Genesis Chpater 20 - Abraham Moves to Gerar, Abimelech and Sarah
Sometime within the year of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham moved his camp to Gerar.
Once again, Abraham asked his wife Sarah to identify him, Abraham, as her brother to the local populace.
Once again, a local King, named Abimelech, saw Sarah and sought to make her his wife and taking her from Abraham. But King Abimelech did not defile Sarah by laying with her.
Jehovah sent a vision to King Abimelech revealing that Sarah was Abraham's wife, and warned King Abimelech was not to go near her. King Abimelch pleaded ignorance as to Sarah's marital status and Jehovah accepted. King Abimelech confronted Abraham about this ruse and Abraham explained he feared he might be killed by those that sought to make Sarah their wife, so he used the ruse. Abraham then explained that the ruse was not a lie, as he, Abraham was infact Sarah's half-brother. King Abimelech gave Abraham rights to pasture his flocks in the area as well as giving Abraham additional livestock, servants and 1,000 pieces of silver.
Abraham made supplication to Jehovah for King Abimelech and Jehovah listened. Jehovah then opened the wombs of Abimelech's wife, his concubines and slave girls. Jehovah had closed their wombs when King Abimelech took Sarah from Abraham.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
01-19 Genesis Chapter 19
Genesis Chapter 19 - Sodom and Gomorrah's Judgement
The evening of the same day the angels dined with Abraham, two of those angels arrived in Sodom. Lot saw them as strangers in the city commons area and bowed low to them and invited them to his house. The angels at first declined, saying they would stay the night in the public square, but Lot was insistent and convinced them to come with him to his house. There Lot prepared a feast for them.
Afterwards and before Lot and his guests retired, the men of Sodom surrounded Lot's house. The account states the crowd included, "from boy to old man." The men of Sodom called out to Lot to send the strangers out so the men of Sodom could rape the guests.
Lot went out to the mob and offered his two virgin daughters to the mob instead and admonished the mob not to act badly. The mob resented Lot's chastising them as Lot was an alien resident and they accused him of playing judge. The mob then turned on Lot and threatened to do worse to him than they intended to do to Lot's guests.
The angels at that point struck the mob with a kind of blindness and they recovered Lot to the house. They then warned Lot to take all his family and leave Sodom because the city of Sodom was to be brought to ruin for the outcry and badness of the city had reached the heavens.
Lot tried to warn his soon to be son-in-laws who were also in the city, but they did not take Lot seriously and thought Lot was joking.
As dawn approached, the Angels became insistent that Lot leave, but he continued to linger. Finally the guests took Lot by the hand and escorted him out of the city. There they exhorted Lot and his family to flee the country. "Escape for your soul!", "Do not look behind you!", "Escape to the Mountains!" they said to Lot. Lot asked if he could flee to a nearby city as he did not think he could make it to the mountains. The angel agreed, and then admonished Lot to go, "because he could not do a thing until Lot arrived at Zoar."
When Lot arrived at Zoar, Jehovah made it rain fire and sulphur in the whole valley of Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot's wife, did not obey the command to not look back and when she did, she was turned into a pillar of salt.
Abraham made his way to the place he had met the angels the day before and when he looked down into the valley of Sodom and Gomorrah, he saw the smoke ascending like the thick smoke of a kiln.
Jehovah honored his word to Abraham and did not destroy the righteous with the wicked, but made the way out for Lot and his family.
Lot then left Zoar and made his way to the mountains and began dwelling in a cave with his daughters. The older daugher spoke with the younger daughter and they hatched a scheme to get their father drunk and lay with him so that they might bear offspring as there were no men where they were. They followed through, first the older and then the younger. The older bore a son, Moab, who became the father of the Moabites. The younger bore a son, Benammi, who became father to the Ammonites.
The evening of the same day the angels dined with Abraham, two of those angels arrived in Sodom. Lot saw them as strangers in the city commons area and bowed low to them and invited them to his house. The angels at first declined, saying they would stay the night in the public square, but Lot was insistent and convinced them to come with him to his house. There Lot prepared a feast for them.
