Jacob the deceiver. Continued discussion of how God worked through a supplanter.
Genesis 28 through 30 go through the story of Jacob after his mother thrust him out to find a wife from among her people; in this case from Laban. Jacob immediately fell for Rachel and after seven years of labor for Laban he was given a wife but he found out in the morning that it was Leah; the older sister. This was not his fault; but nonetheless, God recognized the marriage. In fact; Jacob's attitude toward her in the seven year further wait for Leah (because of Laban's deception) caused Leah to bear many children as she was despised and turned to God for direction. She gave glory to God; and some versions seem to indicate her prayers were answered; after six kids God finally opened Rachel's womb; but not before she had him sleep with the handmaiden for several children who would later be part of the 12 tribes. We should learn here that when we despise someone for somebody else God can bless the person as he is just (as with Leah). God's purposes were done with Jacob's actions; or despite them. Eventually Jacob had a sort of forgiveness and understanding with Esau; his actions may have prevented him from carrying out his plans to kill him out of jealousy. Jacob also found ways to get revenge on Laban for cheating him many years; again the Lord's will was done but not through any righteousness on Jacob's part necessarily. His struggle with God in Genesis 32:22-32 shows a tenacity perhaps unmatched in all history; that a mere man could wrestle with God all night (probably Christ preincarnate) and only through the hip wound the wrestling match was ended. That tenacity for a blessing is something we all can look at as something to emulate in our prayers!
Genesis 31:34 shows how Rachel hid her household gods; something God could have destroyed her and Jacob for. The Lord at that time overlooked it but who knows how much more blessing she could have had without them?
When asked that question in Scripture it seems God answers back with one of his many names. like he does when Paul asks in Acts 9:5.
Paul asked Who art thou, Lord? "kurios" (supreme in authority that is (as noun) controller; by implication Mr . (as a respectful title): - God Lord master Sir.)
The Lord answered him simply, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.
There are several names for the one and only true God.
Each of the many names of God describes a different aspect of His many-faceted character. Here are some of the better-known names of God in the Bible:
I've looked up some of those names; Here they are.
Part 1.
EL, ELOAH [el, el-oh-ah]: God "mighty, strong, prominent" ( Nehemiah 9:17; Psalm 139:19) - etymologically, El appears to mean "power" and "might" ( Genesis 31:29). El is associated with other qualities, such as integrity ( Numbers 23:19), jealousy ( Deuteronomy 5:9), and compassion ( Nehemiah 9:31), but the root idea of "might" remains.
ELOHIM [el-oh-heem]: God "Creator, Mighty and Strong" ( Genesis 17:7; Jeremiah 31:33) - the plural form of Eloah, which accommodates the doctrine of the Trinity. From the Bible's first sentence, the superlative nature of God's power is evident as God (Elohim) speaks the world into existence ( Genesis 1:1).
EL SHADDAI [el-shah-dahy]: "God Almighty," "The Mighty One of Jacob" ( Genesis 49:24; Psalm 132:2,5) - speaks to God's ultimate power over all.
ADONAI [dna; ah-daw-nahy]: "Lord" ( Genesis 15:2; Judges 6:15) - used in place of YHWH, which was thought by the Jews to be too sacred to be uttered by sinful men. In the Old Testament, YHWH is more often used in God's dealings with His people, while Adonai is used more when He deals with the Gentiles.
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.
My thoughts on this verse is that to "Kiss the Son" (referred her to the Son of God and Anointed On-Messiah) is to worship him and submit to Him. In O.T. times the pagans around the Israelites kissed their idols as an act of worship. See 2 Kings 19:18.
Also, kissing a king, prince, or other dignitary was a sign of respect and honor with the kisser often kissing the hand or feet of the dignitary who was seen as more honored than the one kissing.
Also, in Scripture, kissing was a sign of deep love, as with Joseph kissing each of his brothers when he revealed to them who he was in Genesis 31:28 or Paul instruction us to greet one another with the holy kiss in Romans 16:16 and elsewhere.
In this Psalm, kings and rulers are instructed to Kiss the Son, (the Anointed One, Messiah, King, Son of God). So, I think it means that these officials were rebellious towards God and are being asked to repent and turn back to God by submitting and worshipping the King of the World, Jesus Christ.
Hello Gitai. That's a good question, as these differences in the use of God (as a Name), can be found right through the Scriptures.
