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BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 10, Day 5: Genesis 16:7-16

November 5, 2020November 1, 2020 by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 16:7-16:

Hagar ran away and the angel of the Lord found her near a spring in the desert. The angel asked Hagar what she was doing. She replied she was running away. The angel told her to go back to Sarai and submit to her and that he would increase her descendants infinitely. He told her she would have a son and she was to call him Ishmael (God hears) for God has heard of her misery. Your son will live in hostility against his brothers.

Hagar tells the angel that he is the God who sees her and she has now seen Him. Hagar returned and had Ishmael. Abram was 86 years old at the time.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 10, Day 5: Genesis 16:7-16

14) She would continue to be mistreated, maybe even killed if she remained. She probably fled to her family in Egypt, who would take care of her.

15a) The angel told Hagar to go back to Sarai and submit to her and that he would increase her descendants infinitely. He told her she would have a son and she was to call him Ishmael (God hears) for God has heard of her misery. Your son will live in hostility against his brothers. Hagar tells the angel that he is the God who sees her and she has now seen Him.

b) God cares for everyone. Ishmael was the victim, never asking to be.

16) Personal Question. My answer: I’ve found if you stay the course, God will pivot you when needed.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 10, Day 5: Genesis 16:7-16

God’s love is infinite, and He brings good in every situation. Ishmael’s daughter marries Abraham’s grandson, Esau. Esau is blessed as well while on earth.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 10, Day 5: Genesis 16:7-16

When God “appears” in the Bible, it’s always as Jesus. No one has ever seen God. (1 Timothy 6:16)

Fun Fact: This is the first appearance of the Angel of the Lord in the Bible, and it’s fitting that it’s to Hagar, a slave who had been prostituted to her master and is now pregnant. God is good.

The Angel of the Lord (or Jesus) appears many times in the Bible: (Genesis 22). (Exodus 3). (Numbers 22). Judges 2). Judges 6). (Judges 13). (2 Samuel 24). (1 Kings 19). From Abraham to Elijah, God appears when we need Him. He still appears in our lives today.

“Where are you going?” is an important question we need to be asking ourselves constantly.

The Angel of the Lord promises Hagar protection and blesses her. Ismael would become the father of the Arabic people. His half-brother, Isaac, would be come the father of the Jews. And yet still there is bitter animosity and hatred towards each other.

Fun Fact: Ismael is the first person recorded in the Bible to have been given a name before he was born.

God loves all people. He could have allowed Hagar to die in the desert and Ismael later on as well. He doesn’t. He keeps them alive. God has a plan and a love for all.

The name Ismael means “God will hear.” God hears all peoples. Life would not be easy for Hagar or Ismael, but God hears them.

El Roi (You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees). God is with Hagar. Knowing that, she returns with a changed heart.

Jesus is with us always and the Holy Spirit. God sees all of our troubles, heartaches, and pain. And He is there, holding you up when you can’t anymore.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 10, Day 4: Genesis 16:1-6

November 4, 2020November 1, 2020 by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary Genesis 16:1-6:

Sarai told Abram to sleep with her servant in order to have a child. Once Hagar got pregnant, she got an attitude (probably thought herself better than Sarai) and despised her mistress. Then Sarai blamed Abram for this. Abram gave Sarai permission to do what she wanted with Hagar. She mistreated her, and Hagar fled.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 10, Day 4: Genesis 16:1-6

11a) They knew God would give them a child, so they decided to help God out by using Hagar (which was acceptable back then). They believed God, but didn’t have any patience and thought they knew the method better.

b) Personal Question. My answer: We can believe one thing, but do another. Our fears and our doubts can make us do irrational actions even though we know they aren’t the best decision.

12a) Abram slept with Hagar (not his wife as God ordained). Sarai willingly gave Hagar to Abram (not ordained either). Both in a sense committed adultery.

b) There is nothing good that comes from sin. Ishmael was born, whom the Islamic faith comes from. They are non-Christians. Short-term, Sarai was angry at Abram when it was her fault, so their marriage was not doing well.

