Ishmael and his sons are the subject of this next section of Scripture. Sarah's Egyptian maidservant Hagar had borne this son to Abraham. (v.12) A listing of Ishmael's sons follows, and, as God had promised Hagar way back before Ishmael had even been born (Genesis 16:10), this son would have numerous descendants. Later, God reaffirmed (and expanded upon) this promise to Abraham in Genesis 17:20 "And as for Ishmael, I have heard you: I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and will greatly increase his numbers. He will be the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation.
Now, in Genesis 25:13-16, these sons are listed in the order of their birth: Nebaioth, Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish and Kedemah. They are also spoken of as twelve tribal rulers of their settlements and camps.
Ishmael lived for 137 years. His descendants settled from Havilah to Shur, "near the border of Egypt as you go toward Asshur." (Genesis 25:17-18) Unfortunately, the text also states, "And they lived in hostility toward all their brothers." (Genesis 25:18 NIV) A text note in my Bible states that the words "lived in hostility" can also mean "lived to the east of" their brothers. So, which is it? Abraham did send his sons off to the land of the east (Genesis 25:6), so they did indeed live to the east of Isaac. However, before that, when the angel of the Lord spoke to Hagar, he said, "He will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone and everyone's hand will be against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers" (Genesis 16:12 NIV) In that last verse also, "live in hostility" can mean "lived to the east of" as well. I suspect that it is one of those cases where it is a word pun and can mean both things simultaneously. The first part of Genesis 16:12 lets us know that conflict is going to be present between the brothers -- "His hand will be against everyone and everyone's hand will be against him,..." -- regardless of whether we translate the latter words as 'to the east' or 'in hostility towards'. As I said above, the two meanings are probably simultaneous. This could also be pointing out the fact that the brothers have a choice, to live to the east or to live in hostility. Isn't that an interesting thought, especially in the light of current events?
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Genesis 25:5-11 Abraham's last days
Abraham left everything he owned to Isaac. While he was still living, he gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them towards the east, and away from Isaac. Although this may seem a bit cold, it is actually quite practical: God had designated Isaac as heir of the land of Canaan, and the other sons could not be given any portions of that place, even if Abraham had wanted to do so. These sons were sent to seek their fortunes in other places. Thus, Abraham's actions were actually in their best interests. If they had remained near Isaac and conflict arose, as it almost certainly would, these sons would be fighting a battle which they could not win, since they could not prevail against God's plans. How much better, then, for all involved, to send them to make a life elsewhere, where they might have a chance of success and happiness? I am sure that Abraham sent these sons away with gifts of livestock and other valuables in order to begin their new lives. (v. 5-6)
"Altogether, Abraham lived a hundred and seventy-five years. The Abraham breathed his last and died at a good old age, an old man and full of years; and he was gathered to his people." (Genesis 25:7-8 NIV) These verses, with their repetition of the fact of Abraham's longevity ("died at a good old age","an old man", "full of years") speak of the fullness and contentment of a life lived in obedience to God. They also note the fulfillment of the promise which God had made to Abraham in Genesis 15:15 (NIV): "You, however, will go to your fathers in peace and be buried at a good old age."
Speaking of living in peace, it appears that Isaac and Ishmael were at least cordial enough to be able to unite for the burial of their father. "His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah near Mamre, in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite, the field Abraham had bought from the Hittites. There Abraham was buried with his wife Sarah." (Genesis 25:9-10 NIV) The solemnity of a death in the family can often put an end, at least temporarily, to conflicts between siblings. That Ishmael would participate also says something of his own character. Even though his current position was not what he may have wished, he continued to perform the duties of a son.
Notice in the verses above, that Isaac is listed first. As the one with the birthright and the heir of the covenant promises, Isaac is listed first. After Abraham's death, the text says that God blessed his son Isaac, who was living near Beer Lahai Roi at that time. (v.11) However, God did not forget about Ishmael, either. In the following post we will take a look at how God kept his promises regarding Ishmael as well.
"Altogether, Abraham lived a hundred and seventy-five years. The Abraham breathed his last and died at a good old age, an old man and full of years; and he was gathered to his people." (Genesis 25:7-8 NIV) These verses, with their repetition of the fact of Abraham's longevity ("died at a good old age","an old man", "full of years") speak of the fullness and contentment of a life lived in obedience to God. They also note the fulfillment of the promise which God had made to Abraham in Genesis 15:15 (NIV): "You, however, will go to your fathers in peace and be buried at a good old age."
Speaking of living in peace, it appears that Isaac and Ishmael were at least cordial enough to be able to unite for the burial of their father. "His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah near Mamre, in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite, the field Abraham had bought from the Hittites. There Abraham was buried with his wife Sarah." (Genesis 25:9-10 NIV) The solemnity of a death in the family can often put an end, at least temporarily, to conflicts between siblings. That Ishmael would participate also says something of his own character. Even though his current position was not what he may have wished, he continued to perform the duties of a son.
Notice in the verses above, that Isaac is listed first. As the one with the birthright and the heir of the covenant promises, Isaac is listed first. After Abraham's death, the text says that God blessed his son Isaac, who was living near Beer Lahai Roi at that time. (v.11) However, God did not forget about Ishmael, either. In the following post we will take a look at how God kept his promises regarding Ishmael as well.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Genesis 25: 1-4 Keturah
Genesis 25 begins by telling us that Abraham took another wife, whose name was Keturah. The text can also mean that Abraham 'had taken' (i.e., some time in the past) another wife. Some believe this is more plausible, because Abraham would be about 140 years old by now, but I disagree. These are my reasons: 1) If God can give Abraham a son at the age of 100, it is no big deal for Him to give Abraham more sons later. Perhaps more readily grasped is my second reason: 2) Can you picture Sarah tolerating another wife, after the hassle with Hagar? -- or Abraham even considering trying to have another wife around while Sarah is alive? ;) Me neither.
At any rate, Abraham had another wife named Keturah at some point. I Chronicles 1:32-33 calls Keturah Abraham's 'concubine'. Secondary wives were not uncommon in the ancient Near East, and even godly men seem to have had this practice -- which is something I have never really heard a satisfactory answer for, as the original intent of God seems to be for a monogamous, one-man, one-woman relationship. (Genesis 2:22-25) I suppose we could say that every individual, even godly ones, have their failings. If this is so, it is curious that there is no overt chastening of these individuals. However, while reading other examples of concubines and secondary wives in the Bible, I have noticed that each time that this occurs, it is not in a favorable context (see arrogant Lamech in Genesis 4:19-24) or else the resulting chaos, hostility or problems speak quite well for themselves against the practice! (See Hannah v. Peninnah in I Samuel 1:1-8).
Keturah bore Abraham six sons: Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian (see 'hostility' above), Ishbak and Shuah. Jokshan had Sheba and Dedan. Dedan had the Asshurites, the Letushites and the Leumites as his descendants. Midian had Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida and Eldaah. We will run into some of these individuals and peoples as the biblical account continues. Some are familiar, and others may end up being the ancestors of other individuals who figure prominently in certain accounts. From what I've seen, when the Bible tells us about specific people or nations, there is usually some further reason. It will be interesting to see what comes of these sons of Keturah.
At any rate, Abraham had another wife named Keturah at some point. I Chronicles 1:32-33 calls Keturah Abraham's 'concubine'. Secondary wives were not uncommon in the ancient Near East, and even godly men seem to have had this practice -- which is something I have never really heard a satisfactory answer for, as the original intent of God seems to be for a monogamous, one-man, one-woman relationship. (Genesis 2:22-25) I suppose we could say that every individual, even godly ones, have their failings. If this is so, it is curious that there is no overt chastening of these individuals. However, while reading other examples of concubines and secondary wives in the Bible, I have noticed that each time that this occurs, it is not in a favorable context (see arrogant Lamech in Genesis 4:19-24) or else the resulting chaos, hostility or problems speak quite well for themselves against the practice! (See Hannah v. Peninnah in I Samuel 1:1-8).
Keturah bore Abraham six sons: Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian (see 'hostility' above), Ishbak and Shuah. Jokshan had Sheba and Dedan. Dedan had the Asshurites, the Letushites and the Leumites as his descendants. Midian had Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida and Eldaah. We will run into some of these individuals and peoples as the biblical account continues. Some are familiar, and others may end up being the ancestors of other individuals who figure prominently in certain accounts. From what I've seen, when the Bible tells us about specific people or nations, there is usually some further reason. It will be interesting to see what comes of these sons of Keturah.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
(Genesis 24:62-66) Meet Your Wife
Isaac was living in the Negev, the desert which is south of Beersheba. He was out meditating in the fields one evening when he noticed a caravan approaching. (v.62-63) Perhaps he was thinking about the wife who was soon to be coming into his life, or praying for God's hand to guide that matter. At that moment, Rebekah also looked up and saw a man beginning to approach the travelers. She dismounted "...and asked the servant, 'Who is that man in the field coming to meet us?' 'He is my master,' the servant answered. So she took her veil and covered herself." (Genesis 24:65 NIV)
I wonder what thoughts were going through Rebekah's mind at that moment. She certainly had been through a lot already. She had left her family and her homeland and had traveled for some time with the group of servants and her nurse and several maids (Genesis 24:59,61). She was probably excited at the idea of meeting her future husband, yet also probably a bit apprehensive. What would the man look like? Was he kind? These and a thousand other thoughts probably raced through her mind. Perhaps she adjusted her veil in order to try to catch a glimpse of the man's face as he approached.
The servant told Isaac all that had happened on their journey. (v.66) The text next informs us that "Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah, and he married Rebekah. So she became his wife and he loved her; and Isaac was comforted after his mother's death." (Genesis 24:67 NIV) Now I am pretty sure that Isaac didn't just meet the girl and usher her into his mother's tent. The account is just condensing matters a bit. Considering Abraham's wealth, I think that they probably had quite a marriage feast first. However, it would be logical to assume that Rebekah would take Sarah's tent as her own as she began her new life with Isaac.
It is good to see that Isaac loved Rebekah and that she was a comfort to him as well.
I wonder what thoughts were going through Rebekah's mind at that moment. She certainly had been through a lot already. She had left her family and her homeland and had traveled for some time with the group of servants and her nurse and several maids (Genesis 24:59,61). She was probably excited at the idea of meeting her future husband, yet also probably a bit apprehensive. What would the man look like? Was he kind? These and a thousand other thoughts probably raced through her mind. Perhaps she adjusted her veil in order to try to catch a glimpse of the man's face as he approached.
The servant told Isaac all that had happened on their journey. (v.66) The text next informs us that "Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah, and he married Rebekah. So she became his wife and he loved her; and Isaac was comforted after his mother's death." (Genesis 24:67 NIV) Now I am pretty sure that Isaac didn't just meet the girl and usher her into his mother's tent. The account is just condensing matters a bit. Considering Abraham's wealth, I think that they probably had quite a marriage feast first. However, it would be logical to assume that Rebekah would take Sarah's tent as her own as she began her new life with Isaac.
It is good to see that Isaac loved Rebekah and that she was a comfort to him as well.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Genesis 24:28- 61 Meeting Rebekah's Family
Rebekah runs ahead and informs her family about the visitors from Abraham's household. Laban, her brother, hurries out to meet the man, who is waiting by the spring.(v.28-29) Verse 30 gives further details: "As soon as he had seen the nose ring and the bracelets on his sister's arms, and had heard Rebekah tell what the man said to her, he went out to the man and found him standing by the camels near the spring." (Genesis 24:30 NIV) In that culture, Laban would be both responsible for Rebekah's safety and also quite involved in the choice of her husband, so he would be very interested to meet this representative of his relatives, especially since Abraham's household seemed to be wealthy. "Come, you who are blessed by the Lord," he said. "Why are you standing out here? I have prepared the house and a place for the camels." (Genesis 24:31 NIV)
The servant went with Laban to the house. Camels were unloaded and given straw and fodder to eat, while the servant and the other men who had accompanied him -- [you didn't think he would be traveling alone with ten camels loaded with valuables, do you?] -- were given water to wash their feet. Although food was set before him, the servant refused to eat until he had completed his master's assignment and disclosed his master's intentions. (v. 32-33)
Bethuel and Laban are listening intently as the servant reveals his mission. In Genesis 24:34-48, the servant does a great job of recounting the entire conversation he had with Abraham and the events of the present day. (Also, this repetition helps cement these details in our own memory.) The servant concludes, "Now if you will show kindness and faithfulness to my master, tell me; and if not, tell me, so I may know which way to turn." (Genesis 24:49 NIV)
"Laban and Bethuel answered, 'This is from the Lord; we can say nothing to you one way or the other. Here is Rebekah; take her and go, and let her become the wife of your master's son, as the Lord has directed." (Genesis 24:50-51 NIV) Abraham's servant bows, then begins to unpack the gold and silver jewelry, clothing and other costly gifts which Abraham had provided for Rebekah and her family. Then the servant and his companions ate and drank and spent the night there. (v.52-54)
The next morning, the servant insists on returning to his master in order to fully complete his task. At first the family balks a bit, wishing them to remain for about ten days or so before they depart, but the servant is firm about the matter. They decide to ask Rebekah her opinion, and she is willing to leave immediately. "So they sent their sister Rebekah on her way, along with her nurse and Abraham's servant and his men. And they blessed Rebekah and said to her,
The servant went with Laban to the house. Camels were unloaded and given straw and fodder to eat, while the servant and the other men who had accompanied him -- [you didn't think he would be traveling alone with ten camels loaded with valuables, do you?] -- were given water to wash their feet. Although food was set before him, the servant refused to eat until he had completed his master's assignment and disclosed his master's intentions. (v. 32-33)
Bethuel and Laban are listening intently as the servant reveals his mission. In Genesis 24:34-48, the servant does a great job of recounting the entire conversation he had with Abraham and the events of the present day. (Also, this repetition helps cement these details in our own memory.) The servant concludes, "Now if you will show kindness and faithfulness to my master, tell me; and if not, tell me, so I may know which way to turn." (Genesis 24:49 NIV)
"Laban and Bethuel answered, 'This is from the Lord; we can say nothing to you one way or the other. Here is Rebekah; take her and go, and let her become the wife of your master's son, as the Lord has directed." (Genesis 24:50-51 NIV) Abraham's servant bows, then begins to unpack the gold and silver jewelry, clothing and other costly gifts which Abraham had provided for Rebekah and her family. Then the servant and his companions ate and drank and spent the night there. (v.52-54)
The next morning, the servant insists on returning to his master in order to fully complete his task. At first the family balks a bit, wishing them to remain for about ten days or so before they depart, but the servant is firm about the matter. They decide to ask Rebekah her opinion, and she is willing to leave immediately. "So they sent their sister Rebekah on her way, along with her nurse and Abraham's servant and his men. And they blessed Rebekah and said to her,
'Our sister, may you increase
to thousands upon thousands;
may your offspring possess the gates of their enemies.'
