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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 25, Day 4: Select Passages From Jeremiah

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 25, Day 4: Select Passages From Jeremiah

9)

Jeremiah 16:1-4: God told Jeremiah not to marry or have kids because they would die of deadly diseases.

Jeremiah 20:1-2: Jeremiah was beaten and put in the stocks for prophesying.

Jeremiah 26:7-11: The priests, the prophets and all the people seized Jeremiah and said he should be sentenced to death.

Jeremiah 37:1-2, 16: Jeremiah was ignored by Zedekiah and all the people. Jeremiah was put into a vaulted cell in a dungeon, where he remained a long time.

Jeremiah 38:6: Jeremiah was put into a cistern, which was full of mud.

10) We all go through trials in life, and God’s calling on our lives is not easy. But God protected Jeremiah and provided for him, and no doubt he did make some impact on those who he preached to in his 40 years of doing God’s bidding.

11) First, that Ebed-Melek (his name means ‘servant of the king’) was a Cushite, a foreigner, and may not have been a believer. Thirty men came and rescued Jeremiah and did so compassionately. But, God used him to save Jeremiah. God watches over the faithful and does save them.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 25, Day 4: Select Passages From Jeremiah

What a great example of the trials of God’s calling, but the great rewards of it. God does save and care for us, and He sends people to rescue us every day, whether we realize it or not.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 25, Day 4: Select Passages From Jeremiah

Almost everyone in ancient Israel was expected to get married and have children. In fact, it was a shame and dishonor not to do so. This is a very unique command of God’s in the Bible. He did this for Jeremiah’s sake so that he would not feel the pain of losing his wife and kids.

The people treated Jeremiah as a false prophet when they ignored him and put him in the stocks.

Jeremiah was speaking from the temple court (Jeremiah 26:2) in Jeremiah 26:7-11 when he was seized. At the end of the day, the people did not like his message. Shiloh was a town close to Jerusalem that had been destroyed previously by the Philistines. Jeremiah was condemned and brought to judgment.

King Zedekiah only reigned in Jersualem around 598 B.C. He was supposed to obey Nebachadnezzar, the King of Babylon, but he did not. This is when Nebachadnezzar took over Israel for good. Jeremiah told the king to surrender to King Nebachadnezzar. King Zedekiah did not like that. They ignored him, and threw him in jail.

Then, the princes of Judah (most likely King Zedekiah’s sons) lowered Jeremiah into a cistern with the intent to leave him there to die. They could have pushed him in and he likely would have died from the fall, but they did not want blood on their hands. Cisterns were wells that stored water that most people either had or used. Read the verses ahead of Jeremiah 38:6 for the full story.

Jeremiah was rescued from the cistern, but still remained in prison.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 25, Day 2: Jeremiah 1

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF JEREMIAH 1

Jeremiah preached from the reign of Josiah to the reign of Jehoiakim and Zedekiah when the people of Jerusalem went into exile. The God called Jeremiah before he was born to be a prophet. Jeremiah did not know how to respond to God’s calling on his life. God reassures Jeremiah, telling him to obey and to not be afraid. Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched Jeremiah’s mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth. 10 See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”

God tells Jeremiah what will happen: that disaster will come from the north on Judah. God will pronounce His judgments on His people because of their wickedness in forsaking me, in burning incense to other gods and in worshiping what their hands have made. God tells Jeremiah to tell the people what He tells him to say. Do not be afraid because God has made him a fortified city to stand against the kings of Judah. They will fight against him, but will not win because God is with him and will rescue him.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 25, Day 2: Jeremiah 1

3a) Jeremiah preached from the reign of Josiah to the reign of Jehoiakim and Zedekiah when the people of Jerusalem went into exile.

b) The Israelites were far from God. They worshipped false gods. They practiced child sacrifice. Adultery was everywhere. They did not care to follow the Lord. In fact, they turned away from God. King Josiah was one of the better kings. He sought the Lord and began to purify Israel of idolatry. He wanted his people to return to the Lord.

4a) The God called Jeremiah before he was born to be a prophet.

b) That God has a plan for my life, too.

5a) Jeremiah did not know how to respond to God’s calling on his life. I can totally relate. Many of us are shocked by God’s calling on our lives. And, the calling can change, too.

b) God reassures Jeremiah, telling him to obey and to not be afraid. This must have been comforting.

