Thursday, June 3, 2010
Deuteronomy 13
A harsh chapter indeed! If any try to lead you astray by encouraging and/or inviting you to worship other gods, either through prophecy fulfilled, or miraculous signs and wonders, they should be put to death. It does not matter if they are a stranger, your own child or the wife you love. They must be put to death by stoning or the sword. God tests us in this way not so that he can learn but so that we can learn ourselves if we truly love God with all our heart, mind and soul. God already knows. If one of the towns God gave the Israelites has wicked men in it leading people astray the entire town, everyone and everything, must be utterly destroyed.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Deuteronomy 12
This seems a pretty clear directive NOT to adopt or adapt our worship of the One True God to be like that of worship of any other god.
I have felt convicted in the past about the pagan holidays and traditions the church took over and renamed as Christian celebrations. I f like this passage tells us we should not do this.
I'm not sure what this means for me personally. Do I need to research the traditions I participate in at holidays and stop any that were adopted and/or adapted from pagan rituals?
I have felt convicted in the past about the pagan holidays and traditions the church took over and renamed as Christian celebrations. I f like this passage tells us we should not do this.
I'm not sure what this means for me personally. Do I need to research the traditions I participate in at holidays and stop any that were adopted and/or adapted from pagan rituals?
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Deuteronomy 11
An exhortation to love the Lord your God and keep to His ways. Remember His commands and teach them to your children. Talk about them in daily conversation so that you may remember and live by them.
Verses 19-21 sum this chapter up for me as to what we are to do.
"Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many ..."
Verses 19-21 sum this chapter up for me as to what we are to do.
"Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many ..."
Deuteronomy 10
There is so much that I love in this chapter here are some of my most favorite verses.
From verse 12: to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
From verse 13: observe the Lord's commands decrees ... for your own good.
From verse 14: To the Lord your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it.
From verse 16: Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff necked any longer.
From verse 17: For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes.
From verse 20: Fear the Lord your God and serve him. Hold fast to him and take your oaths in his name.
So much good stuff ... well, it's obviously all good ... you know what I mean.
From verse 12: to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
From verse 13: observe the Lord's commands decrees ... for your own good.
From verse 14: To the Lord your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it.
From verse 16: Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff necked any longer.
From verse 17: For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes.
From verse 20: Fear the Lord your God and serve him. Hold fast to him and take your oaths in his name.
So much good stuff ... well, it's obviously all good ... you know what I mean.
Deuteronomy 9
Moses gives Israel a warning and reminder that they will conquer nations much greater and stronger than themselves. God will subdue these nations and drive them out not because Israel is righteous, Israel is actually a nation of stubborn and strong-willed people. These nations will be destroyed because of their wickedness and so God can fulfill His promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Moses then recounts some of the major instances of Israel's rebellion against God, including the episode with the golden calf while Moses was on the mountain getting the original stone tablets from God.
Moses then recounts some of the major instances of Israel's rebellion against God, including the episode with the golden calf while Moses was on the mountain getting the original stone tablets from God.
Deuteronomy 8
Manna from heaven was an obvious miracle. When do you think they started to notice that their clothes never wore out or that their feet were never swollen from all the walking they did. We're talking about 40 years here. An entire generation wore out and passed away but the clothing did not. I always remember the manna miracle but I don't remember ever thinking about the clothing or feet. Amazing!
When everything is going great and you can eat until fully satisfied do not credit yourself for ability to prosper. Never forget that the Lord your God rovided everything for you, including your ability to prosper.
If you forget the Lord and all the blessings He has given you and begin to worship other things or even yourself, you will surely be destroyed.
When everything is going great and you can eat until fully satisfied do not credit yourself for ability to prosper. Never forget that the Lord your God rovided everything for you, including your ability to prosper.
If you forget the Lord and all the blessings He has given you and begin to worship other things or even yourself, you will surely be destroyed.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Deuteronomy 7
The Israelites were to have no mercy for those the Lord gave over to them. No treaties, no intermarrying, etc. Destroy the trappings of their false worship.
God would bless them more than other people and keep them free of disease and barrenness if they paid attention to His laws and took care to follow them. Deuteronomy 7:15 says that they would not be inflicted with the horrible diseases they knew in Egypt. I'm unsure if this refers to horrible diseases they saw in Egypt or experienced personally in Egypt.
God would bless them more than other people and keep them free of disease and barrenness if they paid attention to His laws and took care to follow them. Deuteronomy 7:15 says that they would not be inflicted with the horrible diseases they knew in Egypt. I'm unsure if this refers to horrible diseases they saw in Egypt or experienced personally in Egypt.
Deuteronomy 6
"Fear the Lord you God by keeping all his decrees and commands" from Deuteronomy 6:2 NIV. I'm not sure I understand how this works. Fear God by doing what He says? Is that the same as doing what God says because you fear Him?
I'd like to come back to this and do more research.
Obey God and it will go well with you.
Another future research opportunity from 6:4 "The Lord our God, the Lord is one."
One of my favoirte scriptures ... "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your strength." Deuteronomy 6:5 NIV. It is a great reminder of how much we are to give to God of ourselves and what it is okay to hold back from Him. I don't need to keep anything from Him. Everything I have is really His. Anything I want to hold onto and keep for myself, whetehr good or bad, can be handled better by Almighty God than my me. I know ... "Duh!" right. So why do I try to do some things on my own without asking God what He thinks would be best. So much less stress in decision making when I remember to pray and ask for clear guidance.
Do whatever it takes to remember what God has told us. Talk about it consistently and frequently. Was that redundant? I think it was.
When times are easy and your life is overflowing with blessings don't forget who it was that blessed you.
Fear the one and only true God. Do not be led astray by any other so called gods.
"Do what is right and good in the Lord's sight, so that it may go well with you." Deuteronomy 6:18 NIV. Notice it is referring to the Lord's sight ... not what is right and good in our own sight.
When your children ask why do we have to live this way, different from the rest of the world tell them because Jesus, Almighty God, brought us out of slavery to sin and darkness.
If we obey the Lord, that will be our righteousness.
I'd like to come back to this and do more research.
Obey God and it will go well with you.
Another future research opportunity from 6:4 "The Lord our God, the Lord is one."
One of my favoirte scriptures ... "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your strength." Deuteronomy 6:5 NIV. It is a great reminder of how much we are to give to God of ourselves and what it is okay to hold back from Him. I don't need to keep anything from Him. Everything I have is really His. Anything I want to hold onto and keep for myself, whetehr good or bad, can be handled better by Almighty God than my me. I know ... "Duh!" right. So why do I try to do some things on my own without asking God what He thinks would be best. So much less stress in decision making when I remember to pray and ask for clear guidance.
Do whatever it takes to remember what God has told us. Talk about it consistently and frequently. Was that redundant? I think it was.
When times are easy and your life is overflowing with blessings don't forget who it was that blessed you.
Fear the one and only true God. Do not be led astray by any other so called gods.
"Do what is right and good in the Lord's sight, so that it may go well with you." Deuteronomy 6:18 NIV. Notice it is referring to the Lord's sight ... not what is right and good in our own sight.
When your children ask why do we have to live this way, different from the rest of the world tell them because Jesus, Almighty God, brought us out of slavery to sin and darkness.
If we obey the Lord, that will be our righteousness.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Deuteronomy 5:12-33
The seventh day should be used for rest. We are commanded by God to rest. Why does this seem to be the hardest commandment to follow? We no longer seem to know how to rest. Even our vacations and days off are filled with work and effort.
Honor your parents so you will live long and things will go well for you. The strife alone that comes from not honoring your parents could easily shorten your life and lessen the quality simply through the stress it brings, even if you try to bury.
Murder, adultery, stealing, lying. On the surface these seem like the easy ones. They may be harder than we think. (I felt a whole lot more research coming on at this point but I also have a calling God gave me and she was calling me to feed her breakfast.) Perhaps I will come back to this and post at a later date.
Coveting: another one that is hard ... at least for me. One of my favorite time wasters is windermere.com looking at all the houses I will not be moving to and dreaming how nice life would be there. What is so bad about my life that I "need" this escape? Would not my home, my family and even my soul be in better shape if I spent less time dreaming about what I don't have and spent more time taking care of and appreciating all He has given me? He has given me so much! My life is truly full of so many blessings. God is great!
Honor your parents so you will live long and things will go well for you. The strife alone that comes from not honoring your parents could easily shorten your life and lessen the quality simply through the stress it brings, even if you try to bury.
Murder, adultery, stealing, lying. On the surface these seem like the easy ones. They may be harder than we think. (I felt a whole lot more research coming on at this point but I also have a calling God gave me and she was calling me to feed her breakfast.) Perhaps I will come back to this and post at a later date.
Coveting: another one that is hard ... at least for me. One of my favorite time wasters is windermere.com looking at all the houses I will not be moving to and dreaming how nice life would be there. What is so bad about my life that I "need" this escape? Would not my home, my family and even my soul be in better shape if I spent less time dreaming about what I don't have and spent more time taking care of and appreciating all He has given me? He has given me so much! My life is truly full of so many blessings. God is great!
Deuteronomy 5:11
Deuteronomy 5:11b (New International Version)
for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.
Deuteronomy 5:11b (New American Standard Bible)
for the LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain.לֹאStrong's H3808 - lo' 1) not, no: A) not (with verb - absolute prohibition), B) not (with modifier - negation),C) nothing (subst), D) without (with particle), E) before (of time)
נָקָהStrong's H5352 - naqah 1) to be empty, be clear, be pure, be free, be innocent, be desolate, be cut off: A) (Qal) to be empty, be clean, be pure, B) (Niphal)-a) to be cleaned out, be purged out -b) to be clean, be free from guilt, be innocent -c) to be free, be exempt from punishment -d) to be free, be exempt from obligation, C) (Piel) -a) to hold innocent, acquit -b) to leave unpunished
יְהֹוָה Strong's H3068 - Yĕhovah Jehovah = "the existing One" -- 1) the proper name of the one true God
נָשָׂא Strong's H5375 - nasa' 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take, A) (Qal) -a) to lift, lift up -b) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure -c) to take, take away, carry off, forgive, B) (Niphal) -a) to be lifted up, be exalted -b) to lift oneself up, rise up -c) to be borne, be carried -d) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away, C) (Piel) -a) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist -b) to desire, long (fig.) -c) to carry, bear continuously -d) to take, take away, D) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself, E) (Hiphil) -a) to cause one to bear (iniquity) -b) to cause to bring, have brought
אֲשֶׁר Strong's H834 - 'asher 1) (relative part.) A) which, who, B) that which ** 2) (conj) A) that (in obj clause), b) when, c) since, d) as, e) conditional if
שֵׁם Strong's H8034 - shem 1) name A) name, B) reputation, fame, glory, C) the Name (as designation of God), D) memorial, monument
שָׁוְא Strong's H7723 - shav' 1) emptiness, vanity, falsehood A) emptiness, nothingness, vanity, B) emptiness of speech, lying, C) worthlessness (of conduct)
My word-for-word translation: not - to be clear, free, innocent - Jehovah - to lift, take - who - name - emptiness, vanity
My conversational translation: Jehovah will not free those who use His name with empty meaning.
