A Study of Torah from Gen. - Rev.
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Gen 34:1 And Dinah the daughter of Leah, which she bare unto Jacob, went out to see the daughters of the land.
Gen 34:2 And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her, and lay with her, and defiled her.
Gen 34:3 And his soul clave unto Dinah the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the damsel, and spake kindly unto the damsel.
Gen 34:4 And Shechem spake unto his father Hamor, saying, Get me this damsel to wife.
Dinah was called the daughter of Leah due to her out going nature, and her abandon of the code of modesty. Just as Leah back in 30:16 showed no modesty in her recruitment of Jacob to go to her bed that night. Yet we find that Hamor was in the wrong when he defiled her. In this we find the first indication that a persons soul is is entangled with another when a sexual act is undertaken.
Gen 34:5 And Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter: now his sons were with his cattle in the field: and Jacob held his peace until they were come.
Gen 34:6 And Hamor the father of Shechem went out unto Jacob to commune with him.
Though we are not told what this meeting was about, one can safely conclude it was to try to set things right, by paying the brides price, and having the 2 kids marry.
Gen 34:7 And the sons of Jacob came out of the field when they heard it: and the men were grieved, and they were very wroth, because he had wrought folly in Israel in lying with Jacob's daughter; which thing ought not to be done.
Gen 34:8 And Hamor communed with them, saying, The soul of my son Shechem longeth for your daughter: I pray you give her him to wife.
Gen 34:9 And make ye marriages with us, and give your daughters unto us, and take our daughters unto you.
Gen 34:10 And ye shall dwell with us: and the land shall be before you; dwell and trade ye therein, and get you possessions therein.
Sounds reasonable doesn't it? Yet we are not told that Dinah ever returned home. The Sages say that Jacob and his son's were even more upset by the idea that she was being held prisoner, and may well be violated once more. Or may be treated as a sex slave. If the marriage was not permitted.
Gen 34:11 And Shechem said unto her father and unto her brethren, Let me find grace in your eyes, and what ye shall say unto me I will give.
Gen 34:12 Ask me never so much dowry and gift, and I will give according as ye shall say unto me: but give me the damsel to wife.
Although this translation lacks the intent that is found in the Hebrew text, and cloud's the offer being being made to some extent. Shechem, at lest in the Hebrew text, offered any price no matter how inflated and they would pay it. What we learn of the people in the land of Canon here, is that this was most likely condoned by them, and may well have been done almost daily.
Gen 34:13 And the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father deceitfully, and said, because he had defiled Dinah their sister:
Gen 34:14 And they said unto them, We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one that is uncircumcised; for that were a reproach unto us:
Gen 34:15 But in this will we consent unto you: If ye will be as we be, that every male of you be circumcised;
Gen 34:16 Then will we give our daughters unto you, and we will take your daughters to us, and we will dwell with you, and we will become one people.
Gen 34:17 But if ye will not hearken unto us, to be circumcised; then will we take our daughter, and we will be gone.
The Torah as can be seen makes it clear that Jacob's sons had no intention of keep any deal with the devil. Also with Jacob being there, as it seems he was, he may well have understood what the kids had in mind. Yet it may also be that Jacob seen their words as an act of true peace.
The sages teach that Jacob was not mad about what had been done after ward, rather with the idea that there had been a promise made, 34:16. In doing this, they made clear that they were no batter than the ones they wished to punish.
Gen 34:18 And their words pleased Hamor, and Shechem Hamor's son.
Gen 34:19 And the young man deferred not to do the thing, because he had delight in Jacob's daughter: and he was more honourable than all the house of his father.
Now we may have no idea just how painful it is to be circumcised. Most everyone had this done as a new born, and can't remember it at all. Though I had 2 girls and no boys, I did ask about this. It seems that babies for some reason seem not to have any discomfort from it.
Anyway, the sages teach that Shechem was blinded buy greed, and Hamor by lust. So they jumped on it, with no thought or question.
Gen 34:20 And Hamor and Shechem his son came unto the gate of their city, and communed with the men of their city, saying,
Gen 34:21 These men are peaceable with us; therefore let them dwell in the land, and trade therein; for the land, behold, it is large enough for them; let us take their daughters to us for wives, and let us give them our daughters.
Gen 34:22 Only herein will the men consent unto us for to dwell with us, to be one people, if every male among us be circumcised, as they are circumcised.
Gen 34:23 Shall not their cattle and their substance and every beast of theirs be ours? only let us consent unto them, and they will dwell with us.
Gen 34:24 And unto Hamor and unto Shechem his son hearkened all that went out of the gate of his city; and every male was circumcised, all that went out of the gate of his city.
One may know that the gates of the cities is shown throughout the Word as a place where important decisions are made. In fact, when walking through Israel, one finds a seat in every gate, of the remains of the old cities. This is where an elder would sit, so they could be found easily. Weather they were to act as judge, or talk over the issues facing the city. Like taxes, laws, infrastructure, and so on.
Shechem didn't bring up his son in this discussion, as it may lead to not everyone following through. He only placed it out there in a way that shown the benefits of everyone. Yet in the end, it would seem that not everyone was happy with this deal. The Hebrew reads 24- Al the people who depart through the gate....As one may conclude from the idea that some went out of the gate. It does seen that they were stopped, and forced into circumcision however.
Gen 34:25 And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males.
Gen 34:26 And they slew Hamor and Shechem his son with the edge of the sword, and took Dinah out of Shechem's house, and went out.
Gen 34:27 The sons of Jacob came upon the slain, and spoiled the city, because they had defiled their sister.
Gen 34:28 They took their sheep, and their oxen, and their asses, and that which was in the city, and that which was in the field,
Gen 34:29 And all their wealth, and all their little ones, and their wives took they captive, and spoiled even all that was in the house.
Although there is some division as to weather all the brothers know this was the plain or not. Levi and Simeon were clearly named as the only 2 that had a hand in the killing. It is not clear if all the brothers had a hand in the plunder. One may find the without the Torah naming only Levi and Simeon, they all took part, and as it would seem Levi and Simeon acted first, and didn't wait on the other 10.
Hachaim maintains that they all took part, and as the city of the city did nothing to stop the rape of Dinah it was right that they all pay the price. So the taking of everything the city had, was a just act on their part. The taking of the women and children, should be seen as act of mercy. For rather than leave them at the hands of others that would treat them badly, Jacob, and his sons would treat them with respect. Protect them from any further harm, and provide for their needs.
Gen 34:30 And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and I being few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house.
Jacob was mad, not so much over what was done, rather due to the spot it now placed him, and his family in. First, if the Canaanites choose to attack, they were badly out numbered.
Second, it would be said that Jacob and his family couldn't be truted to keep their word. This would make it harder for them to traid. Leaving them with having to deal with others for their needs, in a hostal inviorment.
Gen 34:31 And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with an harlot?
Levi and Simeon, didn't respond the Jacobs words. Rather they wished to point out they had to deal with the crime in a way that would make it clear to others, not to follow the acts of Shechem and Hamon. They wished to make it clear that this was not exeptable, and to detour the thoughts of anyone that may think Jacob, and his family would not strice back.
There is one point that has not been covered yet. As we all know Paul tells us that phical curcomssion does not define the salvation of a man. Curconssion, of the heart however does show a repentant soul. Although Paul doesn't say it, one may find his words point to the teachings of this story. As we seen, Shechem had no true remorse for his incation, and Hamon had none for his action. They simply hoped to gain from this in any way they could. leaveing us to wonder, if they had truely repented, would the out come have changed?
Gen 34:2 And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her, and lay with her, and defiled her.
Gen 34:3 And his soul clave unto Dinah the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the damsel, and spake kindly unto the damsel.
Gen 34:4 And Shechem spake unto his father Hamor, saying, Get me this damsel to wife.
Dinah was called the daughter of Leah due to her out going nature, and her abandon of the code of modesty. Just as Leah back in 30:16 showed no modesty in her recruitment of Jacob to go to her bed that night. Yet we find that Hamor was in the wrong when he defiled her. In this we find the first indication that a persons soul is is entangled with another when a sexual act is undertaken.
Gen 34:5 And Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter: now his sons were with his cattle in the field: and Jacob held his peace until they were come.
Gen 34:6 And Hamor the father of Shechem went out unto Jacob to commune with him.
Though we are not told what this meeting was about, one can safely conclude it was to try to set things right, by paying the brides price, and having the 2 kids marry.
Gen 34:7 And the sons of Jacob came out of the field when they heard it: and the men were grieved, and they were very wroth, because he had wrought folly in Israel in lying with Jacob's daughter; which thing ought not to be done.
Gen 34:8 And Hamor communed with them, saying, The soul of my son Shechem longeth for your daughter: I pray you give her him to wife.
Gen 34:9 And make ye marriages with us, and give your daughters unto us, and take our daughters unto you.
Gen 34:10 And ye shall dwell with us: and the land shall be before you; dwell and trade ye therein, and get you possessions therein.
Sounds reasonable doesn't it? Yet we are not told that Dinah ever returned home. The Sages say that Jacob and his son's were even more upset by the idea that she was being held prisoner, and may well be violated once more. Or may be treated as a sex slave. If the marriage was not permitted.
Gen 34:11 And Shechem said unto her father and unto her brethren, Let me find grace in your eyes, and what ye shall say unto me I will give.
Gen 34:12 Ask me never so much dowry and gift, and I will give according as ye shall say unto me: but give me the damsel to wife.
Although this translation lacks the intent that is found in the Hebrew text, and cloud's the offer being being made to some extent. Shechem, at lest in the Hebrew text, offered any price no matter how inflated and they would pay it. What we learn of the people in the land of Canon here, is that this was most likely condoned by them, and may well have been done almost daily.
Gen 34:13 And the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father deceitfully, and said, because he had defiled Dinah their sister:
Gen 34:14 And they said unto them, We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one that is uncircumcised; for that were a reproach unto us:
Gen 34:15 But in this will we consent unto you: If ye will be as we be, that every male of you be circumcised;
Gen 34:16 Then will we give our daughters unto you, and we will take your daughters to us, and we will dwell with you, and we will become one people.
Gen 34:17 But if ye will not hearken unto us, to be circumcised; then will we take our daughter, and we will be gone.
The Torah as can be seen makes it clear that Jacob's sons had no intention of keep any deal with the devil. Also with Jacob being there, as it seems he was, he may well have understood what the kids had in mind. Yet it may also be that Jacob seen their words as an act of true peace.
The sages teach that Jacob was not mad about what had been done after ward, rather with the idea that there had been a promise made, 34:16. In doing this, they made clear that they were no batter than the ones they wished to punish.
Gen 34:18 And their words pleased Hamor, and Shechem Hamor's son.
Gen 34:19 And the young man deferred not to do the thing, because he had delight in Jacob's daughter: and he was more honourable than all the house of his father.
Now we may have no idea just how painful it is to be circumcised. Most everyone had this done as a new born, and can't remember it at all. Though I had 2 girls and no boys, I did ask about this. It seems that babies for some reason seem not to have any discomfort from it.
Anyway, the sages teach that Shechem was blinded buy greed, and Hamor by lust. So they jumped on it, with no thought or question.
Gen 34:20 And Hamor and Shechem his son came unto the gate of their city, and communed with the men of their city, saying,
Gen 34:21 These men are peaceable with us; therefore let them dwell in the land, and trade therein; for the land, behold, it is large enough for them; let us take their daughters to us for wives, and let us give them our daughters.
Gen 34:22 Only herein will the men consent unto us for to dwell with us, to be one people, if every male among us be circumcised, as they are circumcised.
Gen 34:23 Shall not their cattle and their substance and every beast of theirs be ours? only let us consent unto them, and they will dwell with us.
Gen 34:24 And unto Hamor and unto Shechem his son hearkened all that went out of the gate of his city; and every male was circumcised, all that went out of the gate of his city.
One may know that the gates of the cities is shown throughout the Word as a place where important decisions are made. In fact, when walking through Israel, one finds a seat in every gate, of the remains of the old cities. This is where an elder would sit, so they could be found easily. Weather they were to act as judge, or talk over the issues facing the city. Like taxes, laws, infrastructure, and so on.
Shechem didn't bring up his son in this discussion, as it may lead to not everyone following through. He only placed it out there in a way that shown the benefits of everyone. Yet in the end, it would seem that not everyone was happy with this deal. The Hebrew reads 24- Al the people who depart through the gate....As one may conclude from the idea that some went out of the gate. It does seen that they were stopped, and forced into circumcision however.
Gen 34:25 And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males.
Gen 34:26 And they slew Hamor and Shechem his son with the edge of the sword, and took Dinah out of Shechem's house, and went out.
Gen 34:27 The sons of Jacob came upon the slain, and spoiled the city, because they had defiled their sister.
Gen 34:28 They took their sheep, and their oxen, and their asses, and that which was in the city, and that which was in the field,
Gen 34:29 And all their wealth, and all their little ones, and their wives took they captive, and spoiled even all that was in the house.
Although there is some division as to weather all the brothers know this was the plain or not. Levi and Simeon were clearly named as the only 2 that had a hand in the killing. It is not clear if all the brothers had a hand in the plunder. One may find the without the Torah naming only Levi and Simeon, they all took part, and as it would seem Levi and Simeon acted first, and didn't wait on the other 10.
