Genesis 21
21:2 Sometimes it's funny how the Bible makes a huge deal out of something and then when it takes place it simply says it. This is how this verse looks to me. They made a big deal about Sarah being too old and past childbearing age, and she laughs when God tells them it will happen, and now it just says "Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham".
21:7 Imagine bearing a son at age 90! It is something to laugh about, especially because having children was such a blessing.
21:10 God told Hagar to behave and submit to Sarah. Really, we don't hear anything about them until here since the time Hagar tried to run away. Hagar broke the covenant with God by doing this, so Sarah is just in sending her away.
21:13 This is of course God's choice. Unfortunately, the Arab nations that come from Ishmael are where Islam comes from. Still, God agrees that Hagar will now be sent away. Ishmael is old enough to take care of his mother and whatever family he starts, so no worries there.
21:16 The only explanation for Ishmael to be faint and his mother fine is he sacrificed his share to give to her. The boy is 13 or so by this point, so he wouldn't have been left under a bush by his mother except if there were some specific reason she thought he would die. She should have trusted God, but of course that's easy to say.
21:19 Either the well was there all along and was hidden, or God created it just for this purpose. Regardless, it is a good example of how God provides for us. We go until we feel we can't go any further, and only then does God give us the necessities. That is when we know what the necessities really are, and that we cannot get them unless God Himself provides it.
21:24 Was it wrong for Abraham to swear like this? The last thing Abraham would do by nature was to deal falsely with anyone. Even in telling Sarah as his sister was not entirely false. Still, there may have been this thing about the well in his mind when this was done, I must admit.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
Genesis 20
Genesis 20
20:1 Did Abraham ever find out if Lot was spared? He may have found out eventually, but I don't recall if we ever find out for sure.
20:1 Living a nomadic lifestyle was nothing new to Abraham, so this shouldn't be too much of a surprise that he moved. But I do recall the Lord saying that He would return to Abraham there where he lived a year hence. Perhaps that thought didn't cross his mind.
20:2 Abraham is up to his old tricks again. Remember that Sarah is 90 years old now. Why would anyone want her, especially since she believes herself to be "worn out." Well, obviously Abimelech wanted her anyway.
20:2 I suppose it was common for unmarried sisters to travel with their brothers after the parents passed away. Otherwise, it would have seemed odd that Sarah would be traveling with Abraham at 90 and 100 years old if they were simply siblings.
20:3 Was it uncommon for God to give revelation through dreams directly? Usually such dreams require interpreters, but this must have been clear enough.
20:6 Adultery is sin against God. This is an important thing to remember.
20:8 Fear is a good response to God's revelation, as long as it is done with reverence. Fear without reverence is only surface deep.
20:11 It may seem frivolous and weak nowadays, but back then it was probably more common for such things to happen.
20:13 This would still be considered a lie of omission. Was it wrong for Sarah to go along with it? It would probably be better to say nothing at all.
20:15 The only way this response makes sense is that Abimelech believed God in that Abraham was a prophet. He could have had Abraham killed along with his whole family, but it didn't turn out that way. God's hand is in this all.
20:18 It would be hard to think that this curse was noticed since it wasn't a very long time while this transpired. Still, that is something that only God could have done.
20:18 What is the lesson of Abimelech? Accept reproof when it is given.
20:1 Did Abraham ever find out if Lot was spared? He may have found out eventually, but I don't recall if we ever find out for sure.
20:1 Living a nomadic lifestyle was nothing new to Abraham, so this shouldn't be too much of a surprise that he moved. But I do recall the Lord saying that He would return to Abraham there where he lived a year hence. Perhaps that thought didn't cross his mind.
20:2 Abraham is up to his old tricks again. Remember that Sarah is 90 years old now. Why would anyone want her, especially since she believes herself to be "worn out." Well, obviously Abimelech wanted her anyway.
20:2 I suppose it was common for unmarried sisters to travel with their brothers after the parents passed away. Otherwise, it would have seemed odd that Sarah would be traveling with Abraham at 90 and 100 years old if they were simply siblings.
