Results 1 - 14 of 14
|
|
|||||
Results from: Answers On or After: Thu 12/31/70 Author: Holmes Ordered by Date |
||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Did God create light twice? | Gen 1:3 | Holmes | 229695 | ||
Hi SHST, What are the differences between Gen 1:3 and Gen 1:15? On the face of these scriptures there seems to be a contradiction. However, they are in harmony. It is necessary to understand, however, the correct sequence of events and not to misread what is actually being said. 1. – “In the beginning” is that period of time BEFORE the first day and stretches back into eternity when there was God and the Word (John 1:1-3). The first day did not begin until God said, “Let there be light” (Gen. 1:3). Therefore, it is clear that the heavens (universe) and earth (planet) existed prior to the first day. This would include the sun, moon, stars and light. Genesis states clearly that a day consisted of an evening and a morning. This required light for this purpose (verse 5). Since the planet earth and the universe existed prior to the light of verse 3, they also existed prior to the first day. How could it be otherwise? There was darkness over the surface of the deep, that is, the waters which covered the earth. It does not say that there was darkness anywhere else. In fact, God had made a “thick darkness its (the earth’s) swaddling band.” (Job 38: 9) The term “swaddling band” implies that there was light outside of this band, otherwise it wouldn’t be a band. Why would God place a “thick darkness” over the waters of the deep on the first day if the first thing that God did was to “let there be light”? 2. – Before God created the earth, He created the Angels. Yet, when the cornerstone of the earth was laid, “the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” (Job 38:7) 3. – In verse 3, God says “LET there be light.” The only purpose stated was to make days. It does not say he created or made the light at that time, but that he allowed the light. The next thing God did, on day 2, was to separate the waters, putting water vapors into the atmosphere around the earth. It would seem that this light was like that on an overcast day, when we cannot see the sun, moon or stars. 4. - Then God separated the earth from the seas and allowed the earth to bring forth vegetation. It appears that the earth already contained the necessary seeds. Note that God let the earth do this, but He “planted” the Garden of Eden. Gen 2: 8 In verse 14 God again states “let there be lights.” This time the lights are made visible. They are for additional purposes as signs, seasons, for days and for years. Again, it does not say God created or made the lights at the time, but allowed them to be visible. Verse 16 is an explanation and expansion of verse 1, the creation of the heavens (universe), which was completed “in the beginning”. For your consideration, Holmes |
||||||
2 | How long was a day in bible times? | John 11:9 | Holmes | 229618 | ||
Hi Snookie, A day consists of the light of day and the darkness of night. Both of these together constitute one day. (Genesis 1:4-5) On average, there are twelve hours in the day and twelve in the night. (John 11:9) Therefore, a day was and is 24 hours. Holmes |
||||||
3 | How long is a Biblical Generation ? | Gen 15:16 | Holmes | 229133 | ||
Generation has two meanings used in scripture. The most common meaning is all of the offspring at the same stage of descent from a common ancestor. For example, father, son, grandson, etc. are all different generations. It is not a specific period of time. The other meaning pertains to a group of individuals born and living about the same time. An example of both meanings can be found in Genesis 15:16 “Then in the fourth generation they will return here. . .” This is the promise God made to Abraham that his descendants would return to the promise land in the fourth generation from their arrival in Egypt. The first generation was the 70 Hebrews who arrived in Egypt with Jacob. These included fathers and sons, but were all counted as the first generation of those who arrived at the same time. It was their great grandchildren (4th generation) who arrived in the promise land. Moses and Aaron were 3rd generation, their children who actually entered into the promise land were 4th generation. Holmes |
||||||
4 | what day should the sabbath be? | Bible general Archive 4 | Holmes | 229012 | ||
Genesis 2:3 Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made. With all due respect, I think the question calls for a more concise answer. If not Constantine, then who over-ruled Genesis 2:3? When did God bless and sanctify Sunday? Why did it change? Why was the change warranted? Holmes |
||||||
5 | age of Issac during sacrifice | OT general | Holmes | 228258 | ||
Hi dnqualls, You asked, “How old was Issac when Abraham was going to sacrifice him for God?” The short answer is 30 years old. Gal. 3:16-17 “Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and his Seed. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as referring to many, but rather to one, “And to your Seed,” that is, Christ.” What I am saying is this: the Law, which came four hundred and thirty years later, does not invalidate a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to nullify the promise. Exodus 12:41 (Note: The Law was given shortly after the exodus.) “At the end of the 430 years, even that very day, all the hosts of the Lord went out of Egypt.” The exodus out of Egypt occurred on the day of the Passover, exactly 430 years after an important event, the giving of the covenant. But which covenant, at which time? The term “Seed” as used in this context, meaning Jesus Christ, is not found until Gen. 22: 18: “And in your Seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed and bless themselves, because you have heard and obeyed My voice.” What had Abraham heard and obeyed? This was right after Abraham had shown his intent to offer Isaac as a burnt offering to the Lord. However, Isaac was passed over. 430 years later the Israelites were passed over in Egypt. Later, again on the anniversary of this date, Christ became our Passover Lamb. Genesis 15:13 God said to Abram, “Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, where they will be enslaved and oppressed four hundred years.” So what happened 30 years later, thirty years after the covenant and after the Passover of Isaac? The birth of Jacob-Israel, who would be a stranger dwelling as a temporary resident in Canaan and later in Egypt, where his descendants (known by his name) would be mistreated and enslaved. Genesis 26:26 “. . .so his name was called Jacob: and Isaac was sixty years old when she gave birth to them.” This also means that Isaac was 30 years old when he was offered. A “young man” (Gen 22:5) who died when he was 180 years old (Gen 35:29). For your consideration, Holmes |
||||||
6 | Don't understand Revelation and 1 Cor 15 | 1 Cor 15:28 | Holmes | 228257 | ||
Hi cuhigher, The reason these verses seem to contradict each other is because they are making reference to two different periods of time. The first period is the millennial, or thousand-year rule of Christ after His return. The second time is the period of the new heaven and new earth, which is eternity after the thousand-year reign. Revelation 11:15 includes both periods of time, while 1 Cor 15:25 is a specific reference to the millennial rule. Revelation 21 describes the end of the millennial rule and the beginning of the new heaven and new earth. All things will be made new. The last enemy that Christ will destroy during His millennial rule is death. All who enter into the new heaven and new earth will have eternal life. That is not the case during the millennial rule, but life expectancy will be greatly expanded. (Isa 65:20) Revelation 22 is speaking of the period of the new heaven and new earth when the Lamb and His God, God the Father, will both sit on their thrones in the new Jerusalem. However, the waters which flow from under Their thrones will also exist during the millennial rule of Christ. The healing will be completed during the millennial rule prior to the new heaven and earth. Before Christ returns, the temple in Jerusalem must be rebuilt. We know this from the reference to it in Revelation 11 and also 2 Thess 2:4. However, this temple will be replaced when Christ returns because He will build His own temple. This temple is described beginning in Ezek 40. The waters are described beginning at Ezek 47 and the healing powers of the leaves at verse 12. The leaves are for the healing of the nations, which will be completed during Christ millennial rule. After the millennial reign, there will be no temple. (Rev 21:22) For your consideration, Holmes |
||||||
7 | Creation of moon. | Gen 1:1 | Holmes | 227605 | ||
On the fourth day when God said “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens,” He was allowing those lights to become visible from the surface of the earth, not to just divide the day from the night, but also as signs for the seasons and for days and years. The creation of the sun, moon and stars as a source of the light was an expansion of what God had created “in the beginning.” “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” “In the beginning” is the period of time before the first day. God allowed filtered light upon the surface of the earth on the first day. He “let there be light,” He did not create light on the first day or the fourth day. There could not be a first day until God allowed the light to reach the surface of the earth because a day consisted of an evening and a morning. For your consideration, Holmes |
||||||
8 | was the sabbath still observed | Acts 13:13 | Holmes | 227292 | ||
After the resurrection of our Lord did the new Christian (including apostles) continue to observe the Sabbath along with the Lords day? Was Passover and other traditional holidays still celebrated? Not in the law tradition, just observed. Hi Mim, The earliest Christians gathered on the seventh day (the Sabbath). • Acts 13:13-14 Now Paul and his companions put out to sea from Pisidian Antioch, and on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. • 42 As Paul and Barnabas were going out, the people kept begging that these things might be spoken to them the next Sabbath. • Acts 16:13 And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to a riverside, where we were supposing that there would be a place of prayer; and we sat down and began speaking to the women who had assembled. • Acts 17: 2 And according to Paul's custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, • Acts 18: 4 And he was reasoning in the synagogue every Sabbath and trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. They also observed Passover (Feast of Unleavened Bread). • Acts 20: 6 We sailed from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and came to them at Troas within five days; and there we stayed seven days. • 1 Corinthians 5:7-8 For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed. Therefore let us celebrate the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. There are two scriptures that are often cited to show that the early Christians also gathered together on Sunday, the first day of the week. • Acts 20: 7 On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul began talking to them, intending to leave the next day, and he prolonged his message until midnight. • Revelation 1: 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet, Acts 20 states they gathered together on Sunday because they were travelling and intended to leave the next day. The “to break bread” refers to eating a meal together, not the LORD’s communion. They broke bread well after midnight, meaning it was Monday and no longer Sunday, which had ended at sunset. Revelation 1 is the only place in scripture that uses the term “LORD’s Day.” It does not make any reference to what day of the week it was. It may not refer to a specific day at all. Revelation details the events surrounding the LORD’s return and the “LORD’s Day” may be the same as the “Day of the LORD” which is so often found in prophesy concerning the same time frame. For your consideration, Holmes |
