Results 81 - 100 of 294
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: Just Read Mark Ordered by Verse |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
81 | Joseph's iron fist | Gen 47:19 | Just Read Mark | 135794 | ||
Hi Angel. I certainly understand that Joseph was working for Pharoah, not Jacob. The story is clear about how God gave him the ability to interpret dreams, and that his position of authority was God's doing ---- this is one of the clearest examples of a negative thing (being sold by his brothers) being used by God for good. My question was about what he did AFTER that. If you paid significant taxes for 7 years (like the Egyptians did, paying grain into Pharoah's coffers) --- wouldn't you expect to get the services when you needed them? I know I'm being anachronistic here, for effect. Basically, Joseph was being shrewd to the point of being tyranical. Caring for the hungry is a value embodied in Old Testament and New ---- Joseph fed the people, but took their entire wealth, land, and freedom in the process. We can't really say this is Pharoah's fault, for Pharoah gave Joseph the authority to run the program. The Bible is honest about the characters -- we see even the most heroic characters' severe faults. Might you agree that this is Joseph's moment of weakness? |
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82 | Context of Joseph Story? | Gen 47:19 | Just Read Mark | 135796 | ||
Slavery and Citizenship. I remember reading in a course in "The History of Women" that a form of "slavery" was one of the most progressive features of Egyptian society. All citizen's were required to do periodic hard labour --- and this included men and women. The end result of this was (not only magnificent building programs, but...) a high status for women in the society. They enjoyed both the responsibilities and benefits of citizenship. Could this universal slavery/citizenship date from the time of Joseph? That course was 10 years ago, and vague in my mind --- does anyone know this historical context might fit with the story? |
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83 | Joseph's iron fist | Gen 47:19 | Just Read Mark | 135817 | ||
I agree that 20 percent is a very fair taxation rate. I am a Canadian so, hey, I acknowledge govenments can have a constructive role. In my first post, I mentioned that that might be a societal benefit worth the suffering they went through. The people were offering their freedom because they had already paid EVERYTHING they had. Can you imagine? Property, livestock, everything. Joseph could have said, "no, there's another way." I suggest that your desire to commend Joseph is preventing you from reading the harshness of the text.... There are more options than "the people starve or they forfeit all they own to the Empire." What about "the people receive the food they grew at an affordable rate, so that all Egyptians will benefit" ? If you were Joseph, and you saw people starving and bankrupt, wouldn't that idea occur to you? |
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84 | Moses product of Incest? | Ex 6:20 | Just Read Mark | 135554 | ||
I often run through the genealogies rather quickly, but this verse jumped out at me. Interesting that the Bible mentions things like this without any moralizing gloss. Thus, out of sinful decisions, God raises the greatest leaders of his people. Any thoughts on this? |
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85 | Moses product of Incest? | Ex 6:20 | Just Read Mark | 135559 | ||
Hi EdB. Interesting idea. I've heard that approach to the first generations (ie. after Adam and Eve, or after Noah) but never thought of it extending this far along. So, in a sense, the law against incest isn't timeless --- it is context sensitive. Of course, from Mosaic law onwards, we are in the context where it is wrong. Do I have that right? JRM. |
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86 | How do magicians imitate blood plague? | Ex 7:22 | Just Read Mark | 136064 | ||
Looking at the Plagues in Egypt, particularly when the water is turned to blood: If all of the water, including that in cisterns and jars, was already turned to blood, how did the Magician's flaunt their abilities? |
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87 | How do magicians imitate blood plague? | Ex 7:22 | Just Read Mark | 136140 | ||
The magicians humbled. Hi Ray. God made His intention clear: "Take your rod and stretch out your hand over their streams, over their rivers, over their ponds, and over all their pools of water, that they may become blood. And there shall be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in buckets of wood and pitchers of stone." (Ex 7:19) We then see this fullfilled, "so there was blood throughout all the land of Egypt" (7:21). So, yes, my questions was: if all the water is already blood, how can the magicians turn water to blood? It seems that surface water was turned to blood, but if you dug a new well you could find clean water.