Hachaim maintains that they all took part, and as the city of the city did nothing to stop the rape of Dinah it was right that they all pay the price. So the taking of everything the city had, was a just act on their part. The taking of the women and children, should be seen as act of mercy. For rather than leave them at the hands of others that would treat them badly, Jacob, and his sons would treat them with respect. Protect them from any further harm, and provide for their needs.
Gen 34:30 And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and I being few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house.
Jacob was mad, not so much over what was done, rather due to the spot it now placed him, and his family in. First, if the Canaanites choose to attack, they were badly out numbered.
Second, it would be said that Jacob and his family couldn't be truted to keep their word. This would make it harder for them to traid. Leaving them with having to deal with others for their needs, in a hostal inviorment.
Gen 34:31 And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with an harlot?
Levi and Simeon, didn't respond the Jacobs words. Rather they wished to point out they had to deal with the crime in a way that would make it clear to others, not to follow the acts of Shechem and Hamon. They wished to make it clear that this was not exeptable, and to detour the thoughts of anyone that may think Jacob, and his family would not strice back.
There is one point that has not been covered yet. As we all know Paul tells us that phical curcomssion does not define the salvation of a man. Curconssion, of the heart however does show a repentant soul. Although Paul doesn't say it, one may find his words point to the teachings of this story. As we seen, Shechem had no true remorse for his incation, and Hamon had none for his action. They simply hoped to gain from this in any way they could. leaveing us to wonder, if they had truely repented, would the out come have changed?
Gen 35:1 Then God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel and dwell there; and make an altar there to God, who appeared to you when you fled from the face of Esau your brother.”
Gen 35:2 And Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods that are among you, purify yourselves, and change your garments.
Gen 35:3 “Then let us arise and go up to Bethel; and I will make an altar there to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and has been with me in the way which I have gone.”
I have heard some say that Jacob was ok with others having foreign gods. This passage is where they turn to show their point. As we read in verse 2 Jacob said to put them away. Sadly when one does not understand what they are reading, this may seem to be true to them. Yet when understood from the view point of scripture, we know that to put away means to get rid of it. When a husband puts his wife away, does he simply place them in a closet, or is she sent away from his house?
Also Jacob calls for purification. Something that until now has not been asked for. So why now? Why change closes, when you are going to travel and get the ones you put on dirty? It may be that some of the closes taken from Shechem were used in sacrificing to idols, or in other forms of idol worship.
Gen 35:4 So they gave Jacob all the foreign gods which were in their hands, and the earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the terebinth tree which was by Shechem.
Rather than use any of the gold, silver, or other riches taken, Jacob hid them. This should make clear that they were not taken to Bethel. You see in the mind of Jacob, they were defiled, and hens, not worthy of use by a nation set apart to HaShem.
Gen 35:6 So Jacob came to Luz (that is, Bethel), which is in the land of Canaan, he and all the people who were with him.
Gen 35:7 And he built an altar there and called the place El Bethel, because there God appeared to him when he fled from the face of his brother.
The name El Beth-el is some what redundant. In the in means God House of God. The intent was to say that HaShem makes His Presence know in Beth-el.
Gen 35:9 Then God appeared to Jacob again, when he came from Padan Aram, and blessed him.
Gen 35:10 And God said to him, “Your name is Jacob; your name shall not be called Jacob anymore, but Israel shall be your name.” So He called his name Israel.
Gen 35:11 Also God said to him: “I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall proceed from you, and kings shall come from your body.
One may wish to note that in the Chimash, it reads, Your name is Jacob. 10 Your name shall not always be Jacob, but Israel shall be your name. It is with this that we can now see why in the Torah the name Jacob is still valid, and is used more so that Israel. Also this makes the 3rd time we are told of the blessing placed on the Hebrew people.
Gen 35:16 Then they journeyed from Bethel. And when there was but a little distance to go to Ephrath, Rachel labored in childbirth, and she had hard labor.
Gen 35:17 Now it came to pass, when she was in hard labor, that the midwife said to her, “Do not fear; you will have this son also.”
Gen 35:18 And so it was, as her soul was departing (for she died), that she called his name Ben-Oni; but his father called him Benjamin.
Ben-Oni. Son of my sorrow.
Benjiamin Son of my right hand.
Though I am not pron to following the meaning of names, it is fitting that one should know the meanings of the 12 sons of Jacob.
The sages teach that Rachel's death was a delayed judgment of the theft of her dads household god. Jacob not knowing that it was Rachel, said how ever had it should be put to death. Now I don't speak for HaShem, nor do I think any man has that right unless HaShem has placed the words in that mans heart. Yet for us to do our best to understand the Torah, at times we may try to look at things from many points of view. Then from that, draw the conclusion that seems the best fit.
Gen 35:21 Then Israel journeyed and pitched his tent beyond the tower of Eder.
Gen 35:22 And it happened, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine; and Israel heard about it. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve:
Gen 35:27 Then Jacob came to his father Isaac at Mamre, or Kirjath Arba (that is, Hebron), where Abraham and Isaac had dwelt.
Gen 35:28 Now the days of Isaac were one hundred and eighty years.
Gen 35:29 So Isaac breathed his last and died, and was gathered to his people, being old and full of days. And his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.
Hebron, a place that is contested by Arabs as being their Holy sight, and that Israel has no such claim. It is the place were Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebecca, Jacob, and Leah.
Gen 35:2 And Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods that are among you, purify yourselves, and change your garments.
Gen 35:3 “Then let us arise and go up to Bethel; and I will make an altar there to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and has been with me in the way which I have gone.”
I have heard some say that Jacob was ok with others having foreign gods. This passage is where they turn to show their point. As we read in verse 2 Jacob said to put them away. Sadly when one does not understand what they are reading, this may seem to be true to them. Yet when understood from the view point of scripture, we know that to put away means to get rid of it. When a husband puts his wife away, does he simply place them in a closet, or is she sent away from his house?
Also Jacob calls for purification. Something that until now has not been asked for. So why now? Why change closes, when you are going to travel and get the ones you put on dirty? It may be that some of the closes taken from Shechem were used in sacrificing to idols, or in other forms of idol worship.
Gen 35:4 So they gave Jacob all the foreign gods which were in their hands, and the earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the terebinth tree which was by Shechem.
Rather than use any of the gold, silver, or other riches taken, Jacob hid them. This should make clear that they were not taken to Bethel. You see in the mind of Jacob, they were defiled, and hens, not worthy of use by a nation set apart to HaShem.
Gen 35:6 So Jacob came to Luz (that is, Bethel), which is in the land of Canaan, he and all the people who were with him.
Gen 35:7 And he built an altar there and called the place El Bethel, because there God appeared to him when he fled from the face of his brother.
The name El Beth-el is some what redundant. In the in means God House of God. The intent was to say that HaShem makes His Presence know in Beth-el.
Gen 35:9 Then God appeared to Jacob again, when he came from Padan Aram, and blessed him.
Gen 35:10 And God said to him, “Your name is Jacob; your name shall not be called Jacob anymore, but Israel shall be your name.” So He called his name Israel.
Gen 35:11 Also God said to him: “I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall proceed from you, and kings shall come from your body.
One may wish to note that in the Chimash, it reads, Your name is Jacob. 10 Your name shall not always be Jacob, but Israel shall be your name. It is with this that we can now see why in the Torah the name Jacob is still valid, and is used more so that Israel. Also this makes the 3rd time we are told of the blessing placed on the Hebrew people.
Gen 35:16 Then they journeyed from Bethel. And when there was but a little distance to go to Ephrath, Rachel labored in childbirth, and she had hard labor.
Gen 35:17 Now it came to pass, when she was in hard labor, that the midwife said to her, “Do not fear; you will have this son also.”
Gen 35:18 And so it was, as her soul was departing (for she died), that she called his name Ben-Oni; but his father called him Benjamin.
Ben-Oni. Son of my sorrow.
Benjiamin Son of my right hand.
Though I am not pron to following the meaning of names, it is fitting that one should know the meanings of the 12 sons of Jacob.
The sages teach that Rachel's death was a delayed judgment of the theft of her dads household god. Jacob not knowing that it was Rachel, said how ever had it should be put to death. Now I don't speak for HaShem, nor do I think any man has that right unless HaShem has placed the words in that mans heart. Yet for us to do our best to understand the Torah, at times we may try to look at things from many points of view. Then from that, draw the conclusion that seems the best fit.
Gen 35:21 Then Israel journeyed and pitched his tent beyond the tower of Eder.
Gen 35:22 And it happened, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine; and Israel heard about it. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve:
Gen 35:27 Then Jacob came to his father Isaac at Mamre, or Kirjath Arba (that is, Hebron), where Abraham and Isaac had dwelt.
Gen 35:28 Now the days of Isaac were one hundred and eighty years.
Gen 35:29 So Isaac breathed his last and died, and was gathered to his people, being old and full of days. And his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.
Hebron, a place that is contested by Arabs as being their Holy sight, and that Israel has no such claim. It is the place were Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebecca, Jacob, and Leah.
Gen 36:6 Then Esau took his wives, his sons, his daughters, and all the persons of his household, his cattle and all his animals, and all his goods which he had gained in the land of Canaan, and went to a country away from the presence of his brother Jacob.
Gen 36:7 For their possessions were too great for them to dwell together, and the land where they were strangers could not support them because of their livestock.
Gen 36:8 So Esau dwelt in Mount Seir. Esau is Edom.
As any farmer can tell you, the land can only hold so much live stock. So Esau moving was a logical thing to do. It is also somewhat reminiscent of Lot. However, as History records, Esau didn't just dwell with the people that already lived their, as Lot did. He took the land and made it his own.
For any that may have read the post were I pointed out that I tend not to follow genealogy, I just don't. I am not going to say it is not something we should look at, it is simply a matter of preference. True I did send some time on the sons of Jacob, even looked at their names. However, with out the 12 tribes of Israel, This story would have ended with Adam. I will move on to the next chapter after I get some thing done. Sorry this one was so short.
Gen 36:7 For their possessions were too great for them to dwell together, and the land where they were strangers could not support them because of their livestock.
Gen 36:8 So Esau dwelt in Mount Seir. Esau is Edom.
As any farmer can tell you, the land can only hold so much live stock. So Esau moving was a logical thing to do. It is also somewhat reminiscent of Lot. However, as History records, Esau didn't just dwell with the people that already lived their, as Lot did. He took the land and made it his own.
For any that may have read the post were I pointed out that I tend not to follow genealogy, I just don't. I am not going to say it is not something we should look at, it is simply a matter of preference. True I did send some time on the sons of Jacob, even looked at their names. However, with out the 12 tribes of Israel, This story would have ended with Adam. I will move on to the next chapter after I get some thing done. Sorry this one was so short.
Gen 37:2 This is the history of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brothers. And the lad was with the sons of Bilhah and the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives; and Joseph brought a bad report of them to his father.
We find that the son's of Leah are missing. The reason is not given, although the Sages give an idea. One that does seem to hold some truth in it. They say that Leah's son always slighted the mad servant's sons. So Joseph went out of his way to befriend them.
Also one may note that it uses the phrase , "his fathers wives" , the Torah may noting that they only now after the death of both Leah and Rachel were they given this status.
Gen 37:3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age. Also he made him a tunic of many colors.
Gen 37:4 But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him.
Jacob loved Joseph more than the rest. For this to simply be due to his age when Joseph was born, one may rightly conclude that he should have loved Benjamin even more so. After all Benjamin was 8 years younger than Joseph. However it was in that 8 years that Jacob developed an enduring love for Joseph. The Sages say, Jacob in that time passed on everything he learn in the Academy of Shem and Eber. Joseph learned quickly, and never forgot any of his teaching.
Gen 37:5 Now Joseph had a dream, and he told it to his brothers; and they hated him even more.
Gen 37:6 So he said to them, “Please hear this dream which I have dreamed:
Gen 37:7 “There we were, binding sheaves in the field. Then behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and indeed your sheaves stood all around and bowed down to my sheaf.”
Gen 37:8 And his brothers said to him, “Shall you indeed reign over us? Or shall you indeed have dominion over us?” So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words.
The sheaves in this dream, pointed to a time when His brothers would be in of food. Joseph's sheaf standing up right on it's own, told of his rise to power without the help of his brothers. As we know this came to be. Yet his brothers, who already hated him, disliked him even more. The idea that they would some day bow to him was unthinkable in their minds.
Gen 37:9 Then he dreamed still another dream and told it to his brothers, and said, “Look, I have dreamed another dream. And this time, the sun, the moon, and the eleven stars bowed down to me.”
Gen 37:10 So he told it to his father and his brothers; and his father rebuked him and said to him, “What is this dream that you have dreamed? Shall your mother and I and your brothers indeed come to bow down to the earth before you?”
Gen 37:11 And his brothers envied him, but his father kept the matter in mind.