Not sure why I felt the need to research this one verse so thoroughly. I put it into my own translations just to clarify in my own head what it means to me. It seems to indicate serious consequences if we are not using His name with the honor and respect He deserves. Every time we use a name of God it should be done so with reverence, never lightly tossed about.
Deuteronomy 5:5-10
God punishes three to four generations of those who hate him. He shows His love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments. This really strikes me as an example of how loving our God is ... punishes for three or four generations but loves for a thousand generations. It also makes me wish I knew more about my past generations.
My Native Alaskan great-great grandfather had the "white man" name of Charlie Moses. Was this name chosen by him or for him? Was he the leader of his tribe (I have a vague memory of being told he was), making the Moses part more meaningful?
My grandmother, Alpha, watched the Crystal Cathedral and her whole life seemed to show God's love flowing through her.
My great-grandmother, Lucy , had a beautiful compact bible covered in purple velvet with a decorative cross on the front and translated to German. There was a lock of red baby hair in it, but I don't know whose it was. My mother remembers having to put a doily on her head at church if she didn't have a hat. I believe that was while she was staying with Grandma Lucy.
That is about the extent of my knowledge regarding the beliefs of past generations. Basically nothing.
That was quite a tangent.
My Native Alaskan great-great grandfather had the "white man" name of Charlie Moses. Was this name chosen by him or for him? Was he the leader of his tribe (I have a vague memory of being told he was), making the Moses part more meaningful?
My grandmother, Alpha, watched the Crystal Cathedral and her whole life seemed to show God's love flowing through her.
My great-grandmother, Lucy , had a beautiful compact bible covered in purple velvet with a decorative cross on the front and translated to German. There was a lock of red baby hair in it, but I don't know whose it was. My mother remembers having to put a doily on her head at church if she didn't have a hat. I believe that was while she was staying with Grandma Lucy.
That is about the extent of my knowledge regarding the beliefs of past generations. Basically nothing.
That was quite a tangent.
Deuteronomy 5:4
Deuteronomy 5:4 (New International Version)
4 The LORD spoke to you face to face out of the fire on the mountain.This verse clears something up for me about how Moses could speak with God face to face, as you would with a friend, and not perish.
"face to face out of the fire"
Although they were face to face there was a covering to protect them from actually seeing God's face.
Deuteronomy 4
Do not add or subtract from God's laws as He teaches them here through Moses.
When the Lord spoke to the Israelites at Horeb He showed no shape, they heard only His voice. Take care not to fashion an image to represent what you have not seen.
Do not be overwhelmed and begin to worship the creation rather than the Creator.
If you seek the Lord you God with all you heart and soul, you will find Him.
The Lord is God; besides Him there is no other.
I'm going to try memorizing vs. 39. It's just a very comforting and at the same time convicting passage to me.
When the Lord spoke to the Israelites at Horeb He showed no shape, they heard only His voice. Take care not to fashion an image to represent what you have not seen.
Do not be overwhelmed and begin to worship the creation rather than the Creator.
If you seek the Lord you God with all you heart and soul, you will find Him.
The Lord is God; besides Him there is no other.
I'm going to try memorizing vs. 39. It's just a very comforting and at the same time convicting passage to me.
Deuteronomy 4:39 (New Century Version)
39 Know and believe today that the Lord is God. He is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other god!Deuteronomy 3
I'm a little confused. It is written that Og the king of Bashan was defeated and no survivors were left. Men, women and children are all struck down. Then it is written that Og was the only remnant of the Rephaites left and they describe his bed/bedstead/couch. The Hebrew word is 'eres (eh'-res) from an unused root meaning perhaps to arch; a couch (with a canopy): bed (-stead), couch. This info was from Strong's Hebrew and Chaldee Dictionary. The NIV I have as a note that simply says "or a sarcophagus". So was Og killed and the bed they are describing is his grave? I can't imagine a description of the bed he slept in being included in this manner if he had survived.
Moses commissions Joshua to follow the Lord's commands and encourages him to trust that the Lord would fight the battles with and for him.
Moses also pleads with the Lord to be allowed to cross the Jordan and enter the Promised Land. He is not allowed and blames the Israelittes rather than taking responsibility for his own temper ... "because of you the Lord was angry with me ...". Whew I'm certainly glad I never shift blame to others when I lose my temper. ("Why are you making me crazy? is something I frequently think and sometimes say to my girls and husband.)
Moses commissions Joshua to follow the Lord's commands and encourages him to trust that the Lord would fight the battles with and for him.
Moses also pleads with the Lord to be allowed to cross the Jordan and enter the Promised Land. He is not allowed and blames the Israelittes rather than taking responsibility for his own temper ... "because of you the Lord was angry with me ...". Whew I'm certainly glad I never shift blame to others when I lose my temper. ("Why are you making me crazy? is something I frequently think and sometimes say to my girls and husband.)
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Response to: Just for fun-patterns-Abraham Cave, Hebron
First off, this is EXACTLY why I set this blog up. I needed a place to put down my own thoughts about God's Word and hopefully get feedback from others who may or may not have a different point of view.
Wow! There was so much here I can't even comment, except that I just did. I'm just going to absorb this information and then read it a couple more times. Maybe I will have something more insightful to say at a later date.
From one nut to another ... I too pray that I can be an almond. Lord help us to be the first "to arouse and awake from the sleep of winter".
My thoughts on "winter" are from Song of Solomon 2:11 (NASB) "For behold, the winter is past, The rain is over and gone." In this case (according to Strong's) winter is from an unused root meaning to hide; winter - as the dark season.
Wesley's Notes express my feelings on winter perfectly: "Spiritual troubles arising from a deep sense of the guilt of sin, the wrath of God, the curse of the law; all which made them afraid to come unto God."
I am no longer afraid to come to God but I still have a deep sense of sin and worthlessness from the one who wants to separate me from Jesus. May I just say, "Watch out Lucifer, here come the almond blossoms!"
Wow! There was so much here I can't even comment, except that I just did. I'm just going to absorb this information and then read it a couple more times. Maybe I will have something more insightful to say at a later date.
From one nut to another ... I too pray that I can be an almond. Lord help us to be the first "to arouse and awake from the sleep of winter".
My thoughts on "winter" are from Song of Solomon 2:11 (NASB) "For behold, the winter is past, The rain is over and gone." In this case (according to Strong's) winter is from an unused root meaning to hide; winter - as the dark season.
Wesley's Notes express my feelings on winter perfectly: "Spiritual troubles arising from a deep sense of the guilt of sin, the wrath of God, the curse of the law; all which made them afraid to come unto God."
I am no longer afraid to come to God but I still have a deep sense of sin and worthlessness from the one who wants to separate me from Jesus. May I just say, "Watch out Lucifer, here come the almond blossoms!"
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Deuteronomy 2
It's interesting to me to think that America was not the first place a group of people came in and ran off the previous inhabitants. In actuality this has been happening since there were tribes of people.
I think I just identify with what happened here since it was my ancestors who came over then defeated and or intermarried with my other ancestors who were already here. My great-grandpa Hjalmer Mork married my great-grandma Eliza Moses. Eliza's father was Charlie Moses to the white man but the name he was first given was T'aaw Yaat.
What was my point? Maybe I didn't have one.
Verses 14 &15: How hard is life when you have to live 38 years with God's hand against you? I guess this should teach all of us that we should NOT do the direct opposite of what God directs us to do. I just became even more motivated to read through the entire Bible. I really don't want to live for any length of time with God's hand against me!
Verse 30: Is there something I simply don't understand? Well, obviously there is or that question would not come up. What I don't understand are the passages like this one that tell us God made someone stubborn so that they would be defeated and/or have terrible things happen to them.
God was very specific in His instructions to Moses regarding who they would fight and conquer and who they were to leave alone (Esau's and Lot's descendants). It is nice to read that the Israelites followed His specific instructions this time around and things went well for them.
I think I just identify with what happened here since it was my ancestors who came over then defeated and or intermarried with my other ancestors who were already here. My great-grandpa Hjalmer Mork married my great-grandma Eliza Moses. Eliza's father was Charlie Moses to the white man but the name he was first given was T'aaw Yaat.
What was my point? Maybe I didn't have one.
Verses 14 &15: How hard is life when you have to live 38 years with God's hand against you? I guess this should teach all of us that we should NOT do the direct opposite of what God directs us to do. I just became even more motivated to read through the entire Bible. I really don't want to live for any length of time with God's hand against me!
Verse 30: Is there something I simply don't understand? Well, obviously there is or that question would not come up. What I don't understand are the passages like this one that tell us God made someone stubborn so that they would be defeated and/or have terrible things happen to them.
God was very specific in His instructions to Moses regarding who they would fight and conquer and who they were to leave alone (Esau's and Lot's descendants). It is nice to read that the Israelites followed His specific instructions this time around and things went well for them.
Deuteronomy 1
Moses reviews with the Israelites how God brought them to the Promised Land and they would not go in to take possession because they were afraid. Moses reminds the Israelites that the generation past (his generation) would not enter the Promised Land except Caleb and Joshua.
When the Israelites refused to fight for possession of the land God gave them, God was angered. So then the Israelites decided to go fight for their land. The Lord told Moses and Moses told the Israelites; Don't go fight. The Lord will not be with you and you will not win. After they heard this ... off they went to fight and were soundly beaten.
