Gênesis 12
Warren Wiersbe · Citado em PreceptAustin
Gênesis 12
Wiersbe comments - Whatever you bring with you from the old life into the new is likely to create problems. Terah, Abraham’s father, kept Abraham from fully obeying the Lord; and Lot created serious problems for Abraham until they finally had to agree to part. Now Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran: Age 75 (Sarai = 65). God told him He would make Abe a father of many nations. This text points out that age is not a barrier to the Gospel and that older individuals can receive and believe the Gospel that was preached to Abram (cf Gal 3:8+). One might question exactly when Abram was saved. Some might say it was in Genesis 12, but without question he was saved in Ge 15:6+. Whether in Genesis 12 or Genesis 15, those are simply measures in time, but God is outside of time and He chose Abram just as He chose you and I in Christ even "before the foundation of the world." (Eph 1:4+, cp Rev 13:8+). If Abram was in the range of age 75 when he became a believer in Messiah, then he subsequently walked with God for another 100 years (Ge 25:7)! What a life he must have experienced! And what a lesson his life of faith (both the ups and downs) has to teach us about how we too should walk by faith not by sight imitating the faith of Abram who was "looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God." (Heb 11:10+) It is to be as true in our life as it was in the lives of patriarchs about which the writer of Hebrews declared But as it is, they desire a better country, that is a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them. (Heb 11:16+) NET Note - Terah was 70 years old when he became the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran (Gen 11:26). Terah was 205 when he died in Haran (Ge 11:32). Abram left Haran at the age of 75 after his father died. Abram was born when Terah was 130. Abram was not the firstborn—he is placed first in the list of three because of his importance. The same is true of the list in Gen 10:1 (Shem, Ham and Japheth). Ham was the youngest son (Ge 9:24). Japheth was the older brother of Shem (Ge 10:21), so the birth order of Noah’s sons was Japheth, Shem, and Ham. Notice that here we read Abram...departed from Haran, not that he departed from Ur of the Chaldeans. What is the implication of this observation? One might postulate that this is Abram's response not to the call to leave Ur of the Chaldeans, but that this represents a second call by God to go out. While that is a possibility, the evidence is not conclusive. There is another way to explain this passage. Note the NET translation below... NET Genesis 12:4 So Abram left, just as the LORD had told him to do, and Lot went with him. (Now Abram was 75 years old when he departed from Haran.) (Gen 12:4 NET) The NET Note(somewhat technical) on the portion that is in parenthesis states "The disjunctive clause (note the pattern conjunction + subject + implied “to be” verb) is parenthetical, telling the age of Abram when he left Haran.) If one accepts this interpretation, then one can still say that Abram went out from Ur of the Chaldeans, and was in Haran for undetermined length of time. On the other hand although Genesis 11:32 is separated from Genesis 12:1 by a chapter break, we know that those breaks are arbitrary. So reading the text without any chapter break (or bias that might create) we have "And the days of Terah were two hundred and five years; and Terah died in Haran. Now (When is "Now"? One could propose it was when his father died) the LORD said to Abram, "Go forth from your country." This latter phrase "from your country" could support his place of origin as his original home in Ur and not Haran. On the other hand Ge 11:31 states that they "settled there" not that they "sojourned there." So it is possible Haran had become Abram's country ("your country" - Ge 12:1). Personally, I still favor that Abram had only one call to leave and that he obeyed that call, but there is certainly room for discussion. In either event the important truth is that God commanded and Abram obeyed! And as they say on the news "The rest is history!" or more accurately "The rest is His Story!," God's story of how He sovereignly chose Abram to be the father of all who would believe in the coming Messiah, the Redeemer of the world! Allen Ross (with whom I tend to agree) writes that "The Bible is clear that the call of Abram occurred in Ur of the Chaldeans (Ge 15:7; Acts 7:3-4), but the sequence from Genesis 11 to 12 suggests that he received the call after the family moved to Haran. It does not help to attempt to locate a place named Ur near Haran, because the Bible clarifies that it was Ur of the Chaldeans, the great city of Ur near the mouth of the Persian Gulf. One would have to conclude that once again the style of the writer does not follow a strict chronological sequence. In fact, Genesis often will tidy up one part of the family before focusing on the chosen line. The chronological order should be understood with God’s call coming to Abram in Ur before the family moved to Haran; the notes about the sons’ marriages and the family’s move would then be incidental to the overall emphasis on the call....With a call that promised an inheritance of land (Ge 12:1-3), the natural thought may have been to go to Haran. But in Haran, Terah died; and since no word of confirmation came to Abram (i.e., God had not yet shown him the place, Ge 12:1), he continued west looking for the Promised Land. Others, no doubt, were migrating westward, but Abram had a reason, a call. (Cornerstone Biblical Commentary – Volume 1: Genesis and Exodus) Called From Read: Genesis 12:1-9 | The Lord had said to Abram, “Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you.” —Genesis 12:1 One of the smartest people I know is a college friend who became a Christian while studying at a state university. He graduated with honors and went on to study at a respected seminary. He served a small church as pastor for several years and then accepted a call to another small church far from family and friends. After 12 years at that church, he sensed that the congregation needed new leadership, so he stepped down. He hadn’t been offered a job at a bigger church or a teaching position at a college or seminary. In fact, he didn’t even have another job. He just knew that God was leading him in a different direction, so he followed. When we discussed it, my friend said, “A lot of people talk about being called to something, but I don’t hear much about being called from something.” In many ways, my friend’s obedience was like that of Israel’s patriarch Abraham, who went out, not knowing where God was leading (Heb. 11:8-10). Difficulties like famine (Gen. 12:10), fear (vv.11-20), and family disputes (13:8) gave reason for doubt, but Abraham persevered and because of his faith God counted him as righteous (Gal. 3:6). As Abraham went out, Not knowing where he was going; Now, Lord, keep me from doubt, To go the way You are showing. —Hess You don’t need to know where you’re going if you know God is leading. C H
Gênesis 12
Wiersbe has a practical note on the significance of "Canaan" to us today - In spite of what the folk songs say, entering Canaan is not a picture of dying and going to heaven. It is a picture of the believer claiming his or her inheritance by faith (ED: AND DAILY FIGHTING THE "CANAANITES!"). God has appointed a “Canaan” for each of His children (Eph. 2:10+), and it is obtained only by faith (ED: AND THIS FAITH IS SHOWN EFFECTURAL BY ONE'S OBEDIENCE AND THUS EFFICACIOUS IN LAYING HOLD OF THE PROMISES. COROLLARY - DON'T EXPECT DIVINE BLESSINGS IF YOU ARE BEING DISOBEDIENT!). Claiming your inheritance involves tests and temptations, challenges and battles, but God is able to see you through (Phil. 1:6+, ED: Phil 2:13NLT+). (Bible Exposition Commentary - Old Testament ) Alan Carr - Abram's Obedience (Ge 12:4-5) It took a while, but Abraham finally came to the place of total obedience to the Lord. That is the same place He wishes to bring each of His children this evening, ⇒ 1 Sa 15:22-23. A. Abram's Obedience Involved His Separation The call of God had been for Abraham to separate from his relatives, and to follow God by faith, Gen. 12:1. Abraham was called upon to separate himself from everything that would hinder the progress of the walk of faith! (Note: The Lord's call is the same for His children this evening! Anything that prevents us from progressing as He would desire is a weight that must go, Heb. 12:1-2. Most of the time, you will not be called upon to sever ties with your family as was Abraham. However, if you decide to walk by faith, there will be times when they will not be sympathetic to what the Lord is leading you to do in your life, especially if they are lost. In times like those, the will of the Lord must be given the priority! ⇒ The words of Jesus in this matter - Matt. 10:32-39. B. Abram's Obedience Involved His Substance Ge 12:5 tells us that when Abraham left to follow the Lord, he took “all his substance.” In other words, when the Lord got Abraham, the Lord got everything he had! Abraham didn't leave anything behind for the world to use, but he took it all and went after God. You can gauge the level of a person's commitment to the Lord by how much of that person's “stuff” has been dedicated to the Lord! We get hung up on the tithe. And, I believe that a person ought to tithe. But, what you do with the other 90% is just as important to the Lord as what you do with His 10%. You see, God doesn't just want His part, He wants your part too! He gives us what He does so that we might us it for His glory and for His kingdom's work. That's why some folks don't ever have anything! They peel off a dollar for the Lord and spent the rest of the ten on themselves and the things of the world, God won't bless that! When He has you and your checkbook, He can bless you in ways you have never imagined. By the way, the way to get is to give, Luke 6:38; Mal. 3:10+. That is not the motive for giving to the Lord and in His name, but it is a benefit! How much of your stuff does the Lord have? Or, do you have “your pile” and “God's pile”? If you do, I'll guarantee you that your pile is bigger! You had better be careful, He might blow on your pile. If He ever does, there won't be anything left, Hag. 1:5-11. By the way, if you have a problem with your tithes and offerings, you really don't have a problem with your tithes and offerings. You have