Joel 2:1-17
The day of the Lord is coming, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness. Like dawn spreading across the mountains a large and mighty army comes, such as never was of old nor ever will be in ages to come.
The day of the Lord is great; it is dreadful. Who can endure it?
"Even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning"
Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.
Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly.
The locust army becomes a picture of the invading army of God on the day of his judgment: the sky black with insects; the 'scorched earth' in their wake; their inexorable, totally irresistible, onward march. This is what God's judgments will be like. Who can bear it?
Why?
The good news is that no one need endure God's judgment. He is still calling people to repent. Joel calls the whole nation to turn to God and plead for mercy.
God is waiting for us, turn to the Lord and plead for mercy.
How?
The day of the Lord is great; it is dreadful. Who can endure it? Turn to the Lord with all your heard.
Sunday, May 31, 2015
Saturday, May 30, 2015
The Day of the Lord is near
Joel 1:1-20
Surely the joy of mankind is withered away, even the flocks of sheep are suffering.
For the grain offerings and drink offerings are withheld from the house of your God.
Alas for that day! For the day of the Lord is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty.
The prophecy contains few clues to the date when it was written. We may guess at date - and guesses range from the 8th century BC to the 4th century BBC and later - but the book itself is timeless.
Joel is obviously familiar with themes which also occur in Isaiah, Amos and Ezekiel - particularly the 'Day of the Lord', when God will finally judge the world and his own people. What prompts the prophet's message is a dire emergency, a plague of all-consuming locusts.
As the insect swarms hide the sun ad eat up the food supply, the prophet sees in them the darkness and suffering which will characterize that Day.
He calls the nation to repent, for God still loves his people and longs to rescue and restore them.
Why?
Even in the past 100 years Jerusalem has been stripped of all vegetation by a plague of locusts like the one Joel describes so vividly. The swarm of several million insects is carried into Palestine by the desert wind from Arabia.
The locusts grows rapidly from larva to winged adult, and at every stage its appetite is insatiable. It is worse than an invading army; when it moves on there is no green or growing thing left. There is nothing to offer to God, or so little that the people are using all they have to ward off starvation.
For Joel, the locust swarm is a sign, a warning of the terror of the Day of the Lord, God's approaching judgment day. He calls for a national day of prayer.
How?
Repent and pray to the Lord, for the Day of the Lord is coming soon!
Surely the joy of mankind is withered away, even the flocks of sheep are suffering.
For the grain offerings and drink offerings are withheld from the house of your God.
Alas for that day! For the day of the Lord is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty.
The prophecy contains few clues to the date when it was written. We may guess at date - and guesses range from the 8th century BC to the 4th century BBC and later - but the book itself is timeless.
Joel is obviously familiar with themes which also occur in Isaiah, Amos and Ezekiel - particularly the 'Day of the Lord', when God will finally judge the world and his own people. What prompts the prophet's message is a dire emergency, a plague of all-consuming locusts.
As the insect swarms hide the sun ad eat up the food supply, the prophet sees in them the darkness and suffering which will characterize that Day.
He calls the nation to repent, for God still loves his people and longs to rescue and restore them.
Why?
Even in the past 100 years Jerusalem has been stripped of all vegetation by a plague of locusts like the one Joel describes so vividly. The swarm of several million insects is carried into Palestine by the desert wind from Arabia.
The locusts grows rapidly from larva to winged adult, and at every stage its appetite is insatiable. It is worse than an invading army; when it moves on there is no green or growing thing left. There is nothing to offer to God, or so little that the people are using all they have to ward off starvation.
For Joel, the locust swarm is a sign, a warning of the terror of the Day of the Lord, God's approaching judgment day. He calls for a national day of prayer.
How?
Repent and pray to the Lord, for the Day of the Lord is coming soon!
Friday, May 29, 2015
God will not fail to his promise and his word
Genesis 50:1-26
Jacob's son did as he had commanded them: They carried him to the land of Canaan and buried him in the cave in the filed of Machpelah, near Mamre, which Abraham had bought as a burial place from Ephraon the Hittite, along with the field.
Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.
Joseph made the sons of Israel swear an oath and said, "God will surely come to your aid, and then you must carry my bones up from this place." Joseph died at the age of 110.
It was normal to employ professional embalmers, but perhaps Joseph wanted to avoid religious entanglements(糾葛). Two centuries later the normal embalming period was 70 days. The mourning observed for Jacob was only two shorter than that for a pharaoh.
Why?
Joseph trust in the Lord that will bring his descendant back to the promised land.
Joseph returns to Canaan at last, but only to lay his father to rest in the family tomb at Hebron - still their sole possession in the promised land.
The huge canvas of Genesis, begun with the great strokes of creation and pulsating life in Eden, continued through destruction, promise, and the birth of a new nation in Canaan, closes with the death of Joseph in Egypt. Yet there will be more to tell. "God will not fail to ... take you from here to the land which he promised." Joseph says, full of trust and hope to the last.
How?
God is the sovereign Lord. God never fail to his promise and his word.
Jacob's son did as he had commanded them: They carried him to the land of Canaan and buried him in the cave in the filed of Machpelah, near Mamre, which Abraham had bought as a burial place from Ephraon the Hittite, along with the field.
Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.
Joseph made the sons of Israel swear an oath and said, "God will surely come to your aid, and then you must carry my bones up from this place." Joseph died at the age of 110.
It was normal to employ professional embalmers, but perhaps Joseph wanted to avoid religious entanglements(糾葛). Two centuries later the normal embalming period was 70 days. The mourning observed for Jacob was only two shorter than that for a pharaoh.
Why?
Joseph trust in the Lord that will bring his descendant back to the promised land.
Joseph returns to Canaan at last, but only to lay his father to rest in the family tomb at Hebron - still their sole possession in the promised land.
The huge canvas of Genesis, begun with the great strokes of creation and pulsating life in Eden, continued through destruction, promise, and the birth of a new nation in Canaan, closes with the death of Joseph in Egypt. Yet there will be more to tell. "God will not fail to ... take you from here to the land which he promised." Joseph says, full of trust and hope to the last.
How?
God is the sovereign Lord. God never fail to his promise and his word.
Thursday, May 28, 2015
Jacob was walking along with the Lord and be blessed by the Lord
Genesis 49:1-33
Reuben, turbulent as the waters, you will no longer excel, for you went up onto your father's bed .
Simeon and Levi are brothers - their swords are weapons of violence, I will scatter them in Jacob and disperse them in Israel.
Judah your brothers will praise you; Your are a lion's cub, who dares to rouse him? The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet until he comes to whom it belongs and the obedience of the nations is his.
Zebulen will live by the seashore and become a haven for ships;
Issachar is a rawboned donkey lying down between two saddlebags.
Dan will provide justice for his people as one of the bribes of Israel.
I look for your deliverance, O Lord.
Gad will be attacked by a bad of raiders, but he will attack them at their heels.
Asher's food will be rich;
Naphtali is a doe set free that bears beautiful fawns.
Joseph is a fruitful vine, whose branches climb over a wall.
Because of your father's God, who helps you, because of the Almighty, who blesses you with blessings of the heavens above, blessing of the deep that lies below blessings of the breast and womb... Let all these rest on the head of Joseph, on the brow眉 of the prince among his brothers.
Benjamin is a ravenous wolf;
scepter : an ornamented staff carried by rulers on ceremonial occasions as a symbol of sovereignty.
Why?
The outrage recorded in 35:22 costs Reuben his birthright a firstborn son.
Jacob's judgment of Simeon's and Levi's conduct at Shechem is clear. Both tribes will be scattered.
From Judah comes the royal line of Israel, a coming golden age and the Messiah.
Although near enough to acquire wealth from maritime trade, Zenulun's territory did not in face stretch to the sea.
Gad: Such raids are recorded on the 9th-century Moabite Stone.
Jacob's blessings and instructions decided the ways of descendant of Israel 12 tribes. Jacob is walking along with the Lord so he can say above instructions.
How?
Because of the Almighty, who blesses me with blessings of the heavens above. He is the fountain of blessing.
Reuben, turbulent as the waters, you will no longer excel, for you went up onto your father's bed .
Simeon and Levi are brothers - their swords are weapons of violence, I will scatter them in Jacob and disperse them in Israel.
Judah your brothers will praise you; Your are a lion's cub, who dares to rouse him? The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet until he comes to whom it belongs and the obedience of the nations is his.
Zebulen will live by the seashore and become a haven for ships;
Issachar is a rawboned donkey lying down between two saddlebags.
Dan will provide justice for his people as one of the bribes of Israel.
I look for your deliverance, O Lord.
Gad will be attacked by a bad of raiders, but he will attack them at their heels.
Asher's food will be rich;
Naphtali is a doe set free that bears beautiful fawns.
Joseph is a fruitful vine, whose branches climb over a wall.
Because of your father's God, who helps you, because of the Almighty, who blesses you with blessings of the heavens above, blessing of the deep that lies below blessings of the breast and womb... Let all these rest on the head of Joseph, on the brow眉 of the prince among his brothers.
Benjamin is a ravenous wolf;
scepter : an ornamented staff carried by rulers on ceremonial occasions as a symbol of sovereignty.
