Subject: why are the twelve tribes of isreal diff |
Bible Note: Greetings Ariel Levin! Yes, I apologize: I should re-examine the differences between these two passages more thoroughly. First of all, the context couldn't be more different: in Genesis 49, Jacob (Israel) is giving the blessing to each of his sons before he dies, and foretelling with a bit of prophesy as to how it will go with them in the generations to come. In Revelation 7:4-8, the apostle John is relating to us the vision that he received regarding the sealing of the 144,000, stating that 12,000 are from each tribe listed. Since the context in both passages is so drastically different, a person could not look at both passages seriously and come to a conclusion of contradiction with any supporting logic. Who is to say that each tribe necessarily needs to be mentioned in Revelation 7? Secondly, why is studying the Bible within the context so important? In Kay Arthur's book "How to Study Your Bible" (page 18), she writes, "The word context means "that which goes with the text." In general, then, context is the environment in which something dwells, the setting in which something exists or occurs. Remember the tadpole in the creek? Context is the creek!" David L. Thompson in his book "Bible Study That Works" (page 32) writes the following, "So, assuming a context of prayer, the first step in good Bible study is observation. And one must see two things. First, one must see what is there; a matter of the contents. What is the book or unit at hand actually about: sin or grace, prayer or faith, Abraham or David, creation or second coming? These are matters of content, of observing what was said." Therefore, context is determined by carefully observing what is repeated in the text and seeing how it all relates. On a side note: this 128 page book, "Bible Study That Works" was actually the textbook as specified by the syllabus in my 'Methods in Bible Study' course at Indiana Wesleyan University more than a decade or so ago. Perhaps a good online resource that would explain context would be: http://www.spiritandtruth.org/teaching/Bible_Interpretation/03_Context/03_Context_Notes.pdf. In conclusion, you can understand why a narrative listing of the tribes of Israel (Genesis 49) would be different from an apocalyptic listing (Revelation 7:4-8) of the tribes of Israel without coming to a conclusion that there is a contradiction. Good observation in regards to the tribe of Levi: in Genesis 49, this tribe had clearly not been as yet 'set apart' for their special service to God. I hope that this helps! Blessings to you, Makarios |
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Questions and/or Subjects for Bible general Archive 4 | Author | ||
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phil2011 | ||
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Makarios | ||
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ariel levin | ||
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Makarios | ||
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Tracey | ||
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MyHeart | ||
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connie | ||
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reagve | ||
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Makarios | ||
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seekingthetruth | ||
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J!L | ||
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legsrandall | ||
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joycemack |