6) God tells Jeremiah what will happen: that disaster will come from the north on Judah. God will pronounce His judgments on His people because of their wickedness in forsaking me, in burning incense to other gods and in worshiping what their hands have made. God tells Jeremiah to tell the people what He tells him to say. Do not be afraid because God has made him a fortified city to stand against the kings of Judah. They will fight against him, but will not win because God is with him and will rescue him.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 25, Day 2: Jeremiah 1

What beautiful words God speaks to Jeremiah! He will fortify him and give him the strength to do God’s will. God will rescue Him. If only all of us believed God had our back all the time how our lives would be different!

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 25, Day 2: Jeremiah 1

Jeremiah was a reluctant prophet who warned Judah for 40 years that they would be swept away to Babylon around the years 627 to 586 B.C.

He is known as the weeping prophet because of his painful journey and this book, Lamentations, which is his despair over Jerusalem’s destruction.

We love the book of Jeremiah because it shows what it means to follow God in spite of everything.

Anathoth was a small village near Jerusalem. Jeremiah was a young man when he was called. Bible scholars believe he was between 17 and 20 years old, so saying he was a youth and could not speak is true. God calls the young and the old alike.

Jeremiah had to see and then speak as a prophet. Anathoth was a center for almond tree growing.

The idea of the boiling pot is God pouring out His judgment on Judah.

He preached before, during, and after Jerusalem’s fall to Babylon.

Fun Fact: The book of Jeremiah is the longest book in the Bible in terms of word count.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 25, Day 4: Matthew 25:31-46

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 25:31-46

Still on the Mount of Olives, Jesus tell about when he returns. He will have all of the angels with him, and he will sit on his throne in glory. He will separate everyone like a shepherd separates his sheep and goats. The sheep will go to his right; the goats on his left. Jesus blesses the sheep on his right, and they will have their inheritance, the kingdom prepared for them since the creation of the world. For they cared for Jesus, giving him food, drink, and clothes.

Confused, the righteous wondered when they did these things. Jesus responded that they did it for him every time they did it for one of their brothers.

Those on the left will be cursed to the eternal fire for they did nothing for him or his people. They will have eternal punishment, while the righteous has eternal life.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 25, Day 4: Matthew 25:31-46

9) He will have all of the angels with him, and he will sit on his throne in glory. He will separate everyone like a shepherd separates his sheep and goats.

10a) The sheep on his right are blessed and will have their inheritance, the kingdom prepared for them since the creation of the world. For they cared for Jesus, giving him food, drink, and clothes and they cared for Jesus every time they cared for one of their brothers. They are believers.

b) Those on the left will be cursed to the eternal fire for they did nothing for him or his people. They will have eternal punishment. They are unbelievers.

c) We are here to help others, which is what Jesus would do. Since he is not here, we are to take his place.

d) Luke 6:45 says good men brings good things stored up in his heart. Faith has action associated with it, according to James 3:14-17. Faith and deeds go hand-in-hand. 1 John 3:16-18 says we are to love with action and truth. Because Jesus laid down his life for us, we are to do the same for our brothers. This is how we will know we belong to truth (verse 19)

11) I would say more in the little things I do. Smiling to others. Lending a helping hand. Volunteering. And helping those close to you, such as family and friends, when they need help. Donating time and money to worthy causes and those who need the help.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 25, Day 4: Matthew 25:31-46

I love the emphasis on doing things for others because that’s what Jesus would do. This needs to be more on our minds.

Classic book! I wish more modern children’s authors would write on Jesus.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 25, Day 4: Matthew 25:31-46

Jesus gives more details about his Second Coming here. His throne will be on earth.

Fun Fact: Jesus usually called himself “Son of Man” when speaking of himself.

Most Bible scholars agree that this judgment is different than the Great White Throne Judgment in Revelation 20:11-15.

  • The Great White Throne Judgment happens after the 1,000 year reign of Jesus. This judgment happens right after Jesus returns.
  • This Judgment of Nations only includes the nations, or Gentiles, who are judged on their care of others. The Great White Throne Judgment is everyone.

Goats and sheep usually naturally separate themselves when it gets cold at night because the goats huddle for warmth, but sheep don’t need to.

Some Bible scholars believe this Judgment of Nations will happen after the Great Tribulation Matthew 24:21 The rapture will have already happened  1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

Jesus separates those who will receive the kingdom of heaven and those who will not. Jesus judges them by their works here.

This is a lesson to us all to help others whenever we can for Jesus may come at any time.

