Finally, in Chapter 38-39, God appears and speaks to Job. He states that Job is complaining and speaking with "words without knowledge". Then instead of answering Job's questions about suffering and justice, God launched into a series of rhetorical questions regarding the creation, about the earth, the sea, the animals (goats, ox, donkey, ostrich, horse, hawk eagle).... inanimate or animate - all testify to God's sovereignty and love and care for His creation.
Chapter 40 started with Job 's brief reply to God that he had no answer for God's rhetorical questions, and he was "unworthy". God then started the second part of his speech, stating the vast difference between God and men - because Job would not be able to discredit god's justice and would not be able to justify himself. "Do you have arms like God's, and can your voice thunder like his?" He simply isn't God!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Job 36-37
Elihu starts off by saying "bear with me a little longer..." Obviously he senses the frustration and impatience of Job as Elihu tries to argue his point further. Now he claims to be speaking on God's behalf, which none of his other friends claimed. But what he is essentially saying the same stuff over and over, like God punishing the wicked and to remember to praise God.
At the end of Job 36- Job 37 it starts to storm, so he takes the thunder as the sound of God's voice. He goes on to talk about how the breath of God forms ice and fills clouds with moisture. Then he tells Job to consider God's wonders and asks him if he knows how God controls the clouds and makes lightning flash. I think he is judging Job here and thinking that Job doesn't know the awesomeness of God's power.
At the end of Job 36- Job 37 it starts to storm, so he takes the thunder as the sound of God's voice. He goes on to talk about how the breath of God forms ice and fills clouds with moisture. Then he tells Job to consider God's wonders and asks him if he knows how God controls the clouds and makes lightning flash. I think he is judging Job here and thinking that Job doesn't know the awesomeness of God's power.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Job 34-35
Elihu says, "listen to me, all you wise men." He starts mocking and bashing Job and accuses him of associating with the evildoers and the wicked. He repeats a lot of the same arguments that Job's friends gave, like 'God is just, so you get what you deserve' and 'God punishes the wicked and they can't hide from God'. Then he accuses Job of rebelling against God to be added on top of his other sins.
He goes on by saying that sin and wickedness only affects humans, and that God does not listen to their empty pleas. Elihu says that Job is full of empty talk, and God isn't going to pay attention to him. Ouch.
He goes on by saying that sin and wickedness only affects humans, and that God does not listen to their empty pleas. Elihu says that Job is full of empty talk, and God isn't going to pay attention to him. Ouch.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Job 32-33 -the long winded Elihu
Chapter 32 introduces a new young person, Elihu, who is the most long winded person I have ever heard speak. He started speaking because he was angry at both Job and his three friends: Job because he was trying to justify himself instead of God; his friends because they had nothing else to refute to Job. He had not spoken before because he respected Job and his friends for being older - but now he could no longer hold himself back. Elihu used the entire Chapter 32 to introduce himself and say "I'm going to say something, because I'm full of words and my spirit compels me."
At the beginning of Chapter 33, Elihu is still trying to ask Job and his friends to pay attention to what he's about to say. Then he claimed to have listened to Job carefully, that Job declared himself "pure and without sin; clean and free from guilt". He told Job that Job is not right, for "God is greater than men". He insisted that God actually listened to Job or spoke to Job through a vision or dream even though he may not have perceived it. God could use suffering to turn a soul from the pit to the light (from sin to righteousness). Here, he describes a beautiful picture of redemption of men by a mediator (not sure if this is almost like foreshadowing what is to come with Christ, but it's like restoration of righteousness by confession/praying.)
Elihu ends the chapter by continuing to ask Job to listen to him and he will teach Job wisdom.
P.S. I really don't like Elihu--even though some of the things he said were right!!
