Deathbed Desires
Genesis 50:15-21
So Jacob's gone and Joseph's brothers assume that now it's time for Joseph to take revenge. This is reminiscent of Esau's plans to to get Jacob once Isaac was gone. So the brothers hatch a plan- we'll take Jospeh some "deathbed instructions." They create this tale of Jacob asking Joseph to forgive his brothers. Ever the rhetoricians, they even refer to themselves as "the servants of the God of your father." They throw themselves at Joseph's mercy declaring themselves his slaves.
They lay it on pretty thick and Joseph bites. Whether he believes them or not, he weeps at the news and tells them not to be afraid, he's not God- and what they intended as evil, God used for good. He then says that he will provide for their children.
A few observations:
1) The brothers are compelled to apologize but afraid to really do it. Even with misguided motives, they bear the burdens of their actions and are ready to submit to slavery to alleviate their guilt (or in this case to escape the potential repurcussions). I can relate to these feelings. It's easy to feel the need to unburden and want to come clean- but in the process minimize the actions and confess to part of the misdeed- or rhetorically hide the apology beneath another message- or maybe even say that dad hopes you'll forgive me. And the result is only temporary peace.
But beneath it all- there is the deep desire to wash the sin away- to truly believe that the pain is over and all is forgiven.
2) Joseph wants to forgive. I don't know if Joseph's mercy is sparked by the "request" from his father, or if he had already forgiven- but he is emotionally moved by the process. Maybe he's crying at the mention of his recently deceased dad, or maybe the load of bearing resentment has finally been lifted.
It's so easy to carry grudges- and it's so tiring to pour energy into hatred. Joseph, etiher here or earlier on lets it all go.
3) Joseph tells them that what they intended for harm, God used for good. And while it's often hard to see it into our own paths, the pattern is still there.
My sin helps me better empathize with others who struggle.
My sin helps me help others who sin.
My need for mercy helps me to be merciful.
Lies told about me encourage me to tell the truth about others.
We can't thwart God's plan. Whatever we do, good or evil, eventually works for good in the end. That doesn't remove the desire to please our loving God- but takes a lot of pressure off. With or without me- God will get it done.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
That Bright and Glorious Mourning
Genesis 49:29- 50:14
So Jacob senses his end is near, so after he gives his sons his "blessings" he gives them burial instructions. Even after all these years, he wants to use the spot in the cave Abraham bought from the Hittites all those years ago. It's interesting that he chooses to be buried with Leah and not Rachel. Perhaps this was the custom- to be buried with the first wife- plus it being a family cave probably helped influence the choice.
So Joseph throws himself on Jacob's dead body- and weeps and kisses him. Then the embalming begins- 40 days of embalming and 70 days of mourning.
I assume those ran concurrently- but even so, 70 days seems like a long chunk of time. I can relate to being saddened over that length of time- but this feels more like a formalistic, legalistic chunk of time set aside for mourning...wearing black, certain jolly actions prohibited, etc.
After the mourning was over- Joseph got permission to go and bury his dad- Pharaoh's officials accompany him- I'm reading this as a major sign of repect. We hardly knew this guy- but he's your father so he's special to us. Once they get there, Joseph mourns another week.
This mourning marathon puts a couple of questions into my mind.
1) Is this a ritualistic predetermined period of time? Did life really shut down for 2 months after the death of a loved one. It didn't even say that Joseph mourned, or Jacob's family- it says the Egyptians mourned for 70 days. Were they in a perpetual state of mourning for every major entity that passed on? How do you truly spend 70 days mourning someone you didn't know well?
2) What do these people know about death and heaven? I don't think I know that much and the topic is at times unnerving- but is there an even greater lack of knowledge about a better place demonstrated in their perpetual sadness? They don't know about Jesus- they don't even have the law yet. Jacob refers to his impending death as "I am about to be gathered to my people" which I take to mean buried with my family. If they think earth is all there is to life then it could explain why the mourning was so extensive.
I recently attended a funeral where there was extensive laughter, not as the result of funny stories or warm memories- an odd nearly manic laughter seemingly from joy at the heavenly destination of the departed. It felt really strange to me- I think a celebration of a man's life is highly appropriate at his passing- but this seemed to be nervous laughter- a little too loud and a little too long. And I wonder if maybe the value of purging feelings of grief- even if they aren't ritualistically expressed- and even if they don't last two months would help us to move on more than a forced smile and a choked laugh.
We are thankful for the destination- but it doesn't remove the grief. At least not totally.
Genesis 49:29- 50:14
So Jacob senses his end is near, so after he gives his sons his "blessings" he gives them burial instructions. Even after all these years, he wants to use the spot in the cave Abraham bought from the Hittites all those years ago. It's interesting that he chooses to be buried with Leah and not Rachel. Perhaps this was the custom- to be buried with the first wife- plus it being a family cave probably helped influence the choice.
So Joseph throws himself on Jacob's dead body- and weeps and kisses him. Then the embalming begins- 40 days of embalming and 70 days of mourning.
I assume those ran concurrently- but even so, 70 days seems like a long chunk of time. I can relate to being saddened over that length of time- but this feels more like a formalistic, legalistic chunk of time set aside for mourning...wearing black, certain jolly actions prohibited, etc.
After the mourning was over- Joseph got permission to go and bury his dad- Pharaoh's officials accompany him- I'm reading this as a major sign of repect. We hardly knew this guy- but he's your father so he's special to us. Once they get there, Joseph mourns another week.
This mourning marathon puts a couple of questions into my mind.
1) Is this a ritualistic predetermined period of time? Did life really shut down for 2 months after the death of a loved one. It didn't even say that Joseph mourned, or Jacob's family- it says the Egyptians mourned for 70 days. Were they in a perpetual state of mourning for every major entity that passed on? How do you truly spend 70 days mourning someone you didn't know well?
2) What do these people know about death and heaven? I don't think I know that much and the topic is at times unnerving- but is there an even greater lack of knowledge about a better place demonstrated in their perpetual sadness? They don't know about Jesus- they don't even have the law yet. Jacob refers to his impending death as "I am about to be gathered to my people" which I take to mean buried with my family. If they think earth is all there is to life then it could explain why the mourning was so extensive.
I recently attended a funeral where there was extensive laughter, not as the result of funny stories or warm memories- an odd nearly manic laughter seemingly from joy at the heavenly destination of the departed. It felt really strange to me- I think a celebration of a man's life is highly appropriate at his passing- but this seemed to be nervous laughter- a little too loud and a little too long. And I wonder if maybe the value of purging feelings of grief- even if they aren't ritualistically expressed- and even if they don't last two months would help us to move on more than a forced smile and a choked laugh.
We are thankful for the destination- but it doesn't remove the grief. At least not totally.
Saturday, October 21, 2006
A Fine Bless You've Gotten Us Into
Genesis 49:1-28
So Jacob gathers his sons around him and administers what Moses calls a blessing. I guess it all depends on perspective.
He says to Reuben:
You've always excelled but... remember that whole Bilhah thing? Yeah, you thought I didn't know about it- well I did and you will now be turbulent as the waters. Basically- your ship is sinking.
To Simeon and Levi:
You two are bad dudes- you've got thug mentalities, using your swords to solve your problems- hope I don't ever need your counsel. "I will scatter them in Jacob and disperse them in Israel" - this last part is a little confusing to me, but I'm assuming it means they won't have a land to themselves- the offspring will scatter.
To Judah:
"You are a lion's cub". Yeah, good things are coming. I guess the whole Tamar incident wasn't as important as some of these others that get his brothers in trouble. He'll wash his garments in wine and have the finest branch for his donkey. My son- here's a true blessing.
To Zebulun:
You will be a haven for ships and live by the seashore. This seems like a much lesser blessing- but maybe he's saying you will serve the function of being help to those that need it. The ship that comes needing a haven? You're it my son. God is going to use you.
To Issachar:
Here's an odd one. You will find such great land, you'll submit to forced labor. I want to live here...so enslave me! But I suppose the message is that you'll find something you like so much that great sacrifice will be worth it to you.
To Dan:
You will provide justice for your people. OK so far so good... you'll be "a viper along the path that bites the horse's heels." Maybe the horse is the bandit trying to escape and end up being caught in the fangs of Dan's justice- but a viper is a strange metaphor (especially biblically with the whole garden of Eden thing and all) for something admirable.
Maybe the message is- you'll administer justice- but justice isn't always what people need. How about some mercy instead?
To Gad:
You're going to be attacked (O Happy Day) but don't worry, you'll fight back. Oh, good, as long as I've got something to look forward to.
To Asher:
You're getting some rich food. Asher sounds like my kind of man. Beyond the literal food though, this may be a metaphorfor Asher's ability to procure and appreciate the "finer things" in life.
To Naphtali:
Depending on the translation- you're either going to have lots of beautiful children or you're going to be an eloquent orator. Or maybe he'll use his oration skills to woo a beautiful woman and get both.
To Joseph:
You can go ahead and put on the purple robe. You've been delivered- you're the prince among your brothers.
To Benjamin:
You're a ravenous wolf- but at least you share your plunder.
I don't think I'd label this discourse as a blessing. It seems more like a predictor- maybe even a prophecy. Calling this a blessing for some of these guys is like reaching under the tree Christmas morning and opening a hornet's nest.
I like the idea though of family assembled to hear the wisdom of their father- words of warning or praise from someone experienced. I'd like it best though if I were Judah or Joseph. Sorry Reuben- at least you'll get a sandwich named after you.