Afterwards and before Lot and his guests retired, the men of Sodom surrounded Lot's house. The account states the crowd included, "from boy to old man." The men of Sodom called out to Lot to send the strangers out so the men of Sodom could rape the guests.
Lot went out to the mob and offered his two virgin daughters to the mob instead and admonished the mob not to act badly. The mob resented Lot's chastising them as Lot was an alien resident and they accused him of playing judge. The mob then turned on Lot and threatened to do worse to him than they intended to do to Lot's guests.
The angels at that point struck the mob with a kind of blindness and they recovered Lot to the house. They then warned Lot to take all his family and leave Sodom because the city of Sodom was to be brought to ruin for the outcry and badness of the city had reached the heavens.
Lot tried to warn his soon to be son-in-laws who were also in the city, but they did not take Lot seriously and thought Lot was joking.
As dawn approached, the Angels became insistent that Lot leave, but he continued to linger. Finally the guests took Lot by the hand and escorted him out of the city. There they exhorted Lot and his family to flee the country. "Escape for your soul!", "Do not look behind you!", "Escape to the Mountains!" they said to Lot. Lot asked if he could flee to a nearby city as he did not think he could make it to the mountains. The angel agreed, and then admonished Lot to go, "because he could not do a thing until Lot arrived at Zoar."
When Lot arrived at Zoar, Jehovah made it rain fire and sulphur in the whole valley of Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot's wife, did not obey the command to not look back and when she did, she was turned into a pillar of salt.
Abraham made his way to the place he had met the angels the day before and when he looked down into the valley of Sodom and Gomorrah, he saw the smoke ascending like the thick smoke of a kiln.
Jehovah honored his word to Abraham and did not destroy the righteous with the wicked, but made the way out for Lot and his family.
Lot then left Zoar and made his way to the mountains and began dwelling in a cave with his daughters. The older daugher spoke with the younger daughter and they hatched a scheme to get their father drunk and lay with him so that they might bear offspring as there were no men where they were. They followed through, first the older and then the younger. The older bore a son, Moab, who became the father of the Moabites. The younger bore a son, Benammi, who became father to the Ammonites.
Monday, April 09, 2012
01-18 Genesis Chapter 18
Genesis Chapter 18 - Abraham, Three Travelers, Abraham Pleads for the Righteous in Sodom
While living near the big trees of Mamre Abraham saw three "travelers" whom he perceived to be angels. He rushed to them and implored them to stop, rest and refresh themselves with water and a meal. When they agreed, Abraham himself attended to the meal, picking out a bull and having fresh bread made for the travelers. Further, Abraham set the meal before them and waited upon them himself and without eating.
The travelers inquired about Sarah and then proceeded to tell Abraham that when they returned a year from now, Abraham and Sarah would have a child. Sarah laughed at the thought of this, but denied it when confronted.
The travelers left to go their way and Abraham walked along with them.
The angel speaking for Jehovah then reiterated the blessing that was to come on Abraham's seed, that he would become a great nation and by his seed, all the nations of the earth would bless themselves. Further, the angel informed Abraham that their purpose was to investigate Sodom and Gomorrah because word of the great sins of the two cities had reached up even to the heavens.
At this point two of the angels continued on their way, while Abraham approached the angel speaking for God and inquired if Jehovah would really sweep away the godly with the wicked? Abraham pointed out how unthinkable it would be for Jehovah to punish the righteous along with the wicked.
Abraham then asked if God would spare the cities if there were found 50 good men living in the cities? God answered the cities would be spared if there were found 50 righteous men in their borders. Abraham asked God if he would spare the cities this time, and subsequent times, reducing the number of righteous required to save the city. Abraham continued to do this until he reached just 10 righteous men. Each time Abraham made his request, Jehovah agreed to spare the city if there were found the number of righteous men Abraham requested, including as few as 10 righteous men.