Once evil enters the heart, it grows. Often it can be seen in the words of others. The fact that envy had enter the hearts of his brothers, gave way to ridicule. The same mocking that people face today when they teach Truth, and don't bow to the wishes of others. Just as many men in the past were excommunicated, belittled, and forced to give up their endeavors. One example would be, Galileo.
Jacob, being a man of wisdom, keep this dream in mind. This tells us a lot about Jacob, first rather than dismiss this dream, he studied on it. Most likely he spent time in prayer over it. Seeking to uncover it's true meaning, and most likely lifted his son up, asking that HaShem would protect Joseph.
Gen 37:12
Then his brothers went to feed their father’s flock in Shechem.
Gen 37:13 And Israel said to Joseph, “Are not your brothers feeding the flock in Shechem? Come, I will send you to them.” So he said to him, “Here I am.
Gen 37:14 Then he said to him, “Please go and see if it is well with your brothers and well with the flocks, and bring back word to me.” So he sent him out of the Valley of Hebron, and he went to Shechem.
The idea that Jacob asked about the flocks, is an indication that we should look after the welfare of anything from which we benefit. The cats that live around your house, may not be yours, yet we should take care of them as though they were. You see, they help you in ways you may not think of. Like keeping mice away.
Gen 37:18 Now when they saw him afar off, even before he came near them, they conspired against him to kill him.
Gen 37:19 Then they said to one another, “Look, this dreamer is coming!
Gen 37:20 “Come therefore, let us now kill him and cast him into some pit; and we shall say, ‘Some wild beast has devoured him.’ We shall see what will become of his dreams!”
Gen 37:22 And Reuben said to them, “Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit which is in the wilderness, and do not lay a hand on him”—that he might deliver him out of their hands, and bring him back to his father.
Oddly the one that had the most to loss if Joseph's dream came to pass, was the one that wished to return him to his father. Some teach that Reuben was simply trying to save him self from the sin of killing his brother. The idea of returning Joseph to his father came only as an after thought. Yet the Sages teach that as the oldest, Jacob would have held him responsible for any thing that became of the child. Giving more the idea of self perspiration.
Gen 37:23 So it came to pass, when Joseph had come to his brothers, that they stripped Joseph of his tunic, the tunic of many colors that was on him.
Gen 37:24 Then they took him and cast him into a pit. And the pit was empty; there was no water in it.
Now to the logical mind, if it is empty, there is no water in it. This apparent redundancy could be telling us that they only looked to see if it had water in it. Anyone that has lived in the desert knows to look for snakes in any pit you may be thinking of going into. So it is likely there were snakes in that pit. Just say there were, and let say they were deadly snakes. The survival in a pit like that would have been an open miracle. As we don't really know, that is just a what if, so don't get upset.
Gen 37:25 And they sat down to eat a meal. Then they lifted their eyes and looked, and there was a company of Ishmaelites, coming from Gilead with their camels, bearing spices, balm, and myrrh, on their way to carry them down to Egypt.
Gen 37:26
So Judah said to his brothers, “What profit is there if we kill our brother and conceal his blood?
Gen 37:27 “Come and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother and our flesh.” And his brothers listened.
Judah may have more on his mind than money. Although they would not have killing Joseph directly, his blood would still on their hands. They would never be able to use this as a deterrent for others, as they could not tell others they killed in. Also, if one is punish another, the punishment must fit the crime. With the brothers set on punishing Joseph for his dream, selling him to slavery best fit. After all he had said that his brothers would bow down to him. A clear sing of them serving Joseph.
Gen 37:28 Then Midianite traders passed by; so the brothers pulled Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt.
As we can see, we are being told of 2 groups of people. The Sages teach that Joseph was sold many times before he got to Egypt. This is the Torah's way of telling us this.
12 shekels of silver. The Hebrew reads pieces, that would come to 5 shekallim. The sages say this is why the Torah later tells Israel that will redeem their first born for that price. Each brother would have gotten 1/2 shekel. The Torah tells tehm to give this every year for the Temples upkeep.
Gen 37:29 Then Reuben returned to the pit, and indeed Joseph was not in the pit; and he tore his clothes.
Gen 37:30 And he returned to his brothers and said, “The lad is no more; and I, where shall I go?”
Once more find Reuben thinking only of him self. A thought that should been on his mind from the start. Yes it was, however, he didn't think about the what if's that can crop up at anytime. This may also be seen as the Torah telling us to live everyday, as if Yeshua was coming back that same day.
Gen 37:31 So they took Joseph’s tunic, killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the tunic in the blood.
Gen 37:32 Then they sent the tunic of many colors, and they brought it to their father and said, “We have found this. Do you know whether it is your son’s tunic or not?”
This may read as if the writer had no clue. They sent it, they brought it. However, this is not the case at all. By sending it, they brought it to Jacob indirectly. The one that took it, was told to what to say. So it is that by proxy the sons of Jacob did this. Just as Yeshua tells us,
Mat 5:28 “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
To wish a thing done in ones heart, is the same as doing it. Though Yeshua speaks of lust, the same teaching applies to all the evil one thinks.
The brothers also know that with their hatred known, Jacob would see in their eyes and actions that they had something to do with it.
Gen 37:33 And he recognized it and said, “It is my son’s tunic. A wild beast has devoured him. Without doubt Joseph is torn to pieces.”
Gen 37:34 Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth on his waist, and mourned for his son many days.
Gen 37:35 And all his sons and all his daughters arose to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted, and he said, “For I shall go down into the grave to my son in mourning.” Thus his father wept for him.
Though the Torah doesn't say anything about Jacob having any girls, it was common for the daughter in law to be called a daughter. They were treat as such, and never seen in any other way.
Gen 37:36 Now the Midianites had sold him in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard.
This chapter ends by letting us know what had become of Joseph. It may also confirm that he had been sold many times. The brother may have looked for him, in order to bring him back. Yet as Joseph had been sold more than one, they lost track of him, and were unable to find him.
We find that the son's of Leah are missing. The reason is not given, although the Sages give an idea. One that does seem to hold some truth in it. They say that Leah's son always slighted the mad servant's sons. So Joseph went out of his way to befriend them.
Also one may note that it uses the phrase , "his fathers wives" , the Torah may noting that they only now after the death of both Leah and Rachel were they given this status.
Gen 37:3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age. Also he made him a tunic of many colors.
Gen 37:4 But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him.
Jacob loved Joseph more than the rest. For this to simply be due to his age when Joseph was born, one may rightly conclude that he should have loved Benjamin even more so. After all Benjamin was 8 years younger than Joseph. However it was in that 8 years that Jacob developed an enduring love for Joseph. The Sages say, Jacob in that time passed on everything he learn in the Academy of Shem and Eber. Joseph learned quickly, and never forgot any of his teaching.
Gen 37:5 Now Joseph had a dream, and he told it to his brothers; and they hated him even more.
Gen 37:6 So he said to them, “Please hear this dream which I have dreamed:
Gen 37:7 “There we were, binding sheaves in the field. Then behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and indeed your sheaves stood all around and bowed down to my sheaf.”
Gen 37:8 And his brothers said to him, “Shall you indeed reign over us? Or shall you indeed have dominion over us?” So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words.
The sheaves in this dream, pointed to a time when His brothers would be in of food. Joseph's sheaf standing up right on it's own, told of his rise to power without the help of his brothers. As we know this came to be. Yet his brothers, who already hated him, disliked him even more. The idea that they would some day bow to him was unthinkable in their minds.
Gen 37:9 Then he dreamed still another dream and told it to his brothers, and said, “Look, I have dreamed another dream. And this time, the sun, the moon, and the eleven stars bowed down to me.”
Gen 37:10 So he told it to his father and his brothers; and his father rebuked him and said to him, “What is this dream that you have dreamed? Shall your mother and I and your brothers indeed come to bow down to the earth before you?”
Gen 37:11 And his brothers envied him, but his father kept the matter in mind.
Once evil enters the heart, it grows. Often it can be seen in the words of others. The fact that envy had enter the hearts of his brothers, gave way to ridicule. The same mocking that people face today when they teach Truth, and don't bow to the wishes of others. Just as many men in the past were excommunicated, belittled, and forced to give up their endeavors. One example would be, Galileo.
Jacob, being a man of wisdom, keep this dream in mind. This tells us a lot about Jacob, first rather than dismiss this dream, he studied on it. Most likely he spent time in prayer over it. Seeking to uncover it's true meaning, and most likely lifted his son up, asking that HaShem would protect Joseph.
Gen 37:12
Then his brothers went to feed their father’s flock in Shechem.
Gen 37:13 And Israel said to Joseph, “Are not your brothers feeding the flock in Shechem? Come, I will send you to them.” So he said to him, “Here I am.
Gen 37:14 Then he said to him, “Please go and see if it is well with your brothers and well with the flocks, and bring back word to me.” So he sent him out of the Valley of Hebron, and he went to Shechem.
The idea that Jacob asked about the flocks, is an indication that we should look after the welfare of anything from which we benefit. The cats that live around your house, may not be yours, yet we should take care of them as though they were. You see, they help you in ways you may not think of. Like keeping mice away.
Gen 37:18 Now when they saw him afar off, even before he came near them, they conspired against him to kill him.
Gen 37:19 Then they said to one another, “Look, this dreamer is coming!
Gen 37:20 “Come therefore, let us now kill him and cast him into some pit; and we shall say, ‘Some wild beast has devoured him.’ We shall see what will become of his dreams!”
Gen 37:22 And Reuben said to them, “Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit which is in the wilderness, and do not lay a hand on him”—that he might deliver him out of their hands, and bring him back to his father.
Oddly the one that had the most to loss if Joseph's dream came to pass, was the one that wished to return him to his father. Some teach that Reuben was simply trying to save him self from the sin of killing his brother. The idea of returning Joseph to his father came only as an after thought. Yet the Sages teach that as the oldest, Jacob would have held him responsible for any thing that became of the child. Giving more the idea of self perspiration.
Gen 37:23 So it came to pass, when Joseph had come to his brothers, that they stripped Joseph of his tunic, the tunic of many colors that was on him.
Gen 37:24 Then they took him and cast him into a pit. And the pit was empty; there was no water in it.
Now to the logical mind, if it is empty, there is no water in it. This apparent redundancy could be telling us that they only looked to see if it had water in it. Anyone that has lived in the desert knows to look for snakes in any pit you may be thinking of going into. So it is likely there were snakes in that pit. Just say there were, and let say they were deadly snakes. The survival in a pit like that would have been an open miracle. As we don't really know, that is just a what if, so don't get upset.
Gen 37:25 And they sat down to eat a meal. Then they lifted their eyes and looked, and there was a company of Ishmaelites, coming from Gilead with their camels, bearing spices, balm, and myrrh, on their way to carry them down to Egypt.
Gen 37:26
So Judah said to his brothers, “What profit is there if we kill our brother and conceal his blood?
Gen 37:27 “Come and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother and our flesh.” And his brothers listened.
Judah may have more on his mind than money. Although they would not have killing Joseph directly, his blood would still on their hands. They would never be able to use this as a deterrent for others, as they could not tell others they killed in. Also, if one is punish another, the punishment must fit the crime. With the brothers set on punishing Joseph for his dream, selling him to slavery best fit. After all he had said that his brothers would bow down to him. A clear sing of them serving Joseph.
Gen 37:28 Then Midianite traders passed by; so the brothers pulled Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt.
As we can see, we are being told of 2 groups of people. The Sages teach that Joseph was sold many times before he got to Egypt. This is the Torah's way of telling us this.
12 shekels of silver. The Hebrew reads pieces, that would come to 5 shekallim. The sages say this is why the Torah later tells Israel that will redeem their first born for that price. Each brother would have gotten 1/2 shekel. The Torah tells tehm to give this every year for the Temples upkeep.
Gen 37:29 Then Reuben returned to the pit, and indeed Joseph was not in the pit; and he tore his clothes.
Gen 37:30 And he returned to his brothers and said, “The lad is no more; and I, where shall I go?”
Once more find Reuben thinking only of him self. A thought that should been on his mind from the start. Yes it was, however, he didn't think about the what if's that can crop up at anytime. This may also be seen as the Torah telling us to live everyday, as if Yeshua was coming back that same day.
Gen 37:31 So they took Joseph’s tunic, killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the tunic in the blood.
Gen 37:32 Then they sent the tunic of many colors, and they brought it to their father and said, “We have found this. Do you know whether it is your son’s tunic or not?”
This may read as if the writer had no clue. They sent it, they brought it. However, this is not the case at all. By sending it, they brought it to Jacob indirectly. The one that took it, was told to what to say. So it is that by proxy the sons of Jacob did this. Just as Yeshua tells us,
Mat 5:28 “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
To wish a thing done in ones heart, is the same as doing it. Though Yeshua speaks of lust, the same teaching applies to all the evil one thinks.
The brothers also know that with their hatred known, Jacob would see in their eyes and actions that they had something to do with it.
Gen 37:33 And he recognized it and said, “It is my son’s tunic. A wild beast has devoured him. Without doubt Joseph is torn to pieces.”
Gen 37:34 Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth on his waist, and mourned for his son many days.
Gen 37:35 And all his sons and all his daughters arose to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted, and he said, “For I shall go down into the grave to my son in mourning.” Thus his father wept for him.
