Jesus says that the only reason for divorce is unfaithfulness. Otherwise, if you divorce, if you remarry, you will be committing adultery. Jesus says there is not a need for an oath at all since your word should be strong enough.
BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 4: Matthew 5:31-37
9a) Jesus says that the only reason for divorce is unfaithfulness. Otherwise, if you divorce, if you remarry, you will be committing adultery. Mark adds that Moses permitted divorce and a certificate of divorce because their hearts were hard.
b ) Believers can work hard to not divorce for frivolous reasons such as “irreconcilable differences.” However, divorce is a part of this broken world, and supporting others who have been through it is crucial. It is not for us to judge; it’s for us to love.
10a) You do not need to swear an oath ever.
b ) Society has developed white lies in order to spare people’s feelings. It’s important to do this; however, it’s important to be truthful in serious situations.
c ) God.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 4: Matthew 5:31-37
Jesus makes it clear that man and woman were supposed to stay together forever. However, there are legitimate reasons to divorce. Jesus says only for unfaithfulness. I believe abuse is another reason. Either way, divorce is a result of this broken world and broken people, and we all are broken. I remember the times when BSF would not allow a divorced woman to be a leader. I’m glad they changed this rule. This, in and of itself, was judgement. If you have a heart for God and want to share it, do so, whether you are divorced or not.
Great book to help you through tough times.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 4: Matthew 5:31-37
The certificate of divorce is found here (Deuteronomy 24:1). Many men were divorcing their wives for frivolous reasons. Deuteronomy says that you may divorce if one is unclean. People were streteching this interpretation at this time. Jesus clarifies that “unclean” means committing adultery.
Remember the times Jesus lived in. It was common for the Romans to be unfaithful outside their marriage with no repercussions.
Joseph died at age 110 and lived to see the third generation of Ephraim’s children. Joseph told his brothers that God will come to take them to the Promise Land. He made them swear to carry his bones out of Egypt and take him with them. He was embalmed in Egypt.
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 29, Day 5: Genesis 50:22-26
16) God will come to take them to the Promise Land.
17) Joseph never doubted God and His promises. He knew the Israelites would be taken back to the Promised Land when the time was right.
18) Both died in faith surrounded by their family. It was a long journey, but God and His ways brought them both to Him. They were both honored and embalmed, and both will be buried in the Promise Land.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 29, Day 5: Genesis 50:22-26
Great ending to a life well lived.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 29, Day 5: Genesis 50:22-26
Joseph was led and blessed by God his entire life. He was 56 when Jacob died, and none of the details of Joseph’s live is recorded in scripture. We can presume that Joseph continued to lead the people of Egypt and his family. He lived 93 of his 110 years in Egypt. He was foreigner most of his life, but he was faithful to God throughout, and was rewarded for it.
It is said that Joseph was never buried in Egypt. His bones/coffin stood as a testament to the Israelites of the future of the Promise Land. Joseph would be taken out of Egypt by Moses to the Promise Land for burial in 400 years time. (Exodus 13:19)
Some promises of God take a long time to fulfill. The book of Genesis concludes with Joseph’s death — a death that looks forward to the future.
Jacob gave each son the appropriate blessing. He requests to be buried in the same tomb as Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, and Leah. Then he died.
Joseph threw himself upon his father and wept. He was embalmed and mourned over for 70 days. Joseph asked Pharaoh for permission to bury his father in Canaan, which Pharaoh granted. So Joseph, all of Pharaoh’s officials, all the members of Joseph’s family, chariots, and horsemen journeyed to Canaan to bury Jacob. At Atad near the Jordan River, Joseph stopped and mourned 7 days for Jacob. Jacob was buried, and all returned to Egypt.
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 29, Day 3: Genesis 49:29-50:14
8 ) Because God had promised him the land.
9) He is faithful.
10) They abided by his wishes and got special permission to take his body back. They all went to Canaan (a long journey) to bury him, as did the dignitaries of Egypt.
11) Pharaoh gave Joseph permission to take his body back to be buried. The Egyptian officials accompanied Joseph and mourned. Chariots and horses were taken. The Canaanites knew it was a solemn cermony.
