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Summary: Abraham marries. He has children. Genealogy listed. Jacob and Esau are born. Esau sells his birthright to Jacob.
Personal Reflection: This is an interesting story to think about, but it gets more interesting as we get a little bit further into it (read the next several chapters). I often wonder if families today are really any more strange than families were back then. Abraham marries and has children when he is really old. These days we would consider a man Abraham's age marrying someone young enough to bear children really strange. I wonder if there was anything like that back then.
I wonder why it was that only Rebekah got the news that Jacob was to be served by Esau. In later chapters, it becomes apparent that Isaac doesn't really know that Jacob is supposed to be the birthright son.
I also often wonder what the events were around the selling of the birthright. It seems like it was probably a more complicated story than we are privy to. If it was just a trivial thing how would they still have the information. Or perhaps it's one of those stories that just happens to survive. Or maybe Jacob kept a journal. Or maybe the story was re-revealed by God.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Friday, December 5, 2008
Marriage
Since the last post was really a rewrite of a post I was supposed to write before, I thought I would post the short paper that I had to write for my Old Testament class about this chapter of scripture you'll find it (unedited) below.
I have had a lot of good examples of marriage (and family) in my life, and I count myself very lucky. In fact, it wasn't until I moved away from home that I really knew that I knew anybody who had really hard family experiences that could easily turn them away from the idea of marriage. Since then, I thought about marriage a lot, what makes a good marriage, and how I could do my utmost to add to the stability of my future marriage, but I never came to any particularly concrete conclusions. Mostly, I came to the realization that it couldn't be done alone and had to involve both partners equally to sustain such a marriage. So, I was really glad to see these insights.
Number one, for me, seemed self-explanatory. Marrying within in the covenant (another Latter-day Saint) seemed a foregone conclusion. To work strongly together, a couple must have the same foundation on which they are built. For example, if a house were built right on a fault line, it would have the tendency to shift and pull apart. I think that's a good analogy for why it is important to marry within the covenant.
I think one of the harder concepts for me, is the concept of making myself as attractive as possible. I can also see why this would be an important element. I sincerely believe that although the Lord looketh on the heart, we ought to make our outward appearance as reflective of our "inward parts" as possible, and in some ways they can't help but be inextricably connected since our mental, spiritual, and physical health are connected. However, my mother is a person very concerned with outward appearance. I am the only girl in the family, and I seem to have caught the brunt of that concern. When I was growing up, the arguments between my mother and me centered on four areas: my weight, my hair, my makeup, and my clothing. In all of these areas, as far as my mother was concerned, I fell short. This focus has caused me some to deal with some self-worth doubts. So when I feel that I ought to make a change in any of these areas of appearance, it is hard for me to know if it is truly a change that needs to be made, or if it is part of my early education about appearance. In other words, I am still working on finding the most attractive me.
All in all, though, I find it comforting that God has promised to guide the process, and that he is involved in this very important decision. Most of the process seems to be, really, a fulfillment of the covenant between God and man. We promise to remember God (e.g. pray for his spirit, try to involve him), he promises that we will always have his spirit to be with us (e.g. miracles will occur, the spirit will bear witness of the rightness of the choice), and our choices will have bearing on future generations.
I have had a lot of good examples of marriage (and family) in my life, and I count myself very lucky. In fact, it wasn't until I moved away from home that I really knew that I knew anybody who had really hard family experiences that could easily turn them away from the idea of marriage. Since then, I thought about marriage a lot, what makes a good marriage, and how I could do my utmost to add to the stability of my future marriage, but I never came to any particularly concrete conclusions. Mostly, I came to the realization that it couldn't be done alone and had to involve both partners equally to sustain such a marriage. So, I was really glad to see these insights.
Number one, for me, seemed self-explanatory. Marrying within in the covenant (another Latter-day Saint) seemed a foregone conclusion. To work strongly together, a couple must have the same foundation on which they are built. For example, if a house were built right on a fault line, it would have the tendency to shift and pull apart. I think that's a good analogy for why it is important to marry within the covenant.
