Tag: bsf lesson 19

greatest in the kingdom of heaven matthew 18 www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 19, Day 2: Matthew 18:1-5

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 18:1-5

The disciples asked Jesus who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus called a child to him and said whoever humbles himself like children is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, and they have to become like children to enter heaven. Whoever welcomes a little child like this child becomes like Jesus.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 19, Day 2: Matthew 18:1-5

3) The disciples asked Jesus who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus used a child as a visual example.

4) They change and become like children.

5a) Whoever humbles himself like a child is true greatness. That whoever serves others, namely God, rather than himself is great.

b) Most of the world honors those who do great things, not those who serve others with no expectation of reward. They honor self-sufficiency, not dependence.

c) In many ways with my family and others. It’s hard because we want to think highly of ourselves and never admit we are wrong.

6) This is a tough one since I don’t mingle with others all that much. Co-workers at work.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 19, Day 2: Matthew 18:1-5

I love how Jesus uses concrete examples, such as a child, to make his point. It makes it easier for us to understand and know what to do.

Great read!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 19, Day 2: Matthew 18:1-5

This teaching took place as the disciples and Jesus were walking to Capernaum. They were arguing which one of them was the greatest. The disciples were probably hoping Jesus would pick one of them as the greatest Luke 9:46.

Obviously, Jesus is the greatest. However, he is answering the question by pointing to the nature of a child instead.

Children in ancient times held little to no value until they grew up. Their opinion did not matter, and they were virtually ignored by others. They were raised to work and help their parents. However, children have not yet learned to be full of pride. They are utterly dependent on their parents for everything. Jesus not only gives value to children here, but he teaches how we are to be with God — totally reliant upon Him.

To humble yourself is to put yourself below someone else. This is Jesus’s point. You must put yourself beneath God to enter the kingdom of heaven.

Plus, how you treat others shows how much you love Jesus. Coming in Jesus’s name means your heart belongs to Jesus.

Contact me today!

 

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

jesus calls matthew a tax collector in matthew 9 www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 10, Day 3: Matthew 9:9-17

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 9:9-17

Jesus called Matthew, a tax collector, to follow him. Matthew did. They ate dinner at Matthew’s house with other tax collectors and sinners. This was much frowned upon, and the Pharisees asked why was Jesus doing this. Jesus responded that he has come to heal the sick and the sinners.

John the Baptist’s disciples asked Jesus why he does not fast like they do. He replied that since he is here on earth, everyone should be rejoicing, not fasting. He says you don’t patch up old garments, making the tear worse, nor do you pour new wine into old wineskins.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 10, Day 2: Matthew 9:9-17

6a) That Matthew immediately gets up and walks away from his career and everything else.

b) First, many are curious about the author of the book, and it’s a great example of what you do when Jesus calls you. It also lends credibility to his words.

7a) The Pharisees asked the disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” This was deeply frowned upon in Jesus’s day; no one of faith mixed with known sinners.

b) Jesus responded that he has come to heal the sick and the sinners. Jesus is here to offer mercy and show God’s love.

c) Matthew 28:19-20 is the great commission: “Go and make disciples of all nations” and teaching them about God and to obey God. John 17:14-19 says how Christians are not of the world and Jesus prays for protection from the evil one and that they (disciples) may be santified as they enter the world, spreading the gospel. 1 Peter 3:13-17 says that you are blessed for doing good and be prepared to tell everyone about Jesus. It is better to suffer doing God’s will than to do evil. Set Christ apart in your heart.

Matthew challenges Christians to go out into the world shining God’s light. To go against the grain for Jesus even if you suffer for it. He says to do good rather than evil. To spread the Good News.

8a) “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?”

b) He replied that since he is here on earth, everyone should be rejoicing, not fasting.

The wedding guests: no one should be mourning while the bridegroom is with them.

The patched garment and wineskins: He says you don’t patch up old garments, making the tear worse, nor do you pour new wine into old wineskins.

Isaiah 43:18-19 talks about doing a new thing and how Jesus is making a new way for the world.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 10, Day 2: Matthew 9:9-17

Lots to think about in this lesson. We see how to follow Jesus: unequivocally. We see that with Jesus, it’s a new way. And, perhaps most importantly, we see it’s okay to go against the grain to follow Jesus and do things his way, not the world’s.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 10, Day 2: Matthew 9:9-17

Mark 2:14 reveals that Matthew as also known as Levi the son of Alphaeus. Matthew 10:3  tells us that there was another son of Alphaeus, James, who also was amongst the 12 disciples.

