For your reference, turn to Genesis 21. Other references are Genesis 17 and 20.
As God had said to Abraham in Genesis 17:19, Sarah had a son and named him Isaac. Isaac was circumcised by Abraham when he was eight days old as God had commanded (Genesis 21:4).
Sarah denied Ishmael, Abraham's son by Hagar, to be an heir along with Isaac and had Abraham to cast out Hagar and Ismael (Genesis 21:10). This grieved Abraham because of Ishmael (Genesis 21:11).
"And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called" (Genesis 21:12). God said to Abraham that He would make a nation of Ishmael because he is Abraham's seed too (Genesis 21:13).
Abraham sent Hagar and the child, Ishmael, away with bread and water. They "...wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba" (Genesis 21:14). Having drunk all of the water, Hagar cast Ishmael under a shrub and feared that the child would die (Genesis 21:15,16). She "...[lifted] up her voice, and wept" (Genesis 21:16).
The angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said for her not to fear "...for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is" (Genesis 21:17).
"Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand; for I will make him a great nation" (Genesis 21:18).
"And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad a drink" (Genesis 21:19).
God was with Ishmael as he lived and grew in the wilderness and became an archer (Genesis 21:20). Ishmael dwelled in the wilderness of Paran and Hagar "...took him a wife out of the land of Egypt" (Genesis 21:21).
The time came when Abimelech, the king of Gerar, "and Phicol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest:
Now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son's son: but according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned. And Abraham said, I will swear" (Genesis 20:2;Genesis 21:22,23,24).
Abraham expressed disapproval to Abimelech over a well of water that was violently removed by Abimelech's servants. Abimelech knew nothing about it until Abraham brought it to his attention (Genesis 21:25,26).
Abraham gave sheep and oxen to Abimelech and the two made a covenant (Genesis 21:27).
"And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves" (Genesis 21:28).
"And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What mean these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves" (Genesis 21:29)?
"And he said, For these seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that they may be a witness unto me that I have digged this well" (Genesis 21:30).
"Wherefore he called that place Beersheba; because there they sware both of them" (Genesis 21:31).
"Thus they made a covenant at Beersheba: then Abimelech rose up, and Phichol the chief captain of his host, and they returned into the land of the Philistines" (Genesis 21:32).
"And Abraham planted a grove in Beersheba, and called there on the name of the Lord, the everlasting God" (Genesis 21:33).
"And Abraham sojourned in the Philistines' land many days" (Genesis 21:34).
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Abraham and Sarah Journey to Gerar
Abraham and Sarah moved south to live between Kadesh and Shur and journeyed into Gerar (Genesis 20:1). Abraham claimed Sarah to be his sister and Abimelech, the king of Gerar sent for her and took her (Genesis 20:2).
During the night, God came to Abimelech in a dream and said, "Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man's wife" (Genesis 20:3). Abimelech explained to God how Abraham and Sarah claimed to be brother and sister (Genesis 20:5). Abimelech further explained "...in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I [taken Sarah]" (Genesis 20:5).
God knew of Abimelech's integrity and let him know in the dream that He kept Abimelech from sinning against Him by not allowing Abimelech to touch Sarah (Genesis 20:6). God had protected Abimelech and said, "Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine" (Genesis 20:7). Abimelech shared everything with his servants that God had told him "...and the men were sore afraid" (Genesis 20:8).
"Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said unto him what hast thou done unto us? and what have I offended thee, that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done" (Genesis 20:9).
"And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What sawest thou, that thou hast done this thing" (Genesis 20:10)?
"And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely fear of God is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife's sake" (Genesis 20:11). Abraham continued to explain that Sarah is his half-sister and how he had told her to say that he is her brother as her kindness to him" (Genesis 20:13).
Abimelech returned Sarah to Abraham and gave him sheep, oxen and servants (Genesis 20:14). Abimelech generously offered his land to Abraham and said for him to dwell where he pleased (Genesis 20:15).
"So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech and his wife, and his maid servants; and they bare children. For the Lord had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah, Abraham's wife" (Genesis 20:18).
For your reference, turn to Genesis 20.
During the night, God came to Abimelech in a dream and said, "Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man's wife" (Genesis 20:3). Abimelech explained to God how Abraham and Sarah claimed to be brother and sister (Genesis 20:5). Abimelech further explained "...in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I [taken Sarah]" (Genesis 20:5).
God knew of Abimelech's integrity and let him know in the dream that He kept Abimelech from sinning against Him by not allowing Abimelech to touch Sarah (Genesis 20:6). God had protected Abimelech and said, "Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine" (Genesis 20:7). Abimelech shared everything with his servants that God had told him "...and the men were sore afraid" (Genesis 20:8).
"Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said unto him what hast thou done unto us? and what have I offended thee, that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done" (Genesis 20:9).
"And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What sawest thou, that thou hast done this thing" (Genesis 20:10)?
"And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely fear of God is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife's sake" (Genesis 20:11). Abraham continued to explain that Sarah is his half-sister and how he had told her to say that he is her brother as her kindness to him" (Genesis 20:13).
Abimelech returned Sarah to Abraham and gave him sheep, oxen and servants (Genesis 20:14). Abimelech generously offered his land to Abraham and said for him to dwell where he pleased (Genesis 20:15).
"So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech and his wife, and his maid servants; and they bare children. For the Lord had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah, Abraham's wife" (Genesis 20:18).
For your reference, turn to Genesis 20.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Sodom and Gomorrah Destroyed
Abraham had worked it out with God that if ten righteous people were found in Sodom, the city would not be destroyed (Genesis 18:32).
Lot, Abraham's nephew who lived in Sodom, had a visit from two angels to whom he expressed hospitality by offering a place to stay the night and to wash their feet (Genesis 19:2). At first, the angels refused Lot's offer, but Lot "...pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat" (Genesis 19:3).
Before the angels turned in for the night, the old and young men from all over the city, surrounded Lot's house (Genesis 19:4). It seems the angelic visitors of Lot had metamorphosed into men or appeared as men to the city dwellers because the men of Lot's city "...called unto Lot, and said unto him, where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them (Genesis 19:5). The men's intentions with the angelic beings were wicked because "...Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him, And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly" (Genesis 19:7).
Instead of bringing the 'men' outside that he knew to be angels, Lot offered his two daughters to the men of the city, so the men would not act wickedly toward the heavenly figures in his home (Genesis 19:8,9).
The men did not take Lot up on his offer and still wanted into his home. They nearly broke down the door (Genesis 19:9). The angels pulled Lot inside and cast blindness upon the men outside so that they would grow tired in finding the door (Genesis 19:11).
The angels told Lot to bring his family out of the city because the Lord had sent them to destroy it (Genesis 19:12,13). Lot and his family were the only six righteous in Sodom which was not enough people to save the city from destruction per Abraham's talk with God (Genesis 18:32). Although it was not enough to save the city, God did not forget Abraham as shown in His mercy toward Lot and his family (Genesis 19:29).
The six to be saved in Lot's family dropped to only four because Lot's sons-in-law did not believe the city would be destroyed (Genesis 19:14).
Time came for Lot, his wife and two daughters to depart the city. The Lord seemed to have helped them along with a miracle in setting Lot and his family outside the city (Genesis 19:16,17). In showing His mercy, God said, "...Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed (Genesis 19:17). The Lord allowed Lot and his family to flee safely to the small city of Zoar before He continued with destroying Sodom (Genesis 19:22).
The sun was risen when Lot arrived in Zoar (Genesis 19:23). "Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven; And he overthrew those cities and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground. But [Lot's] wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:24-26).
Abraham could see the smoke from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah from his dwelling in the plains of Mamre (Genesis 18:1;19:28).
It turned out that Lot was afraid to stay in Zoar, so he moved to a dwelling in a cave in the mountain along with his two daughters (Genesis 19:30). In order to preserve Lot's seed, his older daughter said to her sister, "Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father" (Genesis 19:32). "Thus were both the daughters of Lot with child by their father" (Genesis 19:36).
Both daughters had sons. The older daughter named her son "...Moab: the same is the father of the Moabites unto this day" (Genesis 19:37). The younger daughter named her son "...Benammi: the same is the father of the children of Ammon unto this day" (Genesis 19:38).
For your personal reference, turn to Genesis 18 and 19.
Lot, Abraham's nephew who lived in Sodom, had a visit from two angels to whom he expressed hospitality by offering a place to stay the night and to wash their feet (Genesis 19:2). At first, the angels refused Lot's offer, but Lot "...pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat" (Genesis 19:3).
Before the angels turned in for the night, the old and young men from all over the city, surrounded Lot's house (Genesis 19:4). It seems the angelic visitors of Lot had metamorphosed into men or appeared as men to the city dwellers because the men of Lot's city "...called unto Lot, and said unto him, where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them (Genesis 19:5). The men's intentions with the angelic beings were wicked because "...Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him, And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly" (Genesis 19:7).