20:3 Was it uncommon for God to give revelation through dreams directly? Usually such dreams require interpreters, but this must have been clear enough.
20:6 Adultery is sin against God. This is an important thing to remember.
20:8 Fear is a good response to God's revelation, as long as it is done with reverence. Fear without reverence is only surface deep.
20:11 It may seem frivolous and weak nowadays, but back then it was probably more common for such things to happen.
20:13 This would still be considered a lie of omission. Was it wrong for Sarah to go along with it? It would probably be better to say nothing at all.
20:15 The only way this response makes sense is that Abimelech believed God in that Abraham was a prophet. He could have had Abraham killed along with his whole family, but it didn't turn out that way. God's hand is in this all.
20:18 It would be hard to think that this curse was noticed since it wasn't a very long time while this transpired. Still, that is something that only God could have done.
20:18 What is the lesson of Abimelech? Accept reproof when it is given.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Genesis 19
Genesis 19
19:1 Lot sitting at the gateway to the city is an important thing, especially in the evening. Having previously seen Lot with Abraham, maybe he picked up a thing or two about righteousness. The importance of him sitting at the gate is to intercept any visitor before they come into the city, especially in the evening when they will most likely spend the night. He had to be watching to prevent anyone from being taken by the city folk. And given what happens, maybe they were getting fed up with this behavior.
19:2 Why would the men refuse Lot at this time of their obvious need when they readily accepted Abraham earlier that day when they didn't need sustenance? The point is that Lot persisted because he knew what would happen if they did sleep in the square.
19:4 Do you see even ten righteous men in this group?
19:7 Why does Lot call them his friends? Maybe it is just a figure of speech.
19:7 Remember that homosexuality is WRONG. It is a SIN. Do not be persuaded by the "tolerant" culture. This is one example, but there are many more.
19:8 It always made me wonder how Lot could offer such a thing. The only real defense is that the men of the town would certainly not be interested, but that can't be sure. I still don't have an answer for this.
19:9 Had this happened before or was this the first time? I would imagine it was not common for all the men of the city to pounce on a couple strangers like they are doing here, but it may be. The question though is why they address Lot as an alien, as if the leaders are trying to incite the mob. Surely the sin of the city is great!
19:14 What was Lot's reaction to the angel's saying they were about to destroy the city? He believed them! Just like that. Interesting it didn't take more convincing, not that they really had time. But the sons-in-law did not believe. Were they part of the crowd or were they in the house with him? Either way, it makes me wonder if they had heard Lot speak like this before. Maybe he prophesied judgment at one time or another, just as Noah had when the whole world shunned him for it. I tell you, Lot is looking more like a good guy than he ever had before.
19:15 The house barricade lasted all night, the sons-in-law were not convinced the whole time, and Lot had to escape by himself with only his immediate family.
19:16 This had to be a miracle, and it shows us that the men of the city also persisted the night through.
19:20 Why didn't Lot just obey and flee to the mountains? Was he concerned for his cattle? Did he have any cattle left? Did he actually think that he wouldn't make it if he had to go to the mountains? We do know that God can spare us from that which he shows us grace.
19:26 I heard one guy say it was wrong for God to judge Lot's wife for looking back. It was his excuse for not following the Lord. People will make excuses, but we are still accountable.
19:26 Lot's wife looking back revealed her heart. Perhaps this was another reason Lot didn't leave the place earlier.
19:28 How far away was Abraham? It must have been quite a fire to be seen many miles away.
19:29 How does saving lot equate to remembering Abraham? Praise God though for bringing us through the fire.
19:30 Ha, Lot left Zoar and lived in the mountains anyway, just as the angels asked him to!
19:32 The girls must have been influenced by the city they grew up in, and it is a failure of Lot as a father. Why would this even enter their minds? Surely there were other men in the area, or they could have moved to another city far away. There is no doubt that what Lot's daughters did was morally wrong and it had major consequences. The children that are born turn into the nations that are bitter enemies with Israel later on.
19:33 I don't know how anyone could not know when that kind of thing happens, but oh well that's what it says.