Tax Collectors in Jesus’s Day

Jews despised tax collectors (they aren’t liked now, either) because they collected taxes that then went to the Romans. This job pitted Jews against Jews, as they were seen as traitors. Tax collectors were paid on commission, which lead to many extorting others; whatever they collected over the tax amount, they got to keep. This meant the more they collected, the more they enriched themselves.

Jews considered a tax collector an outcast. They could not be a judge or a witness in a court of law, they could not attend synogogue, and they were most likely outcast by their immediate family, too. The price was high to be a tax collector in the 1st century A.D.

You will see the word “publican” used for tax collector in the King James Version, from the Latin word meaning “public revenue.”

Matthew left a lucrative career to follow Jesus. Out of all the disciples, he may have given up the most. Yet, he penned the first book in the Gospels. How cool!

Dinnertime

We see truly how Jesus came for sinners with his calling of Matthew. Odds are, Jesus used this opportunity to reach others who were sinners and needed Christ. This was most likely a large public gathering, not one in a home.

Jesus came for sinners, as seen in this scene. (Romans 5:8). Yet, the Pharisees don’t get it; they avoided sinners like the plague.

Jesus here quotes scripture Hosea 6:6 and essentially tells learned leaders to go back and read God’s word because they just don’t get it. “Go and learn” was a rebuke commonly used by religious leaders at the time to someone who should know better or learn more about what they are speaking about.

Romans 3:10 “There is no one righteous, not even one.” Jesus offers sinners righteousness.

“Why Not Fast?”

The disciples of John the Baptist were very strict on their religious followings. The Pharisees fasted regularly Luke 18:12), and Jesus already addressed how they only fasted for show, rather than for faith. (Matthew 6:16).

The day will come where fasting will be appropriate, but while Jesus is here, it’s not. Instead, it’s a time to celebrate.

The wineskins represent how Jesus will not repair the Old Covenant, but instead he’ll bring a new one. New wine into new wineskins means his new church will form a new body of Christ.(Ephesians 2:16).

There is no patch to the Old Testament; only new. Sometimes the old cannot be renewed.

Jesus as the bridegroom is another claim Jesus makes as God. In the Old Testament, God was the bridegroom and His people the bride. Here, Jesus is saying he is God with this analogy.

Contact me today!

pronghorn in winter www.atozmomm.com

Friday Digest: BSF’s Study of Genesis Lesson 19

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN GENESIS CHAPTER 29:

  • God grows us, our character, and our faith through pain and suffering.
  • God knows exactly what we need.
  • God often teaches us life lessons the hard way.
  • Our sins yield consequences that can cause pain, but that God will use anyway to glorify Him.
  • God has a plan and a purpose for our pain and suffering, and it is good.
  • Pain and suffering lead us to depend more on God

Take Away: Hope in Christ overcomes all pain.

leah has 4 sons by god's grace www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 19, Day 5: Genesis 29:31-35

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 29:31-35:

God gave Leah children because she was unloved. Rachel was barren. Reuben was named because Leah was miserable, his name meaning “he has seen my misery.” Simeon was named cause she was unloved, his name meaning “one who hears.” Levi means “attached.” Judah was named for “praise” of the Lord.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 19, Day 5: Genesis 29:31-35

14) Jacob to love her.

15) God shows us all kindness in difficult times. God shows kindness by continuing to be present, to guide, to lead, to be merciful, to forgive, and to give us hope through his son, Jesus.

16) She grows in her faith like we all do and realizes God is there for here when Jacob, her husband, is not emotionally.

17) God is faithful.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 19, Day 5: Genesis 29:31-35

I continue to be baffled as to why Jacob still sleeps with Leah besides the physical/procreation side. He knows Rachel is hurt by this, so why do it? Another sin since sex is meant as bonding as well as procreation. Sadly, sex is physical for all too many men today.

BSF notes takes the position that Jacob is fulfilling his duty by giving Leah an opportunity to bear children for status purposes. I can see this for maybe one or two kids, but to continue to have sex with her for all those years and watch his supposed beloved, Rachel, suffer heartache with each successive birth is nothing but selfishness in my eyes.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 19, Day 5: Genesis 29:31-35

Here we see Leah forced into a marriage with a man who will never love her, and she suffers because of it, hated by her sister, Rachel, yet she can’t change it. It’s not like she could leave or get a divorce. God loves her as he blesses her with children, so important in those times.