In the references you gave, we can understand & know the meaning of the various names given. In Genesis chapter 1, the author refers to God as 'God' (or, Elohim). Elohim, is a general name for the True God, as it can also be used to depict other gods (e.g. Genesis 31:30; Exodus 12:12), of angels ( Psalm 8:5), of men ( Psalm 82:6), of judges/rulers ( Exodus 21:6)). So, in relation to God's creative Work, the Name Elohim was given here. And of course, Elohim is also used of the True God elsewhere in the Bible, where creating is not signified (e.g. Genesis 35:7).
But in Genesis chapter 2 we see the use of the word, LORD (or, Yahweh), & this signifies a special revelation & a special relationship to Israel: 'Yahweh' means the active, self-existent One (as in Exodus 3:14, where the word is connected to the verb, 'to be') & also being Israel's Redeemer ( Exodus 6:6). So the use of the word, LORD, signifies this True God (Elohim) is not distant (as seen by His other Works), but is now revealed in a most personal way to Israel as LORD (Yahweh); hence combining the two words to read, LORD God. And from Genesis 2:2 onwards, this Name is used to signify the commencement of a personal interaction with His creation.
And when we read the word, 'Lord', this means 'master, lord, sovereign' (as in Genesis 15:2). Hence we can have a variety of combinations: God, LORD God, Lord God, each one depicting what the author has received from God that has to be revealed to the reader (chiefly, Israel in the OT references). And of interest, this God Who is a personal God, is also experienced in many ways in that relationship. Hence, we get compound Names of Yahweh, such Yahweh-Jireh (the God Who will see to it; or provides); Yahweh-Shalom (the God Who gives peace); & many other compound Names.
Our soul is the non material part of us that makes us conscious of being alive, that we are our own individual person. Our soul includes our mind (not our brain), our emotions, our will, our conscience, our awareness of thoughts, ideas, the ability to evaluate what our senses send to our brain along with ideas, points of views, wonderings, inquisitiveness. Many things like that. Our souls are immortal, but our bodies are mortal. So our body dies, but our soul goes to wherever God determines it should rest until our resurrection. Our soul was not alive before we were conceived; they had a beginning. God creates the soul in a person at conception. At the resurrection, our soul will be reunited in our bodies because a soul only lives in an alive body. Our body will be changed from mortal to immortal, our body and souls will change from being corruptible by sin to incorruptible and unable to sin every again. We will live forever in this new body with a perfected soul with God.
If people say our souls are in our bodies, and that's the part of us going to Heaven, how are we suppose to believe that because we actually don't know if our souls are actually there?
I have a rule myself to let the HOLY Spirit teach us as we read. 1 John 2:27, John 14:26,
Sometimes we have to work at "unlearning" what someone tells us the Bible says. GOD's WORD is a "living Word" it teaches, corrects, edifies._.. 2 Timothy 3:16, & gives us wisdom. James 1:5,
Genesis 34, is the account. Notice : Genesis 34:2, they were Hivite
Thank you "GiGi" for pointing out her approximate age through scriptural knowledge. Genesis 30:19-31, Genesis 31:38-41,
Genesis 33:13-17, it says after they met Esau, they built a house & booths for cattle it doesn't say exactly how long they were there. It appears they may have left when Joseph was about 6 yrs. old because Genesis 31:41, But it was before Joseph was 17, Dinah seems to be older sister, they then pitched a tent._ Genesis 33:18-20 The only accounts of age we're given is Joseph was born & Genesis 30:25, Genesis 37:1-2, yet Joseph went to find his brethren in (Shechem) so was this timing, a historical account putting both situations about the same time? Genesis 37:11-14, because later Israel/Jacob tells Joseph about his mother's death & burial, that happened on Journey Genesis 35:1, Genesis 35:15-20, Genesis 35:27-29, Genesis 48:1-7, Genesis 45:25, Genesis 46:6,
It was most likely because of examples from their fathers. Jacob/Israel even Abraham. May have started with Lamech Genesis 4:19, Genesis 6:2-3, Genesis 1:25, Genesis 25:6, Genesis 31:50,
Sister GiGi. I understand that you wisely don't wish to pursue with this thread, but I offer the following for understanding what is seen in the verses Earl has presented.
Psalm 82:6, the verse which Jesus quotes to the Jewish leaders, refers to "gods" as 'Elohim'. This is a word that has several meanings, as it applies to both the true God & to other applications of that word. Elohim is a generic word, used for God ( Genesis 1:1); for pagan gods ( Genesis 31:30, Exodus 12:12); for angels ( Psalm 8:5, cf Hebrews 2:7); for men ( Psalm 82:6); for judges ( Exodus 21:6).
