Moses is scared that no one would believe him or listen to him, so God gave him tons of cool miracles to perform! When Moses threw down his staff, it turned into a snake. He had to pick it up by the tail in order for it to transform into a staff again. Also, when he put his hand in his cloak, his hand would have leprosy all over it. To reverse it, he just had to put his hand back in his cloak again. If they still didn't believe him, he could take the water from the Nile and pour it on the ground, which would turn into blood!
Even though God equipped Moses with all these miracles to perform, he complained that he wasn't a good speaker. God offered to teach him what to say, but he still didn't want to do it and asked if someone else could do it instead. It is interesting here that God got angry, but he actually acquiesced and suggested that Aaron could speak instead. He still pushes Moses to perform the miracles though.
Moses goes back to his father-in-law and asks permission to leave. Then the Lord says to Moses that he will harden the heart of the Pharaoh and won't let the people go. I don't really understand why God hardened the Pharaoh's heart. Any ideas?
Moses then met up with Aaron, and they performed the miracles. The Israelites believed and worshipped God.
In the next section, Moses asked the Pharaoh to let his people go, but he refused. Instead, he made the Israelites work harder and claimed they were lazy. The Israelites were upset with Moses and didn't listen to them, even after he told them that God will bring them back to the promised land. Moses grew discouraged because his own people wouldn't listen to him, and now God wanted him to deliver a message to the Pharaoh.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Exodus 1-3
The Next Generation
Joseph's generation died, but the Israelites continued to multiply to the point that the new king of Egypt, who did not know Joseph, got scared that they would become too powerful. He made them slave laborers. He also told the midwives to kill all the male babies. The midwives feared God and refused to do so, telling the king that the Israeli women were "too vigorous" and gave birth before the midwives could arrive.
God blessed the Israelites and the midwives, giving them many offspring. Then Pharoah commanded that all Israeli boy babies be thrown into the Nile.
Moses
One Levite woman had a baby boy and hid him for three months. Finally, when she could no longer hide him, she put him the Nile in a basket while her daughter looked on. Pharoah's daughter happened to find the baby and felt sorry for him. The Levite's daughter asked Pharoah whether she wanted someone to nurse the baby. Finally, the boy's own mother became the servant that nursed the baby. Pharoah's daughter named the baby Moses.
One day, after Moses had grown up, he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew slave. He killed the Egyptian. The next day, he saw some Hebrews fighting. When he tried to break it up, they asked him whether he was going to kill them too, like he killed the Egyptian. When Pharaoh found out about this, he tried to kill Moses, but Moses escaped to Midian. On his way, he rescued some women from shepherds who were trying to drive the women away from the water well. He ended up meeting the father of the women who gave him one of the daughters, Zipporah, as a bride. They had a son.
Meanwhile, Pharoah had a died. However, the Israelites were still groaning under extreme slavery.
Moses was still in Midian when God called Moses through a burning bush. God told Moses that he saw that the Israelites were suffering. He wanted to send Moses to go free the Israelites. He would free the Israelites and bring them to a land "flowing with milk and honey." Moses did not feel qualified and resisted, but God promised that He would be with Moses. He told Moses he would perform all theses signs and strike the Egyptians so they would finally let the Israelites go. The Israelites would also not leave empty-handed. Instead, the Egyptians would give them their jewels, etc.
Joseph's generation died, but the Israelites continued to multiply to the point that the new king of Egypt, who did not know Joseph, got scared that they would become too powerful. He made them slave laborers. He also told the midwives to kill all the male babies. The midwives feared God and refused to do so, telling the king that the Israeli women were "too vigorous" and gave birth before the midwives could arrive.
God blessed the Israelites and the midwives, giving them many offspring. Then Pharoah commanded that all Israeli boy babies be thrown into the Nile.
Moses
One Levite woman had a baby boy and hid him for three months. Finally, when she could no longer hide him, she put him the Nile in a basket while her daughter looked on. Pharoah's daughter happened to find the baby and felt sorry for him. The Levite's daughter asked Pharoah whether she wanted someone to nurse the baby. Finally, the boy's own mother became the servant that nursed the baby. Pharoah's daughter named the baby Moses.