Instead of bringing the 'men' outside that he knew to be angels, Lot offered his two daughters to the men of the city, so the men would not act wickedly toward the heavenly figures in his home (Genesis 19:8,9).
The men did not take Lot up on his offer and still wanted into his home. They nearly broke down the door (Genesis 19:9). The angels pulled Lot inside and cast blindness upon the men outside so that they would grow tired in finding the door (Genesis 19:11).
The angels told Lot to bring his family out of the city because the Lord had sent them to destroy it (Genesis 19:12,13). Lot and his family were the only six righteous in Sodom which was not enough people to save the city from destruction per Abraham's talk with God (Genesis 18:32). Although it was not enough to save the city, God did not forget Abraham as shown in His mercy toward Lot and his family (Genesis 19:29).
The six to be saved in Lot's family dropped to only four because Lot's sons-in-law did not believe the city would be destroyed (Genesis 19:14).
Time came for Lot, his wife and two daughters to depart the city. The Lord seemed to have helped them along with a miracle in setting Lot and his family outside the city (Genesis 19:16,17). In showing His mercy, God said, "...Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed (Genesis 19:17). The Lord allowed Lot and his family to flee safely to the small city of Zoar before He continued with destroying Sodom (Genesis 19:22).
The sun was risen when Lot arrived in Zoar (Genesis 19:23). "Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven; And he overthrew those cities and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground. But [Lot's] wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:24-26).
Abraham could see the smoke from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah from his dwelling in the plains of Mamre (Genesis 18:1;19:28).
It turned out that Lot was afraid to stay in Zoar, so he moved to a dwelling in a cave in the mountain along with his two daughters (Genesis 19:30). In order to preserve Lot's seed, his older daughter said to her sister, "Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father" (Genesis 19:32). "Thus were both the daughters of Lot with child by their father" (Genesis 19:36).
Both daughters had sons. The older daughter named her son "...Moab: the same is the father of the Moabites unto this day" (Genesis 19:37). The younger daughter named her son "...Benammi: the same is the father of the children of Ammon unto this day" (Genesis 19:38).
For your personal reference, turn to Genesis 18 and 19.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
The Lord Visits Abraham
Abraham was sitting in the door of his tent in the plains of Mamre when the Lord appeared to him (Genesis 18:1). Abraham also had three men to visit who he met and bowed in greeting (Genesis 18:2). Abraham was hospitable in offering the visitors water to wash their feet, a place to rest and food to eat (Genesis 18:4,5). The visitors accepted Abraham's hospitality (Genesis 18:8).
Sarah, Abraham's wife, overheard talk to Abraham that she shall have a son (Genesis 18:10). Sarah laughed and said to herself, "After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also" (Genesis 18:12)?
"And the Lord said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old" (Genesis 18:13)?
"Is any thing too hard for the Lord? At the time appointed I will return unto thee according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son" (Genesis 18:14).
Time was nearing for the men's visit to be over. The Lord was determining whether to share with Abraham about His doings because "...Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him" said the Lord (Genesis 18:16-18) [.] The Lord knew that Abraham "will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him" (Genesis 18:19).
Sodom and Gomorrah had cried out unto the Lord "...because their sin is very grievous..." and the Lord is going to cast 'justice and judgment' upon them (Genesis 18:20,21). The men left for Sodom while Abraham stood before the Lord, drawing near to Him, asked, "Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked" (Genesis 18:22,23)? Abraham added, "That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right" (Genesis 18:25)? "And the Lord said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, them I will spare all the place for their sakes" (Genesis 18:26). Abraham took it upon himself to speak to the Lord in seeking mercy for the people of Sodom (Genesis 18:26). At the end of their talk, God told Abraham that He will not destroy Sodom for ten people's sake (Genesis 18:32).
For your personal reference, turn to Genesis 18.
Sarah, Abraham's wife, overheard talk to Abraham that she shall have a son (Genesis 18:10). Sarah laughed and said to herself, "After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also" (Genesis 18:12)?
"And the Lord said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old" (Genesis 18:13)?
"Is any thing too hard for the Lord? At the time appointed I will return unto thee according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son" (Genesis 18:14).
Time was nearing for the men's visit to be over. The Lord was determining whether to share with Abraham about His doings because "...Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him" said the Lord (Genesis 18:16-18) [.] The Lord knew that Abraham "will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him" (Genesis 18:19).