So when we come to John 10:34-36, Jesus is being accused of blasphemy, "thou, being a man, makest thyself God", since Jesus had said to them, "I and my Father are one" & in previous verses. Jesus then goes on to explain that the 'Elohim' of Psalm 82:6, which corresponds to the 'theos' of John 10:34, should actually not be a problem to them as we're all 'gods' in this general meaning of the word, 'Elohim' - we are NOT part of the Deity & NEVER will be, nor of the angelic realm, but certainly of men, rulers & judges (as those so appointed).
The Lord then continues His discourse with the Jews, questioning them, 'that if He is sanctified & sent by God, doing the Works of God, why shouldn't His claim to be the Son of God bother them?' Since we all come under the general word 'theos', if One coming, does the Works of God & brings the Word of God, should He not be rightfully (& more correctly) be called the Son of God? Is Jesus side-stepping the revelation of His actual position as God in the flesh? I see Jesus answering the Jews according to the charge they were laying against Him, that His claim 'making Himself God', was no different to any other claim to it by others. But if their eyes would one day be opened, they would realize that before them was no generic 'Elohim/Theos', but Theos Himself. They were far from reaching that position of understanding, not even understanding Psalm 82:6 & meaning of Elohim.
In reference to Laban's idols, apparently they were not as rare an occurrence that might be supposed. The word in Hebrew for 'image' in Genesis 31:19 is 'terapim', or 'teraphim'. And there have been evidences of their possession by the 'God-fearing' (see Judges 17:5 (Micah); 1 Samuel 19:13 (Michal); Hosea 3:4 (Israel)). They're often connected with the 'ephod' & 'urim', so one could suppose that in the absence of the urim & ephod (which were used to learn God's Mind & direction to take), that the teraphim were kept by some to do likewise. So the teraphim (also referred to as 'gods' - Genesis 31:30), were probably not used so much for worship, but in some way to look into the future or for impartation of household blessing. Though the use of idols, images, etc. were condemned ( 2 Kings 23:24), images & teraphim apparently were still kept as a 'rabbit's foot' in households.
Now the fact that Rachel stole her father's teraphim is interesting. Either she wanted to rid them from his house as worthless idols or maybe fearing that they might have some impact on alerting Laban as to where Jacob & his family had fled to, she took them to prevent that happening. Or yet, she may have wanted to take something to remember her father by (no photos in those days) or even to take something of value ( Genesis 31:14,15). By her hiding them (obviously they were very small objects) under the camel's accoutrements, indicates that she held little value to them as objects of worship, or else she wouldn't be sitting on them. But one could be justifiably concerned that Rachel might have given those teraphim some undeserved regard.
.......explaining she is having her monthly period, Jacob pretty much lights in to Laban, recounting how Laban did not treat him in good faith and Jacob had not done Laban wrong all these 20 years., recounting how well the flocks have prospered under his shepherding. He attests that God, who was his grandfather's God and his father's God (the Fear of Isaac is a name for God) has been with him none of that would have happened. He didn't claim God as his own at this time.
Then Laban has his turn at speaking to Jacob, claiming that the wives and children belong to him, along with the flock. he is unwilling to let go and keep his end of the bargain. He obviously wanted Jacob to stay in Haran and keep his family near him, though he had other sons. So Laban suggests a covenant. Laban seems to make the terms of the covenant, having Jacob vow to treat his wives well and not add any wives. Then he vows that the pillar will be a boundary that neither will cross to harm the other. He calls God, (Abraham's, Naho's, and Terah) to be the judge or witness between them. Jacob swears by the same God as Laban (the Fear of Isaac, by name) Jacob offers a sacrifice to God (makes me wonder why Laban had household idols?) The share a meal, that evening and part ways in the morning on good terms.
After hearing Jacob's words to him, perhaps Laban realized that he had mistreated Jacob and therefore relented. Or maybe Jacob's sons were much older and stronger than Laban's sons, and he assessed the situation and made the wise choice to let Jacob leave. Maybe, having heard from God, Laban was beginning a journey with the True God then.
So, we shall see how the rest of the story turns out. I'm curious about the idols Rachel stole and kept hidden from Jacob?
The daughter was to receive some of the dowry from her father. Laban had not given them any family wealth apart from what Jacob had earned. They new that Jacob had prospered their father more than what would ordinarily be a dowry amount, and that their father had spent his wealth. On top of that, Laban had treated his daughters as strangers instead of family. Funny, how Laban claimed Leah and Rachel and the grandkids as his when he confronted Jacob. Laban was greedy. This lack of reception of their father's inheritance probably prompted Rachel to take the family statues/images. Perhaps they were of some value that we do not know about. Sometimes called Teraphim, they were linked to idolatry and perhaps family land ownership.
