it on the altar; then he reads the book of the covenant before the people, the people say they will do all that Yahweh said.

Moses sprinkles the blood on the people confirming covenant and the blood of it.

Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and 70 elders see God, and they ate and drank.

Yahweh summons Moses to give him the law.

The glory of Yahweh dwells upon Sinai, with clouds covering it for 6 days;
on the 7th day Moses is called.

Moses goes into the midst of the clouds for 40 days and 40 nights.


----- ----- ----- ----- -----


This passage is full of God's laws...

My impression of this passage is that it's a little overwhelming in even simply seeing the summary of the different laws.


However, I was thinking these could be the very passages the author of the first pslam had in mind when he penned the words that are partially quoted at the top of this blog:

"But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night." -Psalm 1:2


Why bother delighting and meditating on such a thing?

The next verse gives the answer:

"And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." -Psalm 1:3


--

Jethro...

This particular reading is from Exodus 18:1-20:23.


The quick(er) summary:


(Ch.18)
Jethro visits Moses; he brings Zipporah, Moses' wife and children Gershom and Eliezer.

Jethro praises Yahweh for His great work, and brings offering and sacrifices to God.
-
Jethro sees Moses judging the people from morning to night, and tells Moses to delegate, in finding rulers for 1000, 100, and 50 people.

Then the people brought only the difficult cases to Moses.

Jethro leaves.

(Ch.19)
The people arrive at Sinai in the 3rd month.

Yahweh tells Moses that if the people follow Him and keep His covenant, they will be a special treasure to Him above the rest of the people.

Moses tells the elders; the elders say they will do what Yahweh says.

Moses returns to Yahweh to report about the elders.

Yahweh tell Moses to have the people santify themselves for the next 2 days, and on the 3rd day Yahweh will be on mount Sinai; the people are not to touch the mountain unless they die.

Moses tells the people to santify themselves.

Yahweh appears on the 3rd day on mount Sinai, and calls for Moses.

Yahweh tells Moses to bring Aaron, the priests and the people are to stay.

Moses goes to speak to the people.

(Ch.20)
God gives the 10 commandments:

Thou shalt have no other gods (v.3)

Thou shalt not make a graven image (v.4)

Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain (v.7)

Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy (v.8)

Honour thy father and thy mother (v.12)

Thou shalt not murder (v.13)

Thou shalt not commit adultery (v.14)

Thou shalt not steal (v.15)

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour (v.16)

Thou shalt not covet (v.17)
-
The people fear the sight of God. Moses tells them to not worry.

Yahweh tells Moses to not make gods of silver or gold; but instead they are to make an altar from the ground to make offerings, or an altar of uncut stones; the altar is not to be approached by going up steps.


----- ----- ----- ----- -----


For the reference of the reader, I included the verse(s) in parenthesis for each commandment.

Most of the commandments only take a single verse to say what Yahweh requires of His followers. For those of readers that are particularly good with counting, 2 commandments take up more than one verse to explain. In particular, they are:

Thou shalt not make a graven image (v.4-6) and
Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy (v.8-11)

The other ones like, Thou shalt not steal (v.15) seem pretty obvious in their importance, and perhaps the reason God doesn't spend too much time talking about them.

Conversely, I believe God takes more care and length in decreeing the two commandments because they are equally as serious in their violation, but at the same time more subtle than the others because it has no immediate victims. Upon some amount of reflection and meditation, the victims that are yielded by the violation of these commandments are exactly the ones that violate the commandment.



In a different but related point (is that possible?) the passage regarding the sabbath is used by God to confirm that the creation account was actual 6 days; otherwise, God would have said something to the effect of...

"just like I created the world in 6 eons,
make sure to take a break after 6 eons, ok?"

And perhaps more Christians keep my twisted rendition of the commandment, but that is not what God said (plus I'm digressing).

The point being, if you were there thousands of years ago when Moses descended from mount Sinai, there would be no questions or debates about keeping the sabbath holy, nor any doubt that the creation account was exactly 6 days.


--

(making the yoke easier and burden lighter)

-
As the writing and the reading of the summaries/massages have been burdensome, after much prayer, the summary section of will be less in detail, and more of a highlight.


Mostly, I'll say a couple of words on each chapter, and then a wrap up.

By God's grace, this will be a better format for all parties involved
(i.e. God, the reader, the writer)


--

when (Pharaoh) let go...

-
This reading is on Exodus 13:17-17:16.


Here are highlights:

(Ch.13)
Yahweh guides the people from Succoth to Etham, leading them with a pillar of cloud/fire.

