Gifts Were Given

Gifts Were Given

Genesis 14: ¹⁸ Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. ¹⁹ And he blessed him and said:

 

“Blessed be Abram of God Most High,
Possessor of heaven and earth;
²⁰ And blessed be God Most High,
Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.”

 

And he gave him a tithe of all.

 

²¹ Now the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, and take the goods for yourself.”

 

²² But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the Lord, God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth, ²³ that I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich’— ²⁴ except only what the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men who went with me: Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.”

 

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Upon Abram’s successful return, he was met by the King of Sodom to be thanked for getting all the stuff back. Abram was then met by Melchizedek king of Salem. He was the priest of GOD MOST HIGH. Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all that was taken from Sodom, Lot and all the people. He did this in front of the king of Sodom, who then asked for slaves.

 

My Observations:

• Abram chose to give a tenth of the “Plunder” to Melchizedek.
• Abram could have kept all the stuff for himself, but chose to give some of it away and the rest back to their owners.
• Abram then told the king of Sodom that he would not allow the thought of being made rich from a person who practiced evil against the LORD.

 

Gifts were given to Melchizedek; I believe because he followed GOD with all his heart. Melchizedek was a servant leader who GOD recognized as the first priest. He may have led the people through servant leadership and was therefore not invited to fight with the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah. Melchizedek did not ask for anything, instead offered a blessing over Abram.

 

Meanwhile, the King of Sodom was worried about stuff and slaves. Abram, through this action, set a precedence for giving that would later become a law to support the Levitical priests. Abel sacrificed an animal to GOD showing belief in GOD’s mercy. Abram was the first to give to a priest, because of the priest’s relationship with GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD call Melchizedek a priest and mention him to Moses?
• Have you ever felt like you do not have enough?
• What is GOD asking you to do with your stuff?

Tiny Wins

Tiny Wins

Genesis 14: ¹³ Then one who had escaped came and told Abram the Hebrew, for he dwelt by ^[c]the terebinth trees of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and brother of Aner; and they were allies with Abram. ¹⁴ Now when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his three hundred and eighteen trained servants who were born in his own house, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. ¹⁵ He divided his forces against them by night, and he and his servants attacked them and pursued them as far as Hobah, which is north of Damascus. ¹⁶ So he brought back all the goods, and also brought back his brother Lot and his goods, as well as the women and the people.

 

¹⁷ And the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley), after his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him.

 

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Weeks after Lot’s capture, someone who had escaped, made it back to Abram. He told Abram everything that happened. Abram gathered a tiny army of three hundred eighteen trained servants, born in his house. Abram may have trained them himself, because he learned the ways of the Chaldeans and picked up ways of the Amorites, where he lived.

 

Abram’s tiny army would probably blend in during the day and sneak into camp at night, killing off the defense, little by little. Soon the rebellious king Chedorlaomer’s army was defeated.

 

My Observations:

• Abram’s army was tiny in comparison to the thousands they face from other armies.
• This encounter is the first of many battles between humans that showed a clear separation between those who followed GOD and those who did not.
• The king of Sodom, still remaining cowardly, met Abram in a valley where Abram’s forces could be seen on all aides.

 

When GOD wiped out humans with the flood because their thoughts were violent and evil, HE saved only a handful of people to propagate the earth. BUT HE knew evil was still among the handful. This evil was from Satan himself. The attitude of developing a replica of the Garden of Eden, showed that humans did not need GOD.

 

Cities, towers and currency ruled instead of bowing down to GOD. Abram and his tiny army may have bowed to GOD and also understood that there were no negotiations with those who would kill first and steal others. GOD allowed humans to take justice into their own hands. Abram retrieved Lot, Sodom’s stuff, the women and the people. He set everyone free from captivity.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think Abram’s tiny army was successful in freeing those who were taken into captivity?
• Have you ever felt small, but were faced with something big?
• Can you have faith that GOD can use your small numbers to show HIS greatness?

Caught in the Middle

Caught in the Middle

Genesis 14: ⁸ And the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) went out and joined together in battle in the Valley of Siddim ⁹ against Chedorlaomer king of Elam, Tidal king of nations, Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar—four kings against five. ¹⁰ Now the Valley of Siddim was full of asphalt pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled; some fell there, and the remainder fled to the mountains. ¹¹ Then they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their provisions, and went their way. ¹² They also took Lot, Abram’s brother’s son who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.

 

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Having studied the land, Lot chose to move to an area that had lush greenery. Sodom and Gomorrah “looked” like a great place to live. But Lot did not study the inhabitants. They were fully against GOD and possibly did as they pleased, thinking it was freedom. Their ingenuity led them to possibly build a replica of what they thought, the Garden of Eden looked like.  But neighboring kings were jealous.

 

My Observations:

• Lot may have wanted the best but at a cost of compromising his values.
• Lot had no idea he would lose all of his stuff and be taken as a slave.
• Lot was probably in anguish, not knowing what would become of him.

