Why was there conflict between Esau and Jacob?
There were three conflicts between the two of them. First of all, they had distinct personalities. Jacob hung around the tents and often assisted the women. Esau was a “man’s man” hunting and leaving for many days at a time. But they also had a conflict as to who would have the best inheritance from their father. And this is complicated by the prophecy that their mother received—that the older—Esau— would serve the younger—Jacob. These conflicts all came to a head when their mother convinced Jacob to sneak off with the blessing their father wanted to give Esau.
How can twins be first or second born?
It all depends which one comes out of the womb first. Being a first born is such a big deal in the ancient world, it had to be determined, even if it’s only a minute apart.
What is the blessing?
The blessing the two boys were both clamoring to get is the blessing of Abraham, passed on from generation to generation. Isaac figured that since Abraham could only give the blessing to one of his sons, and not the others, then Isaac himself could only give the blessing to one of his two sons.
What is the birth right?
The birth right is different from the blessing. It is the extra inheritance that the first born son only receives. In many ancient societies, the first born son would receive twice as much inheritance as his brothers. So, for instance, if a man had three sons, his property and possessions would be split into four parts, and the first son would receive half of his property, the other sons only receiving a quarter. Esau traded half of his inheritance for a bowl of soup.
Why is Esau the bad guy?
This is a good question, because Jacob seems like the heel, here. He’s the one lying and tricking. But Scripture makes it clear that Esau wasn’t as honorable as Jacob, in that he didn’t have as much faith. Jacob would do anything to receive God’s fullness for his future. He would trick and deceive for it, true—and that was not good—but it was his desire for it that was honorable. Esau didn’t care that much. It didn’t matter to him if he received a part of God’s blessing or the whole thing. It didn’t matter if he got part of his inheritance or the whole thing. Jacob wanted all that God could give him, even if he had to suffer to get it.
What is so powerful about the Bethel?
Jacob made a deal with God that would be significant for the rest of his life. He wanted Yahweh to protect him in his journey, and if God did, then Jacob would return and have Yahweh as his only God. However, we will see what happens when Jacob decides to reject this agreement.
Showing posts with label Bible. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bible. Show all posts
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Isaac, Jacob and Esau-- Genesis 25-28
Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. Ephesians 4:25
See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. Hebrews 12:15-16
Yahweh promised Isaac the same promise he gave to Abraham—that he would have many descendants and would be a blessing to many nations. Abraham had many children, but the promise was only given to Isaac. When Isaac was forty, he married a woman named Rebecca who was from Abraham’s old country. In time, Abraham and Sarah died and Isaac mourned them and buried them properly. Isaac and Rebecca were married for many years, but still did not have children. Isaac prayed for his wife to Yahweh, and then she became pregnant. But the pregnancy was very difficult, and Rebecca was in agony. She cried out to Yahweh, “How can I live this way?” Yahweh replied to her, “The agony you have is because there are two children inside you and these two children are two nations. They are both powerful, but one is stronger than the other—the older will serve the younger.”
Over time, Rebecca was ready to give birth. The first child came out and he was red in color and was hairy, and so he was named Esau, which means “red”. The second came out right after the first, but his hand was holding onto the heel of the first and so he was called Jacob which means “grasper.” Esau, when he was grown, was a great hunter of wild beasts. Jacob, when he was grown was a quiet man, tending the flocks and staying by the tents. Isaac loved the wildness of Esau and his skill at hunting, and he felt that the promise of God should fall upon Esau, his oldest. Rebecca, though, remembered the word of God to her and paid close attention to Jacob, desiring to see him receive the blessing of God.
At one point, Esau went out to hunt, but had no luck. He returned home, without having eaten all day. Jacob was sitting at home, having made a pot of red lentil soup. Esau saw this and said, “Please, I am starving to death, give me some of your soup!” Jacob got a scheme in his mind and said, “Will you sell me your birth position for that soup? Let me be the firstborn, and I will give you some.” Esau replied, “What good is it that I am the firstborn if I die? Just give me something to eat!” So Esau sold part of his inheritance.
Over time, Isaac became blind due to age and felt that he was ready to die. So he called Esau to him and said, “Son, I am preparing to die. Go out, capture a wild animal and fix me my favorite meal. Then I will place upon you God’s blessing.” Esau immediately went out to obey his father. Rebecca heard Isaac and called Jacob to her. “Jacob, your father is about ready to give Esau the blessing. We must hurry!” Jacob said, “Why? If Esau is about to receive God’s blessing, there is nothing I can do about it.” Rebecca said, “Stop chattering and listen to me! I can fix your father’s favorite meal and you can serve it to him and so receive the blessing.” Jacob doubted her and said, “He will know who I am, of course! Esau has so much hair and I have little. How could I possibly fool him? And when he figures it out, he will not bless me, but curse me. ” Rebecca said, “We will put animal skins on your arms—don’t worry about it! It will all work out, I know. Now, go get me two goats.”
So Jacob slaughtered the goats and Rebecca made the food. Then they placed animal skins and Esau’s clothes on Jacob and he went in to his father. Jacob said, “My father, here I am.” Isaac couldn’t see, but he could hear the slight difference in his son’s voices, “Who are you, my son?” Jacob said, “I am Esau, your firstborn. Take your meal and bless me.” Isaac was confused and said, “Come close to me.” Isaac felt his arms and said, “Your voice sounds like Jacob’s, but your arms feel like Esau. Are you really Esau?” Jacob replied, “Yes, I am.”