Why?
The outrage recorded in 35:22 costs Reuben his birthright a firstborn son.
Jacob's judgment of Simeon's and Levi's conduct at Shechem is clear. Both tribes will be scattered.
From Judah comes the royal line of Israel, a coming golden age and the Messiah.
Although near enough to acquire wealth from maritime trade, Zenulun's territory did not in face stretch to the sea.
Gad: Such raids are recorded on the 9th-century Moabite Stone.
Jacob's blessings and instructions decided the ways of descendant of Israel 12 tribes. Jacob is walking along with the Lord so he can say above instructions.
How?
Because of the Almighty, who blesses me with blessings of the heavens above. He is the fountain of blessing.
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Blessing from our heavenly father is greater over any other
Genesis 48:1-22
Israel remembered what God has promised to him, so Israel blessed Joseph's two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.
Israel blessed Ephraim with his right hand and to Manasseh with his left hand, for he knew younger brother will be greater than he, and his descendants will become a group of nations.
Israel said to Joseph, "to you, as one who is over your brother, I give you the ridge of land I took from the Amorites with my sword and my bow."
Why?
Once again a cycle is completed: from the blessing of Jacob by his blind old father to the blessing Joseph's sons (singled out in Hebrew 11:21 as an act of faith).
How simple Jacob's hands cross over to convey God's blessing to the younger son, in contrast to the Jacob and Esau story in chapter 27, Ephraim and Manasseh are counted as Jacob's own sons, so Joseph enjoys a double inheritance.
The spoken blessing looks to the distant future, when the descendants of these twelve will occupy the promised land.
How?
Father's blessing is important than any other, Like Issac blessed Jacob and Jacob blessed Ephraim. So as our blessing from heavenly father is greater than any other.
Israel remembered what God has promised to him, so Israel blessed Joseph's two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.
Israel blessed Ephraim with his right hand and to Manasseh with his left hand, for he knew younger brother will be greater than he, and his descendants will become a group of nations.
Israel said to Joseph, "to you, as one who is over your brother, I give you the ridge of land I took from the Amorites with my sword and my bow."
Why?
Once again a cycle is completed: from the blessing of Jacob by his blind old father to the blessing Joseph's sons (singled out in Hebrew 11:21 as an act of faith).
How simple Jacob's hands cross over to convey God's blessing to the younger son, in contrast to the Jacob and Esau story in chapter 27, Ephraim and Manasseh are counted as Jacob's own sons, so Joseph enjoys a double inheritance.
The spoken blessing looks to the distant future, when the descendants of these twelve will occupy the promised land.
How?
Father's blessing is important than any other, Like Issac blessed Jacob and Jacob blessed Ephraim. So as our blessing from heavenly father is greater than any other.
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Christian are more honor and superior than any other in the world
Genesis 47:1-31
Joseph brought in Jacob his father and stood him before Pharaoh, and Jacob blessed Pharaoh.
Jacob said to Pharaoh, "The days of the years of my sojourning are 130 years. Few and evil have been the days of the years of my life, and they have not attained to the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their sojourning.旅居"
People said to Joseph "You have saved out lives; may it please my lord, we will be servants to Pharaoh." So Joseph made it a statute concerning the land of Egypt, and it stands to this day, that Pharaoh should have the fifth; the land of the priests alone did not become Pharaoh's.
Jacob lived in the land of Egypt 17 years. So the days of Jacob, the years of his life, were 147 years.
Why?
Under Joseph's economic policy Pharaoh gains ownership of the land, and the people become his tenants. Only the priests keep their estates.
Jacob was more honor than Pharaoh for he blessed Pharaoh.
Jacob gave himself what his life was, "Few and evil of the years of my life." Most people in the world are few and evil of the years, only under the blessing of the Lord may have the joy and free in his life.
Tax gives to Pharaoh is fifth, our devotion to the Lord is tithe, but the meaning are different and tithe is coming with promise and blessing from the Lord.
How?
Christian is more honor and superior than any other in the world for we are belong to the Lord.
Joseph brought in Jacob his father and stood him before Pharaoh, and Jacob blessed Pharaoh.
Jacob said to Pharaoh, "The days of the years of my sojourning are 130 years. Few and evil have been the days of the years of my life, and they have not attained to the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their sojourning.旅居"
People said to Joseph "You have saved out lives; may it please my lord, we will be servants to Pharaoh." So Joseph made it a statute concerning the land of Egypt, and it stands to this day, that Pharaoh should have the fifth; the land of the priests alone did not become Pharaoh's.
Jacob lived in the land of Egypt 17 years. So the days of Jacob, the years of his life, were 147 years.
Why?
Under Joseph's economic policy Pharaoh gains ownership of the land, and the people become his tenants. Only the priests keep their estates.
Jacob was more honor than Pharaoh for he blessed Pharaoh.
Jacob gave himself what his life was, "Few and evil of the years of my life." Most people in the world are few and evil of the years, only under the blessing of the Lord may have the joy and free in his life.
Tax gives to Pharaoh is fifth, our devotion to the Lord is tithe, but the meaning are different and tithe is coming with promise and blessing from the Lord.
How?
Christian is more honor and superior than any other in the world for we are belong to the Lord.
Monday, May 25, 2015
Blessed way to Egypt
Genesis 46:1-34
Israel when he reached Beersheba,he offered sacrifices to the God.
All those who went to Egypt with Jacob-those who were his direct descendants, not counting his sons' wives-numbered sixty-six persons.
With the sons who had been born to Joseph in Egypt, the number s of Jacob's family, which went to Egypt, were 70 in all.
Why?
The people of Israel, Jacob's household, set out for Egypt with God's reassuring promise that he will accompany them and bring them back by then a nation.
The Egyptian dislike of the nomadic shepherds is probably no different from the feeling of many settled people towards wandering gypsies. Here the dislike serve a useful purpose to keeping the family as an isolated unit. Otherwise group identity might quickly lost.
Jacob learned before he went to Egypt he made sacrifice to the Lord. He knew that his way is under the guidence of the Lord, not him.
God's blessing is more important than what I am doing.
How?
My way needs to be blessed by the Lord.
Israel when he reached Beersheba,he offered sacrifices to the God.
All those who went to Egypt with Jacob-those who were his direct descendants, not counting his sons' wives-numbered sixty-six persons.
With the sons who had been born to Joseph in Egypt, the number s of Jacob's family, which went to Egypt, were 70 in all.
Why?
The people of Israel, Jacob's household, set out for Egypt with God's reassuring promise that he will accompany them and bring them back by then a nation.
The Egyptian dislike of the nomadic shepherds is probably no different from the feeling of many settled people towards wandering gypsies. Here the dislike serve a useful purpose to keeping the family as an isolated unit. Otherwise group identity might quickly lost.
Jacob learned before he went to Egypt he made sacrifice to the Lord. He knew that his way is under the guidence of the Lord, not him.
God's blessing is more important than what I am doing.
How?
My way needs to be blessed by the Lord.
Sunday, May 24, 2015
God's providential plan
Genesis 45:1-28
Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?" But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed at his presence.
Joseph said to his brothers, "Come near to me, please. I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sod into Egypt. And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life."
When the report was heard in Pharaoh's house. "Joseph's brothers have come," it pleased Pharaoh and his servants.
When they told Jacob all the words of Joseph, which he had said to them, and when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of their father Jacob revived. And Israel said, "It is enough; Joseph my son is still alive. I will go and see him before I die."
Why?
"Not you ... But God." There is no resentment in Joseph's heart: all that has happened has been part of God's providential(天賜) plan. The slavery he suffered was to save lives.
In times of famine, nomads(游牧民族) from Palestine are known to have been allowed pasturage in the eastern delta.
Under suffering Joseph was following the words of God and do the right things.
How?
The slavery Joseph suffered was to save lives of his household, all of these are the God's providential plan. Praise to the Lord!
Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?" But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed at his presence.
Joseph said to his brothers, "Come near to me, please. I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sod into Egypt. And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life."
When the report was heard in Pharaoh's house. "Joseph's brothers have come," it pleased Pharaoh and his servants.
When they told Jacob all the words of Joseph, which he had said to them, and when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of their father Jacob revived. And Israel said, "It is enough; Joseph my son is still alive. I will go and see him before I die."
Why?
"Not you ... But God." There is no resentment in Joseph's heart: all that has happened has been part of God's providential(天賜) plan. The slavery he suffered was to save lives.
In times of famine, nomads(游牧民族) from Palestine are known to have been allowed pasturage in the eastern delta.
Under suffering Joseph was following the words of God and do the right things.
How?
The slavery Joseph suffered was to save lives of his household, all of these are the God's providential plan. Praise to the Lord!
Saturday, May 23, 2015
Joseph tests his brothers
Genesis 44:1-34
Joseph tests his brothers by hiding his silver cup in Benjamin's sack. Then Benjamin have to stay in Egypt, how his brother will be!
Judah stood out and said to Joseph that he would like to be a servant in Egypt but his youngest brother Benjamin have to go back to his father for his father will die if Benjamin does not go back.
I fear to see the evil that would find my father.
Why?