19:1 Lot sitting at the gateway to the city is an important thing, especially in the evening. Having previously seen Lot with Abraham, maybe he picked up a thing or two about righteousness. The importance of him sitting at the gate is to intercept any visitor before they come into the city, especially in the evening when they will most likely spend the night. He had to be watching to prevent anyone from being taken by the city folk. And given what happens, maybe they were getting fed up with this behavior.
19:2 Why would the men refuse Lot at this time of their obvious need when they readily accepted Abraham earlier that day when they didn't need sustenance? The point is that Lot persisted because he knew what would happen if they did sleep in the square.
19:4 Do you see even ten righteous men in this group?
19:7 Why does Lot call them his friends? Maybe it is just a figure of speech.
19:7 Remember that homosexuality is WRONG. It is a SIN. Do not be persuaded by the "tolerant" culture. This is one example, but there are many more.
19:8 It always made me wonder how Lot could offer such a thing. The only real defense is that the men of the town would certainly not be interested, but that can't be sure. I still don't have an answer for this.
19:9 Had this happened before or was this the first time? I would imagine it was not common for all the men of the city to pounce on a couple strangers like they are doing here, but it may be. The question though is why they address Lot as an alien, as if the leaders are trying to incite the mob. Surely the sin of the city is great!
19:14 What was Lot's reaction to the angel's saying they were about to destroy the city? He believed them! Just like that. Interesting it didn't take more convincing, not that they really had time. But the sons-in-law did not believe. Were they part of the crowd or were they in the house with him? Either way, it makes me wonder if they had heard Lot speak like this before. Maybe he prophesied judgment at one time or another, just as Noah had when the whole world shunned him for it. I tell you, Lot is looking more like a good guy than he ever had before.
19:15 The house barricade lasted all night, the sons-in-law were not convinced the whole time, and Lot had to escape by himself with only his immediate family.
19:16 This had to be a miracle, and it shows us that the men of the city also persisted the night through.
19:20 Why didn't Lot just obey and flee to the mountains? Was he concerned for his cattle? Did he have any cattle left? Did he actually think that he wouldn't make it if he had to go to the mountains? We do know that God can spare us from that which he shows us grace.
19:26 I heard one guy say it was wrong for God to judge Lot's wife for looking back. It was his excuse for not following the Lord. People will make excuses, but we are still accountable.
19:26 Lot's wife looking back revealed her heart. Perhaps this was another reason Lot didn't leave the place earlier.
19:28 How far away was Abraham? It must have been quite a fire to be seen many miles away.
19:29 How does saving lot equate to remembering Abraham? Praise God though for bringing us through the fire.
19:30 Ha, Lot left Zoar and lived in the mountains anyway, just as the angels asked him to!
19:32 The girls must have been influenced by the city they grew up in, and it is a failure of Lot as a father. Why would this even enter their minds? Surely there were other men in the area, or they could have moved to another city far away. There is no doubt that what Lot's daughters did was morally wrong and it had major consequences. The children that are born turn into the nations that are bitter enemies with Israel later on.
19:33 I don't know how anyone could not know when that kind of thing happens, but oh well that's what it says.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Genesis 18
Genesis 18
18:1 This verse is a means of introduction to the coming chapter.
18:2 Abraham shows his steadfast hospitality. It must be just the way he was since there really isn't a way for him to know that this was the Lord that appeared before him. If he did somehow know, it had to be because of the sudden appearing, or maybe visitors weren't common. On the other hand, by not knowing it would lend us a picture into Abraham's attitude of every day events outside of the major events we have become familiar with.
18:5 Even still, this seems like Abraham was overly helpful. How would you feel if someone treated you this way? Would you simply say "do as you say?" I'd probably have a hard time accepting such service from anyone much less an elderly man.
18:8 Amazingly, Abraham was that courteous and didn't even have the bread and water ready when he offered it to them. While these things were being prepared, I wonder what the men did. Abraham said they could rest, so that was probably it. I think bread takes quite a while to make when it is done from scratch.