Let's try to remember to follow God's timing rather than our own.
When the Israelites refused to fight for possession of the land God gave them, God was angered. So then the Israelites decided to go fight for their land. The Lord told Moses and Moses told the Israelites; Don't go fight. The Lord will not be with you and you will not win. After they heard this ... off they went to fight and were soundly beaten.
Let's try to remember to follow God's timing rather than our own.
Numbers 36
I'm not really sure what to say about this last chapter of Numbers.
The final verse ... is it referring to everything that came before in Numbers or just to this final chapter?
Hmmm ... since it was not originally written in chapter form it must be the whole book of Numbers that it is referring to.
Love answering my own questions as I think about them. ;)
The final verse ... is it referring to everything that came before in Numbers or just to this final chapter?
Hmmm ... since it was not originally written in chapter form it must be the whole book of Numbers that it is referring to.
Love answering my own questions as I think about them. ;)
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Numbers 35
My previous question from Numbers 32 nicely answered. The Levites will be spread out amongst all the tribes including those on the east side of the Jordan.
Rules for consequences when someone has been killed:
Rules for consequences when someone has been killed:
- Murderers are to be put to death by the avenger of blood. (I'm thinking the avenger of blood is next of kin or someone close to the one who was killed.)
- A murder has occurred if death results from a hostile act intended to do harm.
- Murderers are to be put to death but only if there are two or more witnesses. If there is only one witness they will not be put to death.
- If a death is caused accidentally the penalty is stiff but they will not be put to death.
- Those guilty of manslaughter must stay in a city of refuge until the high priest dies. Only then can he return safely to his own property. If he leaves the city of refuge before this time the avenger of blood can kill him without guilt.
Numbers 34
It would appear that God did not mind that the Reubenites, Gadites and the half tribe of Manasseh chose to stay on the east side of the Jordan. When the Lord told Moses who should be involved in assigning land He did not include anyone from the tribes of Reuben or Gad.
Numbers 33
It would be interesting to see this record of camps mapped out. (I found one so here it is.)
The Lord gave directions to drive out the current inhabitants of the land promised to the Israelites and destroy their idols, etc. God does not say they won't inherit the land if they don't follow these directions. He does tell the Israelites that things will not go nearly as well for them if they don't ... "I will do to you what I plan to do to them."
Numbers 32
How were their daily offerings, etc. handled when they were on the other side of the river from the priests?
Did they ever regret settling on the other side of the Jordan?
Reuben and Gad Ask for Land (engraving by Arthur Boyd Houghton)
Numbers 31
When all the Midianite men had been slain the Israelite army returned with their plunder including the Midianite women and children. Among the Midianite men killed were the five Kings of Midian and Balaam son of Beor. The same Balaam who had the talking donkey and blessed the Israelites rather than cursing them as Balak, king of Moab, wished him to.
When the army returned Moses was very angry that the Midianite women had been allowed to live since it was the women who followed Balaam's advice and "intermingled" with the Israelites distracting them from the Lord resulting in a deadly plague. Moses told the soldiers that they could keep all the virgin Midianite women for themselves but all the others must be killed.
After this the spoils (including the livestock and the virgins) were distributed between the Israelites and the army with a percentage going to God via Eleazar and the priests.
So, Balaam (who spoke with God) was advising people to draw the Israelites away from God. Interesting.
Five Kings of Midian Slain by Israel (illustration from the 1728 Figures de la Bible)
Numbers 30
If a man makes a vow/oath/pledge he must not break his word.
If a woman still living with her father makes a vow/oath/pledge it is binding unless the father forbids it. Sounds like good protection for emotional young ladies making rash decisions.
If a married woman makes a vow/oath/pledge it is binding unless the husband forbids it. This holds whether the vow/oath/pledge was made before or after the marriage. However, if the husband hears about the vow/oath/pledge and lets time elapse and then forbids it, he is responsible for her guilt.
Widows and divorced women are held to their vow/oath/pledge just as a man is.
I notice this does not cover women who never marry. I would hazard a guess that this is because they would have remained in their father's house.
If a woman still living with her father makes a vow/oath/pledge it is binding unless the father forbids it. Sounds like good protection for emotional young ladies making rash decisions.
If a married woman makes a vow/oath/pledge it is binding unless the husband forbids it. This holds whether the vow/oath/pledge was made before or after the marriage. However, if the husband hears about the vow/oath/pledge and lets time elapse and then forbids it, he is responsible for her guilt.
Widows and divorced women are held to their vow/oath/pledge just as a man is.
I notice this does not cover women who never marry. I would hazard a guess that this is because they would have remained in their father's house.
Numbers 29
Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah): September 9th this year. Sounds like a day to set aside for worshiping the Lord, specifically with music.Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur): September 18th this year. Sounds like a day to set aside for fasting and just meditation the Lord and His forgiveness of all our failings.
Feast of Tabernacles (Succoth): September 23rd this year. No work done. Seven days of offerings to the Lord. No work done on the 8th day. Make that no REGULAR work.
Image of a booth set up for the Feast of Tabernacles.
Numbers 28
Sabbath offerings, an additional two lambs, four lambs altogether for each Israelite. So, did the priests not get a day of rest? Did they rotate so that each got a day off even if it wasn't always the Sabbath?
Monthly offerings, a very busy day at the start of each month ... especially if it fell on a Sabbath. In addition to the other regular offerings ... two bulls, 1 ram, 7 lambs, 1 goat and accompanying grain and drink offerings.
Passover and Feast of Weeks, no regular work done just lots and lots of offerings.
Numbers 27
"The Daughters of Zelophehad" by Daniel Bodkin
I like that these sisters came forward and that daughters for generations to come were provided for as a result.
It makes me a bit sad to think of Moses at the top of the mountain looking at the Promised Land, knowing he would never enter it.
Friday, February 19, 2010
God Remembers Noah
NEW KING JAMES VERSION
Then God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the animals that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters subsided.
Genesis 8:1-3
Interesting choice of words. Almost sounds like God forgot and then when He remembered he dried up the waters. God doesn't forget ... unless it is tossing something (like our sins) into the sea of forgetfulness.
Then God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the animals that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters subsided.
Genesis 8:1-3
Interesting choice of words. Almost sounds like God forgot and then when He remembered he dried up the waters. God doesn't forget ... unless it is tossing something (like our sins) into the sea of forgetfulness.
Naming the animals ...
I had a question the other day ... or maybe it was a thought. This is why I'm supposed to come post immediately when I think of something. Anyway ....
Why did the Lord have Adam name all the animals? Was it to exercise the imaginative and memory portions of his brain? Adam was only a couple days old when he was given this monumental task. I think I understand why some things have such odd names now. Every once in awhile I think, who came up with that name? Now I guess I know. It was Adam.
Why did the Lord have Adam name all the animals? Was it to exercise the imaginative and memory portions of his brain? Adam was only a couple days old when he was given this monumental task. I think I understand why some things have such odd names now. Every once in awhile I think, who came up with that name? Now I guess I know. It was Adam.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Numbers 21
Again with the complaining.
Why did you bring us out of Egypt?
"We detest this miserable food."
I'm sorry, are they referring to manna? Heavenly food provided by God himself is miserable to eat. Interesting.
The price for complaining to God? Snakes ... that bite and kill. The people came to Moses and said, "We're sorry. We were wrong. Please ask God to take the snakes away." In response to Moses prayers the Lord had Moses make a bronze snake and put it atop a tall pole. Whenever people looked at it, after having been bitten, they would be saved.
This seems like a graven image. I thought we weren't supposed to have things like that.
Where could I find a copy of the "Book of the Wars of the Lord"?
Why did these kings not want the Israelites to pass through their land? Is it because there were so many Israelites that the kings thought their lands would be overrun?
Why did you bring us out of Egypt?
"We detest this miserable food."
I'm sorry, are they referring to manna? Heavenly food provided by God himself is miserable to eat. Interesting.
The price for complaining to God? Snakes ... that bite and kill. The people came to Moses and said, "We're sorry. We were wrong. Please ask God to take the snakes away." In response to Moses prayers the Lord had Moses make a bronze snake and put it atop a tall pole. Whenever people looked at it, after having been bitten, they would be saved.
This seems like a graven image. I thought we weren't supposed to have things like that.
Where could I find a copy of the "Book of the Wars of the Lord"?
Why did these kings not want the Israelites to pass through their land? Is it because there were so many Israelites that the kings thought their lands would be overrun?
Numbers 20
Again the Israelites quarrel with Moses and cry out they would be better off had they been killed with their brothers. "Why did you take us out of Egypt? We had the good life there!" (My own little paraphrase.)
God directed Moses to speak to the rock and water would gush from it. Moses didn't do that exactly. Moses gathered the people and said, "Must I bring forth water from the rock?" He did not glorify God, he glorified himself instead and struck the rock rather than just speaking to it. This was when God told Moses and Aaron they would NOT be the ones leading the Israelites into the Promised Land.
Moses, Aaron and Eleazar all knew when Aaron was going to die. I wonder what my reaction would be if Nikka came along and said that God had told her I was being "gathered to my people" and that she, Jennifer and I had to go up a mountain where I would give Jennifer my clothes, then I would die and Nikka and Jennifer would return down the mountain. I don't really know how I would take this news. Probably a bit skeptical, but only because (as far as I know) God has not been coming down and directing Nikka by talking to her face to face.
Another question, how did Aaron die? Did he simply drop dead after his garments (assuming we're referring to the special priestly garments) had been put on his son Eleazar?
God directed Moses to speak to the rock and water would gush from it. Moses didn't do that exactly. Moses gathered the people and said, "Must I bring forth water from the rock?" He did not glorify God, he glorified himself instead and struck the rock rather than just speaking to it. This was when God told Moses and Aaron they would NOT be the ones leading the Israelites into the Promised Land.
Moses, Aaron and Eleazar all knew when Aaron was going to die. I wonder what my reaction would be if Nikka came along and said that God had told her I was being "gathered to my people" and that she, Jennifer and I had to go up a mountain where I would give Jennifer my clothes, then I would die and Nikka and Jennifer would return down the mountain. I don't really know how I would take this news. Probably a bit skeptical, but only because (as far as I know) God has not been coming down and directing Nikka by talking to her face to face.