At the beginning of Chapter 33, Elihu is still trying to ask Job and his friends to pay attention to what he's about to say. Then he claimed to have listened to Job carefully, that Job declared himself "pure and without sin; clean and free from guilt". He told Job that Job is not right, for "God is greater than men". He insisted that God actually listened to Job or spoke to Job through a vision or dream even though he may not have perceived it. God could use suffering to turn a soul from the pit to the light (from sin to righteousness). Here, he describes a beautiful picture of redemption of men by a mediator (not sure if this is almost like foreshadowing what is to come with Christ, but it's like restoration of righteousness by confession/praying.)
Elihu ends the chapter by continuing to ask Job to listen to him and he will teach Job wisdom.
P.S. I really don't like Elihu--even though some of the things he said were right!!
Job 30-31
Job now contrasted his previous life of wealth, honor and authority, to the life he has now, one who is mocked even by those whose fathers he did not respect (wicked men). These men would detest him and spit in his face... and would not hesitate to ruin him since now God was no longer "with" him. Job then complained more about how God no longer answered him even though he cried out for help. He accused God of attacking him and will bring him to death even though he had grieved for the poor and those less fortunate.
In Chapter 31, Job recounted how he maintained his righteousness:
1. He did not look lustfully to women;
2. he had not denied justice for his menservants and maidservants;
3. he provided and cared for the fatherless and the poor and the widow;
4. he did not put his trust to money ("pure gold") or rejoiced in his great wealth;
5. He did not curse anyone's life or rejoiced in his enemies' misfortune;
6. He has always displayed great hospitality to travelers passing by him.
Job wanted to have someone listen to his words of defense - he wanted God to listen and answer him. He did not understand why he was suffering without being at fault!
In Chapter 31, Job recounted how he maintained his righteousness:
1. He did not look lustfully to women;
2. he had not denied justice for his menservants and maidservants;
3. he provided and cared for the fatherless and the poor and the widow;
4. he did not put his trust to money ("pure gold") or rejoiced in his great wealth;
5. He did not curse anyone's life or rejoiced in his enemies' misfortune;
6. He has always displayed great hospitality to travelers passing by him.
Job wanted to have someone listen to his words of defense - he wanted God to listen and answer him. He did not understand why he was suffering without being at fault!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Job 30-31
Job contrasts his former life with his current situation. People whose fathers he would not have even put with his dogs are now mocking him, looking down at him.
I think this next part is so sad. Job is crying out to God.
"I cry out to You for help, but You do not answer me; I stand up, and You turn Your attention against me. You have become cruel to me; With the might of Your hand You persecute me. You lift me up to the wind and cause me to ride; and You dissolve me in a storm."
Job is so confused, and suffering so much. He does not know why things are so bad. He asks God why? why? WHY? Wasn't I good to the poor? Didn't I help the needy? I expected good, but instead evil came. Oh Lord, I am truly mourning . . mourning without comfort. I am desolate, confused, and weeping.
Job then starts to ask God, what did I do wrong? Was it this? Or was it that? He begins to list off various possible sins, and lists a fair punishment for each one. Lusting after another woman, not helping the poor and needy, being proud of his wealth, putting his trust in money, gloating in an enemy's misfortune. In all of these cases, he is willing to take the fair punishment for each sin. For example, if he has lusted after another women, then "maybe my wife grind another man's grain, and may other men sleep with her." He is willing to take the proper punishment as long as God uses honest scales.
After all this, Job continues to maintain his integrity.
I think this next part is so sad. Job is crying out to God.
"I cry out to You for help, but You do not answer me; I stand up, and You turn Your attention against me. You have become cruel to me; With the might of Your hand You persecute me. You lift me up to the wind and cause me to ride; and You dissolve me in a storm."
Job is so confused, and suffering so much. He does not know why things are so bad. He asks God why? why? WHY? Wasn't I good to the poor? Didn't I help the needy? I expected good, but instead evil came. Oh Lord, I am truly mourning . . mourning without comfort. I am desolate, confused, and weeping.
