Laziness is a something you feel when you don’t feel like doing something you’re supposed to do or someone is inviting you to do. It may be as simple as doing your homework, cleaning the kitchen or even going out to the movies. It may happen sometimes if you’re not naturally lazy and for many, people just blame the biorhythm, let it happen, and pick up themselves the next day or two. For others, though, who are naturally lazy, that’s a different story and something has to be done or it will be a casualty for life.

Regardless, what does the Bible say about laziness?

(I’m using the King James Version but I’ll write translations of certain common words like: thee=you, thou=you, art=are, runneth=runs, thy=your, etc, for it to be easily understood by those used to the modern English language.)

Proverbs 6:6-11

Go to the ant, you sluggard, consider her ways, and be wise;

Which have no guide, overseer, or ruler,

Provides her meat in the sumer, and gathers her food in the harvest.

How long will you sleep, O sluggard? When will you rise out of your sleep?

Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep;

So shall your poverty come as one that travels, and your want as an armed man

Proverbs 10:4-5

He becomes poor that deals with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent makes rich.

He that gathers in summer is a wise son: but he that sleeps in harvest is a son that causes shame.

Ephesians 5:15-16

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,

Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

I Thessalonians 4:11-12

And that you study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

That you may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that you may have lack of nothing.

2 Thessalonians 3:6-15

Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother that walks disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

For yourselves know how you ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;

Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nothing; but wrought with labor and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:

Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an example unto you to follow us.

For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

For we hear there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.

Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ with quietness they work eat their own bread.

But you, brethren, be not weary in well doing.

And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.

Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Has the Bible been preserved accurately?

There are language differences; the Bible has not been translated into English until the 14th century…but did it change until then?

Does it still constitute the same inspired words written by the prophets and the apostles?

What does the historical records show?

Has the Old Testament been accurately preserved?

Old Testament = Hebrew, written approximately between 1446 to 400BC…some 25-35 centuries ago.

Romans 3:2 - unto the Jews were the oracles of God committed.

The manuscripts of the Bible we have today were written meticulously by hand long ago from generation to generation, which care was perpetuated by the Masoretes, a special group of Jewish scribes, who were entrusted the making of copies of the Hebrew Bible which is now known as the Masoretic Text (AD 500 to 900).

Books of the Old Testament

About AD 90, Jewish elders meeting in the Council at Jamnia affirmed that the canon (the set of writings acknowledged as being divinely inspired) of the Jewish Bible was complete and authoritative.

There were only 22 books (we have 39) but that is so because certain books like Joshua and Judges were written in the same scroll, so as 1 and 2 Samuel, Kings and Chronicles…but the content is the same.

Textual Criticism

It is the field of study in which experts compare the various existing manuscripts with one another, seeking which is nearest to the original writing. The original manuscripts are called “autographs” which no longer exist today.

Over the centuries, minor differences which are called “variants” often make their way into successive copies of handwritten documents, still with the greatest care of the scribes involved…the reason why textual criticism exists especially during the period before 1455. The invention of printing press have done away with the variants due to the predictable accuracy of the printing.

When the Dead Sea Scrolls were found, over a thousand years older than the oldest Masoretic Text we have today (the Leningrad Codex, dating AD 1008), the examination resulted to a few minor, insignificant differences.

New Testament

Though no autographs were found, the New Testament manuscripts (written in Greek) are a lot more in existence today in various antiquity and location.

The New Testament documents have more manuscripts than the 10 best classical literature combined, with 5,700 hand-written Greek and more than 9,000 in other languages. Some nearly 15,000 are complete Bibles, others are books or pages and a few are fragments. Next closest is Iliad by Homer with only 643 manuscripts.

Time gap between the copy from the original has the New Testament the shortest, having only 25 years or even less. Next is the Iliad, with 500 years and most ancient works have 1,000 years or more.

“… The early church fathers—men of the second and third centuries such as Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria, Origen, Tertullian, and others—quoted the New Testament so much (36,289 times, to be exact) that all but eleven verses of the New Testament can be reconstructed just from their quotations … So we not only have thousands of manuscripts but thousands of quotations from those manuscripts” (Norman Geisler and Frank Turek, I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist, 2004, pp. 225-228).

Sir Frederic Kenyon, authority on ancient manuscripts, sums up the status of the New Testament this way: “It cannot be too strongly asserted that in substance the text of the Bible is certain: Especially is this the case with the New Testament. The number of manuscripts of the New Testament, of early translations from it, and of quotations from it in the oldest writers of the Church, is so large that it is practically certain that the true reading of every doubtful passage is preserved in some one or other of these ancient authorities. This can be said of no other ancient book in the world” (Our Bible and the Ancient Manuscripts, revised by A.W. Adams, 1958, p. 23).