One day, after Moses had grown up, he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew slave. He killed the Egyptian. The next day, he saw some Hebrews fighting. When he tried to break it up, they asked him whether he was going to kill them too, like he killed the Egyptian. When Pharaoh found out about this, he tried to kill Moses, but Moses escaped to Midian. On his way, he rescued some women from shepherds who were trying to drive the women away from the water well. He ended up meeting the father of the women who gave him one of the daughters, Zipporah, as a bride. They had a son.
Meanwhile, Pharoah had a died. However, the Israelites were still groaning under extreme slavery.
Moses was still in Midian when God called Moses through a burning bush. God told Moses that he saw that the Israelites were suffering. He wanted to send Moses to go free the Israelites. He would free the Israelites and bring them to a land "flowing with milk and honey." Moses did not feel qualified and resisted, but God promised that He would be with Moses. He told Moses he would perform all theses signs and strike the Egyptians so they would finally let the Israelites go. The Israelites would also not leave empty-handed. Instead, the Egyptians would give them their jewels, etc.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Genesis 46-50
Israel got God's blessing to go settle in Egypt. God promised to bless Israel and give him many descendants. We then go into the genealogy of Jacob. Jacob and Joseph reunited, and Jacob felt at peace, "ready to die."
Joseph arranged it so that Pharoah allowed his family to stay in Egypt. They were given food, and Pharoah put them in charge of his livestock.
The famine continued until the Egyptians ran out of money. They were still hungry, and began exchanging their livestock for food. Thus Pharoah ended up owning tons and tons of livestock. When they ran out of livestock, they gave their land to Pharoah in exchange for food. Joseph gave the Egyptians seeds and asked them to work the land. He told them they could use the crop that they harvested, as long as they gave 1/5 to Pharoah. All the Egyptians were really grateful for this opportunity to work and live.
When Jacob was about to die, he asked to see and bless Joseph's sons (Mannaseh (older) and Ephraim (younger)). Not surprisingly, Jacob blessed the younger son more, saying that Ephraim's nation would become greater than Manasseh's.
Then Jacob blessed all his sons, predicting what their nations would do in the future. Reuben would no longer excel, Simeon & Levi would be cursed and scattered, Judah would be successful and defeat his enemies, and on and on. He said that Joseph would be a "fruitful vine."
Jacob asked Joseph to swear that he would bury his father outside of Egypt (along with all their other forefathers). Joseph promised he would. When Jacob died, Joseph asked Pharoah for permission to bury his father, and Pharoah let him go.
After Jacob's death, the brothers feared Joseph would retaliate. So, they sent a fake message to Joseph, pretending it was from Jacob asking Joseph to forgive his brothers. Joseph was very moved, and again saw the good that came out of this. He understood God's plan all along and did not hold a grudge against his brothers.
Joseph stayed in Egypt for the rest of his life and died at the age of 110.
Joseph arranged it so that Pharoah allowed his family to stay in Egypt. They were given food, and Pharoah put them in charge of his livestock.
The famine continued until the Egyptians ran out of money. They were still hungry, and began exchanging their livestock for food. Thus Pharoah ended up owning tons and tons of livestock. When they ran out of livestock, they gave their land to Pharoah in exchange for food. Joseph gave the Egyptians seeds and asked them to work the land. He told them they could use the crop that they harvested, as long as they gave 1/5 to Pharoah. All the Egyptians were really grateful for this opportunity to work and live.
When Jacob was about to die, he asked to see and bless Joseph's sons (Mannaseh (older) and Ephraim (younger)). Not surprisingly, Jacob blessed the younger son more, saying that Ephraim's nation would become greater than Manasseh's.
Then Jacob blessed all his sons, predicting what their nations would do in the future. Reuben would no longer excel, Simeon & Levi would be cursed and scattered, Judah would be successful and defeat his enemies, and on and on. He said that Joseph would be a "fruitful vine."
Jacob asked Joseph to swear that he would bury his father outside of Egypt (along with all their other forefathers). Joseph promised he would. When Jacob died, Joseph asked Pharoah for permission to bury his father, and Pharoah let him go.
After Jacob's death, the brothers feared Joseph would retaliate. So, they sent a fake message to Joseph, pretending it was from Jacob asking Joseph to forgive his brothers. Joseph was very moved, and again saw the good that came out of this. He understood God's plan all along and did not hold a grudge against his brothers.