Though the Torah doesn't say anything about Jacob having any girls, it was common for the daughter in law to be called a daughter. They were treat as such, and never seen in any other way.
Gen 37:36 Now the Midianites had sold him in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard.
This chapter ends by letting us know what had become of Joseph. It may also confirm that he had been sold many times. The brother may have looked for him, in order to bring him back. Yet as Joseph had been sold more than one, they lost track of him, and were unable to find him.
Gen 38:1 It came to pass at that time that Judah departed from his brothers, and visited a certain Adullamite whose name was Hirah.
Gen 38:2 And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite whose name was Shua, and he married her and went in to her.
Gen 38:3 So she conceived and bore a son, and he called his name Er.
Gen 38:4 She conceived again and bore a son, and she called his name Onan.
Gen 38:5 And she conceived yet again and bore a son, and called his name Shelah. He was at Chezib when she bore him.
It seems that Judah had moved away from his family, and did what Abraham, and Isaac had not want their kids to do, he married a Canaanite women. Some say this was ok with Jacob, as he know the people, and know them to be men of HaShem. Yet the sages teach that this is why Judah's son's were sinful.
Gen 38:6 Then Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, and her name was Tamar.
Gen 38:7 But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD, and the LORD killed him.
Gen 38:8 And Judah said to Onan, “Go in to your brother’s wife and marry her, and raise up an heir to your brother.”
Once more we find that the Laws are being followed, though they have not been spoken at Sinai, there is to much evidence of there being in place to ignore.
Also This is were the Pharisees came up the question for Yeshua, asking who's wife would she be. Mark chapter 12.
Gen 38:9 But Onan knew that the heir would not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in to his brother’s wife, that he emitted on the ground, lest he should give an heir to his brother.
Gen 38:10 And the thing which he did displeased the LORD; therefore He killed him also.
This passage has been so removed from it's true intent, that one would be hard pressed to find any truth in what it has became. You see, (and for give my frankness) many use this to say that masturbation is a sin. They teach that is why Onan was killed.
This however is not how the passage reads at all. Onan denied his brother an heir. As we will find in the Torah, later this was to be so that no family line would be lost, and the property of the dead brother would remain in that brothers line. Though the Word doesn't tell us, the sages say that Onan was selfish. Indicating that he may have wished to take the inheritances for himself. That was his sin. nothing in this passage even hints at any other than this.
Gen 38:11 Then Judah said to Tamar his daughter-in-law, “Remain a widow in your father’s house till my son Shelah is grown.” For he said, “Lest he also die like his brothers.” And Tamar went and dwelt in her father’s house.
Gen 38:12 Now in the process of time the daughter of Shua, Judah’s wife, died; and Judah was comforted, and went up to his sheepshearers at Timnah, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite.
Gen 38:13 And it was told Tamar, saying, “Look, your father-in-law is going up to Timnah to shear his sheep.”
Gen 38:14 So she took off her widow’s garments, covered herself with a veil and wrapped herself, and sat in an open place which was on the way to Timnah; for she saw that Shelah was grown, and she was not given to him as a wife.
Gen 38:15 When Judah saw her, he thought she was a harlot, because she had covered her face.
At this point it may look as though what Tamar is doing wrong. However she was a righteous women. This is seen in that she waited for Jacob to give her to his youngest son. As we all know, it was through her that the Divindic dynasty would come. Some teach that this played a part in the death of the first 2 sons. Pointing to the idea that Satan wanted to stop this from coming about. After all if could stop the birth of David, this would have also removed any hope of Yeshua. Killing the hopes of the one perfect sacrifice, that would bring to an end to the removal of sin from our account.
Gen 38:16 Then he turned to her by the way, and said, “Please let me come in to you”; for he did not know that she was his daughter-in-law. So she said, “What will you give me, that you may come in to me?”
Gen 38:17 And he said, “I will send a young goat from the flock.” So she said, “Will you give me a pledge till you send it?”
Gen 38:18 Then he said, “What pledge shall I give you?” So she said, “Your signet and cord, and your staff that is in your hand.” Then he gave them to her, and went in to her, and she conceived by him.
As we my know, the signet, cord, and staff, were unique to there owner. Any one by it's self would identify the owner. All 3 would make it conclusive, as one may be explained away as being lost. 2 ok they were stolen. All 3 now explain that away will you. The signet was most often a ring, kind of hard to steel that. The cord, we would think of a belt, so ok not so easy to steel, and even harder to loss. Staff, now you may loss that, or it might be taken when your in bed or a bath.
Gen 38:20 And Judah sent the young goat by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive his pledge from the woman’s hand, but he did not find her.
Gen 38:21 Then he asked the men of that place, saying, “Where is the harlot who was openly by the roadside?” And they said, “There was no harlot in this place.”
Gen 38:22 So he returned to Judah and said, “I cannot find her. Also, the men of the place said there was no harlot in this place.”
It was not a matter of pride that the man said there was no harlot in the place. Many times a shop keeper would let them work from their steep, and charge for the protection they would get. So the man would have been upset to find out a harlot had worked his steep with out him knowing.
Gen 38:23 Then Judah said, “Let her take them for herself, lest we be shamed; for I sent this young goat and you have not found her.”
Jacob was more worried that others may find out of his giving a pledge of such value for the price of a goat. Not something a smart man would have done. That would like me giving my pickup, for a note only worth $20. Now I know not one person here would ever let me live that down.
Gen 38:24 And it came to pass, about three months after, that Judah was told, saying, “Tamar your daughter-in-law has played the harlot; furthermore she is with child by harlotry.” So Judah said, “Bring her out and let her be burned!”
Now might be a good time to point out that by Oral teachings, Tamar was said to be the daughter of Shem. Yes Noah's son. Though this would hard to follow, as it would make Shem something like 500 Years old.Give or take a bit. If this is correct, then she would be the daughter of a priest, and she would not be liable to the death penalty.
Gen 38:25 When she was brought out, she sent to her father-in-law, saying, “By the man to whom these belong, I am with child.” And she said, “Please determine whose these are—the signet and cord, and staff.”
We should note that she sent to Jacob. This may well indicate that she didn't wish to shame Jacob in public, giving him the chance to admit it voluntarilly. By sending him his things, she did leave herself no way out. If he didn't admit his wrong doing, she would be burned. This one act shows just how righteus she was, both in faith and honnor.
Gen 38:26 So Judah acknowledged them and said, “She has been more righteous than I, because I did not give her to Shelah my son.” And he never knew her again.
Gen 38:28 And so it was, when she was giving birth, that the one put out his hand; and the midwife took a scarlet thread and bound it on his hand, saying, “This one came out first.”
Gen 38:29 Then it happened, as he drew back his hand, that his brother came out unexpectedly; and she said, “How did you break through? This breach be upon you!” Therefore his name was called Perez.
Gen 38:30 Afterward his brother came out who had the scarlet thread on his hand. And his name was called Zerah.
Perez, is anmed in teh liniage fo Yeshua in the book of Mat. I think it was. The sages it was for this reason that Perez came out first. Though we can only think how nice that sounds, we will only know when we have the chance to ask HaShem.
Gen 38:2 And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite whose name was Shua, and he married her and went in to her.
Gen 38:3 So she conceived and bore a son, and he called his name Er.
Gen 38:4 She conceived again and bore a son, and she called his name Onan.
Gen 38:5 And she conceived yet again and bore a son, and called his name Shelah. He was at Chezib when she bore him.
It seems that Judah had moved away from his family, and did what Abraham, and Isaac had not want their kids to do, he married a Canaanite women. Some say this was ok with Jacob, as he know the people, and know them to be men of HaShem. Yet the sages teach that this is why Judah's son's were sinful.
Gen 38:6 Then Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, and her name was Tamar.
Gen 38:7 But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD, and the LORD killed him.
Gen 38:8 And Judah said to Onan, “Go in to your brother’s wife and marry her, and raise up an heir to your brother.”
Once more we find that the Laws are being followed, though they have not been spoken at Sinai, there is to much evidence of there being in place to ignore.
Also This is were the Pharisees came up the question for Yeshua, asking who's wife would she be. Mark chapter 12.
Gen 38:9 But Onan knew that the heir would not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in to his brother’s wife, that he emitted on the ground, lest he should give an heir to his brother.
Gen 38:10 And the thing which he did displeased the LORD; therefore He killed him also.
This passage has been so removed from it's true intent, that one would be hard pressed to find any truth in what it has became. You see, (and for give my frankness) many use this to say that masturbation is a sin. They teach that is why Onan was killed.
This however is not how the passage reads at all. Onan denied his brother an heir. As we will find in the Torah, later this was to be so that no family line would be lost, and the property of the dead brother would remain in that brothers line. Though the Word doesn't tell us, the sages say that Onan was selfish. Indicating that he may have wished to take the inheritances for himself. That was his sin. nothing in this passage even hints at any other than this.
Gen 38:11 Then Judah said to Tamar his daughter-in-law, “Remain a widow in your father’s house till my son Shelah is grown.” For he said, “Lest he also die like his brothers.” And Tamar went and dwelt in her father’s house.
Gen 38:12 Now in the process of time the daughter of Shua, Judah’s wife, died; and Judah was comforted, and went up to his sheepshearers at Timnah, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite.
Gen 38:13 And it was told Tamar, saying, “Look, your father-in-law is going up to Timnah to shear his sheep.”
Gen 38:14 So she took off her widow’s garments, covered herself with a veil and wrapped herself, and sat in an open place which was on the way to Timnah; for she saw that Shelah was grown, and she was not given to him as a wife.
Gen 38:15 When Judah saw her, he thought she was a harlot, because she had covered her face.
At this point it may look as though what Tamar is doing wrong. However she was a righteous women. This is seen in that she waited for Jacob to give her to his youngest son. As we all know, it was through her that the Divindic dynasty would come. Some teach that this played a part in the death of the first 2 sons. Pointing to the idea that Satan wanted to stop this from coming about. After all if could stop the birth of David, this would have also removed any hope of Yeshua. Killing the hopes of the one perfect sacrifice, that would bring to an end to the removal of sin from our account.
Gen 38:16 Then he turned to her by the way, and said, “Please let me come in to you”; for he did not know that she was his daughter-in-law. So she said, “What will you give me, that you may come in to me?”
Gen 38:17 And he said, “I will send a young goat from the flock.” So she said, “Will you give me a pledge till you send it?”
Gen 38:18 Then he said, “What pledge shall I give you?” So she said, “Your signet and cord, and your staff that is in your hand.” Then he gave them to her, and went in to her, and she conceived by him.
As we my know, the signet, cord, and staff, were unique to there owner. Any one by it's self would identify the owner. All 3 would make it conclusive, as one may be explained away as being lost. 2 ok they were stolen. All 3 now explain that away will you. The signet was most often a ring, kind of hard to steel that. The cord, we would think of a belt, so ok not so easy to steel, and even harder to loss. Staff, now you may loss that, or it might be taken when your in bed or a bath.
Gen 38:20 And Judah sent the young goat by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive his pledge from the woman’s hand, but he did not find her.
Gen 38:21 Then he asked the men of that place, saying, “Where is the harlot who was openly by the roadside?” And they said, “There was no harlot in this place.”
Gen 38:22 So he returned to Judah and said, “I cannot find her. Also, the men of the place said there was no harlot in this place.”
It was not a matter of pride that the man said there was no harlot in the place. Many times a shop keeper would let them work from their steep, and charge for the protection they would get. So the man would have been upset to find out a harlot had worked his steep with out him knowing.
Gen 38:23 Then Judah said, “Let her take them for herself, lest we be shamed; for I sent this young goat and you have not found her.”
Jacob was more worried that others may find out of his giving a pledge of such value for the price of a goat. Not something a smart man would have done. That would like me giving my pickup, for a note only worth $20. Now I know not one person here would ever let me live that down.
Gen 38:24 And it came to pass, about three months after, that Judah was told, saying, “Tamar your daughter-in-law has played the harlot; furthermore she is with child by harlotry.” So Judah said, “Bring her out and let her be burned!”
Now might be a good time to point out that by Oral teachings, Tamar was said to be the daughter of Shem. Yes Noah's son. Though this would hard to follow, as it would make Shem something like 500 Years old.Give or take a bit. If this is correct, then she would be the daughter of a priest, and she would not be liable to the death penalty.
Gen 38:25 When she was brought out, she sent to her father-in-law, saying, “By the man to whom these belong, I am with child.” And she said, “Please determine whose these are—the signet and cord, and staff.”
We should note that she sent to Jacob. This may well indicate that she didn't wish to shame Jacob in public, giving him the chance to admit it voluntarilly. By sending him his things, she did leave herself no way out. If he didn't admit his wrong doing, she would be burned. This one act shows just how righteus she was, both in faith and honnor.
Gen 38:26 So Judah acknowledged them and said, “She has been more righteous than I, because I did not give her to Shelah my son.” And he never knew her again.
Gen 38:28 And so it was, when she was giving birth, that the one put out his hand; and the midwife took a scarlet thread and bound it on his hand, saying, “This one came out first.”