a problem with your heart! Of course, this thing is bigger than just God wanting our money. He wants all of our stuff to be dedicated to Him. He might want to use your house or your car. He just wants you to surrender all to Him so He can do with it what He will!) C. Abram's Obedience Involved His Surrender The Bible tells us that Abraham did “as the Lord had spoken to him.” Abraham learned early on that the secret to pleasing God is simply doing what He says, to the letter! Even though the Lord's call upon his life would be difficult, it was the only course of action that made sense. You see, faith builds no barriers! It simply does what it is told and trusts God to take care of the rest! As we progress on our own pilgrimage, the sooner we learn that lesson the better! The only was to enjoy the Christian life to the full is to come to the place of total surrender, where your everything is on the altar, Ro 12:1-2. You might think, as you read the life of Abraham, that God wanted Abraham's stuff. Friend, God didn't need Abraham's stuff and He isn't interested in your stuff either! All God ever wanted from Abraham was Abraham! That's what it all was all about. Everything this man endured was about getting him on the altar. That's where the Lord wants us too! (Abram's Commitment to a Life of Faith) Genesis 12:6 Abram passed through the land as far as the site of Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. Now the Canaanite was then in the land passed (KJV): Heb 11:9 Shechem (KJV): Ge 33:18 34:2 35:4 Jos 20:7 24:32 Jud 9:1 1Ki 12:1, Shechem, Joh 4:5, Sychar, Ac 7:16, Sychem plain (KJV): The word rendered "plain" should be rendered "oak," or according to Celsius, the "turpentine-tree." Moreh (KJV): De 11:30 Jud 7:1 Canaanite (KJV): Ge 10:15,18,19 13:7 15:18-21 Genesis 12 Resources - Multiple commentaries, sermons, devotionals Genesis 12:4-9 - Obedient Faith by Steven Cole Genesis 12:1-9 The Evidence of Saving Faith - Allen Ross Map of Migration of Abram from Ur to Haran to Canaan Map of Abram in Canaan and Migration to Egypt A MAJOR OBSTACLE IN THE LIFE OF FAITH THE CANAANITES IN THE LAND Abram passed through the land as far as the site of Shechem, to the oak of Moreh (Lit., the tree of Moreh): Between Mt Ebal and Mt Gerizim, near present-day Nablus. Shechem (Wikipedia) means “shoulder, back.” 1. District and city in the hill country of Ephraim in north central Palestine. The first capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, the city was built mainly on the slope, or shoulder, of Mount Ebal. Situated where main highways and ancient trade routes converged, Shechem was an important city long before the Israelites occupied Canaan. The city makes its earliest appearance in biblical history in connection with Abram's arrival in the land (Genesis 12:6-7 ). When Jacob returned from Paddan Aram, he settled down at Shechem and purchased land from the sons of Hamor (Genesis 33:18-19 ). In Genesis 33-34 , Shechem was the name of the city and also of the prince of the city. While Jacob was at Shechem, the unfortunate incident of Dinah occurred. Simeon and Levi, her full brothers, destroyed the city (Genesis 34:1 ). Later, the brothers of Joseph were herding Jacob's flock at Shechem when Joseph was sent to check on their welfare. Joseph was buried in the plot of ground that his father Jacob had purchased here (Joshua 24:32 ). As the Israelites conquered Canaan, they turned unexpectedly to Shechem. Joshua built an altar on Mount Ebal and led the people in its building, renewing their commitment to the law of Moses (Joshua 8:30-35 ; compareDeuteronomy 27:12-13 ). Shechem lay in the tribal territory of Ephraim near their border with Manasseh (Joshua 17:7 ). It was a city of refuge (Joshua 20:7 ) and a Levitical city (Joshua 21:21 ). See Joshua 24:1-17 ). Gideon's son Abimelech fought the leaders of Shechem (Judges 8:31-9:49 ).(Holman Bible Dictionary) NET Note on oak of Moreh - The Hebrew word Moreh (מוֹרֶה, moreh) means “teacher.” It may well be that the place of this great oak tree was a Canaanite shrine where instruction took place. Allen Ross - The Canaanites had shrines in groves of oak trees, and Moreh may have been one of their cult centers. (Borrow Bible Knowledge Commentary - Old Testament) Moreh - Place name meaning, “instruction” or “archers.” 1. Place where several important events in the lives of the patriarchs and the nation Israel occurred. An oak tree at the site is mentioned several times as being the focal point. Abraham's first encampment in the land of Canaan was at Moreh. There he built an altar after God had appeared to him and entered into covenant (Genesis 12:6-7 ). Jacob buried there the foreign gods his family had brought from Haran (Genesis 35:4).At Moreh God pronounced the blessing and curse on Israel regarding their keeping the commandments (Deuteronomy 11:26-30 ). Joshua set up a memorial stone under the oak as a reminder of the covenant made between God and the people (Joshua 24:26 ). (Holman Bible Dictionary) (Another resource) Now the Canaanite was then in the land: Don't miss the important truth in this parenthetical note. In spite of the obstacle of the presence of the Canaanites, Abram believed God's promise and built an altar to worship and proclaim his God (Ge 12:8), as a true descendant of Seth (Ge 4:26) and Noah (Ge 8:20). ISBE on the Canaanite "culture" (if you could call it that!) - The religious beliefs and deities of Babylonia were superimposed upon those of the primitive Canaanite. The local Baal or "lord" of the soil made way for the "lord of heaven," the Sun-god of the Babylonians. The "high-place" (see high places = bamah) gradually became a temple built after a Babylonian fashion. The sacred stone, once the supreme object of Canaanitish worship, was transformed into a Beth-el or shrine of an indwelling god. The gods and goddesses of Babylonia migrated to Canaan; places received their names from Nebo or Nin-ip; Hadad became Amurru "the Amorite god"; Ishtar passed into Ashtoreth, and Asirtu, the female counterpart of Asir, the national god of Assyria, became Asherah, while her sanctuary, which in Assyria was a temple, was identified in Canaan with the old fetish of an upright stone or log. But human sacrifice, and more especially the sacrifice of the firstborn son, of which we find few traces in Babylonia, continued to be practiced with undiminished frequency until, as we learn from the excavations, the Israelite conquest brought about its suppression. The human victim is also absent from the later sacrificial tariffs of Carthage and Marseilles, its place being taken in them by the ram. According to these tariffs the sacrifices and offerings were of two kinds, the zau‛at or sin offering and the shelem or thank-offering. The sin offering was given wholly to the god; part of the thank-offering would be taken by the offerer. Birds which were not allowed as a sin offering might constitute a thank-offering. Besides the sacrifices, there were also offerings of corn, wine, fruit and oil. (ISBE) Alan Carr reminds us that "The Canaanites were a godless people, trapped in a system of religion that involved the worship of many gods. They practiced human sacrifice, various fertility rites, and had no regard for morality and decency. Abram was headed into hostile territory, where no one would be sympathetic to his lifestyle or to his God. Yet, he was determined to follow God regardless of the opposition from darkness that he faced!" (Abram's Commitment to a Life of Faith) THOUGHT - Dear separated, surrendered believer (does that describe you?). If you live in the world, you, like Abram, are in a land inhabited by "Canaanites" who hate God and practice all manner of immoral behavior without fear of just retribution (cp Jesus' warnings Matt. 10:16-23+; John 15:20). "Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." (2 Ti 3:12+) The problem is that their "passing pleasures of sin" (Heb 11:25+) can entice and lure even the most faithful believer into the deceitful trap of compromise and subsequent consequences (usually from the disciplining hand of the Lord in - Heb 12:5-11+). In fact believers have 3 "Canaanite" enemies - the world, the flesh and the devil! This is why we must begin every day with dedication to the Lord (Ro 12:1-2+) manifest by confession, repentance, time in His Word (see chart comparing filled with Word and Spirit) and prayer. When we have eaten "the breakfast of champions" (so to speak), we can walk out into the "land of the Canaanites" and experience victory over the enemy because we are filled with (controlled by and empowered by) God's Spirit (Eph 5:18+, Gal 5:16+). The battle belongs to the Lord (2Chr 20:15+) and yet we still to fight (Note paradoxical principle of God's sovereignty/our responsibility), but not with natural power but supernatural power and then we can experience victory in Christ and His empowering Spirit. A life of total commitment demands that Spirit empowered believers stand faithfully in the face of all opposition (1 Cor. 15:58+; Eph. 6:10-18+ - Stand!) Related Resources on Canaanites: Nave's Topical Bible - Canaanites American Tract Society Canaanites International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Canaan; Canaanites Kitto Biblical Cyclopedia Canaanites Wikipedia Ancient Canaanite Religion Ancient Map of Canaan Map of Migration of Abram from Ur to Haran to Canaan Map of Abram in Canaan and Migration to Egypt
Gênesis 12