Joseph stayed in Egypt for the rest of his life and died at the age of 110.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Genesis 43-45
arghhh!! bug in Blogger caused me to lost this post. Re-writing it, but it will probably shorter than the original
More questioning followed. "Why did you tell him you had another brother?" Finally, Judah personally vouched for Benjamin's safety. They left again. This time, Joseph was so moved to see them he kept running off to hide and weep before composing himself and coming back and acting all strict.
He prepared a huge meal for them, giving Benjamin the largest portions. He then told his servants to give them as much stuff as they could carry to bring back. He secretly planted a silver cup in Benjamin's bag. Then he told the servant to run after them and accuse them of stealing. Of course, he asked to keep Benjamin as the slave, since Benjamin "stole" the cup.
Judah personally plead with Joseph, telling him that Jacob would DIE if they didn't bring Bejanmin back, since Jacob had already lost Joseph. At this point, Joseph couldn't hold it back any longer. He ordered his servants to leave and revealed himself to his brothers.
Lots of crying, hugging, kissing followed.
They told Pharoah, who was pleased. Pharoah gave them TONS of stuff to bring back, but also told them to bring the whole family to Egypt! He would take good care of them.
When the brothers told Jacob that Joseph was still alive, Jacob was ecstatic and regained lots of spirit.
More questioning followed. "Why did you tell him you had another brother?" Finally, Judah personally vouched for Benjamin's safety. They left again. This time, Joseph was so moved to see them he kept running off to hide and weep before composing himself and coming back and acting all strict.
He prepared a huge meal for them, giving Benjamin the largest portions. He then told his servants to give them as much stuff as they could carry to bring back. He secretly planted a silver cup in Benjamin's bag. Then he told the servant to run after them and accuse them of stealing. Of course, he asked to keep Benjamin as the slave, since Benjamin "stole" the cup.
Judah personally plead with Joseph, telling him that Jacob would DIE if they didn't bring Bejanmin back, since Jacob had already lost Joseph. At this point, Joseph couldn't hold it back any longer. He ordered his servants to leave and revealed himself to his brothers.
Lots of crying, hugging, kissing followed.
They told Pharoah, who was pleased. Pharoah gave them TONS of stuff to bring back, but also told them to bring the whole family to Egypt! He would take good care of them.
When the brothers told Jacob that Joseph was still alive, Jacob was ecstatic and regained lots of spirit.
Genesis 41-42
41
Pharoah then had two dreams that were similar: 7 fat cows/ 7 skinny cows. The 7 skinny cows ate the 7 fat cows. Similarly, 7 stalks of healthy grains and 7 stalks of thin and scorched grains. The thin and scorched grains ate the 7 healthy grains.
Pharoah tried to find people to interpret (magicians, wise men, etc.) but no one could do it. Finally, the cupbearer remember Joseph and told Pharoah about it. Joseph was able to interpret the dreams. He totally attributed the interpretation to God, not himself. Essentially, the dream stood for 7 years of abundance followed by 7 years of famine. Joseph advised Pharoah to collect grains during the years of abundance in preparation for the years of famine.
Pharoah put Joseph in charge of all of Egypt. Joseph married and had 2 kids during this time. When the famine came, Joseph opened the storehouses and sold the grains to the Egyptians, who sold them to outsiders to came looking for food.
42
Joseph's brothers heard that there was food in Egypt and traveled there. They did not recognized Joseph (though Joseph recognized them). Joseph pretended to be strict with them (accusing them of being spies). He demanded to know where the youngest brother was. Finally, he agreed to give them food, but told them they had to come back with the youngest brother.
While on their way back, while opening their sacks, they saw the silver inside that they had used to pay for the grains. They totally freaked out.
When they went back to their father, Jacob, they tried to convince him to let Benjamin come along. Jacob refused, saying he had already lost Joseph. So, they ate up the food, but then needed to go back and get more. Otherwise, they were going to starve. Reuben then personally plead with Jacob, even offering his own sons' lives if he did not bring Benjamin back safely.
Pharoah then had two dreams that were similar: 7 fat cows/ 7 skinny cows. The 7 skinny cows ate the 7 fat cows. Similarly, 7 stalks of healthy grains and 7 stalks of thin and scorched grains. The thin and scorched grains ate the 7 healthy grains.