18:10 God had previously promised Abraham a son by Sarah, but he didn't know when it would happen. This event would have happened very soon after the last time the Lord appeared to him, so it had to be fresh in his mind. Obviously he didn't tell Sarah about it though since she doesn't seem to believe it. This must have been the correlation between the previous times the Lord appeared to Abraham and the men standing before him now. I wondered at what point Abraham knew that it was the Lord standing there, whether it was right away or at some point during the conversation. I'm thinking this was it.
18:12 I think it's kind of funny that Sarah refers to herself as "worn out." By human reasoning though, this is a very appropriate response. But in God's reasoning, there is no such limitation (verse 14).
18:15 Now, it really doesn't matter if they heard Sarah laugh or not. Actually, it says she laughed to herself, so it would be amazingly hard for anyone to hear it. Only God could have heard it, and he did. Even if she didn't laugh at all, God would have seen her unbelieving heart, just as he sees it in us when we waver. Be steadfast in your faith! Nothing is impossible with God, really.
18:19 What would be the harm and what would be the benefit for God to show him the plan he had for Sodom and Gomorrah? Why does Abraham's lineage matter to the present circumstance? Perhaps the Lord wasn't talking about the present circumstance but some far reaching one? Regardless, we do see further the character of Abraham and how he can live in such a climate as living among the Canaanites.
18:21 It is interesting the way this is said. Surely God knew everything that was happening, but He put it the way He did for Abraham's benefit.
18:23 Here we see that Abraham knew full well that the sin of the cities was great and that God would be just in the judgment that was coming. The phrases in verse 21 made aware to Abraham that they were going to Sodom, and Abraham knew what they would encounter so it exhibits this response, which shows once again Abraham's character.
18:25 Abraham makes the statement that is true. The Judge of the earth WILL do right. He always does right. Sometimes though, it is not in the way we think right should be. Plus, Abraham probably knew that Lot was living there. I wonder if that influenced this dialogue?
18:26 God agrees, but I imagine He already knew what His plan was to be. Agreeing to this fits with the plan so there is no problem.
18:27 Before God, it can feel like we are nothing but dust and ashes. But remember, we are a special creation of His; He loves us very dearly, and He has given us His image. Though these bodies are merely dust and ashes, our spirits rejoice in the Lord our God.
18:32 This continues to the point where God chooses to end it. He surely knew how many righteous people were living in the city. Zero! Remember, "there are none righteous, no not one" (Romans 3:10). But there are men who would choose to be saved, and that is the righteousness acceptable to God. Choosing faith is the greatest choice we will ever make.
18:1 This verse is a means of introduction to the coming chapter.
18:2 Abraham shows his steadfast hospitality. It must be just the way he was since there really isn't a way for him to know that this was the Lord that appeared before him. If he did somehow know, it had to be because of the sudden appearing, or maybe visitors weren't common. On the other hand, by not knowing it would lend us a picture into Abraham's attitude of every day events outside of the major events we have become familiar with.
18:5 Even still, this seems like Abraham was overly helpful. How would you feel if someone treated you this way? Would you simply say "do as you say?" I'd probably have a hard time accepting such service from anyone much less an elderly man.
18:8 Amazingly, Abraham was that courteous and didn't even have the bread and water ready when he offered it to them. While these things were being prepared, I wonder what the men did. Abraham said they could rest, so that was probably it. I think bread takes quite a while to make when it is done from scratch.
18:10 God had previously promised Abraham a son by Sarah, but he didn't know when it would happen. This event would have happened very soon after the last time the Lord appeared to him, so it had to be fresh in his mind. Obviously he didn't tell Sarah about it though since she doesn't seem to believe it. This must have been the correlation between the previous times the Lord appeared to Abraham and the men standing before him now. I wondered at what point Abraham knew that it was the Lord standing there, whether it was right away or at some point during the conversation. I'm thinking this was it.
18:12 I think it's kind of funny that Sarah refers to herself as "worn out." By human reasoning though, this is a very appropriate response. But in God's reasoning, there is no such limitation (verse 14).