(Ch.14)
Yahweh camps the people at Phihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, against Baalzephon; in preparation for the parting of the Red Sea.

Pharaoh pursues the people with 600 chariots with only captains manning them.

The people panic, cry out to Yahweh and blame Moses.

Yahweh tells Moses to part the sea; the angel of Yahweh and the pillar go to the back of the camp to separate the people and Pharaoh.

Yahweh tells Moses to bring down the water on the Egyptians; Pharaoh and company die.

The people fear and believe Yahweh; they also believe Moses.

(Ch.15)
Moses sings a song of praise.

Miriam praises Yahweh with timbrel.
-
The people travel 3 days without water; they arrive at Marah, where the water is bitter; the people murmur.

Yahweh shows Moses a tree that makes the water sweet.
-
Yahweh gives a statute and an ordinance: If the people listen and keep His statues, He will keep the Egyptian diseases away. He is Yahweh that heals them.
-
They arrive at Elim, where were 12 wells and 70 palm trees, and camp there.

(Ch.16)
The people go from Elim to Sin, half way to Sinai on the 15th of the 2nd month. They murmur for the lack of food.
-
Yahweh tells the people they will have meat to eat in the evening. Quails show up at night.

Yahweh gives them bread in the morning.

The people call the bread manna.

Some people act ignorantly about following directions from God.
Moses becomes angry.

Some people go out on the 7th day when there is no manna.
God expresses grief.
-
Yahweh commands a jar full of manna to be kept for the generations.

The people eat manna for 40 years.

(Ch.17)
The people go from Sin to Rephidim. They murmur for the lack of water, readying to stone Moses.

Yahweh tells Moses to strike a rock and water will come out.

The place is named Massah/Meribah.
-
Amalek attack Israel. Moses tells Joshua to choose men to fight with Amalek.

Moses, Aaron, and Hur go to the top of a hill. Aaron and Hur keep Moses' arms up, and the Israel prevailed.

Joshua discomfits Amalek with the edge of the sword.
-
Yahweh has Moses record that He will put out Amalek from existence.

Moses build an altar, calls it Yahweh-nissi.


----- ----- ----- ----- -----

A curious thing about the usage in reference to Israel:

Usually, the people of Israel is referred to as "the children of Israel" in most of the passages, but sometimes, like in Exodus 14:30-31, 15:22, 17:8,11; they are simply "Israel." It is obvious and clear, like Exodus 15:22, that Israel does not mean one person.

The reason I bring this up is that it brought to rememberance about God, who confirms Himself as being one, and at the same time, many passages in the Bible refers to the same God in the plural.


This is curious to me since I have spent much time with some Jehovah's witnesses that insist that Jesus Christ cannot be God.


God reveals Himself and His plan through patterns and types in the Bible; for example, the sacrificing of Isaac by Abraham is a type (or pattern) for which God the Father sacrifices His one and only Son.


The above plural/singular reference to Israel, as well as the plural/singular reference to God can be called either an accident/coincidence, or it is there by design. It is hard to believe that this is an accident.

So what could it mean?
From simply reading the passage, the plural/singular type indicates equality of entity, specifically, the children of Israel.

Even in reference to God, the plural/singular type indicate the same entity, that is, Yahweh/Jehovah.

Is anyone equal with God except God Himself? Philippians 2:6 gives an answer, in reference to Christ Jesus, "who thought(thinks) it not robbery to be equal with God."


I suppose one can continue thinking it is all an accident, like the Jehovah's witnesses, or even the atheists. Mathematically, it's just too difficult to brush off things like this as such.


Go figure...


--

Go (unto Pharaoh)

-
This reading spans from Exodus 10:1-13:16.


Here is my summary/massage:


Chapter 10:
8th plague:
Yahweh tells Moses to go to Pharaoh because Yahweh has hardened Pharaoh's heart, so that the signs shown may be told to the generations after.
Moses and Aaron relates the words of Yahweh to Pharaoh, that if the people are not let go there will be locusts.
Pharaoh's servants urge Pharaoh to let them go.
Pharaoh says only men are allowed.
Yahweh tells Moses to stretch out his hand to bring the locusts.
Moses obeys, Yahweh bring an east wind all day and all night.
Locusts show, and destroys all greenery.
Pharaoh confesses sin against Yahweh and them.
Moses intreats Yahweh; Yahweh sends a west wind to take away the locusts.
Yahweh hardens Pharaoh's heart.
-
9th plague:
Yahweh tells Moses to stretch out his hand to bring darkness.
Moses obeys and there was a thick darkness in Egypt for 3 days.
The children of Israel has light in their dwellings.
Pharaoh calls Moses and tells him to go serve Yahweh, but not to bring along any flocks.
Moses insists on bringing all their flocks to sacrifice to God Yahweh.
Yahweh hardens Pharaoh's heart;
Pharaoh tells Moses to get out and that he will not see his face any more.
Moses says he has spoken well.