Sodom and Gomorrah had cried out unto the Lord "...because their sin is very grievous..." and the Lord is going to cast 'justice and judgment' upon them (Genesis 18:20,21). The men left for Sodom while Abraham stood before the Lord, drawing near to Him, asked, "Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked" (Genesis 18:22,23)? Abraham added, "That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right" (Genesis 18:25)? "And the Lord said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, them I will spare all the place for their sakes" (Genesis 18:26). Abraham took it upon himself to speak to the Lord in seeking mercy for the people of Sodom (Genesis 18:26). At the end of their talk, God told Abraham that He will not destroy Sodom for ten people's sake (Genesis 18:32).
For your personal reference, turn to Genesis 18.
Friday, June 25, 2010
God's Everlasting Covenant
God made Abram and Sarai the father and mother of nations and changed their names to Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 17:4,5,15,16). God had blessed Sarah and made Abraham 'a father of many nations' in His covenant (Genesis 17:5,16). God had promised Abraham that he will be exceedingly multiplied and that he will be "...exceeding fruitful, and [God] will make nations of [him] and kings shall come out of [him]" (Genesis 17:2,6).
God also established an everlasting covenant with Abraham to be God to him and to his seed after him (Genesis 17:7). During Abraham's time, circumcision was the token of the covenant required of every 'man child.' The uncircumcised were considered to have broken the covenant with God (Genesis 17:9,10,14).
God promised Abraham a son. Abraham laughed "and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear" (Genesis 17:16,17)? "And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him" (Genesis 17:19).
God also blessed Abraham's son, Ishmael and "...will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation" (Genesis 17:20).
After talking with God, Abraham was circumcised along with his thirteen year old son, Ishmael "[a]nd all the men of his house, born in the house, and bought with money of the stranger..." (Genesis 17:22,23,25,27).
For your reference, turn to Genesis 17.
God also established an everlasting covenant with Abraham to be God to him and to his seed after him (Genesis 17:7). During Abraham's time, circumcision was the token of the covenant required of every 'man child.' The uncircumcised were considered to have broken the covenant with God (Genesis 17:9,10,14).
God promised Abraham a son. Abraham laughed "and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear" (Genesis 17:16,17)? "And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him" (Genesis 17:19).
God also blessed Abraham's son, Ishmael and "...will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation" (Genesis 17:20).
After talking with God, Abraham was circumcised along with his thirteen year old son, Ishmael "[a]nd all the men of his house, born in the house, and bought with money of the stranger..." (Genesis 17:22,23,25,27).
For your reference, turn to Genesis 17.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Abram Fathers Ishmael
Sarai, Abram's wife, said to Abram that the Lord had restrained her from bearing children,so she gave Abram permission to have children with her maid, Hagar (Genesis 16:2). Hagar discovered her conception and came to despise Sarai (Genesis 16:4). Knowing she was despised, Sarai 'dealt hardly' with Hagar. In turn, Hagar fled (Genesis 16:6).
"And the angel of the Lord found [Hagar] by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur. And he said, Hagar, Sarai's maid, whence camest thou? and whither wilt thou go? And she said, I flee from the face of my mistress Sarai. And the angel of the Lord said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands. And the angel of the Lord said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude. And the angel of the Lord said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the Lord hath heard thy affliction. And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren" (Genesis 16:7-12).
Hagar bore Abram a son and Abram named him Ishmael (Genesis 16:15).
For reference, turn to Genesis 16.
"And the angel of the Lord found [Hagar] by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur. And he said, Hagar, Sarai's maid, whence camest thou? and whither wilt thou go? And she said, I flee from the face of my mistress Sarai. And the angel of the Lord said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands. And the angel of the Lord said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude. And the angel of the Lord said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the Lord hath heard thy affliction. And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren" (Genesis 16:7-12).
Hagar bore Abram a son and Abram named him Ishmael (Genesis 16:15).
For reference, turn to Genesis 16.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
God's Covenant with Abram
God continued to be an active presence in Abram's life. Abram had a vision where God's Word came to him saying, "I am thy shield and thy exceeding reward" (Genesis 15:1). God was Abram's protection and provider.
Abram expressed concern that he is childless and asked God, "what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezar of Damascus" (Genesis 15:2)? God assured Abram that he will produce many heirs by having him to look toward heaven and if he is able to count the stars "...[s]o shall thy seed be" (Genesis 15:5). Abram's heirs will be as numerous as the stars. "And [Abram] believed in the Lord; and [the Lord] counted it to him for righteousness" (Genesis 15:6).
The Lord brought it to Abram's remembrance, "I am the Lord that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it" (Genesis 15:7). Abram then said, "Lord God, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it" (Genesis 15:8)? God gave Abram instructions--"Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon"(Genesis 15:9). Abram took the animals to God "...and divided them in the midst, and laid each piece one against another: but the birds divided he not" (Genesis 15:10). Abram drove away fowls that came down upon the carcases (Genesis 15:11).