18:15 Now, it really doesn't matter if they heard Sarah laugh or not. Actually, it says she laughed to herself, so it would be amazingly hard for anyone to hear it. Only God could have heard it, and he did. Even if she didn't laugh at all, God would have seen her unbelieving heart, just as he sees it in us when we waver. Be steadfast in your faith! Nothing is impossible with God, really.
18:19 What would be the harm and what would be the benefit for God to show him the plan he had for Sodom and Gomorrah? Why does Abraham's lineage matter to the present circumstance? Perhaps the Lord wasn't talking about the present circumstance but some far reaching one? Regardless, we do see further the character of Abraham and how he can live in such a climate as living among the Canaanites.
18:21 It is interesting the way this is said. Surely God knew everything that was happening, but He put it the way He did for Abraham's benefit.
18:23 Here we see that Abraham knew full well that the sin of the cities was great and that God would be just in the judgment that was coming. The phrases in verse 21 made aware to Abraham that they were going to Sodom, and Abraham knew what they would encounter so it exhibits this response, which shows once again Abraham's character.
18:25 Abraham makes the statement that is true. The Judge of the earth WILL do right. He always does right. Sometimes though, it is not in the way we think right should be. Plus, Abraham probably knew that Lot was living there. I wonder if that influenced this dialogue?
18:26 God agrees, but I imagine He already knew what His plan was to be. Agreeing to this fits with the plan so there is no problem.
18:27 Before God, it can feel like we are nothing but dust and ashes. But remember, we are a special creation of His; He loves us very dearly, and He has given us His image. Though these bodies are merely dust and ashes, our spirits rejoice in the Lord our God.
18:32 This continues to the point where God chooses to end it. He surely knew how many righteous people were living in the city. Zero! Remember, "there are none righteous, no not one" (Romans 3:10). But there are men who would choose to be saved, and that is the righteousness acceptable to God. Choosing faith is the greatest choice we will ever make.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Genesis 17
Genesis 17
17:2 Abram was 99 years old by now. Thirteen years had passed since the birth of Ishmael. That means it was at least 23 years since God first made the promise that He was about to confirm.
17:5 This is the first time God renames someone, and it becomes a trend for those who are called by God. In ancient times, when a man was purchased as a slave, the new master would give the slave a name, which signified ownership. In the same way, Abram was renamed Abraham, and thus became God's chosen servant.
17:7 Here is a point of contention these days. Is this promise still binding? If it is, then Israel is much to be blessed, nations should support them in their claim on the land in question. On the other hand if it is not binding, as some would suggest that the covenant was redirected at Christ to the church, then there is no point in blessing Israel at all. It is still a very relevant question that needs to be answered by each who consider themselves to be Christians.
17:9 There is this criteria here that some claim was broken. Israel must keep the covenant and be faithful. What is the covenant?
17:13 Sometimes it's hard to think about this passage and make it applicable. The question comes up whether we are still to circumcise our children, or converts for that matter. Back then, it was said that yes they must do that, but it was specifically for Judaism as a sign of being in the covenant with God. On this purpose, since we are not under the same law we shouldn't need to do this. I would submit that indeed it is not meriting salvation, but it is still a sign of the covenant; we are still to do it but not rely on it as a requirement. Additionally, since God created the form of man and then told him to circumcise the foreskin, that means it was designed for this purpose. And it is only around once and when you cut it off it is gone and that's it. This is a MAJOR thing God was asking Abraham and his men to do, it could not be undone, and it was a sign of covenant relationship with God. We must not think of it as this covenant, but covenant in general. Since we have this revelation, it is proper to follow it.
17:14 Does this mean that we are all cut off from our people from birth? I think this idea has merit.
17:15 Once again, not only is Abraham chosen and given a new name, but now Sarah is as well. Men weren't the only gender to have special office.
17:16 Prior to this, I really wonder if Abraham was thinking that God would bless him through Ishmael. If so, a lot of the following verses make sense. But seriously, think about a 90 year old woman giving birth to a son. Who other than God could orchestrate such a miracle??
17:17 Was Abraham just in having this reaction? I don't know about just, but it is at least understandable. But faith sometimes requires blindness to obvious physical boundaries because God is not limited by rules of the physical world.