Chapter 11:
Yahweh tells Moses there will be one more plague, and that the people are to plunder their neighbors by asking.
Moses relates the words of Yahweh to Pharaoh, and leaves in great anger.
Yahweh tells Moses Pharaoh will not listen, so that His wonders may be multiplied in Egypt.
-
Thus Moses and Aaron performed all the wonders in front of Pharaoh,
and Yahweh hardened Pharaoh's heart.


Chapter 12:
Yahweh tells Moses and Aaron the current month becomes the first month of the year.
On the 10th day, a male lamb without blemish is to be selected.
It is to be killed on the 14th day, with its blood applied to the side and the top of the door posts.
The meat is to be eaten at night, roasted with fire, along with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.
The lamb is not to be eaten raw, nor boiled with water, but roasted.
Nothing should be left in the morning, any remains are to be burned.
When it is eaten, everyone is to be fully dressed with shoes and staff in hand, in a state of haste; it is the passover of Yahweh.
Yahweh will pass through Egypt smiting all the firstborn, man and beast, executing judgment on all the gods of Egypt.
The blood will be the symbol for Yahweh to pass over from destruction.
-
The feast of unleavened bread is the same day as the exodus from Egypt.
There is to be a holy convocation on the 1st and 7th day; no work is to be done in them.
In the 1st month on the 14th day to the 21st day, unleavened bread is to be eaten.
No leaven is to be found in the houses, if anyone eats anything leavened, that person will be cut off from Israel.
-
Moses relates in detail about what to do to the elders of Israel.
The children of Israel obey the words of Yahweh, as does Moses and Aaron.
-
10th plague:
Yahweh smites the firstborn in Egypt.
There is a great cry.
Pharaoh calls Moses and Aaron at night to let the children of Israel go to serve Yahweh, and ask their blessing.
The Egyptians urge the people to go.
The people take the dough without it being leavened, along with their kneading troughs and their clothes on their shoulders.
The children of Israel ask for the jewels of Egyptians, as Moses told them.
Yahweh gives the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, and thus plunders them.
-
The children of Israel go from Ramses to Succoth; 600,000 men not counting kids; also a mixed multitude go with them.
The people bake unleavened bread because of the urgency.
The children of Israel were in Egypt for exactly 430 years, and the hosts of Yahweh went out from Egypt.
-
Yahweh tells Moses and Aaron the passover is not to be eaten by strangers, but only by the circumcised; it is to be eaten inside the house, and not to be taken out; no bones are to be broken; all the congregation of Israel must keep it; if a stranger is to eat of it, he must be circumcised.
The children of Israel obey Yahweh's commandment.
-
That was the day Yahweh brought the children of Israel out of Egypt.


Chapter 13:
Yahweh tells Moses the sanctify all firstborn among the children of Israel, both man and beast.
Moses tells the people to remember this day, in what Yahweh did, in observing the passover, that the law of Yahweh may be in their mouth, keeping the ordinance every year.

They are to set apart unto Yahweh every firstling of all animals; the firstling of a donkey is to be redeemed by a lamb, it is to be killed if it is not redeemed.
The firstborn of all men must be redeemed.

When their children ask about these things, they are to tell them how Yahweh brought them out of bondage from Egypt; how Pharaoh would not let them go, but Yahweh slew all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both of men and beast; thus the reason to sacrifice to Yahweh all that are born male, and the firstborn of the children are redeemed.

It is to be a sign on their hand and frontlets between their eyes; for by a strong hand Yahweh brought them out of Egypt.


----- ----- ----- ----- -----



For the last week or so, I've been running into topics related to free will vs. predestination. In the passages from this week and the previous week, we see Pharaoh's heart hardened, either by himself, or by Yahweh.

The controversy is, if God hardens Pharaoh's heart, how can Pharaoh be held responsible for his actions? This is a very heated debate, and of course, I don't plan to put an end to such a thing.



What I plan to say is the ideas/thoughts/meditations that have formed through these passages in the last few weeks.

One of the things that have prominently synthesized in my thoughts is the idea of holding onto one's pride.

At first, this may not sound at all related to free will vs. predestination, but here is the train of thought that went into such synthesis:

(The ideas may be somewhat scattered, so hopefully the following won't be too confusing...)



We start from the concept of taking responsibility for one's actions, whether if there is a "reward" or a "punishment" involved.