Isaac ate the food and said, “Come and kiss me, my son.” Jacob kissed his father and Isaac smelled Esau’s clothes. Then Isaac said, “My son smells like the outer land which the Lord has blessed. May God bless you and grant you all the wealth of the land. May your brothers bow down to you and honor you as lord. May those who curse you be cursed and those who bless you be blessed. And may peoples and nations honor you.” Then Jacob quickly left.
Esau then came in his father’s tent and said, “Eat the food, father, and bless me.” Isaac was very confused now. “Who are you?” Esau said, “I am Esau, your son.” Isaac said, “Then who gave me food just now? I have blessed him, whoever it was and he shall surely be blessed.” Esau cried, “What are you saying father? Don’t you have a blessing for me, your firstborn?” Isaac replied, “Your brother took your blessing. There is no blessing left for you, my son. But listen, for you shall have the growth of the land and shall have many children. But your brother will rule over you.”
Esau left the tent in anger and hated his brother from that day on. He began to tell people, “As soon as my father dies, I will kill Jacob.” Rebecca heard him and went to Isaac. “Isaac,” she said, “It is time for Jacob to marry. But I don’t want him to marry one of the women around here. Send him to my home to find a girl there.” Isaac agreed and sent Jacob away, repeating to him the blessing of Abraham.
Jacob, out of fear of Esau, left immediately. His first night out, Jacob slept in front of a rock. That night he had a dream of the spirit world and dreamed that angels were walking up and down, to and from heaven at that place. From heaven, Jacob saw a vision of Yahweh in heaven saying, “I am Yahweh, the God of Abraham and Isaac. The land you sleep on shall be your children’s. You shall go from this land, but I will go with you and bless you. And I will bring you back to this land, for I will not leave you until I have given you what I promised.”
Jacob woke up immediately and said, “This place is a powerful place and I didn’t know it.” Jacob set the rock he was sleeping near upright and established it as an altar for Yahweh. Then Jacob made a deal with Yahweh, “Yahweh, if you keep me safe and bless me during my journey and bring me back safely, then I will make you my God and I will return here and worship you at this place.” So Jacob named this place “Bethel”, or “house of God,” and left on his journey.
See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. Hebrews 12:15-16
Yahweh promised Isaac the same promise he gave to Abraham—that he would have many descendants and would be a blessing to many nations. Abraham had many children, but the promise was only given to Isaac. When Isaac was forty, he married a woman named Rebecca who was from Abraham’s old country. In time, Abraham and Sarah died and Isaac mourned them and buried them properly. Isaac and Rebecca were married for many years, but still did not have children. Isaac prayed for his wife to Yahweh, and then she became pregnant. But the pregnancy was very difficult, and Rebecca was in agony. She cried out to Yahweh, “How can I live this way?” Yahweh replied to her, “The agony you have is because there are two children inside you and these two children are two nations. They are both powerful, but one is stronger than the other—the older will serve the younger.”
Over time, Rebecca was ready to give birth. The first child came out and he was red in color and was hairy, and so he was named Esau, which means “red”. The second came out right after the first, but his hand was holding onto the heel of the first and so he was called Jacob which means “grasper.” Esau, when he was grown, was a great hunter of wild beasts. Jacob, when he was grown was a quiet man, tending the flocks and staying by the tents. Isaac loved the wildness of Esau and his skill at hunting, and he felt that the promise of God should fall upon Esau, his oldest. Rebecca, though, remembered the word of God to her and paid close attention to Jacob, desiring to see him receive the blessing of God.
At one point, Esau went out to hunt, but had no luck. He returned home, without having eaten all day. Jacob was sitting at home, having made a pot of red lentil soup. Esau saw this and said, “Please, I am starving to death, give me some of your soup!” Jacob got a scheme in his mind and said, “Will you sell me your birth position for that soup? Let me be the firstborn, and I will give you some.” Esau replied, “What good is it that I am the firstborn if I die? Just give me something to eat!” So Esau sold part of his inheritance.
Over time, Isaac became blind due to age and felt that he was ready to die. So he called Esau to him and said, “Son, I am preparing to die. Go out, capture a wild animal and fix me my favorite meal. Then I will place upon you God’s blessing.” Esau immediately went out to obey his father. Rebecca heard Isaac and called Jacob to her. “Jacob, your father is about ready to give Esau the blessing. We must hurry!” Jacob said, “Why? If Esau is about to receive God’s blessing, there is nothing I can do about it.” Rebecca said, “Stop chattering and listen to me! I can fix your father’s favorite meal and you can serve it to him and so receive the blessing.” Jacob doubted her and said, “He will know who I am, of course! Esau has so much hair and I have little. How could I possibly fool him? And when he figures it out, he will not bless me, but curse me. ” Rebecca said, “We will put animal skins on your arms—don’t worry about it! It will all work out, I know. Now, go get me two goats.”
So Jacob slaughtered the goats and Rebecca made the food. Then they placed animal skins and Esau’s clothes on Jacob and he went in to his father. Jacob said, “My father, here I am.” Isaac couldn’t see, but he could hear the slight difference in his son’s voices, “Who are you, my son?” Jacob said, “I am Esau, your firstborn. Take your meal and bless me.” Isaac was confused and said, “Come close to me.” Isaac felt his arms and said, “Your voice sounds like Jacob’s, but your arms feel like Esau. Are you really Esau?” Jacob replied, “Yes, I am.”