God prepared Hell for the devil, his angels, and now those who are condemned.

The purpose of the Judgment of Nations is to separate people before the beginning of Jesus’s millennial kingdom.

Jesus came first to free us from sin.

Jesus will come again to judge and rule.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 25, Day 3: Matthew 25:14-30

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 25:14-30

Jesus tells the Parable of the Talents. A man calls his servants and gives them talents each according to his ability. He gives one man five talents, another two, and another one. The men who received five and two gained more. The man who received one hid his master’s money.

When the master returned, he settled accounts with them. The man who had five talents and gained five more and the man who had two talents and gained two more were praised and called “good and faithful servant.” Since they was faithful with a few things, Jesus put them in charge of many things and shared in their master’s happiness.

The man who hid the talent was called wicked and lazy. He was chastized for not putting the money on deposit at least to earn interest. The one talent was taken from the man and given to the man who has 10 talents. Everyone who has will be given more in abundance. Whoever does not have will lose what little he has. The lazy servant was thrown out into the darkness and the weeping and gnashing of teeth.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 25, Day 3: Matthew 25:14-30

6a) A man calls his servants and gives them talents each according to his ability. He it entrusting them to use their talents to grow his money while he is away.

b) When the master returned, he settled accounts with them. The man who had five talents and gained five more and the man who had two talents and gained two more were praised and called “good and faithful servant.” Since they was faithful with a few things, Jesus put them in charge of many things and shared in their master’s happiness.

The man who hid the talent was called wicked and lazy. He was chastized for not putting the money on deposit at least to earn interest. The one talent was taken from the man and given to the man who has 10 talents. Everyone who has will be given more in abundance. Whoever does not have will lose what little he has. The lazy servant was thrown out into the darkness and the weeping and gnashing of teeth.

c) He was chastized for not putting the money on deposit at least to earn interest. The one talent was taken from the man and given to the man who has 10 talents. Everyone who has will be given more in abundance. Whoever does not have will lose what little he has. He basically did not try or do anything while the man was away.

7) Don’t waste what God has given you. Use your talents to grow His kingdom.

8 ) Unsure. I always ask myself this, as I do think I have gifts. Writing is one of them. Perseverance. Drive. Tenacity.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 25, Day 3: Matthew 25:14-30

Such a harsh penalty is you don’t use the gifts and talents that God has given you in order to do His work. Something to think about in your own life, that’s for sure. The Olivet Discourse is so rich that it’s great to dive into.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 25, Day 3: Matthew 25:14-30

A talent was worth about $1,200 in today’s terms, which was a lot for back then. We get our word “talent” from this parable, which is a gift given to you by others.

Each person in the kingdom of heaven is given a certain number of gifts and talents to serve God. We can either waste those opportunities or talents or use them to further His kingdom.

The good servants used what they had to gain more. The other servant did absolutely nothing with the money.

The reward matched what they were given. He called them good and faithful because of it. There is also a place of joy — some Bible scholars say even heaven — as a reward.

Note the lazy servant tried to come up with excuses as to why he didn’t grow the money. He thought his master didn’t need his help and would be pleased that he did not lose the money.

The lazy servant faced condemnation. He could have done something, but instead he chose to do nothing.

The Old Testament did not allow Israelites to charge interest when money was leant to other Israelites  (Exodus 22:25; Leviticus 25:35-37; Deuteronomy 23:19; cf. Psalm 15:5. However, if the money involved Gentiles, it was permitted.(Deuteronomy 23:20)

The servant was not a true servant and thus was thrown out of the master’s house.

The master represents Jesus. The time between his departure and return may represent the time between his First and Second Coming. The different amounts represents how humans today are given different talents and abilities for Jesus.

We are all called to invest the treasure God has entrusted to us to build his kingdom and bear fruit. Jesus will return to accomplish his plan. Everything that happens is purposeful and good.

Theme of the Parable of the Talents:  our readiness for Jesus’ return is seen by our stewardship of the resources and talents He has given us.

Readiness is doing God’s work. So, are you ready?

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BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 25, Day 5: Genesis 42:21-38

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 42:21-38:

The brothers are at least smart enough to know that this is happening because of what they did to Joseph. Reuben blames his brothers for this, saying he tried to save Joseph (let’s face it, they are all guilty). Joseph was overcome and began to cry. He has Simeon taken from them and bound before their eyes.