17:19 God gives Isaac his name as well.
17:20 It's unfortunate that the Muslims take this man as their line to Abraham. It may very well be true, but in many minds it is justifiable to think of the Bible as being right in lots of other way except in verse 21. Everything else looks so similar, such as the twelve rulers and be a great nation. But the blessing and covenant goes with Isaac, truly.
17:22 Notice that Abraham doesn't get a chance to say anything else. How would you feel if you were blessed with a personal visit from God and the last thing you said was riddled with unfaithful thoughts.
17:23 Maybe after that last conversation with God Abraham really got serious. He was eager to show God his commitment by following the covenant demands immediately. This is the kind of response we all should take to heart when we read Scripture and are confronted with an imperative.
17:2 Abram was 99 years old by now. Thirteen years had passed since the birth of Ishmael. That means it was at least 23 years since God first made the promise that He was about to confirm.
17:5 This is the first time God renames someone, and it becomes a trend for those who are called by God. In ancient times, when a man was purchased as a slave, the new master would give the slave a name, which signified ownership. In the same way, Abram was renamed Abraham, and thus became God's chosen servant.
17:7 Here is a point of contention these days. Is this promise still binding? If it is, then Israel is much to be blessed, nations should support them in their claim on the land in question. On the other hand if it is not binding, as some would suggest that the covenant was redirected at Christ to the church, then there is no point in blessing Israel at all. It is still a very relevant question that needs to be answered by each who consider themselves to be Christians.
17:9 There is this criteria here that some claim was broken. Israel must keep the covenant and be faithful. What is the covenant?
17:13 Sometimes it's hard to think about this passage and make it applicable. The question comes up whether we are still to circumcise our children, or converts for that matter. Back then, it was said that yes they must do that, but it was specifically for Judaism as a sign of being in the covenant with God. On this purpose, since we are not under the same law we shouldn't need to do this. I would submit that indeed it is not meriting salvation, but it is still a sign of the covenant; we are still to do it but not rely on it as a requirement. Additionally, since God created the form of man and then told him to circumcise the foreskin, that means it was designed for this purpose. And it is only around once and when you cut it off it is gone and that's it. This is a MAJOR thing God was asking Abraham and his men to do, it could not be undone, and it was a sign of covenant relationship with God. We must not think of it as this covenant, but covenant in general. Since we have this revelation, it is proper to follow it.
17:14 Does this mean that we are all cut off from our people from birth? I think this idea has merit.
17:15 Once again, not only is Abraham chosen and given a new name, but now Sarah is as well. Men weren't the only gender to have special office.
17:16 Prior to this, I really wonder if Abraham was thinking that God would bless him through Ishmael. If so, a lot of the following verses make sense. But seriously, think about a 90 year old woman giving birth to a son. Who other than God could orchestrate such a miracle??
17:17 Was Abraham just in having this reaction? I don't know about just, but it is at least understandable. But faith sometimes requires blindness to obvious physical boundaries because God is not limited by rules of the physical world.
17:19 God gives Isaac his name as well.
17:20 It's unfortunate that the Muslims take this man as their line to Abraham. It may very well be true, but in many minds it is justifiable to think of the Bible as being right in lots of other way except in verse 21. Everything else looks so similar, such as the twelve rulers and be a great nation. But the blessing and covenant goes with Isaac, truly.
17:22 Notice that Abraham doesn't get a chance to say anything else. How would you feel if you were blessed with a personal visit from God and the last thing you said was riddled with unfaithful thoughts.
17:23 Maybe after that last conversation with God Abraham really got serious. He was eager to show God his commitment by following the covenant demands immediately. This is the kind of response we all should take to heart when we read Scripture and are confronted with an imperative.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Genesis 16
Genesis 16
16:2 It would be hard to believe that Sarai wouldn't know about the promises Abram received from God. The only other explanation is that they simply disregarded it and decided to take the initiative. This is easy to criticize, but come to think about it, it was probably a common thing in those days.