Wiersbe observes that "God gave the land of Israel to the Jews as a part of the Abrahamic Covenant (Ge 12:1-3; 13:14-18; 15:7-21). That settled their ownership of the land, but their possession and enjoyment of the land depended on their faith and obedience (Lev. 26). The Christian life is similar. We enter God’s family by trusting Jesus Christ (John 3:16; Eph. 2:8-9), but we enjoy God’s family by believing His promises and obeying His will (2 Cor. 6:18-7:1). Disobedient children have to be chastened (Hebrews 12:5-11), and God often had to chasten the people of Israel because of their rebellion and disobedience (Ed comment: Not all of Israel in the OT were God's true children in the sense that He was their Father [cp Jn 1:11, 12, 13]. Only a remnant of all of Israel were genuine believers in the Messiah.) (Bible Exposition Commentary - Old Testament ) Ezek 37:25+ "And they shall live on the land that I gave to Jacob My servant, in which your fathers lived; and they will live on it, they, and their sons, and their sons' sons, forever; and David My servant shall be their prince forever. Comment: God could not have been much clearer - How could this passage be interpreted as anything but literal? Israel will live on it. Period. God is not finished with the nation of Israel (cp May, 1948 when a nation is born after almost 2000 years absence!). Israel will receive the promise of the land. The promises given to "Jacob My servant" will not be given to the church. See discussion of the false teaching of replacement theology. Ezekiel 48:29 "This is the land which you shall divide by lot to the tribes of Israel for an inheritance, and these are their several portions," declares the Lord GOD. Comment: Given the fact that Ezekiel 40-48 describes the time of the Millennium (if the Bible is read and interpreted literally), it is notable that THE LAND is not specified as being divided by lot to the CHURCH. The land promise here in Ge 12:7 are for national (redeemed remnant) Israel, not the Church. Descendants (Seed, offspring)(02233)(zera) is used in 204 verses in the OT and is translated seed for planting (48x) but most often is translated as descendants(105) or offspring (38), as in the present context. So he built an altar there to the LORD who had appeared to him: what is Abe's heart response to a new revelation from God? He carries out an act of worship expressing his gratitude at such a gift. God doesn't force us to worship & true worship requires a genuinely grateful spirit. John Newton - Abraham erected an altar. This shows: (i) his faith—in the great sacrifice, the virtue of which was set forth by all the sacrifices before under the law. (ii) his gratitude. When God had appeared to him and given him such promises, immediately he raises an altar. Who is there amongst you, upon whom the Lord has lately shone? Has he answered your prayers, prevented your fears, taken off your sackcloth and girded you with gladness? O say, the vows of God are upon me [Psalm 56:12]. O may your heart be as an altar upon which the sacrifice of praise is continually offered [Hebrews 13:15]. (iii) his profession. He was among a people that knew not God, but he was not so affected by the custom of the country as to be ashamed or afraid to have it publicly known that he worshipped the Lord. Everything that looks like ostentation should be avoided, but if the Lord has called us out of darkness into light, we should not be unwilling to be marked and known by our neighbours and friends as those who have given themselves to him. Cross References on altars in Genesis: Gen 8:20 Then Noah built an altar to the LORD, and took of every clean animal and of every clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar. Gen 12:8 Then he proceeded from there to the mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; and there he built an altar to the LORD and called upon the name of the LORD. Gen 13:4 to the place of the altar, which he had made there formerly; and there Abram called on the name of the LORD. Gen 13:18 Then Abram moved his tent and came and dwelt by the oaks of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and there he built an altar to the LORD. Gen 26:25 So he built an altar there, and called upon the name of the LORD, and pitched his tent there; and there Isaac's servants dug a well. Gen 33:20 Then he erected there an altar, and called it El-Elohe-Israel. Genesis 35:7 He built an altar there, and called the place El-bethel, because there God had revealed Himself to him when he fled from his brother. John Newton - God’s promises still leave room for the exercise of faith. So Abraham found it. The land which he saw was for his seed, which was cause of rejoicing, but attended with two abatements. (i) Though it was given to his seed, he himself had no possession, but was a sojourner in tents all his days. Yet he was not disappointed as to his own best interests; he was taught to consider this earthly inheritance as a type of a better [one], that is, an heavenly (Hebrews 11:10, 13–14). So the promises run to believers: all things are theirs; they shall inherit the earth. In the meanwhile many of them are destitute and in want of all things. Here sense is ready to complain, but faith takes up the best meaning. All things are mine so far as the Lord sees good, and I shall have his blessing with them, but my great inheritance is on high, therefore none of these things move me. (ii) His chief [abatement] was that the promise was made to his seed, when as yet he had no child and little prospect of any, for his wife was barren and he himself advancing in years. This difficulty grew harder every day as he and his wife grew older, and though his faith surmounted it, yet it was not without conflicts, as we may gather from 15:2. In this instance the faith of Abraham is especially commended to our imitation (Romans 4:18–22). Great things believers expect in their walk with God: peace, joy, strength and sweet communion. Nor shall they be disappointed if they believe. But when they are acquainted with the evil of their own hearts and the temptations belonging to their warfare, they are in much the same situation as Abraham, who could never have had a comfortable hope of a child, if he had given way to the reasonings of flesh and blood. He waited twenty-five years and when at last it seemed impossible, then his desire was fulfilled. Though the Lord was always with Abraham to protect and bless him, he manifested himself or appeared to him but now and then. Thus with respect to all necessary supplies of grace and strength, and a liberty to seek his direction and blessing, he is ever with his people—but there is a gracious presence, the light of his countenance, which they do not always enjoy. In this sense he visits them but does not abide, as the sun gives us every day for necessary uses, but does not always shine upon us. When it does, it casts an inimitable glory and gilds every object. Be thankful for the light and for eyes to behold it, but pray likewise for the breaking forth of the Sun of righteousness. If you have it, rejoice in it, yet expect a change. There are reasons both on the Lord’s part and on ours why he does not always shine. But in yonder happy world we shall have unclouded skies. Genesis 12:8 Then he proceeded from there to the mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; and there he built an altar to the LORD and called upon the name of the LORD of Bethel: Ge 28:19 35:3,15,16 Jos 8:17 18:22 Ne 11:31 Ai: Jos 7:2 8:3, Ai, Ne 11:31, Aija, Isa 10:28, Aiath called: Ge 4:26 13:4 21:33 Ps 116:4 Joe 2:32 Ac 2:21 Ro 10:12-14 1Co 1:2 Genesis 12 Resources - Multiple commentaries, sermons, devotionals Genesis 12:4-9 - Obedient Faith by Steven Cole Genesis 12:1-9 The Evidence of Saving Faith - Allen Ross Map of Migration of Abram from Ur to Haran to Canaan Map of Abram in Canaan and Migration to Egypt Then he proceeded from there to the mountain on the east of Bethel: (See Map) Bethel [house of God] one of the sacred places of Canaan (Ge 28:1-22 35:7). It was at this place that Jeroboam chose to practice his syncretistic/idolatrous worship (1 Ki 12:28-13:6), whereupon God's judgment decreed the destruction of Bethel despite its sacred memories (1 Ki 13:1-5 2Ki 23:15-17 Amos 3:14,15). Although God must act ultimately in judgment against that which is contrary to His character, whatever its former associations, such action is accompanied by the sorrow of His divine compassion (Ex 34:6,7). Alan Carr - Abram pitched his tent between Bethel and Ai. The word Bethel means “House of God.” It was at Bethel that the patriarch Jacob would later meet God one lonely night, Gen. 28. The name Ai means “A Heap of Ruins”. It was here that Israel would later learn a valuable lesson about faith, obedience and the destructive power of sin. I find it interesting that as Abraham journeyed, he seems to be moving away from “A Heap of Ruins” toward the “House of God”. This symbolizes the fact that Abraham was moving away from what he used to be, toward that which God desired for him to be! That's what happens when a person sets out to walk with the Lord! When we determine that we will walk in the paths of the Lord, He will begin the process of transforming this “Heap of Ruins” that is our life before Him, and He will transform us into a “House of God” for His glory, 1 Cor. 6:19+. That's why He says, “We have this treasure in earthen vessels”, 2 Cor. 4:7+. He takes us like He finds us and He changes us into His image, 2 Cor. 5:17+; 1 Cor. 15:49+! Ai in Holman Bible Dictionary - (ay' i) a city located two miles from Bethel, was the site where Abram built an altar, and Joshua and Achan suffered ruin. Ai is also spelled Aija, Aiath, and Hai. Ai means “ruin” (or possibly “heap”) in the Hebrew language. The city was almost the ruin of Joshua's leadership (Joshua 7:1-9 ); it was the ruin of Achan and his family (Joshua 7:16-26 ); and it suffered complete ruin (Joshua 8:1-29 ). Several hundred years before Joshua, Abram built an altar on a hill just west of Ai which was also near Bethel (Genesis 12:8 ). He then returned to the location after visiting Egypt (Genesis 13:3 ). The prophets later referred to Ai as a symbol of the power of God who provided victory for his obedient people. Isaiah noted the Assyrian army marching by Ai on his way to Jerusalem, but promised God would stop their progress (Isaiah 10:28 ). Jeremiah used the ruin of Ai as a warning to the Ammonites, who had occupied Israel's territory (Jeremiah 49:3 ). Residents of Bethel and Ai returned from Exile with Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:28 ).