Dealing with different translations

God is ultimately responsible in preserving His Word. Originally written in Hebrew and Greek, the English and other translations sometimes lose the original concept precisely. Some versions have their strength over the others but God promises to guide, through His Holy Spirit (John 16:13).

He also provides an educted, trained ministry to explain His Word clearly and accurately for the edification and instruction of those He has called (Ephesians 4:11-16; 2 Timothy 4:1-4).

The New King James Version usually best serve to show the gospel message as clear as possible.

We must make sure to read it, study it, treasure it and put it into practice in our lives.

Vengeance and retribution belong to Me. Their foot shall slide in time, for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come on them make haste.

Ps. 94:1

O God of vengence, Jehovah, the God of vengeance, shine forth!

Prov. 25:21-22

If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, for you shall heap coals of fire upon his head, and Jehovah shall reward you.

Mt. 5:38-42

You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.” But I say unto you, Do not resist evil. But whoever shall strike you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.  And to him desiring to sue you, and to take your tunic, let him have your coat also. And whoever shall compel you to go a mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and you shall not turn away from him who would borrow from you.

Rom. 12:17-21

Repay no one evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as far as isin you, being in peace with all men. Not avenging yourselves, beloved, but giving place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Therefore if your enemy hungers, feed him. If he thirsts, give him drink. For in so doing you shall heap coals of fire on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

1 Thes. 5:15

See that none gives evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue the good, both towards one another and towards all.

1 Pet. 3:8-19

And finally, all be of one mind, having compassion on one another, loving the brothers, tenderhearted, friendly. Never give back evil for evil, or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, giving blessing, knowing that you are called to this so that you might inherit blessing. For he that wants to love life and to see good days, let him restrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking guile. Let him turn aside from evil and do good. Let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears open to their prayers. But the Lord’s face is against those who do evil. And who is the one who will harm you if you become imitators of the good? But if you also suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. And do not fear their fear, nor be troubled, but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and be ready always to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason of the hope in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that while they speak against you as evildoers they may be ashamed, those falsely accusing your good behavior in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God wills it, to suffer for well-doing than for evil-doing. For Christ also once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, indeed being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the Spirit; in which also He went and preached to the spirits in prison.

(MKJV)

“If my people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; thenwill I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

Ps. 103:8-12

“The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

“He will not always chide: neither will He keep His anger forever.

“He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

“For as the heaven is high above the earth, great is His mercy toward them that fear Him.

“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us.”

Jer. 31:334

“And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know Me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”

Luke 15:3-7

“And He spake this parable unto them, saying,

“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after than which is lost, until he find it?

“And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

“And when he cometh home, he calleth together friends and neighbors, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

“I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.”

Acts 10:43

“To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins.”

Eph. 1:7

“In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace;”

1 John 1:9

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to clease us from all unrighteousness.”

“For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.”

Jer. 31:3-4a

“The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

“Again I will build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel: thou shalt again be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry.”

Matt. 10:30-31

“But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

“Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrow.”

John 3:16

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

John 15:9

“As the Father hath loved Me, so have I loved you: continue ye in My love.”

John 15:13

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

1 John 4:9

“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.”

“And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise Thee: though Thou wast angry with me, Thine anger is turned away, and Thou comfortedst me.

“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; He also is become my salvation.

“Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.

“And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon His name, declare His doings among the people, make mention that His name is exalted.

“Sing unto the LORD; for He hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.

“Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.”

Isa. 40:1-11

“Comfort ye, comfort ye My people, saith your God.

“Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received for the LORD’s hand double of her sins.

“The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

“Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain:

“And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

“The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field.

“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the poeople is grass.

“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

“O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God.

“Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and His arm shall rule for Him: behold, His reward is with Him, and His work before Him.

“He shall feed His flock like a shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.”

Jer. 31:10-13

“Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him as a shepherd doth his flock.

“For the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he.

“Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the LORD, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.

“Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together: for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow.”

2 Cor. 1:3-7

“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

“Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

“For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

“And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.

“And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.”

2 Cor. 7:6-13

“Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus.

“And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.

“For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season.

“Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.

“For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

“For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

“Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.

“Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.”

As what had actually happened, I’ve skipped to other subjects but did not blog about it because it was not a continuity to the previous post. This time I’ll be adding categories that don’t necessarily continue from the previous post but are all biblical so they are still linked.

My new KJV Wide-Margin Large Print Bible arrived a week ago. It’s hardbound and I’ve made its new casing. One of its features is a list of God’s Promises which I’d like to share with you.

In conclusion, I still would like to be spontaneous about what I’d like to post but of course all will be biblical.

With that, I leave with you what Christ said in Matthew 4:4…It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. (He actually quoted Deut. 8:3 to counter Satan.)