Isaac ate the food and said, “Come and kiss me, my son.” Jacob kissed his father and Isaac smelled Esau’s clothes. Then Isaac said, “My son smells like the outer land which the Lord has blessed. May God bless you and grant you all the wealth of the land. May your brothers bow down to you and honor you as lord. May those who curse you be cursed and those who bless you be blessed. And may peoples and nations honor you.” Then Jacob quickly left.
Esau then came in his father’s tent and said, “Eat the food, father, and bless me.” Isaac was very confused now. “Who are you?” Esau said, “I am Esau, your son.” Isaac said, “Then who gave me food just now? I have blessed him, whoever it was and he shall surely be blessed.” Esau cried, “What are you saying father? Don’t you have a blessing for me, your firstborn?” Isaac replied, “Your brother took your blessing. There is no blessing left for you, my son. But listen, for you shall have the growth of the land and shall have many children. But your brother will rule over you.”
Esau left the tent in anger and hated his brother from that day on. He began to tell people, “As soon as my father dies, I will kill Jacob.” Rebecca heard him and went to Isaac. “Isaac,” she said, “It is time for Jacob to marry. But I don’t want him to marry one of the women around here. Send him to my home to find a girl there.” Isaac agreed and sent Jacob away, repeating to him the blessing of Abraham.
Jacob, out of fear of Esau, left immediately. His first night out, Jacob slept in front of a rock. That night he had a dream of the spirit world and dreamed that angels were walking up and down, to and from heaven at that place. From heaven, Jacob saw a vision of Yahweh in heaven saying, “I am Yahweh, the God of Abraham and Isaac. The land you sleep on shall be your children’s. You shall go from this land, but I will go with you and bless you. And I will bring you back to this land, for I will not leave you until I have given you what I promised.”
Jacob woke up immediately and said, “This place is a powerful place and I didn’t know it.” Jacob set the rock he was sleeping near upright and established it as an altar for Yahweh. Then Jacob made a deal with Yahweh, “Yahweh, if you keep me safe and bless me during my journey and bring me back safely, then I will make you my God and I will return here and worship you at this place.” So Jacob named this place “Bethel”, or “house of God,” and left on his journey.
Friday, December 05, 2008
Questions about Abraham and Isaac
Why was Isaac called “laughter”?
Isaac’s birth was something of a cosmic joke. Humor is often seeing something one might expect in one context in a context that you wouldn’t expect it. So the birth of a baby is wonderful and expected, but a birth to a ninety year old is unexpected and, frankly, funny. So everyone, when they heard of it, laughed at the absurdity of it. So they named him “laughter”—which is what Isaac means—so everyone could enjoy God’s cosmic joke.
Why did God tell Abraham to be rid of Hagar and Ishmael?
To send his slave and son into the desert with only a little food and water was against everything that Abraham stood for. But he did so because God himself said that He would protect them. If it weren’t for that promise, Abraham wouldn’t have done it. God told Abraham to do this, because He didn’t want there to be any question as to who would be in the inheritor of Abraham’s promise—it was only Isaac, no one else. Because only Isaac was the one whom God provided, so he could be the only real choice.
Why did God tell Abraham to kill his own son?
It says in the text that God was testing Abraham—he was seeing if Abraham truly loved God as much as he used to. God already knew the answer, but he was proving it to others, even as God proved to Satan that Job was truly righteous (see Job 1 and 2). It was important, for God was placing the entire salvation of the human race into Abraham’s hands. So God was occasionally testing his people to see where they stood with Him.
Why did God repeat Isaac’s name so often?
God repeated Isaac’s name for clarity, and also because what he was saying was so difficult. It is almost as if God was having a hard time making this request. God was expressing his own love for Isaac, even as he was talking about Abraham’s love for his son.
Does God approve of human sacrifice?
Absolutely not. God rejects human sacrifice again and again in the Scriptures, and condemns those who do it (Leviticus 18:21; Jeremiah 32:35; Exodus 13:13-15). Never has God approved of murder, and he has destroyed many civilizations who approve of it.
Isn’t it wrong for God to tempt Abraham to do evil?
This is kind of complicated. Even though it is wrong before God, there are occasions that God commands his people to do what is wrong before Him. And there are times that people do what is evil before God, but they are approved of despite it (See Judges 11). This is because people are so confused about what is right and wrong—even Abraham—that God often has to focus on people’s motivations rather than their actions. In other words, Abraham was willing to kill Isaac, because of his love of God. Others were willing to do other evil things, because of their care. In the same way, people today are willing to kill others in war, even though it is evil, but their motivations are pure. Does this make the action right? Not exactly. It means their motives are pure. But Jesus leads us not only to right motives, but right actions. He tells us exactly what God wants of us, while the rest of the Bible or humanity might be fuzzy or difficult to understand.
Did God tempt Abraham to evil? Not according to Abraham. And God didn’t allow him to do it anyway—he couldn’t allow his servant to do such evil. God knew that if Abraham loved him enough to obey him in this difficult thing, then he would obey in not doing the difficult thing. Morally, this is difficult to understand. But we must accept that God is pure and holy in all his ways, even if we don’t understand.
Why did Abraham agree to give up on what he was promised?