(see also Wikipedia) And pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east - Wiersbe notes that "Wherever Abraham went in the land of Canaan, he was marked by his tent and his altar (Gen. 12:7–8; 13:3–4, 18). The tent marked him as a “stranger and pilgrim” who did not belong to this world (Heb. 11:9–16; 1 Peter 2:11), and the altar marked him as a citizen of heaven who worshiped the true and living God. He gave witness to all that he was separated from this world (the tent) and devoted to the Lord (the altar). Whenever Abraham abandoned his tent and his altar, he got into trouble." (Bible Exposition Commentary - Old Testament ) Bethel - (behth' uhl; house of God) Bethel was important in the Old Testament for both geographic and religious reasons. Because of its abundant springs, the area was fertile and attractive to settlements as early as 3200 B.C., and first supported a city around the time of Abraham. Today the village of Beitin rests on much of the ruins of Bethel. Located at the intersection of the main north-south road through the hill country and the main road from Jericho to the coastal plain, Bethel saw much domestic and international travel. Bethel became a prominent border town between tribes and the two kingdoms later. Religiously, Bethel served as a sanctuary during the times of the patriarchs, judges, and the divided kingdom, hence was second only to Jerusalem as a religious center. Entering Canaan, Abraham built an altar at Bethel, calling “upon the name of the Lord” (Genesis 12:8 ), and returned here after his time in Egypt (Genesis 13:3 ). His grandson, Jacob, spent the night here on his way to Syria to find a wife. In a dream the Lord confirmed the Abrahamic covenant, and Jacob responded by renaming this locale which was previously called Luz, “Bethel” (“house of God”; Genesis 28:10-22 ). Probably the name “Bethel” is referred to but out of chronological sequence in the earlier Abraham passages. When he returned with his large family, Jacob came to Bethel again to hear the Lord's confirmation of the covenant and his name was changed to “Israel.” Here again Jacob set up a stone monument (Genesis 35:1-16 ; Hosea 12:4-5 ). Extensive fortification of Bethel came after this patriarchal period. (Click for complete entry on Bethel in Holman Bible Dictionary) See also: Easton's Bible Dictionary Bethel Fausset Bible Dictionary Bethel Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible Bethel International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Bethel Kitto Biblical Cyclopedia Bethel McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia Bethel And there he built an altar to the LORD and called upon the name of the LORD - A second altar and prayer to God. Ross - Luther translated this verb “preached”; he was not far off. God thus had a witness in the midst of the Canaanites, who were then in the land. In fact the mention of the great tree of Moreh (lit., “teacher”) is significant in connection with this. The Canaanites had shrines in groves of oak trees, and Moreh may have been one of their cult centers." (Borrow Bible Knowledge Commentary - Old Testament) Alan Carr applies this truth to believers - God's people should be known for their altars! Not just in church, but everywhere our path takes us. We should mark our days with prayer and with time spent in His presence. We must make worship a priority in our lives, John 4:23-24. When we build our altars and are not ashamed of the God we serve, it stands as a powerful witness to those around us! There is nothing wrong with telling people about the Lord, and we should all be vocal witnesses. But, when you get right down to it, if you have to tell someone that you are different, that you are a Christian, then something is wrong with the too! Our devotion to Him should make us stand out from the world around us! Notice that as he journeyed, Abraham and God enjoyed sweet communion and fellowship. God spoke to him and he worshiped the Lord. It seems that Abraham was determined to include God in his pilgrimage. Far too many people attempt to leave God out of their journey. That is a recipe for disaster! Whether you acknowledge Him or not, God is always there with you as you travel, Heb. 13:5. If you include Him in your life by listening to Him when He speaks and by worshiping Him as you travel, it makes the miles shorter and the trials easier to bear. (Abram's Commitment) NET Note on called upon the name of the LORD - The expression refers to worshiping the Lord through prayer and sacrifice Wenham - To call on the name of the LORD” is used elsewhere in Genesis of the patriarchs Ge 12:8; 13:4; 21:33; 26:25, and it seems to be an umbrella phrase for worship, most obviously prayer and sacrifice. (Word Biblical Commentary) This is the second use of the phrase call upon the name of the LORD. Ge 4:26 And to Seth, to him also a son was born; and he called his name Enosh. Then men began to call upon the name of the LORD. Ge 13:3 And he went on his journeys from the Negev as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai, 4 to the place of the altar, which he had made there formerly; and there Abram called on the name of the LORD. Ge 16:13 Then she (Hagar) called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, "Thou art a God who sees"; for she said, "Have I even remained alive here after seeing Him?" Ge 21:33 And Abraham planted a tamarisk tree at Beersheba, and there he called on the name of the LORD, the Everlasting God. (See study of El Olam: Everlasting God) Genesis 26:25 So he (ISAAC) built an altar there and called upon the name of the LORD, and pitched his tent there; and there Isaac’s servants dug a well. Exodus 34:5 The LORD descended in the cloud and stood there with him (MOSES) as he called upon the name of the LORD. Psalms 116:4 Then I called upon the name of the LORD: “O LORD, I beseech You, save my life!” Psalms 116:13 I shall lift up the cup of salvation And call upon the name of the LORD. Psalms 116:17 To You I shall offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving, And call upon the name of the LORD.
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Wiersbe - The life of faith must never stand still; for if your feet are going, your faith is growing. Note the verbs used to describe Abraham’s life: he departed (Ge 12:4), went forth (Ge 12:5), passed through (Ge 12:6), removed (Ge 12:8) and journeyed (Ge 12:9). God kept Abraham moving so that he would meet new challenges and be forced to trust God for new “grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16). Comfortable Christianity is opposite the life of faith, for “pilgrims and strangers” must face new circumstances if they are to gain new insights about themselves and their Lord. “Let us press on to maturity” is the challenge (Heb 6:1, NASB). How did Abraham know where to go and what to do? He “called upon the name of the Lord” (Gen. 12:8). He prayed to the Lord, and the Lord helped him. Abraham’s pagan neighbors saw that he had an altar but no idols. He had no “sacred places” but built his altar to God wherever he pitched his tent. You could trace Abraham’s steps by the altars he left behind. He was not ashamed to worship God openly while his heathen neighbors watched him. In the pilgrim life, you must go “from faith to faith” (Rom. 1:17) if you would go “from strength to strength” (Ps. 84:7). G.A. Studdert Kennedy said, “Faith is not believing in spite of evidence; it is obeying in spite of consequence.” “By faith Abraham … obeyed” (Heb. 11:8). Faith without obedience is dead (James 2:14–26), and action without faith is sin (Rom. 14:23). God has wedded faith and obedience like the two sides of a coin; they go together. (Bible Exposition Commentary - Old Testament) Genesis 12:10 Now there was a famine in the land; so Abram went down to Egypt to sojourn there, for the famine was severe in the land Septuagint - kai egeneto (3SAMI) limos epi tes ges kai katebe (3SAAI: basic mng. = step down; descend Mt27.40) Abram eis Aigupton paroikesai (AAN: paroikeo: living in a place without holding citizenship be an alien, live as a stranger, dwell temporarily Heb 11:9 Ru1:1) ekei (there, in that place) hoti enischusen (3SAAI: enischuo grew strong Ac9.19) ho limos (MSN noun: famine; , hunger: Mt24:7) epi tes ges Brenton's English of Septuagint - And there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to sojourn there, because the famine prevailed in the land. was a: Ge 26:1 Ge 42:5 Ge 43:1 Ge 47:13 Ru 1:1 2Sa 21:1 1Ki 17:1-18:46 2Ki 4:38 2Ki 6:25 7:1-8:1 Ps 34:19 107:34 Jer 14:1 Joh 16:33 Ac 7:11 Ac 14:22 went: Ge 26:2,3 43:1 46:3,4 2Ki 8:1,2 Ps 105:13 Genesis 12 Resources - Multiple commentaries, sermons, devotionals More general map of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob Genesis 12:10-13:4 Faithless Man, Faithful God - Steven Cole Genesis 12:10-20 The Truth About The Path To Egypt - Alan Carr Map of Migration of Abram from Ur to Haran to Canaan Related Passages: Ruth 1:1+ Now it came about in the days when the judges governed, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the land of Moab with his wife and his two sons. Click to enlarge - from Holman Bible Atlas (digital book; Hardcover) Copyright © 1998 B&H Publishing Group, used by permission, all rights reserved. One of the best resources for Bible maps. Please do not reproduce this map. ABRAM'S LAPSE OF FAITH Adrian Rogers referred to this section as "the relapse of his faith" - Now here's Abram, God put him, he was exactly, precisely where God wanted him to be. He's in the land of Canaan, the land that flows with milk and honey, the land of promise, the land of plenty, and there's a famine in the land of plenty. There's a crisis in the land of promise. He doesn't know what to do. And now, rather than believing God and looking to God and trusting to God, he goes down to Egypt because down in Egypt there is plenty of food at this particular time. Ha ha, why was there famine in the land of plenty? It was a test. It was a test. Now, folks, the faith that can't be tested can't be trusted. Would you want to fly on an airplane that had not been tested? Would you want to drive in an automobile that had not been tested by the manufacturer? Do you know, the Bible says that faith is like gold? How do you know you don't have fool's gold, how do you know that you have real gold? Well, if a prospector takes his gold into the assayer's office and he does a chemical test and says, It's real gold. 1 Peter 1:7, "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold, the trial of your faith, being much more precious than gold," if you would try gold to find if it was pure gold, wouldn't you want to try your faith to find out if it is real faith? Now what should Abram have done here when there arose a famine? He should've prayed and gotten another word from God. Don't you think God knew where he was? Hadn't God led him there? Was he not obeying Almighty God when he got there? Yes! God fed Elijah with ravens. God fed the children of Israel with manna. And, friend, you believe God and don't you doubt in the dark what God has shown you in the light. Now why did he fail the test? Well you can see already the inkling of it if you go back to 12:1. God said in Ge 12:1, "Get out of thy country and from your kinfolks." But he didn't get out of his country, from his kinfolk. He took his father with him, Terah. He