The earliest blessing in scripture is for Ishmael who is said in Genesis 16:12. It isn't exactly something to be desired; except for the fact that in the family lineage there would be many descendants. He was said to be a wild "donkey" of a man; and cause much contention and strife among others. Moving on to Genesis 26:39-40 we see the blessing of Esau; and it wasn't faring much better; he was to live by the sword and eventually throw the "yoke" off his back of basically servitude to Jacob. Finally; we see Jacob's blessing of his sons; to become the 12 patriarchs; which is a mixed bag with particularly gruesome futures for Issachar (once again like a donkey" and of course Dan being as a snake. Reuben the firstborn committed sin and thus lost privileges for that position; and altogether we may say that Judah had the best blessings offered.
These patterns are interesting in that prophetically God's will was ultimately done. We can see this perhaps clearest with God explaining the futures of Jacob and Esau before they were even born. We also see the future of the bondservant (Hagar) and free woman (Sarah) and how it affects the world still to this day with the Arab (mainly Muslim) populus in the surrounding lands of the sons of Sarah and Abraham in Israel. We could say that this most clearly demonstrates what we may call a generational curse as well as blessings that are inherited.
Jeremiah 35:19 is perhaps one of the most interesting prophetic statements; in this case to adults who had been obedient to God from the start. They were promised because of that and passing the test on not drinking wine or strong drink that they would perpetually have someone to serve God; at least seemingly promising a believer to be in the family lineage throughout the generations. As to curses; we do well to meditate on Exodus 20:5 and 6 we see generational affects but those who LOVE God He shows mercy ending the curse.
That is true Rainwalker, in reference to Genesis 26:5. But the question: what were the "commandments, statutes and laws" that were given to Abraham to obey? We aren't given the specifics apart from God's clear directions to him. And even if they were the same as those given to Moses (and that's an IF), how would those laws given to Abraham & later to Israel, come to bear upon those now in Christ Jesus & been given God's Spirit to reside in them?
As even the apostle stated in Romans 7:10, "And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death"; could there be any Law given, whether to Abraham, Moses, & Israel, as pure & righteous as those Laws were, have given to any of them, life (i.e. the promise of eternal life)? Each one had to stand by their faith before God, the Law giving them absolutely no justification before God ( Romans 3:20).
Likewise, the Law can have no bearing on those now In Christ, for we stand by faith alone in Christ's finished Work for us & for all who would come to Him & believe on Him. Do we then remain lawless? Rather, the Law of Faith ( Romans 3:27) now stands, as it did before to those under the Old Covenant, but now this Law (of Faith) is energized in us by the Holy Spirit giving us power to live triumphantly & acceptably before God - that which the Old Law could never do & was never designed to do. Abraham wasn't accepted simply on how well he kept whatever Laws were given him, but that it was his faith that took him beyond the letter, where he obeyed God, claimed God's Promises, & looked beyond what the physical eye & mind could apprehend ( Hebrews 11:8-10).
We can see a principle involved when it comes to life and death. At the time of Moses; the Pharaoh commanded that the Jewish babies be killed ( Exodus 1:15-22). This involved the boys only; the midwives ignored this; thus Moses himself was preserved ironically his own mother was paid to nurse him until he was raised by Pharoah's daughter ( Exodus 2:8-10). Strange happenings indeed. Later we see the same thing happen under Herod in Matthew 2:16-18. The Lord warned Joseph and he was out of the area at this time. In these situations we can certainly see that taking a life is against God's law and therefore we must not follow man's law of such destruction. Satan is clearly attempting to destroy as many as he can created in God's image.
Abraham screwed up twice in regard to lying about his wife during famine and in another difficult situation because he feared for his life. God worked that out supernaturally to show the importance of the marriage covenant and the fact that Abraham was a Prophet. ( Genesis 12:11; Genesis 20:2). Amazingly in Genesis 26:7 Isaac did the same thing with Rebekka. You would thing the lesson would have been learned but clearly certain sins run in the family. What we don't know in these situations is whether those who housed these men's wives at the time would have tried to kill these men if they didn't say anything; since God Himself spoke to them probably not; or they wouldn't have succeeded. The last case involved a Philistine king; again pagans had their conscience pricked (in this case Isaac's behavior made it clear he was her husband). We should consider in all this the sanctity of marriage.
We see Biblical characters such as Jacob messing around with what would have been Esau's blessing. ( Genesis 27-29). Esau wanted his brother murdured ( Gen. 27:41). Heb. 12:16 shows Esau also was a fornicator; and previously had sold his birthright for food ( Gen. 25:29-34). So God allowed it
Good morning, Antipas. :-) I think the scriptures are clear on who the lost sheep of the house of Israel are and where.
Romans 1:16
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
They are god's chosen people whom through their fall we have obtained salvation.
Romans 11:11
"I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy."
It was god's good pleasure to do this so that we may all be saved and become one.
Galatians 3:36-29
26For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
It was his promise from the beginning.
Genesis 26:4
"And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;"
Right now things are going to well for any of the nations including Israel.
Revelations 18:1-3
1And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. 2And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. 3For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.
Keep preaching and praying because the 7 last plagues are coming soon.