Then Rebekah and her maids got ready and mounted their camels and went back with the man. So the servant took Rebekah and left." (Genesis 24:59-61 NIV)
__________________________________________
Thursday, November 25, 2010
10 Reasons to Be Thankful on Thanksgiving
Now that the family has left for dinner at Grandma's house, I can finally do my Thanksgiving List:
So, Happy Thanksgiving! -- xxx Max
Note: Other pets are welcome to drop me a line about things which they are thankful for. Well, I need to go now. I must lie on the couch and look adorable as my people come in the door. I also need to cover up the tiny mark I made. Even though I have had a great time, I try to look slightly resentful at being left alone all day. After all, I want some turkey.
TEN REASONS FOR MAX TO BE THANKFUL ON THANKSGIVING
- I have a warm, dry home to live in.
- My people buy me food and, if I am really good, a toy or two to play with.
- The toys they buy me are generally non-toxic (which is great because I like to eat mine).
- My people were very busy getting ready before they left, yet they still thoughtfully left all sorts of interesting things around for me to play with: tissues, socks, crumbs, things on the counter. It's like Christmas came early. I eat a sock to celebrate.
- They also forgot to make the bed, so I can easily get under the covers as well as hog both pillows for myself for as long as I like. (I do kinda miss the part where Mom comes in and chases me off, though. When she waves her arms and makes shrieking noises, I know that this is one of her favorite games, too.)
- Dad is off from work for Thanksgiving, so I might get to do manly stuff with him before they leave for Grandma's, like helping to fix his motorcycles. OK, so I myself don't really do the fixing part, but I run around and make sure that the perimeter is secure so that he can work undisturbed. I carefully mark each area so that the groundhogs know that this is our space right now. (Why does Dad watch me when I stand too long near his motorcycles? He does not shriek or wave his arms, but I know that look. It means that I had better not mark his motorcycles, which is all right, because those pesky, short groundhogs don't ride them anyway.)
- When Dad and I come inside, Mom doesn't mind very much if we track a bit of dirt into the kitchen with us. (However, dirt on the rug is another matter entirely. Talk about shrieking!)
- The whole couch, complete with the cozy blanket and a bunch of pillows, is all mine, all day, until my people return. I accidentally make a tiny mark on the leather while practicing flying leaps and also perhaps to see if anyone will notice later. I insert earplugs, because I know they will notice. I do not make a large mark, because I want to keep living here.
- Nobody breaks into the house while I am here alone. I do not hide upstairs. I am merely enjoying the boy's comfortable bed and making sure that I have the height advantage in case someone does come in. I consider the ethical dilemma of whether I would attack an intruder who brought me a gift of a steak. Or a piece of rawbone...or, for that matter, a tissue. I do like to eat tissues. I can not decide, so I take a nap.
- My people are home and they have leftovers! I briefly consider the ethical dilemma of whether I would save my people or the leftovers if an intruder arrives at that moment. I decide I can do both. I am, after all, the Labrapithound.
So, Happy Thanksgiving! -- xxx Max
Note: Other pets are welcome to drop me a line about things which they are thankful for. Well, I need to go now. I must lie on the couch and look adorable as my people come in the door. I also need to cover up the tiny mark I made. Even though I have had a great time, I try to look slightly resentful at being left alone all day. After all, I want some turkey.
Genesis 24: A Bride for Isaac
Chapter 24 of Genesis is a beautiful story of how God provided a bride for Isaac. There is a lot in this chapter. First, Abraham was getting old, even though God had blessed him in many ways. (v.1) He realizes that he needs to provide a wife for Isaac, so he instructs his chief servant in these matters. The servant is possibly Eliezer of Damascus, mentioned in Genesis 15:2. This loyal servant would probably have become Abraham's heir if Abraham had not had a son. Abraham says to him, "...Put your hand under my thigh. I want you to swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not get a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I am living, but will go to my country and my own relatives and get a wife for my son Isaac." (Genesis 24:2-4 NIV)
The servant, although he is in charge of all Abraham possesses, does not seem to be concerned with his own future. However, he is anxious to complete his task fully, so he inquires, "What if the woman is unwilling to come back with me to this land? Shall I then take your son back to the country you came from?" (Genesis 24:5 NIV)
I would like to have seen Abraham's face when he replies, "Make sure that you do not take my son back there" (v.6). Instead, Abraham reminds the man that God had promised on oath to give the land around them to Abraham's offspring. Abraham assures the servant that God will send His angel ahead of the servant so that his mission will be a success. (v7) However, if the woman refused to come back with the servant, the man would be freed from his oath. In any case, Isaac was definitely not supposed to be brought back to his father's old homeland. So the servant swore an oath to do as Abraham had requested. (v.8-9)
Abraham allowed the servant to take ten of his camels laden with "...all kinds of good things from his master". (v.10) He then set out for the town of Nahor, which was in north-west Mesopotamia. He arrived near evening, and settled his camels near the well outside of the town, expecting that the women would soon arrive to draw water. (v.11) As he waited, he prayed, "O Lord, God of my master Abraham, give me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. May it be that when I say to a girl, 'Please let down your jar that I may have a drink," and she says, "Drink, and I'll water your camels too" -- let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master." (Genesis 24:12-14 NIV)
This was actually a wise test of the woman's character. If she was hospitable, it might indicate that she had a kind heart (even towards a stranger) and an industrious nature, which would be a great combination of traits for a wife to possess. Also, if she was able to water all ten of his camels, she would be someone who was physically strong and healthy as well! However, God's intervention would be required to have her arrive at the right time and to say and do all of the things involved in the servants 'test'.
As usual, God is far ahead of the rest of us. Even before the servant finished praying, the bride who God had chosen for Isaac was already arriving at the well. Not only that, but she was the grand-daughter of Nahor (Abraham's brother) -- Bethuel's daughter, Rebekah. That, in case you are lost, means that she is Abraham's grand-niece. (v.15) She was very beautiful as well, and unmarried. (v.16) The faithful servant hurries to meet her and requests a drink.(v.17) Verses 18-20 indicate that Rebekah quickly and willingly gave a drink to the servant and volunteered to water his camels as well. The servant watched without saying a word, waiting to see if she was indeed the one whom God had chosen for Isaac. (v.21)
I wondered just how much a camel might drink. I read that each was capable of drinking 100 liters in about ten minutes. That's about 50 (2 liter) soda bottles worth of water apiece! Remember, there were ten camels in that party. Since 50 X 10 camels = 500 soda bottles worth of water, well, you get the picture now, right?! That is an awful lot of trips to the well, Rebekah. Apparently, the servant was duly impressed as well, for "When the camels had finished drinking, the man took out a gold nose ring weighing a beka and two gold bracelets weighing ten shekels. Then he asked, 'Whose daughter are you? Please tell me, is there room in your father's house for us to spend the night?" (Genesis 24:22-23 NIV)
Rebekah replied that she was the daughter of Bethuel, and grand-daughter of Nahor and Milcah. They not only had room, but would be able to supply straw and fodder for the camels as well. (v.24-25) Again she displays a generous and hospitable spirit. At this point the servant can no longer contain his thankfulness. He bows down and worships, saying "Praise be to the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master. As for me, the Lord has led me on the journey to the house of my master's relatives." (Genesis 24:26-27 NIV)
The servant, although he is in charge of all Abraham possesses, does not seem to be concerned with his own future. However, he is anxious to complete his task fully, so he inquires, "What if the woman is unwilling to come back with me to this land? Shall I then take your son back to the country you came from?" (Genesis 24:5 NIV)
I would like to have seen Abraham's face when he replies, "Make sure that you do not take my son back there" (v.6). Instead, Abraham reminds the man that God had promised on oath to give the land around them to Abraham's offspring. Abraham assures the servant that God will send His angel ahead of the servant so that his mission will be a success. (v7) However, if the woman refused to come back with the servant, the man would be freed from his oath. In any case, Isaac was definitely not supposed to be brought back to his father's old homeland. So the servant swore an oath to do as Abraham had requested. (v.8-9)
Abraham allowed the servant to take ten of his camels laden with "...all kinds of good things from his master". (v.10) He then set out for the town of Nahor, which was in north-west Mesopotamia. He arrived near evening, and settled his camels near the well outside of the town, expecting that the women would soon arrive to draw water. (v.11) As he waited, he prayed, "O Lord, God of my master Abraham, give me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. May it be that when I say to a girl, 'Please let down your jar that I may have a drink," and she says, "Drink, and I'll water your camels too" -- let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master." (Genesis 24:12-14 NIV)
This was actually a wise test of the woman's character. If she was hospitable, it might indicate that she had a kind heart (even towards a stranger) and an industrious nature, which would be a great combination of traits for a wife to possess. Also, if she was able to water all ten of his camels, she would be someone who was physically strong and healthy as well! However, God's intervention would be required to have her arrive at the right time and to say and do all of the things involved in the servants 'test'.
As usual, God is far ahead of the rest of us. Even before the servant finished praying, the bride who God had chosen for Isaac was already arriving at the well. Not only that, but she was the grand-daughter of Nahor (Abraham's brother) -- Bethuel's daughter, Rebekah. That, in case you are lost, means that she is Abraham's grand-niece. (v.15) She was very beautiful as well, and unmarried. (v.16) The faithful servant hurries to meet her and requests a drink.(v.17) Verses 18-20 indicate that Rebekah quickly and willingly gave a drink to the servant and volunteered to water his camels as well. The servant watched without saying a word, waiting to see if she was indeed the one whom God had chosen for Isaac. (v.21)
I wondered just how much a camel might drink. I read that each was capable of drinking 100 liters in about ten minutes. That's about 50 (2 liter) soda bottles worth of water apiece! Remember, there were ten camels in that party. Since 50 X 10 camels = 500 soda bottles worth of water, well, you get the picture now, right?! That is an awful lot of trips to the well, Rebekah. Apparently, the servant was duly impressed as well, for "When the camels had finished drinking, the man took out a gold nose ring weighing a beka and two gold bracelets weighing ten shekels. Then he asked, 'Whose daughter are you? Please tell me, is there room in your father's house for us to spend the night?" (Genesis 24:22-23 NIV)
Rebekah replied that she was the daughter of Bethuel, and grand-daughter of Nahor and Milcah. They not only had room, but would be able to supply straw and fodder for the camels as well. (v.24-25) Again she displays a generous and hospitable spirit. At this point the servant can no longer contain his thankfulness. He bows down and worships, saying "Praise be to the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master. As for me, the Lord has led me on the journey to the house of my master's relatives." (Genesis 24:26-27 NIV)
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Genesis 23:1-20 Sarah's Death Brings Abraham a Foothold in Canaan
"Sarah lived to be a hundred and twenty-seven years old. She died at Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went to mourn for Sarah and to weep over her." (Genesis 23:1-2 NIV)
This sad time in Abraham's life is somewhat mitigated by the fact that they have enjoyed 37 years together with their son Isaac. (See Genesis17:17, where Abraham laughs to think that his wife would have a son at the age of 90. Since Sarah had Isaac at age 90, and died at age 127, Isaac is now about 37 years old.)
Now Abraham has to figure out how to provide a burial place for his wife. Currently he does not own land -- (I think that the treaty he made with Abimelech (Genesis 21:27-34) was only about water rights to a well he had dug) -- so he approaches the Hittites in order to buy land for a burial place. Abraham gets up from where he had been mourning his wife and spoke to them: "I am an alien and a stranger among you. Sell me some property for a burial site here so I can bury my dead." (Genesis 23:4 NIV)
The Hittites reply that Abraham is a "mighty prince" in their sight, and that he can take his pick of their own burial sites. (v.5-6) Whether they are just flattering him or really have been impressed by observing his life is unclear, although the way that these negotiations proceed does call their truthfulness into question. For when Abraham indicates that he would like to buy the cave of Machpelah at the end of the field belonging to a certain Ephron the Hittite (v. 7-9), the man at first insists that he would be happy to just give it to Abraham (v.10-11). Wisely, Abraham insists (in the hearing of the other Hittites) on paying the full price for the field. Ephron proceeds to ask a rather exorbitant price, all the while insisting that this paltry sum was nothing between him and Abraham (v.12-16). Not only that, but the silver was weighed "according to the weight current among the merchants" (v.16) -- that is, the weights being used to measure the amount of silver were not standardized, but were whatever the merchants wanted to use as a weight.
"So Ephron's field in Machpelah near Mamre -- both the field and the cave in it, and all the trees within the borders of the field -- was deeded to Abraham as his property in the presence of all the Hittites who had come to the gate of the city." (Genesis 23:17-18 NIV) Afterward, Abraham buries Sarah (v 19) in the cave he had purchased.
The account concludes by repeating that "...the field and the cave in it were deeded to Abraham by the Hittites as a burial site." (Genesis 23:20 NIV) All throughout the account, the emphasis has been upon how the matter was handled in a legally appropriate manner for the times: (see v.9,12,16-18,20). The account repeats this matter so many times, in so many ways, that it is evident that it is very important to establish that this is indeed Abraham's property. This could be for several reasons:
This sad time in Abraham's life is somewhat mitigated by the fact that they have enjoyed 37 years together with their son Isaac. (See Genesis17:17, where Abraham laughs to think that his wife would have a son at the age of 90. Since Sarah had Isaac at age 90, and died at age 127, Isaac is now about 37 years old.)
Now Abraham has to figure out how to provide a burial place for his wife. Currently he does not own land -- (I think that the treaty he made with Abimelech (Genesis 21:27-34) was only about water rights to a well he had dug) -- so he approaches the Hittites in order to buy land for a burial place. Abraham gets up from where he had been mourning his wife and spoke to them: "I am an alien and a stranger among you. Sell me some property for a burial site here so I can bury my dead." (Genesis 23:4 NIV)
The Hittites reply that Abraham is a "mighty prince" in their sight, and that he can take his pick of their own burial sites. (v.5-6) Whether they are just flattering him or really have been impressed by observing his life is unclear, although the way that these negotiations proceed does call their truthfulness into question. For when Abraham indicates that he would like to buy the cave of Machpelah at the end of the field belonging to a certain Ephron the Hittite (v. 7-9), the man at first insists that he would be happy to just give it to Abraham (v.10-11). Wisely, Abraham insists (in the hearing of the other Hittites) on paying the full price for the field. Ephron proceeds to ask a rather exorbitant price, all the while insisting that this paltry sum was nothing between him and Abraham (v.12-16). Not only that, but the silver was weighed "according to the weight current among the merchants" (v.16) -- that is, the weights being used to measure the amount of silver were not standardized, but were whatever the merchants wanted to use as a weight.