When the sun set, a deep sleep came upon Abram and God informed Abram that his heirs will serve in a nation that is not theirs for four hundred years. God will judge the nation and Abram's heirs will "...come out with great substance" (Genesis 15:13,14). Abram will live to an old age and the future events for him concerning his heirs will give him peace since God said to Abram:
"And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age" (Genesis 15:15). It seems that verses fifteen and sixteen occur in a chronological order of events to come and God continued to inform Abram of more to occur after his death which is the Amorites, more of Abram's heirs, will return to the strange land again in the fourth generation to fulfill more of their iniquity (Genesis 15:16).
Also occurring when the sun went down was "...a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces" (Genesis 15:17). The furnace and lamp passed through the animal pieces that God had wanted Abram to take to Him. God made a covenant with Abram and said,
"Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates: The Kenites, and the Kenizzites, and the Kadmonites, And the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Rephaims, And the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Girgashites, and the Jebusites" (Genesis 15:18-21).
Abram expressed concern that he is childless and asked God, "what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezar of Damascus" (Genesis 15:2)? God assured Abram that he will produce many heirs by having him to look toward heaven and if he is able to count the stars "...[s]o shall thy seed be" (Genesis 15:5). Abram's heirs will be as numerous as the stars. "And [Abram] believed in the Lord; and [the Lord] counted it to him for righteousness" (Genesis 15:6).
The Lord brought it to Abram's remembrance, "I am the Lord that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it" (Genesis 15:7). Abram then said, "Lord God, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it" (Genesis 15:8)? God gave Abram instructions--"Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon"(Genesis 15:9). Abram took the animals to God "...and divided them in the midst, and laid each piece one against another: but the birds divided he not" (Genesis 15:10). Abram drove away fowls that came down upon the carcases (Genesis 15:11).
When the sun set, a deep sleep came upon Abram and God informed Abram that his heirs will serve in a nation that is not theirs for four hundred years. God will judge the nation and Abram's heirs will "...come out with great substance" (Genesis 15:13,14). Abram will live to an old age and the future events for him concerning his heirs will give him peace since God said to Abram:
"And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age" (Genesis 15:15). It seems that verses fifteen and sixteen occur in a chronological order of events to come and God continued to inform Abram of more to occur after his death which is the Amorites, more of Abram's heirs, will return to the strange land again in the fourth generation to fulfill more of their iniquity (Genesis 15:16).
Also occurring when the sun went down was "...a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces" (Genesis 15:17). The furnace and lamp passed through the animal pieces that God had wanted Abram to take to Him. God made a covenant with Abram and said,
"Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates: The Kenites, and the Kenizzites, and the Kadmonites, And the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Rephaims, And the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Girgashites, and the Jebusites" (Genesis 15:18-21).
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Lot Taken Captive and Rescued (Revised)
For clarity, this is a revision of yesterday's posting:
A battle of four kings against five took place in the vale of Siddim. Chedorlaomer, Tidal, Amraphel and Arioch battled against Bera, Birsha, Shinab, Shemeber and the king of Bela which was also known as Zoar (Genesis 14:1-3;Genesis 14:8,9).
The kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled and the ones who remained fled to the mountain and took the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah with them. They captured Lot, Abram's nephew who lived in Sodom and took his goods (Genesis 14:10-12).
A brother of Eshcol and Aner was captured also. He escaped. Having escaped and being an ally of Abram's, he informed Abram of Lot's captivity (Genesis 14:13).
Abram went to rescue Lot with three hundred eighteen of his trained servants. They were successful in bringing Lot back along with the others captured and the goods (Genesis 14:14-16).
Abram was blessed by Melchizedek, king of Salem, and priest of the most high God who brought forth bread and wine and said, "Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:
And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand" (Genesis 14:18-20).
Abram gave Melchizedek tithes of all (Genesis 14:20).
The king of Sodom told Abram to give him the persons and that Abram could have the goods. Abram replied to the king:
"I have lift up mine hand unto the Lord, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:
Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion" (Genesis 14:22-24).
For your reference, turn to Genesis 14.
A battle of four kings against five took place in the vale of Siddim. Chedorlaomer, Tidal, Amraphel and Arioch battled against Bera, Birsha, Shinab, Shemeber and the king of Bela which was also known as Zoar (Genesis 14:1-3;Genesis 14:8,9).
The kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled and the ones who remained fled to the mountain and took the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah with them. They captured Lot, Abram's nephew who lived in Sodom and took his goods (Genesis 14:10-12).