Here in this chapter, Jacob recounts how it was that his flock grew so large. God showed him in a dream how it would happen. God also reminded him about meeting Him in Bethel and Jacob making a vow to God. The dream and words from God reminded Jacob of what he said to God in this vow, that if the Lord will prosper him and guard him, he would serve God. Now, Jacob saw that God had prospered and guarded him. Now he could trust God for his day to day life and his future.
Jacob was obedient to and set out for home without telling Laban. He knew Laban was untrustworthy and so he wanted to follow God's direction without Laban's interference. He had already been in the land 6 years past when God had first told him to leave in the dream. Now this is the second time God tells him to go home. 3 days into their journey arriving at the mount of Gilead. Laban catches up to him there after God had spoken to him to not mistreat Jacob. When Laban asks Jacob why he left as he did, Jacob says that he was afraid Laban would take his daughters back by force, reneging on the deal that was made 20 years ago. After searching for the household idols, and not finding them on account of Rachel sitting on the pillow she put them under.....see more
Jacob sure lived an interesting life, but not, perhaps. more so than Noah, Shem, ........Abraham, Isaac. We just are noit given quite as much info on these other brothers in the Lord.
Jacob had been away from his family for 20 years. He was at least 60 years old by now and Isaac was about 120 yrs. or more. God appears and speaks to Jacob and says to go home. He was ready to go back home, His quiver was full of children, his flocks had prospered to the point of greatly outnumbering Laban's. It seems that Laban had sons, as it says they complained about the state of their flocks as compared to Jacob's. Laban must have left the tending of his flocks totally to his sons and Jacob. Otherwise, he would have known what was the state of his flocks. He was not happy to see Jacob wealthy and now his wealth diminished, having been transferred to Jacob through the increase in Jacob's flock.
Jacob explains that he has tended the flocks in good faith for 20 years, even though Laban had changed his wages 10 times. Laban was crafty and intended to take advantage of Jacob. Jacob was mild mannered, unlike Esau. But he was also wise enough to depend on God, since God continued to bless him. It says he served Laban with all of his might. So he was all in to the job, not lazy, or looking for a way to get out of work. He was worth far more than the wage he was being paid. I was taught to work this way. I have been overqualified for most of the jobs I have had, but still worked hard and earned my wage. In one restaurant job, I worked with some workers just out of high school. They did not do their best to earn their wage, commenting that they were only getting minimum wage, so they di d not have to work hard. God honored Jacob's work ethic and blessed the work of his hands.
Leah and Rachel were concerned about leaving without any of the inheritance that they should receive. Ordinarily, a suitor would pay a dowry for a wife, but Jacob had not done so......
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.
Hello Wayne. There are various applications for the use of 'Lord' in the Bible. When you see it capitalized (LORD) as in Genesis 2:4, it conveys to us the meaning, that only Almighty God is referred to here. The Jewish use of Jehovah (YHWH, which is the tetragrammaton of Yahweh), signifies that God, the Eternal, Self-Existent One is spoken of. Of course, Jews won't write or speak this Name, lest they do so incorrectly & offend God. So, in English, you may see it written as G_d, or HaShem (= the Name).
Then you will see the words 'Lord' or 'lord' in the Bible. For 'Lord': the word is 'Adonai', which is also the Name attributed to God & this means, 'master, lord, sovereign'. And sometimes, you can see both of the above together, as in Genesis 15:2: "And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me...", where Lord is not capitalized but God is.
And 'lord' is also seen, as in Genesis 31:35 from the root, 'adoni', used mainly with mankind. And this word can mean: master, lord, sir, even husband, in an older usage.
Hope this helps as you see these words being used throughout Scriptures - and yet, other names have been applied to God, especially compound names which describe the Character or Activity of God.
I've wondered that too. GOD directs some people to do out of the ordinary things & out of the ordinary things happen when they've done what GOD directed them to do. I think we're thinking too much into it like 'if we tried it will it work' here's some other examples
Exodus 17:6, Numbers 20:1-11, notice Numbers 20:8 GOD said "speak to the rock" , Numbers 20:12, Numbers 13 & 14,
That is a question that has been asked for ages. Some feel that the devil knows your thoughts, while most others don't.
Scripture does not give a definite answer on that subject but scripture does indicate that not only the devil but some angelic beings have access to one's mind _ Acts 5:3 Satan filled the heart of Ananias _ Luke 22:3 Satan entered Judas _ Matthew 1:20 -25 an angel came to Joseph in a dream _ Genesis 31:11 an angel of the Lord spoke to Jacob in a dream. One can argue that to have access to one's mine doesn't mean they can read your thoughts.