Gen 38:29 Then it happened, as he drew back his hand, that his brother came out unexpectedly; and she said, “How did you break through? This breach be upon you!” Therefore his name was called Perez.
Gen 38:30 Afterward his brother came out who had the scarlet thread on his hand. And his name was called Zerah.
Perez, is anmed in teh liniage fo Yeshua in the book of Mat. I think it was. The sages it was for this reason that Perez came out first. Though we can only think how nice that sounds, we will only know when we have the chance to ask HaShem.
I have always found the story of Joseph to the most wonderful story in the Torah. I know a lot of people think of others, yet this story stands out in my mind for some reason. Ok enough about that lets move on. Sorry for the out burst.
Gen 39:1 Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. And Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him down there.
Gen 39:2 The LORD was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.
Gen 39:3 And his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD made all he did to prosper in his hand.
Gen 39:4 So Joseph found favor in his sight, and served him. Then he made him overseer of his house, and all that he had he put under his authority.
As we open this chapter we find once more that it seems Joseph had been resold be getting to Egypt. Lending to the Sages idea that he may have change hands many times.
Though his brothers may have been convinced that his dreams would never come true, we see them taking shape. As in what looks to be a short time, Joseph is made overseer of all that was under Potiphar's authority.
Gen 39:6 Thus he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand, and he did not know what he had except for the bread which he ate. Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance.
Most see this as Potiphar only thinking about what may want for his next meal. Having handed the worries of everyday life over to Joseph, and so much trust in the young man, that it never crossed his mind. Though this is what this pasage tells us, the sages say that it also speaks to Potiphar's wife.
Gen 39:7 And it came to pass after these things that his master’s wife cast longing eyes on Joseph, and she said, “Lie with me.”
Gen 39:8 But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “Look, my master does not know what is with me in the house, and he has committed all that he has to my hand.
Gen 39:9 “There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”
Gen 39:10 So it was, as she spoke to Joseph day by day, that he did not heed her, to lie with her or to be with her.
Though this speaks to the integrity of Joseph and wish to please only HaShem. It also bring to mind another story. The temptations of Yeshua.
Gen 39:11 But it happened about this time, when Joseph went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the house was inside,
Gen 39:12 that she caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me.” But he left his garment in her hand, and fled and ran outside.
Gen 39:13 And so it was, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and fled outside,
Gen 39:14 that she called to the men of her house and spoke to them, saying, “See, he has brought in to us a Hebrew to mock us. He came in to me to lie with me, and I cried out with a loud voice.
Gen 39:15 “And it happened, when he heard that I lifted my voice and cried out, that he left his garment with me, and fled and went outside.”
The sages tell us that there was no man in the house as this was a feast day for them, and everyone had gone to their temple. Potiphar's said she was sick, and so she stayed behind. Doing this she had hoped to seduce Joseph. Having none of it, Joseph left the house in a hurry. Though it may be true that he could have taken his garment from her, it seems that he wished her no harm so he just left with out it.
Gen 39:16 So she kept his garment with her until his master came home.
Gen 39:17 Then she spoke to him with words like these, saying, “The Hebrew servant whom you brought to us came in to me to mock me;
Gen 39:18 “so it happened, as I lifted my voice and cried out, that he left his garment with me and fled outside.”
Once more I find that it draws my mind to the actions of Satan. The use of the phrase Hebrew was intended to inflame the prejudice of the Egyptians. One may think this sounds odd, as there were not enough Hebrew People for Egypt to have formed any prejudice. Yet if we think back, to the actions of Levi and Simeon, when Dinah was taken by Hamor. Word of actions like that gets around. SO trust of the Hebrews would not be high in anyone's mind. So to put out that she didn't like Joseph coming into the house at all due to this lack of trust, would play well for her.
Gen 39:19 So it was, when his master heard the words which his wife spoke to him, saying, “Your servant did to me after this manner,” that his anger was aroused.
Gen 39:20 Then Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were confined. And he was there in the prison.
No reason for a trial right, we know they can't be trusted. So do we think Potiphar was more upset with his self, or just angry over what he was told? Truth be told I think it was a little of both.
One thing this sotry does not place out there is that this speaks to the evil nature of Satan. It has always left one question i my mind. Will Satan at some point make this same kind of accusation against Yeshua or the Angles? The reason this comes to mind, is that we know some of us, if not all, will stand in judgement over the Angles. 1Co 6:3 to stand in judgment, by nicety needs to be an accuser does there not?
Would be nice to have others open up on this. Though I will not hold my breath.
Gen 39:21 But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.
Gen 39:22 And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners who were in the prison; whatever they did there, it was his doing.
Gen 39:23 The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph’s authority, because the LORD was with him; and whatever he did, the LORD made it prosper.
Although I have seen first hand the ridicule of others for my understanding of the Word, this one chapter is why I always say, I will let HaShem judge me. You see, no matter what ma may thin or try to push off on us, so long as we hold true to what we find is right, and have tested by way of Scripture finding no fault in our thinking. HaShem will see the intent in our hearts, and He knows the wrong of every person. He is just, and has left use many stories to show us His loving Faithfulness for them that walk in His statues. Holding faith in their hearts, and looking not to man, rather to Him for salvation.
Gen 39:1 Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. And Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him down there.
Gen 39:2 The LORD was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.
Gen 39:3 And his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD made all he did to prosper in his hand.
Gen 39:4 So Joseph found favor in his sight, and served him. Then he made him overseer of his house, and all that he had he put under his authority.
As we open this chapter we find once more that it seems Joseph had been resold be getting to Egypt. Lending to the Sages idea that he may have change hands many times.
Though his brothers may have been convinced that his dreams would never come true, we see them taking shape. As in what looks to be a short time, Joseph is made overseer of all that was under Potiphar's authority.
Gen 39:6 Thus he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand, and he did not know what he had except for the bread which he ate. Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance.
Most see this as Potiphar only thinking about what may want for his next meal. Having handed the worries of everyday life over to Joseph, and so much trust in the young man, that it never crossed his mind. Though this is what this pasage tells us, the sages say that it also speaks to Potiphar's wife.
Gen 39:7 And it came to pass after these things that his master’s wife cast longing eyes on Joseph, and she said, “Lie with me.”
Gen 39:8 But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “Look, my master does not know what is with me in the house, and he has committed all that he has to my hand.
Gen 39:9 “There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”
Gen 39:10 So it was, as she spoke to Joseph day by day, that he did not heed her, to lie with her or to be with her.
Though this speaks to the integrity of Joseph and wish to please only HaShem. It also bring to mind another story. The temptations of Yeshua.
Gen 39:11 But it happened about this time, when Joseph went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the house was inside,
Gen 39:12 that she caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me.” But he left his garment in her hand, and fled and ran outside.
Gen 39:13 And so it was, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and fled outside,
Gen 39:14 that she called to the men of her house and spoke to them, saying, “See, he has brought in to us a Hebrew to mock us. He came in to me to lie with me, and I cried out with a loud voice.
Gen 39:15 “And it happened, when he heard that I lifted my voice and cried out, that he left his garment with me, and fled and went outside.”
The sages tell us that there was no man in the house as this was a feast day for them, and everyone had gone to their temple. Potiphar's said she was sick, and so she stayed behind. Doing this she had hoped to seduce Joseph. Having none of it, Joseph left the house in a hurry. Though it may be true that he could have taken his garment from her, it seems that he wished her no harm so he just left with out it.
Gen 39:16 So she kept his garment with her until his master came home.
Gen 39:17 Then she spoke to him with words like these, saying, “The Hebrew servant whom you brought to us came in to me to mock me;
Gen 39:18 “so it happened, as I lifted my voice and cried out, that he left his garment with me and fled outside.”
Once more I find that it draws my mind to the actions of Satan. The use of the phrase Hebrew was intended to inflame the prejudice of the Egyptians. One may think this sounds odd, as there were not enough Hebrew People for Egypt to have formed any prejudice. Yet if we think back, to the actions of Levi and Simeon, when Dinah was taken by Hamor. Word of actions like that gets around. SO trust of the Hebrews would not be high in anyone's mind. So to put out that she didn't like Joseph coming into the house at all due to this lack of trust, would play well for her.
Gen 39:19 So it was, when his master heard the words which his wife spoke to him, saying, “Your servant did to me after this manner,” that his anger was aroused.
Gen 39:20 Then Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were confined. And he was there in the prison.
No reason for a trial right, we know they can't be trusted. So do we think Potiphar was more upset with his self, or just angry over what he was told? Truth be told I think it was a little of both.
One thing this sotry does not place out there is that this speaks to the evil nature of Satan. It has always left one question i my mind. Will Satan at some point make this same kind of accusation against Yeshua or the Angles? The reason this comes to mind, is that we know some of us, if not all, will stand in judgement over the Angles. 1Co 6:3 to stand in judgment, by nicety needs to be an accuser does there not?
Would be nice to have others open up on this. Though I will not hold my breath.
Gen 39:21 But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.
Gen 39:22 And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners who were in the prison; whatever they did there, it was his doing.
Gen 39:23 The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph’s authority, because the LORD was with him; and whatever he did, the LORD made it prosper.
Although I have seen first hand the ridicule of others for my understanding of the Word, this one chapter is why I always say, I will let HaShem judge me. You see, no matter what ma may thin or try to push off on us, so long as we hold true to what we find is right, and have tested by way of Scripture finding no fault in our thinking. HaShem will see the intent in our hearts, and He knows the wrong of every person. He is just, and has left use many stories to show us His loving Faithfulness for them that walk in His statues. Holding faith in their hearts, and looking not to man, rather to Him for salvation.
Gen 40:1 It came to pass after these things that the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt offended their lord, the king of Egypt.
Gen 40:2 And Pharaoh was angry with his two officers, the chief butler and the chief baker.
Gen 40:3 So he put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, in the prison, the place where Joseph was confined.
Gen 40:4
And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them; so they were in custody for a while
Many see this as a simple opps they messed up. Yet when one looks at this, as the Hand of HaShem at work, it can be seen in a new light. HaShem seeing that everyone was talking badly of His servant Joseph, may well have arranged this, to deflect the focus off the faults accusations by Potifar"s wife. With the full intent of raising up Joseph once more to an even higher office.
Divine providence can be sen at work, as Potiphar assigned Joseph it serve them. Though he may well have meant this as an insult to Joseph. HaShem had reason for this assignment.
Gen 40:5 Then the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were confined in the prison, had a dream, both of them, each man’s dream in one night and each man’s dream with its own interpretation.
Gen 40:6 And Joseph came in to them in the morning and looked at them, and saw that they were sad.
Gen 40:7 So he asked Pharaoh’s officers who were with him in the custody of his lord’s house, saying, “Why do you look so sad today?”
Joseph, in his true concern for their well being, seen that something was wrong. Hoping to make things right, he asked about it.
Gen 40:8 And they said to him, “We each have had a dream, and there is no interpreter of it.” So Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell them to me, please.”
The idea that there was no interpreter comes from the idea that they trusted mans thinking, as did Pharaoh as we will see in time. Yet Joseph being true to him self, and his love of HaShem, exalted HaShem in his reply. As he said interpretations belong to HaShem, giving in those words all glory to HaShem for the any understanding that seem to come from him.
Gen 40:9 Then the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, “Behold, in my dream a vine was before me,
Gen 40:10 “and in the vine were three branches; it was as though it budded, its blossoms shot forth, and its clusters brought forth ripe grapes.
Gen 40:11 “Then Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand; and I took the grapes and pressed them into Pharaoh’s cup, and placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand.”
Gen 40:12 And Joseph said to him, “This is the interpretation of it: The three branches are three days.
Gen 40:13 “Now within three days Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your place, and you will put Pharaoh’s cup in his hand according to the former manner, when you were his butler.
Gen 40:14 “But remember me when it is well with you, and please show kindness to me; make mention of me to Pharaoh, and get me out of this house.
Well it seems Joseph didn't like his new home much. LOL The butler liked the idea of his dream, and was happy that he would once more be counted among the servants of Pharaoh. One may also see this as Joseph understanding that at some point the Butler would be reminded of Joseph, and lift his up to Pharaoh in some way that would get him out of prison.
Gen 40:16 When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said to Joseph, “I also was in my dream, and there were three white baskets on my head.
Gen 40:17 “In the uppermost basket were all kinds of baked goods for Pharaoh, and the birds ate them out of the basket on my head.”
Gen 40:18 So Joseph answered and said, “This is the interpretation of it: The three baskets are three days.
Gen 40:19 “Within three days Pharaoh will lift off your head from you and hang you on a tree; and the birds will eat your flesh from you.”
It would seem that the baker had not planed to tell his dream. Yet with a god out out come for the butler, he was in hopes of the same for his dream. Yet his dream showed at lest to some extent how powerless one can be to stop something that HaShem has set in motion. As we all know birds under their own power, would never be so bold as to eat bread from off the head of any man.
Gen 40:20 Now it came to pass on the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, that he made a feast for all his servants; and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants.
Gen 40:21 Then he restored the chief butler to his butlership again, and he placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand.
Gen 40:22 But he hanged the chief baker, as Joseph had interpreted to them.