Being the selfish animals we are, human nature is quick to claim for credit anything good for ourselves, and even quicker to denounce the responsibility of anything bad.

(*)If we insist that we be held responsible for everything we do, as fair as it may sound, this would not be a happy endeavor for anybody living on this planet, if we are able to be truly honest with ourselves (if not, the reader should stop reading any further).

Pride will strongly insist on such a responsibility.

Having the humility to recognize the seriousness of such a condition (holding onto our pride) is not always easy, in fact, I dare say it requires divine intervention.

The trickiest part of this situation is that pride will deny the existence of such a malady, and sadly as well as unfortunately, one will not seek any help for such a condition, which is exactly how I see the situation with Pharaoh in these passages.

Now the question of God hardening Pharaoh's heart; does Pharaoh have the responsibility from his actions? I dare say once again,


pride (on Pharaoh's part) will strongly insist on such a responsibility, and not seek any divine intervention.


Is that fair? See (*); because all in all, we know that



God is just.


--

... and I (God) appeared...

--
The reading from two weeks ago was Exodus 6:2-9:35.


Here is my summary/massage:


Chapter 6:
Yahweh identifies Himself with his distinct name.
Moses talks to the children of Israel, but they do not listen because of their anguish.
Yahweh tells Moses to go to Pharaoh; Moses makes an excuse, but Yahweh gives Moses and Aaron a command for the children of Israel and Pharaoh.
-
Genealogy of Leah's first 3 children, with a focus on Moses and Aaron's line, the Levites.
Yahweh tells Moses to speak to Pharaoh;
Moses tells Yahweh he is of uncircumcised lips.


Chapter 7:
Yahweh prophesies what will happen.
Moses and Aaron obey Yahweh.
Moses is 80 years old, Aaron is 83 years old.
Moses and Aaron go to Pharaoh and show the rod turn into a snake.
Pharaoh's magicians do the same; Aaron's rod swallow the others.
Pharaoh's heart is hardened.
-
1st plague:
Yahweh tells Moses to say to Pharaoh the water will be turned to blood because he won't let the people go.
Yahweh tells Moses to say to Aaron to stretch out his hand over the waters with the rod to turn it into blood.
Moses and Aaron obey; the waters turn to blood, and the fish die and the land smelled.
Egyptian magicians do the same, Pharaoh's heart is hardened.
The Egyptians dig for water.
7 days go by.


Chapter 8:
2nd plague:
Yahweh tells Moses to say to Pharaoh let the people go or there will be frogs.
Yahweh tells Moses to say to Aaron to stretch out his hand with the rod to bring frogs.
Aaron obeys, and the frogs arrive.
Egyptian magicians do the same.
Pharaoh calls Moses and Aaron to intreat Yahweh to take away the frogs.
Moses ask when, Pharaoh says tomorrow, Moses says ok, and to acknowledge that there is none like Yahweh.
Moses and Aaron go away, and intreats Yahweh.
The frogs go away.
Pharaoh hardens his heart.
-
3rd plague:
Yahweh tells Moses to say to Aaron to stretch out his hand with the rod to bring lice.
They obey, and there is lice in the land.
The magicians could not do the same.
The magiicans say it is the finger of God.
Pharaoh hardens his heart.
-
4th plague:
Yahweh tells Moses to say to Pharaoh let the people go or there will be flies, except in the land of Goshen, where His people live, and it was so.
Pharaoh calls Moses and Aaron to let them sacrifice to God within the land to be rid of the flies.
Moses insists on the three days journey to sacrifice to Yahweh.
Pharaoh says ok.
Moses warns of not being deceitful.
Moses intreats Yahweh.
Yahweh stops the flies.
Pharaoh hardens his heart.


Chapter 9:
5th plague:
Yahweh tells Moses to say to Pharaoh let the people go or the cattle will die, but the cattle of Israel will be spared.
Pharaoh hardens his heart.
-
6th plague:
Yahweh tells Moses and Aaron to take ashes and throw it in the air to become boils on the Egyptians.
They do so in front of Pharaoh, the magicians could not stand because of the boils.
Yahweh hardens Pharaoh's heart.
-
7th plague:
Yahweh tells Moses to get up early and say to Pharaoh let the people go,
or they will be smitten with pestilence/grievous hail.
Some servants of Pharaoh listen to the words of Yahweh,
and put their cattle indoors, others do not.
Yahweh tells Moses to stretch out his hand for hail.
Moses obeys, and there is hail in Egypt, except the land of Goshen.