12a) If you believe in Jesus, you will have eternal life. If you do not believe, you will die in your sins. All those in Christ will live again. Man will die once and then face judgement and Christ will appear a second time and bring salvation to all.
b) I really don’t think about my death all that much.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 29, Day 3: Genesis 49:29-50:14
I love the ceremony for Jacob. It is fitting. Wish the Bible did say more about death.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 29, Day 3: Genesis 49:29-50:14
Jacob knew he would see Isaac and Abraham in heaven. He also wanted his eternal resting place for his body on earth to be in the Promised Land, although he could have been buried with riches and in a pyramid for all we know.
Jacob is repeated his death wishes to the rest of the brothers; he already told Joseph (Genesis 47:29-31)
This ends the life of the last patriarch: Abraham, Isaac & Jacob. Those who believe in Christ defy death.
The mourning of Jacob in Egypt shows how great he was. 70 days was almost a royal mourning.
It’s interesting that Jospeh did not make his request directly to Pharaoh in the beginning even though he was 2nd in command. This shows the proof of the truth of the Bible.
This burial must have been grand, indeed, and the fact that Jacob was embalmed. Only the wealthy were embalmed in ancient Egypt. This is rare in Scripture to see this detail of a burial (outside of Jesus) recorded.
Remember that Abraham purchased this cave (Genesis 23:9), which was the only part of the Promised Land he actually owned (Genesis 23:17). Sarah (Genesis 23:19), Abraham (Genesis 25:9), Isaac, Rebekah, Leah, (Genesis 49:31) and now Jacob are buried here.
Jacob calls his sons together to bless them and tell them their future before he dies. He tells Reuben he will no longer excel because of his defilement of his father’s bed. Simeon and Levi will be scattered in Israel. They will no longer be leaders as punishment for the slaughter at Shechem.
Judah’s brothers will praise him and bow down to him. The scepter will not leave Judah’s hand until it comes to whom it belongs and obedience is his (reference to Jesus). His (Jesus) robes will be washed in blood, his eyes darker than wine, his teeth whiter than milk.
Zebulun will live by the seashore and become a haven for ships. Issachar will submit to forced labor. Dan will provide justice for his people. Gad will be attacked, but he will attack back. Asher will have rich food. Naphtali is free.
Joseph is a fruitful vine that overflows. Enemies attack, but Joseph remains steady because of God who blesses him. His blessings rest on him, the “prince among his brothers.”
Benjamin devours and plunders.
These were the 12 Tribes of Israel.
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 29, Day 2: Genesis 49:1-28
3) Benjamin’s is to me. He is like a ravenous wolf who devours his prey and divides his plunder. Since Benjamin is the youngest, I picture him as the most innocent, not as this is painted.
4a) Their descendents are punished because of them. Reuben he will no longer excel because of his defilement of his father’s bed. Simeon and Levi will be scattered in Israel. They will no longer be leaders as punishment for the slaughter at Shechem.
b) God holds people responsible for their actions, and sin can be passed down and perpetrated into next generations, which is why being a parent is so hard as we try not to pass our sins onto ur children.
5) Judah’s brothers will praise him and bow down to him. The scepter will not leave Judah’s hand until it comes to whom it belongs and obedience is his (reference to Jesus). His (Jesus) robes will be washed in blood, his eyes darker than wine, his teeth whiter than milk.
6) God can do whatever He wants. He is God. It is not on us to question Him, His authority, or what He does.
7) It would take many pages to type this one out. Suffice it to say that every choice brings you to where you are at today, and it is all in God’s plan to honor and bless you in that way. Nothing should be regretted You are here because God has let you be here.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 29, Day 2: Genesis 49:1-28
This lesson was much condensed from last time we did this study and was much improved. It’s interesting to me how sin is perpetuated and many people don’t have kids because of this fact. But there is nothing you can do about it. All you can do is your best.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 29, Day 2: Genesis 49:1-28
You can safely say that many of these are not blessings but prophecies (unsure how telling your kid you won’t be a leader, you will be scattered, and you won’t excel is a blessing).
Fun Fact: This is the first prophecy spoken by a man (not God) in the Bible.
Note that Jacob refers to himself by both names (Jacob and Israel). He is recognizing both sides of himself (the good and the bad here).