Genesis 49:1-28
So Jacob gathers his sons around him and administers what Moses calls a blessing. I guess it all depends on perspective.
He says to Reuben:
You've always excelled but... remember that whole Bilhah thing? Yeah, you thought I didn't know about it- well I did and you will now be turbulent as the waters. Basically- your ship is sinking.
To Simeon and Levi:
You two are bad dudes- you've got thug mentalities, using your swords to solve your problems- hope I don't ever need your counsel. "I will scatter them in Jacob and disperse them in Israel" - this last part is a little confusing to me, but I'm assuming it means they won't have a land to themselves- the offspring will scatter.
To Judah:
"You are a lion's cub". Yeah, good things are coming. I guess the whole Tamar incident wasn't as important as some of these others that get his brothers in trouble. He'll wash his garments in wine and have the finest branch for his donkey. My son- here's a true blessing.
To Zebulun:
You will be a haven for ships and live by the seashore. This seems like a much lesser blessing- but maybe he's saying you will serve the function of being help to those that need it. The ship that comes needing a haven? You're it my son. God is going to use you.
To Issachar:
Here's an odd one. You will find such great land, you'll submit to forced labor. I want to live here...so enslave me! But I suppose the message is that you'll find something you like so much that great sacrifice will be worth it to you.
To Dan:
You will provide justice for your people. OK so far so good... you'll be "a viper along the path that bites the horse's heels." Maybe the horse is the bandit trying to escape and end up being caught in the fangs of Dan's justice- but a viper is a strange metaphor (especially biblically with the whole garden of Eden thing and all) for something admirable.
Maybe the message is- you'll administer justice- but justice isn't always what people need. How about some mercy instead?
To Gad:
You're going to be attacked (O Happy Day) but don't worry, you'll fight back. Oh, good, as long as I've got something to look forward to.
To Asher:
You're getting some rich food. Asher sounds like my kind of man. Beyond the literal food though, this may be a metaphorfor Asher's ability to procure and appreciate the "finer things" in life.
To Naphtali:
Depending on the translation- you're either going to have lots of beautiful children or you're going to be an eloquent orator. Or maybe he'll use his oration skills to woo a beautiful woman and get both.
To Joseph:
You can go ahead and put on the purple robe. You've been delivered- you're the prince among your brothers.
To Benjamin:
You're a ravenous wolf- but at least you share your plunder.
I don't think I'd label this discourse as a blessing. It seems more like a predictor- maybe even a prophecy. Calling this a blessing for some of these guys is like reaching under the tree Christmas morning and opening a hornet's nest.
I like the idea though of family assembled to hear the wisdom of their father- words of warning or praise from someone experienced. I'd like it best though if I were Judah or Joseph. Sorry Reuben- at least you'll get a sandwich named after you.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Jacob Redux
Genesis 48
Joseph hears his father is ill, so he takes his two sons, Jacob's grandkids, to see him. Jacob tells him of God's promised blessing and tells Joseph that the two sons born to him in Egypt, Ephraim and Manasseh will be taken for his own children.
This isn't a forced adoption procedure, after all, Jacob is about to die. He's simply saying that they will get the same share in his inheritance as his own children. Any other children born later will be Joseph's responsibility. This means, I assume, a financial blessing on both Joseph's current children, and his future ones, since these two won't be in the mix inheritance-wise when Joseph passes. I assume that to be the case, I guess we'll see in a few chapters or so.
Jacob is going blind and as he goes to bless these children, he may have experienced some deja vu. He "mistakenly" puts his left hand on the firstborn and the right hand on the younger brother, switching the blessing prioirity. Although Manny and Ephraim aren't involved in deception here, the result is very similar to crafty Jacob and his hairy brother.
Joseph sees the mistake and tries to correct it, but Jacob says he knows what he is doing. Manasseh may be the first born, but Ephraim will be greater. The firstborn in me doens't like this very much. Hey, I'm the topdog, the responsible one, the protector from school bullies, the giver of wedgies, why aren't I getting what's mine?
But the younger son of God in me, the one needing extra grace, the one who recognizes how dangerous it would be to get what I deserve, is grateful for the reminder- the last shall be first. It doesn't matter what your birth order is, what your social standing is, what you needed to be forgiven of- God's blessings are above and beyond.
Jacob mentions that he buried Rachel on the road to Bethlehem. Foreshadowing? Metaphoric? We see these people traveling down the road to our Messiah. Might just be a coincidence, but it seems like an odd detail if it doesn't mean something.
Oh yeah, and with all this last shall be first stuff- doesn't that mean the Cubs will win eventually?
Genesis 48
Joseph hears his father is ill, so he takes his two sons, Jacob's grandkids, to see him. Jacob tells him of God's promised blessing and tells Joseph that the two sons born to him in Egypt, Ephraim and Manasseh will be taken for his own children.
This isn't a forced adoption procedure, after all, Jacob is about to die. He's simply saying that they will get the same share in his inheritance as his own children. Any other children born later will be Joseph's responsibility. This means, I assume, a financial blessing on both Joseph's current children, and his future ones, since these two won't be in the mix inheritance-wise when Joseph passes. I assume that to be the case, I guess we'll see in a few chapters or so.
Jacob is going blind and as he goes to bless these children, he may have experienced some deja vu. He "mistakenly" puts his left hand on the firstborn and the right hand on the younger brother, switching the blessing prioirity. Although Manny and Ephraim aren't involved in deception here, the result is very similar to crafty Jacob and his hairy brother.
Joseph sees the mistake and tries to correct it, but Jacob says he knows what he is doing. Manasseh may be the first born, but Ephraim will be greater. The firstborn in me doens't like this very much. Hey, I'm the topdog, the responsible one, the protector from school bullies, the giver of wedgies, why aren't I getting what's mine?
But the younger son of God in me, the one needing extra grace, the one who recognizes how dangerous it would be to get what I deserve, is grateful for the reminder- the last shall be first. It doesn't matter what your birth order is, what your social standing is, what you needed to be forgiven of- God's blessings are above and beyond.
Jacob mentions that he buried Rachel on the road to Bethlehem. Foreshadowing? Metaphoric? We see these people traveling down the road to our Messiah. Might just be a coincidence, but it seems like an odd detail if it doesn't mean something.
Oh yeah, and with all this last shall be first stuff- doesn't that mean the Cubs will win eventually?
Monday, September 11, 2006
Famine and the Family
Genesis 47: 13-31
So the famine's gotten bad and the people are out of money- and even worse, they're out of food. So they come to Joseph pleading- don't let us starve. Joseph replies less than compassionately, sure you can eat, if you give me your livestock. I'm not sure why they didn't consider eating their livestock instead unless it was obviously not enough to keep them going.
But they sell their livestock for food- which works great until the next year when they have no food or livestock. So they say- buy us and our land in exchange for food. And Joseph goes for it. Pharaoh more than prospers and the people have placed themselves in bondage.
This seems pretty harsh to me, at least initially. The people of the land are starving and the powers that be force them into perpetual dependance upon them. We'll take everything you have and give you just enough to survive.
But after it happens, Joseph gives the people seed and tells them to plant and eat- only give one-fifth of your crop back to Pharaoh. And while twenty percent may seem a somewhat steep price, Joseph has saved the people's lives and set up a system to keep Pharaoh prosperous.
Seventeen years after arriving, Israel knows his days are numbered. So he calls Joseph to his side and says to him "If I have found favor in your eyes, put your hand under my thigh and promise that you will show me kindness and faithfulness, but when I rest with my fathers, carry me out of Egypt and bury me where they are buried."
To which I might have replied, If I have found favor in your eyes, let me skip the whole thigh part.
Lessons tonight:
Joseph has mercy on the hungry. It may not be a handout, but he still finds a way to let them eat, even when they can't pay for it.
Secondly, there seems to be a statement about the value and responsibility of family. Even though he did a lot of growing up on his own, Joseph is still the one called by his dad to carry out his final wishes. Maybe he was in the position to be most likely able to carry them out, but in a ceremonial way, Israel calls family to carry out what he sees as a need.
Genesis 47: 13-31
So the famine's gotten bad and the people are out of money- and even worse, they're out of food. So they come to Joseph pleading- don't let us starve. Joseph replies less than compassionately, sure you can eat, if you give me your livestock. I'm not sure why they didn't consider eating their livestock instead unless it was obviously not enough to keep them going.
But they sell their livestock for food- which works great until the next year when they have no food or livestock. So they say- buy us and our land in exchange for food. And Joseph goes for it. Pharaoh more than prospers and the people have placed themselves in bondage.
This seems pretty harsh to me, at least initially. The people of the land are starving and the powers that be force them into perpetual dependance upon them. We'll take everything you have and give you just enough to survive.
But after it happens, Joseph gives the people seed and tells them to plant and eat- only give one-fifth of your crop back to Pharaoh. And while twenty percent may seem a somewhat steep price, Joseph has saved the people's lives and set up a system to keep Pharaoh prosperous.
Seventeen years after arriving, Israel knows his days are numbered. So he calls Joseph to his side and says to him "If I have found favor in your eyes, put your hand under my thigh and promise that you will show me kindness and faithfulness, but when I rest with my fathers, carry me out of Egypt and bury me where they are buried."
To which I might have replied, If I have found favor in your eyes, let me skip the whole thigh part.
Lessons tonight:
Joseph has mercy on the hungry. It may not be a handout, but he still finds a way to let them eat, even when they can't pay for it.