13) Everything is a wait game. You can’t push God’s timing.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 10, Day 4: Genesis 16:1-6

You think Abram and Sarai would have learned after Sarai was prostituted out to Pharaoh, but nope. Only thing that came out of this was pain from everyone involved.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 10, Day 4: Genesis 16:1-6

Hagar was a slave they got when they went to Egypt the first time against God’s orders.(Genesis 12:16). As you can see, sin compounds sin.

Sarai was tired of waiting for a baby. She was probably feeling hurt and sadness for not having a child yet. She could have thought God did not want her as the mother of the nations, only Abram as the father. She may have been angry at God, too. All of her feelings culminated in the sin of adultery.

Sarai didn’t believe God’s promise anymore.
She responded in sin against a covenant marriage.

Abram goes along with it. Ten years probably seemed like a long time to them. We must remember we can’t rush God. God is testing our patience and our obedience.

Note they did not pray about this decision. They just did it.

Some Bible scholars think that Hagar would sit on Sarai as Abram inseminated her. They point to Genesis 30:3 of Rachel giving Bilhah to support this. We don’t know. All we know is that having a surrogate mother was common in ancient times.

Having a baby with Abram gave Hagar clout, which she wielded against Sarai.

Sarai blames Abram, which is true. He was the head of the household and should have said no. Abram could have handled the problem, instead he defers to Sarai. This is what it is. Abram probably wanted to stay out of their squabbles. Hagar flees, probably back to her home in Egypt.

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BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 10, Day 3: Genesis 15:7-21

November 3, 2020November 29, 2020 by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 15:7-21:

God also reiterates to Abram that He brought him from Ur to give him this land. Again, Abram questions God, asking for reassurances of this promise. God tells Abram to bring him a heifer, goat, ram, dove, and a pigeon. Abram cut these in half (except the birds). As Abram awaits God’s arrival, birds of prey come to feed on the carcasses so Abram drives them away.

Abram fell asleep, and the Lord revealed that Abram’s descendants will be strangers and enslaved for 400 years. However, God would punish this nation, and they will emerge with great possessions. Abram will die in peace and at an old age.

Then the Lord appeared (many believe) in the smoke and united the pieces, making a covenant with Abram, giving his descendants this land.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 10, Day 3: Genesis 15:7-21

7) God answers Abram’s request of reassurance of God’s promises of an heir and land. He unilaterally passes through the pieces of the sacrifice, presumably consuming them most Bible scholars think, and makes a covenant with Abram to give his descendants the Promised Land. However, in Ezekiel 37:1-28, God puts parts together, including dry bones, so God may have united the pieces as well.

8 ) Your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated for 400 years. (Exodus 12:31-40 tells of Pharaoh freeing the Israelites and they were prisoners for 430 years.)

He will go to his fathers in peace and be buried at a good old age. (Genesis 25:7-8 tells us Abram died at the age of 175, and he died at a good old age)

In the fourth generation, your descendants will return, for the sin of the Amorites will not yet have reached its full measure. (Exodus 6:11 records God setting the Israelites free from Pharaoh).

9) Personal Question. My answer: Abram believes but asks for confirmation and reassurance. We do this in our lives too. We know in our hearts the truth, but are so fearful of the wrong decision that we ask for confirmation. Here, Abram does the same thing.

10) 2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5; Ephesians 1:13-14 tells us God uses the Holy Spirit to reassure us of what is to come.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 10, Day 3: Genesis 15:7-21

It’s like Abram keeps asking, “Are you sure, God? I mean, are you ABSOLUTELY sure?” We do this today, too. We believe God, but we need to have peace with it because we are weak and need God’s support. As this example shows us, this is okay and normal, and God will meet you where you are at in your need to be comforted and reassured.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 10, Day 3: Genesis 15:7-21

God repeats His promises we’ve seen before: Genesis 12:1-3, 12:7, and 13:15-17

Cutting animals in half and putting them back together again makes no sense to us. But in Abram’s day, this was the way covenants/promises were made. The two people would walk through the animal parts, repeating the promise. In fact Genesis 15:18 translates as “the LORD cut a covenant.”