Yes Keisha the Kingdom of God is Christ Jesus....Seek ye 1st the Kingdom of God and HIS righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.. Matthew 6:33 KJV...So I think in the spirit that Christ is the Kingdom of God...Alone with his Father and the H.G....There are 3 that bare record in the Kingdom of God And these 3 are 1. (God head)...The 1 singular FATHER OF ISRAEL..But 3 distinct beings that are gonna be multiplied as the Stars of Heaven...That was the great Promise when God swore by him very self..... Genesis 26:4....And thats y the sower of that good seed (word) will go forth to sow his precious seed in humanity...And to whom the Word came it made them Gods...Which is the H.G. the Children of PROMISE....( MULTIPLICATION OF Christ seed the words of that New Covenant ) The Book that he wrote with his own blood ..k lemme go
I haven't found any scripture saying that either were teens, in my study for the answer of your question. I believe that idea comes from the idea a girl, woman or man, not being a virgin at older age. Please look at today's young people there are many keeping themselves pure & Virgins going into 30's.
Actually it may have been more biblical to say 40, Genesis 25:20, Genesis 26:34, Jacob even older. It would also prove they were a purer couple if they were older, otherwise what other proof would there be of their purity, self contol, chastity? If they were only teens? Also the trust of the Church isn't given to a novice: 1Timothy 3:1-7,
Scripture to look to: Luke 1, Luke 2,
Joseph's lineage length differs also giving us a key he seems to be older, Matthew 1, Luke 3:23-34, continues Luke 3:34-38, Matthew 1:17,
If someone has other scripture to verify otherwise. Please include I've tried finding a statement of Mary being young, youth etc.
Thank you Charrisse for that lengthy explanation. I'll write briefly on each main point that I see.
1. Sabbath observance by those before Moses. You shared Genesis 26:5. We have been given no indication what these were: "my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws." We can learn of God's clear directions given to Abraham but to include what we believe were His Statutes, Commandments, & Laws without being specified, remains only a guess. To believe that the Sabbath command was given prior to Moses lacks evidence both in clarity & historically.
2. The Law of Moses. Certainly, it contained "codes for ordinances & ceremonies (including feast & Holy days etc), sacrificial ceremony, health, civil laws, treatment of animals, treatment of slaves etc". But it also contained the "Commands of God". As David charged Solomon in 1 Kings 2:3: "And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses". Did Moses in his book also include God's Decalogue, so that Solomon would always have the whole Law & Counsel of God at his fingertips? One could argue, 'well Solomon could have reached into the Ark of the Covenant to review them', but it remains a personal opinion of what the Law of Moses actually did contain.
Then Paul in 2 Corinthians 3:6-11, speaks more specifically on that which was "engraven in stones". He called it "the ministration of death". If those tablets from God was glorious, but instead of giving life, it brought death (in its design), how much more would the ministration of the Spirit would be even more glorious. As the glory of Moses' countenance faded away, Paul says that so to would the Law fade away as that which remaineth (the ministration of righteousness) by the Spirit exceeded it in glory.
In reply to your question Chris what Scriptures would you use to show that Noah or Abraham observed the Sabbath?
There are none directly for Noah but there is for Abraham but we can deduce how the
knowledge of God's will and law was passed down from Adam to Noah and then
subsequently to Abraham and up to and before Moses.
Noah was born just 10 generations from Adam to a Godly family and was well recognised
for being perfect in his generations, for his trust in God and humble faith Genesis
6:11-9:19).
It is very likely that Noah had been instructed in the knowledge of God. But by whom?
Enoch was Noah's great Grandfather and was the special friend of God who was translated
to heaven - He walked with God.
Enoch was a descendant of Adam through the Seth line and Adam was still alive when
Enoch was a young man. Given that the Sabbath was established and sanctified in Eden at
the end of creation week ( Genesis 2: 1-3, Exodus 20:11) it is worthy and logical to consider
that God taught Adam the requirement to keep the Holy law of God including the 7th day
Sabbath and who then would have taught his descendants.
The direct reference to Abraham keeping God's commandments before the Law being given to Moses is here: Genesis 26:5 - 'Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes and my laws'.
Richard, I am just like you, just looking to learn from Scripture, but I went through Genesis in November and December and wrote comments in the comments sections of those chapters. I like to go and read all of the comments on a chapter before I write mine so that I can better know what would be best to write about. If you haven't yet, you can click on the comments button at the bottom of the page for each chapter to read prior comments. I am learning as I go. I look things up online on ideas that I have questions about. That is how I found out about the two Abimelech's. Have a good evening.
GUess you know this stuff better than me. i'm trying to learn the Word better myself through all this commentary and also broaden the viewpoint so that the instruction is edifying through examples that others can relate to. At some point; I could ask challenging questions as a friend of mine who used to send daily scripture devotional messages. Am thankful in this chapter of my life to have the time to write these commentaries; although I have to be proactive with witnessing opportunities as my previous residence elsewhere gave me Christian friends who I would go out with once or twice a week on a regular basis. No substitute for local fellowship which the Lord has now granted me here as well; though in depth discussions can be hard to find. May He provide these things for you as well.
Yeah it is interesting that Isaac did the same as dad in this account. But, I read that this Abimelech was a different person than the Abimelech in the Abraham account. I think it was a family name or perhaps a kingly title for that group of people.