Isaiah 54:5 “For the Maker is your husband — the Lord Almighty is his name…”

Reuben is the first born son of Jacob, yet he would not inherit the promise.

We see Leah’s hope shift to God instead of Jacob, which she would never have.

Note the priests (the tribe of Levi) and the royal line (the tribe of Judah) comes from Leah, as well as the Messiah (from Judah). Leah was blessed for her circumstances and for her faith, indeed.

jacob is tricked to take leah as his wife www.atozmomm.com genesis 29

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 19, Day 4: Genesis 29:21-30

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 29:21-30:

Jacob asks for Rachel’s hand once his 7 years is up. Laban throws a feast, but when evening came he substitued Leah for Rachel. He gave Leah a servant named Zilpah. When morning came, Jacob realized he had been tricked. When he confronts Laban, Laban says the custom is to take the older daughter first. Jacob agrees to keep Leah as his wife, but he then marries Rachel in exchange for 7 more years of labor. Rachel’s servant is Bilhah.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 19, Day 4: Genesis 29:21-30

9) Laban may have been worried no one would marry Leah is she was uncomely. He also knew he could get free labor from Jacob basically for another 7 years. When he confronts Laban, Laban says the custom is to take the older daughter first.

10) Leah is now married to someone who does not love her. Rachel is favored. Rachel has to share her husband. No one trusts Laban.

11) Jacob deceived Esau out of the blessing, and he pretends to be Esau to receive Isaac’s blessing. Galatians says that Jacob sowed a sinful nature and reaped destruction because of it.

12) Just because you are forgiven does not mean you can change what happened. You cannot undo anything in this world. Actions reap other actions. You are responsible for your choices.

13) Unsure. It’s hard to see this from my eyes.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 19, Day 4: Genesis 29:21-30

I’m wondering how this went down and how both women felt about this. Leah was forced to marry someone who did not want her. Rachel was forced to allow her sister to take her place that night. I’m wondering too how Jacob did not notice this before he slept with her. Assuming there was no light, and no one said anything or Jacob would have recognized her voice. Still, the logistics of this deceit baffle me. You would think someone would know here.

water landscape photo www.atozmomm.com

End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 19, Day 4: Genesis 29:21-30

Leah would have been veiled until they were alone together and with no artificial light….still….

Neither girl had a say in this deceit. It was all Laban. Leah may have been happy, sad, angry. We just don’t know.

The morning must have been a shock. Everyone was angry probably — all because of original sin — Jacob’s.

Many Bible scholars believe that Laban’s excuse was made up and was no custom or law at that time.

Polygamy was a sin of ignorance in Abraham’s day. The example was Adam and Eve, but there was no law against more than one wife. Here Jacob is forced to have 2 wives in order to save Leah from a life of solitude, but it is still a sin.

Jacob most definitely reaped what he had sown, and while Jacob was the younger chosen by God to receive the blessing, he married the older instead.

God disciplined Jacob by allowing this to happen as a consequence of his previous sins. Still, Laban is guilty of sin as well. He used his own daughters for free labor and to ensure Leah was married.

The second 7 years was probably a lot tougher than the first. This was definitely a harder pill to swallow, especially considering Jacob’s age.

Laban gets what he wants initially, but, like always, he’ll get his later. God gives people what they want even when they use sin as a means, but they still have consequences.

In this time, Leah was not defiled and could not be married to another. Jacob was obligated to keep her. That being said, I don’t see how he was obligated to sleep with her and have children with her, especially if he didn’t love her EXCEPT for God’s mandate to be fruitful and multiply. Still, I don’t see how he continued doing this.

Having multiple wives was not uncommon in this culture at that time.

jacob agrees to work for rachel for 7 years genesis 29 www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 19, Day 3: Genesis 29:15-20

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 29:15-20:

Laban asks Jacob after a month what his wages were be (in sum, what he actually wants and why he is here). Jacob responds that he will work 7 years for Rachel’s hand in marriage. Leah was the older daughter, she is described as having weak eyes, while Rachel is lovely in form and beautiful. The time flew for Jacob so in love was he.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 19, Day 3: Genesis 29:15-20

6) Apparently Jacob was working for Laban for free.