Secondly, there seems to be a statement about the value and responsibility of family. Even though he did a lot of growing up on his own, Joseph is still the one called by his dad to carry out his final wishes. Maybe he was in the position to be most likely able to carry them out, but in a ceremonial way, Israel calls family to carry out what he sees as a need.
Monday, September 04, 2006
Caravan
Genesis 46-47:12
So God appears to Israel and tells him to have courage- go to Egypt, I'll be with you. I'll make you a great nation there (he's well on his way already), "and Joseph's own hands will close your eyes."
It's interesting that Israel's name fluctuates back and forth between Jacob and Israel. Other folks have their names changed too, but it seems like the names ordinarily stay changed. You don't see Paul going back to Saul. Maybe it's trivial, but I wonder why this name didn't stick.
So they set out with everything they have- and it lists the clan. It says this list is "the names of the sons of Israel (Jacob and his descendants) who went to Egypt. But it's a little puzzling. Reuben , Benjamin and Joseph are the only sons listed. And at least Joseph (maybe Bennie too) are already in Egypt. Did the others stay behind too? But even then the list is inconsistent. Did some of the brothers not go to Egypt?
Their children sure did and it lists them all. And explain this one:
26. All those who went to Egypt with Jacob- those who were his direct descendants, not counting his sons' wives- numbered sixty-six persons. With the two sons who had been born to Joseph in Egypt, the members of Jacob's family, which went to Egypt, were seventy in all.
I'm not a math major- but that don't quite add up. Maybe it's 68 plus Jacob and Joseph. But that's a guess and it seems kind of odd.
So, they get there and Israel and Jospeh have a touching reunion- Israel says that now that he's seen Joseph, he is ready to die. A cheery thought for a reunion.
Joseph says he'll speak to Pharaoh for his brothers- he'll tell him that they are shepherds; they tend livestock. He says when Pharaoh asks you your job, tell them you've tended livestock from your childhood- just like our fathers. If you do this, you can settle in Goshen, since Egyptians are repulsed by shepherds.
This seems odd too. We'll get you some good land since these people hate shepherds. Huh? Maybe Goshen was far enough away from Egyptian civilization that they could tolerate them from a distance. Pharoah follows through and tells Joseph to get them great land in Goshen.
Ultimately, the lesson that strikes me most in this chapter is one of tolerance. Jacob and Pharoah finally meet. Here's this man sent by God, blessed by God face to face with this ruler not of God's people- and his reaction is not repulsion, not a desperate attempt at conversion, not condescension, not threats of war- but instead the issuing of blessings.
Jacob saw the humanity in Pharoah and recognized the blessing he had been to his son- and wished him blessings. We could use more of that today.
Genesis 46-47:12
So God appears to Israel and tells him to have courage- go to Egypt, I'll be with you. I'll make you a great nation there (he's well on his way already), "and Joseph's own hands will close your eyes."
It's interesting that Israel's name fluctuates back and forth between Jacob and Israel. Other folks have their names changed too, but it seems like the names ordinarily stay changed. You don't see Paul going back to Saul. Maybe it's trivial, but I wonder why this name didn't stick.
So they set out with everything they have- and it lists the clan. It says this list is "the names of the sons of Israel (Jacob and his descendants) who went to Egypt. But it's a little puzzling. Reuben , Benjamin and Joseph are the only sons listed. And at least Joseph (maybe Bennie too) are already in Egypt. Did the others stay behind too? But even then the list is inconsistent. Did some of the brothers not go to Egypt?
Their children sure did and it lists them all. And explain this one:
26. All those who went to Egypt with Jacob- those who were his direct descendants, not counting his sons' wives- numbered sixty-six persons. With the two sons who had been born to Joseph in Egypt, the members of Jacob's family, which went to Egypt, were seventy in all.
I'm not a math major- but that don't quite add up. Maybe it's 68 plus Jacob and Joseph. But that's a guess and it seems kind of odd.
So, they get there and Israel and Jospeh have a touching reunion- Israel says that now that he's seen Joseph, he is ready to die. A cheery thought for a reunion.
Joseph says he'll speak to Pharaoh for his brothers- he'll tell him that they are shepherds; they tend livestock. He says when Pharaoh asks you your job, tell them you've tended livestock from your childhood- just like our fathers. If you do this, you can settle in Goshen, since Egyptians are repulsed by shepherds.
This seems odd too. We'll get you some good land since these people hate shepherds. Huh? Maybe Goshen was far enough away from Egyptian civilization that they could tolerate them from a distance. Pharoah follows through and tells Joseph to get them great land in Goshen.
Ultimately, the lesson that strikes me most in this chapter is one of tolerance. Jacob and Pharoah finally meet. Here's this man sent by God, blessed by God face to face with this ruler not of God's people- and his reaction is not repulsion, not a desperate attempt at conversion, not condescension, not threats of war- but instead the issuing of blessings.
Jacob saw the humanity in Pharoah and recognized the blessing he had been to his son- and wished him blessings. We could use more of that today.
Monday, August 28, 2006
Family Ties
Genesis 45
Joseph is overwhelmed with emotion, so he kicks everyone out save his brothers and reveals his true identity. He says, "I am Joseph! Is my father still living?" which is odd since the last chapter ended with Judah pleading "Do not let me see the misery that would come upon my father."
So the siblings are scared, but Joseph comforts them and sends them home to collect dear old dad. He tells them- you've got the best of what's here. Leave your possessions- you can have new and better things once you get here.
So they head back home full of wealth and promise- especially Benjamin. Apparently remembering his brothers well, his words to the departing brothers are "don't quarrel on the way." What could they have to fight about? Which one gets to tell their dad the great news?
Israel is stunned, but the wealth convinces him that it's all on the level and he says "My son Joseph is still alive. I will go and see him before I die."
Highlight: When Joseph comforts his brothers, he works hard to remove their guilt. He says, "do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you."
And later, "So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God." He's saying, it's over- fuggedaboutit. It's all part of the plan.
So maybe the key here is our calling not only to forgive- but to help each other break off the shackles of guilt, find a way to live with ourselves and our past, and be able to sleep at night, despite what we may have done.
Genesis 45
Joseph is overwhelmed with emotion, so he kicks everyone out save his brothers and reveals his true identity. He says, "I am Joseph! Is my father still living?" which is odd since the last chapter ended with Judah pleading "Do not let me see the misery that would come upon my father."
So the siblings are scared, but Joseph comforts them and sends them home to collect dear old dad. He tells them- you've got the best of what's here. Leave your possessions- you can have new and better things once you get here.
So they head back home full of wealth and promise- especially Benjamin. Apparently remembering his brothers well, his words to the departing brothers are "don't quarrel on the way." What could they have to fight about? Which one gets to tell their dad the great news?
Israel is stunned, but the wealth convinces him that it's all on the level and he says "My son Joseph is still alive. I will go and see him before I die."
Highlight: When Joseph comforts his brothers, he works hard to remove their guilt. He says, "do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you."
And later, "So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God." He's saying, it's over- fuggedaboutit. It's all part of the plan.
So maybe the key here is our calling not only to forgive- but to help each other break off the shackles of guilt, find a way to live with ourselves and our past, and be able to sleep at night, despite what we may have done.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Sad Sack
Genesis 44
So the boys prepare to head home- none the wiser regarding Joseph's ruse. Joseph has his steward load their sacks with as much food as they can carry and their silver. He also has him plant his silver cup in Benjamin's sack.
After they leave, Joseph sends his servant after them accusing them of stealing his cup. Naturally they deny it, not knowing the cup is in Benny's bag. They say- we even brought back the silver from before, why would we steal? If one of us has it, he'll die and the rest of us will be your master's slaves.
The steward says sure- it's a deal ,just as you said. Whoever has it will be my slave and the rest of you will be free (which isn't what they said, but apparently what he's prepared to enforce).
When the cup turns up in Benjamin's belongings, the clothes tearing begins. Imagine the shock and dread at knowing the fate of your brother and the consequent reporting of the event to your dad- especially after what they'd done to Joseph.
So they offer their services as Joseph's slaves and sneaky Joseph says- no- I'm not that kind of man- just the one who we found it on- the rest of you go free.
Is Joseph yanking their strings? Does he intend to keep Benjamin with him and then have a change of heart or is he trying to emphasize his point here?
Judah pleads his case, recapping the highlights from the last several chapters. Saying please don't turn us back to our father- I couldn't stand to see his misery.
Lesson for me- the danger of rash promises. Judah assured his dad that everything would be okay. His overestimation of the amount of control he had over the situation comes back to bite him. And honestly- how much of life do we have much control over? Like Mongo, we are often merely pawns in game of life. But unlike mongo we view ourselves as king- or at least a really crafty bishop.
Curious observation. Twice in this chapter Joseph's use of divination with his cup is mentioned (at least in the NIV). Does this mean he used the cup to commune with God (weird)? Or is he involved in some cultish practice that it would seem that God wouldn't have been a fan of (Also weird).
Genesis 44
So the boys prepare to head home- none the wiser regarding Joseph's ruse. Joseph has his steward load their sacks with as much food as they can carry and their silver. He also has him plant his silver cup in Benjamin's sack.
After they leave, Joseph sends his servant after them accusing them of stealing his cup. Naturally they deny it, not knowing the cup is in Benny's bag. They say- we even brought back the silver from before, why would we steal? If one of us has it, he'll die and the rest of us will be your master's slaves.
The steward says sure- it's a deal ,just as you said. Whoever has it will be my slave and the rest of you will be free (which isn't what they said, but apparently what he's prepared to enforce).