Incredibly; this chapter presents Isaac committing the same mistake with his wife that Abraham did TWICE before; AND once AGAIN Abimelech got into the crossfire! This was after blessings were promised in verse 4-same scenario there as well. This time Abimelech said that anyone touching Isaac OR his wife would be put to death. (verse 11). We see once again in this passage the strife caused by material blessing; as well as contention with the Philistines beginning. Isaac after this event also made a covenant (dejavu!) with Abimelech and a couple of his cohorts. God's blessing was something which caused a respect for power; but making vows foolishly; as many other scriptures indicate leave a binding agreement with the Lord and without careful thought can cause trouble. This is why whenever we invoke His name we shouldn't make hasty vows or swear by anything as Jesus said let your yeah be yeah your nay be nay. The exception is when we fulfill something God institutes such as marriage or when in O.T. times God Himself would make a covenant (or promise such as when He passed between the animals cut in two). Clearly; man being a fallen being is apt to lie in order to achieve His goals. We can attempt to keep God out of an agreement; but the enemies of the Lord like to use others to gain advantage invoking God (hence; the agreement with "death and hell" with Antichrist will be a covenant NOT desireable and the Beast himself will violate it.
The end of the passage shows how pagan marriages began to be a plague for the children of God's people. Esau in the N.T. was said to also be a fornicator; showing further reason that God hated him.
Esau married Canaanite woman, Canaanites was a Godless tribe of people. Canaan was pronounced a curse on them by Noah. This bothered Isaac and Rebekah.
BUT Esau was never in the plans of God so so the Canaanite woman or Shem bloodline had absolutely nothing to do with Gods plan. Here's why.
It's important to notice Ham had three sons Cush, Egypt, Put, and Canaan. Ham wasn't cursed neither was his other three sons.
It's interesting to know Rahab was a Canaanite, Ruth was a Moabite and these are the grandmother and great grandmother of king David! And Tamar "Judah's wife" who he had two children by is said to be a Canaanite by her pagan name.
All these is in the genealogy of Christ!
It's interesting Bathsheba's husband "Uriah the Hittite" was not of Israel, And God punished David for having him killed.
Joseph wife Asenath the mother of Manasseh and Ephraim was not of the tribe of Israel either, she was Egyptian from the town of On.
God didn't focus on Shems bloodline when he formed Israel out of the loins of Abraham. They were Idol worshippers as well as the rest of the world.
The focus was on Gods promise! "Isaac the promise child" and Jacob "Gods elect". Romans 9:11.
This emphasizes Gods sovereign Grace! Not bloodline, Not doing good or evil, God purposes his grace apart from anything man can offer!!
God is no respecter of person. There is some have built a very racial doctrine behind that notion which is against the body of scripture and generates pride.
So again to answer your question, Esau married two woman from Canaan and that didn't please Isaac but he still tried to give him the blessing, But it had nothing to do with Gods Choice.
Isaac was unhappy with Esau because Esau did not wait to take a wife from the family of Abraham back in Haran. Abraham's line was from Shem. Esau's wives were from the line of Ham. It seems that God must have designated the lineage of Shem to be favored and through whom He would work in history. We really don't know, but it was important to Abraham and Isaac that their sons marry a kinsman, not women from the tribes of Ham, who lived in the land of Canaan.
Nothing changed, Jesus came only for the lost sheep of Israel because the covenant was only with the house of Israel, it had to be fulfilled before the new covenant could be made. We read Jesus told the woman at the well, salvation is of the Jews, John 4:22. The old covenant had to be satisfied, fulfilled by flesh living a perfect life, the price was paid the contract was completed. Jesus said He was sent only for the lost sheep of Israel, Matthew 15:24.
He also told the apostles not to go but unto the lost sheep of Israel, Matthew 10:6. Even after Jesus ascended, they only went to the Jews until Peter had his dream and Paul was called, this was to fulfill the prophecies. The word given to the Gentiles was still a mystery but as God told Abraham all nations were in the plan, Genesis 26:4. But, yes when Jesus first came was only for the lost sheep of Israel, the covenant had to be confirmed to the Jews first. Daniel 9:27Romans 1:15-17. It was also to make the Jews jealous and save some as it was written, Romans 11:8-14.
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, I do think they used familial terms loosely. God did not punish Isaac for what he said. To us, it seems like deception, but seeing that God blessed Isaac greatly, the people around were not willing to "mess" with him by violating Rebekah.
Just a quick comment on 'Rebekah being called Isaac's sister; I'm reminded of an oft expressed phrase in eastern culture, when a man you're speaking with introduces you to his brother who has just joined him. Ordinarily, the western mind safely concludes that the visitor is an actual brother. But in very close relationships, a cousin is considered a brother in the broader sense, so in their mind they have not misled you. Knowing this, I then might question him of the actual relationship, to which he sheepishly agrees that he is actually a cousin.
I wonder if the same 'deception' is used here as Abraham did with Sarah. Their action may not be commendable yet respected because of the acceptability of stretching the word . Therefore, this ambiguity was used to their advantage, guaranteeing preservation of their lives. Just a thought, though might not be so in this instance.
"Ishmael" will not stop until he takes all lands from Israel (Isaac).
God cut a covenant with Abraham, and that Covenant is still in force.
Ishmael was never at peace being the elder "son" but not the heir that got the Land.
Israel cannot give land for peace. Those lands are covered by Covenant. They might try to agree to Two State, in order to build the 3rd Temple peacefully. They cannot do that.
Antichrist will sit on the throne of the 3rd Temple. Then God is going to show up.
I think that God was pleased with the pact since Isaac's servants had found water from the new well that very day. Issac named the well Sheba, and the name remains to this day, Beer (well Of) Sheba, and became a major city in the trade routes from Arabia & Egypt to the north and east.