A brother of Eshcol and Aner was captured also. He escaped. Having escaped and being an ally of Abram's, he informed Abram of Lot's captivity (Genesis 14:13).
Abram went to rescue Lot with three hundred eighteen of his trained servants. They were successful in bringing Lot back along with the others captured and the goods (Genesis 14:14-16).
Abram was blessed by Melchizedek, king of Salem, and priest of the most high God who brought forth bread and wine and said, "Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:
And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand" (Genesis 14:18-20).
Abram gave Melchizedek tithes of all (Genesis 14:20).
The king of Sodom told Abram to give him the persons and that Abram could have the goods. Abram replied to the king:
"I have lift up mine hand unto the Lord, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:
Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion" (Genesis 14:22-24).
For your reference, turn to Genesis 14.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Lot Taken Captive and Rescued
A battle took place in the vale of Siddim between kings. Four kings against five. Chedorlaomer, king of Elam, Tidal, king of nations, Amraphel, king of Shinar and Arioch, king of Ellasar battled Bera, king of Sodom, Birsha, king of Gomorrah, Shinab, king of Admah, Shemeber, king of Zeboiim and the king of Bela which was also known as Zoar (Genesis 14:1-3;Genesis 14:8,9).
The kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled and the ones who remained fled to the mountain and took the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah with them. They captured Lot, Abram's nephew who lived in Sodom and took his goods (Genesis 14:10-12).
A brother of Eshcol and Aner was captured. He was a friend of Abram's and told Abram of Lot's captivity (Genesis 14:13).
Abram went to rescue Lot with three hundred eighteen of his trained servants. They were successful in bringing back Lot, the others captured and the goods (Genesis 14:14-16).
Abram was blessed by Melchizedek, king of Salem, and priest of the most high God who brought forth bread and wine and said, "Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:
And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all" (Genesis 14:18-20).
The king of Sodom told Abram to give him the persons and that Abram could have the goods. Abram said to the king:
"I have lift up mine hand unto the Lord, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:
Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion" (Genesis 14:22-24).
For reference, turn to Genesis 14.
The kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled and the ones who remained fled to the mountain and took the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah with them. They captured Lot, Abram's nephew who lived in Sodom and took his goods (Genesis 14:10-12).
A brother of Eshcol and Aner was captured. He was a friend of Abram's and told Abram of Lot's captivity (Genesis 14:13).
Abram went to rescue Lot with three hundred eighteen of his trained servants. They were successful in bringing back Lot, the others captured and the goods (Genesis 14:14-16).
Abram was blessed by Melchizedek, king of Salem, and priest of the most high God who brought forth bread and wine and said, "Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:
And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all" (Genesis 14:18-20).
The king of Sodom told Abram to give him the persons and that Abram could have the goods. Abram said to the king:
"I have lift up mine hand unto the Lord, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:
Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion" (Genesis 14:22-24).
For reference, turn to Genesis 14.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Abram and Lot Go Separate Ways
Abram, Sarai and Lot left Egypt and went back to where Abram originally built an altar to the Lord. It was there Abram called upon the name of the Lord (Genesis 13:4).
Conditions became crowded for Abram and Lot because of their flocks, herds and tents. Tension developed between their herdsmen. Abram said to Lot, "Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren" (Genesis 13:8).
Abram and Lot parted ways. Lot moved east to dwell in the plain of Jordan toward Sodom where sinful men lived. Abram lived in Canaan.
"And the Lord said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward:
For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.
And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered. Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee" (Genesis 13:14-17).
Abram then moved to the plain of Mamre in Hebron to live and there he built an altar to the Lord.
For your personal reference, turn to Genesis 13.
Conditions became crowded for Abram and Lot because of their flocks, herds and tents. Tension developed between their herdsmen. Abram said to Lot, "Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren" (Genesis 13:8).
Abram and Lot parted ways. Lot moved east to dwell in the plain of Jordan toward Sodom where sinful men lived. Abram lived in Canaan.
"And the Lord said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward:
For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.
And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered. Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee" (Genesis 13:14-17).
Abram then moved to the plain of Mamre in Hebron to live and there he built an altar to the Lord.
For your personal reference, turn to Genesis 13.
Friday, June 18, 2010
South into Egypt
Abram and his party continued south with their travels. Famine had stricken the land and they ventured into Egypt.
Abram was afraid that the Egyptians would kill him if they knew that Sarai was his wife, so he had her to pose as his sister.