||||||
9 | who held up the leaders arms | Ex 17:1 | Holmes | 227267 | ||
Hi Dr. Pete, That would be Exodus 17:8-12 Exodus 17:8 Then Amalek came and fought against Israel at Rephidim. 9 So Moses said to Joshua, "Choose men for us and go out, fight against Amalek Tomorrow I will station myself on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand." 10 Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought against Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 11 So it came about when Moses held his hand up, that Israel prevailed, and when he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed. 12 But Moses' hands were heavy. Then they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other. Thus his hands were steady until the sun set. Holmes |
||||||
10 | three days and three nights | Matt 12:40 | Holmes | 227168 | ||
Hi Eden’s Fury, When considering the day that Jesus was crucified and laid in the grave, you may want to consider the following: Jesus said that the “three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” would be a SIGN. It is therefore unlikely that He meant anything other than what is plainly stated. • Matthew 12: 38 Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, Teacher, we would see a sign from thee.39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given it but the sign of Jonah the prophet: 40 for as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. • John 11:9 Jesus answered, " Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. Jesus said he would be raised up on “the third day” and also “after three days.” This would also indicate a literal “three days and three nights.” • Matthew 16: 21 From that time began Jesus to show unto his disciples, that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up. • Matthew 17: 22 And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be delivered up into the hands of men; • 23 and they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised up. And they were exceeding sorry. • Matthew 20: 19 and shall deliver him unto the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify: and the third day he shall be raised up. • Matthew 27: 63 saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said while he was yet alive, After three days I rise again. • Mark 9: 31 For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered up into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and when he is killed, after three days he shall rise again. • Mark 10: 34 and they shall mock him, and shall spit upon him, and shall scourge him, and shall kill him; and after three days he shall rise again. There were two Sabbaths the week that Jesus was crucified. The day after Passover is a High Sabbath and then there was the weekly Sabbath on Saturday. Note that Jesus body had to be removed from the cross because the next day was a High Sabbath. • Leviticus 23: 5 In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at even, is Jehovah's passover. 6 And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto Jehovah: seven days ye shall eat unleavened bread. 7 In the first day ye shall have a holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work. • John 19:31 Then the Jews, because it was the day of preparation, so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Now note the matter of the women and the spices. They bought the spices after the Sabbath was past, but prepared the spices before the Sabbath. How is this possible, except if they bought the spices after the High Sabbath and prepared them before the weekly Sabbath. This would indicate that Jesus was crucified on Wednesday, Thursday was the High Sabbath, the spices were bought and prepared on Friday, and Saturday was the weekly Sabbath. • Mark 16: 1 And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, that they might come and anoint him. • Luke 23:56 Then they returned and prepared spices and perfumes And on the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment. For your consideration, Holmes |
||||||
11 | Could this be the anti-Christ? | Bible general Archive 4 | Holmes | 227137 | ||
Question (full): I heard today someone say anti Christ is the Imam. Is there any reason to think so? Hi Justme, The answer to your question depends on what you mean by antichrist and what you mean by Imam. The actual term “antichrist” is found only four times in scripture, in 1 John and 2 John. It refers to someone who denies Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God. It is not an individual person. An Imam is the title of a Moslem religious leader, such as the head of a Mosque. In this context, yes an Imam would be an “antichrist,” a person who is against the true Christ. • 1 John 2:18 Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour. • 1 John 2:22 Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son. • 1 John 4:3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world. • 2 John 1:7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh This is the deceiver and the