Pharaoh sends for Moses and Aaron, confesses his sin, and calls Yahweh righteous.
Moses says he will spread his hand to Yahweh, and it will cease, but they will not fear Yahweh.
Flax and bareley was ruined, but the wheat and spelt was spared.

Moses spread his hands to Yahweh; the hail ceases.
Pharaoh hardens his heart.

----- ----- ----- ----- -----


The plagues of Egypt begins:

My particular focus on this reading goes to two verses in Chapter 9:31-32.

31And the flax and the barley was smitten: for the barley was in the ear, and the flax was bolled. 32But the wheat and the rie were not smitten: for they were not grown up.

It's kind of odd that these crops are even mentioned for their destruction or preservation. The last time I read through this passage, I wrote down

"(!?!?!-grace of God?)"

I checked a couple of commentaries, but their foci was on some other area of the passages.


So here are some thoughts after a little meditation on the passage:

*God's grace is reflected in the crops that were spared.

*Egypt is known to be a type of the depraved world in which we live; the context of the passage is God's judgment on Egypt, or the judgment of the world.

*This is plague number 7, which is a number of completeness, although there are 10 plagues in total.


Synthesizing the above (without reading too much into the text) yields:

Even in God's complete judgment of the world, His grace will be reflected in what/who is spared.


Of course, we know this, because we know that

God is just.


--

the names (of the children of Israel)

--
The reading from two weeks ago was Exodus 1:1-6:1.


Somehow, this summary (especially Chapter 2 and 4) got really long; there is no need to humor the summary in reading it per se, if the actual text is read (it's probably best to right click the above link and open the text separately, and perhaps change the Bible version to your favorite one).

I suppose it may be comparable to reading the "Message" version of the Bible; maybe I could call it the "Massage" version...

So here is my (not so short) Massage/summary:


Chapter 1:
Names in the household of Jacob is listed.
Joseph's generation passes on.
The children of Israel increase and prosper;
the king in Egypt is threatened by them, thus puts them to bondage.
Also, the king commands the Hebrew midwives, two of which that are named Shiphrah and Puah, to kill of the male children.
The women fear God and ignore the king, and God blesses them.
Pharaoh charges the Israelites to cast their sons into the river.


Chapter 2:
A Levite couple has a beautiful son, and he is hid for 3 months.
When he could no longer be hid, the mother puts the baby in an ark in the river;
his sister is there to see what happens.
Pharaoh's daughter finds the baby, the sister of the baby suggests a Hebrew nurse; Pharaoh's daughter agrees, the sister brings the mother.
The mother is now paid to take care of the son, and the child was called Moses.
-
Grown Moses finds an Egyptian beating a Hebrew;
Moses kills the Egyptian, and hides the body in the sand.
The next day, two Hebrew men are arguing;
Moses intervenes, and he finds out they know about the killing of the Egyptian.
Pharaoh hears of what happened, and seeks to slay Moses.
-
Moses flees to Midian, and abides by a well.
The Midian priest's 7 daughters comes to the well to draw water for their flock.
The shepherds bullies the girls from the well, but Moses steps in to their help.
The girls return early; Reuel, their father ask why.
The girls report to him about Moses, and the father tells them to invite him home.
-
Moses lives with the family.
The father gives Zipporah his daughter to Moses as a wife.
They have a son, and name him Gershom, because Moses has been a stranger in a foreign land.
-
The king of Egypt dies.
The children of Israel cries to God because of the bondage.
God, being mindful of the covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, looks on the children of Israel with respect.


Chapter 3:
Moses sees the burning bush at mount Horeb while
keeping the flock of Jethro his father in law.
Yahweh talks to Moses about delivering his people from
the Egyptians to the promised land.

Moses questions his own significance,
and Yahweh confirms He will be with him.

Moses questions if the people asks the name of God;
Yahweh answers it is 'I AM'.
Yahweh tells Moses what he is to do, and what is about to happen.


Chapter 4:
Moses tells Yahweh the people will not believe Yahweh appeared to him.
Yahweh has Moses' rod to turn into a snake so the people may believe.
Yahweh has Moses put his hand in cloak to turn it leprous that the people may believe.
Yahweh will have Moses take water from the river to turn to blood that the people may believe.

Moses says he is not eloquent.
Yahweh says He will put the words in Moses' mouth.

Moses asks to have another person be sent.
The anger of Yahweh is kindled, and Yahweh allows Aaron be the spokesperson.
-
Moses requests Jethro to live in Egypt; Jethro says go in peace.
Yahweh tells Moses everyone that sought him is dead.
Moses takes his family to Egypt.
Yahweh once again gives Moses directions of what to do in Egypt.
-
On the way to Egypt, Yahweh seeks to kill Moses;
Zipporah intervenes and circumcises their son, and calls Moses her bloody husband because of the circumcision.
-
Yahweh tells Aaron to meet with Moses in the desert.
Aaron finds Moses at the mountain of God.
Moses tells Aaron the words of Yahweh to tell the elders of the children of Israel.
Aaron speaks everything to the elders, and they believe and worship.