Another question, how did Aaron die? Did he simply drop dead after his garments (assuming we're referring to the special priestly garments) had been put on his son Eleazar?
Numbers 19
It would appear that the frequency of burning red cows for the purpose of gathering their ashes for the purifying water would depend on when they ran out of ash from the last red cow used for this purpose. I wonder how often that happened.
Numbers 18
The Lord told Aaron that he and his sons would be responsible for the duties of the sanctuary. If anyone else entered the sanctuary the would die and so would Aaron. The Lord said that the priesthood was His gift to Aaron and anyone other than his descendants who near the sanctuary must be put to death.
The Lord explained to Aaron what would be provided from the offerings to be consumed by the Levites. In this way they would be sustained, through tithes and offerings.
The Lord explained to Aaron what would be provided from the offerings to be consumed by the Levites. In this way they would be sustained, through tithes and offerings.
Numbers 17
The Lord made it clear that Aaron was His chosen one to put a stop to the grumbling of the others by having almonds grow from Aaron's staff. After this sign was given all the Israelites started lamenting that they would all die. Why?
Numbers 16
Was this the first earthquake ... when Korah, Dathan and Abiram were swallowed up along with all their belongings?
Numbers 15
Whether you sin intentionally or unintentionally your sins need to be absolved. However, if you sin defiantly that is very bad. Do not despise the Lord's word or break His commands.
When a man was found working on the Sabbath the Lord told Moses that the whole assembly had to stone him outside the camp.
Hmmmm ... kinda feel like I should be sewing little blue tassels on all my clothes to remind me of God's commands and not to focus on the lusts of my own heart and eyes.
When a man was found working on the Sabbath the Lord told Moses that the whole assembly had to stone him outside the camp.
Hmmmm ... kinda feel like I should be sewing little blue tassels on all my clothes to remind me of God's commands and not to focus on the lusts of my own heart and eyes.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Numbers 14
Again with the complaining about what God has given them and saying they would be better off back in Egypt! Will they ever learn? A frequent though of mine when reading the Bible. Usually followed by the question, "Will I?".
So, after God has passed judgment and explained the consequences, the people decide to attempt what God first told them to do. Even though God had clearly told them they would NEVER see the land promised to His people. Their children would be brought there when the current complaining generation He was addressing had all died, other than Joshua and Caleb who were faithful and uncomplaining.
So, after God has passed judgment and explained the consequences, the people decide to attempt what God first told them to do. Even though God had clearly told them they would NEVER see the land promised to His people. Their children would be brought there when the current complaining generation He was addressing had all died, other than Joshua and Caleb who were faithful and uncomplaining.
Numbers 12
Again, God says that He speaks with Moses face-to-face and Moses sees the form of the Lord. How does Moses survive this? I guess it says that moses sees His form rather than His face. Perhaps He is appearing dimly in order to converse directly with Moses.
Why was Miriam struck with leprosy and Aaron was not. Did they not both speak against Moses?
Why was Miriam struck with leprosy and Aaron was not. Did they not both speak against Moses?
Numbers 11
It would appear that God will only put up with complaints when He is providing for all needs for so long. I'm thinking I should remember God's fire when I am feeling "Poor-Me" ish. God has provided far more than my mere needs.
I'm not sure why I had always imagined manna as a little wafer that tasted of honey, no cooking or preparation required. Clearly, not the case.
Moses originally tried to decline the task God had set before him. He never wanted the job. Here he please with the Lord. What have I done to deserve this? If this is to be my existence, please kill me now.
God tells Moses that he won't have to do it on his own any longer and could choose 70 men to assist him. I'm pretty sure God was doing most of the heave lifting all along. However, I also know He carries my burdens on His shoulders yet lately I've been feeling all alone and I can't do it all alone. I guess I just need to remember that I am not ever alone.
Somehow whenever I think of God sending quails I think of it as a one time, one night event. No, it was an entire month. God said He would send quail every day for a month until they were all sick of it.
I love that after everything Moses has seen the Lord do, he still doubts. When I say I love it what I really mean is that it makes me smile and reminds me once again that Moses was just a man. The only reason he is remembered and written about is that God specifically chose him.
The Lord's answer also makes me smile as I think of how many time I have doubted God myself. In the forefront of my mind I'm always in the mindframe that God can do anything because I know this is true. In the back of my mind however, there is always this little bit of doubt that He will do anything that I ask of Him. After all, He didn't let me keep my baby when I asked for that while having a miscarriage. He sen Layne off to a different state. Obama was elected. Then I remember that I do have at least a couple of prayers that I know fully were answered in the affirmative from our God that is ALWAYS good.
I feel like I've gone off track. Where was I? Oh yeah! Moses doubting God's ability to feed so many, so much for so long.
A wind blew the quail in from the sea. I didn't know quail were from the sea. What am I missing?
That's a LOT of quail! Three feet deep and a day's walk in any direction from the camp.
So, God provided meat in great abundance because that is what the people were demanding and whining about most. Then, before they could consume it He struck them with a great plague. Note taken! When God is raining down blessings every single day, providing for our needs. Don't complain about the blessings and especially don't say life was better before He freed you. I'm ashamed to admit it but I have had those "want to go back to Egypt" thoughts myself. They are almost always immediately followed by laughing at myself at the thought that I was handling my life better than God is currently doing. Is there any thought more foolish?
I'm not sure why I had always imagined manna as a little wafer that tasted of honey, no cooking or preparation required. Clearly, not the case.
Moses originally tried to decline the task God had set before him. He never wanted the job. Here he please with the Lord. What have I done to deserve this? If this is to be my existence, please kill me now.
God tells Moses that he won't have to do it on his own any longer and could choose 70 men to assist him. I'm pretty sure God was doing most of the heave lifting all along. However, I also know He carries my burdens on His shoulders yet lately I've been feeling all alone and I can't do it all alone. I guess I just need to remember that I am not ever alone.
Somehow whenever I think of God sending quails I think of it as a one time, one night event. No, it was an entire month. God said He would send quail every day for a month until they were all sick of it.
I love that after everything Moses has seen the Lord do, he still doubts. When I say I love it what I really mean is that it makes me smile and reminds me once again that Moses was just a man. The only reason he is remembered and written about is that God specifically chose him.
The Lord's answer also makes me smile as I think of how many time I have doubted God myself. In the forefront of my mind I'm always in the mindframe that God can do anything because I know this is true. In the back of my mind however, there is always this little bit of doubt that He will do anything that I ask of Him. After all, He didn't let me keep my baby when I asked for that while having a miscarriage. He sen Layne off to a different state. Obama was elected. Then I remember that I do have at least a couple of prayers that I know fully were answered in the affirmative from our God that is ALWAYS good.
I feel like I've gone off track. Where was I? Oh yeah! Moses doubting God's ability to feed so many, so much for so long.
A wind blew the quail in from the sea. I didn't know quail were from the sea. What am I missing?
That's a LOT of quail! Three feet deep and a day's walk in any direction from the camp.
So, God provided meat in great abundance because that is what the people were demanding and whining about most. Then, before they could consume it He struck them with a great plague. Note taken! When God is raining down blessings every single day, providing for our needs. Don't complain about the blessings and especially don't say life was better before He freed you. I'm ashamed to admit it but I have had those "want to go back to Egypt" thoughts myself. They are almost always immediately followed by laughing at myself at the thought that I was handling my life better than God is currently doing. Is there any thought more foolish?
Numbers 10
Moses wanted his brother-in-law, Hobab, to come with them to the Promised Land. His argument to convince Hobab to come with them was that Hobab knew where they should camp. Hmmmmm ... wasn't there a cloud that showed them where to do that?
Numbers 9
The same rules apply to all who are living among God's chosen people, whether they are native born or not.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Numbers 8
To purify themselves the priests had to shave their entire bodies, among other things. I missed that before. I only remember the water and animal sacrifice part of purification.
Aaron was to offer the Levites as a wave offering. How exactly was this done? Other wave offerings were done by waving portions of an animal before the Lord. How does this translate to a large group of people?
The Levites worked for 25 years each, from the age of 25 to the age of 50. Then they were to retire.
Aaron was to offer the Levites as a wave offering. How exactly was this done? Other wave offerings were done by waving portions of an animal before the Lord. How does this translate to a large group of people?
The Levites worked for 25 years each, from the age of 25 to the age of 50. Then they were to retire.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Numbers
NUMBERS 5
I wonder what was in the bitter water.
NUMBERS 6
"He sinned by being in the presence of the dead body"
So, if someone dies suddenly in your presence, you have sinned. Interesting.
The Priestly Blessing is one of my favorite passages. I wish my memory worked so I could remember it, or at least remember where to find it. Perhaps I should get some artwork or something that has this scripture on it.
I wonder what was in the bitter water.
NUMBERS 6
"He sinned by being in the presence of the dead body"
So, if someone dies suddenly in your presence, you have sinned. Interesting.
The Priestly Blessing is one of my favorite passages. I wish my memory worked so I could remember it, or at least remember where to find it. Perhaps I should get some artwork or something that has this scripture on it.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Numbers
NUMBERS 4
Was the Kohathites task at all nerve-wracking for them? Your job is to carry all of the holy items from the Tent of Meeting. However, if you look upon them before they are ready or actually touch any of them you will die.
The Gershonites and Merarites had more straight forward jobs. you carry all the curtains and covergs. You carry all the framework.
Was the Kohathites task at all nerve-wracking for them? Your job is to carry all of the holy items from the Tent of Meeting. However, if you look upon them before they are ready or actually touch any of them you will die.
The Gershonites and Merarites had more straight forward jobs. you carry all the curtains and covergs. You carry all the framework.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Numbers
NUMBERS 1
This task must have taken quite a long time. It was a bit hard for me to resist the urge to simply scan to the number of each family. I do not know the reason, but I know there is a reason for the repetition. If God felt it important to be written multiple times then should it not be important for me to read it multiple times?
NUMBERS 2
Arrangement of Tribal Camps
That is 603,550 names written down and the arrangement of how they should have in camp, and they did so.
NUMBERS 3
Death was the penalty for not following God's instruction regarding the tabernacle and priestly duties.