Jeremiah 34:18-20 we see this ritual as well.

The covenant is sealed with blood (according to custom in those days). If you break the covenant, the blood is on you.

God was probably tired of this doubt, so He made the covenant final.

Note that Abram waited, long enough for vultures to find the carcasses. This is often the case. God’s timing is not ours.

God causes Abram to sleep so He can appear to him in a dream. God says Abram will have all this land, but at a cost — his descendants will be slaves. (Exodus 1:1-14). Yet, in the end, his descendants would inherit the land.

God walks between the pieces Himself as a smoking firepot and a blazing torch, signifying that this was a unilataral covenant having nothing to do with man. This covenant is unconditional on anything man could ever do.

God as Smoke in the Bible

As a cloud when the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness, seeking the Promised Land (Exodus 13:21-22).
On Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:18).
Cloud of glory (1 Kings 8:10-12).

God as Fire in the Bible

A pillar of fire in the wilderness (Exodus 13:21-22).
The infamous burning bush (Exodus 3:4).
Fire from heave that consumed sacrifices (1 Kings 18:38, 1 Chronicles 21:26, 2 Chronicles 7:1).

Note that Abram had no part in the covenant; it is all God by His grace alone. This is the same for Jesus. Jesus died for us; we had nothing to do with it.

God is in control, always.

The smoking oven represents God’s holiness and how He must judge sin. The blazing torch represents God’s guidance.

God listed the exact land for Abram’s sake so he would know this was real. For a brief time, Israel did possess all of this land with Solomon (1 Kings 8:65) and Jeroboam II (2 Kings 14:25),

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BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 10, Day 2: Genesis 15:1-6

November 2, 2020November 1, 2020 by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 15:1-6:

God came to Abram and said, “Do not be afraid.” Abram questioned God since he had no children yet. God tells him he will have a son to inherit the land and that his offspring will be as numerous as the stars. Abram believed the Lord, and God credited it to Abram as righteous.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 10, Day 2: Genesis 15:1-6

3) God is our shield and God rewards. Many places in the Bible God is called our shield. When times are tough, God will shield you.

Reward in the Bible.

4) I’m not sure it did. After all, Abram follows up God’s promise with a doubt. Although, Abram was probably afraid of retaliation by the 4 kings, and he did just give up a fair amount of riches (although he’s rich enough). God is our ultimate reward.

5a) He believed the Lord’s promise of an heir.

b) When you believe in God, you are made righteous by grace through faith, so you can then stand before God in His presence. Abram believed God’s promise of an heir and descendants, so he was then credited or made righteous before God. The same holds true for us today.

6) Personal Question. My answer: God comes to us when we need Him the most. He knows our doubts without us speaking. He knows when we need to hear Him. Hu understands we need to hear things more than once to believe. He is gracious. This is comforting, indeed.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 10, Day 2: Genesis 15:1-6

I love how God just appears to Abram for the sole purpose of comforting him and allaying his fears. God does this today for us if we will listen close enough.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 10, Day 2: Genesis 15:1-6

God spoke to people in many different ways in OT times: voice, vision, dreams, angels, the Holy Spirit, and through others. Here, it’s a vision.

Abram was probably afraid of retribution by the four kings. Do not fear, God says. He will protect Abram (be his shield) and He will be his reward (since he just gave up the plunder and reward from the king of Sodom (Genesis 14:21-24)). Interestingly, God did not tell him to do this; yet, Abram may be regretting it here.

Eliezer of Damascus was Abram’s servant.

Abram dismissed God’s promises here because he was concerned about a son. He tells God that he wants to believe him, yet he doubts. It’s okay to doubt God when you want to believe Him. It’s not okay to doubt God because you reject Him.

Abram tells God how he feels honestly. This is a great prayer example for us today.

Abram is still waiting for God’s promise of a son Genesis 12:2 and 13:15-16. Still, God reaffirms this promise, but Abram has another 15 years before the birth of Isaac.

God makes this promise crystal clear; it would be a physical son. We often misunderstand God’s promises.

He would have millions of descendents.