Pharoah tried to find people to interpret (magicians, wise men, etc.) but no one could do it. Finally, the cupbearer remember Joseph and told Pharoah about it. Joseph was able to interpret the dreams. He totally attributed the interpretation to God, not himself. Essentially, the dream stood for 7 years of abundance followed by 7 years of famine. Joseph advised Pharoah to collect grains during the years of abundance in preparation for the years of famine.
Pharoah put Joseph in charge of all of Egypt. Joseph married and had 2 kids during this time. When the famine came, Joseph opened the storehouses and sold the grains to the Egyptians, who sold them to outsiders to came looking for food.
42
Joseph's brothers heard that there was food in Egypt and traveled there. They did not recognized Joseph (though Joseph recognized them). Joseph pretended to be strict with them (accusing them of being spies). He demanded to know where the youngest brother was. Finally, he agreed to give them food, but told them they had to come back with the youngest brother.
While on their way back, while opening their sacks, they saw the silver inside that they had used to pay for the grains. They totally freaked out.
When they went back to their father, Jacob, they tried to convince him to let Benjamin come along. Jacob refused, saying he had already lost Joseph. So, they ate up the food, but then needed to go back and get more. Otherwise, they were going to starve. Reuben then personally plead with Jacob, even offering his own sons' lives if he did not bring Benjamin back safely.
Genesis 39-40
Genesis 39
An Egyptian named Potiphar purchased Joseph from the Ishmaelites. The Lord was with Joseph and he prospered. Potiphar put Joseph completely in charge of his household since he totally trusted him. Potiphar's wife, however, was attracted to Joseph (because he was HOT!!) and wanted to sleep with him. Joseph kept refusing, in honor of his master. Finally, one day, Potiphar's grabbed Joseph's cloak and then accused him of trying to sleep with her. Potiphar was furious and threw Joseph in prison.
God was with Joseph and soon the warden put Joseph in charge of the entire prison.
Genesis 40
Soon after, a baker and cupbearer also got thrown into prison. One day, each of them had a dream. Joseph interpreted the dreams for them. The cupbearer dreamed there was a vine with three branches, and he was squeezing the grape into Pharoah's cup. Joseph interpreted this to mean that the cupbearer would be released in 3 days to serve the king. Joseph asked the cupbearer to remember him, to speak favorably of Joseph in order to get him out of jail.
The baker dreamed there were three baskets of bread. The basket on his head had bread that was being eaten by birds. oseph interpreted this to mean that the baker would be released in 3 days but would be hanged, and the birds would eat at his innards.
Joseph's interpretations came true, but the cupbearer forgot to mention Joseph to Pharoah.
An Egyptian named Potiphar purchased Joseph from the Ishmaelites. The Lord was with Joseph and he prospered. Potiphar put Joseph completely in charge of his household since he totally trusted him. Potiphar's wife, however, was attracted to Joseph (because he was HOT!!) and wanted to sleep with him. Joseph kept refusing, in honor of his master. Finally, one day, Potiphar's grabbed Joseph's cloak and then accused him of trying to sleep with her. Potiphar was furious and threw Joseph in prison.
God was with Joseph and soon the warden put Joseph in charge of the entire prison.
Genesis 40
Soon after, a baker and cupbearer also got thrown into prison. One day, each of them had a dream. Joseph interpreted the dreams for them. The cupbearer dreamed there was a vine with three branches, and he was squeezing the grape into Pharoah's cup. Joseph interpreted this to mean that the cupbearer would be released in 3 days to serve the king. Joseph asked the cupbearer to remember him, to speak favorably of Joseph in order to get him out of jail.
The baker dreamed there were three baskets of bread. The basket on his head had bread that was being eaten by birds. oseph interpreted this to mean that the baker would be released in 3 days but would be hanged, and the birds would eat at his innards.
Joseph's interpretations came true, but the cupbearer forgot to mention Joseph to Pharoah.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Genesis 36-38
Genesis 36 describes the Esau's lineage (not sure what else to say!)
