I believe Mcgee is talking about Abraham being towards the end of his journey.
Isaac was a grown man when Abraham offered him.
By the time we get to Genesis 24:1 it reads. Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things. Not much more said about Abraham after that. He dies and was gathered to his people in Ch 25 then God blessed Issac.
Abraham was about 160 years old when Jacob was born.
2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. I also believe this clearly refers to the OT prophets & writers that were inspired & moved by God's Spirit to pen these holy words.
The example you have given in these two Scriptures: Genesis 24:16 and Isaiah 7:14
. "Virgin" is in both references as given by the KJB translators, yet in Hebrew the words are different: the first one is 'bethulah' & the other 'almah'. Why did the translators not give different English words for each of those verses, but just used 'virgin'?
And also, Giannis explanation; "The Hbr should be translated as " young woman", not "virgin", that is why there is a difference from Genesis 24:16. This is how it is always written in the Hebrew Bibles (Tanakh).
I have the word in the Hebrew as 'almah'. (but dogmatic). meaning "Virgin. As Giannis said, Matthew follows the Septuagint text of the Old Testament, and in the Septuagint, it is written "the virgin."
Some has used this "SO CALLED DISCREPENCY" to attack the virgin birth and a person like me wouldn't know how to defend it being that I don't know Hebrew or Greek outside of helps and research.
So, that causes me to leave off the translations drama and go to the prophet and prophecy in Isaiah 7:14 and giving thought to what 2 Peter 1:21 is saying and its meaning.
In Isaiah 7:11 the Lord prompts Ahaz to "Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above.
Vs 13 God draws the attention to the house of David.
Vs 14 God gives them a sign. "Therefore, the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son.
This wouldn't be much of a sign if it was a mere young woman. However, it draws one's attention if it is a virgin being mentioned.
God's truth can be found even if the translation or our ability to translate is imperfect.
About Isaiah 7::14, the Hbr should be translated as " young woman", not "virgin", that is why there is a difference from Genesis 24:16. This is how it is always written in the Hebrew Bibles (Tanakh). So why did the KJB translators preferred the term virgin? Because this how it is written by Matthew in his gospel when he is referring to Isaiah's prophesy about Jesus' birth.. But Matthew follows the Septuagint text of the Old Testament, not the Masoretic. And in the Septuagint it is written "the virgin" And here comes the surprising thing. Although the KJB uses the Masoretic text for the Old Testament in this particular verse they use the Septuagint. Actually this verse is a verse where one part (Hebrews and christians) calls the others forgers. The Hebrews say the christians changed the text to fit Jesus' birth (how is that possible since the Septuagint was written 3 centuries BC?) and the christians say the Hebrews changed it later on to delete any reference to Christ. Just for information. GBU
In fact no Scripture ever points to the KJB as being the translation of the future that preserves God's Word perfectly. If one thinks that, then that person is forcing the Scriptures to point to the KJB when it doesn't.
Ask any Hebrew or Greek reader who is fully conversant in English as well, whether his reading of the KJB accurately reflects what his language/his understanding states. There will always be words (whether words written & understood back in the distant past or English words that are deemed to follow as closely as possible to the original), that they don't accurately, nor can ever do, when translated from one language to another.
As an example, take these two Scriptures: Genesis 24:16 and Isaiah 7:14. "Virgin" is in both references as given by the KJB translators, yet in Hebrew the words are different: the first one is 'bethulah' & the other 'almah'. Why did the translators not give different English words for each of those verses, but just used 'virgin'? Maybe it wasn't so critical for them or they couldn't discern any useful difference, but it does shows variance & imperfection in their work, however small it may be.
I love the KJB - I only read from it; but why I don't read from others is because of the manuscripts that they refer to, where verses are changed, words added or omitted. I find that very difficult to accept, even though I'm sure that the translators were not doing it intentionally: just using manuscripts that have proven to raise conflicts & irregularities. GBU.
"For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."
Then he gives the contrast of the law and how they sought after righteousness and the righteousness imputed over unto us.
I believe here in Matthew 5:28.
The Lord is letting us know the unconditional and uncontrollable earthly desires in the heart of a worldly man.
He's showing how and where sin generates.
Here the woman is the object of the lust which leads to adultery. Lust is a condition energized by the flesh.
Hate is a condition energized by the flesh and if it's directed towards someone you're guilty of murder.
The Lord is showing how sin is in you and the transgression starts before the act.
James 4:1 explains it this way.
"From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?"
Paul put it like this.
" Romans 7:22-24.For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?"
These are sensual pleasures and Selfish and sinful desires that dwell in all of us and a woman doesn't have to be the object.
He's pointing out that an exterior restraint or a obedience to a command doesn't keep one from sinning because the sin is in man and he is putting righteousness on a higher plane so no one can boast.
I don't think it's wrong to notice that someone or something is attractive as we see in Genesis 24:16.
Hi James. Not sure how common this practice was but certainly here in Genesis 24:2 (with Abraham & his chief servant Eliezer) and Genesis 47:29 (with Jacob & one of his sons, Joseph) we see it occurring.
It is generally understood that this expression of 'placing one's hand under the thigh' is an euphemism that required the subordinate (in these instances, a servant & a son), to place their hand near the procreative organ of the one initiating an oath. Therefore, this was no ordinary promise to do something, but signified making an unbroken pledge of obedience, come what may. With Eliezer, he had to find a spouse for Isaac, but if she or her family refused to release her, then the servant would be freed from his oath. And with Joseph, he was placed under oath not to bury his father Jacob (Israel) in Egypt but in Canaan.