God’s Righteousness

This last sentence can be confusing. Abram believed the Lord; the Lord credited this as righteousness to Abram. This is the righteousness you have when you believe in God and believe God. There is a righteousness on your own accord. This is not that one. This is God granting it.

The Message says this, “⁶And he believed! Believed God! God declared him “Set-Right-with-God.” Righteousness is right with God.

Here, we see the truth of salvation by grace through faith. We see this verse quoted 4 other times in the Bible:

This fact will be used to discredit the notion that you had to be circumcised to be righteous before God since Abram had not yet been circumcised here (Genesis 17).

Fun Facts: This is the first time believe and righteousness are used in the Bible.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 9, Day 3: Genesis 13:14-18

October 27, 2020October 25, 2020 by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 13:14-18:

After Lot left, God reaffirmed His promises to Abram, telling him He will give him all the land he sees, and He will multiply his offspring like the dust of the earth. Abram moved to Hebron and built an altar to the Lord.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 9, Day 3: Genesis 13:14-18

7) He lost a relative whom he had been with all his life. He lost the security of the added people and flocks. He may have been discouraged because Lot chose the better-looking land.

8 ) God meets us where we are at. He encourages Abram, knowing his heart is a bit emptier. He gives Abram courage to keep moving forward. This is what all of us get from God.

9) Matthew 19:29-30 says everyone who has left houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, or land for his sake will receive 100 times as much and will inherit eternal life. Many who are last will be first. Romans 8:16-18 says we are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ and we shall share in his glory.

10a) Abram moved to Hebron and built an altar to the Lord.

b) Personal Question. My answer: I’m wrestling with trying to figure out God’s plan for me in this move. Trying to see what my life looks like because of it.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 9, Day 3: Genesis 13:14-18

Great lesson in parting here and how God is with us in the midst of our losses, as well as our joys.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 9, Day 3: Genesis 13:14-18

We see God’s generosity here in this repeated promise to Abram first made in (Genesis 12:1-3, Acts 7:2-4)

Mamre means, vision. Hebron means communion.

It’s interesting that God says explore the land. Too many of us don’t do that, even the land around us. We stick to what we know, possibly missing out on what we don’t know.

We see from Abram on the need for atonement and forgiveness in our lives. Thus, this has been modeled since the beginning one could say.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 5: Genesis 12:10-20

October 22, 2020October 18, 2020 by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 12:10-20:

Abram traveled to Egypt because there was a famine in the land. He pretended Sarai was his sister so that he would be treated well and his life would be spared (selfish). Pharaoh took Sarai for his wife, not knowing she was married. Abram prospered while in Egypt. Then God struck Pharaoh and his household with disease because of this. Pharaoh sent Sarai away and told Abram to leave when he found out the truth.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 5: Genesis 12:10-20

11a) They went to Egypt because of a famine. Abram pretended Sarai was his sister so that he would be treated well and his life would be spared.

b) That God will protect you and will make His plans for your life happen.

12) Personal Question. My answer: God wanted Abram out of Egypt so He made Pharaoh kick them out. God’s will is done despite our decisions. God will protect you when you follow Him.

13) Personal Question. My answer: Just try to persevere through it in a Godly manner (not take your stress out on your family or others) is all you can do.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 5: Genesis 12:10-20

Abram obviously is selfish and has no integrity. If they knew Egypt was like this, why go in the first place? If they had faith in God’s plan for them, He would protect them. Pharaoh should have killed Abram for what he did.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 5: Genesis 12:10-20

Abram thought he knew better than God to move when God did not tell him to do so. As a result, he compromises his integrity, defiles his wife, and almost dies anyway. While in Egypt, they acquire Hagar who will be trouble all her own later on.

While Sarai was Abram’s half-sister (Genesis 20:12), Abram lied and he justified it to himself. How often do we do this?

Unsure how many women today would agree to become the wife of another.

Knowing Sarai was where the line of the Messiah would come from, unsure how much God appreciated Abram at this moment.