He filled their bags with grain and had the silver they had brought with them returned in their bags. He gave them provisions for their journey. Along the way, they realized that their silver had been returned. They now sense that God is most definitely admininstering justice.

The sons returned and told Jacob all that had happened in Egypt. When they saw all of the silver returned, they were even more frightened. Jacob says everything is against him now that he has lost two sons.

Reuben promises to bring Benjamin back or Jacob can kill both of his sons. But Jacob refuses to let Benjamin go because he claims he will die without him.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 25, Day 5: Genesis 42:21-38

14) They are very afraid. They realize this is some sort of punishment for what they did to Joseph and are now extremely compliant for the demands.

15) Jacob did not respond with faith (hence, he is called Jacob here and not Israel). He blames his sons for losing two of his other sons, and he refuses to let one brother save another, claiming he will die if Benjamin does. Not very Godly at all. Leaving your one son to rot in jail.

16) God is in control. All things are happening for a reason. God will work good out of the situation. That God has got this.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 25, Day 5: Genesis 42:21-38

I would not want to return and tell Jacob that effectively they had lost another brother. They were probably dreading the entire trip backing, knowing that Jacob would never let Benjamin go. Poor Simeon. He probably resigned himself to a life in prison, knowing the exact same response of his father.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 25, Day 5: Genesis 42:21-38

Five time in the Book of Genesis we see Joseph in tears (Genesis 43:30; 45:2, 14-15; 50:17) with his brothers. You can almost feel Joseph’s hurt and pain, like when they were talking about the incident in front of him, not knowing he was listening. Yet, he loves his brothers, but it is so hard when you’ve been hurt. This shows that pain that happens in childhood runs deep throughout life and can affect you in ways you don’t even realize.

Listen to Your Conscious

Having a conscious is something that sets humans above other animals. Animals have no feelings if they have hurt others; whereas, we do. All of Joseph’s brothers are struggling with their sin against Joseph and know that in some way this is the penalty. If humans did not have a conscious, a knowledge from right and wrong, we’d be little more than animals and society would be in trouble, indeed.

Joseph wept at his own emotions, but also in the fact that they still have not gotten to the point of confession and admittance as we see in Reuben who is blaming his other brothers for this mess. Joseph knows God has more soul work for them to do.

Simeon either was chosen or volunteered to stay behind. Poor guy. Most likely he knew he might rot in jail the rest of his life since Jacob parting with Benjamin was a long shot. Simeon was the second oldest and was one of the leaders in the slaughter of Shechem (Genesis 34). Perhaps this was God’s punishment for that sin.

Grain was expensive. After all, there’s a famine going on. Most likely directed by God, Joseph put their money back in their sacks. This was a lot of money. He gave his brothers provisions for the trip back home. Before any apologies were given, Joseph gave. This is a lesson for us as we see Jesus here as well. Before we believe, Jesus gives.

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God Works to Bring Us to Him

They were afraid, knowing they could be accused as thieves now since they had the silver returned. The only prudent thing would be to try to return it when they returned to show them to be honest. If they kept it for personal gain, this would not be good. I would be suspicious as well. The silver was there for a reason; it could be good or bad. Was it a gift from God? Or, was it a trap?

Here, we see the brothers tell the truth of what happened, rather than what happened to Joseph. While many Bible scholars laud this as a step in the right direction, it’s truly hard to compare the situations. They lied to cover up an evil they did to Joseph the first time. Here, they had no evil/sin to cover up, so why would they lie? You truly cannot compare the two situations.

Jacob knew in his heart that the reason he has now lost two sons was due to the behavior/sins of his other sons.

Jacob is Bound by Selfishness

Note Jacob lack of faith and victim mentality. We don’t see him praying, asking God about allowing Benjamin to go to Egypt. We see Jacob in self-preservation mode. He does not want Benjamin to die; nothing else matters. He is blind here, and only God can make him see.

We also see the power of lies in people’s lives. When you lie, it affects others. In this case, Jacob believed for over 20 years Joseph was dead. That is indeed a cruel sin to let your father believe that. Imagine those years of heartache Jacob felt, while the brothers did not care — until God made them care.

Reuben, the oldest, the one who slept with his father’s concubine (Genesis 35:22), the one who did too little too late to save Joseph, offers his own sons if he does not bring Benjamin back. There is always room in life to make up for sin.