Job then starts to ask God, what did I do wrong? Was it this? Or was it that? He begins to list off various possible sins, and lists a fair punishment for each one. Lusting after another woman, not helping the poor and needy, being proud of his wealth, putting his trust in money, gloating in an enemy's misfortune. In all of these cases, he is willing to take the fair punishment for each sin. For example, if he has lusted after another women, then "maybe my wife grind another man's grain, and may other men sleep with her." He is willing to take the proper punishment as long as God uses honest scales.
After all this, Job continues to maintain his integrity.
Job 28-29
Job begins to describe the earth, how its soils bring forth crop and precious materials. However, wisdom is not as easy to find. You can't trade gold or silver for wisdom. Yet God is full of wisdom. And God say to man
"Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding."
Job then begins to reminisce about the "good old days" when everything was fine. He had his children; he would reach out to the poor and needy; he "broke the jaws of the wicked" (!!!); and he was respected by all. Everyone thought he was blessed, because he was!!
Job 25-27
Bildad replies, "how can a man be righteous before God?" He still will not buy Job's argument that he has not wronged God, and instead argues that man is inferior. He is, in fact, a worm compared to God.
Job continues to assert that God is powerful and great. Job then, again, maintains his righteousness. He goes as far as saying to his friends, "I will never admit you are in the right; till I die, I will not deny my integrity." Job then describes what life is like for the wicked.
Job continues to assert that God is powerful and great. Job then, again, maintains his righteousness. He goes as far as saying to his friends, "I will never admit you are in the right; till I die, I will not deny my integrity." Job then describes what life is like for the wicked.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Job 22-24
Eliphaz pipes up again and more directly accuses Job of sinning, now bringing up examples. Eliphaz reasons that there would be no point in God putting Job through all this suffering if Job were a righteous man. Therefore, there's only one conclusion to make.
"Is not your wickedness great?
Are not your sins endless?"
Eliphaz accuses Job of ignoring the poor while Job was a powerful and rich man. He urges Job to ""[s]ubmit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you." He promises Job that if he returns to the Almighty he will be restored.
Job maintains that he is innocent, and that if he could present his case, he would come out victorious. Yet he also says he cannot find God. He has looked in the North, East, South, West - yet cannot find Him. He maintains firmly that he "has not departed from the commands of His lips." Of course, Job also confesses that he is terrified. God stands alone, and He seems to do whatever he pleases. Job's response to this situation is a stronger fear of the Lord.
He continues to assert that the world is not fair, and suffering is not necessarily linked to evil. He brings up two types of examples. First, he laments about mankind, providing examples of innocent people (the poor) who seem to suffer and yet "God charges no one with wrongdoing." Then he provides examples of evil people (thieves, murderers, adulterers) who seem to be successful in life. Though Job adds that they actually have no assurance of life, and will be "cut off like heads of grain."
Job knows his observations are true. He challenges his listeners "[i]f this is not so, who can prove me false and reduce my words to nothing?" I like the NASB version, which I think makes it more clear"
"who can prove me a liar, and make my speech worthless?"
as if daring anyone to challenge him.
"Is not your wickedness great?
Are not your sins endless?"
Eliphaz accuses Job of ignoring the poor while Job was a powerful and rich man. He urges Job to ""[s]ubmit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you." He promises Job that if he returns to the Almighty he will be restored.
Job maintains that he is innocent, and that if he could present his case, he would come out victorious. Yet he also says he cannot find God. He has looked in the North, East, South, West - yet cannot find Him. He maintains firmly that he "has not departed from the commands of His lips." Of course, Job also confesses that he is terrified. God stands alone, and He seems to do whatever he pleases. Job's response to this situation is a stronger fear of the Lord.
He continues to assert that the world is not fair, and suffering is not necessarily linked to evil. He brings up two types of examples. First, he laments about mankind, providing examples of innocent people (the poor) who seem to suffer and yet "God charges no one with wrongdoing." Then he provides examples of evil people (thieves, murderers, adulterers) who seem to be successful in life. Though Job adds that they actually have no assurance of life, and will be "cut off like heads of grain."