Genesis 37 starts an intriguing story of Jacob's 11th son, Joseph - Rachel's first son. Jacob (also called Israel) loved Joseph more than any other of his sons. Now Joseph was an honest guy - when he had dreams about him being more powerful than his brothers, he just told them straight out. This made the jealous brothers angrier! They were plotting to kill him, but Reuben, the eldest, didn't want any blood shed so instead suggested to throw him in a cistern... the other brothers then sold Joseph to Ishmaelites who took him to Egypt. Then they lied to their father Jacob and produced evidence that Joseph being attacked and killed by wild ferocious animals. Jacob believed and went into mourning.
Chapter 38 of Genesis describes the story of Judah, Joseph's brother. He married a Canaanite woman who gave birth to 2 sons, both of which were wicked in God's eyes and were put to death. Judah's daughter-in-law, Tamar, was then told to live at her father's place until his son grew up. However, later on Tamar pretended to be a prostitute and somehow tricked Judah to sleep with her - and gave her the seal and and the cord as a pledge. Later on Tamar was pregnant. Judah heard the news and was really mad. He was going to burn her to death, until she sent the message to Judah with the pledge (seal + cord). Recognizing the pledge, he realized that he was the one who slept with her!
Tamar gave birth to twin boys, Perez and Zerah.
Genesis 37 starts an intriguing story of Jacob's 11th son, Joseph - Rachel's first son. Jacob (also called Israel) loved Joseph more than any other of his sons. Now Joseph was an honest guy - when he had dreams about him being more powerful than his brothers, he just told them straight out. This made the jealous brothers angrier! They were plotting to kill him, but Reuben, the eldest, didn't want any blood shed so instead suggested to throw him in a cistern... the other brothers then sold Joseph to Ishmaelites who took him to Egypt. Then they lied to their father Jacob and produced evidence that Joseph being attacked and killed by wild ferocious animals. Jacob believed and went into mourning.
Chapter 38 of Genesis describes the story of Judah, Joseph's brother. He married a Canaanite woman who gave birth to 2 sons, both of which were wicked in God's eyes and were put to death. Judah's daughter-in-law, Tamar, was then told to live at her father's place until his son grew up. However, later on Tamar pretended to be a prostitute and somehow tricked Judah to sleep with her - and gave her the seal and and the cord as a pledge. Later on Tamar was pregnant. Judah heard the news and was really mad. He was going to burn her to death, until she sent the message to Judah with the pledge (seal + cord). Recognizing the pledge, he realized that he was the one who slept with her!
Tamar gave birth to twin boys, Perez and Zerah.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Genesis 33-35
Jacob sees Esau coming with 400 men, so he divides his people in two in case one of them perishes, his descendants will still live on. Jacob is afraid that Esau is still mad at him after all these years, but instead Esau hugged and kissed him! Jacob gave Esau a present, but this can also be interpreted as "blessing" because they are the same word in Hebrew, so Jacob is giving back his blessing that he stole from Esau.
In the next chapter, Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite (a Canaanite), saw Dinah, one of Leah's daughters, he raped her and told his father he wanted her as his wife. His dad Hamor went to talk to Jacob for Dinah's hand in marriage and offered to pay whatever price David sets. Dinah's brothers were furious and set up a plan to destroy the Canaanites. They lied to them and said that Shechem could marry Dinah if all their men were circumcized. Then the brothers said they could be one people, and Shechem and Hamor happily agreed. I'm not sure how they convinced all the men in the town to be circumcized, but it seemed like they were very greedy and wanted a share of Jacob's livestock and property. Three days later, Simeon and Levi killed all the males, looted their houses, and stole their women and children as the Canaanites were still recovering from circumcision. Jacob did not know about their plot until now, and scolded Simeon and Levi for what they did. Jacob is afraid now that other Canaanites will hear wind of this, band together, and destroy them. But the brothers did not apologize and said they would not let them treat Dinah like a prostitute.
Then God told Jacob to build an altar for him at Bethel. He told everyone in his household to get rid of all their foreign gods and that they were moving to Bethel. God watched over them and did not let anyone pursue them. After he built the altar, God appeared to him, blessed him, and renamed him Israel. God confirms his covenant that he made with Abraham, and gives this land to him and his descendants.