Reuben’s sin: Genesis 35:22. No one of note came from Reuben’s line (Matthew 19:30). No king, prophet, or judge would come from Reuben. His tribe was the first to be conquered by the Assyrian and Babylonians, and he would settle east of the Jordan, which was not well fortified.
Simeon and Levi’s sin: (Genesis 34:25-29). Forgiven sins can still haunt us. Their sin is anger and retribution in anger. This is not a godly anger Ephesians 4:26), but an ungodly one. Ephesians 4:31)
Simeon’s tribe shrank when they wandered in the wilderness after the parting of the Red Sea. They went from the 3rd largest (Numbers 1:23), to the smallest (Numbers 26:14) in 40 years. They had to share their piece of the Promise Land with Judah (Joshua 19:1). They would be enveloped into Judah’s tribe.
Levi, however, gained blessing despite his sin and was chosen to be the line of the priesthood because of their faithfulness during the Golden Calf episode (Exodus 32:26-28). They gained God as their inheritance (Joshua 13:33). It pays to draw near to God when you’ve been reprimanded by Him. However, they were scattered as priests had to live all over Israel in order to preach to the people.
Because Judah inherited the ruling position, the kings of Israel (including Jesus, the ultimate King) would come from him. Revelation 5:5, Lions in scripture symbolize power, victory, and dominion. His tribe would prosper.
Shiloh is another name for Jesus, meaning “he whose right it is.” David partially fulfilled this prophecy, but it was Jesus a full 1600 years later that sealed the deal.
Zebulon settled next to the Mediterranean Sea and the Sea of Galilee — both places for ships. His tribe is noted in the Bible for being faithful to David (1 Chronicles 12:33). His name means “honored dwelling.”
Issachar was a large tribe, but they became slaves. Numbers 26
From the tribe of Dan came the judge, Samson (Judges 13:2). Dan menas “he judged.”
Some Bible scholars believe the Antichrist will come from the tribe of Dan (based on Daniel 11:37 and Jeremiah 8:16).
Dan is left out of the listing of tribes in Revelation 7:5-8 B nor in 1 Chronicles 2-9. but Dan is the first tribe listed in Ezekiel’s list (Ezekiel 48).
Jacob calls out for Jesus (the Hebrew word for salvation is “yeshuwah.”). Cool, isn’t it?
Gad helped David (1 Chronicles 12:14). They settled on the east side of the Jordan and had to fend off constant attacks.
Asher was known as a land of luxury Deuteronomy 33:24, near Phoenicia. Anna, a prophetess from Asher, saw Jesus (Luke 2:36-38)
Naphtali’s land bordered the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus spent much of his time (Matthew 4:12-16)
Joseph had already received his blessing. Perhaps this was a repeat for the benefit of the other brothers Genesis 48. God gave Joseph the strength of will for the bow. Joseph’s tribes of Mannsseh and Ephraim were some of the biggest. Joseph overcame much.
Israel/Jacob set out with all of his household and belongings for Egypt. At Beersheba he offered sacrifices to God. There God spoke to him, reassuring him to go to Egypt.
Jacob left Beersheba for Egypt, taking with him all his sons, their wives and children, his daughters and their families and all his possessions including his livestock. They numbered 66 persons who went with Jacob that were direct descendants. Counting Joseph and his two sons and Jacob the total came to 70 in Egypt.
Joseph met his family at Goshen where they were to settle in Egypt, and he threw his arms around his father and wept. Israel/Jacob said he is now ready to die since he’s seen that Joseph is still alive.
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 27, Day 4: Genesis 46:1-30
9a) That is was God’s will for them to go since He wanted them in the Promised Land and God had told them to settle where there were at.
b) God spoke to Jacob/Israel in a vision at night, reassuring him that he was to go to Egypt and that God would build them into a great nation there.
c) God is good. He wants to reassure his people that they are doing the right thing. He also is taking care of them so that they can survive.
10) 66. For the line of Jesus to be recorded.
11a) We’ve moved recently to follow our dreams. They are still unfolding.
b) Romans 8:28: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
2 Corinthians 9:8: “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
Philippians 4:19: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
ConclusionsBSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 27, Day 4: Genesis 46:1-30
I wonder who eventually told Jacob what had actually happened to Joseph and how he got to be in Egypt. That would have been a conversation I would have liked to have heard. “Uh, Father, well, um, we didn’t like Joseph, so we threw him in this well, and then we sold him….”