took his nephew with him, Lot. God said, You leave those kinfolks. That's just a little compromise. He took, and God said, You go all the way to Canaan, but he stopped off halfway. Ge 12:4, 5, tell us that he got to Haran, and he stopped there for a while. He reminds me of a lot of folks here, members of my church, this church. They live in faith but they've got some kinfolks kind of hanging on. I'm not talking about physical kinfolks—I'm talking about spiritual kinfolks. Old habits, old ways, hangover sins, and you've not gone all the way, you've not gone out and out one hundred percent for God. You're just kind of at a halfway house. You say, Yeah, I really want to go to heaven, but I don't want to live like that radical Rogers is telling me to live. I mean, after all, I am saved. And so, his first step, listen, was a misguided compromise. (Sermon) Now there was a famine in the land: Who causes or allows famines? The sovereign (in control) God. He either sent it or allowed it, but however it happened, it resulted in a major spiritual test for the man of faith, Abram! As has been well said a faith that can't be tested, can't be trusted. That God allows trials to test our faith is a bedrock principle found in both the Old and New Testaments. Job was a blameless man in his day (Job 1:1) and yet God allowed him to be severely tested. And what did Job say? He affirmed that God "knows the way I take; When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold." (Job 23:10+) How did Job know God would bring him forth as gold, because in the immediate context (Job 23:8,9) he said in four different ways that he could not even see God? The answer is found in Job 23:12 which I personally believe is the secret of how this blameless man could endure such incredible trials -- “I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food." (see commentary) Even though Job could not see God, He knew God's character from "the words of His mouth" and thus he knew that the tests were not sent to make him bitter but better! If you know God's Word, you will know that the trial He sends or allows is not to destroy you but to refine your faith. Our great Teacher writes many a bright lesson on the blackboard of affliction. Think about this verse for a moment -- Why was Abram in this land? What was God's will? Clearly Abram was where he was supposed to be -- in the center of God's will. And yet what happens? A famine! The irony of it -- a famine in the land of plenty! A crisis in the land of promise! Test time Abram! This reminds me of Peter's admonition - Beloved, do not be surprised (present imperative with a negative) at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ (the test is not an obstacle but an opportunity and a privilege to imitate our Savior!), keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. (1 Peter 4:12-13+) Waltke on now there was a famine - The rapidity of the narration between Abraham’s journeying in Ge 12:9 and his leaving in Ge 12:10 gives the impression that he walked right through and out of the Promised Land. Pastor Ray Pritchard reminds us that "Trouble often follows blessing in order that God may test our motives." (Read full sermon) Be aware that while God does not tempt us to sin, the devil can use tests of our faith to lure us to sin. As Wiersbe puts it "God tests us in order to build our faith and bring out the best in us, but the devil tempts us in order to destroy our faith and bring out the worst in us." (Bible Exposition Commentary - Old Testament ) Below are some of the many NT passages that describe the value of testing in the believer's life. James 1:2-4+ affirms the high and holy purpose of tests in our life... Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. Comment: Later James adds an additional value to trials declaring "Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him." (James 1:12+) In Romans 5:2-5+ adds that as believers we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope ( elpis = absolute assurance of future good - thus Biblical hope is closely linked with personal faith, our assurance of things hoped for Heb 11:1+); and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Peter speaking to a church undergoing persecution writes In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various (poikilos) trials (peirasmos), so that (term of purpose) the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; (1 Peter 1:6-7+) Comment: Fire is the test of gold, adversity of strong men. Paul describes another future benefit of present trials For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Cor 4:17-18+) Recall that in context Abram had just obeyed God (Ge 12:4), had been protected by God during his journey to Canaan (Ge 12:6b), had a personal encounter with God (Ge 12:7), received an incredible promise from God (Ge 12:7), and built two altars and had a wonderful worship service (Ge 12:7b, 13). In a word, Abram had experienced a spiritual HIGH! He had been on the "mountain top" so to speak. Mountain top experiences are wonderful, but the direction off of most mountains is down. And so it is not uncommon to experience adversity after we have encountered the Lord in special ways. Keith Krell - Abram was overwhelmed with the circumstances that God dealt him. Now he was not wrong for being concerned about the famine or feeding his family, but he was wrong for failing to trust God to provide for his needs (Isa 31:1). Abram acted prematurely. In alarm, he felt like he must do something and it seems he will have to go to Egypt where there is likely to be more food. Abram’s going down to Egypt was not so much an intentional sin as it was a reflexive turn to his own devices. He did not deny God; he simply forgot Him. He forgot how great God is. We are so much like Abram! Trials come and we automatically go into survival mode. We scheme, we prognosticate, we run through the “what ifs,” we shore up our position, and we pile sandbags. And God? Oh yes…we ask Him to bless our ways.....When circumstances become difficult and you are in the furnace of testing, remain where God has put you until He tells you to move. Faith moves in the direction of peace and hope, but unbelief moves in the direction of restlessness and fear (Isa 28:16). In times of testing, the important question is not, “How can I get out of this?” but “What can I get out of this?” (Jas 1:1-12). God is at work to build your faith and He alone is in control of circumstances. You are safer in a famine, in His will, than in a palace, out of His will. It has well been said, “The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you.” As Warren Wiersbe says "Tests often follow triumphs. “I thought that getting saved was the end of all my troubles,” a young believer said to me. “But now I know that faith in Christ has given me a whole new set of problems! But now there are two differences,” he added with a smile. “I don’t face them alone, because the Lord is with me; and I know He allows them for my good and His glory." One of the enemies of the life of faith is pride. When you win a victory, you may feel overconfident and start telling yourself that you can defeat any enemy at any time. You start depending on your past experience and your growing knowledge of the Word, instead of depending wholly on the Lord. This explains why the promise of 1 Corinthians 10:13 is preceded by the warning of verse 12: “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (NKJV). God did not want Abraham to become proud and self-confident, so He put him and his faith into the furnace of testing. After you have won a great victory of faith, expect the enemy to attack you or the Lord to test you, or both. This is the only way you can grow in your faith. God uses the tough circumstances of life to build the muscles of your faith and keep you from trusting something other than His Word. Don’t try to run away from the problem. It won’t work. Instead of remaining in the land and trusting the Lord to help him, Abraham went “down into Egypt” (Gen. 12:10). In the Bible, Egypt is a symbol of the world system and its bondage, while the land of Israel is a picture of the inheritance of blessing God has for you (Deut. 11:10–12). When people went to Jerusalem, they went up; but when they went to Egypt, they went down. Spiritually speaking, “going down to Egypt” means doubting God’s promises and running to the world for help. (See Nu 11; 14; Isa. 30:1–2; 31:1; and Jer. 42:13ff.) When circumstances become difficult and you are in the furnace of testing, remain where God has put you until He tells you to move. Faith moves in the direction of peace and hope, but unbelief moves in the direction of restlessness and fear. “He that believeth shall not make haste” (Isa. 28:16). In times of testing, the important question is not, “How can I get out of this?” but, “What can I get out of this?” (See James 1:1–12.) God is at work to build your faith. God alone is in control of circumstances. You are safer in a famine in His will than in a palace out of His will. It has well been said, “The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you.” Abraham failed the test of circumstances and turned from the will of God. (Bible Exposition Commentary - Old Testament) In the Old Testament God frequently used famines to "test" His people: Genesis 26:1 (ISAAC) Now there was a famine in the land, besides the previous famine that had occurred in the days of Abraham. So Isaac went to Gerar, to Abimelech king of the Philistines. Genesis 42:5 So the sons of Israel came to buy grain among those who were coming, for the famine was in the land of Canaan also. Genesis 43:1 Now the famine was severe in the land. Genesis 47:13 Now there was no food in all the land, because the famine was very severe, so that the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan languished because of the famine. Ruth 1:1note Now it came about in the days when the judges governed, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the land of Moab with his wife and his two sons. Warren Wiersbe explains that "God’s purpose in allowing trials is not only to verify our faith but also to purify it and remove the dross. God knows what kind of faith we have, but we don’t know; and the only way to advance in the “school of faith” is to take examinations. Like Abraham, as you progress in the “school of faith,” you will face three special tests: circumstances (Gen. 12:10), people (12:11–13:4), and things (13:5–18)." (Bible Exposition