Though we might find that such an act of placing ones hand under the thigh amusing or uncalled for, it signified to both the one requiring the oath & the one making the oath, before God, that what was promised will not be reneged on.
Hello Murlon. According to the narrative on Laban in Genesis 31, it appears that he did practise idolatry, even as Terah, Abraham & Nachor also did ( Joshua 24:2). They lived in Ur of the Chaldees (now modern Iraq). In spite of their idolatrous ways & ignorance of the true God, God did reveal Himself to Abraham & called him to serve Him alone & be the father of many nations.
As also with Laban, who continued to practise idolatry, but was now accepting of this God who he was hearing about from Abraham's servant (likely Eliezer of Damascus), in his earlier encounter with him concerning Isaac ( Genesis 24:50,51). Whether Laban ultimately rejected his gods for the true God, we cannot say as the Bible doesn't indicate that; but in spite of him using divination ( Genesis 30:27, KJV: "experience" = 'nachash', or signs, divination), he acknowledged that Abraham's God had blessed him. He might have even added an image of God to his other gods, but hopefully in time & by revelation, he would have rejected his false gods.
Syncretism in religion (i.e. merging together of different beliefs & practises), is never an acceptable thing, even as practised today amongst so-called Christians, because God requires a true worship of Him, and Him alone. Abraham, by God's Call & revelation of Himself to him, would have learned to reject any other god or form of worship & to serve the True & Living God. Thus he was greatly blessed.
I would put a pitch in here for those searching to consider (after of course checking the validity) of online arranged marriages for Christians. That is a way to assure that we get to know the families ahead of time; and people are matched up with the wisdom of the temperments that the parents deem worthy for their daughters. It also avoids some of the silly dating and other situations that can lead to temptation; as well as getting down to business. It also is a good way to maintain Christian fellowship long term with families.
At least I can say with some confidence that it is better than many other "online" sites where people can photo shop their faces; or "reinvent" themselves to create whatever fantasy another may have to suit their purposes; or to find some way after a time to rip them off financially; etc. We also don't get a good idea of how valid someone's faith is in that way. Not to say that it can't work but I would take up my arranged marriage suggestion first before randomly looking for love on dating sites...
Of course what is well known by counsellors is that no one can "make you happy" if you are miserable within. only the Lord Jesus is transformative in the inner man; He is our confidence; our portion and our cup. ( Psalm 16:15; 1 John 5:14; Hebrews 10:35-36). Joy is a spiritual fruit and of course our faith in the Lord must take priority over everything and everyone. Psalm 37:3-4 asks us to TRUST in the Lord (take delight in Him) and He will give us the desires of our heart.
To find a partner we must trust that they will come alongside us in a time fitting with His plans. It should involve a help mate that will build us up as we fulfill the ministry or vocation He has called us in. I would venture to say normally we don't have to search at all but if we do it should be more like Genesis 24:1-10 when Abraham sent his servant out to find someone of his people for Isaac.
Jacob was a first cousin to Leah and Rachel, because Laban (Leah and Rachel's father - Genesis 29:5-6,16) and Rebekah (Jacob's mother - Genesis 25:28) were brother and sister ( Genesis 24:29, Genesis 25:20) born of the same father (Bethuel in Genesis 24:15,24,47,50) and apparently born of the same mother (unnamed in Genesis 24:53,55).
It doesn't really matter how far removed Jacob's father Issac was from Laban if Jacob's mother was Laban's sister. The closest relation on either our father's or mother's side always determines how closely we are related to someone else, not the paternal relationship alone. So Jacob would have only been a third cousin one generation removed from Leah and Rachel if Jacob's father Issac had been the closest relative to Laban's daughters. However, that is basically irrelevant in this case because Jacob's mother Rebekah was clearly the closest relative to them.
I think that each woman needs to take this before the Lord for guidance.
As an aside, isn't it interesting that it is only women who traditionally adorn their face with makeup, shapely clothing, jewelry, hairstyles, etc. I have always wondered why this is. I have often thought that God made our bodies as he saw fit, so why do we think we need to "improve" it. Granted, makeup and such does make a woman "look" more beautiful and enticing to men. But we do need to believe that the way God made us really should be enough and Christian men should be desiring godly women not just sexually attractive women adorned to entice him. But alas, women have been "marketed" this way for thousands of years.
I have worn make-up over the years as a teacher. But now that I am retired, I do not.
We have an example of a godly women being adorned with jewelry in Genesis 24:22 where Abraham's servant (most likely Eliezar) was sent to find a wife for Isaac. He prayed along the way for the LORD to identify the right woman for a wife for Isaac.
When he came upon Rebecca at the well the servant knew that she was this woman and put a ring in her nose and bracelets on her wrists. all of gold. This must have been customary in those times to identify a woman as being betrothed.