Job knows his observations are true. He challenges his listeners "[i]f this is not so, who can prove me false and reduce my words to nothing?" I like the NASB version, which I think makes it more clear"
"who can prove me a liar, and make my speech worthless?"
as if daring anyone to challenge him.
Job 20-21
Zophar then feels compelled to reply. He re-emphasizes that the joy of an evil one is only temporary, and the God will punish the evil one for all he has done. I presume Zophar is still appalled that Job thinks he has done nothing wrong, instead of admitting that he is being punished by God for the evil that he has done.
Job replies that it does not seem so simple. There are wicked people who deny God completely and yet live rich, prosperous lives, dying in peace. Unlike all his friends, Job does not see the correlation between wickedness and suffering.
It seems random, yet Job continues to acknowledgment God's sovereignty.
"Can anyone teach knowledge to God,
since he judges even the highest?
23 One man dies in full vigor,
completely secure and at ease,
24 his body [f] well nourished,
his bones rich with marrow.
25 Another man dies in bitterness of soul,
never having enjoyed anything good.
26 Side by side they lie in the dust,
and worms cover them both.
Job replies that it does not seem so simple. There are wicked people who deny God completely and yet live rich, prosperous lives, dying in peace. Unlike all his friends, Job does not see the correlation between wickedness and suffering.
It seems random, yet Job continues to acknowledgment God's sovereignty.
"Can anyone teach knowledge to God,
since he judges even the highest?
23 One man dies in full vigor,
completely secure and at ease,
24 his body [f] well nourished,
his bones rich with marrow.
25 Another man dies in bitterness of soul,
never having enjoyed anything good.
26 Side by side they lie in the dust,
and worms cover them both.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Job 17-19
Job continues to lament his existence. He laments that no one understands him, and that his friends have all turned against him. He thinks they don't understand, and that they are wrong.
Bildad continues to uphold the idea that all this suffering would only happen to an evil man. He thinks Job is rambling nonsense and he asks Job to be sensible. He goes on to describe someone who is afflicted with all sorts of suffering, and ends by saying "surely such is the dwelling of an evil man; such is the place of one who knows not God" again implying Job is suffering because of his sins.
Job replies "If it is true that I have gone astray, my error remains my concern alone." Job continues to lament and wonder why God has not answered him. He describes the length of his suffering, yet ends with faith, stating "I know that my Redeemer [g] lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God."
What amazing faith. His life sounds awful - can you imagine what it would be like if EVERYONE hated you. You knew you had done nothing wrong but not one single person believed you. Not even your spouse. Everyone, your closest friends, kept telling you that it was your fault that you were suffering.
I really have amazing respect for Job.
Bildad continues to uphold the idea that all this suffering would only happen to an evil man. He thinks Job is rambling nonsense and he asks Job to be sensible. He goes on to describe someone who is afflicted with all sorts of suffering, and ends by saying "surely such is the dwelling of an evil man; such is the place of one who knows not God" again implying Job is suffering because of his sins.
Job replies "If it is true that I have gone astray, my error remains my concern alone." Job continues to lament and wonder why God has not answered him. He describes the length of his suffering, yet ends with faith, stating "I know that my Redeemer [g] lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God."
What amazing faith. His life sounds awful - can you imagine what it would be like if EVERYONE hated you. You knew you had done nothing wrong but not one single person believed you. Not even your spouse. Everyone, your closest friends, kept telling you that it was your fault that you were suffering.
I really have amazing respect for Job.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Job 14-16
Job 14 continued as Job complained to God about how God "fixed" His eyes on and made judgment on the insignificant human kind. Men are so short-lived, like a flower that springs up and withers away. Even for a tree there is hope, because it will spout again after being cut down. No such hope for men. They would be "overpowered" by God and would feel nothing but pain of their own bodies...