End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 27, Day 4: Genesis 46:1-30
We’ve seen Beersheba before in Genesis. (Genesis 22:19), (Genesis 26:23). Abraham planted a tamarisk tree, and God spoke to Isaac here Genesis 21:33), repeating his covenant promise. Genesis 26:24-25). Jacob was making a huge move to a land far away. He needed God’s approval. God told him it was okay to find his wife away from the Promised Land as well (Genesis 28:12-17).
By God telling Jacob to not be afraid to go to Egypt indicates he probably was, as most of us would be. Remember in ancient times, people did not travel very far from where they were born. This is a huge move.
We’ve seen Egypt play a big role already in the Bible:
Abraham went to Egypt the last time there was a famine in the land, but this was against God’s will (Genesis 12:10-20)
Isaac was told to not go to Egypt during a famine: (Genesis 26:2).
Jacob probably knew that God had foretold his people would be strangers/slaves in a land for 400 years (Genesis 15:13). Was this the beginning of 400 years?
God’s Promises to Jacob/Israel:
“I will make you a great nation there.”
“I will go down to Egypt with you.”
“I will surely bring you back again.”
“Joseph will close your eyes.”
The Israelites will be left alone as the Egyptians will not intermarry with them. This allows God’s people to grow in faith. God will be with them. God will bring them back to the Promised Land. Joseph is alive!
Carts were a sign of wealth, so Jacob was thrilled to see these. Plus, he probably wasn’t looking forward to walking or riding a donkey that far!
The sons of Judah lead to Jesus: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, Perez, Hezron
70 males total from God’s people went to or were in Egypt. In Acts 7:14, Stephen tells us 75 went to Egypt. This number includes the sons and grandsons of Joseph who were born in Egypt
Once Abraham waited years for Isaac, 60 years passed before Jacob came alone. Then Jacob had his sons throughout his lifetime. After being in Egypt for 430 years, the Israelites would leave with 600,000 men and 2 million people. God is good, indeed.
Judah is chosen since he was the one with the most repentant heart.
Joseph sent all of his attendants away, and he revealed himself to his brothers. He wept so loudly that Pharaoh’s household was informed. His brothers were scared, thinking retribution would be coming. Instead, Joseph explained to them that this was God’s plan to send Joseph ahead so that he could save lives and preserve a remnant for the future. God sent him to Egypt and has made him lord over Pharaoh’s entire household and ruler of all of Egypt.
Joseph tells his brothers to go back to return to his father, Jacob, and bring him here. Bring everything they have, and they shall live in Goshen near him. He tells them he will provide for them; otherwise, they will not make it for there is still 5 more years of the famine left. He hugged and kissed Benjamin. He kissed all his brothers, and they talked.
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 27, Day 2: Genesis 45:1-15
3a) He tried to calm their fears that he would enact retribution by explaining that God had sent him to Egypt, not them. It communicated love for them and forgiveness, not evil or revenge.
b) Joseph gives God all of the credit always. He is able to see God’s plan in his circumstances. Although we don’t know the future like Joseph, we should be able to see God’s purposes in our lives.
c) At first they were terrified, and probably a little shocked. It had been over 20 years, and they thought he was dead. They probably still felt guilty for what they had done and how they had lied to Jacob. They probably all thought they deserved retribution.
4) The hurt and the pain make it hard to forgive. Prayer, God, and remembering how God forgives us when we don’t deserve it.
5) There is always hope for reconciliation for family. Look at Joseph. Odds are, our hurts from family members don’t include them trying to kill us and selling us into slavery. If Joseph can overcome all that pain and still see God’s hand in it, then so we should be able to overcome that of our family members.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 27, Day 2: Genesis 45:1-15
It must be so cool to know the future as Joseph did. This reference to the remnant reminded me of Revelation. How amazing is the Bible!
End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 27, Day 2: Genesis 45:1-15
This is the third time Joseph has cried with his brothers, but the first time publicly.
It is understandable that the brothers were in shock and afraid. Here is the man who is the second most powerful person in all of the ancient world at that time, so Joseph could have them all killed with one word.