Download mp3

Intro was a question about Terah’s belief (who he served), henotheism.

Gen. 28:10 Jacob went eastward from Beer-sheba to Haran.

:11 he went to a certain place and stayed all night because the sun was set; and he took stones to make as pillows and slept.

:12 he dreamed of a ladder set up on the earth and the top reached to heaven and the angels of God ascending and descending on it.

:13 and the LORD stood above it and said: “I am the LORD God of Abraham your father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon you lie, to you will I give it, and to your seed;

:14 “And your seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in you and in your seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.

:15 “And, behold, I am with you, and will keep you in all places where you go, and will bring you again into this land; for I will not leave you, until I have done that which I have spoken to you of.”

:16 Jacob awoke out of his sleep and said, “Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not.”

:17 it was the house of God

:18 Jacob rose up early, set up the stone for a pillar and poured oil on top of it

:19 he called that place Bethel (house of God) but the place was called Luz before.

:20 And Jacob made a vow that if God will be with him and protect him and provide for him food and clothing

:21 so that he could be back to his father’s house in peace, then the LORD be his God

:22 and the stone he set as a pillar shall be God’s house: and that all that God will give him, he will tithe.

2nd time tithe was mentioned (Gen. 14 was the first when Abraham tithed).

Gen. 29:1 Jacob went on his journey to the east

:2 and behold he saw flocks of sheep by the well with a great stone on the well’s mouth

:3 and there all the flocks gathered: they rolled the stone to get water for the sheep and put the stone back

:4 he asked the people where they are from and they answered, from Haran.

:5 He asked if they knew Laban for which they said they did.

:6 He asked how is he and they said he is well and that his daughter Rachel comes to the well with the sheep (Rachel, a shepherdess).

:7-8 Jacob suggested they water the sheep and feed them since it was yet early but they said they could not until all are gathered.

:9 Rachel arrived with her sheep

:10 When Jacob saw Rachel, the daughter of Laban, Rebekah’s brother, that Jacob went near and rolled the stone from the well’s mouth and water the flock of Laban.

:11 and Jacob kissed Rachel and lifted up his voice and wept

:12 and Jacob told rachel how they are related (Rachel’s father Laban is the brother of Jacob’s mother Rebekah); and Rachel ran to tell his father.

:13 when Laban heard of it, he welcomed Jacob and embraced and kissed him and brouht him to his house.

:14 Laban acknowledged him as his relative and Jacob stayed with him a month.

:15 Laban suggested to pay Jacob’s wages and not take Jacob’s serving for free because he is a relative.

:16 Laban had two daughters, the elder was Leah, and the younger, Rachel.

:17 Leah was tender eyed but Rachel was beautiful and well favored.

Gen. 39:6 Joseph inherited the eyes of Rachel

:18 Jacob loved Rachel and told Laban he will serve him 7 years for Rachel to be his wife.

:19 Laban agreed to give him to Jacob than to another man so he let Jacob abide with him longer.

:20 Jacob served 7 years for which it seemed short for he loved Rachel

:21 and Jacob asked Laban to pay his wage (Rachel to be his wife) for the days are fulfilled.

:22 Laban made a feast (mishteh, several used in the book of Esther)

:23 but Laban took Leah and brought it to Jacob

:24 he also gave Zilpah to be her handmade

:25 When morning came Jacob was surprised it was Leah and confronted Laban

:26 Laban gave the excuse that it must not be so that the younger be given before the firstborn

:27 Laban told Jacob to fulfill her week and for another 7 years of service he will give Rachel.

:28 And Jacob did so and got Rachel.

:29 And Laban gave to her Bilhah to be her handmaid.

God tolerated the polygamy but always preferred that a man has one wife (Mal. 2:15)

Gen. 29:30 Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah and served Laban yet another 7 years.

:31 When the LORD saw that Leah was hated, He opened her womb and closed Rachel’s.

:32  Leah conceived and bore Reuben (Behold, a son) - Reuben associated with France

:33 Second son was Simeon (literally, heard) - Simeon is dispersed and has no modern nationality

:34 Third son Levi, and said, “Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born him three sons.” (Levi: attached) - ended up not having land for inheritance because of being a priestly tribe

:35 Fourth was Judah (praise) - progenitor of the Jewish people.

Gen. 30:1 Rachel demanded children from Jacob, envying Leah.

:2 Jacob’s anger kindled against Rachel and said, “Am I in God’s stead, who has withheld from you the fruit of your womb?”