Chapter 15 of Job contains Eliphaz reply to Job. He is no longer sympathetic to Job. He accuses Job of trying to argue for his innocence; he is pretty mean to Job - saying that Job thinks too highly of his wisdom. Eliphaz reiterated that men are bound to sin, and they will be doomed. "They conceive trouble and give birth to evil."
Job's reply in Ch. 16: his friends were not very helpful in all their long-winded speeches and judgmental comments! Job uses the analogy of God being a lion who "tears in his anger and gnashes his teeth", attacking him and turning him over to evil people. The chapter concludes with Job's summary of his suffering as he still claims his innocence: "my hands have been free of violence and my prayer is pure."
Not easy chapters to read..............!!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Job 11-13
Zophar, another friend, then speaks up. He, also, believes that Job is being punished for his sins and cannot believe that Job thinks he is righteous. Zophar thinks that man cannot fathom God's wisdom, and surely God has not forgotten the sins that Job committed in the past. Zophar indicates that if Job just "put away the sin that is in your hand" and "devote your heart to Him" then "life will be brighter" because "there is hope." Essentially, Zophar is also implying that Job has sinned.
Job answers by telling his friends that they are WRONG! He says to his friends "you smear me with LIES!!!!" (emphasis added). Job believes he is blameless, and desires to make a case before God. He asks for only two things from God.
1) Withdraw His hand from Job and stop "frightening" him with His terrors [stop the torture!]
2) Allow Job to make his case before God. He wants to know what he did wrong.
Amazing, through all of this, Job continues to hope in God. He says
"Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely [p] defend my ways to his face."
Job answers by telling his friends that they are WRONG! He says to his friends "you smear me with LIES!!!!" (emphasis added). Job believes he is blameless, and desires to make a case before God. He asks for only two things from God.
1) Withdraw His hand from Job and stop "frightening" him with His terrors [stop the torture!]
2) Allow Job to make his case before God. He wants to know what he did wrong.
Amazing, through all of this, Job continues to hope in God. He says
"Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely [p] defend my ways to his face."
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Job 8-10
Now Job's other friend, Bildad, starts talking to Job. He says that his children must have sinned and deserved to be punished. Job again pleads his innocence and says it's impossible to prove it because he can't go to court against God. He mentions how innocent people die in plagues (well, worse, he claims that God laughs at the death of the innocent), and how innocent and wicked people are the same to God. Now Job is left wondering why he was even born. =(
Job 5-7
These chapters take me longer to read because of the way it's written. Sometimes it's a monologue, sometimes a dialogue, and the speech is littered with proverbs and rhetorical questions. The back and forth dialogue with Eliphaz and Job continues. Eliphaz suggests that Job present his case to God, but also assumes that Job did something wrong to deserve his punishment. Job is trying to get Eliphaz to see it from his point of view, and also trying to justify his right to complain. Then he tells points out the Eliphaz hasn't helped him out because Eliphaz is afraid. The Job cries out to God and says he would rather die than to continue suffering.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Job 3-4
Chuck preached through Job awhile back. If you have time, it might be interesting to listen through the sermons while you are reading this section.
Job 1:1-19 (Suffering: Part I)
Job 1:6-11; 2:1-10 (Is God Good, Even When Life Is Not?)
Job 2:9 (Four Reasons Why Evil is not an Argument Against the Existence of God)
Job 3 (When You Wish You Were Dead)
Job 4:5-11 (Suffering = Retribution?)
Job 2:11-13; 4:7-9; 5:17-27 (With Friends Like These)
Job 32-37 (Elihu: A Reasonable Explanation)
Job 38:1-42:6 (God on Trial?)
It's interesting to see various people's response to Job's suffering.
As we saw earlier, after Job has been afflicted with all sorts of trouble, his wife questions why he is still holding onto his integrity. "Curse God and die!!!" she suggests. But he will have none of that.