7a) It taught him patience to have what he wants, and it’s a fair price for his work.

b) Jacob could have offered to pay Laban; instead, he works for what he wants, which is the opposite today in this world of instant gratification

8a) Proverbs says God disciplines those He loves for His reasons and their good. Romans 8:28 is the famous verse of all things work for your good. James tells us that we are tested to develop perseverance. Peter tells us that grief proves our faith to be genuine and results in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus is revealed. We are filled with joy becaues of our faith.

b) Stay the course. Keep praying. Keep working. Keep following His lead despite the hardships and the setbacks.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 19, Day 3: Genesis 29:15-20

I think Jacob’s mistake is not leaving as soon as he could, like Abraham’s servant did with Rebekah. It gave Laban time to plot.

man in desert www.atozmomm.com

End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 19, Day 3: Genesis 29:15-20

While on the surface, Laban seems to be generous, he’s seen the good work Jacob could do and wants to see what Jacob wants in exchange for continued work.

Bible scholars debate what Leah’s eyes being weak or delicate actually mean. Does it mean she has a problem with her vision? Does it mean she has no life to them like her sister? Is it just a nice way to say she wasn’t pretty? Either way, we can guess that if Rachel is more beautiful than Leah that there was a sibling rivalry between the two.

Jacob offers to work for 7 years for Rachel as a dowry. This is over-the-top generous, which was probably his downfall. It showed how much he really wanted Rachel, which Laban would exploit next. Yet it shows his love for her. He was willing to wait. This is a long time in today’s culture and rare is this “I want it now” culture seen today. Time flew for him too.

We can surmise that Jacob and Rachel probably did not see each other much. First, in these times and culture, women did not spend time with men and were often relegated to the home, whereas the men worked the fields. Second, there were no date nights back there. Social propriety was strictly enforced to ensure no one questioned the woman’s purity. However, since both were shepherds, they could have spent some time together and got to know each other more.

Jacob is now 77 years old at this time and he kept sheep for Laban Hos. 12:12 Rachel was very young, maybe even barely marriageable age, which may be another reason Jacob wanted to wait.

jacob meets rachel in paddan aram www.atozmomm.com genesis 29

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 19, Day 2: Genesis 29:1-14

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 29:1-14:

Jacob arrives at Paddan Aram, the land fo the eastern peoples. He saw a well where flocks of sheep were gathered. All the shephards would roll the stone away when it was time to water the sheep and then replace it. Rachel, who was a shepherdess, came to the well to water her flocks. Jacob moved the store for her so her flocks could drink. He told Rachel as he wept for joy that he was a relative of her father and a son of Rebekah. She ran to tell Laban, her father. Laban rushed out to meet Jacob, embracing him and kissing him.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 19, Day 2: Genesis 29:1-14

3) Jacob stopped by a well that was to water sheep, not people, like Abraham’s servant stopped by. Rebekah did water the servant’s camels for him as Rachel watered (with Jacob’s help) her father’s sheep. Abraham’s servant prayed at the well for God’s sign. Jacob moved the stone to help Rachel. Laban hurried out to meet Abraham’s servant as he did Jacob as well and welcomed him.

4) Providence is “the protective care of God or of nature as a spiritual power, or timely preparation for future eventualities.” Divine providence is God’s intervention in the universe, God’s guidance or God’s care of the world and all that is in it.” God is orchestrating the meeting of Jacob and Rachel. Jacob stops at a shepherd’s well, and Rachel is a shepheress. She comes to water her flocks when Jacob is there. He helps her, and he finds the family of his mother as he was seeking.

5) He has led me to a new home. Hoping for new opportunities this year with my writing. God has provided all I need faithfully in these tough times.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 19, Day 2: Genesis 29:1-14

Granted the world population in ancient times is a fraction of what it is today, but it still amazes me how easily people find each other in the Bible without cell phones, roads, or any sort of technology. God most definitely guides, that’s for sure.

map of jacob fleeing to haran www.atozmomm.com genesis 28End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 19, Day 2: Genesis 29:1-14

Providence brought Jacob to the exact place he needed to be. In an age before navigation, this was, indeed, a miracle. Covering the well helped to preserve water from evaporation in this desert region. It may have been to prevent theft of water since water was so precious. Laban probably suspected that Jacob had a lot of money since he knew his father was wealthy, which explains his eagerness to meet Jacob.