:3 Rachel gave to him Bilhah so she may have children by her

:4 and Jacob went into her

:5 Bilhah conceived and bore a son

:6 and named him Dan (judge, judgment) - associated with Denmark or Ireland perhaps (not doctrinal statement)

:7 Bilhan conceived again and bore a 2nd son

:8 named him Naphtali (my wrestlings) - identified with Sweden

:9 When Leah saw that she stopped bearing, she gave her handmaid Zilpah to Jacob to wife

:10 and Zilpah bore a son

:11 and named him Gad (troop) - Switzerland

:12-13 and a 2nd son Asher (happy) - Belgium and Luxembourg.

:14 Reuben found mandrakes (aphrodisiac, fertility herb) in the field and Rachel asked for some from Leah

:15 Leah countered, “Is it a small matter that took my husband and would you take away my son’s mandrake also?” And Rachel assured her that Jacob will lie with Leah that night in exchange of Reuben’s mandrakes.

:16 Jacob coming from the field, Leah went out to meet him and told him that he must lay with her for she hired him in exchange of her son’s mandrakes.

:17 God hearkened unto Leah and bore a 5th son.

:18 named him Issachar (hire) - associated with Finland

:19 and bore a 6th son

:20 named him Zebulun (dwelling) - associated with Netherlands or Holland

:21 afterwards bore a daughter, Dinah

:22 God remembered Rachel and opened her womb

:23-24 and bore Joseph (He will add) - father of Ephraim and Manasseh (progenitors of the English-speaking nations: US (Manasseh) and British commonwealth (Ephraim))

:25 When Joseph was born, Jacob asked Laban to send him (Jacob) away to go to his own place.

:26 he asked his wives and let him go for Laban knew of his service he had done

:27 but Laban asked him to stay longer and acknowledged that God had blessed him through Jacob

:28 and offered Jacob to tell what his wages would be

:29-30 and Jacob made him realize that Laban’s cattle were little when Jacob came and now it increased to a multitude and wished to provide for his own house

:31Laban asked what he should give but Jacob said he will give nothing

:32 instead, he will pass through all the flock removing the speckled and spotted and brown (all blemished) cattle among the sheep and goats for his hire.

:33 so when it happens that there is one not blemished in his flock that it be counted stolen by Jacob

:34 and Laban agreed

:35 and Jacob removed that day all the blemished (brown, spotted and speckled) cattle and handed them to his sons

:36 Laban set 3 days journey between him and Jacob: and Jacob fed the rest of Laban’s flocks.

:37 Jacob took him rods of green poplar and hazel (perhaps almond) and chestnut tree and peeled white streaks in them and made the white appear which was in the rods.

:38 he set the peeled rods before the flocks in the gutters in the watering troughs when the flocks came to drink, that they should conceive when they came to drink.

:39 and the flocks conceived and brought forth cattle ringstreaked, speckled and spotted.

:40 Jacob did separate the lambs and set the faces of the flocks toward the ringstreaked, and all the brown in the flock of Laban and he put his own flocks by themselves

:41Whenever the stronger cattle conceived, he laid the rods before the eyes of the cattle

:42 but when the cattle were feeble, he did not put the rods; so the feeble ones for Laban and the stronger ones for Jacob.

Jacob the trickster did it again and God allowed it.

:43 and Jacob increased exceedingly, and had much cattle, and maidservants, and menservants, and camels, and asses.

Gen. 31:1 Jacob heard Laban’s sons saying that he had taken all that is their father’s

:2 and saw the countenance of Laban and it was unlike before

:3 and the LORD told him to return unto his kindred

:4 so Jacob called both wives

:5 and explained that Laban’s countenance changed

:6 and that he did everything to serve him

:7 yet Laban deceived him and changed his wages ten times but God did not allow Laban to hurt him

:8 that if Laban said the speckled will be his wages, then the cattle bore speckled; and if ringstreaked, the cattle bore ringstreaked.

:9 thus God had taken away the cattle of Laban and given unto Jacob.

:10 and it came to pass at the time that the cattle conceived, that he lifted up his eyes and saw in a dream, rams which leaped upon the cattle were ringstreaked, speckled and grizzled.

:11 and the Angel of God called him in a dream and he responded

:12 and He said, “Lift up now your eyes, and see, all the rams which leap upon the cattle are ringstreaked, speckled, and grizzled: for I have seen all that Laban does unto you.

:13 “I am God of Bethel where you anointed the pillar, and where you vowed a vow unto Me: now arise, get you out from this land, and return unto the land of your kindred.”

:14 Rachel and Leah asked if there is any inheritance for them in their father’s house

:15 since they are counted as strangers since he sold them to Jacob and Laban had spent all their money

:16 for all the riches that God has taken from their father is theirs and their children’s so they told Jacob that whatever God told him, that he must do.

:17 Then Jacob rose up and set his sons and his wives upon camels

:18 and he carried all his cattle and goods towards his father Isaac in the land of Canaan.