His friends come over in sympathy and just sit there with him for three days without saying a word. In times like this, it really is probably better not to say anything. I mean, really, what would you say???? "God has a reason for this?" - not so comforting.
Job FINALLY speaks after three days of silence. And what does he do? Instead of cursing God, he curses the day he was born. He curses his own existence and wishes for death. The peace of death. Death will free him from this suffering.
Job says "I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil."
In the next chapter, his friend, Eliphaz the Temanite, speaks up. He tries to encourage Job by telling Job to rely on his piety and righteousness. From Eliphaz's view, Job cannot perish because he has been blameless before the Lord.
"Consider now: Who, being innocent, has ever perished? Where were the upright ever destroyed? As I have observed, those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it."
Job 1:1-19 (Suffering: Part I)
Job 1:6-11; 2:1-10 (Is God Good, Even When Life Is Not?)
Job 2:9 (Four Reasons Why Evil is not an Argument Against the Existence of God)
Job 3 (When You Wish You Were Dead)
Job 4:5-11 (Suffering = Retribution?)
Job 2:11-13; 4:7-9; 5:17-27 (With Friends Like These)
Job 32-37 (Elihu: A Reasonable Explanation)
Job 38:1-42:6 (God on Trial?)
It's interesting to see various people's response to Job's suffering.
As we saw earlier, after Job has been afflicted with all sorts of trouble, his wife questions why he is still holding onto his integrity. "Curse God and die!!!" she suggests. But he will have none of that.
His friends come over in sympathy and just sit there with him for three days without saying a word. In times like this, it really is probably better not to say anything. I mean, really, what would you say???? "God has a reason for this?" - not so comforting.
Job FINALLY speaks after three days of silence. And what does he do? Instead of cursing God, he curses the day he was born. He curses his own existence and wishes for death. The peace of death. Death will free him from this suffering.
Job says "I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil."
In the next chapter, his friend, Eliphaz the Temanite, speaks up. He tries to encourage Job by telling Job to rely on his piety and righteousness. From Eliphaz's view, Job cannot perish because he has been blameless before the Lord.
"Consider now: Who, being innocent, has ever perished? Where were the upright ever destroyed? As I have observed, those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it."
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Job 1-2 (Suffering of a righteous man)
Job 1 and 2 force us to explore a question about our faith and trust in God. Do people follow God because they believe that God will give them good things?? If everything is being taken away from God's people, will they still be God's people? The backdrop of the story is a little peculiar. Satan and God made a bet. God asked Satan to "consider" His servant, Job - who is blameless and righteous. He would allow Satan to remove everything that Job has, including his servants, animals, wealth, even his sons and daughters. When Job still wouldn't curse God, Satan said that no one would still be loving God if his body is suffering. God replied: "Go do what you want with Job, just don't kill him." So Job was afflicted with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the top of his head (OUCH!!). Even when his wife pleaded for him to curse God, Job still wouldn't do it. "Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" And so he remained blameless through all these set-up tests.
I often wonder how many people would be able to compare their faith with that of Job. We all remember the lyrics of the song "Blessed be Your name":
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name
Every time I hear or sing this song, I always think of this book... and I always wonder if I really mean every word...
Friday, February 5, 2010
Genesis 20-22
King Abimelech took Sarah as his wife but ended up seeing God in a dream. There after he returned Sarah to Abraham and made peace with him. God has the power to control the way things flow, but no more dreams in our time. And there are God fearing people; you just need to provide the proper methods get them on board.
God finally gives Abraham and Sarah a son, Issac. They were super old by then, about 100 years old. It was part of God's promise to them that he would give them a son, they just needed to wait a long time. We need to wait too some times. Abraham's first son Ishmael was sent off; Ishmael would become a great nation. Abraham makes treaty with Abimelech at Beersheba.