 

Not knowing the terrain, the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled in terror. They may have thought they had an advantage by outnumbering the opponent. But their advantage was turned into a disadvantage because of the unfamiliar tarpits. Their opponents may have known where each tarpit was and could navigate the terrain with ease. The kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled.

 

All their stuff, including Lot and his stuff, were taken. The replica of the Garden of Eden was left desolate. The marauders took everything and went back to their land. Human ingenuity was used against human ingenuity.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD mention the uneven number of kings against kings to Moses?
• Are you looking at something from a human perspective without consulting GOD?
• Are you willing to take a moment to ask GOD if the plan you are about to do, is HIS versus yours?

Rebelled and Attacked

 Rebelled and Attacked

Genesis 14: And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations, ² that they made war with Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). ³ All these joined together in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). ⁴ Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled.

 

⁵ In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the kings that were with him came and attacked the Rephaim in Ashteroth Karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Emim in Shaveh Kiriathaim, ⁶ and the Horites in their mountain of Seir, as far as El Paran, which is by the wilderness. ⁷ Then they turned back and came to En Mishpat (that is, Kadesh), and attacked all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites who dwelt in Hazezon Tamar.

 

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Egypt had a Pharaoh who was revered as a god. But other places instituted kings who were great warriors. The people who followed these leaders did not see value in following GOD. When Canaan rebelled and started many cities, a rebellious attitude lingered amongst those he led. Temporary alliances were formed and broken. People were attacking one another.

 

My Observations:

• Rebelling against GOD led to rebelling against other humans.
• Kings were first mentioned here in a negative way.
• GOD said humans were still evil, yet HE would not wipe them out with a flood.

 

Creating heaven on earth led to jealousy amongst those who did not share in those comforts. Wells watered plants, making them lush and green. Animals had plenty to eat. People had shelter and enjoyed life’s luxuries. But this would only last so long.

 

Lot left Abram, seeking a better life. Instead, he ended up in a warzone. He stayed there for years, but things got bad . Rebellion and attacks became the norm. What looked good on the surface was now a curse. Fear and hatred were now dominant in the area.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about this first set of kings?
• Have you ever wanted something better and found yourself in a worse situation?
• Is there a part of you that wants to rebel against GOD so your following can grow?

A Bigger Vision

A Bigger Vision

Genesis 13: ¹⁴ And the Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him: “Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are—northward, southward, eastward, and westward; ¹⁵ for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever. ¹⁶ And I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth; so that if a man could number the dust of the earth, then your descendants also could be numbered. ¹⁷ Arise, walk in the land through its length and its width, for I give it to you.”

 

¹⁸ Then Abram moved his tent, and went and dwelt by the terebinth trees of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and built an altar there to the Lord.

 

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Lot was raised by Terah, Abram’s father. He knew how to manage wealth and recognized opportunity when he saw it. Unfortunately, some of the opportunity he saw was from people who despised the LORD. Lot seemed torn between wealth and his heritage of following the LORD. When he left, GOD appeared to Abram.

 

My Observations:

• GOD could have appeared to Abram and Lot, but HE waited.
• Abram thought the first little place GOD showed him was the final place.
• Abram seemed to have so much faith, that he moved without complaining.

 

Possibly seeing that GOD had something bigger than he realized, Abram did not question GOD by asking “Why didn’t you show me this in the first place?” Lot had to leave before the bigger vision was given to Abram. Everywhere Abram looked was given to his descendants. Abram’s name would become so great that no human could ever count his descendants.

 

This meant that the vision was supernatural in nature. “I will” meant that GOD made a promise that would happen. “From the place” where Abram was, where he thought was the end of the vision, GOD showed something far greater. Abram did not have to lift a finger or try harder to have a better relationship with GOD. He just had to have faith.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD waited for Lot to leave before HE showed Abram the bigger vision?
• Are you clinging onto a circle of people who may be keeping you in a smaller vision?
• Are you willing to open your eyes to a bigger vision GOD has for you that includes you in HIS plan?

Best Trap

Best Trap

Genesis 13: ⁸ So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no strife between you and me, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are brethren. ⁹ Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me. If you take the left, then I will go to the right; or, if you go to the right, then I will go to the left.”

 

¹⁰ And Lot lifted his eyes and saw all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere (before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah) like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt as you go toward Zoar. ¹¹ Then Lot chose for himself all the plain of Jordan, and Lot journeyed east. And they separated from each other. ¹² Abram dwelt in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelt in the cities of the plain and pitched his tent even as far as Sodom. ¹³ But the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the Lord.

 

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After being tricked by Satan, Adam and Eve were thrown out of the Garden of Eden. Cain, may have tried to build his own garden, since he and everyone else, was not allowed back in the place that was heaven on earth. BUT GOD rejected Cain’s “sacrifice” of vegetables from his garden. From that moment, Cain and his descendants despised GOD.

 

BUT GOD saw their hearts. Only a few people willingly walked with HIM. HE told Noah to build an ark. HE saved only Noah and his family. After the flood Shem followed the LORD. But Canaan did not. Canaan sought power. Noah cursed Canaan, but Canaan rejected the curse. He founded many cities. Sodom was one of them. He was brilliant. He and his followers felt they could make heaven on earth, despite GOD. Lot chose what Cain and Canaan chose, namely “the bast.”