In the next chapter, Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite (a Canaanite), saw Dinah, one of Leah's daughters, he raped her and told his father he wanted her as his wife. His dad Hamor went to talk to Jacob for Dinah's hand in marriage and offered to pay whatever price David sets. Dinah's brothers were furious and set up a plan to destroy the Canaanites. They lied to them and said that Shechem could marry Dinah if all their men were circumcized. Then the brothers said they could be one people, and Shechem and Hamor happily agreed. I'm not sure how they convinced all the men in the town to be circumcized, but it seemed like they were very greedy and wanted a share of Jacob's livestock and property. Three days later, Simeon and Levi killed all the males, looted their houses, and stole their women and children as the Canaanites were still recovering from circumcision. Jacob did not know about their plot until now, and scolded Simeon and Levi for what they did. Jacob is afraid now that other Canaanites will hear wind of this, band together, and destroy them. But the brothers did not apologize and said they would not let them treat Dinah like a prostitute.
Then God told Jacob to build an altar for him at Bethel. He told everyone in his household to get rid of all their foreign gods and that they were moving to Bethel. God watched over them and did not let anyone pursue them. After he built the altar, God appeared to him, blessed him, and renamed him Israel. God confirms his covenant that he made with Abraham, and gives this land to him and his descendants.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Genesis 31-32
Chapter 31 opens with Jacob trying to flee from Laban, knowing that Laban doesn't treat him as well as before. It's time for him to go back home, as he was told by God through a dream. He told Rachel and Leah to go with them, which they agreed to. the dishonesty of Jacob seems to be spread to his wife! Rachel stole his father's the household gods before she left (in an effort to secure the family's inheritance)
Laban pursues Jacob - and asked Jacob why he has taken his daughters/children and the household gods. Jacob denied taking the household gods, not knowing that actually Rachel took them. Laban made a covenant with Jacob, that they would not step on each other's toes and harm each other...
As Jacob prepares to meet Esau, he sends in front of him many gifts - "I will pacify him with these gifts I am sending on ahead; later, when I see him, perhaps he will receive me." So Jacob's gifts went on ahead of him, but he himself spent the night in the camp. That night he wrestles with God, and insists that He bless him or he would not let God go. God has renamed Jacob to Israel (meaning "he struggles with God").
Laban pursues Jacob - and asked Jacob why he has taken his daughters/children and the household gods. Jacob denied taking the household gods, not knowing that actually Rachel took them. Laban made a covenant with Jacob, that they would not step on each other's toes and harm each other...
As Jacob prepares to meet Esau, he sends in front of him many gifts - "I will pacify him with these gifts I am sending on ahead; later, when I see him, perhaps he will receive me." So Jacob's gifts went on ahead of him, but he himself spent the night in the camp. That night he wrestles with God, and insists that He bless him or he would not let God go. God has renamed Jacob to Israel (meaning "he struggles with God").
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Genesis 29-30
What goes around comes around!! For the deception that Jacob performed in getting Isaac's blessings to first-born, he is finally tricked himself by his uncle.
To flee from Esau who wanted to kill him, Jacob went to the land of the eastern peoples, hoping to find his mother's brother (uncle), Laban. There he met Rachel the shepherdess. She brought him to her father Laban. Because Jacob loved Rachel, he agreed to work for Laban for 7 years in exchange of marrying Rachel. Finally when the 7 years was up, Laban gave his daughter to him... only that was Leah, Rachel's older sister!! (actually I don't really understand - how can one not know who he is having sex with... Leah's eyes were weak, but Jacob's shouldn't be!!) Anyways, Jacob then worked for 7 years more to get the wife he originally wanted - Rachel.
Because Leah was not loved, God opened her womb and she had four sons. Rachel was angry that she wasn't pregnant. Here we can see Jacob acknowledging that everything comes from God: "Am I in the place of God, who has kept you from having children?"
Rachel then gave his servant Bilhah, who bore 2 children for Jacob; then Leah also took her maidservant Zilpah , who bore 2 sons too. Rachel, in exchange for mandrake (something that was superstitiously thought to induce pregnancy when eaten), let Leah sleep with Jacob - who then bore 2 more sons (and a daughter) for Jacob. Finally God remembered Rachel and she finally gave birth to her first son, Joseph.
Jacob wanted to go back to his homeland, so asked Laban to let him go. Jacob asked for all the spotted/speckled sheep as his wage, which Laban agreed to. Secretly, however, Laban removed all these sheep and let his sons to take care of these spotted/speckled sheep. However, Jacob also returned Laban's trick and led to his own flocks grow more prosperous.