There is a break in the story for the remainder of the chapter. So, far nothing has been said of Jacob and Esau, now 40 yrs old. But it is apparent that they lived with Isaac and Rebekah. Since it says that Esau took wives from the Hittites, Judith and Basemath. Esau grieved his his parents with these choices. His parents had probably told their sons that they should take wives from the family's kin from Haran or Nahor. Esau didn't want to follow that plan. Maybe he was anxious to marry and leave to begin his own family. Maybe he had more contact with the Hittites than the rest of his family and so, got to know these women. Can we think back to times when we went against our parents advice. expectation, and teachings? I can. I hope I did not cause my parents too much grief as I entered adulthood and made my way in life. Some children are really bent on doing the opposite of what their parents desire for them. Others see their parent's wisdom and stay close to good things of their upbringings. Esau and Jacob had godly parents (not perfect) and these brothers saw how God blessed their family. Esau was not very impressed, it seems. he thought he knew better.
....and each time Isaac moved on to another place. he did not stay and feud with the herdsmen. He didn't shout that God had promised him this land. No, he went to the valley of Gerar and began to new dig wells there. When the herdsmen quarreled about having the rights to the water from these new wells, Isaac named them, (leaving his family's.) and then moved on until he dug a well that was not disputed by the herdsmen at Rehoboth. Rehoboth was halfway between Hebron and Beersheba he stated, "For the lord has made He room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land. He spoke these words from a place of faith. From there he moved south to Beersheba. The very night Isaac arrived there, God appeared to him again.
God promised Isaac not to fear (as Isaac had done in Gerar) and that He would be with Isaac. What a comfort to know that the Lord is with His people. Jesus said that He would never leave us nor forsake Us. How wonderful that He not only stands by us in all of our circumstances, but he doesn't stand back and just let things happen to us without helping us. God promised to bless Isaac and multiply Isaac's descendants as he promised to his father. God said He would do this for Abraham's sake. Isaac immediately built an altar there and called upon the name of the Lord and pitched his tent in that place where God had appeared to him. His servants dug a well there. Soon Abimelech came with his officials with an intent to make a covenant with Isaac. Realizing that The Lord was blessing Isaac and allowing him to proper no matter where he went, Abimelech thought it better to propose a covenant of respect for one another and live in peace. Isaac's fist reaction was to accuse Abimelech of hating him by sending him away. Abimelech spoke graciously to Isaac who was reassured by what the king said. They had a feast, arising in the morning safe and sound, and made their oaths to one another. Did the Lord really want Isaac to make such a pact with this king?
continued...The king realized the connection between the barrenness of the women of the land and the exposure of Rebekah to be taken sexually by any of the men in the area. So, he charged his people to leave Isaac and Rebekah alone under threat of death if anyone tries to harm them. And so they did. The next section says that Isaac sowed a crop in the land and had a extremely large harvest, 100-fold. It does not say which property he sowed in. Was it one that he had purchased? Nor does it say which crop he sowed, but it was prosperous because God blessed him with abundance that was noticeable to those who lived around him. He had large flocks, and herds, and a large number of servants. Those who lived around him saw is prosperity and were envious that he was being more prosperous than they, the original inhabitants of the land were. They did not praise God that Isaac was being blessed. Instead, they went and filled up all of the wells Abraham had his servants' dig in the area, which provided water for agriculture, for the livestock, and for household needs. Water was vital and the land could not be used for family and farming needs without it. To solve the problem, Abimelech told Isaac to move away. Isaac tried a few places to settle in and farm, digging the wells out again. He called by the same names as his father had, establishing their family's influence and presence in the land. It says that Isaac also dug wells in the Gerar valley, between the city of Gerar near Gaza and Beer-Sheba and northward towards Hebron. It seemed that the herdsmen of the area followed Isaac, quarrelling with Isaac's servant about ownership of the water from the newly dug wells. isaac named the new wells and moved on instead of feuding with the herdsmen. They did not want Isaac to prosper and/or get a foothold on the land they thought was there due to residing there for some time. They were against God's promise, whether knowingly or unknowingly. This happened several times......
God told Isaac to stay put in the land promised to his father. It was time for the people God was setting apart to no longer be sojourners in the land, but to possess it. So, Isaac dwelt in Gerar, which is near Gaza. Interesting how this is land that is being disputed in Israel to day between the Palestinians and the Jews. God told Isaac that his descendants were given all of the lands surrounding Gerar. Isaac and Rebekah must not have lived there before because the men of the place began asking about Rebekah. If they lived there and were known by the people of the area, the men would have known that she was Isaac's wife. Like his father, Isaac says that Rebekah is her sister. When Abraham said this, Sarah actually was his sister, but here, Rebekah is a cousin, not a sister. This was an outright lie, not an omission of further information about their relationship. Like his father, by saying that his wife was his sister would provide safety for Isaac from the men and the king, who he thought might kill him. Like his father, he wanted to protect the family line of promise. This probably showed a weakness in believing that God would protect him due to the promise and oath of God. Like his father, Abraham was uncertain. Interesting that Abraham could believe that God could raise Isaac from the dead if he slayed him as god commanded, he did not trust the people around him, thinking they were ungodly. Same with Isaac. But both men found out that these people had some integrity and perhaps some respect for God.