And there are these scriptures
Job 1:7-12 Satan before God discusses Job and the amount of access he can have to Just.
Ephesians 6:11-16 discusses to put on the whole armor of God and to *quench* the fiery darts of Satan.
James 4:7 tells us to *resist* the devil and *he will flee*.
1st Peter 5:8 tells us Satan is like a roaring lion *seeking* whom he can *devour.*
Revelation 12:10-12 the devil stands before God day and night accusing man, and woe to the inhabitants of the earth the devil has come down.
Scripture is clear - Jesus knew one's thoughts even while in a flesh body Matthew 9:4. To Jesus the spirit was given to him without measure John 3:34.
I believe Satan and certain angels have the ability to read some of someone's thoughts and Satan, being the accuser is allowed to influence those thoughts. I feel Satan and the angelic beings who have access to any thoughts of the minds/hearts of mankind are given a limited measure, unlike God who has full measure. Example what I'm going to eat for breakfast or what type of clothes I'm going to wear any given day isn't something they would need access to or even care about. But the part of the mind our decisions are made against good or for what we know is right, Satan knows our thoughts.
Good evening Sacha, I am thinking too of your love that you share and your encouragements. Often the timing of our walks with each other are for a reason. Your message helped me this past week which was well needed.
Genesis 28 through 30 go through the story of Jacob after his mother thrust him out to find a wife from among her people; in this case from Laban. Jacob immediately fell for Rachel and after seven years of labor for Laban he was given a wife but he found out in the morning that it was Leah; the older sister. This was not his fault; but nonetheless, God recognized the marriage. In fact; Jacob's attitude toward her in the seven year further wait for Leah (because of Laban's deception) caused Leah to bear many children as she was despised and turned to God for direction. She gave glory to God; and some versions seem to indicate her prayers were answered; after six kids God finally opened Rachel's womb; but not before she had him sleep with the handmaiden for several children who would later be part of the 12 tribes. We should learn here that when we despise someone for somebody else God can bless the person as he is just (as with Leah). God's purposes were done with Jacob's actions; or despite them. Eventually Jacob had a sort of forgiveness and understanding with Esau; his actions may have prevented him from carrying out his plans to kill him out of jealousy. Jacob also found ways to get revenge on Laban for cheating him many years; again the Lord's will was done but not through any righteousness on Jacob's part necessarily. His struggle with God in Genesis 32:22-32 shows a tenacity perhaps unmatched in all history; that a mere man could wrestle with God all night (probably Christ preincarnate) and only through the hip wound the wrestling match was ended. That tenacity for a blessing is something we all can look at as something to emulate in our prayers!
Genesis 31:34 shows how Rachel hid her household gods; something God could have destroyed her and Jacob for. The Lord at that time overlooked it but who knows how much more blessing she could have had without them?
When asked that question in Scripture it seems God answers back with one of his many names. like he does when Paul asks in Acts 9:5.
Paul asked Who art thou, Lord? "kurios" (supreme in authority that is (as noun) controller; by implication Mr . (as a respectful title): - God Lord master Sir.)
The Lord answered him simply, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.
There are several names for the one and only true God.
Each of the many names of God describes a different aspect of His many-faceted character. Here are some of the better-known names of God in the Bible:
I've looked up some of those names; Here they are.
Part 1.
EL, ELOAH [el, el-oh-ah]: God "mighty, strong, prominent" ( Nehemiah 9:17; Psalm 139:19) - etymologically, El appears to mean "power" and "might" ( Genesis 31:29). El is associated with other qualities, such as integrity ( Numbers 23:19), jealousy ( Deuteronomy 5:9), and compassion ( Nehemiah 9:31), but the root idea of "might" remains.
ELOHIM [el-oh-heem]: God "Creator, Mighty and Strong" ( Genesis 17:7; Jeremiah 31:33) - the plural form of Eloah, which accommodates the doctrine of the Trinity. From the Bible's first sentence, the superlative nature of God's power is evident as God (Elohim) speaks the world into existence ( Genesis 1:1).
EL SHADDAI [el-shah-dahy]: "God Almighty," "The Mighty One of Jacob" ( Genesis 49:24; Psalm 132:2,5) - speaks to God's ultimate power over all.
ADONAI [dna; ah-daw-nahy]: "Lord" ( Genesis 15:2; Judges 6:15) - used in place of YHWH, which was thought by the Jews to be too sacred to be uttered by sinful men. In the Old Testament, YHWH is more often used in God's dealings with His people, while Adonai is used more when He deals with the Gentiles.