Joseph may have used his silver cup for divination(卜筮) (interpreting events by the movement of drops of oil on water), as some versions bring out. Or the steward may imply that it is impossible to escape detection by his wise and powerful master.
Judah took his responsibility among brothers and had ready to bear the life of Benjamin.
How?
Joseph is wise and sensitive to the good and evil one.
Joseph tests his brothers by hiding his silver cup in Benjamin's sack. Then Benjamin have to stay in Egypt, how his brother will be!
Judah stood out and said to Joseph that he would like to be a servant in Egypt but his youngest brother Benjamin have to go back to his father for his father will die if Benjamin does not go back.
I fear to see the evil that would find my father.
Why?
Joseph may have used his silver cup for divination(卜筮) (interpreting events by the movement of drops of oil on water), as some versions bring out. Or the steward may imply that it is impossible to escape detection by his wise and powerful master.
Judah took his responsibility among brothers and had ready to bear the life of Benjamin.
How?
Joseph is wise and sensitive to the good and evil one.
Friday, May 22, 2015
Let it goes!
Genesis 43:1-34
Jacob said to his sons, "...May God Almighty grant you mercy before the man so that he will let your other brother and Benjamin come back with you. As for me, if I am bereaved, I am bereaved喪親."
When Joseph came home, his brother presented to him the gifts they had brought into the house, and they bowed down before him to the ground.
When portions were served to them from Joseph's table, Benjamin's portion was five times as much as anyone else's. So they feasted ad drank freely with him.
Why?
Joseph is a man full of emotion and mercy. He wept many times when he saw his brothers.
Jacob realized that there was no food for living, he must let Benjamin go with this brothers to Egypt to buy some food. So he prayed God's mercy came and blesses them all come back safely.
How?
God is the sovereign Lord, so Jacob let them go. Same to us that sometimes we have to let it goes.
Jacob said to his sons, "...May God Almighty grant you mercy before the man so that he will let your other brother and Benjamin come back with you. As for me, if I am bereaved, I am bereaved喪親."
When Joseph came home, his brother presented to him the gifts they had brought into the house, and they bowed down before him to the ground.
When portions were served to them from Joseph's table, Benjamin's portion was five times as much as anyone else's. So they feasted ad drank freely with him.
Why?
Joseph is a man full of emotion and mercy. He wept many times when he saw his brothers.
Jacob realized that there was no food for living, he must let Benjamin go with this brothers to Egypt to buy some food. So he prayed God's mercy came and blesses them all come back safely.
How?
God is the sovereign Lord, so Jacob let them go. Same to us that sometimes we have to let it goes.
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Why do you just keep looking at each other?
Genesis 42:1-38
Why do you just keep looking at each other?
Ten of Joseph's brothers went down to buy grain from Egypt. But Jacob did not send Benjamin, Joseph's brother, with the others, because he was afraid that harm might come to him.
They said to one another, "Surely we are being punished because of out brother. We saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not listen; that's why this distress has come upon us."
Why?
These chapters give a moving account of Joseph's meeting, testing and eventual reunion with his brothers. Behind his apparent harshness lies complete and generous forgiveness of the wrong done him, and a real understanding of the way God controls human destiny.
Under each new stress the brothers show a genuine change of attitude from the old days. Twenty years have not obliterated(抹殺) their sense of guilt.
Judah succeeds where Ruben had failed. He now takes the lead.
Why do you keep looking at each other? Do something, something we heard, do something? This is the right action to me!
How?
Do something when I heard or saw something, do not just keep looking!
Why do you just keep looking at each other?
Ten of Joseph's brothers went down to buy grain from Egypt. But Jacob did not send Benjamin, Joseph's brother, with the others, because he was afraid that harm might come to him.
They said to one another, "Surely we are being punished because of out brother. We saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not listen; that's why this distress has come upon us."
Why?
These chapters give a moving account of Joseph's meeting, testing and eventual reunion with his brothers. Behind his apparent harshness lies complete and generous forgiveness of the wrong done him, and a real understanding of the way God controls human destiny.
Under each new stress the brothers show a genuine change of attitude from the old days. Twenty years have not obliterated(抹殺) their sense of guilt.
Judah succeeds where Ruben had failed. He now takes the lead.
Why do you keep looking at each other? Do something, something we heard, do something? This is the right action to me!
How?
Do something when I heard or saw something, do not just keep looking!
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
How marvelous a man walk with God's blessing and God's sprit
Genesis 41:1-57
Two full years later, Pharaoh had two dream, he told his dreams to all the magicians and wise men of Egypt, but no one could interpret them for him.
Then chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh about Joseph that the dreams they had and things turned out exactly as he interpreted them.
So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought from the dungeon. He had shaved and changed his clothes, he came before Pharaoh.
Joseph replied to Pharaoh, "I cannot do it, but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desired."
Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you."
Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from Pharaoh's presence and traveled throughout Egypt.
Why?
Two years later Pharaoh himself has a dream which defeats his magicians and wise men, despite all their training and a whole library of reference books. When the wine steward at last remembers him.
Joseph not only proves able to explain God's message, but comes up with a clear-cup plan of action.
'Not I, but God...' says Joseph. And Pharaoh sees this man 'as endowed(天賦) with the spirit of God.'
Egyptian custom dictates that Joseph must be shaven and dressed in linen for an appearance at court.
Joseph's investiture follows Egyptian tradition - the ring, fine linen and a gold chain or collar in reward for his services. Horses and chariots had helped the Hyksons pharaohs to gain ascendancy in Egypt. After 13 years as a slave, Joseph becomes governor of all Egypt, second only to Pharaoh.
How?
Joseph looks as a man endowed with the spirit of God. How marvelous a man with God's blessing.
Two full years later, Pharaoh had two dream, he told his dreams to all the magicians and wise men of Egypt, but no one could interpret them for him.
Then chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh about Joseph that the dreams they had and things turned out exactly as he interpreted them.
So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought from the dungeon. He had shaved and changed his clothes, he came before Pharaoh.
Joseph replied to Pharaoh, "I cannot do it, but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desired."
Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you."
Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from Pharaoh's presence and traveled throughout Egypt.
Why?
Two years later Pharaoh himself has a dream which defeats his magicians and wise men, despite all their training and a whole library of reference books. When the wine steward at last remembers him.
Joseph not only proves able to explain God's message, but comes up with a clear-cup plan of action.
'Not I, but God...' says Joseph. And Pharaoh sees this man 'as endowed(天賦) with the spirit of God.'
Egyptian custom dictates that Joseph must be shaven and dressed in linen for an appearance at court.
Joseph's investiture follows Egyptian tradition - the ring, fine linen and a gold chain or collar in reward for his services. Horses and chariots had helped the Hyksons pharaohs to gain ascendancy in Egypt. After 13 years as a slave, Joseph becomes governor of all Egypt, second only to Pharaoh.
How?
Joseph looks as a man endowed with the spirit of God. How marvelous a man with God's blessing.
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Why are your faces so sad today?
Genesis 40:1-23
Joseph came to the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt, the next morning, he saw that they were dejected(垂頭喪氣). So he asked them, "Why are your faces so sad today?"
"Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams."
Joseph said to them the interpretation of their dreams. Three days later, things happened to them, just as Joseph had said to them in his interpretation. The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.
Why?
Great significance was given to dreams in Egypt at this time. Professional interpreters had manuals that listed dreams and their meanings. But Pharaoh's wine steward ( the 'butler' of some versions) and his baker had no one to turn to. 'Interpretation belongs to God' say Joseph - and God makes the meaning clear.
Take care one around me and ask him why are your faces so sad today? May be I can do some favor to him and let his life changed for Jesus Christ.
How?
Care what I saw among people near me and with compassion.
Joseph came to the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt, the next morning, he saw that they were dejected(垂頭喪氣). So he asked them, "Why are your faces so sad today?"
"Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams."
Joseph said to them the interpretation of their dreams. Three days later, things happened to them, just as Joseph had said to them in his interpretation. The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.
Why?
Great significance was given to dreams in Egypt at this time. Professional interpreters had manuals that listed dreams and their meanings. But Pharaoh's wine steward ( the 'butler' of some versions) and his baker had no one to turn to. 'Interpretation belongs to God' say Joseph - and God makes the meaning clear.
Take care one around me and ask him why are your faces so sad today? May be I can do some favor to him and let his life changed for Jesus Christ.
How?
Care what I saw among people near me and with compassion.
Monday, May 18, 2015
Be blessed to others because God is with us
Genesis 39:1-23
The Lord blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph.
Joseph said to Potiphar's wife, How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?
The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph's care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.
The account of Joseph's life in Egypt given in Chapter 39-50 fits perfectly into the background of Egypt under the Semitic Hyksons pharaohs. They ruled from 1710 to 170BC, from a capital in the eastern part of the Nile delta. Goshen was also somewhere in this region.
This story of seduction refusal and false accusation, has been compared with the Egyptian, has been compared with the Egyptian Tale of Two brother, which begins in a similar way. But the magic and miracle that follow there are markedly different from the Joseph story and there is no real reason to connect the two. The key thing here is that Joseph keeps faith with God, and more important still, God keeps faith with Joseph, in success and in disgrace.