 

My Observations:

• Humans seem to want the comforts of heaven, while being on earth.
• Lot saw the best places on earth as an opportunity to grow wealthy and live lavishly.
• The places Lot chose were the most evil places on earth.

 

Seeing the best places became a temptation for Lot. He overlooked the people, perhaps thinking he would not be affected by what they were doing. Unfortunately, he would be wrong. The “best” place without GOD is the worst place anyone could be. He may have thought his upbringing could withstand the temptations wealth and power could bring.

 

Sodom had men who were very smart, super productive yet cursed GOD, possibly because of HIS just decision to throw Adam and Eve out of the garden. They no longer believed that GOD created the land they claimed and built a replica of the garden that was “well watered” everywhere. Lot may have been tired of famines and fighting. He wanted the best and did not know he was falling into a trap.

 

Challenge

• What is the tone from GOD as HE explains Lot’s choice to Moses?
• Have you ever wanted the best, overlooking the consequences of getting the best?
• Can you seek GOD and HIS kingdom first as your best instead of seeking human kingdom’s that may exclude HIM?

Problem Presented

Problem Presented

Genesis 13: ⁵ Lot also, who went with Abram, had flocks and herds and tents. ⁶ Now the land was not able to support them, that they might dwell together, for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together. ⁷ And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. The Canaanites and the Perizzites then dwelt in the land.

 

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After leaving Egypt with more stuff, Abram and Lot returned to the land that GOD showed. But there was a problem. Abram had herds and flocks and so did Lot. After experiencing a famine, the land was probably healing slowly. Abram’s herdsmen and Lot’s herdsmen may have tried to get up earlier and earlier to guide animals to places to graze. They had another problem. The Canaanites and the Perizzites also “dwelt in the land.”

 

My Observations:

• Abram had a habit of assuming GOD’s plan was completed by what “he” could see.
• Abram and Lot had so much stuff that the original location GOD showed could not hold them.
• Having too much stuff became a problem with everyone, so fights broke out.

 

Wars over territory seem common for humans. People seek the best living spaces they can find. The best views, cleanest water and the most comfort are sought by the masses. This “little” stretch of land was not large enough to hold Abram’s stuff, let alone Lot’s, who had vast amounts of stuff too.

 

While it sounded like a good problem to have, attitudes broke out that could cause wars. GOD had blessed Abram and Lot with stuff, but the stuff was getting in the way of peace. To top it off, the Canaanites and the Perizzites, who may have fought against GOD’s ways, also had stuff. Abram assumed the land was the end of GOD’s plan. Something had to be done. GOD would need to intervene.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about the problem of the tiny living space between Abram and Lot?
• Does it seem to you that GOD works in stages that we mistake for the final part of HIS plan?
• Can you drop your assumption that GOD is finished with HIS plan for you because it may be just beginning?

Looking for What’s Necessary

Looking for What’s Necessary

Genesis 13: Then Abram went up from Egypt, he and his wife and all that he had, and Lot with him, to the South. ² Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold. ³ And he went on his journey from the South 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 at first. And there Abram called on the name of the Lord.

 

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After months or years from being gone, Abram along with, Sarai, Lot and all the people who followed them, left Egypt and went back to the land GOD showed him. GOD informs Moses that Abram was “very rich.” Abram was given a lot of livestock by the Egyptians and he added it to his already vast empire.

 

Some of the Egyptians may have revered Abram and Sarai as gods because of the strange plagues that fell on them when seeking her. They dared not touch them, but sent them on their way. When Abram returned to the land, he “called on the name of the LORD.”

 

My Observations:

Abram was rich and powerful, yet he did not consider his status as acceptable.

Abram had all he wanted, but something was still missing.

Abram sought after the LORD, knowing HE was the answer to his heart’s desires.

 

After all the distractions were over, Abram seemed to be able to relax and call on the name of the LORD. His fears may have subsided as they settled in to the land GOD showed him. While he had a great number of possessions, he did not seem like the possessions had him. Something was missing. GOD.

 

He had been through famine, faltering with family, and falling to fear. None of his possessions could heal his hurt heart. He knew what he needed to look for. He sought the LORD as he had done in the past. Only the LORD could guide him.

 

Challenge

Why do you think GOD told Moses about Abram’s wealth?

Have you ever had more than enough and still called to GOD for direction?

Do you call on the name of the LORD for direction and also just to be with HIM?

Because of Her

Because of Her

Genesis 12: ¹⁴ So it was, when Abram came into Egypt, that the Egyptians saw the woman, that she was very beautiful. ¹⁵ The princes of Pharaoh also saw her and commended her to Pharaoh. And the woman was taken to Pharaoh’s house. ¹⁶ He treated Abram well for her sake. He had sheep, oxen, male donkeys, male and female servants, female donkeys, and camels.