See Part 2.
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.
My thoughts on this verse is that to "Kiss the Son" (referred her to the Son of God and Anointed On-Messiah) is to worship him and submit to Him. In O.T. times the pagans around the Israelites kissed their idols as an act of worship. See 2 Kings 19:18.
Also, kissing a king, prince, or other dignitary was a sign of respect and honor with the kisser often kissing the hand or feet of the dignitary who was seen as more honored than the one kissing.
Also, in Scripture, kissing was a sign of deep love, as with Joseph kissing each of his brothers when he revealed to them who he was in Genesis 31:28 or Paul instruction us to greet one another with the holy kiss in Romans 16:16 and elsewhere.
In this Psalm, kings and rulers are instructed to Kiss the Son, (the Anointed One, Messiah, King, Son of God). So, I think it means that these officials were rebellious towards God and are being asked to repent and turn back to God by submitting and worshipping the King of the World, Jesus Christ.
In the references you gave, we can understand & know the meaning of the various names given. In Genesis chapter 1, the author refers to God as 'God' (or, Elohim). Elohim, is a general name for the True God, as it can also be used to depict other gods (e.g. Genesis 31:30; Exodus 12:12), of angels ( Psalm 8:5), of men ( Psalm 82:6), of judges/rulers ( Exodus 21:6)). So, in relation to God's creative Work, the Name Elohim was given here. And of course, Elohim is also used of the True God elsewhere in the Bible, where creating is not signified (e.g. Genesis 35:7).
But in Genesis chapter 2 we see the use of the word, LORD (or, Yahweh), & this signifies a special revelation & a special relationship to Israel: 'Yahweh' means the active, self-existent One (as in Exodus 3:14, where the word is connected to the verb, 'to be') & also being Israel's Redeemer ( Exodus 6:6). So the use of the word, LORD, signifies this True God (Elohim) is not distant (as seen by His other Works), but is now revealed in a most personal way to Israel as LORD (Yahweh); hence combining the two words to read, LORD God. And from Genesis 2:2 onwards, this Name is used to signify the commencement of a personal interaction with His creation.
And when we read the word, 'Lord', this means 'master, lord, sovereign' (as in Genesis 15:2). Hence we can have a variety of combinations: God, LORD God, Lord God, each one depicting what the author has received from God that has to be revealed to the reader (chiefly, Israel in the OT references). And of interest, this God Who is a personal God, is also experienced in many ways in that relationship. Hence, we get compound Names of Yahweh, such Yahweh-Jireh (the God Who will see to it; or provides); Yahweh-Shalom (the God Who gives peace); & many other compound Names.
Our soul is the non material part of us that makes us conscious of being alive, that we are our own individual person. Our soul includes our mind (not our brain), our emotions, our will, our conscience, our awareness of thoughts, ideas, the ability to evaluate what our senses send to our brain along with ideas, points of views, wonderings, inquisitiveness. Many things like that. Our souls are immortal, but our bodies are mortal. So our body dies, but our soul goes to wherever God determines it should rest until our resurrection. Our soul was not alive before we were conceived; they had a beginning. God creates the soul in a person at conception. At the resurrection, our soul will be reunited in our bodies because a soul only lives in an alive body. Our body will be changed from mortal to immortal, our body and souls will change from being corruptible by sin to incorruptible and unable to sin every again. We will live forever in this new body with a perfected soul with God.
Hope this helps.
IF!! you believe the jkv bible. God breathe your soul into your body then, your soul bring you alive
Your soul enters the body with your first breath and leaves your body with your last breath
Genesis 2:7
"And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul."
King James Version (KJV
"Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it."
King James Version (KJV) tells us this
Can you rephrase your question?
Thanks in advance.
God bless.
Sometimes we have to work at "unlearning" what someone tells us the Bible says. GOD's WORD is a "living Word" it teaches, corrects, edifies._.. 2 Timothy 3:16, & gives us wisdom. James 1:5,
Genesis 34, is the account. Notice : Genesis 34:2, they were Hivite
Exodus 23:28, Exodus 34:11, Exodus 33:2, Genesis 10:15-19, Joshua 9,
Hopefully this is all helpful.