The book of Hebrews said that Abraham was willing because he believed that God would raise Isaac up from the dead (Heb. 11:19, above). Whatever the case, Abraham had waited 25 years for a son and he knew that God wouldn’t forsake his promise, no matter how difficult the circumstance looked. Abraham’s sacrifice is true, ultimate faith in God.
Isaac’s birth was something of a cosmic joke. Humor is often seeing something one might expect in one context in a context that you wouldn’t expect it. So the birth of a baby is wonderful and expected, but a birth to a ninety year old is unexpected and, frankly, funny. So everyone, when they heard of it, laughed at the absurdity of it. So they named him “laughter”—which is what Isaac means—so everyone could enjoy God’s cosmic joke.
Why did God tell Abraham to be rid of Hagar and Ishmael?
To send his slave and son into the desert with only a little food and water was against everything that Abraham stood for. But he did so because God himself said that He would protect them. If it weren’t for that promise, Abraham wouldn’t have done it. God told Abraham to do this, because He didn’t want there to be any question as to who would be in the inheritor of Abraham’s promise—it was only Isaac, no one else. Because only Isaac was the one whom God provided, so he could be the only real choice.
Why did God tell Abraham to kill his own son?
It says in the text that God was testing Abraham—he was seeing if Abraham truly loved God as much as he used to. God already knew the answer, but he was proving it to others, even as God proved to Satan that Job was truly righteous (see Job 1 and 2). It was important, for God was placing the entire salvation of the human race into Abraham’s hands. So God was occasionally testing his people to see where they stood with Him.
Why did God repeat Isaac’s name so often?
God repeated Isaac’s name for clarity, and also because what he was saying was so difficult. It is almost as if God was having a hard time making this request. God was expressing his own love for Isaac, even as he was talking about Abraham’s love for his son.
Does God approve of human sacrifice?
Absolutely not. God rejects human sacrifice again and again in the Scriptures, and condemns those who do it (Leviticus 18:21; Jeremiah 32:35; Exodus 13:13-15). Never has God approved of murder, and he has destroyed many civilizations who approve of it.
Isn’t it wrong for God to tempt Abraham to do evil?
This is kind of complicated. Even though it is wrong before God, there are occasions that God commands his people to do what is wrong before Him. And there are times that people do what is evil before God, but they are approved of despite it (See Judges 11). This is because people are so confused about what is right and wrong—even Abraham—that God often has to focus on people’s motivations rather than their actions. In other words, Abraham was willing to kill Isaac, because of his love of God. Others were willing to do other evil things, because of their care. In the same way, people today are willing to kill others in war, even though it is evil, but their motivations are pure. Does this make the action right? Not exactly. It means their motives are pure. But Jesus leads us not only to right motives, but right actions. He tells us exactly what God wants of us, while the rest of the Bible or humanity might be fuzzy or difficult to understand.
Did God tempt Abraham to evil? Not according to Abraham. And God didn’t allow him to do it anyway—he couldn’t allow his servant to do such evil. God knew that if Abraham loved him enough to obey him in this difficult thing, then he would obey in not doing the difficult thing. Morally, this is difficult to understand. But we must accept that God is pure and holy in all his ways, even if we don’t understand.
Why did Abraham agree to give up on what he was promised?
The book of Hebrews said that Abraham was willing because he believed that God would raise Isaac up from the dead (Heb. 11:19, above). Whatever the case, Abraham had waited 25 years for a son and he knew that God wouldn’t forsake his promise, no matter how difficult the circumstance looked. Abraham’s sacrifice is true, ultimate faith in God.
Questions on Abraham and Sodom
Is it Abram or Abraham?
Abram means “father of many”, while Abraham means “father of a multitude.” It’s not much of a change, but it is significant when you only have one kid. God changed Abram’s name to Abraham when he promised him that he would be the father of many nations. Abram always was called Abraham from that time on. And God also changed Sarai’s name to Sarah—from “princess” to “queen”.
How did Abraham treat God?
Abraham saw three strangers on the road—he didn’t know they were angels. But he treated them like kings, just because they were travelling by and they were clearly in need—they were in the middle of nowhere with no water or food on them. And so Abraham treated them with great honor and a lot of food, even though they didn’t look any more divine than you or I. And this is one of the reasons for Abraham’s reward—because he treated the poor with honor. For this reason, the book of Hebrews in the New Testament says, “Treat strangers with hospitality, for some have welcomed angels without them knowing.”
How could God look like a person?
The text says that God was walking down the road. Some say that it was Jesus, before he was born. But sometimes powerful angels can look like people and represent God. These three were angels, but they were also called “men” here.
How could Sarah have a baby?
Sarah was past menopause—and so it was physically impossible for her to have a baby. Modern skeptics scoff at this. But notice that Sarah (and, in a earlier chapter, Abraham) also scoffed at this idea. It is simply ridiculous to think that a post-menopause woman could have a child. But nothing is so ridiculous that God couldn’t do it.
Why did God destroy Sodom?
Sodom was evil, of that there was no doubt. Part of that evil was homosexuality, as the book of Jude in the New Testament speaks to. But most of the Bible says that the sin of Sodom was oppression of the poor. They would take strangers, who are helpless, and they would rape them and kill them. In this way, they wouldn’t have immigrants coming to their city. This was evil, and many of those oppressed prayed to God and asked for justice. Thus, God was sending two angels to see if this outcry was true, and if so, Sodom would be destroyed.
Why did Abraham defend Sodom?