After a long time, the king oversaw Isaac and Rebekah sharing affection that could only be interpreted as what would occur between spouses. Isaac and Rebekah probably thought they were alone and not aware that the king could view them from his window. The king summoned Isaac and called him out on his deception, which elicited Isaac's response of his concern for his life being taken on account of Rebekah's beauty. Abimelech must have been very angry.
This chapter tells of a new famine in the area where Isaac was living, between Beer-Sheba and Gerar in the Negev. appears and speaks to Isaac. It is not known if He has done so before or if this is the first time. Abraham has died, but it is very likely that he had shared with Isaac the great promises and covenant that God had made with him and his descendants. Isaac knew the promises would continue through himself.
The famine is at least 100 years after the last one when Abraham went to Egypt for relief from the famine. Isaac goes to see King Abimelech, (probably not the one Abraham went to see). The name, Abimelech may have been used as a title. It means, "My father is king." This may be a descendant of the Abimelech Abraham visited 75+ years before. It is interesting that the verse says that Abimelech was the king of the Philistines. Some archeological evidence suggest that that the Philistines came from the area of the Aegean Sea around 1300 B.C. This event happened centuries before 1300 B.C. In Abraham's encounter with King Abimelech , the text said the area was inhabited by Hittites. So, it was probably the same in Isaac's encounter. It seems that along the way, God appears to Isaac, telling him not to go down to Egypt, like his father did in the last famine, but, instead, to dwell in this land. God promises to be with Isaac and to bless him because Isaac and his descendants are to have all these lands. God promises to perform the same oath that He swore to Abraham and the same promise. This is due to Abraham's obedience to God, keeping His charge, His commandments, my statures, and God's laws. We have not an account of when God proscibed these mentioned, but evidently, God had instructed Abraham about how he shall live before God and worship Him, but the overarching obedience of Abraham was that he lived by faith in God. I wonder if these are the commandments given to Noah after the flood, along with circumcision.
"I AM, THAT I AM," If i had my Exhaustive Concordance I could try & tell you the Hebrew, Greek, etc. It may be significant that HE, GOD ALMIGHTY says Exodus 3:15,
Exodus 4:5, Genesis 26:24, John 8:39, Matthew 3:9, Luke 3:8, Mark 12:26, Matthew 22:32, Luke 20:37, Acts 7:32,
God bless all the discussion and questions on this forum. Much has been said regarding the Sabbath day and its significance in our lives as children of God. However it wasn't until Moses received the 10 commandments was the law given regarding the Sabbath.
In all of the Book of Genesis, there is no mention of the word Sabbath. My question is "What day did Adam and Eve worship on?" Did God only come into the garden on the Sabbath to walk and talk with Adam? If Adam and Eve were created on the 6th day, is it their 7th day or God's seventh day. And what would Adam and Eve be resting from?
Remember God rested on the seventh day because He completed all of "creation." The word rested means He stopped creating. Did the Lord God do more creating on the eight day to day 13? Did He rest again on the 14th day? In Genesis 26:5 Abraham kept God's requirements, commands, decrees and laws. The verse tells us that Abraham was obedient, but it simply doesn't tell us which statutes and decrees were in effect in his day.
The Sabbath is a reunion between Israel and God as it is said,"It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel for ever" Exodus 31:16, 17
No where does the Bible indicate that the Sabbath was given to anyone except the Jews. Exodus 16:28, 29
The choice is still your own. Praying that this helps us all as we await the return of the Lord in His glory.
Sources:
Holy Bible KJV 1611
"The Sabbath and the Ten" by Michael Morrison, Grace
God tells Isaac that he will multiple his seed, Genesis 26:3 "Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father; " Genesis 26:4 "And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;"
God is God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; Exodus 3:6 "Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God."
Exodus 3:13 "And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them?"
Exodus 3:14 "And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you." Exodus 3:15 "And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations."
Matthew 1:18 "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost." Matthew 1:20 "But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost." Matthew 1:21 "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins."
The earliest blessing in scripture is for Ishmael who is said in Genesis 16:12. It isn't exactly something to be desired; except for the fact that in the family lineage there would be many descendants. He was said to be a wild "donkey" of a man; and cause much contention and strife among others. Moving on to Genesis 26:39-40 we see the blessing of Esau; and it wasn't faring much better; he was to live by the sword and eventually throw the "yoke" off his back of basically servitude to Jacob. Finally; we see Jacob's blessing of his sons; to become the 12 patriarchs; which is a mixed bag with particularly gruesome futures for Issachar (once again like a donkey" and of course Dan being as a snake. Reuben the firstborn committed sin and thus lost privileges for that position; and altogether we may say that Judah had the best blessings offered.
These patterns are interesting in that prophetically God's will was ultimately done. We can see this perhaps clearest with God explaining the futures of Jacob and Esau before they were even born. We also see the future of the bondservant (Hagar) and free woman (Sarah) and how it affects the world still to this day with the Arab (mainly Muslim) populus in the surrounding lands of the sons of Sarah and Abraham in Israel. We could say that this most clearly demonstrates what we may call a generational curse as well as blessings that are inherited.
Jeremiah 35:19 is perhaps one of the most interesting prophetic statements; in this case to adults who had been obedient to God from the start. They were promised because of that and passing the test on not drinking wine or strong drink that they would perpetually have someone to serve God; at least seemingly promising a believer to be in the family lineage throughout the generations. As to curses; we do well to meditate on Exodus 20:5 and 6 we see generational affects but those who LOVE God He shows mercy ending the curse.