 

¹⁷ But the Lord plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram’s wife. ¹⁸ And Pharaoh called Abram and said, “What is this you have done to me? Why did you not tell me that she was your wife? ¹⁹ Why did you say, ‘She is my sister’? I might have taken her as my wife. Now therefore, here is your wife; take her and go your way.” ²⁰ So Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him; and they sent him away, with his wife and all that he had.

 

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Nervously planning, Abram asked his wife, Sarai, to lie and say she was his sister. GOD had caused a famine in the land HE promised to Abram, forcing them to seek food in Egypt. But when they got there, the Egyptians did as Abram suspected. They took Sarai to Pharaoh’s house. He treated Abram well, probably trying to win her heart.

 

My Observations:

• GOD protected Sarai from Abram’s broken plan.
• GOD protected Sarai from the Egyptians.
• GOD had a special plan for Sarai and wanted her preserved.

 

Pharaoh may have given Abram luxuries of the day because of Sarai. BUT GOD intervened. HE plagued Pharaoh and his house with extraordinary plagues that people could not say were coincidences. Maybe everyone who tried to bring Sarai to Pharaoh, fell deathly ill or perhaps the same plagues Moses would perform, happened to this Pharaoh. Whatever the case, GOD protected Sarai despite Abram’s broken plan.

 

GOD is multifaceted. While he was protecting Sarai, HE was starting to tear down a kingdom that enslaved people. Because of the plagues, Pharaoh sent Abram, Sarai and all their people and all their stuff away. This was a precursor to Moses.

 

Challenge

• How do you think Moses felt when hearing about Abram and Sarai’s encounter with Pharaoh?
• How has GOD protected you in the past?
• Have you thought about GOD’s plan for you and how HE wants to make sure the plan goes as HE expects by protecting you?

Forced Introduction

Forced Introduction

Genesis 12: ¹⁰ Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to dwell there, for the famine was severe in the land. ¹¹ And it came to pass, when he was close to entering Egypt, that he said to Sarai his wife, “Indeed I know that you are a woman of beautiful countenance. ¹² Therefore it will happen, when the Egyptians see you, that they will say, ‘This is his wife’; and they will kill me, but they will let you live. ¹³ Please say you are my sister, that it may be well with me for your sake, and that I may live because of you.”

 

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Abram, his wife Sarai, Lot and all the people who joined them, settled down in the land GOD showed them. But HE caused a great famine. This was no ordinary famine, but one in which nothing would grow for a long time. Something had to be done. Food was getting scarce for humans and animals.

 

Abram was forced to leave the land and go to a neighboring area, namely Egypt. Fear stricken, Abram asked his wife, Sarai, to lie. She agreed.

 

My Observations:

• Abram would have never left the land unless a difficult situation happened.
• GOD may have wanted to introduce the Egyptians to Abram as a precursor to Moses.
• Abram, while faithful, had fears, doubts and worries.

 

Looking back on people in the Bible makes me think they were invincible. But Abram was scared for his life. This is the first time we see him develop a plan that goes outside of GOD’s way of doing things. And it won’t be the last. Abram had a reason to be scared.

 

The Egyptian Pharaohs were possibly notorious for taking the best women for themselves. Abram wanted to stay alive and risked his marriage by asking his wife, Sarai, to say she was his sister. They were now in a predicament that they would not have chosen. They never said “If it wasn’t for the famine, we wouldn’t be in this situation.” They went forward in GOD’s promise.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses about Abram’s introduction to the Egyptians?
• Have you ever been put in a situation that you would not have chosen, only to find out it was part of GOD’s plan when you look back on it?
• Can you see that some of your difficulties are accounted for in GOD’s plan for you?

Showed the Land

Showed the Land

Genesis 12: ⁷ Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your descendants I will give this land.” And there he built an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him. ⁸ And he moved from there to the mountain east of Bethel, and he pitched his tent with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; there he built an altar to the Lord and called on the name of the Lord. ⁹ So Abram journeyed, going on still toward the South.

 

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After months of travel, the LORD appeared to Abram. They must have made many stops, wondering “is this the place?” But when they arrived at a certain place, the LORD appeared.

 

My Observations:

• Abram had to travel for weeks or even months without knowing where GOD was going to appear.
• Abram had to have faith to keep walking, even though people may have had questions about where they were going.
• Abram was probably relieved when the LORD appeared, so he built an altar to mark the location of their conversation.

 

Even though the LORD said HE would “give this land” to Abram, he kept walking. Abram already believed the promise GOD made with him regarding the land. But there seemed like there was more to do. He probably told everyone “This is the place” but went to possibly see who surrounded him.

 

Raised with some of the Chaldean knowledge, Abram may have wanted to see what could happen or what resources were available. He accepted that he and his descendants would one day live on the land shown by the LORD.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the LORD did not tell Abram about the location in the first place?
• Has GOD ever told you to do something without giving you all the details?
• Can you walk by faith in GOD today, even though you may not have all the details?