:19 While Laban was away to shear his sheep, Rachel stole the images that were her father’s.

:20 and Jacob fled not letting Laban know

:21 and passed over the river and set his face toward the mount of Gilead.

:22 Laban was told only on the third day

:23 and took his brethren with him and pursued Jacob for seven days and they overtook him in the mount of Gilead.

:24 and God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night and warned not to speak good or bad of Jacob

:25 and Laban overtook Jacob and pitched tent at Gilead.

:26 Laban confronted Jacob that he fled without letting him know

:27 and fled secretly; why he did not tell Laban that he might have sent him away with mirth, songs, tabret, and with harp?

:28 why he was not allowed to kiss his sons and daughters goodbye…that Jacob had done foolishly

:29 he told Jacob that it was in his power to hurt him but the God of Jacob’s father spoke to him warning him not to speak of Jacob good or bad.

:30 and Laban accused Jacob of stealing his gods.

:31 Jacob said he was afraid to tell Laban they were leaving because he might take his wives by force

:32 but for the stolen gods, Jacob told Laban to search freely and whatever he finds that is his he can take back. Jacob knew not that Rachel had his father’s gods.

:33 Laban went into Jacob’s, Leah’s and Rachel’s tents but found nothing.

:34 Rachel hid the images in the camel’s furniture and sat upon them.

:35 and she told her father that she cannot rise up as the custom of women was upon her (menstrual period)

:36 Jacob chided with Laban and was wroth, “What is my trespass? What is my sin, that you have so hotly pursued after me?

:37 “You have searched all my stuff, what have you found of all your household stuff? Set it before my brethren and your brethren, that they may judge between us both.”

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Birthright: the right of the first born gets the largest portion of the inheritance and the family heritage will pass through whoever has the birthright.

Gen. 25:29 Jacob cooked the stew; Esau was famished and tired

:30 Esau asked Jacob for stew

:31 Jacob asked for the birthright in exchange

:32 Esau did not care for the birthright so he sold it to Jacob

Heb. 12:16 Esau did not value what he has been given

Gen. 25:33 birthright sold

:34 Jacob gave the stew and bread; Esau despised his birthright

There are two sides of the story: Jacob the trickster; Esau the weak-willed.

Esau sold his birthright for a bowl of soup.

Esau and Edom: they became very bitter.

Lesson #1: don’t despise your birthright

Lesson #2: do not be bitter; don’t allow bitterness to cause you trouble. If somebody does you wrong, that’s part of life. Getting bitter will just end you up being the big loser.

Gen. 26:1 There was famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar.

:2 the LORD appeared to Isaac and told him not to go to Egypt and assured him that He will show him the land where to dwell.

:3-4 promise to Abraham reiterated to Isaac: “And I will make your seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto your seed all these countries; and in your seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;

Gen. 12:7, 13:15, 15:18, 15:5, 22:17 (promise of God)

:5 reason why He gave the promise? “Because that Abraham obeyed My voice, and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.

Abraham did not have the written laws but God made known to Abraham everything.

Dt. 11:1 same words

:6 Isaac dwelt in Gerar.

:7 the third “she is my sister” occurence; same mistake: for he feared to say Rebekah is his wife lest they kill him for she is beautiful.

:8 Isaac showing endearment to his wife and Abimelech saw from a window and figures out that she is his wife.

:9 Abimelech called Isaac and confronted him why he said she is his sister. Isaac told him the reason.

:10 Abimelech was concerned that his men could have lain with her and brough the guilt on them.

:11 Abimelech, ironically, charged his people that whoever touches her would be put to death.

:12 Isaac sowed in that land and received in the same year a hundredfold and the LORD blessed him.

:13 he became prosperous

:14 and the Philistines envied him.

Pr. 27:4 envy

:15 the Philistines filled all the well Abraham’s servants digged (sabotage to stop the growth of prosperity)

:16 Abimelech asked Isaac to get out of the place because he was much mightier

:17 Isaac departed and pitched his tent in the valley of Gerar and dwelt there.

:18 He dug wells again and called their names after by which his father called them.

:19 the servants dug and found there a well of springing water.

:20 the herdsman of Gerar did strive with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well Esek (quarrel); because they strove with him.

:21 another was dug and named Sitnah (enmity) and moved to another place

:22 and dug another well and for this he strove not and he called it Rehoboth (wide open spaces) and he said, For now the LORD has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.

:23 and he went up from there to Beer-sheba.

:24 and the LORD appeared unto him the same night, and said, I the God of Abraham your father: fear not, for I am with you, and will bless you, and multiply your seed for my servant Abraham’s sake.