After that, Abraham and the angel went each their own way.
While living near the big trees of Mamre Abraham saw three "travelers" whom he perceived to be angels. He rushed to them and implored them to stop, rest and refresh themselves with water and a meal. When they agreed, Abraham himself attended to the meal, picking out a bull and having fresh bread made for the travelers. Further, Abraham set the meal before them and waited upon them himself and without eating.
The travelers inquired about Sarah and then proceeded to tell Abraham that when they returned a year from now, Abraham and Sarah would have a child. Sarah laughed at the thought of this, but denied it when confronted.
The travelers left to go their way and Abraham walked along with them.
The angel speaking for Jehovah then reiterated the blessing that was to come on Abraham's seed, that he would become a great nation and by his seed, all the nations of the earth would bless themselves. Further, the angel informed Abraham that their purpose was to investigate Sodom and Gomorrah because word of the great sins of the two cities had reached up even to the heavens.
At this point two of the angels continued on their way, while Abraham approached the angel speaking for God and inquired if Jehovah would really sweep away the godly with the wicked? Abraham pointed out how unthinkable it would be for Jehovah to punish the righteous along with the wicked.
Abraham then asked if God would spare the cities if there were found 50 good men living in the cities? God answered the cities would be spared if there were found 50 righteous men in their borders. Abraham asked God if he would spare the cities this time, and subsequent times, reducing the number of righteous required to save the city. Abraham continued to do this until he reached just 10 righteous men. Each time Abraham made his request, Jehovah agreed to spare the city if there were found the number of righteous men Abraham requested, including as few as 10 righteous men.
After that, Abraham and the angel went each their own way.
Sunday, April 01, 2012
01-17 Genesis Chapter 17
Genesis Chapter 17 - Covenant Remembered, Abram and Sarai's Names Changed, Circumcision
Jehovah reiterated his covenant with Abram when Abram was 99 years old and at this time also changed Abram's and Sarai's named to Abraham and Sarah. The practise of Circumcision was instituted as an obligation of the covenant and all males in the employ or under servitude to Abraham were required to be circumcised. Newborn males were to be circumcised on the 8th day after birth.
Abraham laughed at the prospect of being a father at 100 years old and Sarah a mother at 90 years old. He inquired regarding Ishmael, and Jehovah told him that the line of the blessing would not go through Ishmael, but would be through Sarah's son. Jehovah promised to bless Ishmael and make him a great nation, but the seed by which to he entire earth would bless itsself, would be through Sarah's son, Isaac.
Abraham then ordered all his men circumcised. Abraham was 99 and Ishmael was 13 when they were circumcised.
Jehovah reiterated his covenant with Abram when Abram was 99 years old and at this time also changed Abram's and Sarai's named to Abraham and Sarah. The practise of Circumcision was instituted as an obligation of the covenant and all males in the employ or under servitude to Abraham were required to be circumcised. Newborn males were to be circumcised on the 8th day after birth.
Abraham laughed at the prospect of being a father at 100 years old and Sarah a mother at 90 years old. He inquired regarding Ishmael, and Jehovah told him that the line of the blessing would not go through Ishmael, but would be through Sarah's son. Jehovah promised to bless Ishmael and make him a great nation, but the seed by which to he entire earth would bless itsself, would be through Sarah's son, Isaac.
Abraham then ordered all his men circumcised. Abraham was 99 and Ishmael was 13 when they were circumcised.
01-16 Genesis Chapter 16
Genesis Chapter 16 - Hagar and Ishmael
Sarai had proven to be barren, so she gave Abram her maid servant Hagar as wife.
After Hagar became pregnant, she began to despise Sarai. Sarai called her actions out to Abram and he gave Hagar back to Sarai. Sarai in turn humilated Hagar causing her to run away. An angel appeared to Hagar and instructed her to return to Sarai and humble herself. The angel told her to name her son Ishmael and promised her Ishmael would one day become a great nation.