Jacob has from the beginning been deceptive - first toward his dad and brother, then toward his uncle... but at the end God's blessings are so much on him. Sometimes it's really easy for us to wonder why God would let this happen... but no matter what, Jacob seems to truly know and recognize that God is the most powerful... from a God who's his father's God - Jacob came to realize that this God is also his God as well.
To flee from Esau who wanted to kill him, Jacob went to the land of the eastern peoples, hoping to find his mother's brother (uncle), Laban. There he met Rachel the shepherdess. She brought him to her father Laban. Because Jacob loved Rachel, he agreed to work for Laban for 7 years in exchange of marrying Rachel. Finally when the 7 years was up, Laban gave his daughter to him... only that was Leah, Rachel's older sister!! (actually I don't really understand - how can one not know who he is having sex with... Leah's eyes were weak, but Jacob's shouldn't be!!) Anyways, Jacob then worked for 7 years more to get the wife he originally wanted - Rachel.
Because Leah was not loved, God opened her womb and she had four sons. Rachel was angry that she wasn't pregnant. Here we can see Jacob acknowledging that everything comes from God: "Am I in the place of God, who has kept you from having children?"
Rachel then gave his servant Bilhah, who bore 2 children for Jacob; then Leah also took her maidservant Zilpah , who bore 2 sons too. Rachel, in exchange for mandrake (something that was superstitiously thought to induce pregnancy when eaten), let Leah sleep with Jacob - who then bore 2 more sons (and a daughter) for Jacob. Finally God remembered Rachel and she finally gave birth to her first son, Joseph.
Jacob wanted to go back to his homeland, so asked Laban to let him go. Jacob asked for all the spotted/speckled sheep as his wage, which Laban agreed to. Secretly, however, Laban removed all these sheep and let his sons to take care of these spotted/speckled sheep. However, Jacob also returned Laban's trick and led to his own flocks grow more prosperous.
Jacob has from the beginning been deceptive - first toward his dad and brother, then toward his uncle... but at the end God's blessings are so much on him. Sometimes it's really easy for us to wonder why God would let this happen... but no matter what, Jacob seems to truly know and recognize that God is the most powerful... from a God who's his father's God - Jacob came to realize that this God is also his God as well.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Genesis 27-28
Jacob, the one who deceives, deceives again . . .
Man, people in the old testament were really bad, weren't they? I'm surprised so many people name their kid "Jacob." ANYWAY . . . Isaac is old and blind, and asks Esau to hunt some meat & cook it so Isaac can bless him. Rebekah overhears this, and colludes with Jacob to trick his father into blessing him instead. Rebekah kills some goats, cooks a meal, and Jacob tricks his father into blessing him (all the way down to lying about who he was, tricking his father by putting on some fake goat hairs so he could be hairy like Esau). Isaac was tricked.
When Esau came back & found out, both he and Isaac were FURIOUS! Too late . . Jacob got the good blessing, and even though Esau pleaded with his father to "bless me too!!!," Isaac didn't have much left to give.
Esau held a grudge and planned to kill Jacob after Isaac died. Rebekah warned Jacob to leave. Jacob left, but not without first promising to his parents he would not marry a Canaanite woman. Esau did the opposite to spite his father. Marry multiple women, including a Canaanite woman.
Man, people in the old testament were really bad, weren't they? I'm surprised so many people name their kid "Jacob." ANYWAY . . . Isaac is old and blind, and asks Esau to hunt some meat & cook it so Isaac can bless him. Rebekah overhears this, and colludes with Jacob to trick his father into blessing him instead. Rebekah kills some goats, cooks a meal, and Jacob tricks his father into blessing him (all the way down to lying about who he was, tricking his father by putting on some fake goat hairs so he could be hairy like Esau). Isaac was tricked.
When Esau came back & found out, both he and Isaac were FURIOUS! Too late . . Jacob got the good blessing, and even though Esau pleaded with his father to "bless me too!!!," Isaac didn't have much left to give.
Esau held a grudge and planned to kill Jacob after Isaac died. Rebekah warned Jacob to leave. Jacob left, but not without first promising to his parents he would not marry a Canaanite woman. Esau did the opposite to spite his father. Marry multiple women, including a Canaanite woman.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Genesis 25-26
Abraham got a new wife and she bore him lots of children. Abraham then died at the age of 175 having lived a long, full life. His son Ishmael went on to form a line of people who lived in hostility towards all their other brothers.