Here we see human selfishness defined. Jacob seems to care nothing for Simeon. In his mind, his only son is Benjamin. Simeon probably has a family. Did he mean to leave Simeon’s kids orphans? Jacob never once is seen praying or trusting God here. All he sees is himself, so he sins aginst his other son, Simeon. Sometimes humans fail miserably under sin. Even the bond of love is breakable without the love of Jesus.

BSF Study Questions Genesis Lesson 25, Day 5: Genesis 35:5-36:43

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2012/2013

Summary of passage:  No one pursued Jacob and his family when they left Shechem for God sent a terror upon them.  Jacob built an altar at Bethel as instructed by God. Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died.  God appeared to Jacob again and re-named him Israel.

God repeats his covenant to Abraham and Isaac to Jacob, saying to be fruitful and multiply for a nation will come from your body and He will give this land to his descendants.  God left and Jacob set up a stone pillar.

Rachel died after they left Bethel giving birth to Benjamin.  She was buried along the route.  Israel moved on and stayed for a bit near Migdal Eder.  Here, Reuben slept with Bilhah.

Jacob’s 12 sons are:  Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, Benjamin, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.

Jacob finally arrived home in Hebron to see Isaac who was still alive.  Isaac died at age 180 and was buried by Jacob and Esau.

Esau moved to a land some distance from Jacob because the land could not support both of their livestocks.  Esau settled in Seir.

Questions:

11a)  Psalm 51:7:  “Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.”  “Creat in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

Isaiah 1:16:  “Wash and make yourselves clean.  Take your evil deeds out of my sight! Stop doing wrong.”

Hebrews 9:13-14:  The blood of animals offer up spiritual cleanliness.  The blood of Christ cleanses our consciences from acts that lead to death so that we may serve God.

1 John 1:7,9:  You are cleansed from your past sins to have godliness, kindness, and love.

b)  Matthew 3:8:  “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.”

Acts 2:38:  Repent, be baptized in the name of Christ for forgiveness of your sins, and receive the Holy Spirit.

James 4:  Come near to God and He will come near to you.  Wash your hands and purify your hearts.  Grieve and humble yourselves and He will lift you up.

c)  1 Corinthians 10:20:  The sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not God.  If you sacrifice to pagans, you cannot partake of the Lord’s table as well (verse 21).

Ephesians 5:5:  Idolaters (immoral, impure, or greedy) do not have an inheritance in the kingdom of God.

1 Thessalonians 1:9:  Turn from idols and serve the Living, True God.

d)  Personal Question.  My answer:  Language, anger

12a)  God sent a terror upon the towns to protect Jacob and his family from retribution after the slaughter of Shechem as they traveled to Bethel.  God re-named Jacob Israel again (Genesis 32).  God bestows the covenant of Abraham and Isaac on Jacob as well, saying to be fruitful and multiply for nations will come from his body and his descendants shall inherit the land.

b)  Personal Question.  My answer:  Not for sure.  I’d like to say I’ve changed but I can’t be for certain.

c)  Personal Question.  My answer:  I’m getting that God spoke to people (and obviously, Jesus) in these verses.  Not sure what I’m supposed to be “blessed” with here.  If you obey, God will love you and come to you and make a home with you as Jesus says in John. God spoke to those who obeyed him.  So, He will speak to us who obey.  He will love us and be with us as in the Holy Spirit.

So obey, listen, and hear.

d)  Esau was blessed with livestock and goods.  He was granted the land of Seir of which he and his descendants ruled.

Conclusions:  You didn’t need the passage to answer Question 11.

God re-naming Jacob Israel again is important despite the fact God had already done so. The first go-around, Jacob had not changed, had not put off his old clothing, and had continued to follow his will instead of God’s.  Here, God reminds Jacob that he must be new and this time Jacob obeys, thus earning the name Israel in God’s eyes.

This is good for us as well.  We need to remember who we are-God’s chosen people-regularly so we don’t slip back into this world.

The same is true for the repetition of the covenant blessing.  God is reminding Jacob who he is and what he has been called to do.  Finally, Jacob listens.  He follows God’s will. And he is blessed for it.

Benjamin means “son of my right hand”.  The right hand or side is highly valued in the Bible.  After all, Jesus sits at the right hand of God.

Poor Rachel.  Both prophecies come true.  Genesis 30:1 “Give me children, or I’ll die!” She dies in childbirth.

Jacob cursed her for the idol debacle in Genesis 31:32.