Theophany: the appearance of God

:25 he built an altar and pitched his tent there and dug a well.

:26 Then Abimelech went to him in Gerar, and Ahuzzath one of his friends, and Phichol the chief captain. (He brought witnesses)

:27 Why did you (Abimelech) since you sent me away?

:28 Abimelech offered a covenant (parity covenant)

Parity because they are both human

:29 we’re not going to attack each other (the covenant)

:30 made them a feast (ate together)

Abimelech seems to be a dynastic name like “king” or “pharaoh”

:31 they departed in peace

:32 Isaac’s servants told of the well they dug

:33 and called it Shebah (well of the seventh) therefore the name of the city is Beer-sheba unto this day

:34 and Esau was 40 years old when he took to wife Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hitite, and Bashemath the daughter of Elon the Hitite:

:35 which were a grief of mind unto Isaac and to Rebekah.

Esau marries outside of the covenant community

Gen. 28:8 later on he marries inside the covenant community.

Gen. 27:1 Isaac was very old and his eyes were dim; he called Esau.

:2-4 he asked Esau to hunt for a venison and cook it as Esau’s manner that Isaac may eat and bless Esau.

:5 Rebekah heard what Isaac told Esau

:6 she called Jacob

:7 what Isaac told Esau

:8 so Rebekah asked Jacob to obey her

:9 and get two good kids from his flock to make Isaac his request

:10 so Jacob will bring it to his father so Jacob will be blessed.

:11 Jacob countered that Esau was a hairy man and he was a smooth man

:12 and Isaac will ultimately feel him and perceive him to be a deceiver and curse him instead of a blessing.

:13 Rebekah insisted and that the curse be on her instead.

:14 and so Jacob brought her the goats and Rebekah cooked such as Isaac loved.

:15 and took goodly raiment of Esau and put them upon Jacob

Jacob dressed like Esau with his raiment and goat's skin to make him hairy.

:16 and put the skins of the kids of goats upon his hands and upon the smooth neck

:17 and gave the savory meat to Jacob to give his father

:18 and he approached Isaac and Isaac asked who he was

:19 and Jacob lied saying he was Esau and that he had done according to what his father asked of him. Isaac asked him to sit near him that he may eat and bless whom he supposed to be Esau.

:20 Jacob asked how it was possible that he came so soon and Jacob used God saying that it was Him who brought it to him.

:21 Doubting, Jacob asked to feel him that he may know whether it was really Esau or not.

:22 Jacob went near and Isaac said it was Jacob’s voice though the hands are of Esau.

:23 Isaac did not doubt his hands because it was hairy so he blessed Jacob.

:24 Jacob still asked “Are you my very son Esau?” to which Jacob answered, “I am.”

:25 He finally asked for the stew that he may eat and bless whom he thought of as Esau. He was also brought wine and drank.

:26 Isaac asked him to kiss him.

:27 He came near and kissed his father: and he smelled the smell of Esau’s raiment, and blessed him, and said, “See, the smell of my son is as the smell of the field which the LORD had blessed.

:28 “Therefore God give you of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine:

:29 “Let people serve you and nations bow down to you: be lord over your brethren, and let your mother’s sons bow down to you: cursed be every one that curses you and blessed be he that blesses you.”

Isaac blessed Jacob knowing it was Esau.

:30 As soon as the blessing was given, and Jacob was yet scarce gone out from Isaac’s presence, that Esau came in from his hunting.

:31 He also made savory meat and brought it to his father, “Let my father arise and eat of his son’s venison, that your soul may bless me.

:32 Puzzled, Isaac asked who he was. “I am your son, your firstborn Esau.

:33 Isaac trembled very exceedingly and said, “Who? Where is he that has taken venison, and brought it to me, and I have eaten of all before you came, and have blessed him? Yes, and he shall be blessed.”

:34 When Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry, and said unto his father, “Bless me, even me also, O my father.|

:35 “Your brother came with subtlety, and has taken away your blessing.”

:36 Esau said, “Is not he rightly named Jacob? For he supplanted me these two times: he took away my birthright; and, behold, now he has taken away my blessing. Have you not reserved a blessing for me?”

:37 “Behold I have made him lord, and all his brethren have I given to him for servants; and with corn and wine have I sustained him: and what shall I do not unto you, my son?”

:38 “Have you but one blessing, my father? Bless me, even me also, O my father.” And Esau lifted up his voice, and wept.

:39 And Isaac answered, “Behold, your dwelling shall be the fatness of the earth, and of the dew of heaven from above;

:40 “And by the sword shall you live, and shall serve your brother; and it shall come to pass when you shall have the dominion, that you shall break his yoke from off your neck.”

:41 And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing Isaac gave Jacob: and Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.”