How?
How wonderful when the Lord was with us, and give us success in whatever we did.
The Lord blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph.
Joseph said to Potiphar's wife, How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?
The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph's care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.
The account of Joseph's life in Egypt given in Chapter 39-50 fits perfectly into the background of Egypt under the Semitic Hyksons pharaohs. They ruled from 1710 to 170BC, from a capital in the eastern part of the Nile delta. Goshen was also somewhere in this region.
This story of seduction refusal and false accusation, has been compared with the Egyptian, has been compared with the Egyptian Tale of Two brother, which begins in a similar way. But the magic and miracle that follow there are markedly different from the Joseph story and there is no real reason to connect the two. The key thing here is that Joseph keeps faith with God, and more important still, God keeps faith with Joseph, in success and in disgrace.
How?
How wonderful when the Lord was with us, and give us success in whatever we did.
Sunday, May 17, 2015
God remembers our distress
Genesis 38:1-30
Judah recognized them and said, "She is more righteous than I, since I wouldn't give her to my son Shelah."
When the time came for her to give birth, there were twin boys in her womb. As she was giving birth, one of them put out his hand; so the midwife took a scarlet thread and tied it on his wrest and said, "This one came out first." But when he drew back his hand, his brother came out, and she said, "So this is how you have broken out." And he was named Perez.
Judah's line: This extraordinary story is probably included because it forms part of the family tree of the royal house, from which the Messiah himself was descended. In planing it here, the editor points the contrast with Joseph's behaviour in Chapter 39
If a man die childless, his brother was duty bound to raise heirs to him by his widow.
Onan's action has nothing at all to do with contraception or masturbation: it has everything to do with rightful.
Tarmar' veil disguised her as a temple-prostitute. Festive times were linked with fertility生育 rites儀式 in Canaanite religion - and by his marriage Judah was mixed up with this.
Perez means breaking out. It was his line that led to David and so to Christ.
Zerah means scarlet or brightness.
Why?
Judah forgot his duty to his daughter-in-law, but Tarmar remember it, so God made the descendant line from her.
How?
People may forgive the right thing but God won't. God gives compassion to the weak person. God remembers our distress.
Judah recognized them and said, "She is more righteous than I, since I wouldn't give her to my son Shelah."
When the time came for her to give birth, there were twin boys in her womb. As she was giving birth, one of them put out his hand; so the midwife took a scarlet thread and tied it on his wrest and said, "This one came out first." But when he drew back his hand, his brother came out, and she said, "So this is how you have broken out." And he was named Perez.
Judah's line: This extraordinary story is probably included because it forms part of the family tree of the royal house, from which the Messiah himself was descended. In planing it here, the editor points the contrast with Joseph's behaviour in Chapter 39
If a man die childless, his brother was duty bound to raise heirs to him by his widow.
Onan's action has nothing at all to do with contraception or masturbation: it has everything to do with rightful.
Tarmar' veil disguised her as a temple-prostitute. Festive times were linked with fertility生育 rites儀式 in Canaanite religion - and by his marriage Judah was mixed up with this.
Perez means breaking out. It was his line that led to David and so to Christ.
Zerah means scarlet or brightness.
Why?
Judah forgot his duty to his daughter-in-law, but Tarmar remember it, so God made the descendant line from her.
How?
People may forgive the right thing but God won't. God gives compassion to the weak person. God remembers our distress.
Saturday, May 16, 2015
A yound man with dreams, Joseph
Genesis 37:1-36
Joseph had two dreams. He was tending the flocks with his brothers when he was seventeen.
His brother pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.
Jacob tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and mourned for his son many days.
The final section of Genesis, centring on Joseph, now begins. This is the last of the family stories. Exodus to Deuteronomy will tell the story of a nation.
Why?
The special robe: Whether this is long-sleeved( and as for leisure not work) or multi-coloured(like the Egyptian paintings of Asiatic dress), Joseph's brothers saw it as a sign that Jacob intended to make Joseph his heir.
The balm of Gilead was famous, and the spice-trade an important one from earliest times. Spices had many uses - in food preparation and the manufacture of incense and cosmetics. The trade-route from Damascus to the coast ran past Dothan.
Joseph's dreams are the special characters in his life. A man with dream in his life is good.
How?
Joseph was sold to Egypt, be loves one by his father.
Joseph had two dreams. He was tending the flocks with his brothers when he was seventeen.
His brother pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.
Jacob tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and mourned for his son many days.
The final section of Genesis, centring on Joseph, now begins. This is the last of the family stories. Exodus to Deuteronomy will tell the story of a nation.
Why?
The special robe: Whether this is long-sleeved( and as for leisure not work) or multi-coloured(like the Egyptian paintings of Asiatic dress), Joseph's brothers saw it as a sign that Jacob intended to make Joseph his heir.
The balm of Gilead was famous, and the spice-trade an important one from earliest times. Spices had many uses - in food preparation and the manufacture of incense and cosmetics. The trade-route from Damascus to the coast ran past Dothan.
Joseph's dreams are the special characters in his life. A man with dream in his life is good.
How?
Joseph was sold to Egypt, be loves one by his father.
Friday, May 15, 2015
Fountain of blessing is the Lord
Genesis 36:1-43
This is the account of Esau, Edom.
These were the kings who reigned in Edom before any Israelite king reigned.
These were the chiefs descended from Esau.
This was Esau the father of the Edomites.
Esau's family line.
Once again, before starting a new chapter in the story, we catch upon the other branch of the family, Esau/Edom the Red (from the red broth for which he gave up his birthright) fave his name to the land of Seir which he took over from the Horites.
Esau's territory lies east of the Dead Sea, the valley of the Arabah extending south to the Gulf of Aqaba and the mountainous land on both sides. The king's highway, an important trade route, ran down the eastern plateau. In later days there was enmity敵意 between Edom and Israel.
How?
God blessed Esau has descendant that they will be too numerous to account (Gen 16:10) for Abraham and his wife Hagar. Fountain of blessing is the Lord.
This is the account of Esau, Edom.
These were the kings who reigned in Edom before any Israelite king reigned.
These were the chiefs descended from Esau.
This was Esau the father of the Edomites.
Esau's family line.
Once again, before starting a new chapter in the story, we catch upon the other branch of the family, Esau/Edom the Red (from the red broth for which he gave up his birthright) fave his name to the land of Seir which he took over from the Horites.
Esau's territory lies east of the Dead Sea, the valley of the Arabah extending south to the Gulf of Aqaba and the mountainous land on both sides. The king's highway, an important trade route, ran down the eastern plateau. In later days there was enmity敵意 between Edom and Israel.
How?
God blessed Esau has descendant that they will be too numerous to account (Gen 16:10) for Abraham and his wife Hagar. Fountain of blessing is the Lord.
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Prove our repentance by our deeds
Genesis 35:1-29
They set out, go up to Barthel, and the terror of God fell upon the towns all around them so that no one pursued them.
God said to Jacob, "Your name is Jacob, but you will no longer be called Jacob; your name will be Israel." So he named him Israel.
Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).
Israel moved on again and pitched his tent beyond Migdal Eder. While Israel was living in that region, Reuben went in and slept with his father's concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard of it.
Jacob came home to his father Isaac in Mamre, near Kiriath Arba, where Abraham and Isaac had stayed. Isaac lived a hundred and eighty years.
As Jacob returns to the place of God's promise, the story comes full circle. This chapter is a rounding off, before Joseph's story begins. Foreign gods are put aside.
God reaffirms his covenant. Rachel dies near Bethleham. giving birth to Benjamin, the last of Jacob's 12 sons.
The curtains close on the two brothers, Esau and Jacob, laying their aged father Isaac to rest in the family burial-place.
Why?
Jacob afraid that his sons revenged the tribe at Shechem, then people around there will attack them. But God blessed him.
God reaffirmed his covenant with Israel, so he order everyone has to put aside foreign gods.
All of these place are related to the place of Jesus.
How?
All things are recorded in history, so God remember everything we had done, let prove our repentance by our deeds.
They set out, go up to Barthel, and the terror of God fell upon the towns all around them so that no one pursued them.
God said to Jacob, "Your name is Jacob, but you will no longer be called Jacob; your name will be Israel." So he named him Israel.
Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).
Israel moved on again and pitched his tent beyond Migdal Eder. While Israel was living in that region, Reuben went in and slept with his father's concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard of it.
Jacob came home to his father Isaac in Mamre, near Kiriath Arba, where Abraham and Isaac had stayed. Isaac lived a hundred and eighty years.
As Jacob returns to the place of God's promise, the story comes full circle. This chapter is a rounding off, before Joseph's story begins. Foreign gods are put aside.
God reaffirms his covenant. Rachel dies near Bethleham. giving birth to Benjamin, the last of Jacob's 12 sons.
The curtains close on the two brothers, Esau and Jacob, laying their aged father Isaac to rest in the family burial-place.
Why?
Jacob afraid that his sons revenged the tribe at Shechem, then people around there will attack them. But God blessed him.
God reaffirmed his covenant with Israel, so he order everyone has to put aside foreign gods.
All of these place are related to the place of Jesus.
How?