This passage reveals why Reuben was passed over for the blessing: because of his sin with Bilhah.  So now Reuben, Simeon, and Levi have all committed egregious sins so Judah is next in line for the Messiah.  Interesting as well.

We should not be surprised of this.  This family is the epitome of dysfunctional.  Yet God works through it all.  By His grace alone.

Esau was important enough in God’s eyes to have all of his descendants listed in the Bible.  He was loved despite his sins and blessed beyond what was deserved.  God is faithful even when we aren’t!  Can you imagine the blessings He has in store for those who are faithful?

Interesting facts about Edom:  Edom is mentioned over 130 times in the Bible.

Herod the Great was an Edomite.  He was the one who tried to kill Jesus.

To this day, the land that was Edom remains unoccupied as Obadiah prophesied.

Genesis 36:33 is where some speculate Jobab is the same Job as in the Bible (remember we had a question on this at some point?).  This is speculation.  Among all the list of descendants, most were ungodly.  We must ask ourselves:  would someone as godly as Job come from the line of Esau?

End Note:  One commentary I read suggested comfort as an idol.  That some value living a comfortable life over living a Godly-life.  This was interesting I thought.  For if you think about it, life is never really comfortable.  There are ups and downs, highs and lows, tragedies and triumphs.  And only God can get us through it all.

Map Work:  Good map of Bethel, Bethlehem, and Hebron HERE.

Migdal Eder is just outside of Bethlehem.

BSF Study Questions Genesis Lesson 25, Day 4: Genesis 35:1-5

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2012/2013

Summary of passage:  God told Jacob to settle in Bethel and build Him an altar there. So Jacob and his household prepared to move, ridding themselves of their idols, purifying themselves, and changing their clothes.  Jacob buried the foreign gods and their rings under an oak at Shechem.  God protected them as they went so they would not suffer repercussions from the slaughter of Shechem.

Questions:

9a)  Go to Bethel and build Him an altar

b)  Jacob vowed that the Lord would be his God and he would give a tenth if he returned safely to his father’s house.

c)  Personal Question.  My answer:  To go where God wants me and follow His lead in my life and worship him by following his commands, which include tithing, praying, obeying, reading His word, praying, and much more.

10a)  “To get rid of the foreign gods you have with you, and purify yourselves and change your clothes.”

b)  2 Corinthians says to purify yourself from everything that contaminates body and spirit in order to perfect holiness.  Ephesians tells us to put on our new self in the attitude of the mind in order to be righteous and holy.  1 John tells us to confess our sins and walk in the light and the blood of Jesus shall purify us from the unrighteousness. And to keep ourselves from idols.

c)  Acts recounts how people renounced sorcery by burning their scrolls.  An idol is anything we value and/or worship more than God.  This can be our kids, our spouse, any material items such as our house, car, or job.  And an image of an idol like in ancient times such as a Buddha statue or what-have-you.  (Anyone reminded of the study of Isaiah here?)

Conclusions:  Anyone else see a problem with the fact Jacob’s family had idols lurking around and it was only when God told them to leave did they see the need to dispose of them?  I’m sure as soon as they reach Bethel more idols will appear.

The WORST part:  Jacob, as supposedly the head of God’s chosen people, seemingly knew about these idols and condoned them!  It seems he only got rid of them because God spoke to him again.  Maybe he felt guilty.  Or maybe they were too heavy to carry across country!

Jacob is chastizing his family mildly.  It’s almost an after-thought.  “Oh, yeah, by the way, you need to get rid of those idols you’ve had for 10 years now.”  Seriously???

There is definitely some failed leadership going on here.  This explains a lot about today’s society where the man does not take the primary role in the family and our children are failing because of it.

It’s safe to assume Rachel still had her idols here so she is setting the example that it’s okay to possess these idols.  God doesn’t care.  Wrong!

The changing of their clothes was symbolic here.  Just like circumcision was an outward sign of being God’s chosen people the changing of the clothes here in OT times is an outward sign that they are changing their minds, their attitude, their character, and their ways and turning to God.  It’s like the Ephesians passage we read.  They are taking off (literally) their old selves and putting on their new and turning to God for their salvation.

The earrings also must have had some kind of pagan association since they got rid of those as well.  We must also get rid of anything ungodly and separate ourselves from the world like Jacob did when he moved to Bethel away from the corruption of Shechem.