Chapter 5:
Moses and Aaron go talk to Pharaoh, Pharaoh has no regard for Yahweh.
They tell Pharaoh the God of the Hebrews told them to go 3 days' journey to sacrifice, lest He befall them with pestilence or with the sword.
The king of Egypt do not want the people to rest from their work and dismisses them.
-
Pharaoh commands the taskmasters to not give
the people straw in making bricks.
The people gather stubble for bricks,
while the taskmasters enforced the same quota.
-
The officers of the children of Israel ask Pharaoh why.
Pharaoh calls them lazy for wanting to go sacrifice to Yahweh.
Moses and Aaron are looked upon with scorn by their people.
-
Moses asks Yahweh why this is happening.


Chapter 6:
Yahweh tells Moses that He will apply His strong hand upon Pharaoh.

----- ----- ----- ----- -----


In these passages, there were three things that grabbed my attention:

1. The women that broke the law fearing God
2. The word goodly, used to describe baby Moses
3. The word ark, used to describe the vessel in which baby Moses was placed


Regarding 1:
This seems like an extreme thing for these ladies to do; their lives must have been at stake, and they willingly put their lives on the line to regard God in reverence. This (probably not so simple) act of faith resulted in preserving Moses from being killed. I suppose we could easily go in the direction of the topic of abortion, but perhaps it would be wise to not go into an area in which I have limited interest, hence I will stop now.

The main thing about the above passage on which I wanted to focus was the faith in action; that is all.


Regarding 2:
The Hebrew word used to describe baby Moses was used first in Genesis 1:4 when God created light, and saw that it was good. The same word I intended to use to end all the readings in the previous weeks.


Regarding 3:
The Hebrew word used to describe the vessel ini which Moses was placed is exactly the same word used to describe the vessel in which Noah and his family was preserved; I have heard a pastor used to describe to the believers that Christ Jesus is our ark, in which we are preserved from the judgment of God, because

God is just.


--

and he (Jacob) lived...

The reading from two weeks ago was Genesis 47:28-50:26.


Summary:


Chapter 47:
Jacob lives 17 years in Egypt, he lives 147 years in total.
Jacob makes Joseph swear to not bury him in Egypt, Joseph agrees.


Chapter 48:
Joseph is told his father is ill, and brings Manasseh and Ephraim.
Ephraim and Manasseh are adopted as sons of Israel.
Ephraim the younger is blessed over Manasseh, the older.
Joseph is given an extra portion of the land Israel took from the Amorites.


Chapter 49:
Jacob's last words to his sons.
Israel blesses his children and tells them to bury him in the field of Ephron the Hittite, the cave of Machpelah by Mamre in Canaan, where Abraham and Sarah, as well as Isaac and Rebekah are buried; Israel buried Leah there.
After everthing was said, Jacob gives up his spirit.


Chapter 50:
Joseph weeps for his father, and he commands the body to be embalmed.
40 days pass for the embalming; the Egyptians mourn for 70 days.
Joseph asks the Pharaoh to bury his father; Pharaoh grants permission.
A great number of people go in a procession with Joseph to bury his father.
The Canaanite see them at the threshingfloor of Atad and calls it Abelmizraim.
The brothers fear retaliation by Joseph, but Joseph weeping, tells them God meant it for good.
-
Joseph lives 110 years, and sees Ephraim's children to the third generation, and the children of Machir, Manasseh's son.
Joseph confirms God will bring them back to the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; then he makes the children of Israel take an oath to take his bones from Egypt. Joseph dies; he is embalmed and placed in a coffin.

-end of Genesis-



This time, my meditations focus on Joseph.

There's a ton of comparisons of Joseph to Jesus, like this site. The items on the list range from the trivial to the interesting.


A few years ago, after I repented from "running with the pigs"(v.14-17), one of the main lessons that was ingrained in me going through Genesis was:

Trust(ing) in God.

The main illustration that comes to my mind about trusting in God is Joseph:
When things seem to be going completely in the wrong way, he still believed in Romans 8:28 (even in the days without the NT), this is especially difficult if we have our natural tendencies in tact where we want to take control of situations in reacting or even retaliating rather than waiting on God.

I heard from one of my favorite bible teachers C.Missler, that each day in some way, God will ask you the question, "do you trust Me?"