When the cup turns up in Benjamin's belongings, the clothes tearing begins. Imagine the shock and dread at knowing the fate of your brother and the consequent reporting of the event to your dad- especially after what they'd done to Joseph.
So they offer their services as Joseph's slaves and sneaky Joseph says- no- I'm not that kind of man- just the one who we found it on- the rest of you go free.
Is Joseph yanking their strings? Does he intend to keep Benjamin with him and then have a change of heart or is he trying to emphasize his point here?
Judah pleads his case, recapping the highlights from the last several chapters. Saying please don't turn us back to our father- I couldn't stand to see his misery.
Lesson for me- the danger of rash promises. Judah assured his dad that everything would be okay. His overestimation of the amount of control he had over the situation comes back to bite him. And honestly- how much of life do we have much control over? Like Mongo, we are often merely pawns in game of life. But unlike mongo we view ourselves as king- or at least a really crafty bishop.
Curious observation. Twice in this chapter Joseph's use of divination with his cup is mentioned (at least in the NIV). Does this mean he used the cup to commune with God (weird)? Or is he involved in some cultish practice that it would seem that God wouldn't have been a fan of (Also weird).
Monday, August 21, 2006
Maybe you Should Have Opted for Chocolate Covered
Genesis 43
So Israel has said in no uncertain terms- you're not going back with Benjamin. The implication...I hope Simeon has a comfortable cell. So they're home with food and money...and Israel is willing to sacrifice his son to avoid any risk coming to Benjamin.
But when the food runs out- papa sings a different tune. Well okay Judah, if you can protect him, I am feeling rather peckish. So the boys head out while dear old dad stays at home. To be fair, it could be that he sees the only way to save the family, including Benjamin, is to risk harm coming to him. Maybe he worked up the trust in God's care he needed to make this a trip worth taking.
So they go with gifts- balm, honey, spices, myrrh, pistachio nuts and almonds. OK, I understand that culture and technology dictated a very different gift-giving climate, but these still seem like pretty lame gifts if the attempt is to save your sons. They do go back with double silver though- enough to pay for the food they already got and enough to buy more.
Judah's guarantee seems to hold more water with Israel than Reuben's- does he trust Judah more? Or is it a context thing- we're more desperate now than when Reuben made his pitch.
What's happening with Simeon all this time? Has Joseph really left him rotting in prison? Remember, he's been there longer than he should have been. They waited till the food ran out to go and try to save him. What would this have done to his self esteem? If the drought had ended, would you have ever come for me? And would Joseph have imprisoned him in the first place if he knew that they would wait so long?
Simeon doesn't seem to know that it's Joseph, or he at least doesn't spill the beans once la familia arrives. Joseph asks about his dad and is choked up when he sees Benjamin and goes off to cry in private. Not so much an attempt to maintain his bravado as a means to keep his identity secret as far as I can tell.
Interestingly, they eat "together"- well kind of. They are all served separately- Joseph- the brothers - and the Egyptians. This segregation was necessary because it was detestable to Egyptians to eat with Hebrews. So was Joseph passing as Egyptian? Or does his separate serving indicate that he couldn't eat with Egyptians either? But if that's the case, why is he served separately from his brothers? Part of the charade?
Lesson for me: the brothers tried to return the silver and Joseph's steward would have none of it. He says- I got your money- your God gave you the gift of silver.
God provides- when we have needs- or maybe even sometimes when we just have wants- God provides.
If you remember back (or even if you don't), Joseph had ordered those bags filled up. So maybe the point is that God often provides...through us. As we look out for each other, as we perform acts of kindness, random or otherwise, God is working to help His children. And his gifts are often better than pistachio nuts.
Genesis 43
So Israel has said in no uncertain terms- you're not going back with Benjamin. The implication...I hope Simeon has a comfortable cell. So they're home with food and money...and Israel is willing to sacrifice his son to avoid any risk coming to Benjamin.
But when the food runs out- papa sings a different tune. Well okay Judah, if you can protect him, I am feeling rather peckish. So the boys head out while dear old dad stays at home. To be fair, it could be that he sees the only way to save the family, including Benjamin, is to risk harm coming to him. Maybe he worked up the trust in God's care he needed to make this a trip worth taking.
So they go with gifts- balm, honey, spices, myrrh, pistachio nuts and almonds. OK, I understand that culture and technology dictated a very different gift-giving climate, but these still seem like pretty lame gifts if the attempt is to save your sons. They do go back with double silver though- enough to pay for the food they already got and enough to buy more.
Judah's guarantee seems to hold more water with Israel than Reuben's- does he trust Judah more? Or is it a context thing- we're more desperate now than when Reuben made his pitch.
What's happening with Simeon all this time? Has Joseph really left him rotting in prison? Remember, he's been there longer than he should have been. They waited till the food ran out to go and try to save him. What would this have done to his self esteem? If the drought had ended, would you have ever come for me? And would Joseph have imprisoned him in the first place if he knew that they would wait so long?
Simeon doesn't seem to know that it's Joseph, or he at least doesn't spill the beans once la familia arrives. Joseph asks about his dad and is choked up when he sees Benjamin and goes off to cry in private. Not so much an attempt to maintain his bravado as a means to keep his identity secret as far as I can tell.
Interestingly, they eat "together"- well kind of. They are all served separately- Joseph- the brothers - and the Egyptians. This segregation was necessary because it was detestable to Egyptians to eat with Hebrews. So was Joseph passing as Egyptian? Or does his separate serving indicate that he couldn't eat with Egyptians either? But if that's the case, why is he served separately from his brothers? Part of the charade?
Lesson for me: the brothers tried to return the silver and Joseph's steward would have none of it. He says- I got your money- your God gave you the gift of silver.
God provides- when we have needs- or maybe even sometimes when we just have wants- God provides.
If you remember back (or even if you don't), Joseph had ordered those bags filled up. So maybe the point is that God often provides...through us. As we look out for each other, as we perform acts of kindness, random or otherwise, God is working to help His children. And his gifts are often better than pistachio nuts.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Ben to Canaan
Genesis 42
The famine is going strong and Jacob hears of grain in Egypt. He curtly tells his sons to go buy some. They all go, but leave Bennie behind- Jacob was afraid that some harm would come to him.
Once again I'm struck by the blatant favoritism shown by Jacob. Many of his kids seem to be bad news, but I wonder how much of that is because they know they aren't loved as much as the spawn of Rachel.
When they arrive in Egypt, Joseph sees them and recognizes them. He pretends to be a stranger and even speaks with an interpreter which ends up enabling him to eavesdrop on their conversation. What's the motivation of Joseph here? Is this revenge rearing it's ugly head? Is he just making the reconciliation dramatic? At some point does he see it as a means to reunite with his full-brother Bennie? Is it a combination of all of these things?
They bow down to him (Joseph remembers his dream) and ask to buy food. Joseph accuses them of being spies and tells them they can't leave until the youngest brother comes to Egypt- an event that would verify the claim of who they are. He says they can send one brother back to get him.
He apparently reconsiders, maybe like his dad fearing for Bennie's safety, or maybe just being compassionate, because he lets them all go except Simeon. Why does he pick out Simeon? Is he especially resentful toward him? Does he like him best and this will give him an opportunity to be around him while the travel occurs?
So the nine brothers return home with grain intending to return with Benjamin. They come to realize though that the silver they used to purchase the grain has all been returned in their baggage. Having already been suspected as spies, this scares them. Will the Egyptians think they are theives? What will happen to Simeon when the silver is discovered missing?
Jacob is at wits end- first Joseph is gone, then Simeon, and now Benjamin is to leave? The world is against me. Reuben swears to him on the lives of his children that he will bring Bennie back to him. Jacob wants none of it- not gonna happen my friend.
Seems odd that Reuben would offer the lives of his own children on a proposition as shaky as this. Why would he be willing to risk this? Does he have an inflated view of his ability to keep Benjamin safe? After all, he did so well protecting Joseph and Simeon. Does he suspect that something is amiss with the Egyptian situation? Does he have amazing faith in Yahweh?
And what kind of grandfather would be satisfied after losing his son by killing his grandchildren. Not this grandfather apparently- because he says no.
Big lesson for me. Jacob thinks all is lost- Joseph, Simeon and soon to be Bennie- all things he assumes will be forever gone. But he's wrong- his woe, his stress, his paranoia are all unwarranted. How much stress do we bring on ourselves assuming the worst, forgetting that God's with us and keeping us safe. Our worries usually don't fall into the death of child category, but maybe we worry about the stress of the job, or selling the house, or losing some weight, or even dealing with our sinful natures- and then we get a raise, or the house sells, or the weight drops or we receive peace that passes all understanding and we wonder what all the stress was about in the first place.
Genesis 42
The famine is going strong and Jacob hears of grain in Egypt. He curtly tells his sons to go buy some. They all go, but leave Bennie behind- Jacob was afraid that some harm would come to him.
Once again I'm struck by the blatant favoritism shown by Jacob. Many of his kids seem to be bad news, but I wonder how much of that is because they know they aren't loved as much as the spawn of Rachel.
When they arrive in Egypt, Joseph sees them and recognizes them. He pretends to be a stranger and even speaks with an interpreter which ends up enabling him to eavesdrop on their conversation. What's the motivation of Joseph here? Is this revenge rearing it's ugly head? Is he just making the reconciliation dramatic? At some point does he see it as a means to reunite with his full-brother Bennie? Is it a combination of all of these things?
They bow down to him (Joseph remembers his dream) and ask to buy food. Joseph accuses them of being spies and tells them they can't leave until the youngest brother comes to Egypt- an event that would verify the claim of who they are. He says they can send one brother back to get him.
