Moses recounts the division of land to the tribes who would stay on the Eastern side of the Jordan (Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh). Then he reminds the Israelites of the opportunity lost when Israel refused to take the land 40 years earlier. Finally, Moses tells of how he desired to enter the … Continue reading Remembering the Last Failure (Deuteronomy 3:12 – 29)
Too Little, Too Late (Numbers 14:39 – 15:21)
When Moses revealed God's judgement upon Israel, the people decided to reverse field and attempt an attack on Canaan. Moses warned them that the attack would not be successful. They opted to try instead, but the ark of the covenant nor Moses left the camp. The people were defeated and driven back to Hormah. The … Continue reading Too Little, Too Late (Numbers 14:39 – 15:21)
Feasts and Angels (Exodus 23:14-33)
Three Feasts were established by God at this time. The Feast of Unleavened Bread was the commemoration of the Passover from Egypt. The Feast of Harvest is related to the firstfruits and bringing in the initial items into the household and tithing on the harvest. The Feast of Ingathering is during the time of the … Continue reading Feasts and Angels (Exodus 23:14-33)
I do not know the Lord… (Genesis 5:1-6:13)
Moses and Aaron visited Pharaoh to ask for the release of the Israelites to go into the wilderness and worship the Lord. In reply, he asked who the Lord was, and declared that the knowledge of God was missing in his life, and he would not let the children of Israel go. In response to … Continue reading I do not know the Lord… (Genesis 5:1-6:13)
My Big Fat Egyptian Reunion (Genesis 45:1 – 46:27)
Joseph kept up the ruse as long as he could, and could contain his emotions no longer. He told all the Egyptians to leave the room, and he revealed to his brothers that he was Joseph. They were astonished and could not respond for a while. He basically forgave them for their evil done to … Continue reading My Big Fat Egyptian Reunion (Genesis 45:1 – 46:27)
Covenant Matters (Genesis 21:8-34)
Hagar was the surrogate for Sarah. She had Ishmael, which was not the covenant design. Sarah eventually had the son of promise, Isaac, but she felt that Ishmael mocked him. She demanded that Abraham send her away. In this situation, Abraham was conflicted. He had two sons, but only one of them was the true … Continue reading Covenant Matters (Genesis 21:8-34)
“Here We Go Again!” and “The Blessing Received” (Genesis 20:1 – 21:7)
Just a few chapters before this, Abraham had pulled the same stunt with his wife in the presence of Pharoah. He told Pharoah's team of leaders that Sarai was his sister and thereby avoided any danger from Pharoah if he wanted Sarai. Now, here he is in the presence of Abimelech, and Abraham pulls the … Continue reading “Here We Go Again!” and “The Blessing Received” (Genesis 20:1 – 21:7)
The Timetable of the Promise; Negotiation with God (Genesis 18)
After several statements of the covenant promise, and confirmations of the same, another level of confirmation comes to visit Abraham. Three men appear to him out of nowhere! He entertained these heavenly visitors, one of whom is addressed as "Lord." He promised that in about a year, or at least by the time a child … Continue reading The Timetable of the Promise; Negotiation with God (Genesis 18)
Turmoil, Tithing, and Timing (Genesis 14:18-15:21)
Three things are addressed in this passage: the end of a turmoil with the area kings in which Abram had to do battle to save Lot and his family, the giving of a tithe to Melchizedek in honor of God's blessings, and the explanation of God's timing in Abram's life with additional prophetic indicators for … Continue reading Turmoil, Tithing, and Timing (Genesis 14:18-15:21)
Barren, But Blessed (Genesis 11:27-12:9)
Abram (later Abraham) was called to be the Father of a Nation that would occupy the promised land of Canaan and be blessed in it. But there was one tiny snag: his wife Sarai (later Sarah) was BARREN! In the times of the Bible, having children, especially a male heir, was a sign of blessing … Continue reading Barren, But Blessed (Genesis 11:27-12:9)