"So Ephron's field in Machpelah near Mamre -- both the field and the cave in it, and all the trees within the borders of the field -- was deeded to Abraham as his property in the presence of all the Hittites who had come to the gate of the city." (Genesis 23:17-18 NIV) Afterward, Abraham buries Sarah (v 19) in the cave he had purchased.
The account concludes by repeating that "...the field and the cave in it were deeded to Abraham by the Hittites as a burial site." (Genesis 23:20 NIV) All throughout the account, the emphasis has been upon how the matter was handled in a legally appropriate manner for the times: (see v.9,12,16-18,20). The account repeats this matter so many times, in so many ways, that it is evident that it is very important to establish that this is indeed Abraham's property. This could be for several reasons:
- The process leaves no room for doubt in the minds of his contemporaries that Abraham was the owner of the field.
- It establishes that the field, the cave, and even the trees had been deeded to Abraham.
- It shows that there was no cause for reproach as to how Abraham handled the matter.
- This is the first land Abraham owns in the Promised Land.
- It could be important for reasons of which Abraham had no idea. For example, any time the site's ownership comes into question, it is clearly set out here as having been Abraham's property. For example, if valuables (minerals, gold, silver, gems) are found in that field, no one can contest that, for example, only the cave (as opposed to the whole field) was Abraham's. [Personally, in light of the high price Ephron made Abraham pay for the field (even though he knew that Abraham was in mourning), I hope that one day it turns out to be far more valuable than even Ephron could have dreamed.]
- This could be important information in the light of establishing the presence of the Hebrews in that area, especially if there are present-day border disputes, etc. being negotiated.
- ...or, all of the above.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Genesis 22:19-24 Catching Up With the Family
After the exciting events of the last few verses, we are informed that Abraham returns to his servants, who have been patiently (or perhaps, impatiently) waiting for Abraham and Isaac to return. Then they returned together to Beersheba, where Abraham and his family stayed for a while. (v.19)
_________________________
A large part of this blog was supposed to be genealogy-related, tracing the family of Abraham. I have not done much of that here, because I keep getting caught up in the stories surrounding the individuals. I figured that this is the most interesting part of genealogy, anyway -- not just a boring list of names and dates, but the things which those individuals did with their lives. Once in a while, though, I have to go back and remember just how the family lines go. I like to make a chart, which can be a bit difficult as the list gets longer. I had a perfectly good family tree chart as I wrote this post, but it tended to get crazy when I did my final posting, so I have to remove the chart for now until I figure out how to do it. Instead, I'll just give a summary:
Remember how Abraham, Nahor and Haran were sons of Terah? Haran was Lot's father, who died. Nahor was Abraham's other brother, and we are now informed of the latest developments in his family line. Genesis 22:20-24 reveals that Nahor has also had sons: Uz, Buz, Kemuel, Kesed, Hazo, Pildash, Jidlaph and Bethuel.
Nahor's eight sons by his wife Milcah are joined by four other sons from his concubine Reumah: Tebah, Gaham, Tahash, and Maacah. Bethuel becomes the father of a daughter, Rebekah.
_________________________
A large part of this blog was supposed to be genealogy-related, tracing the family of Abraham. I have not done much of that here, because I keep getting caught up in the stories surrounding the individuals. I figured that this is the most interesting part of genealogy, anyway -- not just a boring list of names and dates, but the things which those individuals did with their lives. Once in a while, though, I have to go back and remember just how the family lines go. I like to make a chart, which can be a bit difficult as the list gets longer. I had a perfectly good family tree chart as I wrote this post, but it tended to get crazy when I did my final posting, so I have to remove the chart for now until I figure out how to do it. Instead, I'll just give a summary:
Remember how Abraham, Nahor and Haran were sons of Terah? Haran was Lot's father, who died. Nahor was Abraham's other brother, and we are now informed of the latest developments in his family line. Genesis 22:20-24 reveals that Nahor has also had sons: Uz, Buz, Kemuel, Kesed, Hazo, Pildash, Jidlaph and Bethuel.
Nahor's eight sons by his wife Milcah are joined by four other sons from his concubine Reumah: Tebah, Gaham, Tahash, and Maacah. Bethuel becomes the father of a daughter, Rebekah.
- These twelve sons of Nahor became the fathers of the twelve Aramean tribes. Thinking about the twelve sons of Ishmael, and the (eventual) twelve sons of Isaac's son Jacob, I'd say that Someone likes the number twelve!
- It is interesting that Rebekah is named as Bethuel's daughter here. Usually, the genealogies focus upon the sons. Maybe her brother Laban, who will figure prominently in the story later, is not born yet. Or, perhaps Rebekah is emphasized because [spoiler alert] she will soon join the story as Isaac's wife.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Genesis 22:15-18 Consequences
The angel of the Lord had called out to Abraham to stop him from carrying out the sacrifice of Isaac. Now the angel of the Lord calls to Abraham a second time: "I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me." (Genesis 22:15-18 NIV)
Some thoughts on this passage:
Some thoughts on this passage:
- The Lord swears by Himself because there is no greater name by which He can take an oath.
- The Lord repeats the covenant blessings here -- numerous descendants, victory over enemies, worldwide blessing -- all resulting from obedience to the covenant demands.
- As far as all nations being blessed, that is an amazing consequence to obedience to God. I wonder if we think enough about the consequences of our own actions, especially as to how others will be affected. Even if our choices are not as dramatic as Abraham's, simple acts of obedience to God's Word can bring great blessings to our own families and the people we interact with every day. Also, I suppose, acts of disobedience would have the same result, only in the opposite direction. That shows me just how important it is to obey God. There is no 'small' sin.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Genesis 22:6-14 Provision
Abraham takes the wood for the offering and gives it to Isaac to carry, while he carries the fire and the knife. As they proceed, Isaac begins to wonder where the lamb for the offering will be found. "Abraham answered, 'God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.' And the two of them went on together." (Genesis 22:8 NIV)
When they reach the place where God had told Abraham to go, Abraham builds an altar and arranges the wood upon it. Next, the Bible says that Abraham "...bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood." (Genesis 22:9 NIV) Think about that for a moment. Scripture does not give us the details about how Abraham managed to get Isaac bound and lying upon the altar. Isaac is probably at least a teen, if not older. I imagine that Abraham must have explained everything to Isaac, and Isaac must have agreed to obey God's command as well, because if not, then I am fairly sure that Isaac could have overpowered his father and run away. I mean, with all due respect for obeying your elders, if someone is coming at me with a knife, with no explanation, ready to make me the burnt offering, I am outta there! Yet Isaac remained and complied.
If, as I believe, this is a foreshadowing of that offering of another Son which will take place many years in the future, this makes perfect sense. Jesus, too, had the option of obeying His heavenly Father's command or rejecting it. He, too, was obedient to His Father, even though He was fully aware of the consequences of that obedience.
Back to Abraham, who "took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, 'Abraham, Abraham!' 'Here I am,' he replied. 'Do not lay a hand on the boy,' he said. 'Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.' " (Genesis 22:10-12 NIV)
Hugh sigh of relief. Whew! That was close. "Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, 'On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.' ". (Genesis 22:13-14 NIV) As Abraham had previously assured Isaac, the Lord did provide the lamb for the burnt offering.
Christians see a parallel between this incident and the way that the Son of Man, Jesus Christ, offered Himself as the Lamb of God for the sins of mankind. Rather than attempt to save ourselves, (which is impossible, since we are all sinners, and our good works amount to filthy rags in the sight of a Holy God), we look to the sacrifice Christ made on our behalf to cleanse us from sin. God Himself provided the Messiah, the Christ. He, too, was an 'only son', much beloved by His Father. Only, in His case, no one intervened to call a halt to the sacrifice. However, just as Abraham fully expected that God could raise Isaac from the dead if need be, Jesus was raised from the dead. Abraham does not know about these future events, of course, but looking back, we marvel at the complex ways of God. Another interesting part of this story: Mount Moriah, -- the place that Abraham named "The Lord Will Provide", the place where God told Abraham to go to sacrifice his only son -- is the very place where Jesus the Messiah was crucified many years later. In a way far greater than Abraham could even imagine at that point, on Mount Moriah God indeed would provide for His people's greatest need: a right standing before God and cleansing from sin.
_________________________________
[I know that is a lot to swallow, especially if you do not believe that Jesus is God's Son. More information will follow as this blog develops about why I believe this. Sometimes 'coincidences' add up to a point where, I think, no one can honestly see them as coincidences. At that point, a decision needs to be made. So keep seeking, keep questioning. The Bible can take it! Questions are welcome. I don't know everything, but I will share what I know.] :)
When they reach the place where God had told Abraham to go, Abraham builds an altar and arranges the wood upon it. Next, the Bible says that Abraham "...bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood." (Genesis 22:9 NIV) Think about that for a moment. Scripture does not give us the details about how Abraham managed to get Isaac bound and lying upon the altar. Isaac is probably at least a teen, if not older. I imagine that Abraham must have explained everything to Isaac, and Isaac must have agreed to obey God's command as well, because if not, then I am fairly sure that Isaac could have overpowered his father and run away. I mean, with all due respect for obeying your elders, if someone is coming at me with a knife, with no explanation, ready to make me the burnt offering, I am outta there! Yet Isaac remained and complied.
If, as I believe, this is a foreshadowing of that offering of another Son which will take place many years in the future, this makes perfect sense. Jesus, too, had the option of obeying His heavenly Father's command or rejecting it. He, too, was obedient to His Father, even though He was fully aware of the consequences of that obedience.
Back to Abraham, who "took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, 'Abraham, Abraham!' 'Here I am,' he replied. 'Do not lay a hand on the boy,' he said. 'Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.' " (Genesis 22:10-12 NIV)
Hugh sigh of relief. Whew! That was close. "Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, 'On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.' ". (Genesis 22:13-14 NIV) As Abraham had previously assured Isaac, the Lord did provide the lamb for the burnt offering.
Christians see a parallel between this incident and the way that the Son of Man, Jesus Christ, offered Himself as the Lamb of God for the sins of mankind. Rather than attempt to save ourselves, (which is impossible, since we are all sinners, and our good works amount to filthy rags in the sight of a Holy God), we look to the sacrifice Christ made on our behalf to cleanse us from sin. God Himself provided the Messiah, the Christ. He, too, was an 'only son', much beloved by His Father. Only, in His case, no one intervened to call a halt to the sacrifice. However, just as Abraham fully expected that God could raise Isaac from the dead if need be, Jesus was raised from the dead. Abraham does not know about these future events, of course, but looking back, we marvel at the complex ways of God. Another interesting part of this story: Mount Moriah, -- the place that Abraham named "The Lord Will Provide", the place where God told Abraham to go to sacrifice his only son -- is the very place where Jesus the Messiah was crucified many years later. In a way far greater than Abraham could even imagine at that point, on Mount Moriah God indeed would provide for His people's greatest need: a right standing before God and cleansing from sin.
_________________________________
[I know that is a lot to swallow, especially if you do not believe that Jesus is God's Son. More information will follow as this blog develops about why I believe this. Sometimes 'coincidences' add up to a point where, I think, no one can honestly see them as coincidences. At that point, a decision needs to be made. So keep seeking, keep questioning. The Bible can take it! Questions are welcome. I don't know everything, but I will share what I know.] :)
Friday, November 19, 2010
Genesis 22:1-5 The Hardest Test
God tested Abraham in this passage. It is important to draw a distinction between 'testing' and 'tempting'. God does not tempt anyone. James 1:13 (NIV) says: "When tempted, no one should say 'God is tempting me.' For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;". The devil tempts a person with the intent of seeking to make them fail or fall. "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (I Peter 5:8 NIV) God, on the other hand, tests His servants in order to strengthen their faith or confirm their commitment to Him. This difference in approach highlights the fact that seeking after God leads toward life, while the devil seeks only to destroy.
Abraham has been staying in the land of the Philistines for a long time (Genesis 21:34). Some time later (Gen.22:1), God tests Abraham. "...Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about." (Genesis 22:2 NIV) This has to be a bit unnerving to Abraham. He loves his son, of course, and Isaac is the one through whom God has promised further offspring, and promised to make "...an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you." (Genesis 17:7 NIV) How will this be possible if Isaac is gone?
Despite this dilemma, Abraham gets up early the next morning and takes his son Isaac and two servants and heads out to do what his God has commanded him to do. Before he left, he cut enough wood for the burnt offering. It takes nearly three days to get to the place where God had told him to go -- the region of Moriah. Can we pause here for a second? Not only is this offering of Isaac a horrible task to contemplate, but it takes three days to get there. Three days of being in close company with the son Abraham is being asked to give up. Three days of hiking along, watching Isaac walk ahead of you. Two nights of lying there wondering, why?
Finally, on the third day, Abraham sees the mountains of Moriah in the distance. (v.4) Abraham instructs his servants to remain behind, while he and Isaac continue their journey: "Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you." (Genesis 22:5 NIV) Did you catch that? -- "...then we will come back to you." Abraham seems fully ready to do what God has commanded. However, he also seems fully convinced that both he and Isaac will return to the servants. There is only one explanation for this: Abraham fully believes that God can raise Isaac from the dead, if He chooses to do so.
Abraham has been staying in the land of the Philistines for a long time (Genesis 21:34). Some time later (Gen.22:1), God tests Abraham. "...Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about." (Genesis 22:2 NIV) This has to be a bit unnerving to Abraham. He loves his son, of course, and Isaac is the one through whom God has promised further offspring, and promised to make "...an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you." (Genesis 17:7 NIV) How will this be possible if Isaac is gone?
Despite this dilemma, Abraham gets up early the next morning and takes his son Isaac and two servants and heads out to do what his God has commanded him to do. Before he left, he cut enough wood for the burnt offering. It takes nearly three days to get to the place where God had told him to go -- the region of Moriah. Can we pause here for a second? Not only is this offering of Isaac a horrible task to contemplate, but it takes three days to get there. Three days of being in close company with the son Abraham is being asked to give up. Three days of hiking along, watching Isaac walk ahead of you. Two nights of lying there wondering, why?