Isaac and Rebekah had twins (after Isaac prayed for Rebekah since she was barren). Esau was older, red, hairy, and loved to hunt (Isaac preferred him). Jacob was younger, quiet, liked to stay at home, and . . apparently, liked to cook?? (j/k . .he did make stew though).
One day Jacob essentially tricked Esau into giving up his birthright in exchange for some stew. Seems a bit ridiculous, but that's what happened. I guess Esau was hungry!
There was famine in the land and Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines. Isaac was afraid the Philistines would kill him since his wife was so beautiful, so guess what he tells them?
Where have we heard THAT one before? Of course when they see him caressing her they are SUPER mad! But God blesses Isaac abundantly, and for some reason the crops he planted grew and grew and grew. Abimelech got scared, told Isaac he was too powerful and asked him to leave.
Isaac moved to the Valley of Gerar, where they were able to find a well with water and live there.
Isaac and Rebekah had twins (after Isaac prayed for Rebekah since she was barren). Esau was older, red, hairy, and loved to hunt (Isaac preferred him). Jacob was younger, quiet, liked to stay at home, and . . apparently, liked to cook?? (j/k . .he did make stew though).
One day Jacob essentially tricked Esau into giving up his birthright in exchange for some stew. Seems a bit ridiculous, but that's what happened. I guess Esau was hungry!
There was famine in the land and Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines. Isaac was afraid the Philistines would kill him since his wife was so beautiful, so guess what he tells them?
She's my sister!
Where have we heard THAT one before? Of course when they see him caressing her they are SUPER mad! But God blesses Isaac abundantly, and for some reason the crops he planted grew and grew and grew. Abimelech got scared, told Isaac he was too powerful and asked him to leave.
Isaac moved to the Valley of Gerar, where they were able to find a well with water and live there.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Genesis 23-24
Abraham, who was well in his years, asked his servant to swear to Abraham that he would bring Isaac a Jewish wife ("my own relatives") and not a Canaanite (foreigner). The servant agreed.
While on his way Aram Naharaim (northwest Mesopotamia), he prayed to God that He would give a sign. He actually prayed pretty specifically, and asked God to show him who the girl was by letting them have a particular conversation.
"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."
Amazing, the exact thing happened immediately after he finished the prayer.
Rebekah came by and they had that exact conversation. The servant visited the family, and told them about his experience. At first, they wanted to keep Rebekah for 10 more days, but the servant insisted that they let her go right away. They asked her, and Rebekah agreed to go with the servant right away.
Rebekah married Isaac, who loved her and was comforted after his mother's death.
Job 41-42
God continues his diatribe, continually highlighting the vast difference between God and man, mostly with a set of rhetorical questions about what each has the power to do (e.g., how God has the power to tame all these crazy wild creatures while man cannot).
God told Job's three friends that He was angry with them because they did not speak rightly of God, unlike Job. However, he told them to burn some sacrifices and that Job would pray for them.
My Thoughts
I sometimes wonder whether I'm more like Job's friends than Job. Of course, I don't subscribe to the idea that if you're suffering you're necessarily sinning. Nevertheless, there were points in Job where I thought Job seemed a little too confident in the fact that he was totally upright, and I could see myself as a friend telling him that he should get off his high horse and submit to God, not unlike some of these friends.
Happily, God was gracious and was willing to forgive Job's friends despite the misunderstanding about God they had. At the end of the day, Job's friends were really trying to honor God - they were just misguided.
God told Job's three friends that He was angry with them because they did not speak rightly of God, unlike Job. However, he told them to burn some sacrifices and that Job would pray for them.
My Thoughts
I sometimes wonder whether I'm more like Job's friends than Job. Of course, I don't subscribe to the idea that if you're suffering you're necessarily sinning. Nevertheless, there were points in Job where I thought Job seemed a little too confident in the fact that he was totally upright, and I could see myself as a friend telling him that he should get off his high horse and submit to God, not unlike some of these friends.
Happily, God was gracious and was willing to forgive Job's friends despite the misunderstanding about God they had. At the end of the day, Job's friends were really trying to honor God - they were just misguided.