It's not always easy to answer "yes" to this question, but my favorite verse/mantra is Mark 9:24.

Can we have faith in God and trust in Him?
Head knowledge says, "of course."

It's just a little more difficult when we are experiencing it, but by reading about Joseph and waiting on God, we say with confidence that

God is good.


--

then he (Judah) drew near...

The reading from two weeks ago was Genesis 44:18-47:27.


Here's my summary:


Chapter 44:
Judah makes the plea of his life, starting from how they were required to bring Benjamin, to how their father is in anguish because of his sons, and how he will be the substitute for Benjamin.


Chapter 45:
Joseph finally reveals himself, tells his brothers how God was sovereignly over everything, and to bring the whole family; the brothers weep in reunion.
Pharaoh hears about Joseph's family, and gives them gifts.
-
The brothers report to their father, Jacob faints and does not believe.
The brothers show them the gifts, Jacob's spirit revives, and Israel believes and takes his household to Egypt.


Chapter 46:
On the way to Egypt, Israel stops at Beersheba to offer sacrifices to God of his father Isaac.
In a vision at night, God gives Israel words of comfort.
Jacob and company goes from Beersheba to Egypt.
The children of Israel going to Egypt is listed.
There are 66 people with Jacob going to Egypt.
Total number of house of Jacob in Egypt is 70.
-
Judah is sent to notifty Joseph.
Joseph arrives with his chariot to greet Israel in Goshen.
Joseph preps his family about what to say to Pharaoh.


Chapter 47:
Joseph introduces 5 of his brothers to Pharaoh.
Pharaoh grants the family the land of Goshen.
Joseph brings Jacob before Pharaoh, Jacob blesses Pharaoh.
Pharaoh asks Jacob's age; Jacob is 130 years old.
Jacob blesses Pharaoh, and goes out.
Joseph places his family in Ramses.
-
Because of the famine, Joseph gathers all the money in Egypt.
The money fails, and Joseph gathers all the cattle.
Then Joseph buys out the properties in Egypt except the priests'.
Joseph gives the people seeds to grow crops,
and decrees a fifth to be given to Pharaoh.
-
Israel lived in Egypt, at Goshen, and their possessions grew exceedingly.



This reading essentially concludes the story of Joseph.

Rather than focusing on Joseph, I was reflecting on Jacob/Israel:

*How he was given life by his parents, Isaac -the promised son of Abraham, and Rebekah -the girl willing to water camel after camel at the well in Haran.
*The struggle of being the heel-catcher and conniving the birthright from his brother Esau.
*Running away to Haran, and falling madly in love with Rachel.
*Being deceived by his uncle/father-in-law Laban.
*Having children after children with his wives and their maids.
*Losing Rachel with Benjamin.
*Losing Joseph, his beloved son.
*Hearing of Joseph being alive and moving to Egypt.

There is a lot about Jacob with which I can closely identify myself,
especially of his behaviors before he knew God, and even after
knowing and walking with God.

Through the struggles he had with people and with God, God has shaped Jacob/Israel to be an effective and essential part of His plan. This shaping process is not always fun or exciting, but we know that this is a good thing,
as we know that

God is good.


--

at the end (of 2 years)...

The reading three weeks ago (I really gotta get on the ball here)
was Genesis 41:1-44:17.

Here is a summary:


Chapter 41:
After two years, Pharaoh has his dreams.
Pharaoh calls the people, the butler remebers Joseph.
Joseph attributes the interpretation to God, interprets the dream, and makes suggestions.
-
Pharaoh makes Joseph overseer of Egypt, names him Zaphnathpaaneah, gives him a wife, Asenath, Joseph is 30years old.
Joseph has two sons before the famine, Manasseh and Ephraim.
The famine starts, and the all countries go to Egypt to see Joseph to buy corn.


Chapter 42:
Jacob directs 10 sons to go get food, Benjamin is kept at home for safety.
Joseph recognizes them, and he accuses them of being spies.
The brothers reveal their family structure, but Joseph puts them in a ward for 3 days regardless.
Joseph holds Simeon captive until they bring their youngest to Egypt.
The brothers sense all this is because of their treatment of Joseph.
-
Joseph has the money put back in their bags.
The brothers find the money at an inn on their way back, they freak.
The brothers report to Jacob, Jacob mourns for his sons Joseph and Simeon, and insists that Benjamin not go.