Gen 40:23 Yet the chief butler did not remember Joseph, but forgot him.
Even after seeing that Joseph was right, the butler didn't bring this to Pharaoh's attention right away. I have seen it said that this was due to fear, of what happen to the baker. Yet in truth, as we will see it was simply not HaShem time for this to be reviled. HaShem know that once told, a retelling would mean nothing. So it was that HaShem stayed the tongue of the butler, until the telling of this story would have profound and infighting effects. Of which not even Pharaoh could not evade the fact that it comes from HaShem.
Gen 40:2 And Pharaoh was angry with his two officers, the chief butler and the chief baker.
Gen 40:3 So he put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, in the prison, the place where Joseph was confined.
Gen 40:4
And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them; so they were in custody for a while
Many see this as a simple opps they messed up. Yet when one looks at this, as the Hand of HaShem at work, it can be seen in a new light. HaShem seeing that everyone was talking badly of His servant Joseph, may well have arranged this, to deflect the focus off the faults accusations by Potifar"s wife. With the full intent of raising up Joseph once more to an even higher office.
Divine providence can be sen at work, as Potiphar assigned Joseph it serve them. Though he may well have meant this as an insult to Joseph. HaShem had reason for this assignment.
Gen 40:5 Then the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were confined in the prison, had a dream, both of them, each man’s dream in one night and each man’s dream with its own interpretation.
Gen 40:6 And Joseph came in to them in the morning and looked at them, and saw that they were sad.
Gen 40:7 So he asked Pharaoh’s officers who were with him in the custody of his lord’s house, saying, “Why do you look so sad today?”
Joseph, in his true concern for their well being, seen that something was wrong. Hoping to make things right, he asked about it.
Gen 40:8 And they said to him, “We each have had a dream, and there is no interpreter of it.” So Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell them to me, please.”
The idea that there was no interpreter comes from the idea that they trusted mans thinking, as did Pharaoh as we will see in time. Yet Joseph being true to him self, and his love of HaShem, exalted HaShem in his reply. As he said interpretations belong to HaShem, giving in those words all glory to HaShem for the any understanding that seem to come from him.
Gen 40:9 Then the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, “Behold, in my dream a vine was before me,
Gen 40:10 “and in the vine were three branches; it was as though it budded, its blossoms shot forth, and its clusters brought forth ripe grapes.
Gen 40:11 “Then Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand; and I took the grapes and pressed them into Pharaoh’s cup, and placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand.”
Gen 40:12 And Joseph said to him, “This is the interpretation of it: The three branches are three days.
Gen 40:13 “Now within three days Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your place, and you will put Pharaoh’s cup in his hand according to the former manner, when you were his butler.
Gen 40:14 “But remember me when it is well with you, and please show kindness to me; make mention of me to Pharaoh, and get me out of this house.
Well it seems Joseph didn't like his new home much. LOL The butler liked the idea of his dream, and was happy that he would once more be counted among the servants of Pharaoh. One may also see this as Joseph understanding that at some point the Butler would be reminded of Joseph, and lift his up to Pharaoh in some way that would get him out of prison.
Gen 40:16 When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said to Joseph, “I also was in my dream, and there were three white baskets on my head.
Gen 40:17 “In the uppermost basket were all kinds of baked goods for Pharaoh, and the birds ate them out of the basket on my head.”
Gen 40:18 So Joseph answered and said, “This is the interpretation of it: The three baskets are three days.
Gen 40:19 “Within three days Pharaoh will lift off your head from you and hang you on a tree; and the birds will eat your flesh from you.”
It would seem that the baker had not planed to tell his dream. Yet with a god out out come for the butler, he was in hopes of the same for his dream. Yet his dream showed at lest to some extent how powerless one can be to stop something that HaShem has set in motion. As we all know birds under their own power, would never be so bold as to eat bread from off the head of any man.
Gen 40:20 Now it came to pass on the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, that he made a feast for all his servants; and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants.
Gen 40:21 Then he restored the chief butler to his butlership again, and he placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand.
Gen 40:22 But he hanged the chief baker, as Joseph had interpreted to them.
Gen 40:23 Yet the chief butler did not remember Joseph, but forgot him.
Even after seeing that Joseph was right, the butler didn't bring this to Pharaoh's attention right away. I have seen it said that this was due to fear, of what happen to the baker. Yet in truth, as we will see it was simply not HaShem time for this to be reviled. HaShem know that once told, a retelling would mean nothing. So it was that HaShem stayed the tongue of the butler, until the telling of this story would have profound and infighting effects. Of which not even Pharaoh could not evade the fact that it comes from HaShem.
Gen 41:1 Then it came to pass, at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh had a dream; and behold, he stood by the river.
Gen 41:2 Suddenly there came up out of the river seven cows, fine looking and fat; and they fed in the meadow.
Gen 41:3 Then behold, seven other cows came up after them out of the river, ugly and gaunt, and stood by the other cows on the bank of the river.
Gen 41:4 And the ugly and gaunt cows ate up the seven fine looking and fat cows. So Pharaoh awoke.
Gen 41:5 He slept and dreamed a second time; and suddenly seven heads of grain came up on one stalk, plump and good.
Gen 41:6 Then behold, seven thin heads, blighted by the east wind, sprang up after them.
Gen 41:7 And the seven thin heads devoured the seven plump and full heads. So Pharaoh awoke, and indeed, it was a dream.
Gen 41:8 Now it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled, and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt and all its wise men. And Pharaoh told them his dreams, but there was no one who could interpret them for Pharaoh.
Most likely most of us would have looking at him and thinking you want me to do what with that? After all if we didn't know the story, we would have on idea what it means.
Gen 41:9 Then the chief butler spoke to Pharaoh, saying: “I remember my faults this day.
Gen 41:10 “When Pharaoh was angry with his servants, and put me in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, both me and the chief baker,
Gen 41:11 “we each had a dream in one night, he and I. Each of us dreamed according to the interpretation of his own dream.
Gen 41:12 “Now there was a young Hebrew man with us there, a servant of the captain of the guard. And we told him, and he interpreted our dreams for us; to each man he interpreted according to his own dream.
Gen 41:13 “And it came to pass, just as he interpreted for us, so it happened. He restored me to my office, and he hanged him.”
OK 2 years had passed, so just maybe the butler forgot some details. Still I find it sad that the man didn't tell Pharaoh that Joseph had told him HaShem gave him the answer to the 2 dreams. Yet as we now see, all things must come in HaShem time, and not mans. As I said before, has the butler told Pharaoh before now, that story may not have had the effect needed when told a second time. It may have also placed the butler back in prison.
Also one may note that when he spoke of Joseph he did so in the most disparaging way. A Hebrew, noting that they are looked down on, a youth, indicating ignorance. Both terms point to the idea that Joseph was unfit to be distinguished.
Gen 41:14 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him quickly out of the dungeon; and he shaved, changed his clothing, and came to Pharaoh.
Gen 41:15 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that you can understand a dream, to interpret it.”
Gen 41:16 So Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.”
Though Egypt didn't follow just one god, it seems that Pharaoh was ok with idea that Joseph's God could give him answers. At one time in my life I found this odd, as most Pagans, would speak out and ridicule the idea of a god they didn't know doing anything. Yet it seems that Pharaoh didn't flinch.
Gen 41:17 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph: “Behold, in my dream I stood on the bank of the river.
Gen 41:18 “Suddenly seven cows came up out of the river, fine looking and fat; and they fed in the meadow.
Gen 41:19 “Then behold, seven other cows came up after them, poor and very ugly and gaunt, such ugliness as I have never seen in all the land of Egypt.
Gen 41:20 “And the gaunt and ugly cows ate up the first seven, the fat cows.
Gen 41:21 “When they had eaten them up, no one would have known that they had eaten them, for they were just as ugly as at the beginning. So I awoke.
Gen 41:22 “Also I saw in my dream, and suddenly seven heads came up on one stalk, full and good.
Gen 41:23 “Then behold, seven heads, withered, thin, and blighted by the east wind, sprang up after them.
Gen 41:24 “And the thin heads devoured the seven good heads. So I told this to the magicians, but there was no one who could explain it to me.”
One may note the some differences in the 2 tellings of the dreams. Some say this was to test Joseph. Other see it as nothing more than a person telling something after the fact, and not remembering all the facts as clearly as when they happened. I follow the second. As we all know that telling a dream is not as clear as when we had the thing.
Gen 41:25 Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, “The dreams of Pharaoh are one; God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to do:
Gen 41:26 “The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven good heads are seven years; the dreams are one.
Gen 41:27 “And the seven thin and ugly cows which came up after them are seven years, and the seven empty heads blighted by the east wind are seven years of famine.
Gen 41:28 “This is the thing which I have spoken to Pharaoh. God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to do.
Gen 41:29 “Indeed seven years of great plenty will come throughout all the land of Egypt;
Gen 41:30 “but after them seven years of famine will arise, and all the plenty will be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine will deplete the land.
Gen 41:31 “So the plenty will not be known in the land because of the famine following, for it will be very severe.
Gen 41:32 “And the dream was repeated to Pharaoh twice because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.
Gen 41:33 “Now therefore, let Pharaoh select a discerning and wise man, and set him over the land of Egypt.
Gen 41:34 “Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, to collect one-fifth of the produce of the land of Egypt in the seven plentiful years.
Gen 41:35 “And let them gather all the food of those good years that are coming, and store up grain under the authority of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities.
Gen 41:36 “Then that food shall be as a reserve for the land for the seven years of famine which shall be in the land of Egypt, that the land may not perish during the famine.”
It seems that Joseph seen more than just 7 good years. After all at 5% a year, you would only have 35% of what the land gave in a year. So it must be that the land gave more for that 7 years than it did on any normal year. Also to find a man that could preserve the grain for 7 years, that would take some know how. Keep rats out, keeping it dry, and well I have no clue what all it would it take. The Sages seem to think that Joseph gave this unasked for advice, as he seen himself as the one for the job. NO mater what one may think of the motivation, Joseph's advice was well received.
Gen 41:38 And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?”
Gen 41:39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you.
Gen 41:40 “You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.”
Gen 41:42 Then Pharaoh took his signet ring off his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand; and he clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck.
Pharaoh it seems, understood that with Out HaShem Joseph could have said any of he had. This is seen in the words of Pharaoh, in whom is the Spirit of HaShem. Also Pharaoh had to violate his own law to place Joseph in a high position like that. Yet if he didn't Joseph might well be hindered in his work. By giving Joseph his ring, this made clear to every one that he was over the entire government. He had the power to seal decrees as he seen fit. No one in their right mind would go against this.
Gen 41:43 And he had him ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried out before him, “Bow the knee!” So he set him over all the land of Egypt.
Gen 41:45 And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphnath-Paaneah. And he gave him as a wife Asenath, the daughter of Poti-Pherah priest of On. So Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt.
Gen 41:47 Now in the seven plentiful years the ground brought forth abundantly.
Gen 41:48 So he gathered up all the food of the seven years which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities; he laid up in every city the food of the fields which surrounded them.
Gen 41:49 Joseph gathered very much grain, as the sand of the sea, until he stopped counting, for it was immeasurable.
There are some that say Joseph took everything that was grown, and others say he only took the 5th he had told Pharaoh was going to be needed. Now we only need to think about how things work. If he took 100% of everything grown, then the folks would have fought hi on that. On the other hand, if HaShem had given such high yields, then only 5% could well fill the stores needed and thine some. I think it wise to follow that HaShem worked his miracle, and did so in a big way. Just Yeshua was able to feed 5000 with just 2 fish, and 5 loaves of bread. I may have the mixed up, so don't take that to heart.
Gen 41:53 Then the seven years of plenty which were in the land of Egypt ended,
Gen 41:54 and the seven years of famine began to come, as Joseph had said. The famine was in all lands, but in all the land of Egypt there was bread.
Gen 41:55 So when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread. Then Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph; whatever he says to you, do.”
Gen 41:56 The famine was over all the face of the earth, and Joseph opened all the storehouses[fn] and sold to the Egyptians. And the famine became severe in the land of Egypt.
Gen 41:57 So all countries came to Joseph in Egypt to buy grain, because the famine was severe in all lands.
I am going to close this one by saying just a little. We know that all things in the Torah are a shadow of things to come. In this chapter, we have seen the Father handing over the power of life and death. That all nations should come to him, and in doing as Yeshua told us, we might find life. Yet just as we seen here, Yeshua doesn't have power over the throne. The kingdom is still in the hands of HaShem, and He has the final say in all things.
Gen 41:2 Suddenly there came up out of the river seven cows, fine looking and fat; and they fed in the meadow.
Gen 41:3 Then behold, seven other cows came up after them out of the river, ugly and gaunt, and stood by the other cows on the bank of the river.
Gen 41:4 And the ugly and gaunt cows ate up the seven fine looking and fat cows. So Pharaoh awoke.
Gen 41:5 He slept and dreamed a second time; and suddenly seven heads of grain came up on one stalk, plump and good.
Gen 41:6 Then behold, seven thin heads, blighted by the east wind, sprang up after them.
Gen 41:7 And the seven thin heads devoured the seven plump and full heads. So Pharaoh awoke, and indeed, it was a dream.