Abraham defended Sodom partly because Lot lived there. Abraham assumed that Lot wasn’t taken up in Sodom’s sin, and he hated to see Lot destroyed with all these evil people. Then Abraham also thought that there might be more than just one righteous person. In a city the size of Sodom’s (perhaps a thousand), couldn’t there be many good people? So Abraham wanted to see if God would destroy the righteous with the wicked. Of course, God wouldn’t. But God was still determined to destroy Sodom for it’s wickedness, so he pulled the righteous people out.
Why did Sodom do these evil deeds?
Because Sodom was afraid of immigrants, even as Egypt would be in later years. Immigrants brought in new ideas and new languages. They were sometimes thieves and they presented danger. So Sodom was just protecting itself by raping and killing the stranger. Fear often causes people to do the most evil deeds.
Abram means “father of many”, while Abraham means “father of a multitude.” It’s not much of a change, but it is significant when you only have one kid. God changed Abram’s name to Abraham when he promised him that he would be the father of many nations. Abram always was called Abraham from that time on. And God also changed Sarai’s name to Sarah—from “princess” to “queen”.
How did Abraham treat God?
Abraham saw three strangers on the road—he didn’t know they were angels. But he treated them like kings, just because they were travelling by and they were clearly in need—they were in the middle of nowhere with no water or food on them. And so Abraham treated them with great honor and a lot of food, even though they didn’t look any more divine than you or I. And this is one of the reasons for Abraham’s reward—because he treated the poor with honor. For this reason, the book of Hebrews in the New Testament says, “Treat strangers with hospitality, for some have welcomed angels without them knowing.”
How could God look like a person?
The text says that God was walking down the road. Some say that it was Jesus, before he was born. But sometimes powerful angels can look like people and represent God. These three were angels, but they were also called “men” here.
How could Sarah have a baby?
Sarah was past menopause—and so it was physically impossible for her to have a baby. Modern skeptics scoff at this. But notice that Sarah (and, in a earlier chapter, Abraham) also scoffed at this idea. It is simply ridiculous to think that a post-menopause woman could have a child. But nothing is so ridiculous that God couldn’t do it.
Why did God destroy Sodom?
Sodom was evil, of that there was no doubt. Part of that evil was homosexuality, as the book of Jude in the New Testament speaks to. But most of the Bible says that the sin of Sodom was oppression of the poor. They would take strangers, who are helpless, and they would rape them and kill them. In this way, they wouldn’t have immigrants coming to their city. This was evil, and many of those oppressed prayed to God and asked for justice. Thus, God was sending two angels to see if this outcry was true, and if so, Sodom would be destroyed.
Why did Abraham defend Sodom?
Abraham defended Sodom partly because Lot lived there. Abraham assumed that Lot wasn’t taken up in Sodom’s sin, and he hated to see Lot destroyed with all these evil people. Then Abraham also thought that there might be more than just one righteous person. In a city the size of Sodom’s (perhaps a thousand), couldn’t there be many good people? So Abraham wanted to see if God would destroy the righteous with the wicked. Of course, God wouldn’t. But God was still determined to destroy Sodom for it’s wickedness, so he pulled the righteous people out.
Why did Sodom do these evil deeds?
Because Sodom was afraid of immigrants, even as Egypt would be in later years. Immigrants brought in new ideas and new languages. They were sometimes thieves and they presented danger. So Sodom was just protecting itself by raping and killing the stranger. Fear often causes people to do the most evil deeds.
Abraham, Lot and Sodom
Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had arrogance, abundant food and careless ease, but she did not help the poor and needy. Thus they were haughty and committed abominations before Me. Therefore I removed them when I saw it. Ezekiel 36:49-50
It was the same as happened in the days of Lot: they were eating, they were drinking, they were buying, they were selling, they were planting, they were building; but on the day that Lot went out from Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. It will be just the same on the day that the Son of Man is revealed. Remember Lot's wife. Whoever seeks to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. Luke 17:28-33
Abram and his wife Sarai had waited 24 years to have a son, which is what God promised them. Now Abram was 99 and Sarah was 90. It was not possible for them to have children. But God promised, and so Abram believed, year after year. But sometimes he doubted in his heart that he would truly have a son.
One day Abram sat in front of his tent, as he often did, in order to solve problems that came up, as they often did. Far off, in the distance, Abram saw strangers travelling down the road. They had few provisions, Abram could see—almost no food and water. They must be hungry and tired from their travels, Abram thought. They need some help. So Abram ran to the three strangers and bowed to the ground in front of them. “Sirs” Abram said, his face almost touching the ground, “please would you come to my little place over here and could I offer you some bread and water.” The travelers were impressed by this humble display of hospitality, so they accepted. Abram got up, walked with them to his tent and then told Sarai, “Sarai, please make up a steak dinner for these gentlemen—as much as they please, holding nothing back!”
When this feast was presented, the men were very impressed with Abram’s gracious hospitality, and determined to reward him. The center man looked at Abram and said, “This time next year your wife will give birth to a son.” At this Sarai laughed within herself, thinking, “How can a ninety year old woman give birth to a child?” Abram, though looked at the man and said, “Who are you?” The man replied, “I am Yahweh, your God. So, why did Sarai laugh? Is anything too hard for God?” Sarah replied, “I did not laugh.” And Yahweh said back to Sarai, “Yes, you did. But know this: Sarai will have a child next year, according to my word. And you, Abram, are not to be called ‘father’, but Abraham, ‘father of multitudes.’ And Sarai shall not be called ‘little princess’, but Sarah, ‘princess’ for she shall be the mother of kings.”