Thank you "GiGi" for pointing out her approximate age through scriptural knowledge. Genesis 30:19-31, Genesis 31:38-41,
Genesis 33:13-17, it says after they met Esau, they built a house & booths for cattle it doesn't say exactly how long they were there. It appears they may have left when Joseph was about 6 yrs. old because Genesis 31:41, But it was before Joseph was 17, Dinah seems to be older sister, they then pitched a tent._ Genesis 33:18-20 The only accounts of age we're given is Joseph was born & Genesis 30:25, Genesis 37:1-2, yet Joseph went to find his brethren in (Shechem) so was this timing, a historical account putting both situations about the same time? Genesis 37:11-14, because later Israel/Jacob tells Joseph about his mother's death & burial, that happened on Journey Genesis 35:1, Genesis 35:15-20, Genesis 35:27-29, Genesis 48:1-7, Genesis 45:25, Genesis 46:6,
Deuteronomy 7:2-4, 1 Kings 11:1-11,
Psalm 82:6, the verse which Jesus quotes to the Jewish leaders, refers to "gods" as 'Elohim'. This is a word that has several meanings, as it applies to both the true God & to other applications of that word. Elohim is a generic word, used for God ( Genesis 1:1); for pagan gods ( Genesis 31:30, Exodus 12:12); for angels ( Psalm 8:5, cf Hebrews 2:7); for men ( Psalm 82:6); for judges ( Exodus 21:6).
So when we come to John 10:34-36, Jesus is being accused of blasphemy, "thou, being a man, makest thyself God", since Jesus had said to them, "I and my Father are one" & in previous verses. Jesus then goes on to explain that the 'Elohim' of Psalm 82:6, which corresponds to the 'theos' of John 10:34, should actually not be a problem to them as we're all 'gods' in this general meaning of the word, 'Elohim' - we are NOT part of the Deity & NEVER will be, nor of the angelic realm, but certainly of men, rulers & judges (as those so appointed).
The Lord then continues His discourse with the Jews, questioning them, 'that if He is sanctified & sent by God, doing the Works of God, why shouldn't His claim to be the Son of God bother them?' Since we all come under the general word 'theos', if One coming, does the Works of God & brings the Word of God, should He not be rightfully (& more correctly) be called the Son of God? Is Jesus side-stepping the revelation of His actual position as God in the flesh? I see Jesus answering the Jews according to the charge they were laying against Him, that His claim 'making Himself God', was no different to any other claim to it by others. But if their eyes would one day be opened, they would realize that before them was no generic 'Elohim/Theos', but Theos Himself. They were far from reaching that position of understanding, not even understanding Psalm 82:6 & meaning of Elohim.
Now the fact that Rachel stole her father's teraphim is interesting. Either she wanted to rid them from his house as worthless idols or maybe fearing that they might have some impact on alerting Laban as to where Jacob & his family had fled to, she took them to prevent that happening. Or yet, she may have wanted to take something to remember her father by (no photos in those days) or even to take something of value ( Genesis 31:14,15). By her hiding them (obviously they were very small objects) under the camel's accoutrements, indicates that she held little value to them as objects of worship, or else she wouldn't be sitting on them. But one could be justifiably concerned that Rachel might have given those teraphim some undeserved regard.
Then Laban has his turn at speaking to Jacob, claiming that the wives and children belong to him, along with the flock. he is unwilling to let go and keep his end of the bargain. He obviously wanted Jacob to stay in Haran and keep his family near him, though he had other sons. So Laban suggests a covenant. Laban seems to make the terms of the covenant, having Jacob vow to treat his wives well and not add any wives. Then he vows that the pillar will be a boundary that neither will cross to harm the other. He calls God, (Abraham's, Naho's, and Terah) to be the judge or witness between them. Jacob swears by the same God as Laban (the Fear of Isaac, by name) Jacob offers a sacrifice to God (makes me wonder why Laban had household idols?) The share a meal, that evening and part ways in the morning on good terms.
After hearing Jacob's words to him, perhaps Laban realized that he had mistreated Jacob and therefore relented. Or maybe Jacob's sons were much older and stronger than Laban's sons, and he assessed the situation and made the wise choice to let Jacob leave. Maybe, having heard from God, Laban was beginning a journey with the True God then.
So, we shall see how the rest of the story turns out. I'm curious about the idols Rachel stole and kept hidden from Jacob?
Here in this chapter, Jacob recounts how it was that his flock grew so large. God showed him in a dream how it would happen. God also reminded him about meeting Him in Bethel and Jacob making a vow to God. The dream and words from God reminded Jacob of what he said to God in this vow, that if the Lord will prosper him and guard him, he would serve God. Now, Jacob saw that God had prospered and guarded him. Now he could trust God for his day to day life and his future.