Commentary - Old Testament ) As Spurgeon once said "The Lord gets his best soldiers out of the highlands of affliction." Samuel Rutherford said "When I am in the cellar of affliction, I look for the Lord’s choicest wines." See also Afflictions-Suffering-Quotes, Devotionals, Illustrations So - term of conclusion - This is a sad conclusion of what was a "Y" in the road of Abram's walk of faith. By that I mean that he was faced with a test (no food) and had essentially two choices - Trust God or Trust self. "So" he choose to trust his own ingenuity. How could he have trusted God? The obvious answer is he could have called on Him to provide for their needs. How often we imitate Abraham's lack of faith in God. When the test comes in our life, we chose to trust our own ingenuity (including checking for answers on a "Google search," asking our friends [not bad in itself, for they may point us to God], etc.) See Map of Abram's migration to Egypt. Abram went down to Egypt to sojourn there (Webster's = stay as a temporary resident [sojourned for a month at a resort]) First use of GUWR. Abram would not identify with the people of Egypt so as to take up permanent residence...he was just there for a short time. Gur = status of a resident alien that usually included protection under the laws of the host land. People migrated to other lands only in the direst circumstances for abandonment of one's homeland meant severance from one's family, clan, and deity. The root means to live among people who are not blood relatives; thus, rather than enjoying native civil rights, the ger was dependent on the hospitality that played an important role in the ancient near east. Adrian Rogers - And then his second step was a misplaced confidence—a misplaced confidence. Now he goes down to Egypt and look if you will in verse 10. "Abram went down into Egypt." Famine or no famine, he should not have gone down to Egypt. The Bible says in Isaiah 31:1, "Woe unto them that go down to Egypt for help." Egypt is a pagan place, was in that day, it represented sin and compromise. And rather than depending upon God now, he's looking for worldly help. It's an amazing thing. He trusted God to get him all the way from the Ur of the Chaldees to get him all the way to Canaan and then he couldn't trust God to keep him once he got there. That's like so many of us. We trust God to save us and then we can't trust God to keep us. You know anybody like that? Lots of folks like that, we trust God for spiritual things—that's what Abram did, and then we can't trust him for material things when a famine comes along. We can trust God for all eternity and we can't trust Him for tomorrow. Listen. Misguided compromise, misplaced confidence, and then misappropriate conduct. Now notice he's beginning to go down, he's getting away from God. Who is it, not so loud, a lonely little sin slips through, I answered and soon all hell was in. (Sermon) Steven
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Wiersbe comments - It was a call to separate himself from the corruption around him, and Abraham obeyed by faith (Heb. 11:8+). True faith is based on the Word of God and leads to obedience. God could not bless and use Abraham and Sarah unless they were in the place of His appointment (2 Cor. 6:14–7:1). Lost sinners today are not likely to receive a special revelation of God’s glory as did Abraham and Sarah. But they can see His glory in the lives of His people (Matt. 5:16) and hear His Word of faith when they share their witness. God spoke to Abraham directly, but today we hear the truth of salvation through the witness of His people (Acts 1:8+). (Bible Exposition Commentary - Old Testament ) The call of Abram illustrates the leading of the LORD. The command in Acts 7:2 from God to Abram was to leave. The LORD’s word is very specific about what Abram is to leave (the three prepositional phrases narrow to his father’s household), but is not specific at all about where he is to go. God required faith, a point that Heb 11:8 notes. NET Note - It would be hard to overestimate the value of this call and this divine plan for the theology of the Bible. Here begins God’s plan to bring redemption to the world. The promises to Abram will be turned into a covenant in Gen 15 and 22 (here it is a call with conditional promises) and will then lead through the Bible to the work of the Messiah. Warren Wiersbe - The life of Abraham is an example for all Christians who want to walk by faith. Abraham was saved by faith (Gen. 15:6; Rom. 4:1–5; Gal. 3:6–14) and lived by faith (Heb. 11:8–19), and his obedience was the evidence of his faith (James 2:14–26). Abraham obeyed when he did not know where (Heb. 11:8–10), how (vv. 11–12), when (vv. 13–16), or why (vv. 17–19); and so should we. Abraham and Sarah were not perfect, but their walk was generally characterized by faith and faithfulness. When they sinned, they suffered for it; and the Lord was always ready to forgive when they repented. “The victorious Christian life,” said George Morrison, “is a series of new beginnings.” As you study the life of Abraham and Sarah, you will learn what faith is and how to walk by faith. You will discover that, when you trust the Lord, no test is impossible and no failure is permanent. (Be Obedient - see Bible Exposition Commentary - Old Testament ) Alexander
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Wiersbe reminds us that "We are not saved by making promises to God; we are saved by believing God’s promises to us. It was God who graciously gave His covenant to Abraham and he responded with faith and obedience (Heb. 11:8–10). How you respond to God’s promises determines what God will do in your life....God did not give Abraham reasons or explanations; He simply gave him promises. (Bible Exposition Commentary - Old Testament ) This second command to be a blessing was followed by three more divine promises in Genesis 12:3, three more "I will" statements. "I will"... Bless those who bless you, Curse those who curse you Bless all of the families of the earth in you As an aside contrast the I will's of Genesis 12 with what the people said in Genesis 11 - Compare Genesis 11:1-4 with Genesis 12:1-3. In Genesis 12, God says, "I will, I will, I will, I will." In Genesis 11, man says, "let us, let us, let us." Let us make us a name. God said, "Abraham, I will make your name great." Steven
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Wiersbe reminds us that "God blesses us that we might be a blessing to others, and His great concern is that the whole world might be blessed. The missionary mandate of the church does not begin with John 3:16 or Matthew 28:18–20. It begins with God’s covenant with Abraham. We are blessed that we might be a blessing." (Bible Exposition Commentary - Old Testament ) Can I give you a simple (but powerful) way you can carry the blessing of the Seed of Abraham to all the people groups of the earth? It will only take a few minutes of time each day, but it will yield a reward throughout eternity! Bookmark the following page on your computer and daily pray for the unreached people group that is highlighted in the Joshua Project. Perspectives Course on World Missions - If you have never taken this course, let me strongly encourage you to set aside some time to be edified, equipped and challenged by this course. I took it some 20 years ago and my mindset regarding missions was radically and permanently transformed. Currently this course is being used mightily by God's Spirit on the African continent among several people groups experiencing a revival of Christianity (Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya). I can promise that Perspectives will "revive" your Christian faith as you come to see and understand that our great God is above all a "Missionary God." Here is a summary of lesson 1 The summary of Lesson 1 is God says, “I will bless you so that you will be a blessing.” The fulfillment of the promise was defined for Abraham in terms of land, descendants, and blessing. Stott’s article showed that not only was God’s promise fulfilled immediately in Abraham’s time, it was fulfilled intermediately through the Gospel; the promised land was transformed into the whole world. The promise of physical descendants of Abraham was transformed into the spiritual children of the Father who are adopted by faith in Christ, and the blessing of salvation is given to all nations. Finally, the promise is fulfilled ultimately at the return of Christ when the land, the descendants, and the blessing are all fulfilled in a new eternal order; every tribe worshiping at the throne of God. We learn early on that God is a God of covenant; He makes and keeps His promises. The history of God’s people, Abraham’s descendants, is a gift so that they can be a blessing to all nations for His eternal glory. (Summary of Perspectives Classes 1-15 - go to bottom of page for links to all of the summaries.) See also - Perspectives on the World Christian Movement: Reader and Study Guide - BORROW - Take a moment to read some of the review comments. World missions is not just an optional program in the church for some to be involved in. Missions is what God is doing! Not all are called to go, but every believer should be interested and concerned enough to educate himself or herself about the task. Out of that interest, we all can and should be praying for missions. We all should be giving to missions. If world missions is at the heart of God’s purpose, then apathy about missions is inexcusable! The question one might might arise - "Is there any evidence that the divine mandate given to Abram/Abraham to be a blessing to the nations was realized even in the Old Testament?" Abraham himself bore witness to Canaanites, Philistines, Hittites and, rather negatively, to Egyptians. Joseph was a son of Abraham who made up for his forefather’s lack of a clear witness to the Egyptian nation! Joseph blessed Egyptians in truly amazing ways. The spies who entered Jericho before it was destroyed became a blessing to Rahab, a Canaanite harlot, and her family. Naomi, a daughter of Abraham, was a blessing to two Moabite women, Ruth and Orpah. Moses became a blessing to Jethro, his Midianite father-in-law. King David caused even his enemies, the Philistines, to acknowledge God’s greatness. The prophet Elijah was a blessing to a Sidonian widow in Zarephath. The prophet Elisha, likewise, was a blessing to Naaman, a Syrian. Jonah, however reluctantly, became a blessing to the Gentile population of Nineveh. King Solomon was a blessing to the Sabaean “Queen of the South.” Daniel and his three colleagues, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, were a blessing to Babylonians. (Ed: I think Nebuchadnezzar became a believer in Yahweh! see Daniel 4:36-37+) Esther and her uncle Mordecai were a blessing to the entire Persian Empire. Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Ezra, Nehemiah and other prophets declared the Word of the Lord to various Gentile nations. G Campbell