Facing Fear with Faith

Facing Fear with Faith

Genesis 12: ⁴ So Abram departed as the Lord had spoken to him, and Lot went with him. And Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. ⁵ Then Abram took Sarai his wife and Lot his brother’s son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people whom they had acquired in Haran, and they departed to go to the land of Canaan. So they came to the land of Canaan. ⁶ Abram passed through the land to the place of Shechem, as far as the terebinth tree of Moreh. And the Canaanites were then in the land.

 

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For some reason, GOD mentions age again. Abram’s ancestors lived much longer than his generation. At the same age Terah, his father, birthed him, Abram set out on a strange journey set forth by GOD. He was told to leave his father’s house and the place they lived in, but was not given a destination.

 

Abram was extremely obedient to GOD. He immediately told his family and those who joined them, to leave. Terah must have taught Abram and Lot how to handle their wealth while traveling, so this was second nature for them. He decided to face the greatest opposition to those who talked to the LORD, namely the Canaanites.

 

My Observations:

• Abram must have practiced his faith in GOD from a very young age.
• Abram was immediately faithful to GOD’s command.
• Abram went to the Canaanites, perhaps because of their strength.

 

Abram’s leadership was growing. He learned a lot from Terah, who learned from the Chaldeans. But one thing Abram did that was different than his father was leave because GOD said to do so. His request may have been questioned by everyone, because Haran, named after his deceased brother, was great for raising animals and providing food.

 

But Abram was sent on a mission. He may have listened to GOD tell him to do things in the past and the things he did worked out well. This may not have been the first time he had to do something that was scary and undefined. He had seventy-five years of practice and was ready to do what GOD said. This is the first time the terebinth tree was mentioned. It is a very strong tree.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD mentions Abram’s age to Moses?
• What fear do you have in your life that requires GOD’s intervention?
• Can you take small steps towards faith in GOD no matter how old or young you are?

Faith to Blessing

Faith to Blessing

Genesis 12: Now 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.
² I will make you a great nation;
I will bless you
And make your name great;
And you shall be a blessing.
³ I will bless those who bless you,
And I will curse him who curses you;
And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

 

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After years of being in Haran, Terah, Abram’s father, died. Teran had learned many things from the Chaldeans and had possibly amassed great wealth. He may have taught Abram how to take care of this vast empire. But now Abram saw his father pass away. He may have remembered how sad his father got when thinking about the son he lost.

 

Before Abram had time to think about sadness of the loss of his father, GOD spoke to him.

 

My Observations:

• Abram seemed to be following GOD from his youth.
• GOD had a plan that would be fulfilled through Abram, so HE promised to protect him.
• GOD had to tell Abram not to settle for what he had, where he had it, but to leave and focus on HIS blessing.

 

It would have been easy for Abram to stay where he was and to fall into sadness like his father did. BUT GOD had a plan for Abram that would bless “all families: that were “in” him. He had to leave his father’s house without worrying about where he would live.

 

He may have been comfortable with settling with being unknown, BUT GOD wanted him known for HIS purpose. Other people sought greatness, BUT GOD sought Abram and made him great. Because of Abram’s belief in GOD’s ways from the passed down stories of Shem through Terah; Abram had greater faith than his ancestors. GOD clearly saw something different and blessed him.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about the blessing HE bestowed on Abram?
• Have you gotten settled where you are, doing the same thing that you have been doing?
• Are you open to GOD moving you to do something different, so HIS plan can be fulfilled through you?

A Change of Scenery

A Change of Scenery

Genesis 11: ³¹ And Terah took his son Abram and his grandson Lot, the son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai, his son Abram’s wife, and they went out with them from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to the land of Canaan; and they came to Haran and dwelt there. ³² So the days of Terah were two hundred and five years, and Terah died in Haran.

 

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Grief stricken; Terah may have felt as if he could no longer stay in the land where his son Haran was born. Perhaps there were too many reminders of how life used to be. Terah seemed to be close to Abram and Lot. Nahor seemed to also be close to Terah. He married his niece Milcah, Haran’s daughter, to possibly bring joy to Terah. Now Terah wanted to take care of Lot.

 

Terah moved with Abram, Sarai and Lot to a new place. This was possibly a new beginning. He named the place after his deceased son, Haran. There, they would start over.

 

My Observations:

• Terah learned a lot from the Chaldeans, but did not follow all of their ways.
• Terah seemed to break traditions by having children at an older age and moving away from the land of his ancestors.
• Terah seemed to have suffered a great loss, so he named the territory after his deceased son.

 

Abram seemed to watch his father go through a serious grieving period. Terah’s wife was never mentioned, so she may have died after delivering Haran. When Haran died, it may have been too much. But he was surrounded by his son Abram, his daughter in-law Sarai, and his grandson Lot.

 

Terah seemed to use his talents herding sheep and cattle. He may have taught this talent to Abram and Lot. He may have wanted to make a place where they could live in peace all of their lives. BUT GOD had a different plan for Abram.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD mention again who surrounded Terah to Moses?
• Have you ever needed a change of scenery?
• Will you consider listening to the LORD so HE can guide you to where HE needs you today?