He apparently reconsiders, maybe like his dad fearing for Bennie's safety, or maybe just being compassionate, because he lets them all go except Simeon. Why does he pick out Simeon? Is he especially resentful toward him? Does he like him best and this will give him an opportunity to be around him while the travel occurs?
So the nine brothers return home with grain intending to return with Benjamin. They come to realize though that the silver they used to purchase the grain has all been returned in their baggage. Having already been suspected as spies, this scares them. Will the Egyptians think they are theives? What will happen to Simeon when the silver is discovered missing?
Jacob is at wits end- first Joseph is gone, then Simeon, and now Benjamin is to leave? The world is against me. Reuben swears to him on the lives of his children that he will bring Bennie back to him. Jacob wants none of it- not gonna happen my friend.
Seems odd that Reuben would offer the lives of his own children on a proposition as shaky as this. Why would he be willing to risk this? Does he have an inflated view of his ability to keep Benjamin safe? After all, he did so well protecting Joseph and Simeon. Does he suspect that something is amiss with the Egyptian situation? Does he have amazing faith in Yahweh?
And what kind of grandfather would be satisfied after losing his son by killing his grandchildren. Not this grandfather apparently- because he says no.
Big lesson for me. Jacob thinks all is lost- Joseph, Simeon and soon to be Bennie- all things he assumes will be forever gone. But he's wrong- his woe, his stress, his paranoia are all unwarranted. How much stress do we bring on ourselves assuming the worst, forgetting that God's with us and keeping us safe. Our worries usually don't fall into the death of child category, but maybe we worry about the stress of the job, or selling the house, or losing some weight, or even dealing with our sinful natures- and then we get a raise, or the house sells, or the weight drops or we receive peace that passes all understanding and we wonder what all the stress was about in the first place.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Rule Like an Egyptian
Genesis 41:41-57
So Pharaoh puts Joseph in charge. He honors with him with fancy schmancy clothes and jewlery and names him as second-in-command. He tells him that "without your word no one will lift hand or foot in all Egypt." He then renames Joseph "Zaphenath-Paneah" which doesn't have quite the same ring to it. He also gives Joseph, or Zaph, a wife- Asenath, daughter of Potiphera, priest of On. Not long after, Joseph has two children Manasseh and Ephraim.
Joe does a good job saving up food for the time of famine. In fact, he saves so much that it is beyond measure. This lesson is confusing to me- it seems in direct contrast to Jesus' teaching about not building up for tomorrow in barns. Maybe the lesson is to examine your circumstance and do what is most appropriate.
This idea is a little scary- the phrase "situation ethics" is one that has been used only with contempt in religious circles that I've been a part of, but it seems like maybe there are times to save for tomorrow (a famine is coming, you're about to lose your job, your child is going through college?) and times when it's simple greed (you've won the lottery, you've got a massive pay raise, you can help others). Maybe I'm reading too much into this.
So when the famine hits, the hungy masses clammored to Pharaoh for food- and like a good leader, he says "go to Joseph and do what he tells you." All the countries come to Joseph to buy food.
Joe's a good bit beyond prison by now. And while things are going well, it seems that he's still harboring a little resentment toward his brothers- and understandably so. He names his first child Manasseh (probably "forget") because "God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father's household." How do you get past the evil that men do and move on? Or is that what he's done- if I can just forget them, I won't bear this resentment.
Maybe the lesson is that sometimes forgetting is the best solution. If I bring up the past, I may spark painful memories and drudge up pain for others. Maybe I create awareness of something that someone else never knew about. Maybe I force a relationship that can only cause more stress and discomfort- so instead of trying to make a relationship work, I forgive, move on- and forge into new relationships. My legalistic nature strives to find people I've wronged in big and small ways and try to "make up for it" somehow, as if I could. And the result can be ripped open scabs and created resentment for people who never knew the wrongs existed in the first place. Or even awkward strains on relationships.
Joseph later gets the chance at reconcilliation. But he doesn't seek it out, it just happens. Maybe forgiveness happens when we can forget.
Father forgive us, we sure don't know what we're doing.
Genesis 41:41-57
So Pharaoh puts Joseph in charge. He honors with him with fancy schmancy clothes and jewlery and names him as second-in-command. He tells him that "without your word no one will lift hand or foot in all Egypt." He then renames Joseph "Zaphenath-Paneah" which doesn't have quite the same ring to it. He also gives Joseph, or Zaph, a wife- Asenath, daughter of Potiphera, priest of On. Not long after, Joseph has two children Manasseh and Ephraim.
Joe does a good job saving up food for the time of famine. In fact, he saves so much that it is beyond measure. This lesson is confusing to me- it seems in direct contrast to Jesus' teaching about not building up for tomorrow in barns. Maybe the lesson is to examine your circumstance and do what is most appropriate.
This idea is a little scary- the phrase "situation ethics" is one that has been used only with contempt in religious circles that I've been a part of, but it seems like maybe there are times to save for tomorrow (a famine is coming, you're about to lose your job, your child is going through college?) and times when it's simple greed (you've won the lottery, you've got a massive pay raise, you can help others). Maybe I'm reading too much into this.
So when the famine hits, the hungy masses clammored to Pharaoh for food- and like a good leader, he says "go to Joseph and do what he tells you." All the countries come to Joseph to buy food.
Joe's a good bit beyond prison by now. And while things are going well, it seems that he's still harboring a little resentment toward his brothers- and understandably so. He names his first child Manasseh (probably "forget") because "God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father's household." How do you get past the evil that men do and move on? Or is that what he's done- if I can just forget them, I won't bear this resentment.
Maybe the lesson is that sometimes forgetting is the best solution. If I bring up the past, I may spark painful memories and drudge up pain for others. Maybe I create awareness of something that someone else never knew about. Maybe I force a relationship that can only cause more stress and discomfort- so instead of trying to make a relationship work, I forgive, move on- and forge into new relationships. My legalistic nature strives to find people I've wronged in big and small ways and try to "make up for it" somehow, as if I could. And the result can be ripped open scabs and created resentment for people who never knew the wrongs existed in the first place. Or even awkward strains on relationships.
Joseph later gets the chance at reconcilliation. But he doesn't seek it out, it just happens. Maybe forgiveness happens when we can forget.
Father forgive us, we sure don't know what we're doing.
Everybody Has a Dream
Genesis 41: 1-40
Two years later, Pharaoh has a dream. He sees seven fat cows grazing and seven ugly, gaunt cows (was Egypt currently overrun with beautiful cows?) came up and ate the fat cows. Then Pharaoh woke up, perhaps craving a good steak and a glass of milk. When he went back to sleep he dreamed of seven healthy heads of grain on a single stalk. Seven other heads of grain popped up, thin and wind-scorched. The thin ones swallowed up the fat ones.
Moses lets us know- it had been a dream. Were things so different in this era ordinarily that Moses needs to emphasize that the stalks of grain didn't really eat each other?
So none of the wisemen can figure out the dream. And then the cupbearer remembers our old friend Joe. He recants his tale of dreaming in prison and the fate of himself and the baker and Pharoah is sold.
Pharoah sends for Joseph. He shaves and changes his clothes and goes before Pharaoh. Pharaoh tells Joe that he's had a dream and no one can figure it out- but word on the street is that you've got a knack with such things.
Joseph replies that he can't do it "but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires." Is this Joseph speaking the same way Red Sox player Trot Nixon does when he says that it was Jesus swinging the bat for him tonight, or is he speaking for God? It feels like the latter, but it's a pretty bold claim if that's true. I wouldn't dare claim that God will do something for someone that He hasn't specifically promised already. What if this interpretation wasn't part of God's plan- or maybe God has already warned Joseph about the event and told him that He'll come through for him.
However it was, it turns out the dream predicts famine- seven years of it following seven years of plenty. Oh and by the way Pharaoh, Joseph shamelessly plugs, you'll need a wise man in charge of storing up twenty percent of the food in the good years to use as food in the lean years. Oh where will you find such a man...what? Me? Well I guess I could if you don't need me in prison anymore...
Pharoah says that since God has Joseph's ear, there is no one wiser in the land. You are in charge and people will follow your orders. "Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you."
Two huge things here-
First, there may be great lulls in our lives where it seems that we aren't being productive, where we aren't fitting into God's work- where we might even begin to question our worth in God's eyes because we seem to be just treading water. Joseph sat for two years in prison just waiting, and the plan that had been working out years before finally started to more blatantly include Joseph. Patience and the ability to realize that we don't know the big picture may be essential tools to following God.
Second, the good that Joseph does helping the cupbearer pays off...two years later. When we do good works we may never see the fruit that comes from it- or if we do...it may be way down the line. We may undersestimate the impact our interactions have on others. Actions we make out of love may do everlasting good for ourselves and the object of that love.
Sadly the opposite may be even more true.
Genesis 41: 1-40
Two years later, Pharaoh has a dream. He sees seven fat cows grazing and seven ugly, gaunt cows (was Egypt currently overrun with beautiful cows?) came up and ate the fat cows. Then Pharaoh woke up, perhaps craving a good steak and a glass of milk. When he went back to sleep he dreamed of seven healthy heads of grain on a single stalk. Seven other heads of grain popped up, thin and wind-scorched. The thin ones swallowed up the fat ones.
Moses lets us know- it had been a dream. Were things so different in this era ordinarily that Moses needs to emphasize that the stalks of grain didn't really eat each other?