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Wiersbe - Notice the contrast between Genesis 11:1–9 and Gen 12:1–3. At Babel, men said, “Let us!” but to Abraham, God said, “I will.” At Babel, men wanted to make a name for themselves; but it was God who made Abraham’s name great. At Babel, the workers tried to unite men, only to divide them; but through Abraham, a whole world has been blessed, and all believers are united in Jesus Christ. Of course, Pentecost (Acts 2:1-47) is the “reversal” of Babel; but Pentecost could not have occurred apart from God’s covenant with Abraham (Gal. 3:14+). It must have seemed incredible to Abraham and Sarah that God would bless the whole world through an elderly childless couple, but that is just what He did. From them came the nation of Israel, and from Israel came the Bible and the Savior. God reaffirmed this covenant with Isaac (Gen. 26:4) and Jacob (Ge 28:14) and fulfilled it in Christ (Acts 3:25–26). In later years, God amplified the various elements of this covenant; but He gave Abraham and Sarah sufficient truth for them to believe Him and set out by faith. (Bible Exposition Commentary - Old Testament ) Blessed To Bless Read: Genesis 12:1-7 I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. —Genesis 12:2 While I was reading the 12th chapter of Genesis, the words of the second verse struck me with new meaning. Whenever I studied this particular passage of Scripture before, my mind was so occupied with the promises to Abraham and the nation of Israel that I overlooked a practical application for every Christian. The Lord told Abraham: “I will bless you . . . and you shall be a blessing.” He was blessed to bless! What he received was not for his own selfish enjoyment, but for the welfare and betterment of others. The same is true with believers today. The Lord has done a wonderful work of grace in our lives and wants us to share it with others. We who have trusted Jesus and have received the benefits of salvation have been saved to “save.” Although our relationship to Christ brings us personal satisfaction, He redeems us that we might go out and “preach the gospel to every creature” (Mk. 16:15). Likewise, God comforts us in our distresses “that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Cor. 1:4). Make me a channel of blessing today, Make me a channel of blessing, I pray; My life possessing, my service blessing, Make me a channel of blessing today. —Smyth God gives freely to us so that we may give liberally to others. Genesis 12:4 So Abram went forth as the LORD had spoken to him; and Lot went with him. Now Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. and Lot (KJV): Ge 11:27 departed out (KJV): Heb 11:8+ Genesis 12 Resources - Multiple commentaries, sermons, devotionals Genesis 12:4-9 - Obedient Faith by Steven Cole Genesis 12:1-9 The Evidence of Saving Faith - Allen Ross Map of Migration of Abram from Ur to Haran to Canaan Map of Abram in Canaan and Migration to Egypt Related Passages: Hebrews 11:8+ By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. ABRAM'S IMMEDIATE OBEDIENCE
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Wiersbe adds that ".This does not mean that sinners are saved by faith plus works, because Scripture declares that sinners are saved by faith alone (John 3:16–18; Eph. 2:8–9). Dr. H.A. Ironside, longtime pastor of Chicago’s Moody Church, was told by a lady that she expected to get to heaven by faith plus her good works. “It’s like rowing a boat,” she explained. “It takes two oars to row a boat; otherwise you go around in a circle.” Dr. Ironside replied, “That’s a good illustration except for one thing: I’m not going to heaven in a rowboat!” The faith that saves is the faith that proves itself in good works (Eph. 2:8–10; Titus 2:14; 3:8, 14). Abraham was saved by faith (Heb. 11:8; Gen. 15:6; Rom. 4:1–5), but his faith was made evident by his obedience (James 2:21–24)." (Bible Exposition Commentary - Old Testament )
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Wiersbe comments that "“Faith is living without scheming.” When you stop trusting God’s Word, you start leaning on man’s wisdom; and this leads to trouble (Pr 3:5–6; 1 Cor. 3:18-20). Abraham and Sarah brought this “half-truth” with them from Ur (Ge. 20:13), used it in Egypt and Gerar (Gen. 20:1-18), and then their son Isaac adopted it (Ge 26:1-35). When you find yourself scheming in order to escape problems with people, beware; worse trouble is coming!" (Bible Exposition Commentary - Old Testament ) See now - See is more often translated Behold (02009) (hinneh) and is an interjection meaning look and is used often and expresses strong feelings, surprise, hope, expectation, etc.
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Wiersbe observes that "When you are in the place of God’s choosing, you don’t ever need to be afraid; for faith and fear cannot dwell in the same heart (Isa. 12:2; Mk 4:40). The fear of God is the fear that conquers every fear (Ps. 112:1-10; Isa. 8:13); but “the fear of man brings a snare” (Pr. 29:25). God had repeatedly said “I will” to Abraham, but now Abraham was saying “They will” (Ge 12:12). He took his eyes off the Lord and started looking at people." (Bible Exposition Commentary - Old Testament ) Fear of man reflects lack of faith in God's promises. In a word, Abram seems to have forgotten the promises God had made which if considered logically would have taught him that he could not be killed (because he did not yet have an heir). Pastor Ray Pritchard reminds us that "God’s people often respond to danger with clever deception" (Read full sermon) To say it another way, Abram changed his line of sight, from Vertical Vision to Horizontal Vision! He took his eyes off of God and begin to look at men. Isn't this a "spiritual detour" we all frequently take? That's why Paul wrote what he wrote in 1 Cor 10:6, 11 and Romans 15:4+. Related Resource: Vertical Vision empowers horizontal living When the Egyptians see you, they will say, 'This is his wife'; and they will kill me - The fallen flesh reasons this way. It sees a potential problem and turns inward rather than Godward. What had Abram forgotten? How could he possibly attain to the promises of Jehovah in Genesis 12:1-3 if he were killed? Obviously he couldn't, but he took his eyes off of the trustworthy promises of Jehovah and fixed them on the theoretical problem (which may or may not have come to pass). He had what I like to refer to as a bad case of "horizontal vision," fixing his eyes on the temporal circumstances and taking them off the eternal promises (which I call "vertical vision"). We can't be too hard on Abram because all of us have fallen into this fleshly pattern when confronted with a trial, affliction or obstacle. Abram's primary problem was a failure to trust in the promises of the Promise Keeping God Who cannot lie! We need to remember as Davis says that "The integrity and honesty of a child of God are among his most potent weapons in spreading the gospel.” You can mark it down that you cannot fear (reverentially) God and fear man. Fear of man is incompatible with faith in God. Genesis 12:13 "Please say that you are my sister so that it may go well with me because of you, and that I may live on account of you. Say (KJV): Joh 8:44 Ro 3:6-8 6:23 Col 3:6 thou (KJV): Ge 11:29 20:2,5,12,13 26:7 Isa 57:11 Mt 26:69-75 Ga 2:12,13 and (KJV): Ps 146:3-5 Jer 17:5-8 Eze 18:4 Genesis 12 Resources - Multiple commentaries, sermons, devotionals Genesis 12:10-13:4 Faithless Man, Faithful God - Steven Cole ABRAM'S HALF TRUTH STILL A FULL LIE! Please say that you are my sister so that it may go well with me - Having shifted his vision from God to others (the fear of Pharaoh in Ge 12:12), Abram now shifts his focus to self ("with me"). Instead of focusing on protection of his wife (as husbands are commanded - Eph 5:25, 28), he instead focused on himself. It never crossed his mind (or at least it is not stated) that his ruse might bring ruin to Sarai who was to be the mother of the line that blessed the entire earth! It is as if Abram had developed "spiritual amnesia" regarding the incredible promises of God in Ge 12:1-3 and Ge 12:7. We don't know how long it had been since he had heard God's promises or since God had appeared to him but his memory of those significant events clearly takes a "back seat" to self interest, specifically self preservation. But aren't we all like Abram. We get up in the morning and have a great quiet time and hear a wonderful word from the Lord through His Word. And they we go into our day and some trial or test comes on us suddenly. And our reaction is all too often just like Abram -- we seek to save self rather than recall God's word to us earlier that morning. And so we begin to scheme and possibly even offer a "little white lie" like Abram. O, how we need Thee Lord... I need Thee every hour Most gracious Lord No tender voice like Thine Can peace afford I need Thee every hour Stay Thou near by Temptations loose their power When Thou art nigh I need Thee oh I need Thee Every hour I need Thee Oh bless me now my Savior I come to Thee NET Note on Tell them you are my sister - Abram’s motives may not be as selfish as they appear. He is aware of the danger to the family. His method of dealing with it is deception with a half truth, for Sarai really was his sister—but the Egyptians would not know that. Abram presumably thought that there would be negotiations for a marriage by anyone interested (as Laban does later for his sister Rebekah), giving him time to react. But the plan backfires because Pharaoh does not take the time to negotiate. Allen Ross - The claim that “she is my sister” occurs three times in the patriarchal narratives, twice by Abraham and once by Isaac (Ge 12:13; 20:2; 26:7). The first occurrence (ch 12) is outside the land, and the second (ch 20) occurs inside the land, showing that God protects his promise in both regions despite the way Abram endangers