Surround the Grieving

Surround the Grieving

Genesis 11: ²⁷ This is the genealogy of Terah: Terah begot Abram, Nahor, and Haran. Haran begot Lot. ²⁸ And Haran died before his father Terah in his native land, in Ur of the Chaldeans. ²⁹ Then Abram and Nahor took wives: the name of Abram’s wife was Sarai, and the name of Nahor’s wife, Milcah, the daughter of Haran the father of Milcah and the father of Iscah. ³⁰ But Sarai was barren; she had no child.

 

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Terah seemed to do things differently than his ancestors. He waited to have children and moved to a place that had conquerors. The Chaldeans were mentioned for the first time here. They were highly intelligent, but warlike culture. Terah may have been influenced by them, learning how to protect his family and grow wealth through the cattle industry.

 

He may have spent time with his family, discussing the stories of Shem and learned how to follow GOD, even in a land where they did not follow HIM. Unfortunately, his son Haran died. GOD does not go into the details of his death to Moses, but it may have been a disease. Terah was probably torn to pieces. Abram and Nahor surrounded Terah, along side their wives Sarai and Milcah, Haran’s daughter.

 

My Observations:

• Terah listened to the LORD and delighted in family.
• Terah was devastated with the death of his son Haran.
• Nahor, Terah’s son, decided to take care of Haran’s daughter Milcah by marrying her.

 

Abram and Sarai were there to support the grieving father, Terah. They also had to support Milcah and Iscah who had lost a father. For years Abram and Sarai may have thought that they could bring some delight to Terah by having a child. But Sarai was baren, supernaturally.

 

Abram may have taken to the family business of cattle herding. He may have listened to Terah talk about better places, so he may have learned techniques from the Chaldeans of how to take care of large amounts of cattle while on the move. This may have given some relief to Terah.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD mention Sarai and Milcah to Moses?
• Have you ever seen someone in grief and provided help?
• Have you ever been in grief and needed help?

 

Break in Tradition

Break in Tradition

Genesis 11: ²⁴ Nahor lived twenty-nine years, and begot Terah. ²⁵ After he begot Terah, Nahor lived one hundred and nineteen years, and begot sons and daughters.

 

²⁶ Now Terah lived seventy years, and begot Abram, Nahor, and Haran.

 

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Up to this point, the descendants of Shem had unique names. But Terah did something different and named one of his sons after his father Nahor. Terah may have been close to his father Nahor and possibly listened to the stories of Shem together with him.

 

Terah waited until he was older before having children. This was different from his ancestors who traditionally had kids in their thirties. Terah only had three kids, which was also another break in tradition.

 

My Observations:

• Lifespans were getting shorter which may have been a cause for concern for Terah.
• Terah was the father of Abram and may have taught him about the LORD.
• Terah may have learned about the LORD from his father Nahor and from Shem.

 

It seemed like Terah was different than his ancestors. Family seemed to mean a lot to him, but tradition may not have been his thing. Terah seemed to be growing restless living in the same traditional place as we will see in upcoming scripture. He wanted to see the world.

 

But the world was possibly getting meaner and sicker. Violence, that GOD mentioned to Noah, was in the hearts of humans. Ailments may have been introduced possibly due to a lack of contact with GOD. Greed was possibly growing and the desire for pieces of the Garden of Eden were in high demand. Gold was a precious rock people sought after. GOD saw and protected the descendants of Shem.

 

Challenge

• Why does it seem that Terah breaks tradition as GOD explains Shem’s descendants to Moses?
• Has GOD ever made you restless, wanting to do something different, specifically for HIM?
• Are you able to break traditions, yet keep your walk with the LORD solid?

Traditions and Lifespans

Traditions and Lifespans

Genesis 11: ¹² Arphaxad lived thirty-five years, and begot Salah. ¹³ After he begot Salah, Arphaxad lived four hundred and three years, and begot sons and daughters.

 

¹⁴ Salah lived thirty years, and begot Eber. ¹⁵ After he begot Eber, Salah lived four hundred and three years, and begot sons and daughters.

 

¹⁶ Eber lived thirty-four years, and begot Peleg. ¹⁷ After he begot Peleg, Eber lived four hundred and thirty years, and begot sons and daughters.

 

¹⁸ Peleg lived thirty years, and begot Reu. ¹⁹ After he begot Reu, Peleg lived two hundred and nine years, and begot sons and daughters.

 

²⁰ Reu lived thirty-two years, and begot Serug. ²¹ After he begot Serug, Reu lived two hundred and seven years, and begot sons and daughters.

 

²² Serug lived thirty years, and begot Nahor. ²³ After he begot Nahor, Serug lived two hundred years, and begot sons and daughters.

 

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As GOD transitions from Noah’s plan and purpose, HE lists specific people who would become the lineage of JESUS. I believe this set of people held onto traditions in their way of following GOD. Each person had a child in his thirties which may not have been a coincidence. Lifespans were getting shorter.

 

My Observations:

• GOD seemed to be shortening human lifespans with this list.
• This list only contains people who would eventually birth JESUS as the human Savior.
• The list is about JESUS more than a celebration of human tradition.