(v. 24) Perhaps this ground water is what they turned to blood -- at least a sample of it. I am just shocked by this plague. It is so gross. For a country to do without water for 7 days would be devastating --- probably worse than flies, locusts, frogs. I just don't understand these magicians, and why people would be satisfied with their tricks! Turning one container of water to "blood" is one thing, but the entire water system of a nation is quite another. There is an order of magnitude difference here. It seems we are tempted to explain God away, and honour gods of our making. It is informative to see what happens to the magicians over the course of the plagues: -- after the frogs (8:7), the magicians can't keep up. -- With lice, they fail (8:17). They even testify that the plague is God's doing (8:18). -- the magicians are later incapacitated by the plague of boils (9:11). They aren't heard from again. This is seen as a contest between the Egyptians gods and the God of Israel. As Jethro says, "Now I know that the Lord is greater than all the gods; for in the very thing in which they behaved proudly, He was above them." (18:11) |
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88 | The meaning of "break" | Ex 19:24 | Just Read Mark | 136261 | ||
The word "break" is used twice here --- once of the people, once of God. The same word is used several times in the chapter. Can someone shed light on this interesting text? | ||||||
89 | The meaning of "break" | Ex 19:24 | Just Read Mark | 136268 | ||
The Barrier between us and God. I have been deeply moved, thinking through this scene. Just scratching the surface. May we, like the Isrealites, tremble. Here's what I'm thinking... God is holy. The instruction to "set limits around the mountain and keep it holy" reflects the holiness of God. Our sin cannot approach God's throne. Now, it seems God has also set a limit for himself -- a line of self-restraint perhaps? So if they "break" their bounds, God's holiness will "break forth" and consume them. I think this is one of the clearest pictures of the barrier between humanity and our creator. I think, also, of the angels blocking the garden of Eden. What are other clear examples of this barrier? The intimacy of the garden was lost. The events at Mount Sinai make the connection between the barrier, holiness, and the law. We are set for destruction. Addressing this barrier was the purpose of the sacrifices, the priesthood, and ultimately the coming of our Lord. I want to look at the relationship between this scene in Exodus and the book of Hebrews. |
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90 | eye for an eye | Lev 24:20 | Just Read Mark | 137741 | ||
Is this verse a bit like "the golden rule," but phrased in terms of punishment? | ||||||
91 | eye for an eye | Lev 24:20 | Just Read Mark | 137804 | ||
I guess I was thinking that eye for an eye is a little like: "Do not do to others what you would not want done to yourself." It would certainly instill some empathy: " here is the exact suffering the other person went through, so that you understand what it's like." In a brutal way, I can see how you can get from there to the more visionary step of "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you..." (Matt 7...) As for art: there is so much! Where faith and art come together, I am just filled with curiosity and joy. I shared a set of representations of Jesus with our church youth group this weekend, and it opened up the best prayer time we have ever had together. The images, spanning centuries and cultures, pulled so much reflective thought out of them. Exhilerating. God Bless! JRM |
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92 | Year of Jubilee for the Land? | Lev 25:24 | Just Read Mark | 137742 | ||
The land is to receive a Sabbath, just as we are. (see verse 4). Does this idea of a jubilee for the land (v 24) underline our responsibility for the environment? | ||||||
93 | Year of Jubilee for the Land? | Lev 25:24 | Just Read Mark | 137784 | ||
Doc --- I really like your thought about the exile providing the land with a much-delayed Sabbath. Reading further in Leviticus, I found that it is actually made explicit : They will be taken into the land of their enemies (v 41)... And if while they repent in Exile, God will "remember the land. For the land will be deserted by them and will enjoy its sabbaths while it lies desolate without them." (verse 43) Pretty cool, eh? As for the "environmentalism" you referred to, I would suggest there is a Biblical model for caring for the environment that goes right back to the garden of Eden. Somehow, Leviticus pictures the year of Jubilee as freeing slaves, returning property, and also treating the "land" well. I'd like to understand this better. Here is a verse that points to our role as stewards of God's land (rather than owners who can do as we wish): "The land, moreover, shall not be sold permanently, for the land is Mine; for you are but aliens and sojourners with Me." Lev 25:23. Peace. JRM |
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94 | What is this "valuation of persons" abou | Lev 27:2 | Just Read Mark | 137785 | ||
What is this "valuation of persons" about? This chapter mentions "redeeming", "vowing", "dedicating", and "holiness" ... but I don't understand it. The different "values" placed on men and women, young and old, seem troubling. | ||||||