I think one of the harder concepts for me, is the concept of making myself as attractive as possible. I can also see why this would be an important element. I sincerely believe that although the Lord looketh on the heart, we ought to make our outward appearance as reflective of our "inward parts" as possible, and in some ways they can't help but be inextricably connected since our mental, spiritual, and physical health are connected. However, my mother is a person very concerned with outward appearance. I am the only girl in the family, and I seem to have caught the brunt of that concern. When I was growing up, the arguments between my mother and me centered on four areas: my weight, my hair, my makeup, and my clothing. In all of these areas, as far as my mother was concerned, I fell short. This focus has caused me some to deal with some self-worth doubts. So when I feel that I ought to make a change in any of these areas of appearance, it is hard for me to know if it is truly a change that needs to be made, or if it is part of my early education about appearance. In other words, I am still working on finding the most attractive me.
All in all, though, I find it comforting that God has promised to guide the process, and that he is involved in this very important decision. Most of the process seems to be, really, a fulfillment of the covenant between God and man. We promise to remember God (e.g. pray for his spirit, try to involve him), he promises that we will always have his spirit to be with us (e.g. miracles will occur, the spirit will bear witness of the rightness of the choice), and our choices will have bearing on future generations.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Genesis 24:
Summary: Abraham commands his servant to find a wife for Isaac who is of the covenant. The servant travels to a certain town. He prays for the Lord to send the person who should marry Isaac, and to have her water his ten camels so that he will recognize her. Rebekah shows up and waters his camels. He tells her his mission. She takes the servant to meet her family. They want her to stay a little while, but the servant says they need to leave. Rebekah agrees with the servant, and they leave. Isaac marries Rebekah.
Personal Reflections: I’m not in the habit of doing this anymore. I realize it’s coming up on a month now since I last posted. My short hiatus turned out rather longer than I had expected it to. That’s what happens when you decide to write 150 pages in two weeks and also have finals going on, then go on a two week vacation without internet access. When you get back you realize just how behind you’ve fallen on your goal. But I promise to repent and refocus.
It seems to me like this chapter gets talked about a lot. It is an amazing story of work and of faith. Rebekah is a hard worker; that much is clear. No one in his right mind would want to water ten thirsty camels. I don’t want to quote a number, but camels drink a lot of water especially if they’ve been going through the desert and are thirsty, which these camels would have been. Nahor isn’t just a short jaunt down the road from where the servant started out.
Also, Rebekah is a great example of faith. If it had been me, I would have wanted to stay at home with my family, at least for a short time. I would want to prepare myself for whatever might be coming. Rebekah had enough faith to go with the servant immediately.
Finally, I think it’s really cute that Rebekah “lighted off the camel” when she saw Isaac. I like that picture of her being so excited to meet Isaac and wanting to prepare herself.
My Old Testament teacher says that he thinks this chapter is a great example of the principles that should guide our courtship and marriage practices and how we should prepare for marriage. Perhaps, if we are already married, we can think of this chapter as a guide to qualities that will make our marriages happier and better.
(The original Post Below)
Summary: Abraham commands that Isaac shall not marry a Canaanite—The Lord guides Abraham’s servant in choosing Rebekah as a wife for Isaac—Rebekah blessed to be the mother of thousands of millions—She marries Isaac.
Personal Reflection: Guzik.
Note: I suppose if I always point you to Guzik you'll stop reading me, but I'll use him as a stop-gap for now. Busy night.
Personal Reflections: I’m not in the habit of doing this anymore. I realize it’s coming up on a month now since I last posted. My short hiatus turned out rather longer than I had expected it to. That’s what happens when you decide to write 150 pages in two weeks and also have finals going on, then go on a two week vacation without internet access. When you get back you realize just how behind you’ve fallen on your goal. But I promise to repent and refocus.
It seems to me like this chapter gets talked about a lot. It is an amazing story of work and of faith. Rebekah is a hard worker; that much is clear. No one in his right mind would want to water ten thirsty camels. I don’t want to quote a number, but camels drink a lot of water especially if they’ve been going through the desert and are thirsty, which these camels would have been. Nahor isn’t just a short jaunt down the road from where the servant started out.
Also, Rebekah is a great example of faith. If it had been me, I would have wanted to stay at home with my family, at least for a short time. I would want to prepare myself for whatever might be coming. Rebekah had enough faith to go with the servant immediately.
Finally, I think it’s really cute that Rebekah “lighted off the camel” when she saw Isaac. I like that picture of her being so excited to meet Isaac and wanting to prepare herself.
My Old Testament teacher says that he thinks this chapter is a great example of the principles that should guide our courtship and marriage practices and how we should prepare for marriage. Perhaps, if we are already married, we can think of this chapter as a guide to qualities that will make our marriages happier and better.