it. (Cornerstone Biblical Commentary) Waltke writes "Sarah pragmatically consents. Their philosophy is “Better defiled than dead.” This is not a philosophy that establishes God’s kingdom in a pagan world!" (Ibid) Henry Morris on my sister - Sarai was Abram's half-sister (Ge 20:12), so this a "half truth"! but a half truth is a lie! Abram's faith was still weak. He should have stayed in Canaan in spite of the famine. Having gone into Egypt, he should have been open and consistent in his testimony but he compromised, following human reason instead of God's Word. God protected Sarai in spite of it, but they lost their testimony with the Egyptians. (Defender's Study Bible Notes) Reformation Study Note on Sarai - She was the daughter of Terah by a different mother than Abraham’s (Ge 20:2). The prohibition against such a marriage was unknown in patriarchal times (cf. Lev. 18:9; 20:17; Deut. 27:22). Norman Geisler - PROBLEM: We are told in the Bible not to lie (Ex. 20:16), but, when Abraham lied about Sarah, his wealth was increased. SOLUTION: First, Abraham’s increase in wealth should not be viewed as a divine reward for his lie. Pharaoh’s gifts to him were understandable. Pharaoh may have felt obligated to pay amends for the wicked constraint that his corrupt society put on strangers who visited his land. Furthermore, Pharaoh may have felt he had to make amends to Abraham for unwittingly taking his wife into his palace. Adultery was strictly forbidden by the Egyptian religion. What is more, Abraham paid for his sin. The years of trouble that followed may have been a direct result of his lack of faith in God’s protecting power. Finally, although some people are portrayed as men of God, they are still fallible and responsible for their own sin (e.g., David and Bathsheba, 2 Sam. 12). God blessed them in spite of, not because of, their sins. (When Critics Ask) See Is it Ever Right to Lie? Genesis 12:14 It came about when Abram came into Egypt, the Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful Saw: Ge 3:6 6:2 39:7 Mt 5:28 Genesis 12 Resources - Multiple commentaries, sermons, devotionals Genesis 12:10-13:4 Faithless Man, Faithful God - Steven Cole It came about when Abram came into Egypt - "That he built an altar." Oh, that the verse had said that! It seems God and His promises are far from Abram's mind and so building an altar was not his priority. The Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful - Abram must have thought "See that is exactly what I predicted would happen! Now our lie will keep them from taking my life!" Have you ever lied and over time began to actually believe your lie was true? The writer of Hebrews describes one of the great, grave dangers of sin is that we might "be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin." (Heb 3:13-see discussion of deceitfulness of sin). Walkte on woman - This impersonal identification signifies Sarah’s treatment as an object. You may ask how could she be beautiful at age 65? (Ge 12:4) Keep in mind the patriarchs lived well past 100 (she lived to be about 127) so she would in effect be "in her mid 30's!" Krell - There are additional problems with Abram’s lying, and lessons we can learn: 1. After lying once it becomes easier to do the next time. Abram later tried to pull the same stunt with Abimelech in 20:12. 2. Lying influences others around us. In 26:7, we discover Abraham’s son, Isaac, pulling this exact same stunt with his wife Rebekah and Abimelech. 3. Lying brings a reproach to the name of God. Sadly, a pagan king must rebuke Abram for his deception and lack of faith in God (12:18-19). George Burns was joking when he said that the key to his success was first learning honesty; once he could fake that, he could achieve anything. We laugh at this but we all can acknowledge the truth that seems to be resident in this remark. Yet, God says lying is not an appropriate response for the believer. Are you careful to tell the truth to the best of your ability? (From Faith to Fear) Genesis 12:15 Pharaoh's officials saw her and praised her to Pharaoh; and the woman was taken into Pharaoh's house princes (KJV): Es 2:2-16 Pr 29:12 Ho 7:4,5 Pharaoh was a common name of the Egyptian kings, and signified a "ruler," or "king," or "father of his country." Ge 40:2 41:1 Ex 2:5,15 1Ki 3:1 2Ki 18:21 Jer 25:19 46:17 Eze 32:2 taken (KJV): Ge 20:2 Es 2:9 Ps 105:4 Pr 6:29 Heb 13:4 Genesis 12 Resources - Multiple commentaries, sermons, devotionals Genesis 12:10-13:4 Faithless Man, Faithful God - Steven Cole ABRAM'S WIFE TAKEN FOR PHARAOH NET Note on Pharaoh's house - The Hebrew text simply has “house of Pharaoh.” The word “house” refers to the household in general, more specifically to the royal harem. Pharaoh was not a proper name but a title, such as king, emperor, president, etc. Pharaoh - is not a personal name; it is a metonymy, like “Crown” for the British monarch. "A title meaning, “great house” for the ancient kings of Egypt. Every ancient pharaoh had five “great names” which he assumed on the day of his accession. Since it was not deemed proper to use such powerful names in direct fashion, a polite circumlocution developed; he came to be called Pharaoh. Egyptians applied “pharaoh” to the royal palace and grounds in the fourth dynasty (about 2500 B.C.). The title Pharaoh came to be applied to the king from about 1500 B.C. until the Persian domination, about 550 B.C. An ancient pharaoh was an absolute monarch, supreme commander of the armies, chief justice of the royal court, and high priest of all religion. His absolute power may be seen in that justice was defined as “what Pharaoh loves”; wrongdoing as “what Pharaoh hates.” An example of his divine power was that he daily conducted “the Rite of the House of the Morning,” an early morning ritual in which he broke the seal to the statue of the sun god, waking him up with a prayer. This act brought the sun up and started every day for the people. References to ten pharaohs can be clearly distinguished in the Old Testament: the Pharaoh of Abraham, Genesis 12:10-20 ; of Joseph, Genesis 39-50 ; of the Oppression, Exodus 1:1 ; of the Exodus, Exodus 2:23-15:19 ; of 1 Chronicles 4:18 ; of Solomon, 1 Kings 3-11 ; of Rehoboam, called Shishak, king of Egypt, 1 Kings 14:25 ; of Hezekiah and Isaiah, 2 Kings 18:21 ; Isaiah 36:1 ; of Josiah, 2 Kings 23:29 ; of Jeremiah 44:30 and Ezekiel 29:1-16 . (Holman Bible Dictionary) The woman was taken into Pharaoh's house - She was taken but not violated. "Eastern kings have for ages claimed the privilege of taking to their harem an unmarried woman whom they like. The father or brother may deplore the removal as a calamity, but the royal right is never resisted nor questioned." (Jamieson) Genesis 12:16 Therefore he treated Abram well for her sake; and gave him sheep and oxen and donkeys and male and female servants and female donkeys and camels. And he (KJV): Ge 13:2 20:14 he had (KJV): Ge 24:35 26:14 32:5,13-15 Job 1:3 42:12 Ps 144:13,14 Genesis 12 Resources - Multiple commentaries, sermons, devotionals Genesis 12:10-13:4 Faithless Man, Faithful God - Steven Cole PHARAOH LAVISH PRICE FOR HIS "BRIDE" Therefore he treated Abram well for her sake - ("He treated Abram well because of her" = CSB; "Everything went well for Abram because of her" = GWN) The words Abram had spoken in Ge 12:13 "that it may go well with me" now became true, for he became wealthy because of his wife Sarai (and at her expense!). It is notable that later in Genesis we see the Egyptian pharaoh bestow good on Abraham’s great-grandson Joseph (Ge 41:41–43) and of Abraham’s grandson Jacob (Ge 45:16–20). Pastor Ray Pritchard notes that "God sometimes allows our deception to gain us a temporary advantage.". (Read full sermon) Ryrie - camels were domesticated during this era, though not commonly used in caravans until much later. NET Note on treated Abram well - The construction of the parenthetical disjunctive clause, beginning with the conjunction on the prepositional phrase, draws attention to the irony of the story. Abram wanted Sarai to lie “so that it would go well” with him. Though he lost Sarai to Pharaoh, it did go well for him—he received a lavish bride price. Genesis 12:17 But the LORD struck Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram's wife. Ge 20:18 1Ch 16:21 21:22 Job 34:19 Ps 105:14,15 Heb 13:4 Genesis 12 Resources - Multiple commentaries, sermons, devotionals Genesis 12:10-13:4 Faithless Man, Faithful God - Steven Cole ABRAM BRINGS A CURSE RATHER THAN A BLESSING But - Whenever you see a BUT pause and ponder this term of contrast seeking to prayerfully interrogate it with the 5W/H questions. Recall that God had given Abram a promise "I will make you a great nation, And I will bless you, And make your name great; And so you shall be a blessing. And I will bless those who bless you, And the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.” (Ge 12:2-3) Even though Pharaoh "blessed" Abram, God "cursed" him! Abram was to have been a walking proclamation of the good news of his coming Descendant (the Messiah cf Gal 3:8, 16), becoming in essence a light to the nations (Isa 42:6, Lk 2:32) So instead of bringing blessing to the Gentiles in Egypt, because of his sin, Abram brought judgment on Pharaoh and his household! The LORD struck Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai - This is a manifestation of Jehovah's grace and His gracious protection, which foreshadows His declaration to Abram in Genesis 15:1+ "Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you." The LORD struck Pharaoh - Notice this is the first appearance of God in this famine sojourn story. Matthew
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Wiersbe reminds us that "God called the Jews to be a blessing to all the nations of the earth (Gen. 12:1–3), but whenever the Jews were out of the will of God, they brought trouble instead of blessing. Twice Abraham brought trouble to people because he lied (Ge 12:10–20; 20:1–18); Achan brought trouble to Israel’s army because he robbed God (Josh. 7); and Jonah brought trouble to a boatload of pagan sailors because he fled. Consider all that Jonah lost because he wasn’t a blessing to others." (Bible Exposition Commentary - Old Testament ) NET Note- The cognate accusative adds emphasis to the verbal sentence: “he plagued with great plagues,” meaning the LORD inflicted numerous plagues, probably diseases (see Ex 15:26). The adjective “great” emphasizes that the plagues were severe and overwhelming. Steven