Then Yahweh sent the two angels who had traveled with him away to Sodom, to destroy it. Yahweh spoke before Abraham, “Shall I tell Abraham what I am about to do? He is the teacher of my people, to lead them into doing right—should I tell him?” Abraham waited patiently until Yahweh spoke again, “Abraham, I have heard the cry of the poor against Sodom. It is prayed to me that Sodom is wicked and oppresses the poor and the stranger. I have sent my servants to Sodom. If it is true, I will destroy that city and no one will survive.”
Abraham was nervous, but spoke before Yahweh. “Lord, but what of the righteous that live there in Sodom? Should they be destroyed with the wicked? You are just, surely you will not do such a thing. What if fifty righteous people lived in Sodom—would you destroy it then?” Yahweh replied, “No, I will not destroy it then.” Abraham spoke again, “Forgive me Lord, but I must speak. What if there were only ten righteous people in Sodom? Would you destroy it then?” Yahweh replied, “No, I will not destroy it then.” And Yahweh left Abraham.
The messengers of Yahweh walked into Sodom later that evening. Abraham’s nephew, Lot, was waiting by the gate of the city and saw the angels. Thinking they were men, Lot hurriedly invited them to his house. “No,” said the messengers of Yahweh, “we will sleep in the middle of the town. That should be fine, shouldn’t it?” Lot implored them, “Please, sirs. Please stay at my house. It is safer, much safer. Who knows who will attack you at night?” The messengers allowed themselves to be persuaded by Lot. Lot brought them home and offered them dinner.
Just as they were beginning to eat, a knock came on the door. Lot opened the door and saw all of the men of Sodom outside the door with weapons. “Lot,” they said, “we know that you have those two strangers in your house. Be a good man, Lot and let us have them.” Lot replied, “What would you do with them?” The men smiled. “Nothing much. We will just have sex with them all night. They might die, they might not. But they’ll never come back, that’s for sure.” Lot said, “These men are under my protection—I will not allow you to have them.” “All right” said the men, “then we’ll come in and get them. And you will feel yourself, Lot, how we treat strangers here.”
At this time, one of the angels held his hand out the door and a great flash of light blinded all the men. The angels turned to Lot at this time and said, “You need to get out of this town right now. Yahweh has marked this place for destruction. Get out and take all of your family.” Lot went to his family—two daughters, two sons-in-law, and his wife—and told them that they needed to leave immediately. His sons-in-law thought he was joking and went back to sleep. Lot hesitated, saying “Aren’t there others I should take? Shouldn’t I pack? I’m not ready…” The angels grabbed Lot with his wife and daughters and forced them out of the city. “Get out!” they cried. “Don’t stop! And whatever you do, don’t go back, don’t even look back—Sodom will be destroyed in a moment!”
So Lot left Sodom and didn’t look back. Lot’s wife, however, did look back, for she didn’t want to leave her friends and the good life in Sodom. As she turned back, she was turned to a pillar of salt. Lot, however, lived in the wilderness with his daughters for many years. Immediately after the disaster, Lot and his daughters thought the whole world was destroyed. So Lot’s daughters got their father drunk and had sex with him. They each had children who became nations—Ammon and Moab— in later years.
It was the same as happened in the days of Lot: they were eating, they were drinking, they were buying, they were selling, they were planting, they were building; but on the day that Lot went out from Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. It will be just the same on the day that the Son of Man is revealed. Remember Lot's wife. Whoever seeks to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. Luke 17:28-33
Abram and his wife Sarai had waited 24 years to have a son, which is what God promised them. Now Abram was 99 and Sarah was 90. It was not possible for them to have children. But God promised, and so Abram believed, year after year. But sometimes he doubted in his heart that he would truly have a son.
One day Abram sat in front of his tent, as he often did, in order to solve problems that came up, as they often did. Far off, in the distance, Abram saw strangers travelling down the road. They had few provisions, Abram could see—almost no food and water. They must be hungry and tired from their travels, Abram thought. They need some help. So Abram ran to the three strangers and bowed to the ground in front of them. “Sirs” Abram said, his face almost touching the ground, “please would you come to my little place over here and could I offer you some bread and water.” The travelers were impressed by this humble display of hospitality, so they accepted. Abram got up, walked with them to his tent and then told Sarai, “Sarai, please make up a steak dinner for these gentlemen—as much as they please, holding nothing back!”
When this feast was presented, the men were very impressed with Abram’s gracious hospitality, and determined to reward him. The center man looked at Abram and said, “This time next year your wife will give birth to a son.” At this Sarai laughed within herself, thinking, “How can a ninety year old woman give birth to a child?” Abram, though looked at the man and said, “Who are you?” The man replied, “I am Yahweh, your God. So, why did Sarai laugh? Is anything too hard for God?” Sarah replied, “I did not laugh.” And Yahweh said back to Sarai, “Yes, you did. But know this: Sarai will have a child next year, according to my word. And you, Abram, are not to be called ‘father’, but Abraham, ‘father of multitudes.’ And Sarai shall not be called ‘little princess’, but Sarah, ‘princess’ for she shall be the mother of kings.”