The Eqyptians liked the fair look of Sarai and took her to the Pharaoh's house. Abram was treated well because of Sarai.
The Lord sent great plagues upon the Pharaoh and his house. The Pharaoh asked Abram what he had done to him and why he did not say that Sarai was his wife.
Abram and Sarai were sent on their way.
For your reference, turn to Genesis 12.
Abram was afraid that the Egyptians would kill him if they knew that Sarai was his wife, so he had her to pose as his sister.
The Eqyptians liked the fair look of Sarai and took her to the Pharaoh's house. Abram was treated well because of Sarai.
The Lord sent great plagues upon the Pharaoh and his house. The Pharaoh asked Abram what he had done to him and why he did not say that Sarai was his wife.
Abram and Sarai were sent on their way.
For your reference, turn to Genesis 12.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Abram Obeyed the Lord
Abram obeyed God and departed Haran. He journeyed toward Canaan with his wife Sarai and his nephew Lot (Genesis 11:31; 12:4,5). They came to the land of Canaan and passed through the land to Sichem, to the plain of Moreh (Genesis 12:5,6).
"And the Lord appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land:..." (Genesis 12:7). Abram built an altar to the Lord and "...called upon the name of the Lord" (Genesis 12:7,8).
"And the Lord appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land:..." (Genesis 12:7). Abram built an altar to the Lord and "...called upon the name of the Lord" (Genesis 12:7,8).
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
The Lord Speaks to Abram
Terah, a descendant of Noah's son, Shem, had three sons--Abram, Nahor and Haran. Abram had a wife named Sarai. Haran had passed away in the Ur of the Chaldees and had a son named Lot. Terah, along with his grandson Lot and Abram and Sarai, journeyed to the land of Canaan and stopped at a place called Haran and dwelled there (Genesis 11:27-31).
The Lord spoke to Abram and said for him to leave Haran for another land to be shown by the Lord. The Lord said:
2) And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
3) And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee; and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed (Genesis 12:1-3).
For your personal reference, turn to Genesis 11 and 12.
The Lord spoke to Abram and said for him to leave Haran for another land to be shown by the Lord. The Lord said:
2) And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
3) And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee; and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed (Genesis 12:1-3).
For your personal reference, turn to Genesis 11 and 12.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Scattered Throughout the Earth
After the flood, Noah's sons, Shem, Ham and Japheth began to replenish the earth. Some of their descendants moved to a plain in Shinar to dwell. It was in Shinar where they decided to build a city and a tower to reach into heaven (Genesis 10 and 11).
The Lord saw what they had done and said, "Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do" (Genesis 11:6).
The Lord decided to confuse them and scatter them throughout the earth and called the city Babel. "Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the Lord did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the Lord scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth" (Genesis 11:9).
The Lord saw what they had done and said, "Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do" (Genesis 11:6).
The Lord decided to confuse them and scatter them throughout the earth and called the city Babel. "Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the Lord did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the Lord scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth" (Genesis 11:9).
Monday, June 14, 2010
Rainbow for Remembrance
Life began anew for Noah and his family after leaving the ark. God blessed Noah and his sons and said for them to "...Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth" (Genesis 9:1). God also established some rules for them.
God gave them 'every moving thing' and the green herb for food; however, no blood of man or beast is man to take for food (Genesis 9:3,4). Furthermore, man's life is sacred and not to be taken by another man without consequences (Genesis 9:6).
God made an everlasting covenant with Noah and his sons which included all following generations as well as all the animals from the ark. God's promise is that "...neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth" (Genesis 9:9-11). The sign for the promise of God is the rainbow (Genesis 9:13).
For further detail, turn to Genesis 9.
God gave them 'every moving thing' and the green herb for food; however, no blood of man or beast is man to take for food (Genesis 9:3,4). Furthermore, man's life is sacred and not to be taken by another man without consequences (Genesis 9:6).
God made an everlasting covenant with Noah and his sons which included all following generations as well as all the animals from the ark. God's promise is that "...neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth" (Genesis 9:9-11). The sign for the promise of God is the rainbow (Genesis 9:13).
For further detail, turn to Genesis 9.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
God Remembers the Living on the Ark
After the flood, Noah and his family and the animals on the ark were the only living on the earth. God had fulfilled the destruction of all other living on the earth as He said He would to Noah.
God did not forget Noah, though. He made certain that Noah was safe and secure through it all! God spoke to Noah when the earth was dry to leave the ark with his family and animals.
After leaving the ark, Noah built an altar and made burnt offerings to the Lord. Following is the Lord's response to the offerings:
"And the Lord smelled a sweet savour; and the Lord said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of mans's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done" (Genesis 8:21).