(The original Post Below)
Summary: Abraham commands that Isaac shall not marry a Canaanite—The Lord guides Abraham’s servant in choosing Rebekah as a wife for Isaac—Rebekah blessed to be the mother of thousands of millions—She marries Isaac.
Personal Reflection: Guzik.
Note: I suppose if I always point you to Guzik you'll stop reading me, but I'll use him as a stop-gap for now. Busy night.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Genesis 23:
Summary: Sarah dies at the age of 127. Abraham buys a field and cave to bury Sarah in.
Personal Reflection: Okay, I don't have too much to say here. David Guzik gives us some interesting insight into Sarah's character in general. There are a couple of things he brings up that I want to emphasize. First, the manner in which Abraham and Ephron interact is very Arab today. The land is offered as a gift, Abraham names a price, and Ephron names a different price.
Also, Guzik doesn't mention this, but it is important that Abraham buys the land and doesn't accept it as a gift. Because he buys it, he owns it and it won't be given to Ephron's sons after Ephron's death.
Note: Phew. I was glad to have a break today. Back into more great stuff tomorrow.
Personal Reflection: Okay, I don't have too much to say here. David Guzik gives us some interesting insight into Sarah's character in general. There are a couple of things he brings up that I want to emphasize. First, the manner in which Abraham and Ephron interact is very Arab today. The land is offered as a gift, Abraham names a price, and Ephron names a different price.
Also, Guzik doesn't mention this, but it is important that Abraham buys the land and doesn't accept it as a gift. Because he buys it, he owns it and it won't be given to Ephron's sons after Ephron's death.
Note: Phew. I was glad to have a break today. Back into more great stuff tomorrow.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Genesis 22: Sacrifice
Summary: Abraham is commanded by the Lord to sacrifice his son Isaac on Mount Moriah (traditionally the mountain where the Jew's temple stood, and where the Dome of the Rock stands today). Abraham and Isaac journey to Mount Moriah. Abraham's hand is stayed by an angel of the Lord before he can actually sacrifice Isaac. The Lord provides a ram to be sacrificed in Isaac's place. The Lord's renews his promise of infinite posterity. Abraham and Isaac return. The Lord tells Abraham that his brother has had children.
Personal Reflection: This chapter is really full of good stuff. Let me link you immediately to David Guzik, and to the LDS Institute Manual.
I talked about Christ types a few chapters back. This experience may be the greatest and most detailed Christ-type in all of scripture:
Sacrifice is a representation of the atonement of Christ.
vs. 2 "thine only son" Abraham had more than one son. Christ was the "only begotten."
vs. 2 "Isaac, whom thou lovest" Christ is referred to as the "beloved son."
vs. 2 Mt. Moriah is in Jerusalem, and is near the place where Christ is crucified.
vs.4-5 There is a pause before Abraham and Isaac ascend Mt. Moriah. Jesus pauses before entering Jerusalem (Matt. 21:1-5).
vs. 5 Isaac carries the wood for his sacrifice. Jesus carries the cross.
vs. 8 "God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering" Christ is the lamb that is provided.
vs. 9 Isaac doesn't resist. He would have been able to overpower his centenarian father. Christ doesn't resist. He could have called on the powers of the hosts of heaven, but he doesn't.
vs. 13 The ram is offered in the stead of Isaac. Christ is offered in the stead of Isaac.
vs. 14 "In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen." An alternate translation could be "In a mount the Lord shall be manifest," referring to Christ.
Think of the faith that it must have taken for Abraham to be willing to sacrifice the son through whom the promises of the Lord was supposed to be fulfilled. Abraham must have known that it was through Christ that Isaac's resurrection was possible.
Guzik brings up the point that in the chapter just previous to this one, Ishmael is sent away, and then in this chapter the Lord asks for Isaac's life. I don't know quite what the implications are of that, but it does seem interesting, and could provide food for thought.
I think that it is significant that the Lord once again renews his promise. The Lord will always bless us with a witness of the spirit after we overcome trials in our life.
Finally, I like that the Lord tells Abraham that his brother has had children. Way back in the day, there wasn't even really mail. The Lord knew that Abraham would want to have that information and be able to rejoice. Also, knowing about Nahor's family set the stage for future events to occur as Abraham sends for a wife for Isaac.