Still, God is faithful. He protected Abram and Sarai and used the Egyptian Pharaoh to move them again. God knows what He is doing even when we obviously do not.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 4: Genesis 12:4-9

October 21, 2020October 18, 2020 by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 12:4-9:

Abram left Haran at age 75 with Lot, his wife, and all the people and possessions they had acquired in Haran. God appeared to Abram when he reached Shechem, telling him he will give his offspring this land. Abram built an offering to God here. He built another altar to God at Bethel. Then he continued towards the Negev.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 4: Genesis 12:4-9

9) Abram obeyed, but brought along others and his possessions, which God did not say to do. Still, by faith (being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see) Abram obeyed and was blessed (just being chosen was the best blessing ever).

10a) He obeyed God. He left everything he ever knew and some of his family for a land of unknowns and living in tents. He had kids out of faith. All with no idea how to do this except through God.

b) Personal Question. My answer: Unsure if I’m waiting on anything specific for God to fulfill. I just know He shows up and guides me. I pray and take action when prompted.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 4: Genesis 12:4-9

Taking the small steps is what leads to great things.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 4: Genesis 12:4-9

Most of us know Lot’s tale (which is coming up in Genesis 13-14). Abram probably regretting bringing him along in disobedience to God’s exact instructions.

Canaan was not the best place either. It was full of sin. He stopped first at a tree. Shechem means “shoulder,” and is roughly in the middle of Canaan. Most names of places are named after a landmark, which is what Bible scholars believe here. We will see Shechem a lot when we get to Jacob.

What Happens in Shechem?

Jacob comes here (Genesis 33:18) and buys land from a man names Hamor for 100 pieces of silver (Genesis 33:19).
Jacob builds an altar to the Lord (Genesis 33:20). known as Jacob’s well.
Jacob’s daughter, Dinah was raped and in retaliation, the sons of Jacob massacred the men (Genesis 34).
Jacob gave this land to Joseph (Genesis 48:22).
Jospeh was buried here. (Joshua 24:32).
Joshua said his famous words as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24) and made a covenent with Israel
\Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4 (John 4:5-6).

Since God had commanded all the people to spread out and He did so after the Tower of Babel, people lived in Canaan. Like most of us, we’re not going to voluntarily moved. It would take 400 years for God’s promise of this land to come true.

Calling of Abram

God told Abram again of His promises, backing it up with the land itself. Remember Abram bought his burial plot here. Genesis 23:14-20

Note Abram built an altar, which served as a meeting place between God and Abram before churches. From the beginning of time, we see how important it is to have your own place to meet with God and Jesus and remember their blessings in your life. Hebrews 13:15 (Hebrews 13:10 )

Abram lived in a tent. Culture tells us to strive for material goods when our homes are in heaven. Strive to live here just good enough to live well in heaven. Hebrews 11:16

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 3: Genesis 12:1-3

October 20, 2020October 18, 2020 by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 12:1-3:

The Lord called Abram to leave his country and his people to journey to a new land with this promise:

“I will make you into a great nation,
    and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
    and you will be a blessing.
³I will bless those who bless you,
    and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
    will be blessed through you.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 3: Genesis 12:1-3

6a) The Lord called Abram to leave his country and his people to journey to a new land with this promise:

b) God appeared to Abram while he was still in Mesopotamia before he lived in Haran and called him. This shows that Abram only made it half-way, and he took his father as well.

7) Isaiah 41:8-10 says we are chosen by God, He is with us, He will strengthen us. Matthew 4:18-22 says Jesus calls Peter and Andrew and he will make them fishers of men. Matthew 19:28-30 says that at the Second Coming those who followed him will also sit on 12 thrones, judging the 12 tribes. Anyone who has left houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, or chidlren for his way will receive 100 times as much and will inherit eternal life. Mark 8:34-36 says you must deny yourself and take up your cross and follow Jesus and you will gain eternal life. John 14:15-20 says if you obey Jesus’ commands, you will receive the Holy Spirit to guide and protect you.