Finally, on the third day, Abraham sees the mountains of Moriah in the distance. (v.4) Abraham instructs his servants to remain behind, while he and Isaac continue their journey: "Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you." (Genesis 22:5 NIV) Did you catch that? -- "...then we will come back to you." Abraham seems fully ready to do what God has commanded. However, he also seems fully convinced that both he and Isaac will return to the servants. There is only one explanation for this: Abraham fully believes that God can raise Isaac from the dead, if He chooses to do so.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
The Witness (Genesis 21:22-34)
The significance of Genesis 21:22-34 is easily missed. I had wondered why the account of Abimelech's covenant with Abraham is inserted right here, between the accounts of Ishmael being sent away and the portion which follows, which is about a severe testing of both Abraham's loyalty to God and trust in His promises. I knew that there had to be some reason for its placement here, so I began to research what other commentators had written about this section.
In the process, I ran across an excellent article here. Please take the time to read the whole article, for it is an interesting one. Not only that, but it is one of those articles which is well worth returning to regularly, to check ourselves as to our own testimony before an unbelieving world.
Some points I especially enjoyed from this article (which actually, I believe, is a sermon) are:
In the process, I ran across an excellent article here. Please take the time to read the whole article, for it is an interesting one. Not only that, but it is one of those articles which is well worth returning to regularly, to check ourselves as to our own testimony before an unbelieving world.
Some points I especially enjoyed from this article (which actually, I believe, is a sermon) are:
- A discussion of the "redemptive-historical" school of biblical interpretation. Don't get frightened! It basically is talking about how the Bible is not merely a book telling us what we should do, although "instruction in righteousness" (II Timothy 3:16) is part of the purpose of Scripture. Rather, it is first a record of what God has done in history as He keeps His covenant and carries out His plan of redemption.
- A call for living a righteous life which nonbelievers, regardless of whether they choose to accept the salvation which God offers, cannot deny. I especially appreciated the idea that all people, because they have been made in God's image, are attracted to the godly aspects of a believer's character/lifestyle.
- The realization that Abraham planted trees at certain significant points in his lifetime. The tree-planting speaks of a sense of permanence and signals a significant event which had happened. Check out Genesis 12:18 and 13:4, as well as the example in our passage (Genesis 21:22-34).
- A discussion of why Abimelech (king of Gerar, owner of land) would even bother coming to Abraham the nomad and want to be in a covenant situation with him, especially since he had already seen that Abraham was not perfect.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Genesis 21:14-21 God Provides for Ishmael
"Early the next morning Abraham took some food and a skin of water and gave them to Hagar. He set them on her shoulders and then sent her off with the boy. She went on her way and wandered in the desert of Beersheba. When the water in the skin was gone, she put the boy under one of the bushes. Then she went off and sat down nearby, about a bowshot away, for she thought, 'I cannot watch the boy die.' And as she sat there nearby, she began to sob." (Genesis 21:14-16 NIV)
I wonder what was going through Abraham's mind in this situation. He loved Ishmael, yet God had told him to listen to Sarah, and send Ishmael and Hagar away. Abraham did make some provision for Hagar and Ishmael, but it appears to be minimal. Hagar and Ishmael seem to be abandoned. Hagar wandered in the desert of Beersheba for a while. She probably did not have many other options. The trip back to Egypt would probably take an amount of preparation and supply which she did not have at that moment. Right now it was survival that concerned her. As their supply of water ran out, it is no wonder that she collapses in despair.
However, God has not abandoned her and Ishmael. "God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, 'What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation.' Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink." (Genesis 21:17-19 NIV)
Once again, God has 'heard' and met Hagar in her time of need. He is aware and concerned with Hagar and Ishmael and able to meet their needs. It is no accident that Hagar and Ishmael ran out of water right near that well, or that the well was there in the first place. God also is concerned with keeping His promise to Abraham, of blessing his descendants and making Ishmael into a nation.
God's care and concern was not only for that moment. "God was with the boy as he grew up. He lived in the desert and became an archer. While he was living in the Desert of Paran, his mother got a wife for him from Egypt." (Genesis 21:20-21 NIV) God continued to care for Ishmael as he matured. As God had already told Hagar, Ishmael continued to live in the desert. Eventually, his mother got a wife for him from Egypt. Hagar and Ishmael remained living in the area of the Sinai Peninsula called the Desert of Paran.
________________________
Note: While researching this article, I came upon these interesting points in materials by Wayne Blank (www.keyway.ca/2002.htm/isaac.htm) . I had wondered why Ishmael was not given his rights as a firstborn son. I figured it was because, as the son of a maidservant, he did not have the same inheritance rights that the son of an actual wife would have received. However, Mr. Blank brings up this interesting point:
"The promise did not however go through Ishmael because the covenant had already been made with Abraham, with a yet unborn Isaac the designated heir, before Ishmael was conceived or born (Genesis 15:2-6). While God does not play favorites, He was also not bound to any other arrangements for children that Abraham and Sarah had taken upon themselves to bring about after the matter had been firmly decided by God."
So, apparently, Ishmael was not cheated out of anything. In fact, Mr. Blank also points out that the territory eventually occupied by the Arabs, the descendants of Ishmael, was about 150 times the size of the territory of the Israelites, and that it held rich reserves of oil, etc.
Another point which Mr. Blank brought up is that he is not 'pro-Israeli' or 'pro-Arab', but is trying to faithfully convey what the Bible says, so he is 'pro-Bible'. I appreciated that distinction, because things can get pretty heated when these matters are discussed. :)
I wonder what was going through Abraham's mind in this situation. He loved Ishmael, yet God had told him to listen to Sarah, and send Ishmael and Hagar away. Abraham did make some provision for Hagar and Ishmael, but it appears to be minimal. Hagar and Ishmael seem to be abandoned. Hagar wandered in the desert of Beersheba for a while. She probably did not have many other options. The trip back to Egypt would probably take an amount of preparation and supply which she did not have at that moment. Right now it was survival that concerned her. As their supply of water ran out, it is no wonder that she collapses in despair.
However, God has not abandoned her and Ishmael. "God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, 'What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation.' Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink." (Genesis 21:17-19 NIV)
Once again, God has 'heard' and met Hagar in her time of need. He is aware and concerned with Hagar and Ishmael and able to meet their needs. It is no accident that Hagar and Ishmael ran out of water right near that well, or that the well was there in the first place. God also is concerned with keeping His promise to Abraham, of blessing his descendants and making Ishmael into a nation.
God's care and concern was not only for that moment. "God was with the boy as he grew up. He lived in the desert and became an archer. While he was living in the Desert of Paran, his mother got a wife for him from Egypt." (Genesis 21:20-21 NIV) God continued to care for Ishmael as he matured. As God had already told Hagar, Ishmael continued to live in the desert. Eventually, his mother got a wife for him from Egypt. Hagar and Ishmael remained living in the area of the Sinai Peninsula called the Desert of Paran.
________________________
Note: While researching this article, I came upon these interesting points in materials by Wayne Blank (www.keyway.ca/2002.htm/isaac.htm) . I had wondered why Ishmael was not given his rights as a firstborn son. I figured it was because, as the son of a maidservant, he did not have the same inheritance rights that the son of an actual wife would have received. However, Mr. Blank brings up this interesting point:
"The promise did not however go through Ishmael because the covenant had already been made with Abraham, with a yet unborn Isaac the designated heir, before Ishmael was conceived or born (Genesis 15:2-6). While God does not play favorites, He was also not bound to any other arrangements for children that Abraham and Sarah had taken upon themselves to bring about after the matter had been firmly decided by God."
So, apparently, Ishmael was not cheated out of anything. In fact, Mr. Blank also points out that the territory eventually occupied by the Arabs, the descendants of Ishmael, was about 150 times the size of the territory of the Israelites, and that it held rich reserves of oil, etc.
Another point which Mr. Blank brought up is that he is not 'pro-Israeli' or 'pro-Arab', but is trying to faithfully convey what the Bible says, so he is 'pro-Bible'. I appreciated that distinction, because things can get pretty heated when these matters are discussed. :)
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Strife between Isaac and Ishmael (Genesis 21:8-13)
Isaac ..."grew and was weaned, and on the day Isaac was weaned Abraham held a great feast." (Genesis 21:8 NIV) This would have taken place when Isaac was about two or three years old. However, during the celebration, "...Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking, and she said to Abraham, 'Get rid of that slave woman and her son, for that slave woman's son will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac.' The matter distressed Abraham greatly, because it concerned his son." (Genesis 21:9-11 NIV)
I can't imagine the depth of emotions involved in this situation, on all sides. Sarah is no doubt concerned with Isaac's safety, and with his eventual inheritance rights. She is also eager to solidify her own position as Abraham's wife, and to be rid of her competition, the servant Hagar, once and for all. Abraham can understand this, yet he obviously loves Ishmael, and is deeply grieved that this situation has arisen. Genesis 21:12 indicates that Abraham is also concerned about Hagar. Although she is only Abraham's servant, she is the mother of his son Ishmael. Hagar would no doubt have soon become aware of what was happening, and would be angry at Sarah and greatly concerned about the future and safety of herself and her teenage son.
Scripture is sometimes silent about issues which we might prefer to have elaborated, like polygamy. However, often, the story itself is a powerful argument against such a practice. The strife and confusion which arises in these types of situations speak loudly that 'one man, one wife', is the best way to go, and the way that God intended. This case is no exception.
"But God said to him, 'Do not be so distressed about the boy and your maidservant. Listen to whatever Sarah tells you, because it is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned. I will make the son of the maidservant into a nation also, because he is your offspring.' " (Genesis 21:12-13 NIV) When I first read these words, they seemed contradictory. If it was through Isaac that Abraham's offspring would be reckoned, why was Ishmael also going to become a nation due to the fact that, as God said, 'he is your offspring' (v. 13)? The way that I understand this is that Isaac would be the one who would inherit all the promises of the covenant established between God and Abraham, and Isaac was the son through whose line of descendants the Messiah would one day come. Ishmael, as a son of Abraham, would also be blessed and become a nation due to the fact that God keeps His promises. God had promised to bless Abraham's descendants and make Abraham into a father of nations.
It is not a neat and tidy package, for sure. Abraham was probably torn apart inside. The results of Abraham's and Sarah's attempt to provide themselves with a son, instead of waiting for God to do so, had blossomed into this situation which involved real pain and loss to real people. Still, it is reassuring to see that God is still in control, and that He will do what is right for all involved.
I can't imagine the depth of emotions involved in this situation, on all sides. Sarah is no doubt concerned with Isaac's safety, and with his eventual inheritance rights. She is also eager to solidify her own position as Abraham's wife, and to be rid of her competition, the servant Hagar, once and for all. Abraham can understand this, yet he obviously loves Ishmael, and is deeply grieved that this situation has arisen. Genesis 21:12 indicates that Abraham is also concerned about Hagar. Although she is only Abraham's servant, she is the mother of his son Ishmael. Hagar would no doubt have soon become aware of what was happening, and would be angry at Sarah and greatly concerned about the future and safety of herself and her teenage son.
Scripture is sometimes silent about issues which we might prefer to have elaborated, like polygamy. However, often, the story itself is a powerful argument against such a practice. The strife and confusion which arises in these types of situations speak loudly that 'one man, one wife', is the best way to go, and the way that God intended. This case is no exception.
"But God said to him, 'Do not be so distressed about the boy and your maidservant. Listen to whatever Sarah tells you, because it is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned. I will make the son of the maidservant into a nation also, because he is your offspring.' " (Genesis 21:12-13 NIV) When I first read these words, they seemed contradictory. If it was through Isaac that Abraham's offspring would be reckoned, why was Ishmael also going to become a nation due to the fact that, as God said, 'he is your offspring' (v. 13)? The way that I understand this is that Isaac would be the one who would inherit all the promises of the covenant established between God and Abraham, and Isaac was the son through whose line of descendants the Messiah would one day come. Ishmael, as a son of Abraham, would also be blessed and become a nation due to the fact that God keeps His promises. God had promised to bless Abraham's descendants and make Abraham into a father of nations.
It is not a neat and tidy package, for sure. Abraham was probably torn apart inside. The results of Abraham's and Sarah's attempt to provide themselves with a son, instead of waiting for God to do so, had blossomed into this situation which involved real pain and loss to real people. Still, it is reassuring to see that God is still in control, and that He will do what is right for all involved.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Laughter (Genesis 21:1-7)
After two separate incidents where the existence of the son who was promised to Abraham and Sarah was threatened, it is with great relief that we read in Genesis 21 of the birth of Isaac: "Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him." (Genesis 21:1-2 NIV) These verses are full of reminders that it is the Lord that brought this about, and that He was faithful to do exactly what He had promised, at the time He had promised it.
Obediently, Abraham gave the child the name Isaac, and circumcised him on the eighth day, as God had commanded. (v.3-4).
"Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. Sarah said, 'God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.' And she added, 'Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.' " (Genesis 21:5-7 NIV) Sarah's joy and pride in her new son is evident, and she is certainly not denying now that both she and her neighbors are laughing to think that the Lord would bring such a marvelous event about even though she and Abraham are elderly.
This mountaintop experience is a welcome respite from the strife and controversy of the previous chapters. Soon, other events will intrude upon the couple's joy. There will be further controversy, and further tests to endure. However, for the moment, it is good to rejoice in the fact that the Lord keeps His promises.
Obediently, Abraham gave the child the name Isaac, and circumcised him on the eighth day, as God had commanded. (v.3-4).
"Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. Sarah said, 'God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.' And she added, 'Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.' " (Genesis 21:5-7 NIV) Sarah's joy and pride in her new son is evident, and she is certainly not denying now that both she and her neighbors are laughing to think that the Lord would bring such a marvelous event about even though she and Abraham are elderly.
This mountaintop experience is a welcome respite from the strife and controversy of the previous chapters. Soon, other events will intrude upon the couple's joy. There will be further controversy, and further tests to endure. However, for the moment, it is good to rejoice in the fact that the Lord keeps His promises.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Abraham Deceives Abimelech: Genesis 20:1-18
Abraham moves on from where he had been staying and lives for a while in Gerar (near the Philistines and about halfway between Gaza and Beersheba). There, "Abraham said of his wife Sarah, 'She is my sister.' Then Abimelech king of Gerar sent for Sarah and took her." (Genesis 20:2 NIV)
Oh no, here we go again. Remember what happened the last time Abraham told this half-truth? This is the second time in which God has to intervene to protect Sarah, the one who God has promised will bear Abraham a son. I don't know how Sarah thought about the whole matter, but I can guess. I know that I wouldn't have been very happy. Apparently, Abraham has let his fear get the best of him again. God has promised to protect Abraham, but Abraham's faith is not quite up to believing that yet.