As even the apostle stated in Romans 7:10, "And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death"; could there be any Law given, whether to Abraham, Moses, & Israel, as pure & righteous as those Laws were, have given to any of them, life (i.e. the promise of eternal life)? Each one had to stand by their faith before God, the Law giving them absolutely no justification before God ( Romans 3:20).
Likewise, the Law can have no bearing on those now In Christ, for we stand by faith alone in Christ's finished Work for us & for all who would come to Him & believe on Him. Do we then remain lawless? Rather, the Law of Faith ( Romans 3:27) now stands, as it did before to those under the Old Covenant, but now this Law (of Faith) is energized in us by the Holy Spirit giving us power to live triumphantly & acceptably before God - that which the Old Law could never do & was never designed to do. Abraham wasn't accepted simply on how well he kept whatever Laws were given him, but that it was his faith that took him beyond the letter, where he obeyed God, claimed God's Promises, & looked beyond what the physical eye & mind could apprehend ( Hebrews 11:8-10).
We can see a principle involved when it comes to life and death. At the time of Moses; the Pharaoh commanded that the Jewish babies be killed ( Exodus 1:15-22). This involved the boys only; the midwives ignored this; thus Moses himself was preserved ironically his own mother was paid to nurse him until he was raised by Pharoah's daughter ( Exodus 2:8-10). Strange happenings indeed. Later we see the same thing happen under Herod in Matthew 2:16-18. The Lord warned Joseph and he was out of the area at this time. In these situations we can certainly see that taking a life is against God's law and therefore we must not follow man's law of such destruction. Satan is clearly attempting to destroy as many as he can created in God's image.
Abraham screwed up twice in regard to lying about his wife during famine and in another difficult situation because he feared for his life. God worked that out supernaturally to show the importance of the marriage covenant and the fact that Abraham was a Prophet. ( Genesis 12:11; Genesis 20:2). Amazingly in Genesis 26:7 Isaac did the same thing with Rebekka. You would thing the lesson would have been learned but clearly certain sins run in the family. What we don't know in these situations is whether those who housed these men's wives at the time would have tried to kill these men if they didn't say anything; since God Himself spoke to them probably not; or they wouldn't have succeeded. The last case involved a Philistine king; again pagans had their conscience pricked (in this case Isaac's behavior made it clear he was her husband). We should consider in all this the sanctity of marriage.
We see Biblical characters such as Jacob messing around with what would have been Esau's blessing. ( Genesis 27-29). Esau wanted his brother murdured ( Gen. 27:41). Heb. 12:16 shows Esau also was a fornicator; and previously had sold his birthright for food ( Gen. 25:29-34). So God allowed it
Romans 1:16
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
They are god's chosen people whom through their fall we have obtained salvation.
Romans 11:11
"I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy."
It was god's good pleasure to do this so that we may all be saved and become one.
Galatians 3:36-29
26For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
It was his promise from the beginning.
Genesis 26:4
"And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;"
Right now things are going to well for any of the nations including Israel.
Revelations 18:1-3
1And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. 2And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. 3For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.
Keep preaching and praying because the 7 last plagues are coming soon.
Hopefully these help
Actually it may have been more biblical to say 40, Genesis 25:20, Genesis 26:34, Jacob even older. It would also prove they were a purer couple if they were older, otherwise what other proof would there be of their purity, self contol, chastity? If they were only teens? Also the trust of the Church isn't given to a novice: 1Timothy 3:1-7,
Scripture to look to: Luke 1, Luke 2,
Joseph's lineage length differs also giving us a key he seems to be older, Matthew 1, Luke 3:23-34, continues Luke 3:34-38, Matthew 1:17,
If someone has other scripture to verify otherwise. Please include I've tried finding a statement of Mary being young, youth etc.
Hopefully helpful
Thank you Charrisse for that lengthy explanation. I'll write briefly on each main point that I see.
1. Sabbath observance by those before Moses. You shared Genesis 26:5. We have been given no indication what these were: "my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws." We can learn of God's clear directions given to Abraham but to include what we believe were His Statutes, Commandments, & Laws without being specified, remains only a guess. To believe that the Sabbath command was given prior to Moses lacks evidence both in clarity & historically.
2. The Law of Moses. Certainly, it contained "codes for ordinances & ceremonies (including feast & Holy days etc), sacrificial ceremony, health, civil laws, treatment of animals, treatment of slaves etc". But it also contained the "Commands of God". As David charged Solomon in 1 Kings 2:3: "And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses". Did Moses in his book also include God's Decalogue, so that Solomon would always have the whole Law & Counsel of God at his fingertips? One could argue, 'well Solomon could have reached into the Ark of the Covenant to review them', but it remains a personal opinion of what the Law of Moses actually did contain.
Then Paul in 2 Corinthians 3:6-11, speaks more specifically on that which was "engraven in stones". He called it "the ministration of death". If those tablets from God was glorious, but instead of giving life, it brought death (in its design), how much more would the ministration of the Spirit would be even more glorious. As the glory of Moses' countenance faded away, Paul says that so to would the Law fade away as that which remaineth (the ministration of righteousness) by the Spirit exceeded it in glory.
In reply to your question Chris what Scriptures would you use to show that Noah or Abraham observed the Sabbath?