8a) Personal Question. My answer: We just moved as well for a better life and pivots in our careers. I plan on many things, including growing closer to God and doing His will in my life.

b) Personal Question. My answer: God’s call never seems to get any easier in life. It’s just a matter of surrender. Knowing that God is behind it all gives me the strength and courage to persevere.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 3: Genesis 12:1-3

To us, this is no big deal; people move all the time. However, in ancient times, it was extremely rare for people to travel more than a mile or so outside of their towns and villages. They relied on their family to help them survive. After all, tilling the land is no easy way to live. Thus, when God called Abram to leave both his family and his land for some distant, unknown place, this was a big deal.

his explains why Abram disobeyed God and took family members and why he made it only half way. Perhaps his father could not travel any more. Like I said yesterday, while this is not full obedience, it is better than none at all.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 3: Genesis 12:1-3

I typed out the verses because they are so famous and they are good to memorize for us. This promise is repeated here from when God first called Abram.

When God says “I will,” it will be done.

We see Abram growing in faith; this is what we should do as well. We will never be perfect. The point is you journey towards God, one step at a time.

Abram was promised a land, a nation, and fame. All of the major religions (Islam, Christianity, and Judaism) honor him.

Note God’s promise to bless those who blesses His people, and to curse those who curse them. This promise is made to the Jews who are and always will be God’s chosen people. Gentiles were adopted later. God always protects the Jews as history shows, from the Greeks and the Romans to Hitler’s Germany. The moral of the story is: don’t mess with God’s people. The nation of Israel, as tiny as it is, has all of the power in the world because God will never abandon them.

God also promises to make Abram a blessing. If you are a Christian today, no matter your denomimation, you can thank Abram and God. Galatians 3:8-9). (Revelation 5:9)

God’s plan always prevails; aren’t we glad?

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 2: Genesis 11:10-32

October 19, 2020October 18, 2020 by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 11:10-32:

The line of Shem is followed here. The account of Terah from the line of Shem who was Abram’s (later Abraham’s) father. Lot was Abram’s nephew. Abram married Sarai (later Sarah) and she was barren (had no children).

Terah, Abram, Sarai, and Lot left Ur for Canaan but settled in Haran where Terah died.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 2: Genesis 11:10-32

3) “he became the father”, “lived and had other sons and daughters.” They went about their lives.

4) Nothing really. These lists are quite boring.

5) Personal Question. My answer: the fact that my ancestors were born, lived, had kids, and died.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 2: Genesis 11:10-32

Admittedly, I got nothing here, so I’m praying you did. When we did Genesis last, BSF skipped verses 11-26 and did not ask about them.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 2: Genesis 11:10-32

We see Abraham here for the first time. He is featured more than 312 times in the Bible with 272 verses dedicated to him. Wish that were me. Admittedly, Abraham if the father of nations. It takes a lot to explain that and I’d say that makes him pretty important, indeed. We’ll be studying him and his line for the rest of the year.

Too many of us try to live up to Abraham’s faith. In truth, we do; our stories just aren’t recorded in the Bible. Abraham was called God’s friend (2 Chronicles 20:7); (Isaiah 41:8). ( James 2:23 ) We can all be God’s friend. We are all great in God’s eyes.

FUN FACT: Sarai Abram’s wife means ” controversial.” Abraham ” means ” Father.”

What we don’t see here is that Abram is called while still in Ur Acts 7:2-4. This is important. Abram leaves Babylon to go to Ur at God’s calling. However, he brings other family members (not God’s calling), and he makes pitstop in Haran (part way there). Terah means “delay” and Haran means “barren,” which was Abram’s life in Haran.

While many fault Abraham for stopping, the important part is that he started. This is all we have to do: start. One step at a time in God’s will.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 7, Day 5: Genesis 11:1-9

October 15, 2020October 3, 2020 by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 11:1-9:

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.

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BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 5: Genesis 12:10-20

Summary of Genesis 12:10-20:

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 5: Genesis 12:10-20

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 5: Genesis 12:10-20

End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 5: Genesis 12:10-20

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BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 4: Genesis 12:4-9

Summary of Genesis 12:4-9:

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 4: Genesis 12:4-9

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 4: Genesis 12:4-9