When Abraham had been in a similar situation in Egypt, the Lord had afflicted Pharaoh's household with serious diseases until Pharaoh returned Sarah to Abraham. This time, God speaks to Abimelech in a dream. Perhaps it is more like a nightmare, because God warns: "You are as good as dead because of the woman you have taken; she is a married woman." (Genesis 20:3 NIV) Abimelech protests that he has done this innocently. Both Abraham and Sarah had told him that Sarah was merely Abraham's sister.
"Then God said to him in the dream, 'Yes, I know you did this with a clear conscience, and so I have kept you from sinning against me. That is why I did not let you touch her. Now, return the man's wife, for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you will live. But if you do not return her, you may be sure that you and all yours will die.' " (Genesis 20:6-7 NIV) Nothing like stating things in a clear and unambiguous manner, right?
"Early the next morning Abimelech summoned all his officials, and when he told them all that had happened, they were very much afraid." (Genesis 20:8 NIV) The following verses show us just how upset Abimelech was as well: "Then Abimelech called Abraham in and said, 'What have you done to us? How have I wronged you that you have brought such great guilt upon me and my kingdom? You have done things to me that should not be done.' And Abimelech asked Abraham, 'What was your reason for doing this?' " (Genesis 20:9-10 NIV) I couldn't help but compare how seriously Abimelech viewed adultery, with the present day carelessness about it. To Abimelech, such a thing could affect not only himself, but his entire kingdom.
Abraham, embarrassed, has to admit, "...I said to myself, 'There is surely no fear of God in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife.' Besides, she really is my sister, the daughter of my father though not of my mother; and she became my wife. And when God had me wander from my father's household, I said to her, 'This is how you can show your love to me: Everywhere we go, say of me, "He is my brother." ' (Genesis 20:11-13 NIV) It must have been embarrassing for Abraham to have to admit to the king that he thought his kingdom was ungodly, especially when that king was acting in a more godly manner than Abraham was at the moment.
Mercifully, Abimelech does not point this out, and neither does he explore the rather shallow excuse that Sarah was, indeed, Abraham's half-sister. It was not the time to quibble. (Verse 18 indicates that God had closed up every womb in Abimelech's household because Sarah had been taken into Abimelech's household.) Instead, "Abimelech brought sheep and cattle and male and female slaves and gave them to Abraham, and he returned Sarah his wife to him. And Abimelech said, 'My land is before you; live wherever you like.' " (Genesis 20:14-15 NIV)
Abimelech also graciously gave Abraham a thousand shekels of silver to show that Sarah was innocent and to make up for any offense to her honor. "Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, his wife and his slave girls so they could have children again, for the Lord had closed up every womb in Abimelech's household because of Abraham's wife Sarah." (Genesis 20:17-18 NIV)
If you are thinking that all this was very dramatic and perhaps overdone, remember that it is not all about Abraham and Sarah and their promised son, Isaac. That was important, but behind it all is the fact that although Abraham did not know it, the promised Messiah would later come through this same Abrahamic line, so any attempt to disrupt that line was a direct affront to, and attack upon, God's plan of redemption. Also, it seems that God's punishment of nations for attacks against the Jewish people was generally 'in like kind'. For example, in the well known example of the ten plagues upon Egypt, since Pharaoh was oppressing God's firstborn (Israel) and trying to put Israelite children to death, the Pharaoh's firstborn dies. In the present case, since the continuance of the physical line of Abraham was being threatened, the punishment of closing every womb in Abimelech's household (thus threatening the continuance of Abimelech's physical line) was very appropriate.
However, once again, God intervened and restored Sarah (untouched) to Abraham. This dispelled the threat, and allowed Abimelech's household to go back to normal as well. Not to mention the other consequences: Abraham being somewhat enriched by Abimelech's gifts. I hope Abraham gave the thousand shekels of silver to Sarah to help make up for everything he had put her through. ;)
_____________________________
PS: Sarah must really have been one beautiful woman, for the Pharaoh of Egypt found her attractive at age 65 and now, at the time of this situation with Abimelech, I believe she is somewhere near 90 years old.
Oh no, here we go again. Remember what happened the last time Abraham told this half-truth? This is the second time in which God has to intervene to protect Sarah, the one who God has promised will bear Abraham a son. I don't know how Sarah thought about the whole matter, but I can guess. I know that I wouldn't have been very happy. Apparently, Abraham has let his fear get the best of him again. God has promised to protect Abraham, but Abraham's faith is not quite up to believing that yet.
When Abraham had been in a similar situation in Egypt, the Lord had afflicted Pharaoh's household with serious diseases until Pharaoh returned Sarah to Abraham. This time, God speaks to Abimelech in a dream. Perhaps it is more like a nightmare, because God warns: "You are as good as dead because of the woman you have taken; she is a married woman." (Genesis 20:3 NIV) Abimelech protests that he has done this innocently. Both Abraham and Sarah had told him that Sarah was merely Abraham's sister.
"Then God said to him in the dream, 'Yes, I know you did this with a clear conscience, and so I have kept you from sinning against me. That is why I did not let you touch her. Now, return the man's wife, for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you will live. But if you do not return her, you may be sure that you and all yours will die.' " (Genesis 20:6-7 NIV) Nothing like stating things in a clear and unambiguous manner, right?
"Early the next morning Abimelech summoned all his officials, and when he told them all that had happened, they were very much afraid." (Genesis 20:8 NIV) The following verses show us just how upset Abimelech was as well: "Then Abimelech called Abraham in and said, 'What have you done to us? How have I wronged you that you have brought such great guilt upon me and my kingdom? You have done things to me that should not be done.' And Abimelech asked Abraham, 'What was your reason for doing this?' " (Genesis 20:9-10 NIV) I couldn't help but compare how seriously Abimelech viewed adultery, with the present day carelessness about it. To Abimelech, such a thing could affect not only himself, but his entire kingdom.
Abraham, embarrassed, has to admit, "...I said to myself, 'There is surely no fear of God in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife.' Besides, she really is my sister, the daughter of my father though not of my mother; and she became my wife. And when God had me wander from my father's household, I said to her, 'This is how you can show your love to me: Everywhere we go, say of me, "He is my brother." ' (Genesis 20:11-13 NIV) It must have been embarrassing for Abraham to have to admit to the king that he thought his kingdom was ungodly, especially when that king was acting in a more godly manner than Abraham was at the moment.
Mercifully, Abimelech does not point this out, and neither does he explore the rather shallow excuse that Sarah was, indeed, Abraham's half-sister. It was not the time to quibble. (Verse 18 indicates that God had closed up every womb in Abimelech's household because Sarah had been taken into Abimelech's household.) Instead, "Abimelech brought sheep and cattle and male and female slaves and gave them to Abraham, and he returned Sarah his wife to him. And Abimelech said, 'My land is before you; live wherever you like.' " (Genesis 20:14-15 NIV)
Abimelech also graciously gave Abraham a thousand shekels of silver to show that Sarah was innocent and to make up for any offense to her honor. "Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, his wife and his slave girls so they could have children again, for the Lord had closed up every womb in Abimelech's household because of Abraham's wife Sarah." (Genesis 20:17-18 NIV)
If you are thinking that all this was very dramatic and perhaps overdone, remember that it is not all about Abraham and Sarah and their promised son, Isaac. That was important, but behind it all is the fact that although Abraham did not know it, the promised Messiah would later come through this same Abrahamic line, so any attempt to disrupt that line was a direct affront to, and attack upon, God's plan of redemption. Also, it seems that God's punishment of nations for attacks against the Jewish people was generally 'in like kind'. For example, in the well known example of the ten plagues upon Egypt, since Pharaoh was oppressing God's firstborn (Israel) and trying to put Israelite children to death, the Pharaoh's firstborn dies. In the present case, since the continuance of the physical line of Abraham was being threatened, the punishment of closing every womb in Abimelech's household (thus threatening the continuance of Abimelech's physical line) was very appropriate.
However, once again, God intervened and restored Sarah (untouched) to Abraham. This dispelled the threat, and allowed Abimelech's household to go back to normal as well. Not to mention the other consequences: Abraham being somewhat enriched by Abimelech's gifts. I hope Abraham gave the thousand shekels of silver to Sarah to help make up for everything he had put her through. ;)
_____________________________
PS: Sarah must really have been one beautiful woman, for the Pharaoh of Egypt found her attractive at age 65 and now, at the time of this situation with Abimelech, I believe she is somewhere near 90 years old.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
More About the Moabites
Speaking of eternal consequences, I was exploring a bit more about the Moabites and their history. After such a questionable start, I wondered what happened to them as a people. Also, I know that God can take the worst of circumstances and somehow manage to bring about some good from the situation. Well, in this case, the more I explored what the Bible and history had to say about the people, the more complex (and even amazing) it became. More on this to come. Right now, however, check out this background.
I found this interesting article by Warren Doud about the Moabites. Some highlights:
I found this interesting article by Warren Doud about the Moabites. Some highlights:
- A description of the physical territory of Moab is given.
- Moab did not fight against Israel while they were neighbors for 300 years.
- However, Moab is accused in Deuteronomy 2:29 of lacking hospitality and hiring Balaam to curse Israel.
- There is no direct prohibition against marrying a Moabite. The prohibition was against marrying Canaanites.
- At times, the Lord used Moab to chasten the Israelites.
- Twice, the Moabites used their daughters to entice the Israelites.[This is kind of ironic, considering how Moab came to exist.]
- Josephus speaks of Moab as a great nation even up until Roman times.
- The Moabite language was a dialect of Hebrew, displaying similarities in thought as well as grammar and syntax.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Genesis 19:30-38 Increase and Diminishment
Lot soon left Zoar, for he was afraid to stay there. (Genesis 19:30) Whether he was fearful of the evil of Zoar's inhabitants (remember, Zoar had been slated for destruction as well until Lot requested that he be allowed to flee there) or whether the destruction of the nearby cities of the plains had unnerved him is unknown. In any case, Lot takes his daughters and settles in a cave in the mountains.
After some time, Lot's oldest daughter conceives a plan: "Our father is old, and there is no man around here to lie with us, as is the custom all over the earth. Let's get our father to drink wine and then lie with him and preserve our family line through our father." (Genesis 19:31-32 NIV) That very night, the oldest daughter begins to carry out this plan. The following night, the younger daughter also takes part in the scheme. Although their desire to perpetuate their family line is given as the main reason behind each woman's action (v. 32,34), the women have not taken the time to consult God for a better solution to their dilemma.
Scripture is clear that Lot was unaware of what was happening between him and his offspring. (v. 33,35) Both times, the women had made sure Lot was too drunk to be aware of what was happening. However, this does not absolve him of what took place.
The fact that later Scripture in the New Testament describes Lot as 'righteous' and 'godly' is rather puzzling. While writing about the punishment of false teachers and the ungodly, Peter,one of Jesus' disciples, says:
"if he [God] condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard) -- if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials..." (2 Peter 2:6-9 NIV)
Three times in that passage, Lot is associated with the word 'righteous'. Next, he is described as a 'godly' man being delivered by God from the trials going on around him. So evidently, Lot had some type of relationship with God. Being a sinner myself, I suppose I can see that Lot may have been a man who wanted to follow God, yet made a series of sinful/careless decisions which spiraled into events out of his control. But I still cringe at the thought of Lot offering his daughters to the men of Sodom rather than endangering his guests. I know that there was a code of honor and hospitality that may have required that type of action. However, in my mind, that was a social code which should be subject (in the lives of believers) to the word of God, for, by itself, in this instance that code had precious little in the way of honor to it.
Lot's original decision to go to Sodom bears fruit in a continuing and literal manner, as "...both of Lot's daughters became pregnant by their father. The older daughter had a son, and she named him Moab, he is the father of the Moabites of today. The younger daughter also had a son, and she named him Ben-Ammi; he is the father of the Ammonites of today." (Genesis 19:36-38 NIV)
'Moab' is similar to the Hebrew for 'from father'. 'Ben-Ammi' means 'son of my people'. Sadly, although the passage does not mention it at this point, the Moabites and Ammonites later became enemies of Abraham's descendants. (I Samuel 14:47, II Chronicles 20:1)
Talk about consequences! This makes me want to be very careful about my own walk with God, and consult Him before making my own decisions. Isn't it strange to think about the fact that the decisions that we make today for our own lives may have an effect upon others for years into the future? On the bright side, if we make godly decisions, that could be a good thing. Some of the righteous things we do could very well have eternal consequences.
After some time, Lot's oldest daughter conceives a plan: "Our father is old, and there is no man around here to lie with us, as is the custom all over the earth. Let's get our father to drink wine and then lie with him and preserve our family line through our father." (Genesis 19:31-32 NIV) That very night, the oldest daughter begins to carry out this plan. The following night, the younger daughter also takes part in the scheme. Although their desire to perpetuate their family line is given as the main reason behind each woman's action (v. 32,34), the women have not taken the time to consult God for a better solution to their dilemma.
Scripture is clear that Lot was unaware of what was happening between him and his offspring. (v. 33,35) Both times, the women had made sure Lot was too drunk to be aware of what was happening. However, this does not absolve him of what took place.
- First of all, Lot was the one who had decided to live among the people of Sodom and expose his family to the morals (or lack thereof) of the city. Growing up surrounded by such wickedness, it is no surprise that the daughters' moral compasses would be spinning.
- Next, Lot had chosen to continue to live apart from Abraham's godly influence. Although the men had amicably parted company years before to avoid the quarreling which arose between the shepherds of their substantial flocks, that was no longer an issue -- both Lot's flocks and the shepherds were gone now.
- With all of his concern for Lot's welfare, Abraham surely would have welcomed the return of Lot to his household, at least until Lot's situation improved. Lot himself might have found another wife and his daughters eventually could have been provided with suitable husbands. However, there is no evidence of any desire on Lot's part to be involved in God's covenant relationship with Abraham's family, and no record of the seeking of God's will in the matter of where he should settle.
- Lot allowed himself to become drunk.