Good opportunity to learn from Jacob’s failing miserably as the head of his household and God’s and re-examine our own lives and see where we are failing in God’s call, where we are worshipping idols, where we are failing to set the example for others around us, how we can place ourselves away from worldly influences as much as possible, and how we can put God and His will back at the center of our lives.  That’s my prayer anyways.

Map of Bethel:  Quick reference point.  Bethel is in red and Shechem is right above it.

http://www.keyway.ca/htm2002/bethel.htm

BSF Study Questions Genesis Lesson 25, Day 3: Genesis 34:13-31

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2012/2013

Summary of passage:  Jacob’s sons told Shechem and his father Hamor that they would only give them Dinah if they and all the males became circumcised.  Only then would they agree to give them their daughters and settle among them and become one people. Otherwise, they will leave.

Hamor and Shechem readily agreed, saying once all are circumcised then their livestock, property, and all their animals will become their (so greed is the real reason, not love).

All became circumcised.

However, while all the men were still recovering, Simeon and Levi killed every male in the city, including Hamor and Shechem, and looted the city.  They seized all their livestock, wealth, and women and children.

Jacob chastized them (a bit), saying now they may attack them but the sons defended themselves, asking how they could stand by and have their sister treated like a prostitute.

Questions:

6a)  They made the family “a stench to the Canaanites and Perizzites”, who now may retaliate and destroy their entire household.

b)  Circumcision was the covenant given to Abraham by God showing an outward sign of their difference, their special place in this world as God’s chosen people (Genesis 17:9-14).  It is a sacred act, given by God himself to His people.  Hence, the deception is a slap in the face to God.  It is a desecration, a sacrilege against God.  They do not revere God or what is His and really don’t care.

c)  Personal Question.  My answer:  Revenge, plain and simple.  No, not really.  I do hold grudges and contempt for people but I pray through that.

d)  “Do not repay evil for evil.  Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody….live at peace with everyone…do not take revenge..but leave room for God’s wrath.”  Feed your enemy instead and allow good to overcome evil.

7a)  They will be scattered in Jacob (Israel or the Promised Land) and not listened to.  Cursed be their anger.

b)  Basically saying should they have stood by and allowed their sister to be treated like a prostitute.  Something had to be done.

8 )  Personal Question.  My answer:  Revenge is God’s to take, not ours.  Revenge only magnifies the wrong and creates more woe and sorrow.  Give it to God and allow Him and His forgiveness to heal your heart.

Conclusions:  No question Simeon and Levi went overboard on the revenge, killing innocent people who had nothing to do with the crime.  Their actions did not fit the crime in any way.  And to top it off they committed sacrilege to accomplish the devil’s work. Pretty sure God wasn’t too happy about that!

It is interesting that greed, NOT love, is the motivating factor as it seems to be throughout history when atrocities are committed.  Again, the use of women to accomplish this goal is very sad and unfortunate.

Notice that Jacob is NOT called Israel here.  Why?  Because his actions are deplorable. Jacob showed no recorded outrage at what happened to Dinah.  Instead, he deferred to his sons.  And when he heard about the murders?  A slight chiding was all Simeon and Levi got.  “Now, now, kids, you shouldn’t have done that.  We’re gonna have to move again.”  Seriously?  That was it??  That was the punishment a father gave his sons???

Jacob’s prophecy does come true:  both tribes are scattered over the Promise Land. However, it is God’s punishment, not Jacob’s.  He is only the messenger here.  Note also we don’t hear much about the Simeonites throughout OT history but we know the Levites were the ones chosen as priests over God’s people.  They stood firm during the Golden Calf debacle (Exodus 32:26-28) and did repent and chose God.  God’s saving grace.

Notes on circumcision:  Circumcision has been around before God gave the covenant to His people.  The Ancient Egyptians practiced circumcision where the earliest recorded use is found.

Interestingly, the highest occurrence of circumcision is amongst Muslims (I didn’t know this) and it’s probably the most common surgical procedure performed today. Approximately one-third of males worldwide are circumcised and the rate stands at 75% in the United States (of the population.  Newborn circumcision rates are only around 55%).  Summarized from Wikipedia.

Like any operation, babies heal faster than adults.  It’s just the way God made us as humans.  Besides the Bible requiring infant circumcision, the health risks are less and it is less painful when performed as an infant.  Babies don’t think about the pain because pain has yet to develop meaning to them.  They inherently recover quickly because they are relatively immobile during the recovery stage.