antichrist. The person who spoke to you was likely making reference to the “12th Imam.” He might be described as the Islamic Messiah. The President of Iran is a staunch believer in the “12th Imam” and would like to hasten his return, meaning the infidels must be destroyed. The Koran has many parallels to the Book of Revelation and this has led some to believe that the “12th Imam” could be the antichrist. There is one particular Antichrist who appears shortly before Christ returns. In II Thessalonians 2:1-12 he is known as the “man of lawlessness” and “that lawless one.” In Revelation 13 he is referred to as the Beast. He will work in combination with the false prophet. • II Thessalonians 2: 3 Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, • 4 who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. • Revelation13: 4 they worshiped the dragon because he gave his authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him?" • 5 There was given to him a mouth speaking arrogant words and blasphemies, and authority to act for forty-two months was given to him. • 6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemies against God, to blaspheme His name and His tabernacle, that is, those who dwell in heaven. The Beast (Antichrist) is the head of an end time kingdom as described in Daniel 2: 41-43. However, that kingdom is a divided kingdom, consisting of a revival of the Holy Roman Empire and Babylon. This is possible because they will have a common goal. • Revelation 17: 17 "For God has put it in their hearts to execute His purpose by having a common purpose, and by giving their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God will be fulfilled. Yet the Beast will hate Babylon and will turn on her and destroy her with fire. For more on Babylon, see post 226713. Babylon is Islamic, as is the 12th Imam. The 12th Imam, even if he were to exist within Babylon, would join with the Antichrist for a time, but he is not “The Antichrist.” For your consideration, Holmes |
||||||
12 | United States in Scripture? | Ps 82:8 | Holmes | 227018 | ||
Hi Justme, Your question assumes that the United States is not mentioned in scripture because some say it is not. You should seek the answer to that question in the scriptures to determine if it is true. The United States has only existed since 1776. Yet, in this short period of time it has become the world’s only remaining super power. It has been an extremely blessed nation, more so than any other nation in history. Nations mentioned in scripture are those that are populated by the descendants of a common ancestor. The United States would not be known by that name in scripture since it did not exist at the time. The English, the Anglo-Saxons, founded the colonies, which later became the United States. So when looking for the United States in scripture, you must take into consideration the entire British Empire, Scotland, Australia, Canada, etc., etc. Since the early 1600s the Anglo Saxons have been not only the preeminent world powers, but also in liberty and the spreading of the gospel, first the British Empire and then America. Here are some scriptures you may want to consider: • Genesis 17: 4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be the father of a multitude of nations. • 5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for the father of a multitude of nations have I made thee. • 6 And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee. God promised to make Abraham “a father of a multitude of nations.” Not just once, but three times. Some will argue that this was spiritually fulfilled with spiritual children of Abraham and they would be right. However, that does not negate the physical promise that was made to Abraham. Others will argue that this promise was fulfilled in Abraham’s son Ishmael, they would be wrong: • Genesis 21: 11 This upset Abraham very much because Ishmael was his son. 12 But God told Abraham, “Do not be upset over the boy and your servant. Do whatever Sarah tells you, for Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted. • Genesis 17:16 And I will bless her (Sarah), and moreover I will give thee a son of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples shall be of her. The promise was also made to Sarah and Isaac inherited the promise from Abraham. Next, Jacob inherited the promise: • Genesis 28:3 And God Almighty bless thee (Jacob), and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a company of peoples. • Gensis 35: 10 And God said unto him, Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name: and he called his name Israel. 11 And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins; • Genesis 48: 4 and said unto me (Jacob), Behold, I will make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, and I will make of thee a company of peoples, and will give this land to thy seed after thee for an everlasting possession. And Jacob gave this blessing to Ephraim, the son of Joseph. Note that this is not the line of Jesus and not, therefore, a spiritual promise, but a physical one: • Genesis 48:19 And his father refused, and said, I know it, my son, I know it. He (Manasseh) also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: howbeit his younger brother (Ephraim) shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations. Ephraim became the Northern Kingdom of Israel, along with 9 of the other tribes. By the time they were taken into Assyrian captivity there were only 7,000 men left, who had not bowed the knee to Baal. Israel was told by God that they were not His people and He was not their God. However, God did not forget His promise: • Hosea 1:9And the LORD said, "Name him Lo-ammi, for you are not My people and I am not your God." 10Yet the number of the sons of Israel Will be like the sand of the sea, Which cannot be measured or numbered; And in the place Where it is said to them, "You are not My people," It will be said to them, "You are the sons of the living God." • 2 Samuel 7: 10"I will also appoint a place for My people Israel and will plant them, that they may live in their own place and not be disturbed again, nor will the wicked afflict them any more as formerly, 11even from the day that I commanded judges to be over My people Israel; and I will give you rest from all your enemies The LORD also declares to you that the LORD will make a house for you. I also suggest you read the blessing that Jacob gave to all his sons as contained in Genesis 49. Pay particular attention to the blessings given to Joseph. For your consideration, Holmes |