BSF Study Questions Genesis Lesson 19, Day 5: Genesis 25:1-18

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2012/2013

Summary of passage:  Abraham took another wife named Keturah and had more kids. He left everything he owned to Isaac but gave gifts to his other sons and sent them away to the land of the east.  Abraham lived 175 years and was buried with Sarah in the cave he bought from the Hittites.  God blessed Isaac who settled near Beer Lahai Roi.

Ishmael had 12 sons who became 12 tribal rulers.  He lived to be 137 years old.  His descendants settled near Egypt from Havilah to Shur as you go towards Asshur.  They lived in hostility towards their brothers.

Questions:

12a)  Isaac got everything.  Ishmael got gifts before he died.

b)  Isaac:  Map of Beer Lahai Roi:  http://bibleatlas.org/full/beer-lahai-roi.htm

The sons of Ishmael all settled in Arabia as did most of the sons of Keturah.

13a)  Personal Question.  My answer:  Provided my husband with a job opportunity.  He’s given me a band to play in to keep my mind busy.  We are lacking for nothing for we have savings.  I keep getting the message that I need to write so I keep at it.

b)  Personal Question.  My answer:  Husband.  Kids.  Dog.

Conclusions:  I spent a little bit of time trying to find where the descendants settled but everywhere I looked it was all speculation as to the exact location so in the end I just linked to where Isaac settled since we’re going to be seeing a lot of him coming up and left the rest to Arabia.

I think every day is special as a gift from God and everything He provides is special.  So food, clothing, shelter, and another day to live and breathe are special gifts from God.

Does Beer Lahai Roi sound familiar?  It should.  It’s the place where Hagar encountered God in the form of “the angel of the Lord” as she was fleeing from Sarai and Abram in Genesis 16:14.  The name means “well of the Living One who sees me.”  Interesting that Isaac now ends up there.

Fun Fact:  Abraham is mentioned 70 times in the New Testament.  Only Moses is mentioned more.

BSF Study Questions Genesis Lesson 19, Day 4: Genesis 24:29-67

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2012/2013

Summary of passage:  Rebekah ran home and told all what had transpired.  Laban, Rebekah’s brother, ran out to the servant to bring him to their house.  So the servant, his men, and his camels were brought to Rebekah’s house and provided for.  The servant told them his story, how he came there seeking a wife for Abraham’s son, and how Rebekah had been the girl to answer his prayer to God.

Laban and Bethuel agreed that this was God’s will so they let Rebekah go.  The servant showered them with precious and costly gifts for the dowry.  The next morning Laban and Bethuel tried to delay the trip but they left immediately on Rebekah’s acquiescence.  The family blessed Rebekah and sent her on the long journey to Canaan.

Isaac whom we can assume had been praying for a wife as well greets the return party, hears the tale of the servant, and marries Rebekah.

Questions:

9a)  Deuteronomy says to not intermarry with unbelievers for they will turn you away from God to other gods and the Lord’s anger will burn against you and destroy you.  Paul says in Corinthians not to be yoked to unbelievers for they have nothing in common. Paul here was probably talking about the false teachers.  This verse has been extrapolated to the marriage realm but note Paul does not say marriage nor is he speaking about marriage prior to or after this passage.  See my post HERE with regards to this same question.

b)  Verse 50 when Laban and Bethuel acknowledge the servant as from the Lord and give him Rebekah “as the Lord has directed” in verse 51.

10a)  He faithfully told the story to Rebekah’s family about how Rebekah had passed God’s test.  When the family agreed to give Rebekah to him, the servant “bowed down to the ground before the Lord” (verse 52).  He says that “the Lord has granted success to my journey” in verse 56.  Everywhere you turn in this passage, the servant acknowledges God and gives Him all the credit.

b)  Isaiah 48:11 is God talking and He says (if you read verse 10 as well) that He tests us for His own glory.  Not sure how that speaks about attitudes of the people unless you assume the people God directs understand this.

1 Corinthians tells us God chooses the lowly ones so that they have nothing to boast about except for Him.  We should boast in Him.  Give Him the glory.  So we should humble ourselves and when we achieve it is because of God alone.  He chose us.