The fact that later Scripture in the New Testament describes Lot as 'righteous' and 'godly' is rather puzzling. While writing about the punishment of false teachers and the ungodly, Peter,one of Jesus' disciples, says:
"if he [God] condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard) -- if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials..." (2 Peter 2:6-9 NIV)
Three times in that passage, Lot is associated with the word 'righteous'. Next, he is described as a 'godly' man being delivered by God from the trials going on around him. So evidently, Lot had some type of relationship with God. Being a sinner myself, I suppose I can see that Lot may have been a man who wanted to follow God, yet made a series of sinful/careless decisions which spiraled into events out of his control. But I still cringe at the thought of Lot offering his daughters to the men of Sodom rather than endangering his guests. I know that there was a code of honor and hospitality that may have required that type of action. However, in my mind, that was a social code which should be subject (in the lives of believers) to the word of God, for, by itself, in this instance that code had precious little in the way of honor to it.
Lot's original decision to go to Sodom bears fruit in a continuing and literal manner, as "...both of Lot's daughters became pregnant by their father. The older daughter had a son, and she named him Moab, he is the father of the Moabites of today. The younger daughter also had a son, and she named him Ben-Ammi; he is the father of the Ammonites of today." (Genesis 19:36-38 NIV)
'Moab' is similar to the Hebrew for 'from father'. 'Ben-Ammi' means 'son of my people'. Sadly, although the passage does not mention it at this point, the Moabites and Ammonites later became enemies of Abraham's descendants. (I Samuel 14:47, II Chronicles 20:1)
Talk about consequences! This makes me want to be very careful about my own walk with God, and consult Him before making my own decisions. Isn't it strange to think about the fact that the decisions that we make today for our own lives may have an effect upon others for years into the future? On the bright side, if we make godly decisions, that could be a good thing. Some of the righteous things we do could very well have eternal consequences.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Genesis 19: 27-29 Smokescreen
"Early the next morning, Abraham got up and returned to the place where he had stood before the Lord. He looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah, toward all the land of the plain, and he saw dense smoke rising from the land, like smoke from a furnace." (Genesis 19:27-28 NIV)
Can't you just see Abraham anxiously scanning the horizon, desperately seeking any sign of survivors from the ruined cities of the plain? The smoke rising thickly over the area must have been a sight to behold, and no doubt the acrid smell would reach even to where he was standing. Abraham must have felt the concern of a parent toward Lot, for he seems to have taken him into his own household after Lot's father Haran died. (Genesis 11:27-28; 12:4-5).
Abraham had prayed for Sodom, and for Lot in particular, I am sure. Now he must have wondered if these entreaties were in vain. The rising smoke offered no encouragement. So it is sometimes in our own lives. We do not immediately see that the Lord has already answered our prayers, though perhaps not exactly in the manner we would have preferred.
"So when God destroyed the cities of the the plain, he remembered Abraham, and he brought Lot out of the catastrophe that overthrew the cities where Lot had lived." (Genesis 19:29 NIV) When the above verse says that God 'remembered' Abraham, it is not saying that before that moment, He had forgotten about him. It is merely saying that God thought of Abraham, remembering His covenant partner and the pledge He had made to him.
I think it is interesting that Lot owes his life to the fact that Abraham has this close relationship with God. (v.29). Remember, Lot had already left Abraham's household and gone toward Sodom before the time when all of the male members of Abraham's house were circumcised as a sign of the covenant with God which had taken place. So, technically, God was under no obligation to deliver Lot as part of His covenant responsibilities. However, God knew how Abraham loved Lot and that he was concerned for Lot's welfare.
Can't you just see Abraham anxiously scanning the horizon, desperately seeking any sign of survivors from the ruined cities of the plain? The smoke rising thickly over the area must have been a sight to behold, and no doubt the acrid smell would reach even to where he was standing. Abraham must have felt the concern of a parent toward Lot, for he seems to have taken him into his own household after Lot's father Haran died. (Genesis 11:27-28; 12:4-5).
Abraham had prayed for Sodom, and for Lot in particular, I am sure. Now he must have wondered if these entreaties were in vain. The rising smoke offered no encouragement. So it is sometimes in our own lives. We do not immediately see that the Lord has already answered our prayers, though perhaps not exactly in the manner we would have preferred.
"So when God destroyed the cities of the the plain, he remembered Abraham, and he brought Lot out of the catastrophe that overthrew the cities where Lot had lived." (Genesis 19:29 NIV) When the above verse says that God 'remembered' Abraham, it is not saying that before that moment, He had forgotten about him. It is merely saying that God thought of Abraham, remembering His covenant partner and the pledge He had made to him.
I think it is interesting that Lot owes his life to the fact that Abraham has this close relationship with God. (v.29). Remember, Lot had already left Abraham's household and gone toward Sodom before the time when all of the male members of Abraham's house were circumcised as a sign of the covenant with God which had taken place. So, technically, God was under no obligation to deliver Lot as part of His covenant responsibilities. However, God knew how Abraham loved Lot and that he was concerned for Lot's welfare.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Devastation (Genesis 19:23-26)
"By the time Lot reached Zoar, the sun had risen over the land. Then the Lord rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah -- from the Lord out of the heavens. Thus he overthrew those cities and the entire plain, including all those living in the cities -- and also the vegetation in the land." (Genesis 19:23-25 NIV)
There are times when words are unnecessary to convey, and also unable to convey, a situation. There is an utter solemnity to the aftermath of the scene which took place upon the cities of the plain. We can almost smell the sulfur, and see the scorched vegetation smoldering in a silence which is deafening in its finality. Hands raised defiantly in rebellion will not be raised again for any purpose. Jeering voices raised in raucous song no longer disturb the once fertile plain, which now lies silent and barren.
The devastation is not limited to the cities of the plain. For, as Lot and his family hurry toward Zoar, "Lot's wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt." (Genesis 19:26 NIV) The family had been warned by their angelic rescuers that they should not look back as they fled the destruction of Sodom (Genesis 19:17). We are not told in this passage just why Lot's wife paused to look back toward Sodom. Perhaps she wanted to catch a last glimpse of her town. Years later, in New Testament times, Jesus refers to Lot's wife's disobedience in Luke 17:28-32. In that passage, Jesus is speaking to his disciples about the return of the Son of Man to the earth, and he reminds the people that destruction came suddenly upon the residents of Sodom as they were going about their everyday activities. Likewise, the return of the Son of Man would come suddenly, and Jesus reminds his listeners that when He is revealed, no one should go back inside his home to retrieve valuables. Immediately in the next verse it says "Remember Lot's wife!" (Luke 17:32 NIV) Perhaps this is a hint that Lot's wife was gazing back toward Sodom because she regretted having to leave material goods behind. We don't really know -- the main point is that she disobeyed. I don't care that much about material goods, but I tell you that I would have struggled to not look back just out of a curiosity to know what was happening back there! However, disobedience, whether springing from materialism or curiosity or any other reason, would be an offense to the God who had revealed specific instructions through His angelic messengers.
I have seen pictures of salt formations in that general area, several of which have been reported as being "Lot's wife" over the years. I do not think that the original remains after all this time, though. Dry and brittle, it probably would have crumbled into bits fairly soon. However, the story of what happened to Sodom and to the other cities of the plain is enough of a grim reminder for me. It warns of the devastating results of disobedience, the certain toll exacted from a compromised heart, the foolishness of a stubborn refusal to repent, and the eventual punishment of those who defy God. It also sings of God's patient waiting for repentance, of miraculous rescue from certain death and of God's desire to rescue and redeem every one of His lost sheep.
There are times when words are unnecessary to convey, and also unable to convey, a situation. There is an utter solemnity to the aftermath of the scene which took place upon the cities of the plain. We can almost smell the sulfur, and see the scorched vegetation smoldering in a silence which is deafening in its finality. Hands raised defiantly in rebellion will not be raised again for any purpose. Jeering voices raised in raucous song no longer disturb the once fertile plain, which now lies silent and barren.
The devastation is not limited to the cities of the plain. For, as Lot and his family hurry toward Zoar, "Lot's wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt." (Genesis 19:26 NIV) The family had been warned by their angelic rescuers that they should not look back as they fled the destruction of Sodom (Genesis 19:17). We are not told in this passage just why Lot's wife paused to look back toward Sodom. Perhaps she wanted to catch a last glimpse of her town. Years later, in New Testament times, Jesus refers to Lot's wife's disobedience in Luke 17:28-32. In that passage, Jesus is speaking to his disciples about the return of the Son of Man to the earth, and he reminds the people that destruction came suddenly upon the residents of Sodom as they were going about their everyday activities. Likewise, the return of the Son of Man would come suddenly, and Jesus reminds his listeners that when He is revealed, no one should go back inside his home to retrieve valuables. Immediately in the next verse it says "Remember Lot's wife!" (Luke 17:32 NIV) Perhaps this is a hint that Lot's wife was gazing back toward Sodom because she regretted having to leave material goods behind. We don't really know -- the main point is that she disobeyed. I don't care that much about material goods, but I tell you that I would have struggled to not look back just out of a curiosity to know what was happening back there! However, disobedience, whether springing from materialism or curiosity or any other reason, would be an offense to the God who had revealed specific instructions through His angelic messengers.
I have seen pictures of salt formations in that general area, several of which have been reported as being "Lot's wife" over the years. I do not think that the original remains after all this time, though. Dry and brittle, it probably would have crumbled into bits fairly soon. However, the story of what happened to Sodom and to the other cities of the plain is enough of a grim reminder for me. It warns of the devastating results of disobedience, the certain toll exacted from a compromised heart, the foolishness of a stubborn refusal to repent, and the eventual punishment of those who defy God. It also sings of God's patient waiting for repentance, of miraculous rescue from certain death and of God's desire to rescue and redeem every one of His lost sheep.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Genesis 19:10-22 The Great Escape
"But the men inside reached out and pulled Lot back into the house and shut the door. Then they struck the men who were at the door of the house with blindness so that they could not find the door." (Genesis 19:10-11 NIV)
In this way, Lot is rescued from the wicked intents of the men of Sodom by his angelic visitors. I used to wonder why the men of Sodom didn't just feel their way along the house until they eventually found the door. I believe that the blindness was also accompanied by a sense of confusion, like the confusion which was threatened in Deuteronomy 28:28-29 if the Israelites did not continue to obey God's ways: "The Lord will afflict you with madness, blindness and confusion of mind. At midday you will grope about like a blind man in the dark. You will be unsuccessful in everything you do..." Also, during some battles, the enemies of Israel were gripped by a panic and confusion, which often caused them to fight among each other rather than attack the Israelites. (Judges 7:15-22) II Kings 6:8-23 is another interesting account of how foolish it is to fight against the Lord of hosts. I think that this sense of chaos was probably present, not to mention the fact that the men of Sodom each had just been suddenly rendered blind. That is sure to cause plenty of panic and confusion in itself. At any rate, it is clear that God is protecting Lot and his family at this time.
Immediately, "The two men said to Lot, 'Do you have anyone else here -- sons-in-law, sons or daughters, or anyone else in the city who belongs to you? Get them out of here, because we are going to destroy this place. The outcry to the Lord against its people is so great that he has sent us to destroy it.' " (Genesis 19:12-13 NIV) Apparently, the time for repentance is over. Although the men of Sodom did not yet realize it, when Lot had urged the men of Sodom to forsake their wickedness, it had been the last time someone would call them to repent. Now, judgment is about to fall upon the wicked city.
First, though, "...Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who were pledged to marry his daughters. He said, 'Hurry and get out of this place, because the Lord is about to destroy the city!' But his sons-in-law thought he was joking." (Genesis 19:14 NIV) What a horrible situation to be in! Lot is unable to convey the utter danger which the men face. Even his own sons-in-law do not look to him for direction or believe his entreaties. Lot does not only find himself unable to give direction to the men of Sodom, but even his own sons-in-law do not ascribe any type of authority (spiritual or otherwise) to him. We might feel sorry for Lot, but remember, he had brought this situation upon himself by choosing to live in Sodom. Lot also apparently had married a woman of Sodom, and had agreed to give both of his daughters to men of that place, even though it was common knowledge that "...the men of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the Lord." (Genesis 13:13 NIV) Lot's spiritual carelessness was beginning to bear some evil fruit.
In my mind's eye, I can see Lot pacing, anxiously scanning the road, hoping against hope that his sons-in-law would come running to join them. Finally, the angels can wait no longer. "With the coming of dawn, the angels urged Lot, saying, 'Hurry! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away when the city is punished.' " (Genesis19:15 NIV) When Lot still hesitated, "the men grabbed his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the Lord was merciful to them." (Genesis 19:16 NIV)
"...the Lord was merciful to them" -- I smile when I read those words. It is always only out of the Lord's mercy that we are not consumed, whether by our sins or by physical dangers. Lot is certainly not the only person to have made careless decisions, to choose grass over grace, to compromise, to hesitate.
However, the danger is not over yet. As soon as the angels had led them out, "...one of them said, 'Flee for your lives! Don't look back, and don't stop anywhere on the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!' " (Genesis 19:17 NIV) Unbelievably, Lot continues to bargain with his deliverers: "...No, my lords, please! Your servant has found favor in your eyes, and you have shown great kindness to me in sparing my life. But I can't flee to the mountains; this disaster will overtake me and I'll die. Look, here is a town near enough to run to, and it is small. Let me flee to it -- it is very small, isn't it? Then my life will be spared." (Genesis 19:18-20 NIV)
The angel agrees: "...'Very well, I will grant this request too; I will not overthrow the town you speak of. But flee there quickly, because I cannot do anything until you reach it.' (That is why the town was called Zoar.)" (Genesis 19:21-22 NIV) Zoar means 'small'.
Lot and his family take off running toward the small city.
In this way, Lot is rescued from the wicked intents of the men of Sodom by his angelic visitors. I used to wonder why the men of Sodom didn't just feel their way along the house until they eventually found the door. I believe that the blindness was also accompanied by a sense of confusion, like the confusion which was threatened in Deuteronomy 28:28-29 if the Israelites did not continue to obey God's ways: "The Lord will afflict you with madness, blindness and confusion of mind. At midday you will grope about like a blind man in the dark. You will be unsuccessful in everything you do..." Also, during some battles, the enemies of Israel were gripped by a panic and confusion, which often caused them to fight among each other rather than attack the Israelites. (Judges 7:15-22) II Kings 6:8-23 is another interesting account of how foolish it is to fight against the Lord of hosts. I think that this sense of chaos was probably present, not to mention the fact that the men of Sodom each had just been suddenly rendered blind. That is sure to cause plenty of panic and confusion in itself. At any rate, it is clear that God is protecting Lot and his family at this time.