Gen 41:8 Now it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled, and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt and all its wise men. And Pharaoh told them his dreams, but there was no one who could interpret them for Pharaoh.
Most likely most of us would have looking at him and thinking you want me to do what with that? After all if we didn't know the story, we would have on idea what it means.
Gen 41:9 Then the chief butler spoke to Pharaoh, saying: “I remember my faults this day.
Gen 41:10 “When Pharaoh was angry with his servants, and put me in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, both me and the chief baker,
Gen 41:11 “we each had a dream in one night, he and I. Each of us dreamed according to the interpretation of his own dream.
Gen 41:12 “Now there was a young Hebrew man with us there, a servant of the captain of the guard. And we told him, and he interpreted our dreams for us; to each man he interpreted according to his own dream.
Gen 41:13 “And it came to pass, just as he interpreted for us, so it happened. He restored me to my office, and he hanged him.”
OK 2 years had passed, so just maybe the butler forgot some details. Still I find it sad that the man didn't tell Pharaoh that Joseph had told him HaShem gave him the answer to the 2 dreams. Yet as we now see, all things must come in HaShem time, and not mans. As I said before, has the butler told Pharaoh before now, that story may not have had the effect needed when told a second time. It may have also placed the butler back in prison.
Also one may note that when he spoke of Joseph he did so in the most disparaging way. A Hebrew, noting that they are looked down on, a youth, indicating ignorance. Both terms point to the idea that Joseph was unfit to be distinguished.
Gen 41:14 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him quickly out of the dungeon; and he shaved, changed his clothing, and came to Pharaoh.
Gen 41:15 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that you can understand a dream, to interpret it.”
Gen 41:16 So Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.”
Though Egypt didn't follow just one god, it seems that Pharaoh was ok with idea that Joseph's God could give him answers. At one time in my life I found this odd, as most Pagans, would speak out and ridicule the idea of a god they didn't know doing anything. Yet it seems that Pharaoh didn't flinch.
Gen 41:17 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph: “Behold, in my dream I stood on the bank of the river.
Gen 41:18 “Suddenly seven cows came up out of the river, fine looking and fat; and they fed in the meadow.
Gen 41:19 “Then behold, seven other cows came up after them, poor and very ugly and gaunt, such ugliness as I have never seen in all the land of Egypt.
Gen 41:20 “And the gaunt and ugly cows ate up the first seven, the fat cows.
Gen 41:21 “When they had eaten them up, no one would have known that they had eaten them, for they were just as ugly as at the beginning. So I awoke.
Gen 41:22 “Also I saw in my dream, and suddenly seven heads came up on one stalk, full and good.
Gen 41:23 “Then behold, seven heads, withered, thin, and blighted by the east wind, sprang up after them.
Gen 41:24 “And the thin heads devoured the seven good heads. So I told this to the magicians, but there was no one who could explain it to me.”
One may note the some differences in the 2 tellings of the dreams. Some say this was to test Joseph. Other see it as nothing more than a person telling something after the fact, and not remembering all the facts as clearly as when they happened. I follow the second. As we all know that telling a dream is not as clear as when we had the thing.
Gen 41:25 Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, “The dreams of Pharaoh are one; God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to do:
Gen 41:26 “The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven good heads are seven years; the dreams are one.
Gen 41:27 “And the seven thin and ugly cows which came up after them are seven years, and the seven empty heads blighted by the east wind are seven years of famine.
Gen 41:28 “This is the thing which I have spoken to Pharaoh. God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to do.
Gen 41:29 “Indeed seven years of great plenty will come throughout all the land of Egypt;
Gen 41:30 “but after them seven years of famine will arise, and all the plenty will be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine will deplete the land.
Gen 41:31 “So the plenty will not be known in the land because of the famine following, for it will be very severe.
Gen 41:32 “And the dream was repeated to Pharaoh twice because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.
Gen 41:33 “Now therefore, let Pharaoh select a discerning and wise man, and set him over the land of Egypt.
Gen 41:34 “Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, to collect one-fifth of the produce of the land of Egypt in the seven plentiful years.
Gen 41:35 “And let them gather all the food of those good years that are coming, and store up grain under the authority of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities.
Gen 41:36 “Then that food shall be as a reserve for the land for the seven years of famine which shall be in the land of Egypt, that the land may not perish during the famine.”
It seems that Joseph seen more than just 7 good years. After all at 5% a year, you would only have 35% of what the land gave in a year. So it must be that the land gave more for that 7 years than it did on any normal year. Also to find a man that could preserve the grain for 7 years, that would take some know how. Keep rats out, keeping it dry, and well I have no clue what all it would it take. The Sages seem to think that Joseph gave this unasked for advice, as he seen himself as the one for the job. NO mater what one may think of the motivation, Joseph's advice was well received.
Gen 41:38 And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?”
Gen 41:39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you.
Gen 41:40 “You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.”
Gen 41:42 Then Pharaoh took his signet ring off his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand; and he clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck.
Pharaoh it seems, understood that with Out HaShem Joseph could have said any of he had. This is seen in the words of Pharaoh, in whom is the Spirit of HaShem. Also Pharaoh had to violate his own law to place Joseph in a high position like that. Yet if he didn't Joseph might well be hindered in his work. By giving Joseph his ring, this made clear to every one that he was over the entire government. He had the power to seal decrees as he seen fit. No one in their right mind would go against this.
Gen 41:43 And he had him ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried out before him, “Bow the knee!” So he set him over all the land of Egypt.
Gen 41:45 And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphnath-Paaneah. And he gave him as a wife Asenath, the daughter of Poti-Pherah priest of On. So Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt.
Gen 41:47 Now in the seven plentiful years the ground brought forth abundantly.
Gen 41:48 So he gathered up all the food of the seven years which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities; he laid up in every city the food of the fields which surrounded them.
Gen 41:49 Joseph gathered very much grain, as the sand of the sea, until he stopped counting, for it was immeasurable.
There are some that say Joseph took everything that was grown, and others say he only took the 5th he had told Pharaoh was going to be needed. Now we only need to think about how things work. If he took 100% of everything grown, then the folks would have fought hi on that. On the other hand, if HaShem had given such high yields, then only 5% could well fill the stores needed and thine some. I think it wise to follow that HaShem worked his miracle, and did so in a big way. Just Yeshua was able to feed 5000 with just 2 fish, and 5 loaves of bread. I may have the mixed up, so don't take that to heart.
Gen 41:53 Then the seven years of plenty which were in the land of Egypt ended,
Gen 41:54 and the seven years of famine began to come, as Joseph had said. The famine was in all lands, but in all the land of Egypt there was bread.
Gen 41:55 So when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread. Then Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph; whatever he says to you, do.”
Gen 41:56 The famine was over all the face of the earth, and Joseph opened all the storehouses[fn] and sold to the Egyptians. And the famine became severe in the land of Egypt.
Gen 41:57 So all countries came to Joseph in Egypt to buy grain, because the famine was severe in all lands.
I am going to close this one by saying just a little. We know that all things in the Torah are a shadow of things to come. In this chapter, we have seen the Father handing over the power of life and death. That all nations should come to him, and in doing as Yeshua told us, we might find life. Yet just as we seen here, Yeshua doesn't have power over the throne. The kingdom is still in the hands of HaShem, and He has the final say in all things.
K
Gen 38:18 Then he said, “What pledge shall I give you?” So she said, “Your signet and cord, and your staff that is in your hand...
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Significance of the signet ring in ancient times is in itself a worthwhile study. It was not a means of adornment so much as the "signature" of the person, sign of authority, signing legal documents, pledge, etc. I think perhaps the cord is used to secure the ring, as in worn around the neck. (JMO) Indeed it was unthinkably careless of Judah to give away his authority in such a manor. However, if not for that, lineage of Messiah would have read differently.
Enjoying your thread, and your comentary as well. We all wear different hats/occupations in life so that gives each and every one of us a uniquely different perspective.
....................
Significance of the signet ring in ancient times is in itself a worthwhile study. It was not a means of adornment so much as the "signature" of the person, sign of authority, signing legal documents, pledge, etc. I think perhaps the cord is used to secure the ring, as in worn around the neck. (JMO) Indeed it was unthinkably careless of Judah to give away his authority in such a manor. However, if not for that, lineage of Messiah would have read differently.
Enjoying your thread, and your comentary as well. We all wear different hats/occupations in life so that gives each and every one of us a uniquely different perspective.
K
Hope you don't mind if I add this. So many parallels between Joseph and Messiah. Many places online where they've done the work of compiling lists, here is a link to one http://www.hannoveribc.com/clientim...y/60similaritiesbetweenjosephandjesuspink.pdf
From Gleanings in Genesis by A. W. Pink. This entire book can be found on line at: Untitled Document
From Gleanings in Genesis by A. W. Pink. This entire book can be found on line at: Untitled Document
K
My goodness I just read Pink was a Calvinist. Now I can't say much about that as I've never looked into Calvinism much, but this is just to warn any who may be offended and say I looked over the list and looked up some of the scriptures and the comparison is there. As they say, chew the meat and spit out the bones.
Where do we look to find the first commandment? Luke 12:29-30. "And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment."
Gen 42:1 When Jacob saw that there was grain in Egypt, Jacob said to his sons, “Why do you look at one another?”
Jacob saw. The sages agree that this indicates a prophetic vision. Although there is another teaching that Jacob was told, and seen through the story. Both can be seen as true, and it is up the everyone to make find what best fits their way of thinking.
Gen 42:2 And he said, “Indeed I have heard that there is grain in Egypt; go down to that place and buy for us there, that we may live and not die.”
Oddly the Sages don't comment on this verse other than to make the point that it may allude to the time Israel will spend in Egypt. The thing I have no answer for is that the sages say it 210 years. This may have been the time spent as slaves, and not counted the full 400. However as one may note, when looked at, we find it backs the idea of Jacob hearing, and not so much that of a prophetic vision. Though one may rightly ask, is not the vision, Jacob being told?
Gen 42:3 So Joseph’s ten brothers went down to buy grain in Egypt.
Gen 42:4 But Jacob did not send Joseph’s brother Benjamin with his brothers, for he said, “Lest some calamity befall him.”
Gen 42:6 Now Joseph was governor over the land; and it was he who sold to all the people of the land. And Joseph’s brothers came and bowed down before him with their faces to the earth.
Gen 42:7 Joseph saw his brothers and recognized them, but he acted as a stranger to them and spoke roughly to them. Then he said to them, “Where do you come from?” And they said, “From the land of Canaan to buy food.”
It may be that Joseph had placed a decreed preventing anyone from buying more than a signal house hold needed. Removing any chance of people buying large amounts, then sealing it at overly inflated prices. Not that anyone would ever do that. RIIIIGHT!!! This would be one reason for sending all 10 brothers. The sages also add that this may have been done to assure that all his brothers had to go before him.
Benjamin didn't go along on this first trip. The sages say this was due to him not having a hand in selling Joseph. One other teaching is that Jacob, didn't want to loss the only son he had left from beloved Rachel. The later is backed later, as the former isn't. Although it is not an easy thing to dismiss, the idea that HaShem was work here, and so wish that only the Brothers that mocked Joseph, see the fulfillment of the dreams.
One reason they may not have known his, is that they wouldn't think a slave able to reach such a high position. So they really wouldn't be looking for him.
Gen 42:9 Then Joseph remembered the dreams which he had dreamed about them, and said to them, “You are spies! You have come to see the nakedness of the land!”
Many times I have asked why this accusation was made. It seems to come from out the blue, and yet there has to reason for it. If not the Torah wouldn't record it. So could it be that Joseph know this stop them from asking about around about him? The sages think this is why. However I do know of one teaching that tells us Joseph was setting it up so he could get some pay back at a later date.
Gen 42:10 And they said to him, “No, my lord, but your servants have come to buy food.
Gen 42:11 “We are all one man’s sons; we are honest men; your servants are not spies.”
Gen 42:12 But he said to them, “No, but you have come to see the nakedness of the land.”
Gen 42:13 And they said, “Your servants are twelve brothers, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and in fact, the youngest is with our father today, and one is no more.”
In their attempt to clear themselves, they told Joseph everything. Only they said that one is no more. As they didn't as yet know the case of Joseph, they simply said he was no more. This does mean he is dead, it can simply mean that he is gone from the family, no longer being counted among them.
Gen 42:15 “In this manner you shall be tested: By the life of Pharaoh, you shall not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here.
Gen 42:16 “Send one of you, and let him bring your brother; and you shall be kept in prison, that your words may be tested to see whether there is any truth in you; or else, by the life of Pharaoh, surely you are spies!”
Gen 42:17 So he put them all together in prison three days.
Gen 42:18 Then Joseph said to them the third day, “Do this and live, for I fear God:
Gen 42:19 “If you are honest men, let one of your brothers be confined to your prison house; but you, go and carry grain for the famine of your houses.
Gen 42:20 “And bring your youngest brother to me; so your words will be verified, and you shall not die.” And they did so.