Joseph is over what his brothers did to him, and he wants his brothers to know that. It was all God’s divine plan. Do note that Joseph does not dismiss their role when he says “whom you sold into slavery.” The brothers still have to repent of their evilness. However, Joseph forgave because he understood God’s plan for all of this. He had a Godly-perspective that many of us need to adopt as well.
Joseph knew that the reason he was second to Pharaoh was not to save Egyptians, but to save his family, God’s people, and those who would bring forth Jesus. God used the most powerful nation on the planet to preserve His people. Simply beautiful. God always goes ahead of us, orchestrating our lives, too.
Man acts but God overrules these actions. Man has free will; God’s plan still prevails despite man’s evils. All things work for our good.
Jacob needed to hear that his favorite son, Joseph, was still alive. Joseph loved all his brothers, even the ones most cruel to him. He must have had a great time catching up on the happenings of the last 20 years with his brothers.
Joseph was purchased by Potiphar who was one of Pharaoh’s officials, his captain of the guard. God was with Joseph, and he prospered. Potiphar noticed that God was with him and blessed him in everything he did, so he put Joseph in charge of his household. Potiphar was blessed as well because of Joseph and did not have to do anything except feed himself.
Potiphar’s wife wanted to have an affair with Joseph because he was handsome, but Joseph refused to sin against God in that way. She kept asking, and Joseph kept refusing. One day, she grabbed his cloak and asked him to sleep with her. He refused and fled, but she kept his cloak. Potiphar’s wife then claimed that Joseph tried to sleep with her, using his cloak as proof.
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 24, Day 2: Genesis 39:1-18
3a) God blessed Joseph in Potiphar’s house, and Potiphar noticed so he had Joseph be his attendant. He put Joseph in charge of his entire home, and God blessed Potiphar because of it, both in the house and the field. Potiphar did not have to worry about anything.
b) I see God’s work in my life every day, and as I seek, He reveals. I keep on, keeping-on, but I know He is working through me to accomplish His plans. As God has blessed Joseph, so he does all of us.
4a) Potiphar’s wife flat out asked/told Joseph to come to bed with him. When he refused, she kept pestering him, hoping to wear him down. She grabbed his cloak one day when no one else was around and asked again, but Joseph fled. She was so angry to be rejected that she made up a lie about him.
b) I like how Joseph fled from temptation and avoided her probably at all costs and avoided being alone with her. Joseph was also honest with her and did not lie. It’s best to avoid situations altogether where you could face temptation.
5) I’m currently not facing any major situations, but daily situations to do the right thing can be a challenge as well, especially when you think no one is looking or noticing. That is what I plan to pray about and work on. This might cost money, reputation, or embarrassment.
6) God always provides a way out of temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13) and does not give us more than we can bear. Praying, staying close to God, and knowing He is good helps immensely.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 24, Day 2: Genesis 39:1-18
Kudos to Joseph here for standing by his boss and by God, especially when it seems he was being battered by Potiphar’s wife to sleep with him. A lot of men give in to this, especially one in Joseph’s position who was a mere slave and this could have been seen as an order.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 24, Day 2: Genesis 39:1-18
Potiphar’s name means devoted to the sun. The ancient Egyptians worshipped the sun god, Ra who was believed to have created the entire world. He was one of their central gods.
Bible scholars debate is Potiphar was a eunuch since many officials in ancient times were castrated so that they would forever be loyal to the king. There is no confirmation of this idea, however, in Potiphar’s case. If you are the captain of the guard of Pharaoh, you are a very important person. After all, you’re in charge of the Pharaoh’s security.
Note how God was with Potiphar from the beginning. Joseph could have been bought by anyone, including someone who would mistreat him. He was not. Joseph showed everyone that God existed through his actions. Even in our darkest hours (pretty sure going from the favored son of a rich man to a slave qualifies), God blesses and uses it for His good.
Odds are, Joseph’s brothers who put him here were probably not doing all that well.
Interestingly, God can bless our work and those we work with in the same way. This can include your home where you work as well.