Immediately, "The two men said to Lot, 'Do you have anyone else here -- sons-in-law, sons or daughters, or anyone else in the city who belongs to you? Get them out of here, because we are going to destroy this place. The outcry to the Lord against its people is so great that he has sent us to destroy it.' " (Genesis 19:12-13 NIV) Apparently, the time for repentance is over. Although the men of Sodom did not yet realize it, when Lot had urged the men of Sodom to forsake their wickedness, it had been the last time someone would call them to repent. Now, judgment is about to fall upon the wicked city.
First, though, "...Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who were pledged to marry his daughters. He said, 'Hurry and get out of this place, because the Lord is about to destroy the city!' But his sons-in-law thought he was joking." (Genesis 19:14 NIV) What a horrible situation to be in! Lot is unable to convey the utter danger which the men face. Even his own sons-in-law do not look to him for direction or believe his entreaties. Lot does not only find himself unable to give direction to the men of Sodom, but even his own sons-in-law do not ascribe any type of authority (spiritual or otherwise) to him. We might feel sorry for Lot, but remember, he had brought this situation upon himself by choosing to live in Sodom. Lot also apparently had married a woman of Sodom, and had agreed to give both of his daughters to men of that place, even though it was common knowledge that "...the men of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the Lord." (Genesis 13:13 NIV) Lot's spiritual carelessness was beginning to bear some evil fruit.
In my mind's eye, I can see Lot pacing, anxiously scanning the road, hoping against hope that his sons-in-law would come running to join them. Finally, the angels can wait no longer. "With the coming of dawn, the angels urged Lot, saying, 'Hurry! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away when the city is punished.' " (Genesis19:15 NIV) When Lot still hesitated, "the men grabbed his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the Lord was merciful to them." (Genesis 19:16 NIV)
"...the Lord was merciful to them" -- I smile when I read those words. It is always only out of the Lord's mercy that we are not consumed, whether by our sins or by physical dangers. Lot is certainly not the only person to have made careless decisions, to choose grass over grace, to compromise, to hesitate.
However, the danger is not over yet. As soon as the angels had led them out, "...one of them said, 'Flee for your lives! Don't look back, and don't stop anywhere on the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!' " (Genesis 19:17 NIV) Unbelievably, Lot continues to bargain with his deliverers: "...No, my lords, please! Your servant has found favor in your eyes, and you have shown great kindness to me in sparing my life. But I can't flee to the mountains; this disaster will overtake me and I'll die. Look, here is a town near enough to run to, and it is small. Let me flee to it -- it is very small, isn't it? Then my life will be spared." (Genesis 19:18-20 NIV)
The angel agrees: "...'Very well, I will grant this request too; I will not overthrow the town you speak of. But flee there quickly, because I cannot do anything until you reach it.' (That is why the town was called Zoar.)" (Genesis 19:21-22 NIV) Zoar means 'small'.
Lot and his family take off running toward the small city.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Genesis 19:1-9 A Gracious Host, But No 'Great Dad' Award
"The two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city" (Genesis 19:1 NIV) Quite a few commentators have noted that there is a progression in Lot's relationship with Sodom:
However, the men are not interested, and they tell Lot that they are quite content to remain in the square all night. He insists so strongly that they accompany him home, that they eventually agree to do so. At Lot's home, the men enjoy a meal and prepare to settle down for the night. That night is going to be the opposite of quiet, though. "Before they had gone to bed, all the men from every part of the city of Sodom -- both young and old --surrounded the house." (Genesis 19:4 NIV) Notice how every segment of Sodom is involved: young and old men, from every area of Sodom. Unlike Lot, they have no concerns about the needs of their visitors. Instead, they desire to assault the two men.
Although Lot has been living in Sodom for some time, he is not totally given over to the depravity which was going on there. In fact, surprisingly, in the New Testament this testimony is given about Lot: "...a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)" (2 Peter 2:7-8 NIV) Although we might not think highly of Lot, these Scriptures affirm his character. Lot gives the present situation his best shot: "Lot went outside to meet them and shut the door behind him and said, 'No, my friends. Don't do this wicked thing." (Genesis 19:6-7 NIV) Nice try, but after that, things go south very quickly, for Lot offers to bring out his two daughters (for the men to do with as they pleased) instead, if the men of Sodom will just leave his guests alone! (v.8) Even though hospitality demanded that a man protect his guests in every possible way, to stoop so low that he would be willing to essentially abandon his young daughters means that Lot has clearly been much more influenced by the men of Sodom than they have been affected by him.
A little aside: Sometimes people use these verses to show that even the OT believers were involved in the same sins as their contemporaries -- that the things 'believers' did were just as horrifying as the 'sinners' around them. In one sense this is true, for Scripture affirms that there is none righteous, not one. We all sin. Nor do the Scriptures gloss over the sins of the 'believers'. However, I don't think that Lot should be set up as the example of a committed believer -- as the norm. The context shows otherwise. Apparently, rather than pointing others toward God, he has been greatly influenced by the culture around him, to the extent that he would abandon his very daughters to the lusts of these 'friends'. So I would not exactly call him a person that Scripture would want us to emulate, or an example of what a believer is like. Those who use this as an example of how bad the followers of God are, are actually just setting up a straw man to knock down, in my opinion. More evidence of this later.
How do the men of Sodom react to Lot's offer? Thankfully, (at least for Lot's daughters' sakes), they are not interested. "Get out of our way," they replied. And they said, 'This fellow came here as an alien,and now he wants to play the judge! We'll treat you worse than them.' They kept bringing pressure on Lot and moved forward to break down the door." (Genesis 19:9-10 NIV) Not only are the men of Sodom not Lot's friends, but they are actually ready to do him harm as well.
I do not have to explain the point of this section of Scripture, or go on endlessly about the dangers of allying oneself with those who do not love God. I am quite sure that Lot understood the lesson as well, as the men of Sodom surged forward, ready to push him (perhaps literally) through his own front door.
Thankfully, though, the 'men' Lot has invited into his home are not mere men.
- First, Lot lives among the cities of the plain and pitches his tents toward Sodom. (Genesis 13:12)
- Next, Lot is living in Sodom itself. (Genesis 14:12)
- Finally, Lot is sitting in the gateway of the city. (Genesis 19:1) This doesn't mean he was just out catching a breeze. The gateway was like the court of a city. Important matters would be discussed and settled there. Lot may even have become one of the members who decided such things. Or perhaps he hoped to eventually have this influence. Anyway, Lot is about as involved in Sodom as one can get.
However, the men are not interested, and they tell Lot that they are quite content to remain in the square all night. He insists so strongly that they accompany him home, that they eventually agree to do so. At Lot's home, the men enjoy a meal and prepare to settle down for the night. That night is going to be the opposite of quiet, though. "Before they had gone to bed, all the men from every part of the city of Sodom -- both young and old --surrounded the house." (Genesis 19:4 NIV) Notice how every segment of Sodom is involved: young and old men, from every area of Sodom. Unlike Lot, they have no concerns about the needs of their visitors. Instead, they desire to assault the two men.
Although Lot has been living in Sodom for some time, he is not totally given over to the depravity which was going on there. In fact, surprisingly, in the New Testament this testimony is given about Lot: "...a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)" (2 Peter 2:7-8 NIV) Although we might not think highly of Lot, these Scriptures affirm his character. Lot gives the present situation his best shot: "Lot went outside to meet them and shut the door behind him and said, 'No, my friends. Don't do this wicked thing." (Genesis 19:6-7 NIV) Nice try, but after that, things go south very quickly, for Lot offers to bring out his two daughters (for the men to do with as they pleased) instead, if the men of Sodom will just leave his guests alone! (v.8) Even though hospitality demanded that a man protect his guests in every possible way, to stoop so low that he would be willing to essentially abandon his young daughters means that Lot has clearly been much more influenced by the men of Sodom than they have been affected by him.
A little aside: Sometimes people use these verses to show that even the OT believers were involved in the same sins as their contemporaries -- that the things 'believers' did were just as horrifying as the 'sinners' around them. In one sense this is true, for Scripture affirms that there is none righteous, not one. We all sin. Nor do the Scriptures gloss over the sins of the 'believers'. However, I don't think that Lot should be set up as the example of a committed believer -- as the norm. The context shows otherwise. Apparently, rather than pointing others toward God, he has been greatly influenced by the culture around him, to the extent that he would abandon his very daughters to the lusts of these 'friends'. So I would not exactly call him a person that Scripture would want us to emulate, or an example of what a believer is like. Those who use this as an example of how bad the followers of God are, are actually just setting up a straw man to knock down, in my opinion. More evidence of this later.
How do the men of Sodom react to Lot's offer? Thankfully, (at least for Lot's daughters' sakes), they are not interested. "Get out of our way," they replied. And they said, 'This fellow came here as an alien,and now he wants to play the judge! We'll treat you worse than them.' They kept bringing pressure on Lot and moved forward to break down the door." (Genesis 19:9-10 NIV) Not only are the men of Sodom not Lot's friends, but they are actually ready to do him harm as well.
I do not have to explain the point of this section of Scripture, or go on endlessly about the dangers of allying oneself with those who do not love God. I am quite sure that Lot understood the lesson as well, as the men of Sodom surged forward, ready to push him (perhaps literally) through his own front door.
Thankfully, though, the 'men' Lot has invited into his home are not mere men.
Max's Thoughts About Cars and Sharing Snacks
The length of a car trip is quite important to me. I prefer shorter trips, because the longer the trip, the more restless I get and I start wandering all over the seats. This is especially true if we get stuck in traffic and I am surrounded by large trucks. My mom has already informed you about how I react to loud noises or back-firing from trucks, so to be surrounded by such potential dangers is a bit unsettling. I deal with it, though -- I am the Labrapithound, after all.
Sometimes I deal with it by climbing into the driver's seat onto Mom's lap and offering to drive us out of the situation. This is generally not appreciated and I usually end up navigating from the passenger seat or going into the back seat to sulk for a few seconds before trying some other tactic. If all else fails, I look for food.
While cars can be frightening sometimes, they are often a great source for snacks. When the girl goes to college, she sometimes brings along a breakfast sandwich. She doesn't share, though. :( I wish these people would be less concerned about my health and more concerned about how it is torturous for me to be able to smell that delicious thing without getting even a bite. Dog fact: We dogs can smell much (about 800 times) better than you humans. Think about it.
Anyway, when I realize that I am not going to get any snacks that way, I begin to look around for some treats on my own. Backseats are a great source for little crumbs of goodies that get dropped. Under the seat is another interesting place to investigate. I am not too picky. I am even willing to eat paper if it smells good. I love the expression on my Mom's face when she sees that I have a scrap or two, yet she can't reach me because she is driving. It is something like the expression she gets when I borrow a sock from the hamper or the floor and run around the house happily waving it. Since she chases me, I assume that she likes this game, too. Her loud noises and waving arms tell me that this is fun for both of us.
Well, that is all for now. I hear my humans coming. I will try to write more regularly. Hope you will continue to visit me. Bring snacks.
xxx Max
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Genesis 18:22-33 What If...?
The angels accompanying the Lord have left upon their mission of going down to Sodom, while Abraham remains standing before the Lord. (Genesis 18:22) Abraham realizes that judgment is about to come upon the sinful city. It was common knowledge in those parts that "...the men of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the Lord." (Genesis 13:13 NIV)
"Then Abraham approached him and said: 'Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it? Far be it from you to do such a thing -- to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?' (Genesis 18:23-25 NIV)
Abraham is no doubt thinking about the welfare of his nephew, Lot and his family. The last time Scripture mentions the two men getting together, Abraham was rescuing Lot and the people of Sodom from an invading coalition of kings. Have the two men seen each other since? Had Abraham urged Lot to leave the sinful city? We don't know the answers to these questions. However, one thing is certain. Right now, Lot is in considerable danger again. In fact, he is in greater danger now than the previous time, for the utter destruction of the city seems imminent. This explains why Abraham seems so anxious to speak with the Lord.
"The Lord said, 'If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake.' (Genesis 18:26 NIV) Something in the Lord's expression must have made Abraham wonder: Surely there were at least fifty righteous souls in Sodom, weren't there? Abraham continues to inquire: What if there are only 45, or 40 persons? How about 30, or 20, or (gulp) only 10? God replies patiently to all of Abraham's questions. Finally, "For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it." (Genesis 18:32) Abraham probably felt a little better. Surely Lot and his household contained at least ten righteous persons, right?
"When the Lord had finished speaking with Abraham, he left, and Abraham returned home." (Genesis 18:33 NIV) No doubt Sarah would be excited about the prospect of their soon-coming son. Abraham was excited, too. At the back of his mind, though, he could not get Sodom out of his thoughts: What if...?
"Then Abraham approached him and said: 'Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it? Far be it from you to do such a thing -- to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?' (Genesis 18:23-25 NIV)
Abraham is no doubt thinking about the welfare of his nephew, Lot and his family. The last time Scripture mentions the two men getting together, Abraham was rescuing Lot and the people of Sodom from an invading coalition of kings. Have the two men seen each other since? Had Abraham urged Lot to leave the sinful city? We don't know the answers to these questions. However, one thing is certain. Right now, Lot is in considerable danger again. In fact, he is in greater danger now than the previous time, for the utter destruction of the city seems imminent. This explains why Abraham seems so anxious to speak with the Lord.
"The Lord said, 'If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake.' (Genesis 18:26 NIV) Something in the Lord's expression must have made Abraham wonder: Surely there were at least fifty righteous souls in Sodom, weren't there? Abraham continues to inquire: What if there are only 45, or 40 persons? How about 30, or 20, or (gulp) only 10? God replies patiently to all of Abraham's questions. Finally, "For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it." (Genesis 18:32) Abraham probably felt a little better. Surely Lot and his household contained at least ten righteous persons, right?
"When the Lord had finished speaking with Abraham, he left, and Abraham returned home." (Genesis 18:33 NIV) No doubt Sarah would be excited about the prospect of their soon-coming son. Abraham was excited, too. At the back of his mind, though, he could not get Sodom out of his thoughts: What if...?
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Genesis 18:16-22 Good News, Bad News
"When the men got up to leave, they looked down toward Sodom, and Abraham walked along with them to see them on their way." (Genesis 18:16)
After finishing their meal and the short exchange of words with Sarah, the visitors rose to continue their journey. They looked down toward Sodom, for that was where they were going next. So far we have learned several things about Sodom:
"Then the Lord said, 'Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do? Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him. For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him." (Genesis 18:17-19 NIV)
Abraham is God's friend -- His covenant partner -- so naturally God confides to Abraham His plan. In the long term, God repeats the fact that Abraham will become a great nation, and reminds him that these covenant promises will be fulfilled as Abraham continues to "keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just". In addition, this is a subtle reminder that God is the One in charge of these plans: "I have chosen him" and "The Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him".