All things are recorded in history, so God remember everything we had done, let prove our repentance by our deeds.
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Dinah's event concern one of tribal and national survival
Genesis 33:18~34:31
Jacob bought the plot of ground where he pitched his tent. There he set up an altar and called it El Elohe Israel. It means God, the God of Israel or mighty is the God of Israel.
Jacob's sons were filled with grief and fury, because Shechem had done a disgraceful ting in Israel by lying the Jacob's daughter - a thing that should not be done.
Jacob's son replied deceitfully as they spoke to Shechem and his father Hamor.
Simeon and Levi, took their words and attacked the unsuspecting city, killing every male. They put Hamor and his son Shechem to the sword and took Dinah from Shechems house and left. They seized their flocks and herds and donkeys and everything else of theirs in the city and out in the fields. They carried off all their wealth and all their women and children, taking as plunder everything in the houses.
Why?
Dinah is raped by Shechem, leading to the worse crime of murder by Dinah's brothers. The story shows Dinah's silent and powerless, where a modern, Western account might well focus on the victim and her feelings. But the issue that concerns the writer/editor here is one of tribal and national survival.
The terrible vengeance exacted by Dinah's brothers for the insult to their sister shows the need for the law to limit revenge.
Did Hamor's people accept the terms out of greed? Or did they suspect nothing because the rite of circumcision was linked to marriageable status?
Chapter 49:3-7 goes some way to make up for the absence of moral comment here on Simeon and Levi. Their behaviour was wrong, and this was not forgotten.
If Jacob wanted appeasement缓和, why did he do nothing? Once again the writer tells the story 'wart肉贅 and all', with no attempt to whitewash the characters of the nation's forebears祖先. They are sinners all.
How?
Dinah's event concern one of tribal and national survival. They are sinners all.
Jacob bought the plot of ground where he pitched his tent. There he set up an altar and called it El Elohe Israel. It means God, the God of Israel or mighty is the God of Israel.
Jacob's sons were filled with grief and fury, because Shechem had done a disgraceful ting in Israel by lying the Jacob's daughter - a thing that should not be done.
Jacob's son replied deceitfully as they spoke to Shechem and his father Hamor.
Simeon and Levi, took their words and attacked the unsuspecting city, killing every male. They put Hamor and his son Shechem to the sword and took Dinah from Shechems house and left. They seized their flocks and herds and donkeys and everything else of theirs in the city and out in the fields. They carried off all their wealth and all their women and children, taking as plunder everything in the houses.
Why?
Dinah is raped by Shechem, leading to the worse crime of murder by Dinah's brothers. The story shows Dinah's silent and powerless, where a modern, Western account might well focus on the victim and her feelings. But the issue that concerns the writer/editor here is one of tribal and national survival.
The terrible vengeance exacted by Dinah's brothers for the insult to their sister shows the need for the law to limit revenge.
Did Hamor's people accept the terms out of greed? Or did they suspect nothing because the rite of circumcision was linked to marriageable status?
Chapter 49:3-7 goes some way to make up for the absence of moral comment here on Simeon and Levi. Their behaviour was wrong, and this was not forgotten.
If Jacob wanted appeasement缓和, why did he do nothing? Once again the writer tells the story 'wart肉贅 and all', with no attempt to whitewash the characters of the nation's forebears祖先. They are sinners all.
How?
Dinah's event concern one of tribal and national survival. They are sinners all.
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Changed from Jacob to Israel with new faith
Genesis 32:1~33:17
Jacob afraid his brother Esau will come and attack him, so he divided his people and his flocks, herds and camels into two groups.
Jacob prepared gifts to his brother Esau, and divided into three groups go ahead of him.
Jacob wrestles with God. The man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome."
Jacob put the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph in the rear. He himself went on ahead and bowed down to the ground seven times as he approached his brother.
Jacob said to his brother Esau and called himself your servant.
So that day Esau started on his way back to Seir. Jacob, however, went to Succoth, where he built a place for himself and made shelters for his livestock.
Although Esau has settled in Seir in the far south, the meeting between the two brothers in inevitable. The news that Esau is coming at speed, and with a force, strikes terror into Jacob. This time, though, he plans and prays.
Why?
Alone, and sleepless, Jacob's life time struggle against God culminates in this strange wrestling-bout. He is neither the first or the last, in some crisis, first to fight God, then to hold to God with new faith.
Jacob emerges from the encounter crippled, but a new man. The next altar he erects will not be to the God of his fathers, but to 'God, the God of Israel'
Esau's welcome to the brother who had wronged him is amazingly generous.
Jacob's gift, and Esau's acceptance of it, seal the reconciliation.
Jacob has no intention of going to Seir as the ext stage of the journey shows. Even now he cannot be straightforward about it.
How?
First to fight God, then to hold to God with new faith, Jacob changed to new life with new name Israel.
Jacob afraid his brother Esau will come and attack him, so he divided his people and his flocks, herds and camels into two groups.
Jacob prepared gifts to his brother Esau, and divided into three groups go ahead of him.
Jacob wrestles with God. The man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome."
Jacob put the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph in the rear. He himself went on ahead and bowed down to the ground seven times as he approached his brother.
Jacob said to his brother Esau and called himself your servant.
So that day Esau started on his way back to Seir. Jacob, however, went to Succoth, where he built a place for himself and made shelters for his livestock.
Although Esau has settled in Seir in the far south, the meeting between the two brothers in inevitable. The news that Esau is coming at speed, and with a force, strikes terror into Jacob. This time, though, he plans and prays.
Why?
Alone, and sleepless, Jacob's life time struggle against God culminates in this strange wrestling-bout. He is neither the first or the last, in some crisis, first to fight God, then to hold to God with new faith.
Jacob emerges from the encounter crippled, but a new man. The next altar he erects will not be to the God of his fathers, but to 'God, the God of Israel'
Esau's welcome to the brother who had wronged him is amazingly generous.
Jacob's gift, and Esau's acceptance of it, seal the reconciliation.
Jacob has no intention of going to Seir as the ext stage of the journey shows. Even now he cannot be straightforward about it.
How?
First to fight God, then to hold to God with new faith, Jacob changed to new life with new name Israel.
Monday, May 11, 2015
Go back to the land of your fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you
Genesis 31:1-55
1.Jacob noticed that Laban’s attitude toward him was not what it had been.
2. The Lord said to Jacob, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you.”
3. Rachel and Leah replied, “Do we still have any share in the inheritance of our father’s estate? Surely all the wealth that God took away from our father belongs to us and our children. So do whatever God has told you.”
Rachel had taken the household gods and put them inside her camel’s saddle and was sitting on them. Laban searched through everything in the tent but found nothing.
This heap is a witness, and this pillar is a witness,that I will not go past this heap to your side to harm you and that you will not go past this heap and pillar to my side to harm me. May the God of Abrahamand the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.”
Why?
Leah and Rachel were entitled to part of the wealth their marriage-gifts brought Laban.
Rachel acts, as she thinks, in Jacob's interest. The possession of household gods could help his claim to the inheritance.
The non-aggression pact made by Laban and Jacob has many contemporary parallels. The covenant meal seals it.
How?
It is time to flee from Laban, more important is the Lord said to Jacob.
1.Jacob noticed that Laban’s attitude toward him was not what it had been.
2. The Lord said to Jacob, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you.”
3. Rachel and Leah replied, “Do we still have any share in the inheritance of our father’s estate? Surely all the wealth that God took away from our father belongs to us and our children. So do whatever God has told you.”
Rachel had taken the household gods and put them inside her camel’s saddle and was sitting on them. Laban searched through everything in the tent but found nothing.
This heap is a witness, and this pillar is a witness,that I will not go past this heap to your side to harm you and that you will not go past this heap and pillar to my side to harm me. May the God of Abrahamand the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.”
Why?
Leah and Rachel were entitled to part of the wealth their marriage-gifts brought Laban.
Rachel acts, as she thinks, in Jacob's interest. The possession of household gods could help his claim to the inheritance.
The non-aggression pact made by Laban and Jacob has many contemporary parallels. The covenant meal seals it.
How?
It is time to flee from Laban, more important is the Lord said to Jacob.
Sunday, May 10, 2015
Fountain of blessing is the Lord
Genesis 30:1-43
Bilhah, servant of Rachel, bore Jacob sons,
Dan: Judged
Naphtali: Wrestling of Gods
Zipah, servant of Leah, born Jacob sons,
Gad: good fortune
Asher: happy
Leah bore Jacob 5th , 6th sons and a daughter,
Issachar: wages or hire
Zebulen: honor
Dinah
God remembered Rachel, and God listened to her and opened her womb. She bore a son
Joseph: May he add. May the Lord add to me another son.
Laban said to Jacob "If I have found favor in your sight, I have learned by divination that the Lord has blessed me because of you."
Jacob thought the sight of the rods during gestation would affect the unborn lambs. In fact he owned his flocks to the overruling of God, and to the practice of selective breeding which the dream revealed.
Jacob finds himself traded between the two. (The law would later rule out taking 'a woman who is your wife's sister to make her a rival wife'(Leviticus 18:18))
Laban knew that Jacob was blessed from the Lord so he may became rich.
How?