Success Takes Time
Although this passage reads as such, Joseph did not become a success overnight. Working backwards with the timeframe, Joseph was sold into slavery at age 17 (Genesis 37:2). We are told he was 30 when Pharaoh promoted him (Genesis 41:46), and we know Joseph was imprisoned for two years before this (Genesis 41:1). Thus, it took Joseph 11 years to work his way up to be Potiphar’s right-hand man. Oftentimes, we are not patient enough to let God work in our lives. This is still quite young, even in our day, to rise to such fame.
We can also assume that Joseph worked hard to earn this position, and he was obviously good at it.
Fun Fact: The writers of the Bible only record two other men as being handsome:
Some Bible scholars say Moses, but Moses was called beautiful as a child (Exodus 2:2), which, as all of us parents know, all babies are beautiful!
If Potiphar was indeed a eunuch, Potiphar’s wife may have been seeking sexual intimacy then with other men. Remember, ancient cultures often saw marriage as more of an open relationship, and affairs were very common and sometimes even acceptable. Perhaps Potiphar’s wife was attracted to Joseph’s looks or to the challenge of bagging him. No one knows her motivations. We are only told her actions here.
Joseph Resists Temptation
Since we all know that Joseph was in Potiphar’s house for 11 years, this could have been going on that entire time. If you think of it in that way, then you can understand that one day Joseph’s refusal would anger Potiphar’s wife enough that she would take her revenge. Yet, Joseph stand firm, knowing he would sin against God and his master if he slept with her.
Note that Potiphar’s wife blamed her husband for bringing Joseph into the house. Note how this sin began in the Garden of Eden when Adam blamed God for the first sin because God made Eve (even though he wanted a companion). (Genesis 3:12-13) This sin of blaming others has been around since the beginning of time.
Many people in the Bible could not resist temptation (Abrah, Moses, David, Joh, Peter, Solomon, and, of course, Adam and Eve). Joseph and Daniel did.
Bible scholars believe Potiphar’s wife planned to get Joseph alone, hoping to finally seduce him with no one looking. Instead, Joseph flees sin once again, as we are commanded to do 2 Timothy 2:22.
She lies, knowing Joseph would be put to death. Yet, for someone who wants to sleep with him, she doesn’t seem to care. We are not told if Joseph defended himself. However, it would not matter. Joseph was a slave. His life didn’t matter. Still, Joseph trusted all things would work together for his good.(Romans 8:28).
In the beginning, every human spoke the same language. Then, they began to build the Tower of Babel that would reach the heavens and make a name for themselves. The Lord came down to see what they were up to. Instead, the Lord scattered them and confused their languages so they couldn’t come together and do this building again.
BSF STUDY QUESTIONS GENESIS: LESSON 7, DAY 5: GENESIS 11:1-9
13) They were building the tower to make a name for themselves, not make a name for God.
14a) Power, greed, self-worth, acknowledgement, and to be equal with God.
b) Personal Question. My answer: Everywhere.
15) God redirects, like a parent would. He doesn’t destory mankind, but He does what is best for them and that is in this instance to break them up so they would be more likely to rely on Him rather than themselves.
16) Personal Question. My answer: That man would not be about self-aggrandisement, but instead seek God and credit God in all things. God wants us to work together for His glory, not for ours.
Conclusions BSF STUDY QUESTIONS GENESIS: LESSON 7, DAY 5: GENESIS 11:1-9
God scatters the people for their own good. Our culture always talks about brining everyone together; yet, here we see what happens when we do come together in such a manner. Perhaps God knows what’s good for us after all and maybe separate is not such a bad thing.
End Notes BSF STUDY QUESTIONS GENESIS: LESSON 7, DAY 5: GENESIS 11:1-9
God commanded everyone to spread out and populate the land in Genesis 9:1 Instead, they build a city in Shinar (Babylon) in this passage.
Brick making was a common building material in ancient times. Tar was and still is used for waterproofing, such as in Noah’s ark an Moses’ basket (Exodus 2:3). Some scholars believe that the tar indicates the people still thought they would be killed again by another flood. However, this is speculation as tar is a common building product.
Were the People Really Reaching for Heaven?
Bible Scholars believe they were trying to reach the heavens, and most believe this tower was real.
God may have came down to earth as Jesus. The “us” is the Holy Trinity. God scattered the people for our good out of mercy. He could have killed us all again if He had wanted.