11a)  He gave Rebekah a gold nose ring, two gold bracelets, gold and silver jewelry, and articles of clothing.  He gave costly gifts to her brother and mother.

b)  Rebekah hears the story of how she was chosen from the servant (verses 34-49) and God is everywhere in the story.  Laban and Bethuel agree “this is from the Lord” (verse 50) and willingly give her to the servant.  The servant gave a huge dowry (verse 53), which gave credibility to the servant’s story.  He came prepared to bring home God’s chosen wife for Isaac.  The servant was eager to leave (verse 56)–to fulfill God’s purpose.

c)  A father desires a bride for his son.  Abraham for Isaac.  God for us.  A son was dead and then raised from the dead.  Isaac and Jesus.  The bride is chosen for marriage before they knew it (Ephesians 1:3-4).  Rebekah and us.  The bride is divinely chosen, called, and then lavished with gifts. (Revelation 19:7-8)  Rebekah and us.  She is entrusted to the care of the servant before she meets her bridegroom.  Rebekah and us.

Conclusions:  The best part of this story is the heart of the servant.  I would wager he was probably treated well by Abraham but servants in ancient times had extremely rough lives and had no social status nor class.  They were nothing in the eyes of many.  So the willingness of this servant to serve his master is a great picture of how we are to serve the Lord.  Everything is credited to God.  The servant is merely the instrument in God’s work.

This is how we should approach life.  God uses us to accomplish His purposes but so often our pride negates this or gets in the way.

Love the parallel to Jesus’s life in the questions.  He served his Father for us.  Incredible to ponder how we were chosen, brought, and loved by Jesus to God like Rebekah to Isaac.  Great stuff!

I’m not sure why we have the question 9a.  It does pertain to this lesson but I can’t say which way BSF is leaning.  If you read my post HERE, you will see a huge debate we had on my blog.  The only thing I wanted to add was the reference to Deuteronomy we had to look up.  This reference to me is null and void today since it is under the Old Covenant that Jesus shattered with his death.  So in terms of marriage today, I believe this doesn’t apply.  Marriage to Rebekah, yes.  Today.  no.

I’m saying this question is only in reference to Rebekah and it is here in order for us to understand the lengths Abraham took to find Isaac a wife and why (because God outlawed it).  Any extrapolation to today’s time should be done with caution.

Interesting reads I found:  Simple read of the church as the Bride of Christ:

http://www.gotquestions.org/bride-of-Christ.html

Great commentary on all of Chapter 24:  http://bible.org/seriespage/how-find-godly-wife-genesis-241-67

BSF Study Questions Genesis Lesson 19, Day 3: Genesis 24:10-28

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2012/2013

Summary of passage:  Abraham’s servant left on the quest to find a wife for Isaac.  He went to the town of Nahor in Northwestern Mesopotamia and stopped at the well.  The servant prays to God for the chosen girl to give him and his camels water when he asks.

Rebekah appeared who was the beautiful daughter of Bethuel son of Milcah who was the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor.  She gave the servant a drink when asked and volunteered to water his camels as well.

The servant offered to pay for lodging and Rebekah readily agreed.  The servant bowed and worshipped the Lord who has been faithful to Abraham by leading him to Abraham’s relatives for a wife.

Questions:

6a)  Traveling in ancient times.  There were robbers always about.  And finding a wife out of a small pool of people.

b)  He prayed for the Lord to give him a sign and he was specific about it:  Let it be the girl who gives him AND his camels a drink at the well.

c)  Personal Question.  My answer:  The actual doing it.  Pray and follow through.

7a)  The servant asked for the girl to offer him and his camels a drink of water when asked.  The servant was at a well so water was readily available.  It was toward evening when all the women go to draw water so there would be a lot of opportunity for this to happen.  He didn’t ask for fire to be sent down or something outrageous to test God.

b)  That she was thoughtful and helpful to others.  She was sharing and caring.  That she was willing to do hard work.  The servant had 10 camels with him.  One camel can drink up to 20 gallons so watering 10 by hand would have taken at least an hour.  That she had a servant’s heart.

8a)  Verses 17-19  She did what the servant prayed for.

b)  Verse 24  She was a relative of Abraham, not a foreigner.

c)  Verse 27  He praises God.

Conclusions:  Very short answer day.  I liked the personal question the most because it brings me back to my purpose here on earth, which lately seems to be languishing by the wayside.

We can assume the servant was Eliezer from Genesis 15:2 since a different name is not used in this passage.

Before the servant was even done praying, God answered his prayer (verse 15).  I wish God would do this for me.