Abraham was tested with the sacrificing of Issac on an altar. Since he feared God and did what he was told even though it was with his only son, God blessed him and his descendants . Isaac show obedience too allowing his old father to tied him up and chop him. Isaac survived the test. Both father and son pass the love-God test.
God finally gives Abraham and Sarah a son, Issac. They were super old by then, about 100 years old. It was part of God's promise to them that he would give them a son, they just needed to wait a long time. We need to wait too some times. Abraham's first son Ishmael was sent off; Ishmael would become a great nation. Abraham makes treaty with Abimelech at Beersheba.
Abraham was tested with the sacrificing of Issac on an altar. Since he feared God and did what he was told even though it was with his only son, God blessed him and his descendants . Isaac show obedience too allowing his old father to tied him up and chop him. Isaac survived the test. Both father and son pass the love-God test.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Genesis 17-18
More and more scandal!
Sarah has no faith
In verse 18, three men come to visit Abraham and Sarah. The significant part is that Sarah, who is sitting inside the tent, laughs at the idea of her having a child. She has no faith. God hears her, and asks Abraham why did Sarah laugh? Sarah then lied and said she didn't, even though she did.
Abraham pleads with God
In the next section God reveals his plan to Abraham that he is going to destroy Sodom because of the great sin there. Abraham pleads with God, asking him whether he would spare the city if 50, 40, 30, 20, 10 righteous people are there. God said that he would spare the city if there were 10 righteous people.
Sodom is really messed up
In the next scene, we see how awful Sodom really is. If you remember from previous chapters, Lot lives in Sodom because the land there looked more lush. In this scene, 2 angels have visited Lot. According to this account, "all the men from every part of the city of Sodom—both young and old—surrounded the house." They yelled out, asking Lot to release the two men so that they could have sex with them. Of course Lot would have none of that. This really illustrates how sinful this city was. All the men from the city were here! God said he would spare it if there were 10 righteous people . . . but from the looks of this, the city is deeply seated in sin.
Weirdly, Lot is willing to offer his virgin daughters to have sex with them (poor girls!!!!!!) but would not hand over the angels.
Destroyed Cities
God then decides he must destroy the city. The angels told Lot and his family to RUN RUN RUN!! Flee!! Don't look back! Lot was afraid of running all the way to the mountains; he didn't think he could survive. He pleaded with the angels, asking if he could just go to the nearby city. God relented and let Lot run there. Lot's wife didn't have faith and looked back, thus turning into a pillar of salt (can you imagine the look on Lot's face when that happened??)
Sodom and Gomorrah were totally destroyed. Sulfur rained down (smelly!)
Lot's daughters are gross
Lot's daughters then decide they needed to continue the family line, and since there were no men around, they got their father drunk two nights in a row, and took turns sleeping with him. They both got pregnant and formed the origins of the Moabites and the Ammonites.
Sarah has no faith
In verse 18, three men come to visit Abraham and Sarah. The significant part is that Sarah, who is sitting inside the tent, laughs at the idea of her having a child. She has no faith. God hears her, and asks Abraham why did Sarah laugh? Sarah then lied and said she didn't, even though she did.
Abraham pleads with God
In the next section God reveals his plan to Abraham that he is going to destroy Sodom because of the great sin there. Abraham pleads with God, asking him whether he would spare the city if 50, 40, 30, 20, 10 righteous people are there. God said that he would spare the city if there were 10 righteous people.
Sodom is really messed up
In the next scene, we see how awful Sodom really is. If you remember from previous chapters, Lot lives in Sodom because the land there looked more lush. In this scene, 2 angels have visited Lot. According to this account, "all the men from every part of the city of Sodom—both young and old—surrounded the house." They yelled out, asking Lot to release the two men so that they could have sex with them. Of course Lot would have none of that. This really illustrates how sinful this city was. All the men from the city were here! God said he would spare it if there were 10 righteous people . . . but from the looks of this, the city is deeply seated in sin.