The earlier narrative of Abraham's brother Nahor and his descendants serves the purpose of a backdrop to this chapter in regard to finding a wife for Isaac. Abraham had an assignment that he dumped on his servant (nameless in this account). He had to go to his homeland (not sure how far away) to seek a wife for his son. The mission was a one shot deal; make or break. The prayer of a righteous man is truly effective. Basically this servant asked God for the first woman that appeared and offered water for him and his camels to be "the one". It is supposed that this family lived in some known locality; but it is unclear how many families lived there or if there were multiple families scattered in different regions. Nonetheless; the prayer was answered before completed in thought; and the rest of the dilly dallying was human reasoning. The 10 days sought in verse 55 of delay was thankfully decided against by Rebekkah. Hence; she was speedily off with the nursemaid for Rebecca and the others; and the marriage was simply consummated in the tent immediately upon their return. This was a far cry from the YEARS of delay Jacob had to deal with in regard to Leah (being tricked) then finally after seven MORE years servitude he got to be with Rachel. Verse 60 BTW shows how God's promises were known by all close family members at the time.
I see that they are mutually exclusive. 'Birthright' being the expected rights & privileges that come to someone because of his/her birth; in the Bible seen given to an offspring because he is the firstborn ('a right by birth'). See also 1 Chronicles 5:1,2 for passing on, or conferring that birthright because of the Will of the father.
'Blessing' being the verbal expression of love, care, appreciation, praises & prayer for the one being blessed. Genesis 24:60; Genesis 31:55; Joshua 14:13; Leviticus 9:22 as some examples.
A LOVE STORY FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR LOVE - In Reply on Genesis 26 - 3 years ago
You will love Genesis 24: a love story. The servant of the house is a picture of the Holy Spirit. He prays all along this journey to God. (Verse 9, 12, 26, 52,)
I think it's a perfect design for seeking a wife (for Christian men).
Ask God to send the Holy Spirit to take you to the right woman for you. Marriage is very sacred. God created it and performed the first marriage.
The story shows what a Christian bride to be,
is to model after. [ Proverbs 31 and the book of Ruth] Marriages can fail when one partner is unsaved; causing the other to be unequally yoked.
I like verse 65, Rebekah sees Isaac and says Wowie! And covers herself. Verse 67 says Isaac was a happy husband till he died. Inspirational.
Thanks again. One thing my husband and I always remember is that God did bring us together, so in the rough times, how can we throw away what God has put together? We are keenly aware that we hold the other's future hopes and dreams in our hands by our choice to stay true to our commitment made on our wedding day. To break that and leave the marriage is to chose to shatter and steal away this future from the other person. We chose the way of "loving the other as myself" approach even when life is challenging. And besides, there really isn't anyone else so suited for each other than we are.
I became a great, great aunt 7 years ago. That makes me feel old, and I am not yet a grandmother! HaHa.
I thank you for reading my thoughts as I think "outloud" as I write about these chapters. It is good to have feedback and know that another is walking along with me in this endeavor. Most of the postings on the chapters are past being able to reply to, so I hope there will be others beginning their journey to interact with as well.
Indeed GiGi, that was a beautiful love story in Genesis chapter 24, coupled with a special account of your beautiful personal love story. We can always look back & find joy in how the Lord has led us over the years, not just for marriage, but in every area of our lives; that the our praise only goes back to Him.
As well, I can identify with the 'one generation removed'. I thought becoming a grand-uncle at age 40 yrs was good going, until I read of your brother being an uncle at age 6. I'm sure he's never let his nephews/nieces forget that one!
The story ends with Isaac taking Rebekah into Sarah, his mother's tent and they consummated their marriage and became husband and wife that night. No fancy, dancy wedding, although Abraham could afford it. No wedding shower, not engagement period, no Big Day. It was a very private affair. I don't even know if Abraham knew. Perhaps Isaac had his mother's tent because he was the heir. Maybe, Abraham had his tent a ways away, since it says that Isaac dwelt in the south, no mention of Abraham. Or maybe, the caravan stopped at Abraham's tent first for Abraham to give the "thumbs up". We are not told, so this is all just speculation. All in all, God worked all things out for good for Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah, and the faithful servant.
Lot, Bethuel and Isaac were from the same generation, but obviously, there was a generation age gap between Isaac and the others. Therefore, Rebekah and Laban, were similar in age to Isaac, who was about 30, but of the next generation. This can be confusing to some who do not have this "one generation removed" relationships. It is common in large families when the youngest in a family is close in age or even younger that the children of his/her siblings. He/she would be an aunt or uncle to their siblings child, but close in age. That is why we say, one generation removed. They are similar in age but not of the same generation. I have this in my family due to 20 years between my oldest sibling and youngest sibling and 8 siblings between these two. My younger brother became an uncle at age 6.
Back to the text. After the long journey the caravan approached where Isaac and Abraham lived. Glad to read that Isaac was alone meditating. What was he thinking about? Perhaps on the promises and covenant that God had made with his father and praying about its fulfilment when the servant returned. He was probably hoping the servant returned with someone suitable to be his wife. He may have been praying about becoming a good husband like his father. He may have been preparing himself for the arrival of his bride. As the caravan approached they glimpsed each other. Upon inquiring who Isaac was, Rebekah covered her face with a veil, which was probably customary until two betrothed people were married. Even so, from the moment they saw each other, God caused a love for each other to be born in each of them. That is amazing! My husband and I have been married 42 years and it wasn't love at first sight. We were in college and had an opportunity to get to know one another before we got serious. He loved me first and God created a love in my heart for him after that. He waited for God to grow that love in me for him. He could have looked elsewhere, but waited for me. We're blessed.
... continued... the servant asked for a sign and it happened just at the moment he said his last word of his prayer. God made this happen, though Rebekah had no idea that anyone would be coming for her, and the servant did not know who to inquire of about Nahor's family . A perfect meeting! The servant didn't stop praying through the whole process. He wanted to be so positive that he brings back the right woman for Isaac.
Rebekah turned out to be a very gracious and kind woman. She answered all of the servant's requests with hospitality. Her family was welcoming. It was interesting that they did not inquire much about Abraham. They may not have known much about Abraham's calling as this may have been one of the few contacts they had concerning their relative. They were willing to have Rebekah be Isaac's wife, but wanted more time with her. They hadn't woken up that day thinking that Rebekah would leave to marry that day. They asked Rebekah, which they probably did not have to do, as marriages may have been decided between the men of the household. She was ready to go right away. Who knows how God had guided and stirred her heart that day to agree to leave her family, whom she obviously loved, and go to a far away place and perhaps never see her family again. Her grandmother, Milcah, Haran's daughter and Nahor's wife was still alive and lived with her son, Bethual and wife, and granddaughter Rebekah. She had grown up with Abraham, being in his generation. She was probably very happy that her daughter would become part of her cousin's family, since her father had died so long ago. Nahor must have also died, as he is not mentioned and the city was named after him. The family recognized this event as being from the Lord. Good to know that they still believed. Laban, Rebekah's brother will later become father-in-law to Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah. So Jacob and his wives would be third cousins one generation removed, I believe. Bethuel and Isaac were first cousins
This is the wonderful account of how Isaac and Rebekah's marriage came about. Everyone in this story had faith in God. It states that God had told Abraham to take a wife for Isaac from his direct kin. It doesn't record the encounter of this conversation between God and Abraham, but Abraham's emphasizes it as being important. Sarah had died. Abraham was about 137 years old. He and Isaac did not have any kinsmen living any where near them, But the promised seed was to come from the lineage of Adam, Seth, Noah, Shem, on down to Abraham. There were many descendants of Shem around Mesopotamia, but God had chosen Abraham and his lineage for the seed to proceed from according to God' promise. Therefore, Isaac could not take a wife from the Canaanites because they were from the lineage of Ham, not Shem. So, Abraham had his most trusted servant, probably Eliezer, to swear an oath to get a wife from Abraham's brother, Nahor's household in Haran in northern Mesopotamia. The servant put his hand under Abraham's thigh to seal the oath, which was done in those days, it seems, or it was done because the under-thigh is so near the genitals that it is an acknowledgment of the promise that the promised seed would be generated through Abraham. It showed that Abraham was determined in his faith to follow God's direction to realize the promise and honor the covenant God had made with him and no one else. So, the servant prepared everything he needed to take on the journey and set off with other servants and many camels loaded with gifts for the family of Isaac's bride. (probably customary). The servant was faithful, going to Haran and no other place. Abraham didn't know his relatives much. Probably hadn't seen them in 50 years or so. The servant could have picked any woman in the area. There probably would be a family resemblance. But, the servant was trustworthy and feared God. I am so impressed by his prayer for God to bring the woman to the well and the conditions. See more ...
Gap theory is easy to disprove once you understand what Form actually means.
God created 3 different ways:
1) Spoken word creation aka speaking something from nothing.
2) Bring forth creation aka commanding what has already been created to bring forth more life.
3) Formed creation aka Man was formed by the hand of God.
So when the Bible says: The earth was without form, it's speaking of what God would Form (man) with His bare hands. And that until Man was Formed, the creation of the earth was void aka empty. So God was not relaying the physical condition of the earth. But the reason the earth was being created aka for man to live upon. Besides, why would God create anything without physical form?
Old earth creation does not have a timeline of it's own. it uses the evolution timeline which means it's a branch off of the evolution idea. Proof? Remove the evolution timeline, and using the Bible only, come up with a timeline that's would be considered Biblical only. It cannot be done.
Moses was the most educated writer of the Bible. He was to be Pharaoh, so he had a Pharaoh's education. In fact his education in math exceeded all the other writers of the Bible as he illustrated when he wrote this.
Genesis 24:60 KJV
And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.
He showed not only could he express 1 million, but also 1 billion. What is 1,000 times 1 million? It's 1 billion. So if millions and billions of years were needed to be expressed during creation, it would have been. But that not what it said. Instead the 4 parts of a 24 hour day was expressed. And even on day 4 when solar time keeping was created, the expression of a 24 hour day stayed the same. Which means time stayed the same from 24 hour day to 24 hour day.
Hi sandra ,im not exactly sure though it seems to be conected to making a solemn promise ,we might put our hand on our heart in these days ,in Exodus ch47 Israel (Jacob) also makes joseph do it and promise to bury his bones in Caanan .
Rev Jack Charles Gutknecht on Genesis 24 - 3 years ago
REBEKAH - SEEKING THE WILL OF GOD by Kelli Worrall, MBI prof 2021
As a college professor, one of the most common conversations I have with my students is about God's will. How does He reveal His leading to us? In Abraham's advanced years, his primary concern became a wife for Isaac. Only through Isaac's marriage and fatherhood would God's covenant continue, so Abraham gave his chief servant specific instructions on how to find the right woman.
When the servant came to Nahor, he stopped by a well with his ten camels, and in prayer, he devised a unique method for discovering God's will. He would administer a test. The servant would ask a girl for a drink, and if she offered to water his camels too, then she would be "the one." Before he had even finished praying, Rebekah arrived (v. 15). The servant noticed her beauty and immediately asked Rebekah for a drink. She offered one without hesitation. Then she offered to water his camels as well. Her jug was 3 gallons or so in capacity. Since a thirsty camel can drink 25-40 gallons, Rebekah had to fill her jug about 130 times! The servant could add "hard worker" and "servant spirit" to her qualities.
The servant watched her intently, praying for internal confirmation for his external observations. He clearly received the assurance he sought because, when Rebekah finished, he gave her costly gifts and asked about her family (vv. 22-23). Upon hearing that she was Abraham's close relative, the servant worshiped the Lord. The servant's visit with Rebekah's family served as further confirmation, as did Rebekah's willingness to go immediately-even when her family asked for ten more days together.
>> The process of discerning God's will involves prayerful assessment of our circumstances and motivations. We should ask God to direct our thinking and help us walk in step with His Spirit. Sometimes He reveals His will through unusual events. But more often He opens and closes doors and His Spirit gives us discernment.
GENESIS 24:12 And he said O LORD God of my master Abraham I pray thee send me good speed this day and shew kindnesse vnto my master Abraham.'' 1611 bible
How to Find a Mate Gods Way on Revelation 6:13 - 4 years ago
Genesis 24: Romance of Isaac and Rachel. How to find a mate Gods way.
Genesis 24:3 Abraham enlisted his eldest Servant (a type LIKENED to Gabriel, when he approached the Virgin Mary).
Abraham made the servant promise to bring Isaac a wife from his kindred. For us, that would mean: BRING A CHRISTIAN, not an unbeliever! Don't fall in love OUT of your faith and expect God to make it work for you. Marriage vows are sacred. Don't plan for a divorce.
The servant worships God 3 times, for giving him confirmations he has found the right mate for Isaac. (12,26,52) She was a Christian, a Virgin, love at first sight. Isaac loved her all the days of his life.
She was given gifts: not her doing all the giving. Propriety was observed.
Male or female, these same principals can be applied in a Christian dating situation. You'll be respected and right in the eyes of God.
Worldliness will turn the whole thing sideways. Don't go into it expecting to lead your mate to Jesus AFTER marriage. The door is wide open for Satan to enter in and make all those plans, implode.
How can two walk together unless they be in agreement? Dating a Carnal Christian is just as hazardous as dating an unbeliever.
Pray and ask God for confirmations (Not Signs). Satan is in charge of 'lying signs and wonders'.
So read Genesis 24. Remember how King David's life was complicated by taking another mans wife, getting her pregnant and the having her husband killed in battle.
If we include God in our search, there's no way it's going to fail. I love the way the servant prays details, from large to smallest. Happy camel watering.
Thaina, you've observed correctly. However, we need to note that in biblical days (as also in eastern cultures today), the relationship shown is not always one that meets our 'strict requirements'. So in Gen 24:48, though Rebekah is Nahor's granddaughter, Abraham's servant regards her as "Abraham's brother's daughter" (i.e. as if 'out of his brother's loins'). You can see a similar example in Gen 14:12-16, which shows Abraham's nephew, Lot, as Abraham's brother; in their understanding, because of the closeness of a nephew, he is looked upon as a son. In India, often when meeting a young man & his cousin in a house, I ask the man about the guy standing with him, he will say "He's my brother" even though strictly he is his cousin. So the relationship demarcation gets a little blurred in eastern thought.
I believe Mcgee is talking about Abraham being towards the end of his journey.
Isaac was a grown man when Abraham offered him.
By the time we get to Genesis 24:1 it reads. Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things. Not much more said about Abraham after that. He dies and was gathered to his people in Ch 25 then God blessed Issac.
Abraham was about 160 years old when Jacob was born.
Great observation.
God bless.
2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. I also believe this clearly refers to the OT prophets & writers that were inspired & moved by God's Spirit to pen these holy words.
The example you have given in these two Scriptures: Genesis 24:16 and Isaiah 7:14
. "Virgin" is in both references as given by the KJB translators, yet in Hebrew the words are different: the first one is 'bethulah' & the other 'almah'. Why did the translators not give different English words for each of those verses, but just used 'virgin'?
And also, Giannis explanation; "The Hbr should be translated as " young woman", not "virgin", that is why there is a difference from Genesis 24:16. This is how it is always written in the Hebrew Bibles (Tanakh).
I have the word in the Hebrew as 'almah'. (but dogmatic). meaning "Virgin. As Giannis said, Matthew follows the Septuagint text of the Old Testament, and in the Septuagint, it is written "the virgin."
Some has used this "SO CALLED DISCREPENCY" to attack the virgin birth and a person like me wouldn't know how to defend it being that I don't know Hebrew or Greek outside of helps and research.
So, that causes me to leave off the translations drama and go to the prophet and prophecy in Isaiah 7:14 and giving thought to what 2 Peter 1:21 is saying and its meaning.
In Isaiah 7:11 the Lord prompts Ahaz to "Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above.
Vs 13 God draws the attention to the house of David.
Vs 14 God gives them a sign. "Therefore, the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son.
This wouldn't be much of a sign if it was a mere young woman. However, it draws one's attention if it is a virgin being mentioned.
God's truth can be found even if the translation or our ability to translate is imperfect.
God bless
About Isaiah 7::14, the Hbr should be translated as " young woman", not "virgin", that is why there is a difference from Genesis 24:16. This is how it is always written in the Hebrew Bibles (Tanakh). So why did the KJB translators preferred the term virgin? Because this how it is written by Matthew in his gospel when he is referring to Isaiah's prophesy about Jesus' birth.. But Matthew follows the Septuagint text of the Old Testament, not the Masoretic. And in the Septuagint it is written "the virgin" And here comes the surprising thing. Although the KJB uses the Masoretic text for the Old Testament in this particular verse they use the Septuagint. Actually this verse is a verse where one part (Hebrews and christians) calls the others forgers. The Hebrews say the christians changed the text to fit Jesus' birth (how is that possible since the Septuagint was written 3 centuries BC?) and the christians say the Hebrews changed it later on to delete any reference to Christ. Just for information. GBU
In fact no Scripture ever points to the KJB as being the translation of the future that preserves God's Word perfectly. If one thinks that, then that person is forcing the Scriptures to point to the KJB when it doesn't.
Ask any Hebrew or Greek reader who is fully conversant in English as well, whether his reading of the KJB accurately reflects what his language/his understanding states. There will always be words (whether words written & understood back in the distant past or English words that are deemed to follow as closely as possible to the original), that they don't accurately, nor can ever do, when translated from one language to another.
As an example, take these two Scriptures: Genesis 24:16 and Isaiah 7:14. "Virgin" is in both references as given by the KJB translators, yet in Hebrew the words are different: the first one is 'bethulah' & the other 'almah'. Why did the translators not give different English words for each of those verses, but just used 'virgin'? Maybe it wasn't so critical for them or they couldn't discern any useful difference, but it does shows variance & imperfection in their work, however small it may be.
I love the KJB - I only read from it; but why I don't read from others is because of the manuscripts that they refer to, where verses are changed, words added or omitted. I find that very difficult to accept, even though I'm sure that the translators were not doing it intentionally: just using manuscripts that have proven to raise conflicts & irregularities. GBU.
In Matthew 5:20 Jesus says
"For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."
Then he gives the contrast of the law and how they sought after righteousness and the righteousness imputed over unto us.
I believe here in Matthew 5:28.
The Lord is letting us know the unconditional and uncontrollable earthly desires in the heart of a worldly man.
He's showing how and where sin generates.
Here the woman is the object of the lust which leads to adultery. Lust is a condition energized by the flesh.
Hate is a condition energized by the flesh and if it's directed towards someone you're guilty of murder.
The Lord is showing how sin is in you and the transgression starts before the act.
James 4:1 explains it this way.
"From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?"
Paul put it like this.
" Romans 7:22-24.For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?"
These are sensual pleasures and Selfish and sinful desires that dwell in all of us and a woman doesn't have to be the object.
He's pointing out that an exterior restraint or a obedience to a command doesn't keep one from sinning because the sin is in man and he is putting righteousness on a higher plane so no one can boast.
I don't think it's wrong to notice that someone or something is attractive as we see in Genesis 24:16.
God bless you.
It is generally understood that this expression of 'placing one's hand under the thigh' is an euphemism that required the subordinate (in these instances, a servant & a son), to place their hand near the procreative organ of the one initiating an oath. Therefore, this was no ordinary promise to do something, but signified making an unbroken pledge of obedience, come what may. With Eliezer, he had to find a spouse for Isaac, but if she or her family refused to release her, then the servant would be freed from his oath. And with Joseph, he was placed under oath not to bury his father Jacob (Israel) in Egypt but in Canaan.
Though we might find that such an act of placing ones hand under the thigh amusing or uncalled for, it signified to both the one requiring the oath & the one making the oath, before God, that what was promised will not be reneged on.
As also with Laban, who continued to practise idolatry, but was now accepting of this God who he was hearing about from Abraham's servant (likely Eliezer of Damascus), in his earlier encounter with him concerning Isaac ( Genesis 24:50,51). Whether Laban ultimately rejected his gods for the true God, we cannot say as the Bible doesn't indicate that; but in spite of him using divination ( Genesis 30:27, KJV: "experience" = 'nachash', or signs, divination), he acknowledged that Abraham's God had blessed him. He might have even added an image of God to his other gods, but hopefully in time & by revelation, he would have rejected his false gods.
Syncretism in religion (i.e. merging together of different beliefs & practises), is never an acceptable thing, even as practised today amongst so-called Christians, because God requires a true worship of Him, and Him alone. Abraham, by God's Call & revelation of Himself to him, would have learned to reject any other god or form of worship & to serve the True & Living God. Thus he was greatly blessed.
I would put a pitch in here for those searching to consider (after of course checking the validity) of online arranged marriages for Christians. That is a way to assure that we get to know the families ahead of time; and people are matched up with the wisdom of the temperments that the parents deem worthy for their daughters. It also avoids some of the silly dating and other situations that can lead to temptation; as well as getting down to business. It also is a good way to maintain Christian fellowship long term with families.
At least I can say with some confidence that it is better than many other "online" sites where people can photo shop their faces; or "reinvent" themselves to create whatever fantasy another may have to suit their purposes; or to find some way after a time to rip them off financially; etc. We also don't get a good idea of how valid someone's faith is in that way. Not to say that it can't work but I would take up my arranged marriage suggestion first before randomly looking for love on dating sites...
Of course what is well known by counsellors is that no one can "make you happy" if you are miserable within. only the Lord Jesus is transformative in the inner man; He is our confidence; our portion and our cup. ( Psalm 16:15; 1 John 5:14; Hebrews 10:35-36). Joy is a spiritual fruit and of course our faith in the Lord must take priority over everything and everyone. Psalm 37:3-4 asks us to TRUST in the Lord (take delight in Him) and He will give us the desires of our heart.