Another lengthy task of counting, not taking names this time though, all the male Levites. There were 22,000.
However, names were to be taken as Moses wrote down and counted up all the first born males of all the tribes. There were 22,273. The Levites were the Lord's in place of the firstborn of all the tribes.
The Lord claimed all the firstborn (man and animal) when He put to death all the firstborn in Egypt.
This task must have taken quite a long time. It was a bit hard for me to resist the urge to simply scan to the number of each family. I do not know the reason, but I know there is a reason for the repetition. If God felt it important to be written multiple times then should it not be important for me to read it multiple times?
NUMBERS 2
Arrangement of Tribal Camps
That is 603,550 names written down and the arrangement of how they should have in camp, and they did so.
NUMBERS 3
Death was the penalty for not following God's instruction regarding the tabernacle and priestly duties.
Another lengthy task of counting, not taking names this time though, all the male Levites. There were 22,000.
However, names were to be taken as Moses wrote down and counted up all the first born males of all the tribes. There were 22,273. The Levites were the Lord's in place of the firstborn of all the tribes.
The Lord claimed all the firstborn (man and animal) when He put to death all the firstborn in Egypt.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Leviticus
LEVITICUS 27
The tenth part (every tenth part) is holy and set aside for the Lord. Since we have no livestock I would put this in terms of dollars. Every tenth dollar earned is to be given to God.
If anything is given to the Lord and then taken ba, a fifth of the value must be added on to take it back. Makes me wonder about the troubles and plans I turn over to God and then take back. Am I increasing my troubles by a fifth every time I stop trusting the Lord and take them back to handle myself?
The tenth part (every tenth part) is holy and set aside for the Lord. Since we have no livestock I would put this in terms of dollars. Every tenth dollar earned is to be given to God.
If anything is given to the Lord and then taken ba, a fifth of the value must be added on to take it back. Makes me wonder about the troubles and plans I turn over to God and then take back. Am I increasing my troubles by a fifth every time I stop trusting the Lord and take them back to handle myself?
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Leviticus
LEVITICUS 25
The Year of Jubilee is very appealing to me. I like the idea of not buying land permanently as it will be returned to the original family in the 50th year. This is a very good reminder that the land belongs to God and we are simply entrusted to take care of it.
Per I should be thinking this way about my own small piece of land. I'm always thinking that I'll never truly own the land my home is on because I have to pay taxes so really I have only bought the right to live here until the government decides they need this bit of land for something else. I have said in the past that the government owns my land I just pay rent to stay here. It is really God who owns the land, just as He owns everything He has created ... which would be everything.
LEVITICUS 2All we have to do to have peace in our land is to follow Gods decrees and obey His commands. Makes me wonder how peaceful my home and even just myself would be if I were obeying God's commands. Hmmmmmmm ...
Punishments for not obeying God's commands: terror, disease, hardship, defeat, weakness, poverty, loss, war plague, hunger, cannibalism, destruction, overwnhelming fear, etc.
If sins are confessed we will not be rejected and destroyed utterly by God. We'll have to pay for those sins though.
The Year of Jubilee is very appealing to me. I like the idea of not buying land permanently as it will be returned to the original family in the 50th year. This is a very good reminder that the land belongs to God and we are simply entrusted to take care of it.
Per I should be thinking this way about my own small piece of land. I'm always thinking that I'll never truly own the land my home is on because I have to pay taxes so really I have only bought the right to live here until the government decides they need this bit of land for something else. I have said in the past that the government owns my land I just pay rent to stay here. It is really God who owns the land, just as He owns everything He has created ... which would be everything.
LEVITICUS 2All we have to do to have peace in our land is to follow Gods decrees and obey His commands. Makes me wonder how peaceful my home and even just myself would be if I were obeying God's commands. Hmmmmmmm ...
Punishments for not obeying God's commands: terror, disease, hardship, defeat, weakness, poverty, loss, war plague, hunger, cannibalism, destruction, overwnhelming fear, etc.
If sins are confessed we will not be rejected and destroyed utterly by God. We'll have to pay for those sins though.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Leviticus
LEVITICUS 24
As in many other places in Leviticus, instructions are given here regarding the tabernacle and how it is run followed by the statement that "this will be a lasting ordinance for the generations to come". The shekinah glory is no longer in the tabernacle (building). The physical presence of the Lord our God is no longer t by the descendants of Moses and Aaron. Were all of these ordinances, etc. away with after the birth, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ?
I wonder why it was death by stoning? Clearly they had other means of execution. If they had the means to kill sheep, bulls, etc. every day they must have had sharp weapons that could have been used to execute more merully, or east more quickly. Was it stoning so that no one person would be held responsible for the death? This way the executioner would not then have to be executed as well ... and so on.
As in many other places in Leviticus, instructions are given here regarding the tabernacle and how it is run followed by the statement that "this will be a lasting ordinance for the generations to come". The shekinah glory is no longer in the tabernacle (building). The physical presence of the Lord our God is no longer t by the descendants of Moses and Aaron. Were all of these ordinances, etc. away with after the birth, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ?
I wonder why it was death by stoning? Clearly they had other means of execution. If they had the means to kill sheep, bulls, etc. every day they must have had sharp weapons that could have been used to execute more merully, or east more quickly. Was it stoning so that no one person would be held responsible for the death? This way the executioner would not then have to be executed as well ... and so on.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Leviticus
LEVITICUS 18
Evidently, the population had grown sufficiently from the time of Noah and the flood, that marrying your sister was no longer okay. Having multiple wives however, was still okay ... long as your wives were not sisters to each other. When did it come not okay to have multiple wives?
LEVITICUS 19
We are no longer under the old law. However, many (if not all) of these laws still sound ... sound for today. Shouldn't we still be following all of these laws to the best of our ability? Is it okay to pick and choose which we will follow and which we won't?
Personally, I do not give offerings of slaughtered animals so that section doesn't really apply to me.
Honor your mother and father; don't steal, lie, cheat or gossip (especially maliciously). These all seem like good ideas.
Do not plant your field with two kinds of seed, do not wear clothing woven of two different materials, do not put tattoo marks on your body; I see alot of these in the world today including in our churches. Is it okay to do these things? Does the Lord still want us following His laws?
Evidently, the population had grown sufficiently from the time of Noah and the flood, that marrying your sister was no longer okay. Having multiple wives however, was still okay ... long as your wives were not sisters to each other. When did it come not okay to have multiple wives?
LEVITICUS 19
We are no longer under the old law. However, many (if not all) of these laws still sound ... sound for today. Shouldn't we still be following all of these laws to the best of our ability? Is it okay to pick and choose which we will follow and which we won't?
Personally, I do not give offerings of slaughtered animals so that section doesn't really apply to me.
Honor your mother and father; don't steal, lie, cheat or gossip (especially maliciously). These all seem like good ideas.
Do not plant your field with two kinds of seed, do not wear clothing woven of two different materials, do not put tattoo marks on your body; I see alot of these in the world today including in our churches. Is it okay to do these things? Does the Lord still want us following His laws?
Monday, January 18, 2010
Leviticus
LEVITICUS 11
These rules are very good for keeping germs at bay as well as food borne illnesses. Moses and the Israelites could not have known the scientific logic to these rules. God, however, who created all things, knew all about this, as all of His rules do these were meant to keep His people healthy and happy.
For me this is a good reminder that it doesn't really matter if I understand the why begind God's rules. All I need to know is that He loves me and wants what is best for me. Follwing Him will ultimately bring me the best, more than I could ever imagine.
LEVITICUS 12
A couple things confuse me here. First, why is a woman unclean for twice as long when she has a daughter rather than a son? Secondly, why is a sin offering required once the pirufication time is over? Is it sinful to give birth?
LEVITICUS 13
It seems harsh that not only do you have to live alone outside the camp if you have an infectious skin disease but you also have to wear torn clothing and yell, "Unclean! Unclean!" as you walk about. I understand the wisdom of the isolation, it just makes me sad. I like my alone time, but only in very small measures.
Somehow I don't ever remember the rules about mildewed clothing. I mean, I forget that there even are any.
LEVITICUS 14 & 15
All I can say is a huge thank you to Jesus for releasin us from the old law.
LEVITICUS 16
It would appear that the assumption was everone sinned. Which everyone does. All fall short, all go astray. Everyone must make a sin offering at prescribed times and then additional offerings for specific ailments, sins, etc.
These rules are very good for keeping germs at bay as well as food borne illnesses. Moses and the Israelites could not have known the scientific logic to these rules. God, however, who created all things, knew all about this, as all of His rules do these were meant to keep His people healthy and happy.
For me this is a good reminder that it doesn't really matter if I understand the why begind God's rules. All I need to know is that He loves me and wants what is best for me. Follwing Him will ultimately bring me the best, more than I could ever imagine.
LEVITICUS 12
A couple things confuse me here. First, why is a woman unclean for twice as long when she has a daughter rather than a son? Secondly, why is a sin offering required once the pirufication time is over? Is it sinful to give birth?
LEVITICUS 13
It seems harsh that not only do you have to live alone outside the camp if you have an infectious skin disease but you also have to wear torn clothing and yell, "Unclean! Unclean!" as you walk about. I understand the wisdom of the isolation, it just makes me sad. I like my alone time, but only in very small measures.
Somehow I don't ever remember the rules about mildewed clothing. I mean, I forget that there even are any.
LEVITICUS 14 & 15
All I can say is a huge thank you to Jesus for releasin us from the old law.
LEVITICUS 16
It would appear that the assumption was everone sinned. Which everyone does. All fall short, all go astray. Everyone must make a sin offering at prescribed times and then additional offerings for specific ailments, sins, etc.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Leviticus
LEVITICUS 4
If we sin unintentionally, we are still guilty. When we become aware of the sin we are to repent, or atone, for the sin.
LEVITICUS 6
If the sin of deception is committed, restitution must be made as well as atonement sacrifices.
The priests were required to keep the fire for burnt offerings going at all times.
A portion of the people's grain offerings are to be eaten by the priests. A priests grain offering, however, must be burnt completely. It is NOT to be eaten.
A portion of meat from fellowship offerings (breast and right thigh) were the priests' share to eat.
If we sin unintentionally, we are still guilty. When we become aware of the sin we are to repent, or atone, for the sin.