Then Yahweh sent the two angels who had traveled with him away to Sodom, to destroy it. Yahweh spoke before Abraham, “Shall I tell Abraham what I am about to do? He is the teacher of my people, to lead them into doing right—should I tell him?” Abraham waited patiently until Yahweh spoke again, “Abraham, I have heard the cry of the poor against Sodom. It is prayed to me that Sodom is wicked and oppresses the poor and the stranger. I have sent my servants to Sodom. If it is true, I will destroy that city and no one will survive.”
Abraham was nervous, but spoke before Yahweh. “Lord, but what of the righteous that live there in Sodom? Should they be destroyed with the wicked? You are just, surely you will not do such a thing. What if fifty righteous people lived in Sodom—would you destroy it then?” Yahweh replied, “No, I will not destroy it then.” Abraham spoke again, “Forgive me Lord, but I must speak. What if there were only ten righteous people in Sodom? Would you destroy it then?” Yahweh replied, “No, I will not destroy it then.” And Yahweh left Abraham.
The messengers of Yahweh walked into Sodom later that evening. Abraham’s nephew, Lot, was waiting by the gate of the city and saw the angels. Thinking they were men, Lot hurriedly invited them to his house. “No,” said the messengers of Yahweh, “we will sleep in the middle of the town. That should be fine, shouldn’t it?” Lot implored them, “Please, sirs. Please stay at my house. It is safer, much safer. Who knows who will attack you at night?” The messengers allowed themselves to be persuaded by Lot. Lot brought them home and offered them dinner.
Just as they were beginning to eat, a knock came on the door. Lot opened the door and saw all of the men of Sodom outside the door with weapons. “Lot,” they said, “we know that you have those two strangers in your house. Be a good man, Lot and let us have them.” Lot replied, “What would you do with them?” The men smiled. “Nothing much. We will just have sex with them all night. They might die, they might not. But they’ll never come back, that’s for sure.” Lot said, “These men are under my protection—I will not allow you to have them.” “All right” said the men, “then we’ll come in and get them. And you will feel yourself, Lot, how we treat strangers here.”
At this time, one of the angels held his hand out the door and a great flash of light blinded all the men. The angels turned to Lot at this time and said, “You need to get out of this town right now. Yahweh has marked this place for destruction. Get out and take all of your family.” Lot went to his family—two daughters, two sons-in-law, and his wife—and told them that they needed to leave immediately. His sons-in-law thought he was joking and went back to sleep. Lot hesitated, saying “Aren’t there others I should take? Shouldn’t I pack? I’m not ready…” The angels grabbed Lot with his wife and daughters and forced them out of the city. “Get out!” they cried. “Don’t stop! And whatever you do, don’t go back, don’t even look back—Sodom will be destroyed in a moment!”
So Lot left Sodom and didn’t look back. Lot’s wife, however, did look back, for she didn’t want to leave her friends and the good life in Sodom. As she turned back, she was turned to a pillar of salt. Lot, however, lived in the wilderness with his daughters for many years. Immediately after the disaster, Lot and his daughters thought the whole world was destroyed. So Lot’s daughters got their father drunk and had sex with him. They each had children who became nations—Ammon and Moab— in later years.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
A Guide to Reading the Old Testament
A sh**ton of screwed up people listening to God
Genesis
Beginnings—Latin. Beginnings of humanity and the people of God— Adam through Joseph.
When you ask people if they've read the Bible, this is actually the part they read. Well, at least a few chapters.
Exodus
Going out—Greek. The deliverance of God’s people from slavery in Egypt, the first commands and the building of the Tabernacle.
Great story... until you get past the ten commandments. The second half of the book is all laws and a detailed description of the tabernacle. Really? Really?
Leviticus
Book of the Levites—Latin. Commands of the temple cult: sacrifices, priests, basic laws for all ethnic groups in God’s people.
It begins with butchering animals. It's only downhill from there. Wait till you get to chapter 18.
Numbers
Census—English. Stories of the wanderings of the children of Israel in the wilderness for 40 years and sundry laws.
Look, just skip the counting of the tribes, unless you like reading lists of names that mean nothing to you. The good stuff begins at chapter 11. Start there.
Deuteronomy
Second law—Greek. The lectures of Moses to the children of Israel before they entered the promised land.
Moses whines like a old guy at McDonalds.
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| Moses in the book of Deuteronomy |
Joshua
Yahweh is salvation—Hebrew. Stories of the conquering of the promised land.
Gotta just love that genocide.
Judges
God’s chosen leaders—English. Stories of the rebellion of God’s people and God’s salvation of his people through heroes.
I can't wait until someone does a movie on this book. NC-17 for sure.
Ruth
Friend—Hebrew. A story woman’s obstinate choice of Israel and Yahweh, an ancestor of David.
You really want to win your man? Sleep with him. He'll get the hint.
I Samuel
Listen to God—Hebrew. Stories of God’s choices of Samuel, Saul and David to lead his people, to the death of Saul.
This book wants to be treated like it's own thing. But it's really just the first half of the book of Samuel-- who dies a quarter through this book! Who is naming these books, anyway?
II Samuel
Listen to God—Hebrew. Stories of the reign of David over God’s people.
David was awesome in the first half of the story-- you know, I Samuel. Now he screws up. Don't you love happy endings?
I Kings
English. Stories of God’s call to his kings over his people, from Solomon to Elijah and the death of Ahab.