Like Abraham be blessing of others is the best blessing from the Lord. God is the fountain of blessing.
Bilhah, servant of Rachel, bore Jacob sons,
Dan: Judged
Naphtali: Wrestling of Gods
Zipah, servant of Leah, born Jacob sons,
Gad: good fortune
Asher: happy
Leah bore Jacob 5th , 6th sons and a daughter,
Issachar: wages or hire
Zebulen: honor
Dinah
God remembered Rachel, and God listened to her and opened her womb. She bore a son
Joseph: May he add. May the Lord add to me another son.
Laban said to Jacob "If I have found favor in your sight, I have learned by divination that the Lord has blessed me because of you."
Jacob thought the sight of the rods during gestation would affect the unborn lambs. In fact he owned his flocks to the overruling of God, and to the practice of selective breeding which the dream revealed.
Jacob finds himself traded between the two. (The law would later rule out taking 'a woman who is your wife's sister to make her a rival wife'(Leviticus 18:18))
Laban knew that Jacob was blessed from the Lord so he may became rich.
How?
Like Abraham be blessing of others is the best blessing from the Lord. God is the fountain of blessing.
Saturday, May 9, 2015
God's plan is beyond our mind and vision
Genesis 29:1-35
Ruben: means See. a son
Simeon sounds like the Hebrew for heard.
Levi sounds like the Hebrew for attached
Judah sounds like the Hebrew for praise.
Jacob said to Laban, "What is this you have done to me? Did I not serve with you for Rachel: Why then have you deceived me?"
Jacob went in to Rachel also, and he loved Rachel more than Leah, and served Laban for another seven years.
These three chapters 29~31 cover the 20 years of Jacob's exile: 14 years' service for his two wives, six for flocks of his own. The years hold little joy for Jacob, who meets a crooked dealer after his own kind in his uncle Laban. The deceit over Leah leads to an intolerable home life.
The unloved wife hopes with each new son to win her husband's affection.
Why?
Jacob offers service in place of the usual marriage gift. Laban is not slow to exploit the generosity of the offer. The gift of a slave-girl to his daughter may have been part of the dowry(嫁妝).
Although Jacob may have despised Leah, God did not. She became the mother of Levi(the family line of the priests), and of Judah(the royal line)
Jacob deceived his brother Esau, then he was deceived by his uncle, he served Laban for another seven years.
God has his plan on Jacob, so he may has many sons as his inheritance.
20 years exiled to Jacob made him numerable properties.
How?
People under suffer but it may be the blessing from the Lord to his future life. God's plan is beyond our mind and vision.
Ruben: means See. a son
Simeon sounds like the Hebrew for heard.
Levi sounds like the Hebrew for attached
Judah sounds like the Hebrew for praise.
Jacob said to Laban, "What is this you have done to me? Did I not serve with you for Rachel: Why then have you deceived me?"
Jacob went in to Rachel also, and he loved Rachel more than Leah, and served Laban for another seven years.
These three chapters 29~31 cover the 20 years of Jacob's exile: 14 years' service for his two wives, six for flocks of his own. The years hold little joy for Jacob, who meets a crooked dealer after his own kind in his uncle Laban. The deceit over Leah leads to an intolerable home life.
The unloved wife hopes with each new son to win her husband's affection.
Why?
Jacob offers service in place of the usual marriage gift. Laban is not slow to exploit the generosity of the offer. The gift of a slave-girl to his daughter may have been part of the dowry(嫁妝).
Although Jacob may have despised Leah, God did not. She became the mother of Levi(the family line of the priests), and of Judah(the royal line)
Jacob deceived his brother Esau, then he was deceived by his uncle, he served Laban for another seven years.
God has his plan on Jacob, so he may has many sons as his inheritance.
20 years exiled to Jacob made him numerable properties.
How?
People under suffer but it may be the blessing from the Lord to his future life. God's plan is beyond our mind and vision.
Friday, May 8, 2015
Promise from the Lord
Genesis 28:1-22
Isaac sent Jacob on his way to Paddan Aram, to Laban son of Bethuel the Aramean, and take a wife for himself from the daughters of Laban.
Isaac blessed Jacob be fruitful and increase your numbers until you become a community of peoples.
Jacob had a dream at Bethel, and god gave him promise.
Jacob made a vow, saying, "If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my fathers house, then the Lord will be my God, and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God's house."
The dream: Much was made of dreams in ancient Egypt and in Nanylon. There are significant dreams in the Old Testament, too - like this one. But there is no need for a special interpreter; God speaks clearly. The meaning comes with the dream.
The 'ladder; of some translations is a stairway, (were tales of the great ziggurat通靈塔 of Ur passed down to Jacob?), with angels going up and down it.
Why?
Jacob didn't know the way forward and what will happen to him, so God's promise let him safe and be encouraged.
Jacob's parting blessing, this time genuinely(真正) given, recognizes Jacob at last as the true heir to God's promise.
Jacob leaves, and at Bethel (House of God), as darkness falls, in a moment of unutterable loneliness, God stands beside him. God repeats to this unpromising man the promise made to Abraham and Isaac, adding a personal guarantee: 'I shall be with you to protect you... and I shall bring you back.' Scarcely daring to believe, Jacob responds with a promise of his own.
Dream is one of ways from the Lord to tell us his word.
How?
Under promise of the Lord, I won't fear and worry to much for I am son of God. O God, you are with me, you go before me.
Isaac sent Jacob on his way to Paddan Aram, to Laban son of Bethuel the Aramean, and take a wife for himself from the daughters of Laban.
Isaac blessed Jacob be fruitful and increase your numbers until you become a community of peoples.
Jacob had a dream at Bethel, and god gave him promise.
Jacob made a vow, saying, "If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my fathers house, then the Lord will be my God, and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God's house."
The dream: Much was made of dreams in ancient Egypt and in Nanylon. There are significant dreams in the Old Testament, too - like this one. But there is no need for a special interpreter; God speaks clearly. The meaning comes with the dream.
The 'ladder; of some translations is a stairway, (were tales of the great ziggurat通靈塔 of Ur passed down to Jacob?), with angels going up and down it.
Why?
Jacob didn't know the way forward and what will happen to him, so God's promise let him safe and be encouraged.
Jacob's parting blessing, this time genuinely(真正) given, recognizes Jacob at last as the true heir to God's promise.
Jacob leaves, and at Bethel (House of God), as darkness falls, in a moment of unutterable loneliness, God stands beside him. God repeats to this unpromising man the promise made to Abraham and Isaac, adding a personal guarantee: 'I shall be with you to protect you... and I shall bring you back.' Scarcely daring to believe, Jacob responds with a promise of his own.
Dream is one of ways from the Lord to tell us his word.
How?
Under promise of the Lord, I won't fear and worry to much for I am son of God. O God, you are with me, you go before me.
Thursday, May 7, 2015
God is righteousness forever
Genesis 27:1-46
Isaac blessed Isaac and said,"Ah, the smell of my son is like the smell of a field that the Lord has blessed. May God give you of heaven's dew and of earth's richness an abundance of grain and new wine. May nations serve you and peoples bow down to you. Be lord over your brothers, and may the sons of your mother bow down to you. May those who curse you be cursed and those who bless you be blessed."
Jacob deceitfully and took Esau's blessing.
Isaac blessed Esau, "Your dwelling will be away from the earth's richness, away from the dew of heaven above. You will live by the sword and you will serve your brother. But when you grow restless, you will throw his yoke from off your neck."
Rebekah said to his son Jacob: Flee at once to my brother Laban in Haran. Stay with him for a while until your brother's fury subsides. Why should I lose both of you in one day?
Rebekah did not like Esau two Hittite women as his wife.
Why?
No one comes out of this story well. Isaac's plan goes against what god revealed before the boys were born. Esau, in agreeing to the plan, is breaking his oath; the blessing goes with the birthright. Jacob and Rebecca, although in the right, make no reference to God, but cheat and lie to achieve their ends.
Isaac relies completely on his senses, each of which lets him down - even the sense of taste on which he prided himself. When his ears tell him the truth, he will not listen.
The blessing is Jacob's, as God always intended - but at a heavy price. Esau is ready to do murder. The relationship between Isaac and Rebecca is spoilt. And Rebecca will never again see her favorite son, Jacob, the home-lover goes into exile.
How?
The blessing of Jacob from Isaac is God's plan, but Jacob have to pay much heavy price. God is righteousness forever.
Isaac blessed Isaac and said,"Ah, the smell of my son is like the smell of a field that the Lord has blessed. May God give you of heaven's dew and of earth's richness an abundance of grain and new wine. May nations serve you and peoples bow down to you. Be lord over your brothers, and may the sons of your mother bow down to you. May those who curse you be cursed and those who bless you be blessed."
Jacob deceitfully and took Esau's blessing.
Isaac blessed Esau, "Your dwelling will be away from the earth's richness, away from the dew of heaven above. You will live by the sword and you will serve your brother. But when you grow restless, you will throw his yoke from off your neck."
Rebekah said to his son Jacob: Flee at once to my brother Laban in Haran. Stay with him for a while until your brother's fury subsides. Why should I lose both of you in one day?