So none of the wisemen can figure out the dream. And then the cupbearer remembers our old friend Joe. He recants his tale of dreaming in prison and the fate of himself and the baker and Pharoah is sold.
Pharoah sends for Joseph. He shaves and changes his clothes and goes before Pharaoh. Pharaoh tells Joe that he's had a dream and no one can figure it out- but word on the street is that you've got a knack with such things.
Joseph replies that he can't do it "but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires." Is this Joseph speaking the same way Red Sox player Trot Nixon does when he says that it was Jesus swinging the bat for him tonight, or is he speaking for God? It feels like the latter, but it's a pretty bold claim if that's true. I wouldn't dare claim that God will do something for someone that He hasn't specifically promised already. What if this interpretation wasn't part of God's plan- or maybe God has already warned Joseph about the event and told him that He'll come through for him.
However it was, it turns out the dream predicts famine- seven years of it following seven years of plenty. Oh and by the way Pharaoh, Joseph shamelessly plugs, you'll need a wise man in charge of storing up twenty percent of the food in the good years to use as food in the lean years. Oh where will you find such a man...what? Me? Well I guess I could if you don't need me in prison anymore...
Pharoah says that since God has Joseph's ear, there is no one wiser in the land. You are in charge and people will follow your orders. "Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you."
Two huge things here-
First, there may be great lulls in our lives where it seems that we aren't being productive, where we aren't fitting into God's work- where we might even begin to question our worth in God's eyes because we seem to be just treading water. Joseph sat for two years in prison just waiting, and the plan that had been working out years before finally started to more blatantly include Joseph. Patience and the ability to realize that we don't know the big picture may be essential tools to following God.
Second, the good that Joseph does helping the cupbearer pays off...two years later. When we do good works we may never see the fruit that comes from it- or if we do...it may be way down the line. We may undersestimate the impact our interactions have on others. Actions we make out of love may do everlasting good for ourselves and the object of that love.
Sadly the opposite may be even more true.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Maybe it was just the pizza I ate last night
Genesis 40
While in prison, Joseph is put in charge of the king's cupbearer (bartender?) and baker who have lost favor with Pharaoh. One morning, Joseph notices them both a little down in the mouth, so he asks them what the matter is.
It seems they've both had dreams and they can't find someone to interpret. Joey says that "interpretations belong to God." So the cupbearer unloads.
He sees a vine with three branches. Once the vine budded, it blossomed and developed into grapes. The cupbearer had Pharaoh's cup in his hand so he took some grapes, squeezed the juice into the cup and handed it to Pharaoh.
Joe has a response ready. The branches represent days- in three days you'll be returned to your prominant position. But- once this happens, please don't forget me- get me out of this prison. I haven't done anything worth being imprisoned for.
Now the baker hears the favorable interpretation and begins watering at the mouth- here's my dream:
He had three baskets of bread on his head. The top one had baked goods, but birds were munching away on them.
Joseph says that the three baskets are once again days. In three days Pharaoh is going to hang him and birds will eat his flesh. I would say that this dream officailly qualifies as a nightmare.
Three days later both events came to pass- but the cupbearer didn't remember Joseph.
Once again I'm puzzled by the role of dreams in the plot of biblical stories. How did they know that the dreams weren't the result of spicy food from the night before? Do dreams still have a predictive power now and if not, what sparked the change? If we could interpret our dreams to predict the future would we want to? Would the baker's last three days have been more pleasant if he were clueless about his fate?
The thing that strikes me most here is that Joseph notices that these men are troubled and sets out to help them. It might be easier sometimes to avoid people who seem to be annoyed or worried- to not invest too much in the troubles of others, after all we've got our own problems. My car broke down,my job is stressful, the cubs are losing, I'm stuck in prison myself- but Joseph doesn't cop out. He sees an opportunity to try to ease suffering, and he acts.
And the result- God is glorified (it's by His power after all), the cupbearer is comforted, and if I remember correctly, eventually he remembers the plight of our hero. It does seem that the baker might end up worse off- but maybe it gave him three days to contemplate the purpose of his existence and to make things right with his maker.
Or maybe it didn't- maybe the point here is that sometimes our attempts to help, gum up the works and make things worse- but the answer is not to stop being concerned and to stop trying to help- maybe the answer is to care and to pray and to show love...and the rest is in God's hands.
Genesis 40
While in prison, Joseph is put in charge of the king's cupbearer (bartender?) and baker who have lost favor with Pharaoh. One morning, Joseph notices them both a little down in the mouth, so he asks them what the matter is.
It seems they've both had dreams and they can't find someone to interpret. Joey says that "interpretations belong to God." So the cupbearer unloads.
He sees a vine with three branches. Once the vine budded, it blossomed and developed into grapes. The cupbearer had Pharaoh's cup in his hand so he took some grapes, squeezed the juice into the cup and handed it to Pharaoh.
Joe has a response ready. The branches represent days- in three days you'll be returned to your prominant position. But- once this happens, please don't forget me- get me out of this prison. I haven't done anything worth being imprisoned for.
Now the baker hears the favorable interpretation and begins watering at the mouth- here's my dream:
He had three baskets of bread on his head. The top one had baked goods, but birds were munching away on them.
Joseph says that the three baskets are once again days. In three days Pharaoh is going to hang him and birds will eat his flesh. I would say that this dream officailly qualifies as a nightmare.
Three days later both events came to pass- but the cupbearer didn't remember Joseph.
Once again I'm puzzled by the role of dreams in the plot of biblical stories. How did they know that the dreams weren't the result of spicy food from the night before? Do dreams still have a predictive power now and if not, what sparked the change? If we could interpret our dreams to predict the future would we want to? Would the baker's last three days have been more pleasant if he were clueless about his fate?
The thing that strikes me most here is that Joseph notices that these men are troubled and sets out to help them. It might be easier sometimes to avoid people who seem to be annoyed or worried- to not invest too much in the troubles of others, after all we've got our own problems. My car broke down,my job is stressful, the cubs are losing, I'm stuck in prison myself- but Joseph doesn't cop out. He sees an opportunity to try to ease suffering, and he acts.
And the result- God is glorified (it's by His power after all), the cupbearer is comforted, and if I remember correctly, eventually he remembers the plight of our hero. It does seem that the baker might end up worse off- but maybe it gave him three days to contemplate the purpose of his existence and to make things right with his maker.
Or maybe it didn't- maybe the point here is that sometimes our attempts to help, gum up the works and make things worse- but the answer is not to stop being concerned and to stop trying to help- maybe the answer is to care and to pray and to show love...and the rest is in God's hands.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Egyptian Romance Novels
Genesis 39
So Joseph is bought by Potiphar and because of Joseph, God grants blessings to Potiphar's household. Things are going so well that Potiphar turns all affairs over to Joseph. Everything beyond menu choices was in Joseph's hands.
Now besides being a sharp dresser with that multi-colored coat, Joseph was also apparently a bit of a stud. Mrs. Potiphar takes notice and tries to seduce him. He resists and resists, saying that he has earned the trust of his master and will not sin against his God.
So when no one else is around, she grabs him by the cloak and tries to convince him to give in- but he leaves his cloak in her hands and takes off running. She's embarassed and decides to show him who wears the pants in their relationship. She tells the servants that he tried to force her to sleep with him and when she screamed, he took off leaving his cloak behind. She tells her husband the same story and he puts Joey in prison.
Once in prison he picks up where he left off, gaining the trust of those in charge. He was successful in all that he did and the warden trusted him.
Two big things for me. First- don't dance with temptation. If things seem to be too much to handle- leave your jacket behind and get out of Dodge. Sometimes the best way to deal with your weakness is to avoid it at all costs. Most men would have gladly taken what was offered.
Second, your reputation goes a long way. God's blessing in both situations here is in part or whole, influence. Joseph's superiors seemed to trust in both his character and his competence. Maybe the lesson here is live Godly lives and people will be more apt to trust you- but it's no guarantee that people won't cross you if your character gets in the way of what they want.
But even then...God's with you
Genesis 39
So Joseph is bought by Potiphar and because of Joseph, God grants blessings to Potiphar's household. Things are going so well that Potiphar turns all affairs over to Joseph. Everything beyond menu choices was in Joseph's hands.
Now besides being a sharp dresser with that multi-colored coat, Joseph was also apparently a bit of a stud. Mrs. Potiphar takes notice and tries to seduce him. He resists and resists, saying that he has earned the trust of his master and will not sin against his God.
So when no one else is around, she grabs him by the cloak and tries to convince him to give in- but he leaves his cloak in her hands and takes off running. She's embarassed and decides to show him who wears the pants in their relationship. She tells the servants that he tried to force her to sleep with him and when she screamed, he took off leaving his cloak behind. She tells her husband the same story and he puts Joey in prison.
Once in prison he picks up where he left off, gaining the trust of those in charge. He was successful in all that he did and the warden trusted him.
Two big things for me. First- don't dance with temptation. If things seem to be too much to handle- leave your jacket behind and get out of Dodge. Sometimes the best way to deal with your weakness is to avoid it at all costs. Most men would have gladly taken what was offered.
Second, your reputation goes a long way. God's blessing in both situations here is in part or whole, influence. Joseph's superiors seemed to trust in both his character and his competence. Maybe the lesson here is live Godly lives and people will be more apt to trust you- but it's no guarantee that people won't cross you if your character gets in the way of what they want.
But even then...God's with you
Monday, July 24, 2006
Reasons to Avoid Judah's House at Holiday Time
Genesis 38
Judah leaves home and finds a Canaanite wife. I'm not sure of this was taboo for God's children at this time, but it doesn't turn out too well. He and Shua gave birth to a son appropriately named Er(r). He also has two more sons named Onan and Shelah.