Chapter 43:
After the food is gone, Israel is torn in sending out Benjamin.
Judah vouches for Benjamin's safety, and Israel surrenders to what must happen and he expresses his dependence on God.
-
The brothers arrive in Egypt, Joseph sees Benjamin, and has a feast prepared.
Simeon is released, they are fed, ordered in their birthright.
Benjamin is blessed by Joseph, and his portion is 5 times more than the others.
They all drank and were merry.


Chapter 44:
Joseph has his silver cup placed in Benjamin's bag, along with each one's money back in their bags.
The brothers are sent back, and a messenger intercepts them with accusation of the silver cup.
They deny any wrong doing, and proclaim the one that has the cup to die.
Benjamin has the cup, and they are beside themselves.
Judah insists he be taken in place of Benjamin, but Joseph refuses.



After years of being in oblivion, Joseph is finally restored from prison, and the dream he had years ago is starting to be fulfilled.

All through this reading, Jacob/Israel the father is going through anguish. I have heard from several Bible teachers that when Jacob is walking in faith, he is mentioned as Israel. The different usages of the names in these passages are very prominent, and I think it would be a worthwhile investment in time to meditate on the various places they are mentioned here.

As for Joseph, the passages end in a cliff hanger, and we'll see soon of how it ends, and how

God is good.


--

and he (Jacob) dwelt...

The reading two weeks ago was Genesis 37:1-40:23.

Here is a summary:


Chapter 37:
Tattletale Joseph has dreams that he will be exalted above his family.
Israel sends out Joseph to his brothers, they lynch and sell Joseph to Ishmeelites for 20 pieces of silver.
-
The father mourns the loss of his son, seeing the coat soaked in goat blood.
Midianites sell Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard.


Chapter 38:
Judah lives in a home of Hirah, an Adullamite; he has children Er, Onan, and Shelah with a Canaanite daughter of Shuah in Chezib.
Judah takes a wife for Er, Tamar, but Yahweh slays wicked Er.
Judah has Onan be with Tamar, but Yahweh slays wicked Onan.
Judah fears for Shelah, and has Tamar wait with her parents.
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Judah's wife dies, and he goes to Timnah with Hirah.
Tamar goes veiled to Timnah, Judah propositions her, and leaves his belonging as collateral with her; Tamar conceives as a result.
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3 months later, Judah is told by a third party Tamar is pregnant by some man.
Indignant, Judah pronounces her to be burned.
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Tamar reveals the father's belonging, and Judah pronounces Tamar more righteous than he for keeping Shelah.
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Tamar has twins.
Pharez, who is the younger, comes out first then the older, Zarah.


Chapter 39:
Joseph in Egypt prospered in Potiphar's house because Yahweh blesses him, and as a result becomes the overseer of the house.
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Day after day, the wife lusted after Joseph, but Joseph refused in fear of God.
One day Joseph was alone, and she grabbed Joseph by the coat; Joseph flees, leaving his coat.
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She accuses Joseph of rape with the coat, and Joseph is put in prison.
Joseph becomes the overseer of the prison because Yahweh blesses him.


Chapter 40:
The chief butler and the chief baker of Pharaoh are put in prison.
They both have disturbing dreams.
The butler's interpretation is good.
Joseph asks him to remember him when he is free.
The baker dies in 3 days.
The butler forgets about Joseph.



Very similar to the last reading, there is a chapter/story that seems artifically (or rather divinely) inserted in the middle of a narrative:
The last one was with Dinah, which was right in the middle of Jacob/Israel's journey.
This one with Tamar, a daughter-in-law of Judah, right in the middle of Joseph's life.

I'm not quite sure why, but here are some thoughts...

Comparison:
Both of the parentheses involve in their foci a woman. Both are referred to as a harlot, although they really are not. Both involved a party giving a seemingly honest pledge, and both had a party doing some kind of deceiving/scheming.

Contrast:
Dinah played a very passive role, but Tamar was more active in her role. The deceiving party was Jacob's sons with Dinah, Tamar deceived Jacob's son Judah. Tamar is in the line of the Messiah, Dinah has no recorded children.

I've checked a couple of commentaries, but they seem to focus on each passage, and not so much on such things as this.


So after some prayer and seeking God, this is a conclusion:
(remember Acts 17:11; i.e. don't believe what I say, but do your own homework...)

Usually, when two things are contrasted, they represent death or life; for example, from chapter 40, the butler, who represented the wine from the communion which is the Spirit, was to live, as opposed to the baker who represented the bread, which is the flesh, was to die.

Perhaps Dinah, who had no children, which was in the middle of the narrative of Jacob/Israel, who had questionable character represents death, and Tamar, whose descendant is Jesus, which was in the middle of the narrative of Joseph, who had impeccable character represents life.

As believers, in life or in death, we know that
God is good.


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