Rebekah did not like Esau two Hittite women as his wife.
Why?
No one comes out of this story well. Isaac's plan goes against what god revealed before the boys were born. Esau, in agreeing to the plan, is breaking his oath; the blessing goes with the birthright. Jacob and Rebecca, although in the right, make no reference to God, but cheat and lie to achieve their ends.
Isaac relies completely on his senses, each of which lets him down - even the sense of taste on which he prided himself. When his ears tell him the truth, he will not listen.
The blessing is Jacob's, as God always intended - but at a heavy price. Esau is ready to do murder. The relationship between Isaac and Rebecca is spoilt. And Rebecca will never again see her favorite son, Jacob, the home-lover goes into exile.
How?
The blessing of Jacob from Isaac is God's plan, but Jacob have to pay much heavy price. God is righteousness forever.
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Because the Lord blessed Isaac
Genesis 26:1-35
Isaac did the same thing as his father Abraham said to Amimelech that his wide is his sister. For he afraid he might lose his life on account of her.
Gerar is the place to Egypt, because God didn't allow Isaac went to Egypt for the famine, so he stayed in Gerar.
Philitstines stopped up well that was his father had dig, filling them with earth.
Isaac's servants dug in the valley and discovered a well of fresh water there. But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac's herdsmen and said "The water is outs!" Then they move on from there and dug another well Same quarrel rose again. Isaac moved on from there and dug another well, and no one quarreled over it. He called it Rehoborh, saying "Now the Lord has given us room and we will flourish in the land." He went up to Beersheba. He dug well and found water there. Beersheba means "We've found water"
Isaac had dug 4 wells in his life, plus he reopened the well that had been dug in the time of his father, he dug 5 well.
Abimelech said to Isaac that "We saw clearly that the Lord was with you." Isaac became rich and his wealth continue to grow because the Lord blessed him.
Why?
Isaac didn't quarrel with Abimelech or God, he was move on and dig another well until no one quarreled over it. More important is the Lord blessed him.
Famine uproots Isaac from the Negeb, but he goes north to Gerar, not south to Egypt.
He adopts the same ruse over Rebecca that his father had done with Sarah; but Rebecca is not taken from him. Like most of us, Isaac vacillates 動搖 between faith and fear, needing God's repeated reassurance: "I am with you... do not be afraid. I shall bless you."
Abimelech offers peace with honour, but there is bitter grief at home. In marrying Judith, the Hittite, Esau makes another wrong choice.
Life of Issac is moving on and dig another well, he did not argue with others, but the Lord blesses him. It seems weakness but the faith is strong.
How?
Under the blessing of the Lord I don't fear or afraid, for the blessing from the Lord.
Isaac did the same thing as his father Abraham said to Amimelech that his wide is his sister. For he afraid he might lose his life on account of her.
Gerar is the place to Egypt, because God didn't allow Isaac went to Egypt for the famine, so he stayed in Gerar.
Philitstines stopped up well that was his father had dig, filling them with earth.
Isaac's servants dug in the valley and discovered a well of fresh water there. But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac's herdsmen and said "The water is outs!" Then they move on from there and dug another well Same quarrel rose again. Isaac moved on from there and dug another well, and no one quarreled over it. He called it Rehoborh, saying "Now the Lord has given us room and we will flourish in the land." He went up to Beersheba. He dug well and found water there. Beersheba means "We've found water"
Isaac had dug 4 wells in his life, plus he reopened the well that had been dug in the time of his father, he dug 5 well.
Abimelech said to Isaac that "We saw clearly that the Lord was with you." Isaac became rich and his wealth continue to grow because the Lord blessed him.
Why?
Isaac didn't quarrel with Abimelech or God, he was move on and dig another well until no one quarreled over it. More important is the Lord blessed him.
Famine uproots Isaac from the Negeb, but he goes north to Gerar, not south to Egypt.
He adopts the same ruse over Rebecca that his father had done with Sarah; but Rebecca is not taken from him. Like most of us, Isaac vacillates 動搖 between faith and fear, needing God's repeated reassurance: "I am with you... do not be afraid. I shall bless you."
Abimelech offers peace with honour, but there is bitter grief at home. In marrying Judith, the Hittite, Esau makes another wrong choice.
Life of Issac is moving on and dig another well, he did not argue with others, but the Lord blesses him. It seems weakness but the faith is strong.
How?
Under the blessing of the Lord I don't fear or afraid, for the blessing from the Lord.
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Do not despise the birthringt
Genesis 25:1-34
Esau:mean hairy, Edom means red. He likes red stew.
Jacob: means he grasps the heel.
Esau swore an oath to Jacob for red stew who selling his birthright to Jacob. So Esau despised his birthright.
Abraham lived a hundred and seventy-five years. Abraham took another wife, whose name was Keturah. She bore him six sons. Abraham left everything he owned to Isaac. he gave gifts to the sons of his concubine and sent them away from his son Isaac to the land of the east.
Keturan's sons are the ancestors of a number of north Arabian peoples. All were provide for by Abraham. But Isaac remained his father's sole heir, and on Abraham's death both possessions and promises become his : God 'blessed' Isaac.
Ishmael: The tribes occupied Sinai and north-west Arabia - 'Havilah to Shur'
Once again the line is continued by the direct action of God. After 20 years
waiting. Esau and Jacob are born. Never were twins less alike in character.
Why?
Esau and Jacob has less alike in character, but Esau despised his birthright, so he lost he right "double blessed from the Lord"
Abraham is the father of many north and north-west Arabian people.
Only Jacob and his sons have the inheritance of the promise of God.
How?
Do not despise birthright, it is leader of a household. Blessing is double than others.
Esau:mean hairy, Edom means red. He likes red stew.
Jacob: means he grasps the heel.
Esau swore an oath to Jacob for red stew who selling his birthright to Jacob. So Esau despised his birthright.
Abraham lived a hundred and seventy-five years. Abraham took another wife, whose name was Keturah. She bore him six sons. Abraham left everything he owned to Isaac. he gave gifts to the sons of his concubine and sent them away from his son Isaac to the land of the east.
Keturan's sons are the ancestors of a number of north Arabian peoples. All were provide for by Abraham. But Isaac remained his father's sole heir, and on Abraham's death both possessions and promises become his : God 'blessed' Isaac.
Ishmael: The tribes occupied Sinai and north-west Arabia - 'Havilah to Shur'
Once again the line is continued by the direct action of God. After 20 years
waiting. Esau and Jacob are born. Never were twins less alike in character.
Why?
Esau and Jacob has less alike in character, but Esau despised his birthright, so he lost he right "double blessed from the Lord"
Abraham is the father of many north and north-west Arabian people.
Only Jacob and his sons have the inheritance of the promise of God.
How?
Do not despise birthright, it is leader of a household. Blessing is double than others.
Monday, May 4, 2015
God alway guids us at every stage when we pray to the Lord
Genesis 24:1-67
Abraham said to his chief servant in his household, asked him swear by the Lord, bring a wife for his son from Abraham's country and his own relatives.
The servant prayed to the Lord before he identify who is the chosen one of the Lord.
When Rebekah came out and did what the servant has prayed, the servant bowed down and worshiped the Lord, saying' Praise be to the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master. As for me, the Lord has led me on the journey to the house of my master's relatives.
The servant put his mission first, then food was set before him, but he said, "I will not eat until I have told you what I have to say."
The servant don't want to spend one more day there, he said, 'Send me on my way to my master." "Do not detain me, now that the Lord has granted success to my journey. Send me on my way so I may go to my master." Rebekah agreed go, so they blessed Rebekah and said to her, "Our sister, may you increase to thousands upon thousand; may your offspring possess the gates of their enemies."
Why?
Prayed can give us the guidance of the Lord, let us know which is the way God has arranged for me.
Abraham is an old man. Isaac is unmarried The fulfilment of the promise depends on a wife, and children, for Isaac; a wife essentially of God's choosing, from within the family of God's people.
The story that follows is one of the loveliest in the Old Testament. It reflects the traditional Eastern arranged marriage. The characters of the faithful steward and of Rebekah herself shine through the narrative. The steward's gifts in verse 53 seal the betrothal(定親). It is a fitting conclusion that God, who has so clearly guided at every stage, should set his seal on the marriage in the deep love of Isaac for his remarkable young woman.
How?
God has clearly guided at every stage to Abraham and his steward. God can make it but seems impossible to man. Praise be to the Lord. Pray before I do anything.
Abraham said to his chief servant in his household, asked him swear by the Lord, bring a wife for his son from Abraham's country and his own relatives.
The servant prayed to the Lord before he identify who is the chosen one of the Lord.
When Rebekah came out and did what the servant has prayed, the servant bowed down and worshiped the Lord, saying' Praise be to the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master. As for me, the Lord has led me on the journey to the house of my master's relatives.
The servant put his mission first, then food was set before him, but he said, "I will not eat until I have told you what I have to say."
The servant don't want to spend one more day there, he said, 'Send me on my way to my master." "Do not detain me, now that the Lord has granted success to my journey. Send me on my way so I may go to my master." Rebekah agreed go, so they blessed Rebekah and said to her, "Our sister, may you increase to thousands upon thousand; may your offspring possess the gates of their enemies."