Abram was 86 years old when Ishmael was born.
Sarai had proven to be barren, so she gave Abram her maid servant Hagar as wife.
After Hagar became pregnant, she began to despise Sarai. Sarai called her actions out to Abram and he gave Hagar back to Sarai. Sarai in turn humilated Hagar causing her to run away. An angel appeared to Hagar and instructed her to return to Sarai and humble herself. The angel told her to name her son Ishmael and promised her Ishmael would one day become a great nation.
Abram was 86 years old when Ishmael was born.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
01-15 Genesis Chpater 15
Genesis Chapter 15 - The Promise Reiterated, The Prophesy
Jehovah speaks to Abram and promises to be his shield and to give him great reward. Abram asks what can be given him as he has no seed (descendants). Jehovah states Abram's descendants will be as numerous as the stars. Abram put faith in Jehovah and prepared a sacrifice.
Later Abram fell into a deep sleep and Jehovah prophesied that Abram's descendants would live as aliens in a land not theirs and be in servitude for 400 years. After the 400 years, his descendants would leave, but not empty-handed. Stated that in the Fourth Generation his seed would return the promised land, because the Ammorite error had not come to completion.
On that day, Jehovah concluded his covenant with Abram to give Abram's descendants the Promised Land.
Jehovah speaks to Abram and promises to be his shield and to give him great reward. Abram asks what can be given him as he has no seed (descendants). Jehovah states Abram's descendants will be as numerous as the stars. Abram put faith in Jehovah and prepared a sacrifice.
Later Abram fell into a deep sleep and Jehovah prophesied that Abram's descendants would live as aliens in a land not theirs and be in servitude for 400 years. After the 400 years, his descendants would leave, but not empty-handed. Stated that in the Fourth Generation his seed would return the promised land, because the Ammorite error had not come to completion.
On that day, Jehovah concluded his covenant with Abram to give Abram's descendants the Promised Land.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
01-14 Genesis Chapter 14
Genesis Chapter 14 - Canaanite Wars, Abram's Battles
Bera, King of Sodom; Birsha, King of Gomorrah; Amraphel, King of Shinar; Arioch, King of Ellsar; Chedorlaomer, King of Elam; Tidal, King of Goiim.
King Bera and King Birsha rebelled against King Chedorlaomer; and were killed in battle. King Chedorlaomer then sacked Sodom and Gomorrah taking plunder, including Abram's Nephew Lot and Lot's family.
Abram heard of Lot's capture and gathered 318 of his men that were trained for war and set out to free Lot.
Abram divided his forces at night on the approach to King Chedorlaomer's encampment, and then attacked and defeated the five kings. Abram freed Lot and recovered all that was looted from Sodom and Gomorrah.
After the battle, the King of Salem, Melchizedek came out to meet Abram. Melchizedek was also a Priest of Jehovah. King/Priest Melchizedek blessed Abram. Abram in turn gave (tithed) 1/10th of the recovery to Melchizedek.
The King of Sodom came out to Abram and requested all the souls, telling Abram to keep the remainder of the goods. Abram refused to take anything, except what had been eaten by the men and he returned the remainder of the goods to his confederates. Abram stated his reason, "so the King of Sodom could not say he made Abram rich."
Bera, King of Sodom; Birsha, King of Gomorrah; Amraphel, King of Shinar; Arioch, King of Ellsar; Chedorlaomer, King of Elam; Tidal, King of Goiim.
King Bera and King Birsha rebelled against King Chedorlaomer; and were killed in battle. King Chedorlaomer then sacked Sodom and Gomorrah taking plunder, including Abram's Nephew Lot and Lot's family.
Abram heard of Lot's capture and gathered 318 of his men that were trained for war and set out to free Lot.
Abram divided his forces at night on the approach to King Chedorlaomer's encampment, and then attacked and defeated the five kings. Abram freed Lot and recovered all that was looted from Sodom and Gomorrah.