So Judah finds Er a wife named Tamar - but Er was wicked in the Lord's sight and He puts him to death. I wonder what he would have had to do to be struck dead. Judah just sold off his brother into slavery and he lived to populate. Would Er's error have to be worse than that? Not necessarily, based on what happens later. Maybe the key is God's knowledge of the hearts of men.
So, with Er out of the picture- Judah tells Onan to do his brotherly duty and make some children with Tamar so his brother's line would continue. Onan's not too keen on the idea of making children for his brother, but he doesn't mind the sex, so he sleeps with Tamar, but pulls out and spills on the ground. God isn't happy, and Onan is put to death.
It's possible to view this as God being against birth control, but I think the displeasure comes more from Onan taking advantage of the situation and gratifying himself with his brother's wife purposefully failing at the supposed purpose of the union in the first place.
Judah is understandably distraught, and a little hesitant to send Shelah to a possible death sentence by setting up a union between he and Tamar. So he tells Tamar to go home to her father and when Shelah is old enough he'll come and follow through with his duty.
But Judah's definition of growing up doesn't seem to line up with Tamar's. Later on after Judah's wife has died, he heads to Timnah. Tamar, hearing about it, disguises herself as a prostitute (wearing a veil) and Judah is easy prey.
She asks what he's willing to part with and he offers a young goat. So she asks for a pledge until he sends the goat and he offers his seal and cord. Well Tamar gets pregnant, and when Judah sends the young goat the "prostitute" is not to be found.
But word gets out that Tamar has prostituted herself and has become pregnant. Judah decides to have her burned to death. Maybe he saw this as the solution to solving the whole Shelah problem. If she's dead, my son escapes the fate of his brothers.
When she's brought out she sends a message to Judah identifying the father of her children to-be as the owner of the cord and staff. This reads a lot like the Nathan and David story- Judah, you are the man (not in a good way). I think some of the shock value of this story comes from the whole father/daughter connection. But in a culture where marriage to your half-sister isn't taboo, it seems like a union between a father and widowed daughter-in-law isn't quite as icky. Icky, but not quite as icky. This situation certainly has circumstances that condemn Judah beyond that simple union.
So Judah is shamed and Tamar is spared and she has twins. As the first one exits her womb a midwife ties a scarlet thread to his wrist so they'll remember who's older- but he draws his hand back inside, and the other twin comes out first. This is a really weird story. The only thing I can think of is that this is an illustration of the principle Jesus later shares- "The first shall be last and the last shall be first."
Genesis 38
Judah leaves home and finds a Canaanite wife. I'm not sure of this was taboo for God's children at this time, but it doesn't turn out too well. He and Shua gave birth to a son appropriately named Er(r). He also has two more sons named Onan and Shelah.
So Judah finds Er a wife named Tamar - but Er was wicked in the Lord's sight and He puts him to death. I wonder what he would have had to do to be struck dead. Judah just sold off his brother into slavery and he lived to populate. Would Er's error have to be worse than that? Not necessarily, based on what happens later. Maybe the key is God's knowledge of the hearts of men.
So, with Er out of the picture- Judah tells Onan to do his brotherly duty and make some children with Tamar so his brother's line would continue. Onan's not too keen on the idea of making children for his brother, but he doesn't mind the sex, so he sleeps with Tamar, but pulls out and spills on the ground. God isn't happy, and Onan is put to death.
It's possible to view this as God being against birth control, but I think the displeasure comes more from Onan taking advantage of the situation and gratifying himself with his brother's wife purposefully failing at the supposed purpose of the union in the first place.
Judah is understandably distraught, and a little hesitant to send Shelah to a possible death sentence by setting up a union between he and Tamar. So he tells Tamar to go home to her father and when Shelah is old enough he'll come and follow through with his duty.
But Judah's definition of growing up doesn't seem to line up with Tamar's. Later on after Judah's wife has died, he heads to Timnah. Tamar, hearing about it, disguises herself as a prostitute (wearing a veil) and Judah is easy prey.
She asks what he's willing to part with and he offers a young goat. So she asks for a pledge until he sends the goat and he offers his seal and cord. Well Tamar gets pregnant, and when Judah sends the young goat the "prostitute" is not to be found.
But word gets out that Tamar has prostituted herself and has become pregnant. Judah decides to have her burned to death. Maybe he saw this as the solution to solving the whole Shelah problem. If she's dead, my son escapes the fate of his brothers.
When she's brought out she sends a message to Judah identifying the father of her children to-be as the owner of the cord and staff. This reads a lot like the Nathan and David story- Judah, you are the man (not in a good way). I think some of the shock value of this story comes from the whole father/daughter connection. But in a culture where marriage to your half-sister isn't taboo, it seems like a union between a father and widowed daughter-in-law isn't quite as icky. Icky, but not quite as icky. This situation certainly has circumstances that condemn Judah beyond that simple union.
So Judah is shamed and Tamar is spared and she has twins. As the first one exits her womb a midwife ties a scarlet thread to his wrist so they'll remember who's older- but he draws his hand back inside, and the other twin comes out first. This is a really weird story. The only thing I can think of is that this is an illustration of the principle Jesus later shares- "The first shall be last and the last shall be first."
Friday, July 21, 2006
Family Sale
Genesis 37:12-36
It seems that maybe the tattling wasn't totally Joseph's fault. Israel send's his favorite to go check on his brothers and report back to him. So not only is Joseph dad's favorite, he has condescending dreams, he evaluates their shepherding- plus, he doesn't even have to go out in the fields and work with them- at least not on this day. No wonder they couldn't stand him.
However, that doesn't come close to excusing what these guys do to him in this section. Joseph goes looking for them under dad's orders and they see him coming. They conspire to kill him and tell their dad that an animal has gotten him.
Reuben saves Joseph's life by convincing the brothers to throw him into a well instead - he planned to save him later and take him back to his dad. They steal the famous colored robe that his dad made for him and threw him in.
A band of Ishmaelites wander by and they (without Reuben) decide to get something for their trouble and sell him as a slave. After all, he is our flesh and blood. I tend to think that the chance to gain some money had as much to do with the decision as the desire to not shed family blood. If you're wondering how much a half-naked, obnoxious sibling went for at that time the answer is 8 ounces of silver.
Is this a foreshadowing of Jesus' betrayal? Being sold out for silver by those who should be close to him? And a metaphoric resurrection to come when they find out later that he's not dead.
Reuben is angry when he finds out what they've done but they still cover their tracks. Dip the coat in blood and take it back to dad. He buys it- and Joseph ends up being sold to Potiphar.
Lessson for me: You can't mess up God's plans. The brothers tried to thwart Joseph's dreams by rubbing him out or selling him off- but the dreams come true. We can't get in the way of what God wants to happen. And this is good news- all the pressure's off. If we work and try to fit into His plans, we can't mess it up- His will is accomplished no matter what.
Genesis 37:12-36
It seems that maybe the tattling wasn't totally Joseph's fault. Israel send's his favorite to go check on his brothers and report back to him. So not only is Joseph dad's favorite, he has condescending dreams, he evaluates their shepherding- plus, he doesn't even have to go out in the fields and work with them- at least not on this day. No wonder they couldn't stand him.
However, that doesn't come close to excusing what these guys do to him in this section. Joseph goes looking for them under dad's orders and they see him coming. They conspire to kill him and tell their dad that an animal has gotten him.
Reuben saves Joseph's life by convincing the brothers to throw him into a well instead - he planned to save him later and take him back to his dad. They steal the famous colored robe that his dad made for him and threw him in.
A band of Ishmaelites wander by and they (without Reuben) decide to get something for their trouble and sell him as a slave. After all, he is our flesh and blood. I tend to think that the chance to gain some money had as much to do with the decision as the desire to not shed family blood. If you're wondering how much a half-naked, obnoxious sibling went for at that time the answer is 8 ounces of silver.
Is this a foreshadowing of Jesus' betrayal? Being sold out for silver by those who should be close to him? And a metaphoric resurrection to come when they find out later that he's not dead.
Reuben is angry when he finds out what they've done but they still cover their tracks. Dip the coat in blood and take it back to dad. He buys it- and Joseph ends up being sold to Potiphar.
Lessson for me: You can't mess up God's plans. The brothers tried to thwart Joseph's dreams by rubbing him out or selling him off- but the dreams come true. We can't get in the way of what God wants to happen. And this is good news- all the pressure's off. If we work and try to fit into His plans, we can't mess it up- His will is accomplished no matter what.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Dreamer
Genesis 37:1-11
17 year old Joseph has visions of grandeur...literally. While everyone knows he's dad's favorite, he's definitely not the brother's favorite. In fact at the beginning of the chapter he tattles on his brothers after tending sheep with them.
It seems that Jacob/Israel is pretty up front with his feelings for Joseph. I wonder if Joseph knew he was the favorite- or if he knew how much his brothers resented him. If he did, he either didn't care or severely lacked social skills- because he goes on to tell them about a couple of dreams he has.
In the first, Joseph's sheaves of grain stand up and his brother's sheaves bow down to it. In the second, the sun, moon and eleven stars bow down to him. This one not only irritates his brothers but also dear ole dad who says"Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow down to the ground before you?" But- Jacob keeps "the matter in mind."
What does this say about the nature of dreams? Does God still use them in our lives to foreshadow events? Do we have these kinds of dreams and just not have the ability to interpret them? And why the foreshadowing here? What purpose does it serve for these events to be cued in our consciousness before they actually happen.