:42 Rebekah learned about it and warned Jacob that Esau meant to kill him.

:43 “Now therefore, my son, obey my voice; and arise, flee you to Laban my brother to Haran;

:44 “And tarry with him a few days, until your brother’s fury turn away;

:45 “Until your brother’s anger turn away from you, and he forget that which you have done to him: then I will send, and fetch you from there: and why should I should I be deprived also of you both in one day?”

Rebekah bid goodbye to Jacob.

:46 Rebekah suggested to Isaac the she was worried Jacob might get a wife from the daughters of Heth (since they are in the land of Heth).

28:1 So Isaac called Jacob and told him not to marry a Canaanite.

:2 Instead, to go to Padan-aram, to the house of Bethuel and take a wife from the daughters of Laban, Rebekah’s brother.

:3 and Isaac blessed Jacob that He makes Jacob fruitful, and multiply him, that he may be a multitude of people

:4 and give Jacob the blessing of Abraham, to him, and to his seed with him, that he may inherit the land where he is a stranger, which God gave to Abraham.

:5 Isaac sent away Jacob: and he went to Padan-aram unto Laban, son of Bethuel the Syrian, the brother of Rebekah, Jacob’s and Esau’s mother.

:6 When Esau saw Isaac blessed Jacob and sent him to Padan-aram so as not to take a wife from Canaan

:7 And Jacob obeyed

:8 And Esau saw that the daughters of Canaan did not pleased his father

:9 So he went to Ishmael, his father’s brother, and took Mahalath to be his additional wife, the daughter of Ishmael, sister of Nebajoth.

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Gen. 23:1 Sarah lived 127 years

:2 she died in Kirjath-arbe (Hebron)

:3 Abraham spoke with the sons of Heth

:4 being a stranger he asked for a burial place to bury Sarah

Heb. 11:9-13 sojourners we are like Abraham

Under Hitite law there are restrictions on foreigners owning Hitite land. Abraham could not simply buy that is why he was asking the sons of Heth to give him a piece of land for a burial place and he was very respectful.

Gen. 23:6 - the Hitites allowed him to bury his dead in the place he chooses.

:8 Abraham asked for Ephron the son of Zohar

:9 That he may give Abraham the cave of Machpelah which Abraham wishes to buy for a burial place.

:10-11 Ephron offers the whole field for free

:13 Abraham insisted on paying

:15 Ephron drops a price of 400 shekels of silver

:16 Abraham weighed the silver and there are witnesses

:17 the field of Ephron, which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field, and the cave which was therein, and all the trees that were in the field, that were in all the borders round about, were made sure

Archaeologists discovered Hitite land contracts to really include the trees.

:19 Abraham buried Sarah

:20 Abraham is esteemed highly that he was able to buy a piece of land as a foreigner; ownership was made sure.

Gen. 24:1 Abraham was old, well stricken in age and the LORD had bless Abraham in all things.

:2 he asked his servant (most likely Eleazar) to make a solemn oath by having the servant’s hand under Abraham’s thigh (commentaries say it’s the genitals)

:3 made him swear to not take a Canaanite wife for his son Isaac

Canaanite women will most likely pull Isaac to be pagan.

Ex. 34:16-17

Dt. 7:3-4

Gen. 24:4 Go to my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac

:5 the servant asks practical questions: will she travel away or will Isaac stay in the land where she is?

:6 Abraham warns that Isaac must not go back at all cost

:7 Abraham hearkens back to God’s promise (Gen. 12:7)

:8 Abraham assures his servant that God will send an angel to guide him to take a wife for his son Isaac.

:9 the servant put his hand under Abraham’s thigh to swear

:10 the servant took ten camels and departed with all the goods in his hand and went to Mesopotamia unto the city of Nahor

:11 he made his camels to kneel down by the well of water at a time women go out to draw water

:12-14 he prayed for a sign that the woman who lets his camels drink also will be the woman God meant for Isaac and he (the servant) will know that God showed kindness unto his master Abraham.

The word kindness is the same ‘hesed’ or ‘chesed’ which means covenant loyalty.

The request of the servant serves double purpose. By giving water to the camels, it shows the woman is kind; and it shows that God is behind guiding him.

:15 Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder.

Abraham brother of Nahor (1st generation)
Nahor’s wife is Milcah
Their son is Bethuel (2nd generation)
His daughter is Rebekah (3rd generation)

Abraham’s and Sarah (1st generation)
Their son Isaac (2nd generation)

They have one generation age gap difference.

:16 she was very beautiful and filled her pitcher

:17 he makes his request for water

:18 she gave him drink

:19-20 and for the camels too

she was a profitable servant going above and beyond what she was required to do.