LEVITICUS 6
If the sin of deception is committed, restitution must be made as well as atonement sacrifices.
The priests were required to keep the fire for burnt offerings going at all times.
A portion of the people's grain offerings are to be eaten by the priests. A priests grain offering, however, must be burnt completely. It is NOT to be eaten.
A portion of meat from fellowship offerings (breast and right thigh) were the priests' share to eat.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Leviticus
LEVITICUS 1
I find it interesting (that's not exactly the word I want to use but can't think of the word I want) that the idea of putting your sin on an innocent to be sacrificed to cover us is reinforced here. The first instance of something being sacrificed to cover human sin was when God made clothes for Adam and Eve from animal skins to cover the sin of their nakedness, or rather the sin of acquiring the knowledge of nakedness.
I hadn't realized that those bringing the animals for sacrifice slaughtered the animals themselves and prepared the pieces for sacrifice. The priests sprinkle the blood and place the offering on the fire. I nhad been under the impression that those seeking atonement brought their animals and the priests did everything else.
LIVITICUS 3
All the fat belongs to God. We are not to eat animal blood or fat.
I find it interesting (that's not exactly the word I want to use but can't think of the word I want) that the idea of putting your sin on an innocent to be sacrificed to cover us is reinforced here. The first instance of something being sacrificed to cover human sin was when God made clothes for Adam and Eve from animal skins to cover the sin of their nakedness, or rather the sin of acquiring the knowledge of nakedness.
I hadn't realized that those bringing the animals for sacrifice slaughtered the animals themselves and prepared the pieces for sacrifice. The priests sprinkle the blood and place the offering on the fire. I nhad been under the impression that those seeking atonement brought their animals and the priests did everything else.
LIVITICUS 3
All the fat belongs to God. We are not to eat animal blood or fat.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Exodus and Week One Questions
EXODUS 39
Paying attention to the descriptions of the priestly garments helps me to understand why God singled out a few people to fill with the Holy Spirit, gifting them all the knowledge and skill needed to carry out His instructions for everything related to the tabernacle.
It also makes me wonder how heavy these garments were and whether Aaron and the later priests started out with the strength to wear them or if He blessed them with extra strength whenever the garments were worn.
EXODUS 40
God said that the anointed priesthood of Aaron and his sons would continue for all generations to come. Are there still Aaronic priests out there somewhere?
It is written that Moses set up the tabernacle: set the bases, frames, poles, spread the tent and covering and then placed all the holy items where they belonged. No one else is mentioned and the section concludes with "And so Moses finished the work." Did he do all this work alone? How did he get those huge coverings and curtains up by himself?
THE GLORY OF THE LORD: Would I be more obedient to Christ if I had such a clear and obvious sign as the cloud and fire that told Moses when to go, where to go and when to stay?
WEEK ONE QUESTIONS
-------------------
Reading Assignment Genesis 1:1 - Exodus 40:38
FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS:
1a. How was your reading this week?
One week's assignment took almost two weeks for me to complete. Perhaps this will be the 180 day challenge for me rather than 90.
1b. What challenges did you face in getting your reading done?
Poor time management and lack of discipline.
1c. What was the most effective thing you did to meet those challenges?
I set up reminders to pop up on the computer to stop what I'm doing and read the Bible.
2. What kind of reading routine seems to work best for you, given your activities and schedules?
Reading in the late afternoon or after the girls go to bed. Sometimes both if necessary.
3. As you read the Bible this week, which particular thought(s) and/or event(s) stood out to you or surprised you? Why?
God made a covenant with Noah's family AND all the animals that He would not flood the entire earth like that again.
I never before picked up on the animals being included in that covenant. It makes me hopeful that there will be plenty of animals to play with when my time here is over.
4. Which question(s) came up during your reading for which you'd like to find answers?
Did Moses actually see the face of God or was Moses in the presence of His glory? It is written that Moses spoke with God face to face, as a man speaks with a friend. Then it is written that no one may look upon the face of God and live. So, how exactly did Moses talk to God face to face?
DISCOVERY QUESTIONS:
1. In what ways did Adam and Eve's sin affect their offspring and the world in which they lived?
They had to work, and work hard at that, to get anything to grow and make a living.
Basically Adam and Eve's sin made life hard for all that came after them as they had released the knowledge of evil, as well as good. Perhaps they did not understand good fully while living a life of ease in a beautiful garden with all of their needs taken care of.
2. What kind of a man was Abraham? What plans did God want to accomplish through him? What did God commit himself to do?
Abraham followed God but was not perfect.
God's ultimate plan was to redeem all of us through Abraham's descendants ... one in particular (obviously).
God committed to give Abraham more descendants than could be counted. He also committed a certain area of land to belong to His chosen people starting with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
3. As you read about what happened to Joseph and how situations in his life worked out, what surprised you? If you were writing a novel about his life, what would you title it? Why?
There are a number of things that surprise me about Joseph's life story. I guess the biggest is how he kept a good attitude and trusted in God regardless of what happened to him.
I would title my novel "God's Dreamer" because dreams (his own and others) were so central to his story. Dreams made his brothers jealous and angry. Dreams got him out of prison. Dreams gave him power over all Egypt and beyond.
4. In what ways do you think Moses changed between his time in the Egyptian court and when God spoke to him from the burning bush forty years later? What do Moses' objections to God's call to deliver Israel from bondage reveal about his insecurities and view of God?
I think Moses was more deliberate and even-tempered. I can't think of the words to express myself. Moses came from the highest class and then had to run away and fend for himself. He might have thought the rules didn't necessarily apply to him growing up in the palace. Life outside the palace may have taught him that they do.
Moses felt he was a poor speaker and did NOT want to talk in front of people. Moses thought that people might just dismiss and ignore him.
His view of God? I'm not sure. Moses seemed to think perhaps God had made a mistake in choosing him. God doesn't make mistakes!
5. What kind of a picture of God are you developing through your reading so far? What are some of God's characteristics and attributes, and how did he demonstrate them to His chosen people?
God loves us very much (an understatement) and wants what is best for us. He has great patience but if you don't come around eventually ... watch out If you turn against Him and intentionally participate in behavior that He expressly abhors He will remove His hand of protection.
God provided bread, water and meat to His people while they wandered the desert for forty years. This demonstrated both His caring and the consequences for willfully going against Him.
6a. What do you think was God's purpose in providing the Israelites with so many specific instructions regarding daily life and worship?
To teach them the proper way to live. The way that would be healthiest for them in every way. Above all to teach them to be obedient to Him.
6b. What did God demonstrate, through the tabernacel, about His commitment to be with His people?
It was a physical/visible dwelling place for His glory. They could literally see when He was with them. I know that everything to do with the tabernacle is a foreshadowing of Jesus, unfortunately my tiny brain has yet to fully grasp it. If I have grasped it at all yet.
Paying attention to the descriptions of the priestly garments helps me to understand why God singled out a few people to fill with the Holy Spirit, gifting them all the knowledge and skill needed to carry out His instructions for everything related to the tabernacle.
It also makes me wonder how heavy these garments were and whether Aaron and the later priests started out with the strength to wear them or if He blessed them with extra strength whenever the garments were worn.
EXODUS 40
God said that the anointed priesthood of Aaron and his sons would continue for all generations to come. Are there still Aaronic priests out there somewhere?
It is written that Moses set up the tabernacle: set the bases, frames, poles, spread the tent and covering and then placed all the holy items where they belonged. No one else is mentioned and the section concludes with "And so Moses finished the work." Did he do all this work alone? How did he get those huge coverings and curtains up by himself?
THE GLORY OF THE LORD: Would I be more obedient to Christ if I had such a clear and obvious sign as the cloud and fire that told Moses when to go, where to go and when to stay?
WEEK ONE QUESTIONS
-------------------
Reading Assignment Genesis 1:1 - Exodus 40:38
FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS:
1a. How was your reading this week?
One week's assignment took almost two weeks for me to complete. Perhaps this will be the 180 day challenge for me rather than 90.
1b. What challenges did you face in getting your reading done?
Poor time management and lack of discipline.
1c. What was the most effective thing you did to meet those challenges?
I set up reminders to pop up on the computer to stop what I'm doing and read the Bible.
2. What kind of reading routine seems to work best for you, given your activities and schedules?
Reading in the late afternoon or after the girls go to bed. Sometimes both if necessary.
3. As you read the Bible this week, which particular thought(s) and/or event(s) stood out to you or surprised you? Why?
God made a covenant with Noah's family AND all the animals that He would not flood the entire earth like that again.
I never before picked up on the animals being included in that covenant. It makes me hopeful that there will be plenty of animals to play with when my time here is over.
4. Which question(s) came up during your reading for which you'd like to find answers?
Did Moses actually see the face of God or was Moses in the presence of His glory? It is written that Moses spoke with God face to face, as a man speaks with a friend. Then it is written that no one may look upon the face of God and live. So, how exactly did Moses talk to God face to face?
DISCOVERY QUESTIONS:
1. In what ways did Adam and Eve's sin affect their offspring and the world in which they lived?
They had to work, and work hard at that, to get anything to grow and make a living.
Basically Adam and Eve's sin made life hard for all that came after them as they had released the knowledge of evil, as well as good. Perhaps they did not understand good fully while living a life of ease in a beautiful garden with all of their needs taken care of.
2. What kind of a man was Abraham? What plans did God want to accomplish through him? What did God commit himself to do?
Abraham followed God but was not perfect.
God's ultimate plan was to redeem all of us through Abraham's descendants ... one in particular (obviously).
God committed to give Abraham more descendants than could be counted. He also committed a certain area of land to belong to His chosen people starting with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
3. As you read about what happened to Joseph and how situations in his life worked out, what surprised you? If you were writing a novel about his life, what would you title it? Why?
There are a number of things that surprise me about Joseph's life story. I guess the biggest is how he kept a good attitude and trusted in God regardless of what happened to him.
I would title my novel "God's Dreamer" because dreams (his own and others) were so central to his story. Dreams made his brothers jealous and angry. Dreams got him out of prison. Dreams gave him power over all Egypt and beyond.
4. In what ways do you think Moses changed between his time in the Egyptian court and when God spoke to him from the burning bush forty years later? What do Moses' objections to God's call to deliver Israel from bondage reveal about his insecurities and view of God?