Jacob was obedient to and set out for home without telling Laban. He knew Laban was untrustworthy and so he wanted to follow God's direction without Laban's interference. He had already been in the land 6 years past when God had first told him to leave in the dream. Now this is the second time God tells him to go home. 3 days into their journey arriving at the mount of Gilead. Laban catches up to him there after God had spoken to him to not mistreat Jacob. When Laban asks Jacob why he left as he did, Jacob says that he was afraid Laban would take his daughters back by force, reneging on the deal that was made 20 years ago. After searching for the household idols, and not finding them on account of Rachel sitting on the pillow she put them under.....see more
Jacob had been away from his family for 20 years. He was at least 60 years old by now and Isaac was about 120 yrs. or more. God appears and speaks to Jacob and says to go home. He was ready to go back home, His quiver was full of children, his flocks had prospered to the point of greatly outnumbering Laban's. It seems that Laban had sons, as it says they complained about the state of their flocks as compared to Jacob's. Laban must have left the tending of his flocks totally to his sons and Jacob. Otherwise, he would have known what was the state of his flocks. He was not happy to see Jacob wealthy and now his wealth diminished, having been transferred to Jacob through the increase in Jacob's flock.
Jacob explains that he has tended the flocks in good faith for 20 years, even though Laban had changed his wages 10 times. Laban was crafty and intended to take advantage of Jacob. Jacob was mild mannered, unlike Esau. But he was also wise enough to depend on God, since God continued to bless him. It says he served Laban with all of his might. So he was all in to the job, not lazy, or looking for a way to get out of work. He was worth far more than the wage he was being paid. I was taught to work this way. I have been overqualified for most of the jobs I have had, but still worked hard and earned my wage. In one restaurant job, I worked with some workers just out of high school. They did not do their best to earn their wage, commenting that they were only getting minimum wage, so they di d not have to work hard. God honored Jacob's work ethic and blessed the work of his hands.
Leah and Rachel were concerned about leaving without any of the inheritance that they should receive. Ordinarily, a suitor would pay a dowry for a wife, but Jacob had not done so......
'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.
Then you will see the words 'Lord' or 'lord' in the Bible. For 'Lord': the word is 'Adonai', which is also the Name attributed to God & this means, 'master, lord, sovereign'. And sometimes, you can see both of the above together, as in Genesis 15:2: "And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me...", where Lord is not capitalized but God is.
And 'lord' is also seen, as in Genesis 31:35 from the root, 'adoni', used mainly with mankind. And this word can mean: master, lord, sir, even husband, in an older usage.
Hope this helps as you see these words being used throughout Scriptures - and yet, other names have been applied to God, especially compound names which describe the Character or Activity of God.
Exodus 17:6, Numbers 20:1-11, notice Numbers 20:8 GOD said "speak to the rock" , Numbers 20:12, Numbers 13 & 14,
Genesis 31:12,
Scripture does not give a definite answer on that subject but scripture does indicate that not only the devil but some angelic beings have access to one's mind _ Acts 5:3 Satan filled the heart of Ananias _ Luke 22:3 Satan entered Judas _ Matthew 1:20 -25 an angel came to Joseph in a dream _ Genesis 31:11 an angel of the Lord spoke to Jacob in a dream. One can argue that to have access to one's mine doesn't mean they can read your thoughts.
And there are these scriptures
Job 1:7-12 Satan before God discusses Job and the amount of access he can have to Just.
Ephesians 6:11-16 discusses to put on the whole armor of God and to *quench* the fiery darts of Satan.
James 4:7 tells us to *resist* the devil and *he will flee*.
1st Peter 5:8 tells us Satan is like a roaring lion *seeking* whom he can *devour.*
Revelation 12:10-12 the devil stands before God day and night accusing man, and woe to the inhabitants of the earth the devil has come down.
Scripture is clear - Jesus knew one's thoughts even while in a flesh body Matthew 9:4. To Jesus the spirit was given to him without measure John 3:34.
I believe Satan and certain angels have the ability to read some of someone's thoughts and Satan, being the accuser is allowed to influence those thoughts. I feel Satan and the angelic beings who have access to any thoughts of the minds/hearts of mankind are given a limited measure, unlike God who has full measure. Example what I'm going to eat for breakfast or what type of clothes I'm going to wear any given day isn't something they would need access to or even care about. But the part of the mind our decisions are made against good or for what we know is right, Satan knows our thoughts.
Thank you.
Psalm 35:21
Psalm 40:15
Psalm 70:3
Ezekiel 25:3
Ezekiel 26:2
Ezekiel 36:2
Isaiah 44:16