:21 his request to God was performed to the letter

:22 earring=nosering, a custom worth much

:23 he asked about the family

:24 I am the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah, which she bore unto Nahor

:25 she invited him to lodge in

:26-27 the servant bowed and worshiped the LORD.

:28 Rebekah told her family about what happened

:29 Rebekah had a brother, Laban, and he met Abraham’s servant

:30 when Laban saw the earring (nosering) and the bracelets upon Rebekah’s hands, and when he heard the words of her sister, he went to Abraham’s servant

:31 and invited him to his house and prepared a room for the camels too

:32 he shows his hospitality customs

:33 provided food also but the servant insisted not to eat before telling Laban his purpose

:34 I am Abraham’s servant

:35 and the LORD blessed my master greatly; and he is become great: and blessed greatly with flocks and herds, silver and gold, menservants and maidservants and camels and asses

:36 and Sarah my master’s wife bore a son when she was old

:37 my master made me swear to not take a wife for his son from the daughters of the Canaanites

:38 but go to his (Abraham’s) kindred and take a wife for Isaac

:39 and God will send an angel

:40 just do it and you shall be clear of the oath even if she does not come with you

:42-48 he relates what happened that day from asking a sign from God to the signs actually happening to asking her from what family she came from to his worship to God

:49 he asked Laban the reply so he (the servant) would know what to do

:50 Laban and Bethuel recognized God’s hand

Pr. 19:14 a prudent wife is from the Lord

Gen. 24:51 and gave Rebekah to be wife of Isaac

:52 and Abraham’s servant worshiped the LORD bowing himself to the earth.

:53 the servant gave all the precious gifts to Rebekah, even to her mother and brother.

:54 they ate and drank and tarried all night and when morning came asked them to send him away to his master Abraham

:55 her brother and mother requested ten more days

:56 Hinder me not, seeing the LORD had prospered my way

:57 we will ask her herself

:58 and Rebekah agreed to go

:59 Rebekah and her nurse went with Abraham’s servant and his men

:60 “be you the mother of thousands of millions, and let your seed possess the gate of those which hate them.”

Gen. 17:16 same blessings speaking of Sarah

Gen. 24:61 and Rebekah departed

:62 Isaac came from the way of the well Lahai-roi; for he dwelt in the south country

:63 Isaac went out to meditatein the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and behold, the camels were coming.

:64 and Rebekah saw Isaac

:65 and asked who the man in the field was to which the servant replied it is Isaac therefore she took a veil and covered herself.

Veil is still a custom in many parts of the Arab world where the eyes are not to be seen by a man who is not her spouse.

:66 and the servant told Isaac everything

:67 and Isaac took her into Sarah’s tent; and they married, Isaac and Rebekah; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.

Gen. 25:1 Abraham took a wife, her name was Keturah

:2 and she bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah (6)

:3 Jokshan begot Sheba and Dedan. The sons of Dedan were Asshurim, Letushim, and Leummim.

:4 the sons of Midian: Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida and Eldaah.

:5 Abraham gave all that he had unto Isaac.

:6 But unto the sons of the concubines, which Abraham had, Abraham gave gifts, and sent them away from Isaac his son, while he yet lived, eastward, unto the east country.

:7 Abraham lived 175 years.

:8 Abraham died in a good old age, full of years; and was gathered to his people.

:9 Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Macpelah in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hitite, which is before Mamre

:10 the field Abraham purchased from the sons of Heth where Sarah was also buried

:11 God blessed Isaac and dwelt by the well of Lahai-roi

:12 the generations of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s handmaid, bore unto Abraham:

:13-15 Nebajoth, Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadar, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, Kedemah

:16 These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their towns, and by their castles; twelve princes according to their nations.

:17 Ishmael died 137 years old.

:18 They (Ishmael’s family) dwelt from Havilah unto Shur, that is before Egypt, and go toward Assyria: and he died in the presence of all his brethren.

:19 generations of Isaac

:20 Isaac was 40 when he took Rebekah to wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padan-aram, the sister to Laban the Syrian.

:21 Isaac entreated the LORD because she was barren; and she conceived

:22 the children struggled and she inquired of God, “If so, why thus?” (lf all is well, why am I like this? Why do I feel the struggle inside of me?)

:23 Two nations are in your womb, and two manner of people shall be separated, one will be stronger than the other, the elder shall serve the younger.

Jacob is the progenitor of Israel

Esau is the progenitor of Edom

:24 she delivered twins

:25 the first came out red, hairy, his name Esau literally means hairy.

:26 his brother Jacob, held on Esau’s heel. Jacob means supplanter. Isaac was 60 when she bore the twins.

:27 the children grew; Esaw was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents.

:28 Isaac loved Esau because of the food he prepared but Rebekah loved Jacob.