Lesson for me: Even the most annoying people have value in God's eyes. I think if Joseph was my little brother, I might not have sold him off, but he would have been the recipient of some pretty severe wedgies... and probably worse. But this is an imporatnt figure in the history of the lineage of Christ.
Maybe what I need to take is that the people who consistently annoy me may still be people important to tasks important to God. And that my seal of approval isn't what makes someone a good person.
Genesis 37:1-11
17 year old Joseph has visions of grandeur...literally. While everyone knows he's dad's favorite, he's definitely not the brother's favorite. In fact at the beginning of the chapter he tattles on his brothers after tending sheep with them.
It seems that Jacob/Israel is pretty up front with his feelings for Joseph. I wonder if Joseph knew he was the favorite- or if he knew how much his brothers resented him. If he did, he either didn't care or severely lacked social skills- because he goes on to tell them about a couple of dreams he has.
In the first, Joseph's sheaves of grain stand up and his brother's sheaves bow down to it. In the second, the sun, moon and eleven stars bow down to him. This one not only irritates his brothers but also dear ole dad who says"Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow down to the ground before you?" But- Jacob keeps "the matter in mind."
What does this say about the nature of dreams? Does God still use them in our lives to foreshadow events? Do we have these kinds of dreams and just not have the ability to interpret them? And why the foreshadowing here? What purpose does it serve for these events to be cued in our consciousness before they actually happen.
Lesson for me: Even the most annoying people have value in God's eyes. I think if Joseph was my little brother, I might not have sold him off, but he would have been the recipient of some pretty severe wedgies... and probably worse. But this is an imporatnt figure in the history of the lineage of Christ.
Maybe what I need to take is that the people who consistently annoy me may still be people important to tasks important to God. And that my seal of approval isn't what makes someone a good person.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
King Me
Genesis 36:31-40
Not much to report tonight. A list of the kings who ruled Edom- and a recap of Esau's lineage. Can you handle the excitement?
It seems like lots of war going on- kings followed by kings who aren't their offspring. It seems Edom was pretty unstable. I'm assuming that maybe these are kings over what became Edom since they aren't as far as I can tell Esau's kin.
The nicest moment of this section is the last sentence. "This was Esau the father of the Edomites." No, he wasn't the chosen one- but God still had his back.
BTW- I got a message from someone who found the blog and coincedentally is blogging the same stuff at the same time. At a cursory glance it looks pretty cool, so if you're wanting more, check out:
http://wondersforoyarsa.blogspot.com/2006/06/opening-theme-genesis-1-23.html
Genesis 36:31-40
Not much to report tonight. A list of the kings who ruled Edom- and a recap of Esau's lineage. Can you handle the excitement?
It seems like lots of war going on- kings followed by kings who aren't their offspring. It seems Edom was pretty unstable. I'm assuming that maybe these are kings over what became Edom since they aren't as far as I can tell Esau's kin.
The nicest moment of this section is the last sentence. "This was Esau the father of the Edomites." No, he wasn't the chosen one- but God still had his back.
BTW- I got a message from someone who found the blog and coincedentally is blogging the same stuff at the same time. At a cursory glance it looks pretty cool, so if you're wanting more, check out:
http://wondersforoyarsa.blogspot.com/2006/06/opening-theme-genesis-1-23.html
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Right Down the Line
Genesis 36:1-29
Another section of geneologies...yippee.
Esau marries Canaanites- Abdah, Oholibamah (which sounds like an ancient Jewish obscenity) and Basemath. Some of his children are referred to as "chiefs." Is this a reference to some tribal way of life prevalent during this time, or just a funky translation?
There is a quick mentioning of Anah: "This is the Anah who discovered the hot springs in the desert while he was grazing the donkeys of his father Zibeon." Ooooh, that Anah. Are we supposed to know this story- or is this a legendary tale that would have been known to the folks around when Moses penned the book? Are their any implications from this reference about what's intended for us and what's meant for folks of another time?
In another moment of deja vu from another earlier story, Esau and Jacob split up because they are too rich for one area. This time though, I'm struck with a positive vibe. Yes, Jacob was underhanded and stole the birthright and the blessing from his older brother- but the result seems to be minimal damage to the hairy one- he's too rich for the land he's on- and has quite a line of descendants of his own.
Maybe the lesson here is that God looks out for us when we've been cheated. Even when those benefit who shouldn't, even when we don't get what's coming to us (which is actually usually a good thing), God looks down and gives us what we need.
Not that there aren't people without, people in need, people who will never have their needs met in this life- but maybe God comforts us all in different ways. And even if we want more, His blessings abound if we look around and notice them.
Genesis 36:1-29
Another section of geneologies...yippee.
Esau marries Canaanites- Abdah, Oholibamah (which sounds like an ancient Jewish obscenity) and Basemath. Some of his children are referred to as "chiefs." Is this a reference to some tribal way of life prevalent during this time, or just a funky translation?
There is a quick mentioning of Anah: "This is the Anah who discovered the hot springs in the desert while he was grazing the donkeys of his father Zibeon." Ooooh, that Anah. Are we supposed to know this story- or is this a legendary tale that would have been known to the folks around when Moses penned the book? Are their any implications from this reference about what's intended for us and what's meant for folks of another time?
In another moment of deja vu from another earlier story, Esau and Jacob split up because they are too rich for one area. This time though, I'm struck with a positive vibe. Yes, Jacob was underhanded and stole the birthright and the blessing from his older brother- but the result seems to be minimal damage to the hairy one- he's too rich for the land he's on- and has quite a line of descendants of his own.
Maybe the lesson here is that God looks out for us when we've been cheated. Even when those benefit who shouldn't, even when we don't get what's coming to us (which is actually usually a good thing), God looks down and gives us what we need.
Not that there aren't people without, people in need, people who will never have their needs met in this life- but maybe God comforts us all in different ways. And even if we want more, His blessings abound if we look around and notice them.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Mourning Has Broken
Genesis 35: 16-29
Rachel has great difficulty in childbirth during the move. And as Benjamin is born, she passes away. She leaves her son with quite a gift, naming him "Ben-Oni" or "son of my trouble." Jacob has the good sense to change his name to "Benjamin," or "son of my right hand." Would the circumstances surrounding his birth have left a bitter taste in his father's mouth? Why is Joseph the favorite son when Benjamin also came from the womb of his favorite wife? It does seem that later on, when Joseph is far from home, Benjamin is at least second on Jacob's list.
How would Leah have reacted to the passing of her sister? Would there have been feelings of guilt? Remorse? Satisfaction? I'm not even sure that she's mentioned again. Poor Leah, always second- and whose death doesn't even warrant a mention- could she have already passed on at this point?
Reuben, always the model child, takes this opportunity to sleep with Jacob's concubine and wife, Bilhah. Is he motivated by bitterness at the lack of attention he receives as a son of the less favorite wife? Is it an act of defiance- or is this just old-fashioned lust overpowering him at an emotional time?
And what of Bilhah? Was her act due to a lack of attention as wife number three? Was she longing for compassion and passion that Jacob wouldn't give? Was the choice of Reuben one of spite- or was she too the victim of overpowering emotions? It could be that Reuben and Bilhah were actually closer in age than Bilhah and Jacob. Could this have been a factor?
Finally, the passing of Isaac at the age of 180. It's a nice footnote that Esau and Jacob, who have lived so long as enemies were able to come together in this time of mutual mourning and bury the old man together.
Maybe this section's message is that none of us are spared from heartache. God's chosen lineage still deal with the death of loved ones, the betrayal of those they trust and love, and an eventual meeting with death head on. And while that's a sobering thought, what's even more important is that these heartaches are temporary- and the reward is forever.
Genesis 35: 16-29
Rachel has great difficulty in childbirth during the move. And as Benjamin is born, she passes away. She leaves her son with quite a gift, naming him "Ben-Oni" or "son of my trouble." Jacob has the good sense to change his name to "Benjamin," or "son of my right hand." Would the circumstances surrounding his birth have left a bitter taste in his father's mouth? Why is Joseph the favorite son when Benjamin also came from the womb of his favorite wife? It does seem that later on, when Joseph is far from home, Benjamin is at least second on Jacob's list.
How would Leah have reacted to the passing of her sister? Would there have been feelings of guilt? Remorse? Satisfaction? I'm not even sure that she's mentioned again. Poor Leah, always second- and whose death doesn't even warrant a mention- could she have already passed on at this point?
Reuben, always the model child, takes this opportunity to sleep with Jacob's concubine and wife, Bilhah. Is he motivated by bitterness at the lack of attention he receives as a son of the less favorite wife? Is it an act of defiance- or is this just old-fashioned lust overpowering him at an emotional time?
And what of Bilhah? Was her act due to a lack of attention as wife number three? Was she longing for compassion and passion that Jacob wouldn't give? Was the choice of Reuben one of spite- or was she too the victim of overpowering emotions? It could be that Reuben and Bilhah were actually closer in age than Bilhah and Jacob. Could this have been a factor?
Finally, the passing of Isaac at the age of 180. It's a nice footnote that Esau and Jacob, who have lived so long as enemies were able to come together in this time of mutual mourning and bury the old man together.
Maybe this section's message is that none of us are spared from heartache. God's chosen lineage still deal with the death of loved ones, the betrayal of those they trust and love, and an eventual meeting with death head on. And while that's a sobering thought, what's even more important is that these heartaches are temporary- and the reward is forever.
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