95 | The Holy Spirit b4 Christ's ascension? | Num 11:25 | Just Read Mark | 85423 | ||
Eternal Spirit. Hello Prazn. As I understand it, the Holy Spirit has always been active in our midst, from before creation onwards. I've put a passage from Numbers at the top -- because it looks amazingly like Pentecost. But still, the Spirit was only poured out on select leaders. That is what I see as the difference -- before Pentecost, the Spirit filled people selectively. Since Pentecost, the indwelling of the Spirit is a gift to ALL believers. Let us learn to walk in the Spirit, such an amazing gift. Yours JRM. |
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96 | Balaam's Plot? | Num 31:16 | Just Read Mark | 140526 | ||
I have been entranced by the story of Balaam (Numbers 22-24, (25) (31)). The way a pagan prophet comes to speak the words of the Living God is a wonderful (and at times comical) tale. The donkey is great! The bulk of the story is actually quite positive: a foolish pagan prophet recognizes God's voice, and - going against his culture and king - blesses the Israelites. Somehow, he comes to be blamed Israel's sexual relations with Moabite women, and the idolatry it leads to. During the account of this event, there is no mention of Balaam (see chapter 25) --- he has blessed Israel and then parted ways from the Moabite leader (24:25). Why is he blamed for this? JRM |
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97 | Balaam's Plot? | Num 31:16 | Just Read Mark | 140738 | ||
I think that's true: basically, we aren't told how Balaam influenced the idolatry.... the clearest moment is Numbers 31:16. I have been considering the significance of this story, and want to share this thought: Perhaps, when they heard a pagan prophet had blessed them, the Israelites dropped their guard against blending with the local cultures... just as we are prone to do: when we see those around us doing right, we are tempted to soften the exclusive claims of our Lord. JRM |
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98 | Balaam's Plot? | Num 31:16 | Just Read Mark | 142267 | ||
Reading Revelation, I came across another mention of Balaam. In the words of Jesus, it refers directly to Balaam's role in Israel's sexual immorality and idol worship. (Rev 2:14). It is just as explicit as Numbers 31:16. So I started to look for other references to Balaam, and see what aspect of his actions they emphasize. Most emphaize that he was hired to curse, but God caused him to bless instead. He is also used as an example of someone who chooses to act immorally for the sake of money. Some refer to his role in the Israelite's fall into idol worship and sexual immorality. I only found one mention of the donkey. Also: in the old testament, the story is just recounted as part of Israel's story (although this is still a cause for action, esp. Nehemiah). In the New Testament, Balaam is mentioned more like a "sermon illustration," in a wider setting of teaching. Here's what I found: Deuteronomy 23:4 --- recounts how Balaam was hired to curse Israel. Emphasizes the need to keep separate from Moabites --- this is also the verse the people would have read in Nehemiah. Joshua 16:22 --- discussing division of land among tribes of Israel, and mentioned the death of Balaam. Joshua 24:9 --- Recounting Israel's story, Balaam's blessings are mentioned, but not the idolatry/sexuality issue. Nehemiah 13:2 --- How God turned Balaam's curses into blessing... also, how Israelites and Moabites should not mix... Micah 6:5 --- Balaam blesses Israel, instead of the curses Balak wished for. 2 Peter 2:15 --- Balaam's foolishness, and the donkey's rebuke. Jude 1:11 ---Balaam's greed leading to error Revelation 2:14 --- refers directly to Balaam's role in Israel's sexual immorality and idol worship. |
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99 | Are faithful Jews saved? | Deut 7:9 | Just Read Mark | 168297 | ||
Romans chapters 9-11 I don't really have an answer, Robin, but I'd certainly look at Romans chapters 9 - 11. You can see Paul's grief, as a Jew, about the splintering of his people (9:3). You really have to read the whole thing to make sense of any part of it. He talks about Jewish efforts by works as stumbling (9:32), the need for Christ to be preached (10:14), but also that the gifts and call of God to the Jews are irrevocable (11:29). Can others help make sense of these passages as a whole? |
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100 | Are faithful Jews saved? | Deut 7:9 | Just Read Mark | 168301 | ||
I certainly agree with the broad sweep of your post. It is good, and clear. Could you help with the verses that indicate some special place for the Jews in God's heart, that are contained even in the same context as the verses quoted above. I am thinking of: "And so all Israel will be saved" (Romans 11:26) --- I recognize that it is talking about branches being pruned off, but then grafted back in. "Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. For the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable" (Romans 11:28,29) |
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