I think Moses was more deliberate and even-tempered. I can't think of the words to express myself. Moses came from the highest class and then had to run away and fend for himself. He might have thought the rules didn't necessarily apply to him growing up in the palace. Life outside the palace may have taught him that they do.
Moses felt he was a poor speaker and did NOT want to talk in front of people. Moses thought that people might just dismiss and ignore him.
His view of God? I'm not sure. Moses seemed to think perhaps God had made a mistake in choosing him. God doesn't make mistakes!
5. What kind of a picture of God are you developing through your reading so far? What are some of God's characteristics and attributes, and how did he demonstrate them to His chosen people?
God loves us very much (an understatement) and wants what is best for us. He has great patience but if you don't come around eventually ... watch out If you turn against Him and intentionally participate in behavior that He expressly abhors He will remove His hand of protection.
God provided bread, water and meat to His people while they wandered the desert for forty years. This demonstrated both His caring and the consequences for willfully going against Him.
6a. What do you think was God's purpose in providing the Israelites with so many specific instructions regarding daily life and worship?
To teach them the proper way to live. The way that would be healthiest for them in every way. Above all to teach them to be obedient to Him.
6b. What did God demonstrate, through the tabernacel, about His commitment to be with His people?
It was a physical/visible dwelling place for His glory. They could literally see when He was with them. I know that everything to do with the tabernacle is a foreshadowing of Jesus, unfortunately my tiny brain has yet to fully grasp it. If I have grasped it at all yet.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Exodus
EXODUS 39
The bronze basin and stand were made from mirrors. Were mirrors polished bronze? Is bronze reflective?
The bronze basin and stand were made from mirrors. Were mirrors polished bronze? Is bronze reflective?
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Exodus
EXODUS 34
Moses was literally glowing from being with the Lord. It frightened people. He began to wear a veil when he was not in the presence of the Lord.
EXODUS 35
Anyone who worked on the seventh day was to be put to death. They were not even to light fires in their dwellings.
EXODUS 36
When a free will offering was requested for materials with which to build the tabernacle people gave more than was needed and had to be restrained from giving more.
Moses was literally glowing from being with the Lord. It frightened people. He began to wear a veil when he was not in the presence of the Lord.
EXODUS 35
Anyone who worked on the seventh day was to be put to death. They were not even to light fires in their dwellings.
EXODUS 36
When a free will offering was requested for materials with which to build the tabernacle people gave more than was needed and had to be restrained from giving more.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Exodus
EXODUS 29
They were to keep Aaron's consecrated garments to be worn for seven days by future generations of head priests. I did not know this before.
There were daily offerings to the Lord ... two sheep to be burned, among other things. I did not realize this either.
EXODUS 30
There was a special Altar of Incense with special incense to be burned regularly before the Lord. Twice a day for generations.
There was a special formula for anointing oil to be used on the Tent of Meeting, the Ark of the Testimony and the other sacred items in the Tent of Meeting. It was not to be used for anything else.
Likewise, there was a specific formula for incense that was to be kept most holy and not used for anything other than sprinkling on the ground in front of the Tent of Meeting.
There were dire consequences if anyone duplicated these formulas to use for their own personal use or anything else.
EXODUS 31
After the Lord had described in great detail all that was to be made for the Tent of Meeting, He told Moses who He had chosen to fill with the Spirit of God; with skill, ability and knowledge to make these things.
EXODUS 32
Did Moses lose control of himself when he saw the golden calf and everyone singing and dancing and basically partying? Is that why he threw the stone tablets inscribed by the hand of God, which subsequently broke?
Why did Moses make the people drink the golden calf crushed into water?
EXODUS 33
In verse 11 Moses actually spoke with the Lord face to face, "as a man speaks with his friend." How awesome was that? I can't wait until I get to do that.
In verse 20 the Lord tells Moses that no one may see His face and live. How did Moses speak face to face with the Lord and not perish while in the Tent of Meeting?
They were to keep Aaron's consecrated garments to be worn for seven days by future generations of head priests. I did not know this before.
There were daily offerings to the Lord ... two sheep to be burned, among other things. I did not realize this either.
EXODUS 30
There was a special Altar of Incense with special incense to be burned regularly before the Lord. Twice a day for generations.
There was a special formula for anointing oil to be used on the Tent of Meeting, the Ark of the Testimony and the other sacred items in the Tent of Meeting. It was not to be used for anything else.
Likewise, there was a specific formula for incense that was to be kept most holy and not used for anything other than sprinkling on the ground in front of the Tent of Meeting.
There were dire consequences if anyone duplicated these formulas to use for their own personal use or anything else.
EXODUS 31
After the Lord had described in great detail all that was to be made for the Tent of Meeting, He told Moses who He had chosen to fill with the Spirit of God; with skill, ability and knowledge to make these things.
EXODUS 32
Did Moses lose control of himself when he saw the golden calf and everyone singing and dancing and basically partying? Is that why he threw the stone tablets inscribed by the hand of God, which subsequently broke?
Why did Moses make the people drink the golden calf crushed into water?
EXODUS 33
In verse 11 Moses actually spoke with the Lord face to face, "as a man speaks with his friend." How awesome was that? I can't wait until I get to do that.
In verse 20 the Lord tells Moses that no one may see His face and live. How did Moses speak face to face with the Lord and not perish while in the Tent of Meeting?
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Exodus
EXODUS 15
How quickly the Israelites went from singing and dancing praise to the Lord (for the great miracle of parting the Red Sea and drowning the Pharoah and his charioteers) to grumbling because they had no fresh water.
Who does this remind me of?
Oh right, me! How quickly I forget God's blessings when any little irritant comes up. If I keep my eyes on God and do what is right in His eyes ... how can I go wrong? I must try harder to focus on Him even (or especially) when I'm irritated.
EXODUS 23
The last priestly garment described sounds a lot like boxer shorts. Was this the beginning of underclothes ... for modesty's sake? God indicated the priests must wear these shorts whenever entering the Tent of Meeting to avoid guilt and death. It seems to me that the Lord our God takes modesty pretty seriously. I'm thinking that means we should as well.
How quickly the Israelites went from singing and dancing praise to the Lord (for the great miracle of parting the Red Sea and drowning the Pharoah and his charioteers) to grumbling because they had no fresh water.
Who does this remind me of?
Oh right, me! How quickly I forget God's blessings when any little irritant comes up. If I keep my eyes on God and do what is right in His eyes ... how can I go wrong? I must try harder to focus on Him even (or especially) when I'm irritated.
EXODUS 23
The last priestly garment described sounds a lot like boxer shorts. Was this the beginning of underclothes ... for modesty's sake? God indicated the priests must wear these shorts whenever entering the Tent of Meeting to avoid guilt and death. It seems to me that the Lord our God takes modesty pretty seriously. I'm thinking that means we should as well.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Exodus
EXODUS 1
God rewarded the midwives for lying to Pharoah in order to help save the Israelite baby boys. So, there are certain stances when it is okay to lie?
EXODUS 4
God told Moses that He would harden Pharoah's heart so that he would not let the Israelites go. Why was Pharoah not given a chance until after his first born son had died?
God rewarded the midwives for lying to Pharoah in order to help save the Israelite baby boys. So, there are certain stances when it is okay to lie?
EXODUS 4
God told Moses that He would harden Pharoah's heart so that he would not let the Israelites go. Why was Pharoah not given a chance until after his first born son had died?
Monday, January 4, 2010
Genesis
It is difficult for me to discern what God has for me in the story of Joseph as the passages are so familiar to me.
What is impressed upon me most is that what man intends for evil God can use for good.
For that I am quite thankful.
What is impressed upon me most is that what man intends for evil God can use for good.
For that I am quite thankful.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Genesis
GENESIS 28
Esau, realizing his Caananite wives were displeasing to his parents, went and married again. This time marrying one of his Uncle Ishmael's daughters. Is this more pleasing? Ishmael was run off with his mother. Did the family now get together? Were all old times and hurts forgiven?
Jacob realized that everything he had was given to him by God. In thanks for all the gifts God had given him, Jacob would tithe 10% back.
GENESIS 29
Jacob appears to have fallen in love with Rachel on sight, before ever seeing Leah or knowing of her existence. Leah had weak or delicate eyes but Rachel was beautiful and lovely in form. Was Rachel more desirable because she was strong and healthy? Was Rachel the shepherdess because Leah was too frail for the job? Perhaps Rachel was strong and beautiful because she was a shepherdess.
Esau, realizing his Caananite wives were displeasing to his parents, went and married again. This time marrying one of his Uncle Ishmael's daughters. Is this more pleasing? Ishmael was run off with his mother. Did the family now get together? Were all old times and hurts forgiven?
Jacob realized that everything he had was given to him by God. In thanks for all the gifts God had given him, Jacob would tithe 10% back.
GENESIS 29
Jacob appears to have fallen in love with Rachel on sight, before ever seeing Leah or knowing of her existence. Leah had weak or delicate eyes but Rachel was beautiful and lovely in form. Was Rachel more desirable because she was strong and healthy? Was Rachel the shepherdess because Leah was too frail for the job? Perhaps Rachel was strong and beautiful because she was a shepherdess.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Genesis
GENESIS 20
Although Sarah was in her 80s or 90s, she was evidently still desirable or the king would not have sent for her.
Why this was done more than once is explained as Sarah is indeed Abraham's half sister and early on Abraham had told Sarah that she could show her love to him by telling all he was her brother during their wanderings for the Lord.
GENESIS 21
Just as Hagar was driven away while pregnant with Ishmael because her attitude, and perhaps actions and/or words, raised Sarah's ire ... Ishmael caused his mother and himself to be sent away when he was mocking Sarah's son.
Hagar was Egyptian and had Ishmael marry an Egyptian woman. Why are we told this? What is the importance?
GENESIS 22
Why does God test Abraham by telling him to sacrifice Isaac? God knows already how Abraham will respond. Is it to help Abraham grow in his faith? How did this episode affect Isaac? Were the circumstances explained to him? Love and obey the Lord you God above all else ... including your own children.
GENESIS 24
Putting your hand under some one's thigh to swear an oath ... was that the custom? Is this how all oaths were taken at that time?