Weirdly, Lot is willing to offer his virgin daughters to have sex with them (poor girls!!!!!!) but would not hand over the angels.
Destroyed Cities
God then decides he must destroy the city. The angels told Lot and his family to RUN RUN RUN!! Flee!! Don't look back! Lot was afraid of running all the way to the mountains; he didn't think he could survive. He pleaded with the angels, asking if he could just go to the nearby city. God relented and let Lot run there. Lot's wife didn't have faith and looked back, thus turning into a pillar of salt (can you imagine the look on Lot's face when that happened??)
Sodom and Gomorrah were totally destroyed. Sulfur rained down (smelly!)
Lot's daughters are gross
Lot's daughters then decide they needed to continue the family line, and since there were no men around, they got their father drunk two nights in a row, and took turns sleeping with him. They both got pregnant and formed the origins of the Moabites and the Ammonites.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Genesis 16-17
This is kind of a scandalous story in the Bible. Abram and Sarai are childless, and they are worried about an heir as they are both getting older. Sarai suggests that Abram produces a child with Hagar, and then when it finally happens, it produces tension between Sarai and Hagar. Sarai blames the strained relationship on Abram even though she was the one who suggested it. Okay, they are both at fault, so I don't understand why she says, "May the LORD judge between you and me." Does she think she is innocent (or perhaps less guilty) than Abram?
After the domestic problems have been sorted out, God appears in front of Abram and reaffirms the covenant he made with Abram previously. He renames to Abraham and Sarah and finally gives Abram and Sarai a child.
I think this story is a good reminder of how God chooses ordinary people who have steadfast faith and trust God, but aren't perfect.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Genesis 13-15 (Abram & lot separate; God's covenant with Abram)
Genesis 13 started with Abram and Lot going their separate ways and each taking a portion of the land. Lot chose the plains of Jordon and Sodom because the area was rich and well-watered, despite the wickedness & sin of the Sodom people. Abram, on the other hand, let Lot choose first and also let God take care of him. This is a demonstration of his faith in God's providence. God was pleased and promised Abram the multitude of his offspring and also massive land.
Later on, Abram had to rescue Lot from the attack of the Mesopotamian Kings (I don't necessarily understand the significance of this, except perhaps demonstrating Lot had chosen an apparently wealthy land but without regard to the danger he was exposing himself to?). Abram also refused to take goods from the King of Sodom (wicked king) but accept blessings and food from the King Melchizedek who was the high priest of God.
Genesis 14 is the first chapter that mentioned about tithing ("Abram gave the [priest King Melchizedek] a tenth of everything", showing his faith in God.) Chapter 15 describes God's covenant with Abram, promisng him a true son (out of his own flesh), a new land to live in, a large family and son of his own flesh, a great nation! In this passage, we can see that Abram is not afraid of asking at all--he has a question, he asks God. Sometimes we hesitate to pray to God and tell Him what we want. Perhaps we should just learn from the Father of faith-"Abram believed in God, and God credited it to him as righteousness." How beautiful is this picture! :-)
Monday, February 1, 2010
Genesis 10-12
Genesis 11 begins the story of the Tower of Babel, where mankind decided to build a tower to the heavens in order to "make a name for ourselves." God scattered them by confusing their language so they could not communicate with each other anymore. As I mentioned in my earlier post, this is the third time Man has failed (1st being Adam's sin and 2nd being right before the flood).
In this case, God decides to work through Abraham, promising that He would make Abraham a "great nation." Abraham takes his wife and follows God.
They go to Egypt while there is a great famine in the land. Abraham decides that if they find out his wife Sarai is married to him, they will kill him in order to take her. So instead he lies to Pharoah and tells everyone that Sarai is his sister. They treat Abraham well & Pharoah takes Sarai into the palace.
Of course, God judges Pharoah for his acts, inflicting serious disease. Pharoah, after finding out, is furious, and kicks them all out of the land!
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