16:3 Think about ten years. It is so easy to say or read on the page, but to live it is another thing. What would you have done in Abram's position? God promised that you would have a son, but your wife is past the age of childbearing. An opportunity comes up that is perfectly normal in the culture of the day where your wife's maid is able to provide you with an heir. Would you take it?
16:4 When I think of Hagar and Sarai, I always seem to think of them as the same age. In actuality, Sarai was in her 60s/70s and Hagar was probably in her teens or 20s. Perhaps Hagar was thinking of how many children she could still have now that she was wife to the great patriarch.
16:5 How do you think the Lord would judge between the two of them? Jealousy among woman is a common thing, but Abram should have known better. They are certainly both to blame for their present heartache.
16:6 So Sarai thought it best to mistreat Hagar. Though, was it right for Hagar to flee when she was bound to this family?
16:9 You know, if Hagar went back and was submissive and really acted like a Christian, I wonder how things might have been different. Wives are supposed to do this because it protects the children and can witness by example (1 Corinthians 7:12-14). In this case, going back and submitting as the angel of the Lord says would have been better.
16:12 For reference, the Muslims point to Ishmael as their line to Abraham where the Jews point to Isaac. The prophesy is accurate.
16:2 It would be hard to believe that Sarai wouldn't know about the promises Abram received from God. The only other explanation is that they simply disregarded it and decided to take the initiative. This is easy to criticize, but come to think about it, it was probably a common thing in those days.
16:3 Think about ten years. It is so easy to say or read on the page, but to live it is another thing. What would you have done in Abram's position? God promised that you would have a son, but your wife is past the age of childbearing. An opportunity comes up that is perfectly normal in the culture of the day where your wife's maid is able to provide you with an heir. Would you take it?
16:4 When I think of Hagar and Sarai, I always seem to think of them as the same age. In actuality, Sarai was in her 60s/70s and Hagar was probably in her teens or 20s. Perhaps Hagar was thinking of how many children she could still have now that she was wife to the great patriarch.
16:5 How do you think the Lord would judge between the two of them? Jealousy among woman is a common thing, but Abram should have known better. They are certainly both to blame for their present heartache.
16:6 So Sarai thought it best to mistreat Hagar. Though, was it right for Hagar to flee when she was bound to this family?
16:9 You know, if Hagar went back and was submissive and really acted like a Christian, I wonder how things might have been different. Wives are supposed to do this because it protects the children and can witness by example (1 Corinthians 7:12-14). In this case, going back and submitting as the angel of the Lord says would have been better.
16:12 For reference, the Muslims point to Ishmael as their line to Abraham where the Jews point to Isaac. The prophesy is accurate.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Genesis 15
Genesis 15
15:1 The phrase "Do not be afraid" is very common in the Bible. But of all the times it is used, it seems Abram was the least needing of them. I don't see Abram as exhibiting any fear, and if he was then it was reverential fear.
15:3 I think it's obvious where Abram's mind was. I guess it goes to show that children were considered quite a blessing, either that or NOT having children was considered a curse. God definitely had a plan here though. Postponing the children in this couple's life was yet another lesson. If Abram can be blamed for anything, it was not waiting for God's timing.
15:4 Besides the obvious blessing that was being given here, it makes me wonder what Eliezer of Damascus thought. Here he was set to inherit everything and the unthinkable happens - Abram has a son in his old age.
15:6 This is a wonderful verse because it shows that belief is what pleases God. "Without faith, it is impossible to please God" (Hebrews 11:6). An Old Testament example of a New Testament truth. Actually it is not just a New Testament truth, it is an eternal truth.
15:7 If there was any doubt how Abram's life turned out since he left his childhood home, it was all put together here.
15:8 This is a legitimate question, though we might see it as shortsighted. He kind of contradicts himself when he says "Sovereign Lord" and then asks for a sign. Would not the "Sovereign Lord" have control over everything? And yet, it still makes Abram all the more human.
15:9 Is it strange that in asking for a sign concerning land Abram is told to bring some animals?