Next, the Lord turns to the business at hand: "...The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know." (Genesis 18:20-21 NIV) This brings two things to mind:
After finishing their meal and the short exchange of words with Sarah, the visitors rose to continue their journey. They looked down toward Sodom, for that was where they were going next. So far we have learned several things about Sodom:
- Sodom was within the borders of Canaan. Genesis 10:19 (NIV) says, "...and the borders of Canaan reached from Sidon toward Gerar as far as Gaza, and then toward Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboiim, as far as Lasha."
- When Abraham and his nephew Lot had parted company, "Abram lived in the land of Canaan, while Lot lived among the cities of the plain and pitched his tents near Sodom." (Genesis 13:12 NIV)
- "Now the men of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the Lord." (Genesis 13:13 NIV)
"Then the Lord said, 'Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do? Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him. For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him." (Genesis 18:17-19 NIV)
Abraham is God's friend -- His covenant partner -- so naturally God confides to Abraham His plan. In the long term, God repeats the fact that Abraham will become a great nation, and reminds him that these covenant promises will be fulfilled as Abraham continues to "keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just". In addition, this is a subtle reminder that God is the One in charge of these plans: "I have chosen him" and "The Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him".
Next, the Lord turns to the business at hand: "...The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know." (Genesis 18:20-21 NIV) This brings two things to mind:
- Although sometimes people may believe that God has not heard their prayers and cries, He is well aware of every one of them.
- God does not judge hastily, but checks out the situation carefully before punishing evildoers. When God says in the above verses that He is going down to see if what He has heard is really true, this does not mean for one second that He is not omniscient (all-knowing) about such matters. Rather, it is to emphasize that the One known as the "Judge of all the earth" (Genesis 18:25) is a careful and thorough judge, who will not just respond to rumors. Like He required of his covenant partner, Abraham (v.19), He Himself will also do what is right and just.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Genesis 18:1-15 Can You Hear Me Now?
"The Lord appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground." (Genesis 18:1-2 NIV)
It seems that the three men appeared rather suddenly, for when Abraham looked up, they were already standing nearby. Although Abraham may not have known this at first, these were no ordinary visitors. However, Abraham hurries to give them the best of Near Eastern hospitality. He provides water to wash their feet (a welcome refreshment from their hot, dusty journey). He urges them to stay for a meal and serves these strangers as though they were honored guests. While Sarah bakes bread, Abraham selects a choice calf and curds and milk and the couple prepare a feast for their visitors. While they ate, Abraham stood nearby, ready to serve them in any capacity. (Genesis 18:2-8)
Eventually, the visitors begin to reveal the purpose of their visit. "Where is your wife Sarah?" they asked him. (Genesis 18:9 NIV) I wonder if, at this point, Abraham begins to realize that these are no ordinary travelers. Who else would know about Sarai's recent name change? When Abraham indicates that Sarah is in her tent nearby, "...the Lord said, 'I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.' " (Genesis 18:10 NIV) In Genesis 17:16,19,21 God had already promised this, and 17:21 indicates that the Lord had already told Abraham that Isaac would be born by that time next year. Not much time had passed since the Lord's previous visit, for He repeats the fact that Isaac would be born by that time next year. I wondered why God would repeat this same message so soon. Well, one reason may be that the Lord had previously appeared to Abraham alone (Genesis 17:1). Perhaps the news about Isaac was so amazing and unlikely that the Lord wished to convey it to Sarah in a more direct manner. This would also explain why the Lord had asked specifically about where Sarah was (in Genesis 18:9).
Did you ever hear of that phenomenon where, if a person is in a room full of people, he or she will still perk up and zero in when his or her name is being spoken? This is sometimes called 'the cocktail party effect'. Even though competing conversations are going on all around, a person is able to filter out the surrounding 'noise' and is able to pick up on the fact that someone just said his name. I picture that happening here. When the Lord asked where Sarah was, I'll bet her ears perked up within the tent and she immediately focused in upon what this stranger could possibly be saying about her. (Which may have been why the Lord had inquired about her, for He certainly had known all along exactly where she was!)
:"Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him. Abraham and Sarah were already old, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, 'After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?' " (Genesis 18:10-12) See, I told you that she was listening! Who could blame her? The Lord was standing right in front of her tent!
"Then the Lord said to Abraham, 'Why did Sarah laugh and say, "Will I really have a child, now that I am old?" Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year and Sarah will have a son.' " (Genesis 18:13-14 NIV) Sarah was afraid, so she lied and denied that she had laughed.(v.15) However, the Lord called her on it: "Yes, you did laugh." (Genesis 18:15) His gentle rebuke reminds me of two things:
It seems that the three men appeared rather suddenly, for when Abraham looked up, they were already standing nearby. Although Abraham may not have known this at first, these were no ordinary visitors. However, Abraham hurries to give them the best of Near Eastern hospitality. He provides water to wash their feet (a welcome refreshment from their hot, dusty journey). He urges them to stay for a meal and serves these strangers as though they were honored guests. While Sarah bakes bread, Abraham selects a choice calf and curds and milk and the couple prepare a feast for their visitors. While they ate, Abraham stood nearby, ready to serve them in any capacity. (Genesis 18:2-8)
Eventually, the visitors begin to reveal the purpose of their visit. "Where is your wife Sarah?" they asked him. (Genesis 18:9 NIV) I wonder if, at this point, Abraham begins to realize that these are no ordinary travelers. Who else would know about Sarai's recent name change? When Abraham indicates that Sarah is in her tent nearby, "...the Lord said, 'I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.' " (Genesis 18:10 NIV) In Genesis 17:16,19,21 God had already promised this, and 17:21 indicates that the Lord had already told Abraham that Isaac would be born by that time next year. Not much time had passed since the Lord's previous visit, for He repeats the fact that Isaac would be born by that time next year. I wondered why God would repeat this same message so soon. Well, one reason may be that the Lord had previously appeared to Abraham alone (Genesis 17:1). Perhaps the news about Isaac was so amazing and unlikely that the Lord wished to convey it to Sarah in a more direct manner. This would also explain why the Lord had asked specifically about where Sarah was (in Genesis 18:9).
Did you ever hear of that phenomenon where, if a person is in a room full of people, he or she will still perk up and zero in when his or her name is being spoken? This is sometimes called 'the cocktail party effect'. Even though competing conversations are going on all around, a person is able to filter out the surrounding 'noise' and is able to pick up on the fact that someone just said his name. I picture that happening here. When the Lord asked where Sarah was, I'll bet her ears perked up within the tent and she immediately focused in upon what this stranger could possibly be saying about her. (Which may have been why the Lord had inquired about her, for He certainly had known all along exactly where she was!)
:"Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him. Abraham and Sarah were already old, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, 'After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?' " (Genesis 18:10-12) See, I told you that she was listening! Who could blame her? The Lord was standing right in front of her tent!
"Then the Lord said to Abraham, 'Why did Sarah laugh and say, "Will I really have a child, now that I am old?" Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year and Sarah will have a son.' " (Genesis 18:13-14 NIV) Sarah was afraid, so she lied and denied that she had laughed.(v.15) However, the Lord called her on it: "Yes, you did laugh." (Genesis 18:15) His gentle rebuke reminds me of two things:
- Don't ever try to lie to God and, also,
- Don't think that anything is too difficult for God to accomplish.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Genesis 17:21-27 Abraham's Immediate Obedience
God has promised that Abraham and Sarah would have a son, who was to be named Isaac ('He laughs'). God had also reassured Abraham that his son Ishmael would not be forgotten, either -- he was to become a numerous people and God would make Ishmael into a great nation.
God repeats, however, that He would establish His covenant with Isaac. (Genesis 17:21) After this, "When He had finished speaking with Abraham, God went up from him." (Genesis 17:22 NIV) This seems to be a very stately exit -- there would be no further discussions about these matters at that time.
As for Abraham, "On that very day Abraham took his son Ishmael and all those born in his household or bought with his money, every male in his household, and circumcised them, as God told him. Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised, and his son Ishmael was thirteen; Abraham and his son Ishmael were both circumcised on that same day. And every male in Abraham's household, including those born in his household or bought from a foreigner, was circumcised with him." (Genesis 17:21-27 NIV)
Abraham's immediate obedience was striking, especially since the prospect of what he and his household had to do was, well, --- if there was any time to procrastinate, it would have been then, right? Yet Abraham obeyed promptly. This characteristic of prompt obedience will come up again at least twice in a couple of upcoming chapters of the book of Genesis, and the price of obedience becomes, unbelievably, even higher.
God repeats, however, that He would establish His covenant with Isaac. (Genesis 17:21) After this, "When He had finished speaking with Abraham, God went up from him." (Genesis 17:22 NIV) This seems to be a very stately exit -- there would be no further discussions about these matters at that time.
As for Abraham, "On that very day Abraham took his son Ishmael and all those born in his household or bought with his money, every male in his household, and circumcised them, as God told him. Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised, and his son Ishmael was thirteen; Abraham and his son Ishmael were both circumcised on that same day. And every male in Abraham's household, including those born in his household or bought from a foreigner, was circumcised with him." (Genesis 17:21-27 NIV)
Abraham's immediate obedience was striking, especially since the prospect of what he and his household had to do was, well, --- if there was any time to procrastinate, it would have been then, right? Yet Abraham obeyed promptly. This characteristic of prompt obedience will come up again at least twice in a couple of upcoming chapters of the book of Genesis, and the price of obedience becomes, unbelievably, even higher.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Genesis 17:18-20 Ishmael: God Hears
Ishmael has already been mentioned in several posts so far. In my previous post, I mentioned that Abraham's love for Ishmael is clear: "And Abraham said to God, 'If only Ishmael might live under your blessing!' " (Genesis 17:18 (NIV) Even though Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah, would be the one through whom God established His covenant (Genesis 17:19,21), Abraham longs for Ishmael to be blessed as well.
God lets Abraham know that He has not forgotten Ishmael: "And as for Ishmael, I have heard you: I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and will greatly increase his numbers. He will be the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation." (Genesis 17:20-21 NIV)
God lets Abraham know that He has not forgotten Ishmael: "And as for Ishmael, I have heard you: I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and will greatly increase his numbers. He will be the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation." (Genesis 17:20-21 NIV)
This passage reminds me of the account in Genesis 16, where the angel of the Lord appears to Ishmael's mother, Hagar, while she is still pregnant with Ishmael. Hagar had run away from her mistress, Sarai. The angel of the Lord tells Hagar to return to her mistress, and promises that "I will so increase your descendants that they will be too numerous to count." (Genesis 16:10 NIV)The angel also says,
- "You are now with child and you will have a son. You shall name him Ishmael, for the Lord has heard of your misery." (Genesis 16.11 NIV) (Ishmael's name means 'God Hears'.)
- "He will be a wild donkey of a man;..." (Genesis 16:12 NIV) This reference meant that Ishmael would roam the desert like the wild donkey.
- "...his hand will be against everyone and everyone's hand will be against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers." (Genesis 16:12 NIV) That one is fairly obvious. Ishmael will not be the easiest 'neighbor' to have. In fact, it sounds like he won't get along with anyone (including his brothers), and that everyone will not be able to get along with him very well, either.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Genesis 17:10-22 He Who laughs last, laughs the best
The Lord next turns to the matter of Sarai, Abraham's wife:
"As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah. I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her." (Genesis 17:15-16 NIV)
It is no wonder that, directly after these verses in the Bible, we are told that Abraham fell face down. No doubt part of this was falling down in worship to God for the wonderful things which had just been said. He and Sarah would finally have a son together! However, Abraham also laughed to himself and thought, "Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?" (Genesis 17:17-18 NIV)
Out loud, "...Abraham said to God, 'If only Ishmael might live under your blessing!' (v.18) This verse, small as it is, is very telling. It reveals that Abraham loves his son Ishmael very much. How do I know this? Well, God has just told Abraham that he and Sarah would soon be having a son of their own. However, in the midst of this great news and the realization of their dreams as a couple, Abraham is still thinking of his son Ishmael. (More on this in my next post.)
"Then God said, 'Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him. And as for Ishmael, I have heard you: I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and will greatly increase his numbers. He will be the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation. But my covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you by this time next year.' (Genesis 17:19-21 NIV)
God makes it clear that he will indeed bless Ishmael, as Abraham requested. However, God had already decided that He would establish His covenant with Isaac. I love the wordplay in this chapter, and, in particular, in these verses: God 'heard' Abraham's request about Ishmael, whose name means 'God hears'. Abraham, whose name means 'Father of many' is well on his way to fathering many nations. And, best of all, Abraham, who probably thought his somewhat unbelieving laughter had escaped God's attention, is informed that the son with whom God will establish His covenant is to be named Isaac, 'He laughs'. This tells me three things:
"As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah. I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her." (Genesis 17:15-16 NIV)
It is no wonder that, directly after these verses in the Bible, we are told that Abraham fell face down. No doubt part of this was falling down in worship to God for the wonderful things which had just been said. He and Sarah would finally have a son together! However, Abraham also laughed to himself and thought, "Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?" (Genesis 17:17-18 NIV)
Out loud, "...Abraham said to God, 'If only Ishmael might live under your blessing!' (v.18) This verse, small as it is, is very telling. It reveals that Abraham loves his son Ishmael very much. How do I know this? Well, God has just told Abraham that he and Sarah would soon be having a son of their own. However, in the midst of this great news and the realization of their dreams as a couple, Abraham is still thinking of his son Ishmael. (More on this in my next post.)
"Then God said, 'Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him. And as for Ishmael, I have heard you: I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and will greatly increase his numbers. He will be the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation. But my covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you by this time next year.' (Genesis 17:19-21 NIV)
God makes it clear that he will indeed bless Ishmael, as Abraham requested. However, God had already decided that He would establish His covenant with Isaac. I love the wordplay in this chapter, and, in particular, in these verses: God 'heard' Abraham's request about Ishmael, whose name means 'God hears'. Abraham, whose name means 'Father of many' is well on his way to fathering many nations. And, best of all, Abraham, who probably thought his somewhat unbelieving laughter had escaped God's attention, is informed that the son with whom God will establish His covenant is to be named Isaac, 'He laughs'. This tells me three things:
- God lets Abraham know that nothing escapes His attention. (I know you laughed, Abraham.)
- God knew that Isaac would bring Abraham and Sarah much joy. (You'll laugh with Isaac.)
- God Himself was laughing. (Look Who's really laughing, Abraham.)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)