It's a bunch of sucky leaders until Elijah. Elijah is the best, though. He even gets suicidal. Elijah rocks.
II Kings
English. Stories of God’s call to his kings over his people, from the death of Elijah to the exile of Judah.
Elisha, the sequel to Elijah. You know he won't be as good.
I Chronicles
English. A summary of God’s history, from Adam and focusing on the rule of David.
Wait.... Eleven chapters of names and then a story we already read? What is this book even doing here?
II Chronicles
English. A summary of God’s history, from the death of David to the end of Judah’s exile.
This book seems really familiar... oh yeah! We already read it in Kings.
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| "Have you heard of this before?" "Seems familiar" |
Ezra
Helper—Hebrew. Stories of the return from exile: rebuilding of the temple and the re-establishment of the Law.
Nothing like a Bible scholar to break up marriages.
Nehemiah
Sorrow of Yahweh—Hebrew. Stories of the Emperor’s cup-bearer building the walls of Jerusalem through turmoil.
The emperor's right hand man goes to his hometown to take over.
Esther
Star—Persian. The story of the salvation of the Jews in exile.
She sleeps to the top and then topples a corrupt government. Gotta love Jewish heroines.
Job
Enemy—Hebrew. An epic poem of a man in severe trial learning to trust in God’s justice.
The most depressed man in the Bible arguing with his stupid friends in Shakespearian.
Psalms
Songs of praise—Greek. Songs to God.
Wow, that's long. I mean, really long. Do we have to read it all? Like reading the lyrics of Dylan.
I've only got thirty years to go...
Proverbs
English. Wise epigrams, mostly by Solomon.
I think Solomon would be wiser with a few guitar riffs thrown in there.
Ecclesiastes
Sermons—Latin. Essays of wisdom, on the worthlessness of the world and of confidence in God.
Whenever I start feeling hopeful or happy about the state of the world, I go here. Straightens me out immediately. Like, by the first word.
Song of Solomon
or, Song of Songs—English. A love poem.
The Bible to watch porn by.
Isaiah
Yahweh will deliver—Hebrew. Prophecies, sermons and stories about the salvation of God, in two parts: a. God’s salvation during the time of Hezekiah (ch 1-39). B. God’s salvation after the time of exile (ch. 40-66)
Hey, I think I know a few of these! I really got a Handel on Isaiah!
Jeremiah
Yahweh is on high—Hebrew. Prophecies and sermons and stories about God’s judgement of God’s people during the war and fall of Jerusalem and the restoration of God’s people.
Gotta appreciate a guy who stands face to face with God and says, "You're just wrong."
Lamentations
Statements of lament—English. Jeremiah’s poems of sorrow at the fall of Jerusalem.
Okay, so you lost your hometown. Saw it burn in front of you. Watched women eat babies. First world problems.
Ezekiel
God is strong—Hebrew. Visions of a wild prophet among the captives of Babylon during the siege of Jerusalem.
Whatever this guy is on, give me some so I can throw it in the toilet.
Daniel
God is my judge—Hebrew. Stories and visions of faith and the judgment of the nations by Daniel, a man in exile.
Chapters 1-6:Whoa, some really excellent stories.
Chapters 7-12: WTF?????
Hosea
Deliverance—Hebrew. Prophecies about God’s betrayal by his wife, Israel, and his plans to restore her.
And I thought Ezekiel had it bad. God is never naming my kids.
Joel
Yahweh is his God—Hebrew. Prophecies about the events of the Day of the Lord.
General gloom and doom. Just another day for a prophet.
Amos
A burden—Hebrew. Prophecies about injustice in the land of Judah.
Gotta appreciate a guy who stands before a king, talks about how all the enemy nations suck-- "But you know what? You suck worse and let me tell you how."
Obadiah
Servant of Yahweh—Hebrew. A prophecy about God’s judgment of Edom.
I love this book. It's shorter than Danny DeVito.
Jonah
Dove—Hebrew. A story about a prophet rebelling against the mercy of God against evil nations.
The only minor prophet anyone really reads.
Micah
Who is like Yahweh?—Hebrew. Prophecies about the salvation of God.
The cliff notes of Isaiah.
Nahum
Consolation—Hebrew. A prophecy about the judgment of Nineveh.
Another book about Nineveh? I'm never visiting that town. All punishment and repentance.
Habakkuk
Embrace—Hebrew. Prophecies and a poem about the judgment of Israel and the judgment of Babylon and the faith of the prophet.
"God, your people suck!" "Yeah, well, I'm going to punish them with Babylon." "God, wait! Babylon sucks worse!"
Zephaniah
Yahweh of darkness—Hebrew. Prophecies about the judgment of God on Judah for idolatry.
I know I read this book, like, five times, but I can't remember a thing about it.
 |
| I'm afflicted with CRS: Can't Remember Sh** |
Haggai
Festive—Hebrew. Prophecies about the rebuilding the temple after exile.
Haggai, you're boring. Just dull. Please, talk to your friend Zechariah. He'll give you a few tips.
Zechariah
Yahweh is remembered—Hebrew. Prophecies and visions of the present and future after the return from exile.
Zechariah, you are effed up in the head. You need to chill. Take a few tips from Haggai.
Malachi
Messenger—Hebrew. Prophecies about the restoration of God’s justice through the Law.
A prophet who actually makes sense and says it like it is! No poetry, no mysticism, just "I hate divorce! Where's my money!" I get it.
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