After the battle, the King of Salem, Melchizedek came out to meet Abram. Melchizedek was also a Priest of Jehovah. King/Priest Melchizedek blessed Abram. Abram in turn gave (tithed) 1/10th of the recovery to Melchizedek.
The King of Sodom came out to Abram and requested all the souls, telling Abram to keep the remainder of the goods. Abram refused to take anything, except what had been eaten by the men and he returned the remainder of the goods to his confederates. Abram stated his reason, "so the King of Sodom could not say he made Abram rich."
01-13 Genesis Chapter 13
Genesis Chpater 13 - Abram and Nephew Lot Separate
Abram leaves Egypt with his additional wealth and returns the area near Bethel. When there, he calls on Jehovah.
Strife develops between his servants and his Nephew Lot's servants. Abram suggests they separate, and gives Lot his choice of direction.
Lot chose the area near Sodom and Gomorrah. The men of Sodom and Gomorrah already had a reputation for being gross sinners.
Jehovah again promises Abram to make his seed numerous and then instructed Abram to tour the land.
Abram builds an altar at Hebron.
Abram leaves Egypt with his additional wealth and returns the area near Bethel. When there, he calls on Jehovah.
Strife develops between his servants and his Nephew Lot's servants. Abram suggests they separate, and gives Lot his choice of direction.
Lot chose the area near Sodom and Gomorrah. The men of Sodom and Gomorrah already had a reputation for being gross sinners.
Jehovah again promises Abram to make his seed numerous and then instructed Abram to tour the land.
Abram builds an altar at Hebron.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
01-12 Genesis Chapter 12
Genesis Chapter 12 - Abram and the Promise, Pharoah Eyes Sarai
Jehovah asks Abram to leave Ur and promises to make a Great Nation out of him. Abram was 75 years old when he left, taking his wife, Sarai and his nephew Lot and all his possessions.
God promises all the land of Canaan to Abram's decendants. In the promise, God states he will bless those blessing Abram and curse those cursing Abram; and at the end, all the families of the Earth will bless themselves by means of Abram.
Abram built an altar to God at the location of the vision.
Abram left that area and traveled to Bethel, and built another altar and there began to call on the name of Jehovah. A famine occured in the area of Bethel, so Abram traveled on to Egypt.
When near, he feared for his life due to men envious of Sarai, and asked Sarai to claim he was her brother.
In fact, when Pharoah heard of Sarai's beauty, he took her into his house with a view to making her one of his wives. He began to treat Abram well, giving him livestock, servants and wealth. Eventually, Jehovah struck Pharoah's house because of Sarai, and when Pharoah learned Sarai was Abram's wife he sent them on their way, with their newly acquired wealth. Pharoah then complained he did not know Sarai was the wife of Abram when he made his advances. The malady's on Pharoah's house were lifted when Abram and Sarai departed.
Jehovah asks Abram to leave Ur and promises to make a Great Nation out of him. Abram was 75 years old when he left, taking his wife, Sarai and his nephew Lot and all his possessions.
God promises all the land of Canaan to Abram's decendants. In the promise, God states he will bless those blessing Abram and curse those cursing Abram; and at the end, all the families of the Earth will bless themselves by means of Abram.
Abram built an altar to God at the location of the vision.
Abram left that area and traveled to Bethel, and built another altar and there began to call on the name of Jehovah. A famine occured in the area of Bethel, so Abram traveled on to Egypt.
When near, he feared for his life due to men envious of Sarai, and asked Sarai to claim he was her brother.
In fact, when Pharoah heard of Sarai's beauty, he took her into his house with a view to making her one of his wives. He began to treat Abram well, giving him livestock, servants and wealth. Eventually, Jehovah struck Pharoah's house because of Sarai, and when Pharoah learned Sarai was Abram's wife he sent them on their way, with their newly acquired wealth. Pharoah then complained he did not know Sarai was the wife of Abram when he made his advances. The malady's on Pharoah's house were lifted when Abram and Sarai departed.
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