There are none directly for Noah but there is for Abraham but we can deduce how the
knowledge of God's will and law was passed down from Adam to Noah and then
subsequently to Abraham and up to and before Moses.
Noah was born just 10 generations from Adam to a Godly family and was well recognised
for being perfect in his generations, for his trust in God and humble faith Genesis
6:11-9:19).
It is very likely that Noah had been instructed in the knowledge of God. But by whom?
Enoch was Noah's great Grandfather and was the special friend of God who was translated
to heaven - He walked with God.
Enoch was a descendant of Adam through the Seth line and Adam was still alive when
Enoch was a young man. Given that the Sabbath was established and sanctified in Eden at
the end of creation week ( Genesis 2: 1-3, Exodus 20:11) it is worthy and logical to consider
that God taught Adam the requirement to keep the Holy law of God including the 7th day
Sabbath and who then would have taught his descendants.
The direct reference to Abraham keeping God's commandments before the Law being given to Moses is here: Genesis 26:5 - 'Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes and my laws'.
Agape..Rich P
Yeah it is interesting that Isaac did the same as dad in this account. But, I read that this Abimelech was a different person than the Abimelech in the Abraham account. I think it was a family name or perhaps a kingly title for that group of people.
The end of the passage shows how pagan marriages began to be a plague for the children of God's people. Esau in the N.T. was said to also be a fornicator; showing further reason that God hated him.
Esau married Canaanite woman, Canaanites was a Godless tribe of people. Canaan was pronounced a curse on them by Noah. This bothered Isaac and Rebekah.
BUT Esau was never in the plans of God so so the Canaanite woman or Shem bloodline had absolutely nothing to do with Gods plan. Here's why.
It's important to notice Ham had three sons Cush, Egypt, Put, and Canaan. Ham wasn't cursed neither was his other three sons.
It's interesting to know Rahab was a Canaanite, Ruth was a Moabite and these are the grandmother and great grandmother of king David! And Tamar "Judah's wife" who he had two children by is said to be a Canaanite by her pagan name.
All these is in the genealogy of Christ!
It's interesting Bathsheba's husband "Uriah the Hittite" was not of Israel, And God punished David for having him killed.
Joseph wife Asenath the mother of Manasseh and Ephraim was not of the tribe of Israel either, she was Egyptian from the town of On.
God didn't focus on Shems bloodline when he formed Israel out of the loins of Abraham. They were Idol worshippers as well as the rest of the world.
The focus was on Gods promise! "Isaac the promise child" and Jacob "Gods elect". Romans 9:11.
This emphasizes Gods sovereign Grace! Not bloodline, Not doing good or evil, God purposes his grace apart from anything man can offer!!
God is no respecter of person. There is some have built a very racial doctrine behind that notion which is against the body of scripture and generates pride.
So again to answer your question, Esau married two woman from Canaan and that didn't please Isaac but he still tried to give him the blessing, But it had nothing to do with Gods Choice.
God bless.
Isaac was unhappy with Esau because Esau did not wait to take a wife from the family of Abraham back in Haran. Abraham's line was from Shem. Esau's wives were from the line of Ham. It seems that God must have designated the lineage of Shem to be favored and through whom He would work in history. We really don't know, but it was important to Abraham and Isaac that their sons marry a kinsman, not women from the tribes of Ham, who lived in the land of Canaan.
Who are the present day Philistines?.
Nothing changed, Jesus came only for the lost sheep of Israel because the covenant was only with the house of Israel, it had to be fulfilled before the new covenant could be made. We read Jesus told the woman at the well, salvation is of the Jews, John 4:22. The old covenant had to be satisfied, fulfilled by flesh living a perfect life, the price was paid the contract was completed. Jesus said He was sent only for the lost sheep of Israel, Matthew 15:24.
He also told the apostles not to go but unto the lost sheep of Israel, Matthew 10:6. Even after Jesus ascended, they only went to the Jews until Peter had his dream and Paul was called, this was to fulfill the prophecies. The word given to the Gentiles was still a mystery but as God told Abraham all nations were in the plan, Genesis 26:4. But, yes when Jesus first came was only for the lost sheep of Israel, the covenant had to be confirmed to the Jews first. Daniel 9:27 Romans 1:15-17. It was also to make the Jews jealous and save some as it was written, Romans 11:8-14.
God bless,
RLW
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.
I wonder if the same 'deception' is used here as Abraham did with Sarah. Their action may not be commendable yet respected because of the acceptability of stretching the word . Therefore, this ambiguity was used to their advantage, guaranteeing preservation of their lives. Just a thought, though might not be so in this instance.
God cut a covenant with Abraham, and that Covenant is still in force.
Ishmael was never at peace being the elder "son" but not the heir that got the Land.
Israel cannot give land for peace. Those lands are covered by Covenant. They might try to agree to Two State, in order to build the 3rd Temple peacefully. They cannot do that.
Antichrist will sit on the throne of the 3rd Temple. Then God is going to show up.
There is a break in the story for the remainder of the chapter. So, far nothing has been said of Jacob and Esau, now 40 yrs old. But it is apparent that they lived with Isaac and Rebekah. Since it says that Esau took wives from the Hittites, Judith and Basemath. Esau grieved his his parents with these choices. His parents had probably told their sons that they should take wives from the family's kin from Haran or Nahor. Esau didn't want to follow that plan. Maybe he was anxious to marry and leave to begin his own family. Maybe he had more contact with the Hittites than the rest of his family and so, got to know these women. Can we think back to times when we went against our parents advice. expectation, and teachings? I can. I hope I did not cause my parents too much grief as I entered adulthood and made my way in life. Some children are really bent on doing the opposite of what their parents desire for them. Others see their parent's wisdom and stay close to good things of their upbringings. Esau and Jacob had godly parents (not perfect) and these brothers saw how God blessed their family. Esau was not very impressed, it seems. he thought he knew better.