To find a partner we must trust that they will come alongside us in a time fitting with His plans. It should involve a help mate that will build us up as we fulfill the ministry or vocation He has called us in. I would venture to say normally we don't have to search at all but if we do it should be more like Genesis 24:1-10 when Abraham sent his servant out to find someone of his people for Isaac.
Also a Deborah Prophetess, Judges 4:4, Judges 4, Judges 5,
Hopefully these are helpful
However these showed dedication to GOD of their treasure : Exodus 35:22, Numbers 31:50,
The reference I see as a gift to bride to be, I've found in Genesis 24:22,27, but also restoration gifts in Job 42:11,
Wedding rings for fingers were not mentioned that I've found.
Hopefully this is helpful
Jacob was a first cousin to Leah and Rachel, because Laban (Leah and Rachel's father - Genesis 29:5-6,16) and Rebekah (Jacob's mother - Genesis 25:28) were brother and sister ( Genesis 24:29, Genesis 25:20) born of the same father (Bethuel in Genesis 24:15,24,47,50) and apparently born of the same mother (unnamed in Genesis 24:53,55).
It doesn't really matter how far removed Jacob's father Issac was from Laban if Jacob's mother was Laban's sister. The closest relation on either our father's or mother's side always determines how closely we are related to someone else, not the paternal relationship alone. So Jacob would have only been a third cousin one generation removed from Leah and Rachel if Jacob's father Issac had been the closest relative to Laban's daughters. However, that is basically irrelevant in this case because Jacob's mother Rebekah was clearly the closest relative to them.
I think that each woman needs to take this before the Lord for guidance.
As an aside, isn't it interesting that it is only women who traditionally adorn their face with makeup, shapely clothing, jewelry, hairstyles, etc. I have always wondered why this is. I have often thought that God made our bodies as he saw fit, so why do we think we need to "improve" it. Granted, makeup and such does make a woman "look" more beautiful and enticing to men. But we do need to believe that the way God made us really should be enough and Christian men should be desiring godly women not just sexually attractive women adorned to entice him. But alas, women have been "marketed" this way for thousands of years.
I have worn make-up over the years as a teacher. But now that I am retired, I do not.
We have an example of a godly women being adorned with jewelry in Genesis 24:22 where Abraham's servant (most likely Eliezar) was sent to find a wife for Isaac. He prayed along the way for the LORD to identify the right woman for a wife for Isaac.
When he came upon Rebecca at the well the servant knew that she was this woman and put a ring in her nose and bracelets on her wrists. all of gold. This must have been customary in those times to identify a woman as being betrothed.
Great assessment.
God bless.
'Blessing' being the verbal expression of love, care, appreciation, praises & prayer for the one being blessed. Genesis 24:60; Genesis 31:55; Joshua 14:13; Leviticus 9:22 as some examples.
I think it's a perfect design for seeking a wife (for Christian men).
Ask God to send the Holy Spirit to take you to the right woman for you. Marriage is very sacred. God created it and performed the first marriage.
The story shows what a Christian bride to be,
is to model after. [ Proverbs 31 and the book of Ruth] Marriages can fail when one partner is unsaved; causing the other to be unequally yoked.
I like verse 65, Rebekah sees Isaac and says Wowie! And covers herself. Verse 67 says Isaac was a happy husband till he died. Inspirational.
Thanks again. One thing my husband and I always remember is that God did bring us together, so in the rough times, how can we throw away what God has put together? We are keenly aware that we hold the other's future hopes and dreams in our hands by our choice to stay true to our commitment made on our wedding day. To break that and leave the marriage is to chose to shatter and steal away this future from the other person. We chose the way of "loving the other as myself" approach even when life is challenging. And besides, there really isn't anyone else so suited for each other than we are.
I became a great, great aunt 7 years ago. That makes me feel old, and I am not yet a grandmother! HaHa.
I thank you for reading my thoughts as I think "outloud" as I write about these chapters. It is good to have feedback and know that another is walking along with me in this endeavor. Most of the postings on the chapters are past being able to reply to, so I hope there will be others beginning their journey to interact with as well.
As well, I can identify with the 'one generation removed'. I thought becoming a grand-uncle at age 40 yrs was good going, until I read of your brother being an uncle at age 6. I'm sure he's never let his nephews/nieces forget that one!
Back to the text. After the long journey the caravan approached where Isaac and Abraham lived. Glad to read that Isaac was alone meditating. What was he thinking about? Perhaps on the promises and covenant that God had made with his father and praying about its fulfilment when the servant returned. He was probably hoping the servant returned with someone suitable to be his wife. He may have been praying about becoming a good husband like his father. He may have been preparing himself for the arrival of his bride. As the caravan approached they glimpsed each other. Upon inquiring who Isaac was, Rebekah covered her face with a veil, which was probably customary until two betrothed people were married. Even so, from the moment they saw each other, God caused a love for each other to be born in each of them. That is amazing! My husband and I have been married 42 years and it wasn't love at first sight. We were in college and had an opportunity to get to know one another before we got serious. He loved me first and God created a love in my heart for him after that. He waited for God to grow that love in me for him. He could have looked elsewhere, but waited for me. We're blessed.