Note: I am really glad I had this chapter on a Saturday so I had time to really flesh out my commentary. There is much more that could be said, but I'll leave it for another time.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Genesis 21:
Summary: Sarah bears Isaac—He is circumcised—Promises to Abraham preserved through Isaac—Hagar and her son cast out of Abraham’s household—The Lord saves Hagar and Ishmael—Abraham and Abimelech deal honorably with each other.
Personal Reflections: It's late at night, but here's what I think. Once again, we have a situation brought about by mistakes on both sides. The Lord is looking out for everyone though.
Personal Reflections: It's late at night, but here's what I think. Once again, we have a situation brought about by mistakes on both sides. The Lord is looking out for everyone though.
Isaac is born. I like that his name means "he laughs" which mirrors Sarah's disbelieving laughter when told she would bear a son, and also shows the joy that Isaac brought to his parents. This also reminds me of a conference talk from October of this year where Joseph B. Wirthlin said that one of the keys to surviving rough times is to laugh. I like to think that Isaac had a really good sense of humor. Maybe as we go throughout talking about Isaac, I'll try to see if I can catch glimpses of it.
Okay, this is a hard chapter. I can't find much LDS commentary on it. The only conference talk that refers to the hard part of the chapter (the part about Hagar and Ishmael being forced to leave) was given in 1995 by Aileen H. Clyde who was second counselor in the General Relief Society presidency, and she doesn't mention who threw Hagar out or why, only the fact that the Lord provided for Hagar in the desert.
I'll link you to David Guzik's commentary, because it's very comprehensive about the matter. I don't agree with a couple things, however. First, did the Lord really agree that Hagar needed to be dismissed from the camp only to appear to her in the desert? I don't know if I believe that Hagar deserves the treatment she gets, no matter what Guzik thinks. If you have any thoughts on the matter, I'd surely appreciate them, as I'm a bit stumped.
I do like the fact that the Lord is still looking out for Hagar. This could mean two different things. Either the Lord looks out for even his wayward children. Or, the Lord is looking out for his righteous children even when unfair and terrible things happen to them. You can look at it either way, depending on what role you see Hagar filling.
Finally, in this chapter there is a treaty signed between Abraham and Abimelech (the same one?) about a well of water. This well came to be known as Beer-Sheba, which means "well of the oath" or "well of seven" (like the lambs that were given as a token of the covenant). Don't let the mention of "grove" fool you in this verse. Abraham didn't make a shrine to Ashtoreth (which is what this term usually signifies) this word is translated from 'eshel which is translated as "tree" elsewhere in scripture, not 'asherah which is the name of the main goddess of the Canaanites.
This account shows that Abraham was a great statesman. Interestingly, Abraham was allowed to interact with many more of the peoples of his time. Later, Israel would be commanded to get rid of the Canaanites.
Note: I am so sorry about how pitiful this post is. It came down to a matter of trying to juggle too many things at the same time. Some day I will come back to this post and fix it, because honestly there is a lot going on here.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Genesis 20: Deja vu
Summary: Abraham leaves the land in which he is living. He introduces Sarah in the next place they stay as his sister. Abimilech takes her into his Harem. Abimilech is visited in a dream and told that he is a dead man. He protests that his heart is pure; he didn't know Sarah was Abraham's wife. He returns Sarah to Abraham, rebukes him for saying she was his sister, and gives Abraham gifts. Abraham prays for Abimilech.
Personal Reflection: See my Genesis 12 entry for a more complete discussion of the some of the points in this chapter.
Mostly what I want to say about this chapter is that I think Abimilech is an awesome person. I think we should say more about him. He was a really good guy. He didn't know that Sarah was Abraham's wife, and when he found out, he made the right decision. I think Abimilech is one of coolest non-Israelites in the whole of scripture.
One question that could be asked in this chapter is "Why is Abraham traveling around again?" I'm not sure of the answer to that question. David Guzik suggests that it may be because he doesn't want to live overlooking the destroyed cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Personal Reflection: See my Genesis 12 entry for a more complete discussion of the some of the points in this chapter.
Mostly what I want to say about this chapter is that I think Abimilech is an awesome person. I think we should say more about him. He was a really good guy. He didn't know that Sarah was Abraham's wife, and when he found out, he made the right decision. I think Abimilech is one of coolest non-Israelites in the whole of scripture.
One question that could be asked in this chapter is "Why is Abraham traveling around again?" I'm not sure of the answer to that question. David Guzik suggests that it may be because he doesn't want to live overlooking the destroyed cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.
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