15:10 Is it more strange that Abram just does it? I wonder in what manner this conversing was happening. Was God speaking out of the sky? Could other people hear them? Was it a vision? It really doesn't matter, but it is an interesting question to ask.
15:11 This makes me wonder what was going through Abram's head the rest of that day. What made him kill the animals to begin with? Why didn't God just show up as he obviously was not even that long ago? I don't have an answer to these questions.
15:12 Why is the darkness so dreadful? Shouldn't it be wonderful if it is of the Lord? Perhaps he was just frightened by the manner of the vision here.
15:16 This is a prophesy of the time Israel will spend in Egypt under the slave masters of Pharaoh. Perhaps this prophesy is given in response to the question as a way of telling Abram, "Not only will you have a child, your offspring will be enslaved and I will rescue them." It's really quite beautiful.
15:16 It is interesting to read this about the Amorites. I feel this is the same idea as the timing of the coming of the Lord Jesus. "At just the right time, when we were powerless, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:6).
15:17 Although there was still a vision to come, the darkness of prophesy lifted.
15:17 The vision Abram sees is strange. I don't really know what to make of it except that God was really being serious. The fire could mean a number of things, maybe the sacrifice is burned up, maybe it represents the sufferings and trials of the Israelites, or it could be something else entirely. What is known is that God makes a promise here that is not nor will ever be broken. He will never leave us nor forsake us, and what he says will happen WILL.
15:1 The phrase "Do not be afraid" is very common in the Bible. But of all the times it is used, it seems Abram was the least needing of them. I don't see Abram as exhibiting any fear, and if he was then it was reverential fear.
15:3 I think it's obvious where Abram's mind was. I guess it goes to show that children were considered quite a blessing, either that or NOT having children was considered a curse. God definitely had a plan here though. Postponing the children in this couple's life was yet another lesson. If Abram can be blamed for anything, it was not waiting for God's timing.
15:4 Besides the obvious blessing that was being given here, it makes me wonder what Eliezer of Damascus thought. Here he was set to inherit everything and the unthinkable happens - Abram has a son in his old age.
15:6 This is a wonderful verse because it shows that belief is what pleases God. "Without faith, it is impossible to please God" (Hebrews 11:6). An Old Testament example of a New Testament truth. Actually it is not just a New Testament truth, it is an eternal truth.
15:7 If there was any doubt how Abram's life turned out since he left his childhood home, it was all put together here.
15:8 This is a legitimate question, though we might see it as shortsighted. He kind of contradicts himself when he says "Sovereign Lord" and then asks for a sign. Would not the "Sovereign Lord" have control over everything? And yet, it still makes Abram all the more human.
15:9 Is it strange that in asking for a sign concerning land Abram is told to bring some animals?
15:10 Is it more strange that Abram just does it? I wonder in what manner this conversing was happening. Was God speaking out of the sky? Could other people hear them? Was it a vision? It really doesn't matter, but it is an interesting question to ask.
15:11 This makes me wonder what was going through Abram's head the rest of that day. What made him kill the animals to begin with? Why didn't God just show up as he obviously was not even that long ago? I don't have an answer to these questions.
15:12 Why is the darkness so dreadful? Shouldn't it be wonderful if it is of the Lord? Perhaps he was just frightened by the manner of the vision here.
15:16 This is a prophesy of the time Israel will spend in Egypt under the slave masters of Pharaoh. Perhaps this prophesy is given in response to the question as a way of telling Abram, "Not only will you have a child, your offspring will be enslaved and I will rescue them." It's really quite beautiful.
15:16 It is interesting to read this about the Amorites. I feel this is the same idea as the timing of the coming of the Lord Jesus. "At just the right time, when we were powerless, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:6).
15:17 Although there was still a vision to come, the darkness of prophesy lifted.
15:17 The vision Abram sees is strange. I don't really know what to make of it except that God was really being serious. The fire could mean a number of things, maybe the sacrifice is burned up, maybe it represents the sufferings and trials of the Israelites, or it could be something else entirely. What is known is that God makes a promise here that is not nor will ever be broken. He will never leave us nor forsake us, and what he says will happen WILL.
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