Why?
Prayed can give us the guidance of the Lord, let us know which is the way God has arranged for me.
Abraham is an old man. Isaac is unmarried The fulfilment of the promise depends on a wife, and children, for Isaac; a wife essentially of God's choosing, from within the family of God's people.
The story that follows is one of the loveliest in the Old Testament. It reflects the traditional Eastern arranged marriage. The characters of the faithful steward and of Rebekah herself shine through the narrative. The steward's gifts in verse 53 seal the betrothal(定親). It is a fitting conclusion that God, who has so clearly guided at every stage, should set his seal on the marriage in the deep love of Isaac for his remarkable young woman.
How?
God has clearly guided at every stage to Abraham and his steward. God can make it but seems impossible to man. Praise be to the Lord. Pray before I do anything.
Sunday, May 3, 2015
Live like a prince of God among alien
Genesis 23:1-20
Sarah lived 127 years.
Hittites saw Abraham as a prince of God among them.
Abraham weighted 400 shekels of silver bought the cave of Machpelah as a burying place, according to the weights current among the merchants. Which was to the east of Mamre, the field with the cave that was in it and all the trees that were in the field.
The Hittites occupying the Hebron area may have been early settlers drawn south by trade from the Hittite Empire in Turkey(found about 1800 BC). The deal is vividly described, conforming in deal to Hittite law (the mention of the trees, the weighing of the silver by current standards, and the proclamation in the presence of witnesses at the city gate).
Why?
Abraham won the honor and respect among the Hittite, so they like to give him a land for bury his wife.
Abraham , as a resident alien, has no rights to land. He 'has not received the things promised', and must bargain even for a place to bury his wife. This chapter and chapter 21 record the first legal rights of Abraham's family in Canaan.
Family tombs, often caves or cut from rock, were also customary. The traditional site of the burial-cave at Hebron is today covered by a mosque(清真寺), for Islam holds Abraham in high regard.
How?
Can we get the honor and respect among alien like a prince of God?
Sarah lived 127 years.
Hittites saw Abraham as a prince of God among them.
Abraham weighted 400 shekels of silver bought the cave of Machpelah as a burying place, according to the weights current among the merchants. Which was to the east of Mamre, the field with the cave that was in it and all the trees that were in the field.
The Hittites occupying the Hebron area may have been early settlers drawn south by trade from the Hittite Empire in Turkey(found about 1800 BC). The deal is vividly described, conforming in deal to Hittite law (the mention of the trees, the weighing of the silver by current standards, and the proclamation in the presence of witnesses at the city gate).
Why?
Abraham won the honor and respect among the Hittite, so they like to give him a land for bury his wife.
Abraham , as a resident alien, has no rights to land. He 'has not received the things promised', and must bargain even for a place to bury his wife. This chapter and chapter 21 record the first legal rights of Abraham's family in Canaan.
Family tombs, often caves or cut from rock, were also customary. The traditional site of the burial-cave at Hebron is today covered by a mosque(清真寺), for Islam holds Abraham in high regard.
How?
Can we get the honor and respect among alien like a prince of God?
Saturday, May 2, 2015
Faith to the Lord like Abraham
Genesis 22:1-24
The Lord said to Abraham "By myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have obeyed my voice, and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed"
God tested Abraham: The older 'tempt' has this same meaning of proving or trying. Elsewhere in the Bible it is Satan who tests, or human being who(wrongly) put God to the test. "Do not put us to the test,' Jesus taught his followers to ask God in the Lord's Prayer. But the words of verse 1 are clear; this is how the write sat it: this is, presumably, how it appeared to Abraham himself.
The journey to the Land of Moriah is about 80km took the little group three days.
Why?
Abraham believed that the Lord will prepare the burn offering to him, even he kill his only son, God can make him alive. God gave him son, and God has right to take away his son. Son is the gift of God, who does not belong to us.
There is surely nothing in Abraham's precious experience of God to make him think that God would want child-sacrifice.
For him, as for every reader from then to now. the devastating words with which the story begins come as a most dreadful shock: "Take your son, your only son, whom you love so much'. What kind of God is this God we thought we knew? The instruction is more puzzling still, since all God's promises are vested in Isaac. How could God require his death?
The end of the story enables us to breathe again. God does not want child-sacrifice. God provides, and the two return together. The issue is clearly presented as one of trust.
Is Abraham willing to offer up the one who is more precious to him than all the word? Will he trust God with Issac? He has previously failed to trust God for his own safety: twice we have seen him selfishly put Sarah's life at rick. But now he trusts where he cannot understand. And in the offering of his only son, he mirrors the far more costly self-offering of God in Jesus.
And what of Isaac? Did he struggle or argue? In the telling, his role is passive, not active; an acceptance of suffering - like that of the servant of the Lord in Isaiah 53: like Jesus who went willingly to death.
How?
Abraham trusts where he cannot understand. This is the faith to the Lord, I do not understand but just trust in the Lord.
The Lord said to Abraham "By myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have obeyed my voice, and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed"
God tested Abraham: The older 'tempt' has this same meaning of proving or trying. Elsewhere in the Bible it is Satan who tests, or human being who(wrongly) put God to the test. "Do not put us to the test,' Jesus taught his followers to ask God in the Lord's Prayer. But the words of verse 1 are clear; this is how the write sat it: this is, presumably, how it appeared to Abraham himself.
The journey to the Land of Moriah is about 80km took the little group three days.
Why?
Abraham believed that the Lord will prepare the burn offering to him, even he kill his only son, God can make him alive. God gave him son, and God has right to take away his son. Son is the gift of God, who does not belong to us.
There is surely nothing in Abraham's precious experience of God to make him think that God would want child-sacrifice.
For him, as for every reader from then to now. the devastating words with which the story begins come as a most dreadful shock: "Take your son, your only son, whom you love so much'. What kind of God is this God we thought we knew? The instruction is more puzzling still, since all God's promises are vested in Isaac. How could God require his death?
The end of the story enables us to breathe again. God does not want child-sacrifice. God provides, and the two return together. The issue is clearly presented as one of trust.
Is Abraham willing to offer up the one who is more precious to him than all the word? Will he trust God with Issac? He has previously failed to trust God for his own safety: twice we have seen him selfishly put Sarah's life at rick. But now he trusts where he cannot understand. And in the offering of his only son, he mirrors the far more costly self-offering of God in Jesus.
And what of Isaac? Did he struggle or argue? In the telling, his role is passive, not active; an acceptance of suffering - like that of the servant of the Lord in Isaiah 53: like Jesus who went willingly to death.
How?
Abraham trusts where he cannot understand. This is the faith to the Lord, I do not understand but just trust in the Lord.
Friday, May 1, 2015
God heard the voice of the boy
Genesis 21:1-34
Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.
God heard the voice of the boy where he is, God open Hagar' eyes, and she saw a well of water. God was with the boy, and he grew up.
Abimelech made treaty with Abraham for God is with Abraham in all that he does.
They made a covenant at Beersheba. Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beeshebba and called there the name of the Lord.Twenty-five years have passed since the promise was first made. Isaac's elderly parents are naturally overjoyed at hisbirth.
Why?
Sarah's demand that Hagar and Ishmael be sent away runs counter to custom, and Abraham needs a word from God before he will agree.
Galatians 4:22 shows why the rift was inevitable. God's care for Ishmael, although he was not the child of the promise, once more shines through. Outcast by Sarah and Abraham, he is not cast out by God. On the contrary, God was with the child as he grew up.
Water has always been precious to the herdsmen in the dry climate of southern Palestine.. Monthly rainfall in this area drops from 100mm/4ins in January to nothing at all in the four summer months.
So Abraham's dispute over the well at Beersheba is not surprising. Abimelech may be a Philistine title for 'king', rather than a personal name.
Abraham listened the word of God when this dispute rose in his home between two women.
How?
Abrahma chose listen to the word of God then obey it, God is love Abraham and Ishmael, so God loves us either.
Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.
God heard the voice of the boy where he is, God open Hagar' eyes, and she saw a well of water. God was with the boy, and he grew up.
Abimelech made treaty with Abraham for God is with Abraham in all that he does.
They made a covenant at Beersheba. Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beeshebba and called there the name of the Lord.Twenty-five years have passed since the promise was first made. Isaac's elderly parents are naturally overjoyed at hisbirth.
Why?
Sarah's demand that Hagar and Ishmael be sent away runs counter to custom, and Abraham needs a word from God before he will agree.
Galatians 4:22 shows why the rift was inevitable. God's care for Ishmael, although he was not the child of the promise, once more shines through. Outcast by Sarah and Abraham, he is not cast out by God. On the contrary, God was with the child as he grew up.
Water has always been precious to the herdsmen in the dry climate of southern Palestine.. Monthly rainfall in this area drops from 100mm/4ins in January to nothing at all in the four summer months.
So Abraham's dispute over the well at Beersheba is not surprising. Abimelech may be a Philistine title for 'king', rather than a personal name.
Abraham listened the word of God when this dispute rose in his home between two women.
How?
Abrahma chose listen to the word of God then obey it, God is love Abraham and Ishmael, so God loves us either.
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