GENESIS 25
Abraham had more children after Ishmael and Isaac. Abraham gave gifts to his other sons before he died and sent them away from Isaac to whom he left everything he owned. Were they Abraham's sons? They are referred to as "the sons of Abraham's concubines". Is this because Isaac was the only son recognized by Abraham as his? Isaac is referred to as Abraham's ONLY son.
When Abraham dies Ishmael and Isaac buried him together. Any other children had been sent away.
Isaac and Rebekah had been married 20 years before Jacob and Esau were born.
How hungry was Esau to sell his birthright for a bowl of soup? Was he truly starving? Weak with hunger? Was the food really needed to sustain him or was he simply hasty?
I have said or thought, "I'm starving!" many times but I have never actually been starving. Merely quite hungry.
GENESIS 26
Isaac, like his father Abraham, told people that his wife was his sister, fearing they would kill him so that Rebekah would be free to marry another. Was this common practice. Did many men with desirable wives call them "sister" whilst traveling? Is this the same Abimilech that Abraham and Sarah sought to deceive in the same manner? Was he on his guard to watch for such deceptions?
GENESIS 27
Why was Rebekah so deceptive. Why did she feel the need to steal Esau's blessing for her favored son?
It is sad to me that Jacob's concern seemed to be that he could get caught rather than what he was doing was wrong. Jacob says it would appear he was tricking his father. Not only would it appear that way ... he actually was tricking his father.
Isaac suspected something was amiss before he gave Jacob the blessing.
Esau accuses Jacob of deceiving him out of his birthright. Was it really deception or simply taking advantage of a hungry brother?
Although Sarah was in her 80s or 90s, she was evidently still desirable or the king would not have sent for her.
Why this was done more than once is explained as Sarah is indeed Abraham's half sister and early on Abraham had told Sarah that she could show her love to him by telling all he was her brother during their wanderings for the Lord.
GENESIS 21
Just as Hagar was driven away while pregnant with Ishmael because her attitude, and perhaps actions and/or words, raised Sarah's ire ... Ishmael caused his mother and himself to be sent away when he was mocking Sarah's son.
Hagar was Egyptian and had Ishmael marry an Egyptian woman. Why are we told this? What is the importance?
GENESIS 22
Why does God test Abraham by telling him to sacrifice Isaac? God knows already how Abraham will respond. Is it to help Abraham grow in his faith? How did this episode affect Isaac? Were the circumstances explained to him? Love and obey the Lord you God above all else ... including your own children.
GENESIS 24
Putting your hand under some one's thigh to swear an oath ... was that the custom? Is this how all oaths were taken at that time?
GENESIS 25
Abraham had more children after Ishmael and Isaac. Abraham gave gifts to his other sons before he died and sent them away from Isaac to whom he left everything he owned. Were they Abraham's sons? They are referred to as "the sons of Abraham's concubines". Is this because Isaac was the only son recognized by Abraham as his? Isaac is referred to as Abraham's ONLY son.
When Abraham dies Ishmael and Isaac buried him together. Any other children had been sent away.
Isaac and Rebekah had been married 20 years before Jacob and Esau were born.
How hungry was Esau to sell his birthright for a bowl of soup? Was he truly starving? Weak with hunger? Was the food really needed to sustain him or was he simply hasty?
I have said or thought, "I'm starving!" many times but I have never actually been starving. Merely quite hungry.
GENESIS 26
Isaac, like his father Abraham, told people that his wife was his sister, fearing they would kill him so that Rebekah would be free to marry another. Was this common practice. Did many men with desirable wives call them "sister" whilst traveling? Is this the same Abimilech that Abraham and Sarah sought to deceive in the same manner? Was he on his guard to watch for such deceptions?
GENESIS 27
Why was Rebekah so deceptive. Why did she feel the need to steal Esau's blessing for her favored son?
It is sad to me that Jacob's concern seemed to be that he could get caught rather than what he was doing was wrong. Jacob says it would appear he was tricking his father. Not only would it appear that way ... he actually was tricking his father.
Isaac suspected something was amiss before he gave Jacob the blessing.
Esau accuses Jacob of deceiving him out of his birthright. Was it really deception or simply taking advantage of a hungry brother?
Friday, January 1, 2010
Genesis
GENESIS 3
When did this happen? Had Adam & Even been in existence for a short time or had they been in the garden for decades?
GENESIS 4
Cain was the first born son. Why did Cain bring his first fruits as an offering? Did the Lord instruct him to? Did his parents? Was it because Cain loved God and wanted to thank him for his bounty? Was it not Cain's first fruits? Abel brought an offering from his first born livestock. Is this why Cain's offering was not looked upon with favor? God asked Cain, "If you do what is right, will you not be accepted?" Was Cain already doing things he shouldn't before he brought his offering to the Lord?
"At that time men began to call on the name of the Lord." What does this last line of chapter 4 mean?
What is Lamech's story? God told Cain he would be avenged seven times. Did He tell Lamech 77 times? Where did Lamech get this idea?
GENESIS 5
Other than Seth, is this a record of first born children or just certain ones in the line of Noah?
Enoch is singled out as having walked with God rather than just living. Was he more obedient to the Lord than the others?
GENESIS 6
The Nephilim were on the earth in the days of Noah ... and also afterward. Were they wiped out by the flood? Are they still here?
Noah was blameless among the people of his time. The people of his time were so corrupt and violent that God decided to wipe the earth clean.
Noah was to bring two of each kind of living thing to be kept alive, they would come to him. Nice that he was not required to go seek them all out and gather them to himself.
GENESIS 7
Noah was instructed further to bring seven of every clean kind of animal and two of every unclean animal, seven of every kind of bird. I do remember that sacrifices were made to God upon leaving the ark. It would be good to have more than two of something if one is going to be killed as a sacrifice.
Everything living on the face of the earth and every bird of the sky were wiped from the earth.
GENESIS 9
God gave Noah and his family dominion to use clean animals for meat, just as He had given them the green plants as food in the beginning.
God established his covenant to never again cut off all life by waters; not only with Noah and his family but with all the animals that came out of the ark with them. Had the animals and birds also been corrupted and become violent so they had to be destroyed as well?
The rainbow is a sign of God's covenant with every living thing on earth.
Adam and Eve learned when they ate of the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil that they were naked. Their immediate response was to make clothing to cover themes. The first mention of modesty. The concept of modesty reinforced when God made clothes for them from animal skins to replace the coverings they had made for themselves from fig leaves.
Noah was found naked by his son Ham who told the other brothers. The other brothers, Shem and Japheth, took pains to avoid seeing their father's nakedness while covering him so others also would not see his nakedness. Another indication we are to be modest. Reinforced by Noah cursing the son who looked upon him and blessing the sons who covered him.
GENESIS 15 & 16
God told Abram that he would have a son from his own body and that he would have countless descendants. Who the mother would be was not specified at this time. In fact, Abram had two sons from his own body. Each with a different mother and a promise from God of descendants too numerous to count.
GENESIS 17
Here God changed the names of Abram and Sarai to Abraham and Sarah. He also promised Abraham a son by Sarah. This son is the one which He will make His covenant. Through this line with Sarah would kings of peoples come. Sarah would be the mother of nations.
Ishmael, Abraham's first son, would also be blessed.
When did this happen? Had Adam & Even been in existence for a short time or had they been in the garden for decades?
GENESIS 4
Cain was the first born son. Why did Cain bring his first fruits as an offering? Did the Lord instruct him to? Did his parents? Was it because Cain loved God and wanted to thank him for his bounty? Was it not Cain's first fruits? Abel brought an offering from his first born livestock. Is this why Cain's offering was not looked upon with favor? God asked Cain, "If you do what is right, will you not be accepted?" Was Cain already doing things he shouldn't before he brought his offering to the Lord?
"At that time men began to call on the name of the Lord." What does this last line of chapter 4 mean?
What is Lamech's story? God told Cain he would be avenged seven times. Did He tell Lamech 77 times? Where did Lamech get this idea?
GENESIS 5
Other than Seth, is this a record of first born children or just certain ones in the line of Noah?
Enoch is singled out as having walked with God rather than just living. Was he more obedient to the Lord than the others?
GENESIS 6
The Nephilim were on the earth in the days of Noah ... and also afterward. Were they wiped out by the flood? Are they still here?
Noah was blameless among the people of his time. The people of his time were so corrupt and violent that God decided to wipe the earth clean.
Noah was to bring two of each kind of living thing to be kept alive, they would come to him. Nice that he was not required to go seek them all out and gather them to himself.
GENESIS 7
Noah was instructed further to bring seven of every clean kind of animal and two of every unclean animal, seven of every kind of bird. I do remember that sacrifices were made to God upon leaving the ark. It would be good to have more than two of something if one is going to be killed as a sacrifice.
Everything living on the face of the earth and every bird of the sky were wiped from the earth.
GENESIS 9
God gave Noah and his family dominion to use clean animals for meat, just as He had given them the green plants as food in the beginning.
God established his covenant to never again cut off all life by waters; not only with Noah and his family but with all the animals that came out of the ark with them. Had the animals and birds also been corrupted and become violent so they had to be destroyed as well?
The rainbow is a sign of God's covenant with every living thing on earth.
Adam and Eve learned when they ate of the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil that they were naked. Their immediate response was to make clothing to cover themes. The first mention of modesty. The concept of modesty reinforced when God made clothes for them from animal skins to replace the coverings they had made for themselves from fig leaves.
Noah was found naked by his son Ham who told the other brothers. The other brothers, Shem and Japheth, took pains to avoid seeing their father's nakedness while covering him so others also would not see his nakedness. Another indication we are to be modest. Reinforced by Noah cursing the son who looked upon him and blessing the sons who covered him.
GENESIS 15 & 16
God told Abram that he would have a son from his own body and that he would have countless descendants. Who the mother would be was not specified at this time. In fact, Abram had two sons from his own body. Each with a different mother and a promise from God of descendants too numerous to count.
GENESIS 17
Here God changed the names of Abram and Sarai to Abraham and Sarah. He also promised Abraham a son by Sarah. This son is the one which He will make His covenant. Through this line with Sarah would kings of peoples come. Sarah would be the mother of nations.
Ishmael, Abraham's first son, would also be blessed.
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