Most likely the 3 days were to show that his word was law, so they would have a bit more fear. After this, Joseph made a deal that would help to make them a bit more willing. As this new deal would show his concern for justice. As all that know HaShem, and trust in him know, a need for true justice, is on the hearts of all that love Him.
Gen 42:21 Then they said to one another, “We are truly guilty concerning our brother, for we saw the anguish of his soul when he pleaded with us, and we would not hear; therefore this distress has come upon us.”
Gen 42:22 And Reuben answered them, saying, “Did I not speak to you, saying, ‘Do not sin against the boy’; and you would not listen? Therefore behold, his blood is now required of us.”
Really Reuben is pulling the I TOLD U SO out of the hat? LOL
Gen 42:23 But they did not know that Joseph understood them, for he spoke to them through an interpreter.
Gen 42:24 And he turned himself away from them and wept. Then he returned to them again, and talked with them. And he took Simeon from them and bound him before their eyes.
Why Simeon? The Sage say that Simeon was the one who said, "Look here comes the dreamer", and also put Joseph into the pit. Rashi however tells us that Joseph after seeing how deadly Simeon and Levi had been together, Wanted them separated so they could not conspire together.
Gen 42:25 Then Joseph gave a command to fill their sacks with grain, to restore every man’s money to his sack, and to give them provisions for the journey. Thus he did for them.
Gen 42:26 So they loaded their donkeys with the grain and departed from there.
Gen 42:27 But as one of them opened his sack to give his donkey feed at the encampment, he saw his money; and there it was, in the mouth of his sack.
Gen 42:28 So he said to his brothers, “My money has been restored, and there it is, in my sack!” Then their hearts failed them and they were afraid, saying to one another, “What is this that God has done to us?”
Rashi tells us the money had been returned only to furnish a pretext of a plot. The guilt of their own hearts lead them to understand that they were going to enslaved. Though they had intended to kill Joseph, so in their hearts they had shown mercy.
Gen 42:29 Then they went to Jacob their father in the land of Canaan and told him all that had happened to them, saying:
Gen 42:30 “The man who is lord of the land spoke roughly to us, and took us for spies of the country.
Gen 42:31 “But we said to him, ‘We are honest men; we are not spies.
Gen 42:32 ‘We are twelve brothers, sons of our father; one is no more, and the youngest is with our father this day in the land of Canaan.’
Gen 42:33 “Then the man, the lord of the country, said to us, ‘By this I will know that you are honest men: Leave one of your brothers here with me, take food for the famine of your households, and be gone.
Gen 42:34 ‘And bring your youngest brother to me; so I shall know that you are not spies, but that you are honest men. I will grant your brother to you, and you may trade in the land.’ ”
Looking closely, there are some things that seem to be left out of their telling of this to Jacob. This may have been done to lessen the impact of this would have on Jacob. As an example they said that Joseph had judged them as spies, not that he had made a firm accusation. They had also omitted Joseph's strong implications that their lives were at stake, or that he had jailed them for 3 days.
This may also have done to easy Jacob letting Benjamin return with them.
Gen 42:35 Then it happened as they emptied their sacks, that surprisingly each man’s bundle of money was in his sack; and when they and their father saw the bundles of money, they were afraid.
Gen 42:36 And Jacob their father said to them, “You have bereaved me: Joseph is no more, Simeon is no more, and you want to take Benjamin. All these things are against me.”
Well the idea that only one mans money was placed in his sack might have been an oversight. All their money is no over sight, it did how even deepen the idea that Joseph had set a trap from them. Even Jacob if seemed was following that idea.
Jacob implies that Joseph and Simeon may have been been killed or solid. Rashi
No matter Jacob did argue logically that both Joseph and Simeon had suffered misfortune when traveling with their brothers. So he questions their true intent with Benjamin. R'Hirsch.
Gen 42:37 Then Reuben spoke to his father, saying, “Kill my two sons if I do not bring him back to you; put him in my hands, and I will bring him back to you.”
Gen 42:38 But he said, “My son shall not go down with you, for his brother is dead, and he is left alone. If any calamity should befall him along the way in which you go, then you would bring down my gray hair with sorrow to the grave.”
Reuben may have felt it was his responsibility to speak up. Though he didn't really think Jacob would kill his 2 son's, he said this to make clear that he has placed a curse on himself and his family if he didn't return Benjamin unharmed.
Jacob however gave the Kind of no that everyone would understand. The sages see this NO in this manner.
Benjamin being the only son that Jacob though of as being alive, so long as they were together, Jacob found some consolation. However if Benjamin, were killed, or taken from Jacob along the way, it would have been as though, Rachel, and both her son's had all died on the same day.
Jacob saw. The sages agree that this indicates a prophetic vision. Although there is another teaching that Jacob was told, and seen through the story. Both can be seen as true, and it is up the everyone to make find what best fits their way of thinking.
Gen 42:2 And he said, “Indeed I have heard that there is grain in Egypt; go down to that place and buy for us there, that we may live and not die.”
Oddly the Sages don't comment on this verse other than to make the point that it may allude to the time Israel will spend in Egypt. The thing I have no answer for is that the sages say it 210 years. This may have been the time spent as slaves, and not counted the full 400. However as one may note, when looked at, we find it backs the idea of Jacob hearing, and not so much that of a prophetic vision. Though one may rightly ask, is not the vision, Jacob being told?
Gen 42:3 So Joseph’s ten brothers went down to buy grain in Egypt.
Gen 42:4 But Jacob did not send Joseph’s brother Benjamin with his brothers, for he said, “Lest some calamity befall him.”
Gen 42:6 Now Joseph was governor over the land; and it was he who sold to all the people of the land. And Joseph’s brothers came and bowed down before him with their faces to the earth.
Gen 42:7 Joseph saw his brothers and recognized them, but he acted as a stranger to them and spoke roughly to them. Then he said to them, “Where do you come from?” And they said, “From the land of Canaan to buy food.”
It may be that Joseph had placed a decreed preventing anyone from buying more than a signal house hold needed. Removing any chance of people buying large amounts, then sealing it at overly inflated prices. Not that anyone would ever do that. RIIIIGHT!!! This would be one reason for sending all 10 brothers. The sages also add that this may have been done to assure that all his brothers had to go before him.
Benjamin didn't go along on this first trip. The sages say this was due to him not having a hand in selling Joseph. One other teaching is that Jacob, didn't want to loss the only son he had left from beloved Rachel. The later is backed later, as the former isn't. Although it is not an easy thing to dismiss, the idea that HaShem was work here, and so wish that only the Brothers that mocked Joseph, see the fulfillment of the dreams.
One reason they may not have known his, is that they wouldn't think a slave able to reach such a high position. So they really wouldn't be looking for him.
Gen 42:9 Then Joseph remembered the dreams which he had dreamed about them, and said to them, “You are spies! You have come to see the nakedness of the land!”
Many times I have asked why this accusation was made. It seems to come from out the blue, and yet there has to reason for it. If not the Torah wouldn't record it. So could it be that Joseph know this stop them from asking about around about him? The sages think this is why. However I do know of one teaching that tells us Joseph was setting it up so he could get some pay back at a later date.
Gen 42:10 And they said to him, “No, my lord, but your servants have come to buy food.
Gen 42:11 “We are all one man’s sons; we are honest men; your servants are not spies.”
Gen 42:12 But he said to them, “No, but you have come to see the nakedness of the land.”
Gen 42:13 And they said, “Your servants are twelve brothers, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and in fact, the youngest is with our father today, and one is no more.”
In their attempt to clear themselves, they told Joseph everything. Only they said that one is no more. As they didn't as yet know the case of Joseph, they simply said he was no more. This does mean he is dead, it can simply mean that he is gone from the family, no longer being counted among them.
Gen 42:15 “In this manner you shall be tested: By the life of Pharaoh, you shall not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here.
Gen 42:16 “Send one of you, and let him bring your brother; and you shall be kept in prison, that your words may be tested to see whether there is any truth in you; or else, by the life of Pharaoh, surely you are spies!”
Gen 42:17 So he put them all together in prison three days.
Gen 42:18 Then Joseph said to them the third day, “Do this and live, for I fear God:
Gen 42:19 “If you are honest men, let one of your brothers be confined to your prison house; but you, go and carry grain for the famine of your houses.
Gen 42:20 “And bring your youngest brother to me; so your words will be verified, and you shall not die.” And they did so.
Most likely the 3 days were to show that his word was law, so they would have a bit more fear. After this, Joseph made a deal that would help to make them a bit more willing. As this new deal would show his concern for justice. As all that know HaShem, and trust in him know, a need for true justice, is on the hearts of all that love Him.
Gen 42:21 Then they said to one another, “We are truly guilty concerning our brother, for we saw the anguish of his soul when he pleaded with us, and we would not hear; therefore this distress has come upon us.”
Gen 42:22 And Reuben answered them, saying, “Did I not speak to you, saying, ‘Do not sin against the boy’; and you would not listen? Therefore behold, his blood is now required of us.”
Really Reuben is pulling the I TOLD U SO out of the hat? LOL
Gen 42:23 But they did not know that Joseph understood them, for he spoke to them through an interpreter.
Gen 42:24 And he turned himself away from them and wept. Then he returned to them again, and talked with them. And he took Simeon from them and bound him before their eyes.
Why Simeon? The Sage say that Simeon was the one who said, "Look here comes the dreamer", and also put Joseph into the pit. Rashi however tells us that Joseph after seeing how deadly Simeon and Levi had been together, Wanted them separated so they could not conspire together.
Gen 42:25 Then Joseph gave a command to fill their sacks with grain, to restore every man’s money to his sack, and to give them provisions for the journey. Thus he did for them.
Gen 42:26 So they loaded their donkeys with the grain and departed from there.
Gen 42:27 But as one of them opened his sack to give his donkey feed at the encampment, he saw his money; and there it was, in the mouth of his sack.
Gen 42:28 So he said to his brothers, “My money has been restored, and there it is, in my sack!” Then their hearts failed them and they were afraid, saying to one another, “What is this that God has done to us?”
Rashi tells us the money had been returned only to furnish a pretext of a plot. The guilt of their own hearts lead them to understand that they were going to enslaved. Though they had intended to kill Joseph, so in their hearts they had shown mercy.
Gen 42:29 Then they went to Jacob their father in the land of Canaan and told him all that had happened to them, saying:
Gen 42:30 “The man who is lord of the land spoke roughly to us, and took us for spies of the country.
Gen 42:31 “But we said to him, ‘We are honest men; we are not spies.
Gen 42:32 ‘We are twelve brothers, sons of our father; one is no more, and the youngest is with our father this day in the land of Canaan.’
Gen 42:33 “Then the man, the lord of the country, said to us, ‘By this I will know that you are honest men: Leave one of your brothers here with me, take food for the famine of your households, and be gone.
Gen 42:34 ‘And bring your youngest brother to me; so I shall know that you are not spies, but that you are honest men. I will grant your brother to you, and you may trade in the land.’ ”
Looking closely, there are some things that seem to be left out of their telling of this to Jacob. This may have been done to lessen the impact of this would have on Jacob. As an example they said that Joseph had judged them as spies, not that he had made a firm accusation. They had also omitted Joseph's strong implications that their lives were at stake, or that he had jailed them for 3 days.
This may also have done to easy Jacob letting Benjamin return with them.
Gen 42:35 Then it happened as they emptied their sacks, that surprisingly each man’s bundle of money was in his sack; and when they and their father saw the bundles of money, they were afraid.
Gen 42:36 And Jacob their father said to them, “You have bereaved me: Joseph is no more, Simeon is no more, and you want to take Benjamin. All these things are against me.”
Well the idea that only one mans money was placed in his sack might have been an oversight. All their money is no over sight, it did how even deepen the idea that Joseph had set a trap from them. Even Jacob if seemed was following that idea.
Jacob implies that Joseph and Simeon may have been been killed or solid. Rashi
No matter Jacob did argue logically that both Joseph and Simeon had suffered misfortune when traveling with their brothers. So he questions their true intent with Benjamin. R'Hirsch.
Gen 42:37 Then Reuben spoke to his father, saying, “Kill my two sons if I do not bring him back to you; put him in my hands, and I will bring him back to you.”
Gen 42:38 But he said, “My son shall not go down with you, for his brother is dead, and he is left alone. If any calamity should befall him along the way in which you go, then you would bring down my gray hair with sorrow to the grave.”
Reuben may have felt it was his responsibility to speak up. Though he didn't really think Jacob would kill his 2 son's, he said this to make clear that he has placed a curse on himself and his family if he didn't return Benjamin unharmed.
Jacob however gave the Kind of no that everyone would understand. The sages see this NO in this manner.
Benjamin being the only son that Jacob though of as being alive, so long as they were together, Jacob found some consolation. However if Benjamin, were killed, or taken from Jacob along the way, it would have been as though, Rachel, and both her son's had all died on the same day.
In 1Co 7:34 The Church is entering a time of intense persecution and having a wife and family would distract a believer from wholeheartedly following God.
Less than ten years later Nero would be stripping young Christian girls naked painting them with pine pitch and using them as torches to light his arenas.
Less than ten years later Nero would be stripping young Christian girls naked painting them with pine pitch and using them as torches to light his arenas.