||||||
13 | Can the Bible be talking of 2 eventsas1? | Revelation | Holmes | 226713 | ||
Hi breson1, The short answer to your question is no, Babylon and the Beast cannot be the same. See Rev. 17:16 and Daniel 2:41. The following is for your consideration. Please do your own study to see if it is true. Revelation 17:18 identify modern Babylon as “the great city, which reigns over the kings of the earth.” This makes it very clear that Babylon is a city. Further identification of Babylon as a city is found in: • Rev. 18:10 “…the great city, Babylon, the strong city!” • Rev. 18:16 “Woe, woe, the great city. . .” • Rev. 18:18 “. . .What city is like the great city?” • Rev. 18:19 “. . .Woe, woe, the great city. . .” • Rev. 18:21 “. . .So will Babylon, the great city. . .” Babylon is, or will be, a great city. Daniel 4 and the 7 times of punishment for the Kingdom of Babylon narrows the search considerable. 7 times equals seven 360-day years for a total of 2520 years. That punishment began in 539 BC with the fall of ancient Babylon and ended in 1982, resulting in the rebirth of the Babylonian Empire. That implies it will be an Arabic kingdom to peoples, nations and languages that live in all the earth (Compare Daniel 4:1 to Rev. 17:15). • Daniel 4:1 Nebuchandnezzar the king to all the peoples, nations, and men of every language that live in all the earth: May your peace abound! • Rev. 17: 15 “. . .The waters which you saw where the harlot (city) sits, are peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues.” There should be visible progress in this Arabic city since 1982. This would exclude the United States, the Vatican, apostate Jerusalem, the Catholic Church or a World Empire of False Religion, because these are not Arabic. The new Babylon cannot be in the same location as the old Babylon since scripture states: • Isaiah 13:20 It will never be inhabited or lived in from generation to generation; Nor will the Arab pitch his tent there, Nor will shepherds make their flocks lie down there. The new Babylon will sit on the waters and will be opulent. • Rev. 17:1 “. . .the great harlot who sits on many waters. . .” • Rev. 17:4 “. . .clothed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls. . . “ The new Babylon will be the capitol city of a combined federation of seven Islamic countries. • Rev. 17:9 “. . .The seven heads are seven mountains (countries) on which the woman sits. . .” Babylon and the Beast will align because they will have a common purpose: to conquer a common enemy and rule the world. This is the divided kingdom spoken of in Daniel 2:40-43. Once that is accomplished, the Beast will turn on Babylon and burn her up with fire (Rev. 17:16) • Daniel 2:40 Then there will be a fourth kingdom as strong as iron; inasmuch as iron crushes and shatters all things, so, like iron that breaks in pieces, it will crush and break all these in pieces. 41 In that you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter's clay and partly of iron, it will be a divided kingdom; but it will have in it the toughness of iron, inasmuch as you saw the iron mixed with common clay. 42 As the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of pottery, so some of the kingdom will be strong and part of it will be brittle. 43 And in that you saw the iron mixed with common clay, they will combine with one another in the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, even as iron does not combine with pottery. I suggest you look for a modern opulent Arabic city, near the old Babylon, that sits on the water and could serve as the capitol of a new Islamic Caliphate. Hint: Also look for a new Tower of Babel. Holmes |
||||||
14 | Timeline problem for Perez's offspring? | Gen 46:12 | Holmes | 226687 | ||
Hi LGH, Excellent question! There was not sufficient time, 22 years, between the marriage of Judah, the later birth of Perez and his arrival in Egypt. It would not be possible for Perez to have two sons if Joseph was 30 years old when he stood before Pharaoh (Gen. 41:46). Nor would Joseph's full brother, Benjamin, have been old enough to have 10 sons. Benjamin was about 15 years younger than Joseph and would have been about 24 years old when he arrived in Egypt. Another problem is that Jacob was 130 years old when he arrived in Egypt. That would mean he was 91 years old when Joseph was born and about 106 years old when Benjamin was born. The solution may be that the 30 years was actually the number of years since God called Joseph, at age 17. This would put Joseph’s physical age at 47 when he stood before Pharaoh. The period of time between Joseph being sold into slavery and the arrival of his family in Egypt would be 39 years, instead of 22 years, allowing enough time for the birth of the sons of both Perez and Benjamin. This would also place the age of Jacob at 74 when Joseph was born and about 89 when Benjamin was born. For your consideration, Holmes |
||||||