 

Each of these generations had parents who were having children while they were having children. Shem passed on the conversations of Noah and GOD to Arphaxad, his son and Salah, his grandson, Eber, his great grandson, Peleg, his great, great grandson, Reu, his great, great, great grandson and Serug, his great, great, great, great grandson.

 

This community was probably rich in tradition, listening to stories about people times and circumstances related to the Garden of Eden and how GOD used to walk and talk with humans. I believe they praised GOD for salvation! Shem may have described what the world looked like before the flood in extreme detail that may have made these people to desire to follow GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why, do you think, Shem’s family chose to have children in their thirties?
• Did you grow up with any traditions?
• Do you have any traditions that focus on celebrating GOD with all your heart?

After the Flood

 After the Flood

Genesis 11: ¹⁰ This is the genealogy of Shem: Shem was one hundred years old, and begot Arphaxad two years after the flood. ¹¹ After he begot Arphaxad, Shem lived five hundred years, and begot sons and daughters.

 

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All Shem’s life revolved around the ark. From the time GOD told Noah HE was going to flood the earth until the time the ark landed safely, Shem was conceived and watched his father’s extreme obedience. He may have seen Noah trying to convince people to join them in building the ark or to prepare themselves for the flood. This may have been embarrassing. But the flood did happen. Everyone Shem knew, who did not get on the ark, was dead.

 

My Observations:

• Shem may have been cautious after the flood because it was overwhelming.
• Shem seemed to be a good listener and believed in the ways of the LORD.
• Shem respected GOD’s ways by devising a plan to cover his naked father without seeing him.

 

Shem was the beginning of a special lineage, namely that of CHRIST. I know it may be confusing, but I believe it was JESUS who walked and talked with Noah. But getting back to Shem. He heard the curse on his nephew Canaan and he witnessed the building of the Tower of Babel.

 

He also heard the blessing from Noah that everyone’s descendants, meaning Japeth and Canaan, would either live in Shem’s household or serve the descendant of Shem, which would eventually be CHRIST. Shem’s possible embarrassing and traumatic childhood would lead to him staying away from the ways of Canaan. He may have also been cautious in having children, but two years after the flood, he did what the LORD commanded and became fruitful.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD mention the flood to Moses when describing Shem’s children?
• Have you ever misunderstood someone’s calling and labeled it as embarrassing?
• Is today a good day to reflect on how GOD has saved you and what HIS purpose is for you?

Scattered

Scattered

Genesis 11: ⁵ But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower which the sons of men had built. ⁶ And the Lord said, “Indeed the people are one and they all have one language, and this is what they begin to do; now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them. ⁷ Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.” ⁸ So the Lord scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth, and they ceased building the city. ⁹ Therefore its name is called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth; and from there the Lord scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth.

 

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From the beginning, humans tried to become GOD. Adam and Eve were manipulated by Satan to eat from the Tree of Knowledge. He knew that his sentence was sealed up in a scroll and only a perfect human could open it. All humans, from that point, were imperfect and were born with a sin nature. All but ONE.

 

Imperfect Abel fought against his sin nature by mimicking GOD. Cain, on the other hand, tried to build his own Garden of Eden. Cain was cursed. Humans rejected GOD. Something had to be done. Only Noah believed. He and his family were saved from the great flood. But Canaan, Noah’s grandson did not believe that GOD should rule. This attitude spread to many people. They had one voice against GOD.

 

My Observations:

• GOD was not worried about human ingenuity, rather HE saw their arrogance and pride that mirrored Satan.
• GOD said “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”, so HE scattered them.
• Humans who have an ideology that is against JESUS being GOD, who died and was raised from the dead, will fight a losing battle.

 

One language did not seem to be the problem here, rather they had one common goal, take over! BUT GOD saw through their plan and intervened. The humans started with the massive tower. It took engineering, planning and extreme will to build the structure. Night and day, humans toiled. Years passed. Then GOD, allowing them to finish the tower, came down and confused them.

 

People may have started fighting over who’s name should go on the tower or who should get the best parts of the city. Ideologies were now separated. Humans could not stand to be with each other, to the point that they had to get away from each other. Some people may have studied the ark. They heard that the land was larger than it currently was at the time, so they may have built ships to go to other lands. GOD scattered the people and they developed local languages.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about HIS intervention?
• Have you ever gotten mad at GOD and found others who were mad at HIM as well?
• Have you examined your heart to see if you are with the LORD or fighting against HIM?

Mindset

Mindset

Genesis 11: Now the whole earth had one language and one speech. ² And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar, and they dwelt there. ³ Then they said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They had brick for stone, and they had asphalt for mortar. ⁴ And they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens; let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.”

 

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After Noah’s curse, Ham’s sons became great leaders. Unfortunately, they chose to oppose GOD at every opportunity. “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”, is what GOD said. But the people unified to do the opposite by staying in one place.

 

My Observations:

• Some people had a mindset that united them against what GOD said.
• Even if people were speaking the same language, a different mindset would confuse the words.
• Unity is usually good, but if it is against GOD, it is terrible.