"While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease" (Genesis 8:22).
For more on this, turn to Genesis 6-8.
God did not forget Noah, though. He made certain that Noah was safe and secure through it all! God spoke to Noah when the earth was dry to leave the ark with his family and animals.
After leaving the ark, Noah built an altar and made burnt offerings to the Lord. Following is the Lord's response to the offerings:
"And the Lord smelled a sweet savour; and the Lord said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of mans's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done" (Genesis 8:21).
"While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease" (Genesis 8:22).
For more on this, turn to Genesis 6-8.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Rain, Rain and More Rain
God opened the windows of heaven and it rained forty days and forty nights and destroyed all men and animals remaining upon the earth (Genesis 7:11,12,21).
Thursday, June 10, 2010
God Favors Noah
God decides to destroy all living on earth with a flood. Noah, who finds favor in God's eyes, is commanded by God to build an ark in order to save his family and some animals (Genesis 6:8-22).
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Wickedness Upon the Earth
And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually (Genesis 6:5).
God regretted that He had made man and was saddened:
And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart (Genesis 6:6).
God also regretted that He had made animals and decided to destroy man and animals:
And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them (Genesis 6:7).
God regretted that He had made man and was saddened:
And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart (Genesis 6:6).
God also regretted that He had made animals and decided to destroy man and animals:
And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them (Genesis 6:7).
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Clothes for Adam and Eve
Before sending Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden, God clothed them:
21) Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them (Genesis 3:21).
God did not forsake Adam and Eve. Although God was disobeyed, His love and provision is still shown. Glory to God!
For more on this story, refer to Genesis 3:21-24.
21) Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them (Genesis 3:21).
God did not forsake Adam and Eve. Although God was disobeyed, His love and provision is still shown. Glory to God!
For more on this story, refer to Genesis 3:21-24.
Monday, June 7, 2010
God is Sovereign
Life became more difficult for Adam and Eve after they disobeyed God by eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God acted to show Adam and Eve that He is sovereign and only He is to be obeyed. This is what God said to them:
16) Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.
17) And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;
18) Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;
19) In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return (Genesis 3:16-19).
16) Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.
17) And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;
18) Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;
19) In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return (Genesis 3:16-19).
Saturday, June 5, 2010
God's Love for Man
To learn of God is to see His love in action for man from the beginning. God showed His love through the creation of Adam and breathing life into him to make him a living soul (Genesis 2:7). Thus, the gift of life! God showed His love for Adam by providing work and food for him in the Garden of Eden. Adam was allowed to eat of every tree in the garden except the tree of knowledge of good and evil. God saw that it was not good for Adam to be alone, so He created Eve, who was suitable for him.
God's love and provision for man has gone on since the beginning! Let's praise God and thank Him for His love and provision in our lives!
Please refer to Genesis 1 and 2 for more on God's creation story!
God's love and provision for man has gone on since the beginning! Let's praise God and thank Him for His love and provision in our lives!
Please refer to Genesis 1 and 2 for more on God's creation story!
Friday, June 4, 2010
God's Creation
"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth"(Genesis 1:1). In six days God created Day and Night, Heaven, Earth, Seas, grass, herb yielding seed, fruit tree yielding fruit, sun, moon, stars, fish, fowl, cattle, creeping things and male and female were created in God's image (Genesis 1:2-27). "And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day" (Genesis 1:31).
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Learn of God and Come to Jesus
It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me (John 6:45).
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Remember God in the Tough Times Too!
Prayers to those who are ailing and still crying out to the Lord. God hears your cries. He is with you through your storm:
I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice, and he gave ear unto me (Psalms 77:1).
Find comfort in knowing that God hears you! Find comfort in Psalms 77. In reading it you can witness the spiritual change that came over the ailing person. The person chose to magnify God over the infirmity. Amen! Praise God! Magnify His Name even during the tough times!
I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice, and he gave ear unto me (Psalms 77:1).
Find comfort in knowing that God hears you! Find comfort in Psalms 77. In reading it you can witness the spiritual change that came over the ailing person. The person chose to magnify God over the infirmity. Amen! Praise God! Magnify His Name even during the tough times!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Where is the Wind Blowing You?
The verse of John 3:8 has been weighing on my heart:
The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
As believers with faith in Christ, we just do not know where the Holy Spirit is going to lead us next. We follow His lead and find comfort in His presence along the way.
The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
As believers with faith in Christ, we just do not know where the Holy Spirit is going to lead us next. We follow His lead and find comfort in His presence along the way.
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