I find it interesting that God acknowledges that man can do anythien when they come together. This is powerful for us today. Although we’re divided, it appears God wants it so.
Language is unique to man that it can only be explained as a gift from God. As man scattered, differences in the people slowly developed due to the limited gene pool. Yet, the world is incredibly diverse — just as God wanted it to be.
Man is still man — a sinner at heart. Only a perfect man, Jesus, can save.
Genealogy of Shem, Ham, and Japheth (Noah’s sons).
The sons of Japheth were maritime peoples and spread out with their own language.
Cush was the son of Ham who was the father of Nimrod who grew to be a mighty warrior and hunter on earth. The first centers of his kingdom were Babylon, Erech, Akkad, and Calneh in Shinar. Then Cush went to Assyria to build Ninevah, Rehoboth, Ir, Calah, and Resen.
Later, the Canaanites scattered, pushing out the borders from Sidon to Gaza and Lasha.
Shem’s ancestors lived in the eastern hill country from Mesha to Sephar.
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 7, Day 4: Genesis 10
10a) Personal Question. My answer: We’re seeing the nations as they spread out over the earth. Jonah was called to preach to Ninevah but ignored God instead and got swallowed by the whale. Babylon, of course, will enslave all of Israel. The Tower of Babel was supposed to have been erected in Babylon as well.
b) They are all interconnected.
11) A mighty hunter on earth before the Lord. He was power hunger. It is widely believed that Nimrod was the leader of those who built the Tower of Babel in the land of Shinar, although the Bible never outright says this. Nimrod’s kingdom included many cities, including Babel, Erech, Akkad, and Calneh.
12) Personal Question. My answer: Nothing.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 7, Day 4: Genesis 10
I got nothing here.
End Notes BSF STUDY QUESTIONS GENESIS: LESSON 7, DAY 4: GENESIS 10
Japheth is believed to be the father of the Indo-European peoples, which is Western Europe to India.
Gomer is believed to be the Germans, French, Spanish, and Celts.
Mogog, Tubal, and Meshech is believed to be the Russians.
Madai is the people of India, Iran and Iraq.
Javan is believed to be the ancient Greeks.
Gomer would be Mesopotamia.
Togarmah would be Armenians.
Sons of Javan are the ancient Greeks.
Sons of Ham, Cush, and Mizraim come the Africans.
Sons of Canaan would be the Lebanese.
Sinites are believed to be the peoples of Asia.
Shem is believed to be the people of Persia and Assyria, Armenians, and the Hebrews.
Like most lists of names and genealogies in the Bible, it is used to chronicle the line of Jesus and collaborate God’s words to man (who always seems to need evidence). Also, it explains how the world was re-populated after the flood and who and how founded the nations of the earth.
Fun fact: Nimrod’s name means “let us rebel.”
Fun fact: This is the first use of the word “kingdom” in the bible.
Noah cursed his youngest son, Ham, after he found out what has been done to him (whatever that was). He curses Canaan ot be a slave to his brothers. He blesses God and asks for Japheth’s terrritory to be extended and may Japheth live in the tents of Shem. Noah lived to be 950 years old and then he died.
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 7, Day 3: Genesis 9:24-29
7) “May Canaan be the slave of Shem. May God extend the territory of Japheth. May Japheth live in the tents of Shem, may Canaan be his slave.”
8 ) Part personal question. My answer: God is in control. Unsure about when I learned this.
9) Personal question. My answer: Since we are all descended from Noah, he’s responsible for our existence. Unsure on the rest.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 7, Day 3: Genesis 9:24-29
As you can tell from my answers, I’m not gleaning a whole lot out of these lessons. I apologize in advance if I’m not all that helpful. Please leave your answers in the comment to help others.
End notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 7, Day 3: Genesis 9:24-29
Apparently something had happened to Noah that warranted a curse for all of eternity and posterity.
Ham sinned by Canaan, Ham’s son, was cursed. This is the prophecy Noah reveals. We know God does not punish the son for the sins of the father (although we are all punished by Adam’s sin). We each are personally responsible for our sins and will stand before God to answer for them one day.
Apparently nothing is noteworthy after this incident in Noah’s life to record. Still, Noah is a man of faith by the Hebrew writer in Hebrews 11:7.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 24, Day 2: Genesis 39:1-18