 

GOD seemed to focus on a period of time when great leaders like Nimrod, got together and agreed to stay in one place. Instead of tents, they agreed to create something permanent. This structure would defy GOD by being large enough to withstand any flood. This ignored the promise that GOD would not flood the earth.

 

Their defiance went further by making a permanent structure versus going out to all parts of the earth. A unified mindset against GOD was the problem that HE may have been pointing out. They did not know that their unity played right into the hands of Satan, who wanted humans to bow down to him. His plan seemed to be working. They wanted a name or power to rule GOD. BUT GOD had a solution. Scatter the people.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD focus in on one city and one building to Moses?
• Have you ever wanted to fit in with the crowd without assessing if they were following GOD or not?
• Have you asked GOD for discernment so you can become brave enough to question your motives and crowds?

Nations and People Groups 6 of 6

 

Nations and People Groups 6 of 6

Genesis 10:  ²¹ And children were born also to Shem, the father of all the children of Eber, the brother of Japheth the elder. ²² The sons of Shem were Elam, Asshur, Arphaxad, Lud, and Aram. ²³ The sons of Aram were Uz, Hul, Gether, and Mash. ²⁴ Arphaxad begot Salah, and Salah begot Eber. ²⁵ To Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided; and his brother’s name was Joktan. ²⁶ Joktan begot Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah, ²⁷ Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah, ²⁸ Obal, Abimael, Sheba, ²⁹ Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab. All these were the sons of Joktan. ³⁰ And their dwelling place was from Mesha as you go toward Sephar, the mountain of the east. ³¹ These were the sons of Shem, according to their families, according to their languages, in their lands, according to their nations.

 

³² These were the families of the sons of Noah, according to their generations, in their nations; and from these the nations were divided on the earth after the flood.

 

 

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Shem was the youngest son of Noah. He seemed to be the one who watched Noah’s interactions with the LORD. When Canaan may have sent his father, Ham, into the tent of Noah in an act of defiance, it was Shem who came up with the idea that would preserve Noah. He and his older brother Japeth would walk into Noah’s tent backward and cover his nakedness.

 

My Observations:

• Shem respected GOD and did not scoff at HIS ways.
• Shem tried to mirror Noah by doing what pleased GOD.
• Noah’s curse included a blessing for Shem’s family.

 

Following GOD became complex early on. Satan had a great plan to steal humans and to protect himself from GOD’s judgment. He made the first humans’ sin, causing all humans to have a sin nature. The “seed of Adam” would be passed down with a nature that opposed GOD. BUT GOD had a plan.

 

GOD chose people who fought against this natural inclination to sin. While not perfect, Shem’s family preserved their love of GOD by fighting their sin nature. GOD blessed this family to the point that eventually JESUS would come as a human through this lineage. Salvation was in this plan!

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD go into detail about the family of Shem to Moses?
• Have you ever wondered why GOD chooses imperfect people to do important things?
• Knowing that GOD wants ALL humans to believe in HIS SON, are your words defiant or reliant in HIS eyes?

Nations and People Groups 5 of 6

Nations and People Groups 5 of 6

Genesis 10:¹⁵ Canaan begot Sidon his firstborn, and Heth; ¹⁶ the Jebusite, the Amorite, and the Girgashite; ¹⁷ the Hivite, the Arkite, and the Sinite; ¹⁸ the Arvadite, the Zemarite, and the Hamathite. Afterward the families of the Canaanites were dispersed. ¹⁹ And the border of the Canaanites was from Sidon as you go toward Gerar, as far as Gaza; then as you go toward Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim, as far as Lasha. ²⁰ These were the sons of Ham, according to their families, according to their languages, in their lands and in their nations.

 

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Canaan’s list seems different than the rest. GOD goes into detail about people groups and where they were dispersed. Noah’s curse on Canaan was heard by GOD, Canaan seemed to be an influential leader. He seemed to oppose GOD while seeking power. He may have made his father Ham go into Noah’s tent, mocking nakedness.

 

Ham then had to tell people what he saw. Noah did not curse Ham, rather he cursed Canaan, the source of the problem. After the curse, Canaan may have wanted to ensure it would never come true.

 

My Observations:

• Canaan’s decisions caused him to speak against GOD.
• Some of Canaan’s followers took beliefs into the founding of Sodom and Gomorrah.
• GOD allowed Canaan to lead for a season, but his kingdom fell.

 

Seeking power seems to be a recurring them that is a problem with humans to GOD. HE is the source of life and strength, but HE shows incredible restraint when humans challenge HIM. GOD showed us a different route that came after the flood. HE would listen to people who sought after HIM.

 

Not just anyone could place a curse on people and make GOD agree that it is just. GOD listened to Noah because Noah spent most of his ark building days trying to convince people to follow GOD. Even after Noah’s family was saved, GOD saw the evil in the hearts of those who did not believe in HIS ways.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD go into detail about people groups and locations to Moses?
• Have you ever got mad at GOD because you or someone else was not in power?
• Can you surrender your power to GOD so HIS will be done through you today?