Rebekah turned out to be a very gracious and kind woman. She answered all of the servant's requests with hospitality. Her family was welcoming. It was interesting that they did not inquire much about Abraham. They may not have known much about Abraham's calling as this may have been one of the few contacts they had concerning their relative. They were willing to have Rebekah be Isaac's wife, but wanted more time with her. They hadn't woken up that day thinking that Rebekah would leave to marry that day. They asked Rebekah, which they probably did not have to do, as marriages may have been decided between the men of the household. She was ready to go right away. Who knows how God had guided and stirred her heart that day to agree to leave her family, whom she obviously loved, and go to a far away place and perhaps never see her family again. Her grandmother, Milcah, Haran's daughter and Nahor's wife was still alive and lived with her son, Bethual and wife, and granddaughter Rebekah. She had grown up with Abraham, being in his generation. She was probably very happy that her daughter would become part of her cousin's family, since her father had died so long ago. Nahor must have also died, as he is not mentioned and the city was named after him. The family recognized this event as being from the Lord. Good to know that they still believed. Laban, Rebekah's brother will later become father-in-law to Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah. So Jacob and his wives would be third cousins one generation removed, I believe. Bethuel and Isaac were first cousins
God created 3 different ways:
1) Spoken word creation aka speaking something from nothing.
2) Bring forth creation aka commanding what has already been created to bring forth more life.
3) Formed creation aka Man was formed by the hand of God.
So when the Bible says: The earth was without form, it's speaking of what God would Form (man) with His bare hands. And that until Man was Formed, the creation of the earth was void aka empty. So God was not relaying the physical condition of the earth. But the reason the earth was being created aka for man to live upon. Besides, why would God create anything without physical form?
Old earth creation does not have a timeline of it's own. it uses the evolution timeline which means it's a branch off of the evolution idea. Proof? Remove the evolution timeline, and using the Bible only, come up with a timeline that's would be considered Biblical only. It cannot be done.
Moses was the most educated writer of the Bible. He was to be Pharaoh, so he had a Pharaoh's education. In fact his education in math exceeded all the other writers of the Bible as he illustrated when he wrote this.
Genesis 24:60 KJV
And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.
He showed not only could he express 1 million, but also 1 billion. What is 1,000 times 1 million? It's 1 billion. So if millions and billions of years were needed to be expressed during creation, it would have been. But that not what it said. Instead the 4 parts of a 24 hour day was expressed. And even on day 4 when solar time keeping was created, the expression of a 24 hour day stayed the same. Which means time stayed the same from 24 hour day to 24 hour day.
As a college professor, one of the most common conversations I have with my students is about God's will. How does He reveal His leading to us? In Abraham's advanced years, his primary concern became a wife for Isaac. Only through Isaac's marriage and fatherhood would God's covenant continue, so Abraham gave his chief servant specific instructions on how to find the right woman.
When the servant came to Nahor, he stopped by a well with his ten camels, and in prayer, he devised a unique method for discovering God's will. He would administer a test. The servant would ask a girl for a drink, and if she offered to water his camels too, then she would be "the one." Before he had even finished praying, Rebekah arrived (v. 15). The servant noticed her beauty and immediately asked Rebekah for a drink. She offered one without hesitation. Then she offered to water his camels as well. Her jug was 3 gallons or so in capacity. Since a thirsty camel can drink 25-40 gallons, Rebekah had to fill her jug about 130 times! The servant could add "hard worker" and "servant spirit" to her qualities.
The servant watched her intently, praying for internal confirmation for his external observations. He clearly received the assurance he sought because, when Rebekah finished, he gave her costly gifts and asked about her family (vv. 22-23). Upon hearing that she was Abraham's close relative, the servant worshiped the Lord. The servant's visit with Rebekah's family served as further confirmation, as did Rebekah's willingness to go immediately-even when her family asked for ten more days together.
>> The process of discerning God's will involves prayerful assessment of our circumstances and motivations. We should ask God to direct our thinking and help us walk in step with His Spirit. Sometimes He reveals His will through unusual events. But more often He opens and closes doors and His Spirit gives us discernment.
Genesis 24:3 Abraham enlisted his eldest Servant (a type LIKENED to Gabriel, when he approached the Virgin Mary).
Abraham made the servant promise to bring Isaac a wife from his kindred. For us, that would mean: BRING A CHRISTIAN, not an unbeliever! Don't fall in love OUT of your faith and expect God to make it work for you. Marriage vows are sacred. Don't plan for a divorce.
The servant worships God 3 times, for giving him confirmations he has found the right mate for Isaac. (12,26,52) She was a Christian, a Virgin, love at first sight. Isaac loved her all the days of his life.
She was given gifts: not her doing all the giving. Propriety was observed.
Male or female, these same principals can be applied in a Christian dating situation. You'll be respected and right in the eyes of God.
Worldliness will turn the whole thing sideways. Don't go into it expecting to lead your mate to Jesus AFTER marriage. The door is wide open for Satan to enter in and make all those plans, implode.
How can two walk together unless they be in agreement? Dating a Carnal Christian is just as hazardous as dating an unbeliever.
Pray and ask God for confirmations (Not Signs). Satan is in charge of 'lying signs and wonders'.
So read Genesis 24. Remember how King David's life was complicated by taking another mans wife, getting her pregnant and the having her husband killed in battle.
If we include God in our search, there's no way it's going to fail. I love the way the servant prays details, from large to smallest. Happy camel watering.
Mishael