God promised Isaac not to fear (as Isaac had done in Gerar) and that He would be with Isaac. What a comfort to know that the Lord is with His people. Jesus said that He would never leave us nor forsake Us. How wonderful that He not only stands by us in all of our circumstances, but he doesn't stand back and just let things happen to us without helping us. God promised to bless Isaac and multiply Isaac's descendants as he promised to his father. God said He would do this for Abraham's sake. Isaac immediately built an altar there and called upon the name of the Lord and pitched his tent in that place where God had appeared to him. His servants dug a well there. Soon Abimelech came with his officials with an intent to make a covenant with Isaac. Realizing that The Lord was blessing Isaac and allowing him to proper no matter where he went, Abimelech thought it better to propose a covenant of respect for one another and live in peace. Isaac's fist reaction was to accuse Abimelech of hating him by sending him away. Abimelech spoke graciously to Isaac who was reassured by what the king said. They had a feast, arising in the morning safe and sound, and made their oaths to one another. Did the Lord really want Isaac to make such a pact with this king?
After a long time, the king oversaw Isaac and Rebekah sharing affection that could only be interpreted as what would occur between spouses. Isaac and Rebekah probably thought they were alone and not aware that the king could view them from his window. The king summoned Isaac and called him out on his deception, which elicited Isaac's response of his concern for his life being taken on account of Rebekah's beauty. Abimelech must have been very angry.
This chapter tells of a new famine in the area where Isaac was living, between Beer-Sheba and Gerar in the Negev. appears and speaks to Isaac. It is not known if He has done so before or if this is the first time. Abraham has died, but it is very likely that he had shared with Isaac the great promises and covenant that God had made with him and his descendants. Isaac knew the promises would continue through himself.
The famine is at least 100 years after the last one when Abraham went to Egypt for relief from the famine. Isaac goes to see King Abimelech, (probably not the one Abraham went to see). The name, Abimelech may have been used as a title. It means, "My father is king." This may be a descendant of the Abimelech Abraham visited 75+ years before. It is interesting that the verse says that Abimelech was the king of the Philistines. Some archeological evidence suggest that that the Philistines came from the area of the Aegean Sea around 1300 B.C. This event happened centuries before 1300 B.C. In Abraham's encounter with King Abimelech , the text said the area was inhabited by Hittites. So, it was probably the same in Isaac's encounter. It seems that along the way, God appears to Isaac, telling him not to go down to Egypt, like his father did in the last famine, but, instead, to dwell in this land. God promises to be with Isaac and to bless him because Isaac and his descendants are to have all these lands. God promises to perform the same oath that He swore to Abraham and the same promise. This is due to Abraham's obedience to God, keeping His charge, His commandments, my statures, and God's laws. We have not an account of when God proscibed these mentioned, but evidently, God had instructed Abraham about how he shall live before God and worship Him, but the overarching obedience of Abraham was that he lived by faith in God. I wonder if these are the commandments given to Noah after the flood, along with circumcision.
Exodus 4:5, Genesis 26:24, John 8:39, Matthew 3:9, Luke 3:8, Mark 12:26, Matthew 22:32, Luke 20:37, Acts 7:32,
Galatians 3:6,
God bless all the discussion and questions on this forum. Much has been said regarding the Sabbath day and its significance in our lives as children of God. However it wasn't until Moses received the 10 commandments was the law given regarding the Sabbath.
In all of the Book of Genesis, there is no mention of the word Sabbath. My question is "What day did Adam and Eve worship on?" Did God only come into the garden on the Sabbath to walk and talk with Adam? If Adam and Eve were created on the 6th day, is it their 7th day or God's seventh day. And what would Adam and Eve be resting from?
Remember God rested on the seventh day because He completed all of "creation." The word rested means He stopped creating. Did the Lord God do more creating on the eight day to day 13? Did He rest again on the 14th day? In Genesis 26:5 Abraham kept God's requirements, commands, decrees and laws. The verse tells us that Abraham was obedient, but it simply doesn't tell us which statutes and decrees were in effect in his day.
The Sabbath is a reunion between Israel and God as it is said,"It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel for ever" Exodus 31:16, 17
No where does the Bible indicate that the Sabbath was given to anyone except the Jews. Exodus 16:28, 29
The choice is still your own. Praying that this helps us all as we await the return of the Lord in His glory.
Sources:
Holy Bible KJV 1611
"The Sabbath and the Ten" by Michael Morrison, Grace
Communion International,Article Archive, archive.gci.org
Jubilees2:31, James Charlesworth, editor, The Old Testament Pseudepigrapha(New York:Doubleday, 1985) vol 2,p.58
Midrash Exodus Rabbah25:11(Soncino edition,p314); ibid.,p.74.
God is God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; Exodus 3:6 "Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God."
Exodus 3:13 "And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them?"
Exodus 3:14 "And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you." Exodus 3:15 "And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations."
Matthew 1:18 "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost." Matthew 1:20 "But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost." Matthew 1:21 "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins."