Hot Pursuit

Hot Pursuit

Genesis 31: ²² And Laban was told on the third day that Jacob had fled. ²³ Then he took his brethren with him and pursued him for seven days’ journey, and he overtook him in the mountains of Gilead. ²⁴ But God had come to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said to him, “Be careful that you speak to Jacob neither good nor bad.”

 

²⁵ So Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mountains, and Laban with his brethren pitched in the mountains of Gilead.

 

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Laban lived in Haran. This was Sarah’s home where Abraham met and married her. Laban was the son of Nahor and Milkah. He heard stories about GOD destroying Sodom. When he was told about Jacob fleeing from him, he realized it would take days to catch him. But he was met by GOD.

 

My Observations:

• Laban was furious and probably wanted to kill Jacob.
• GOD warned Laban not to speak good or bad about Jacob.
• Laban was probably cautious about his approach with Jacob.

 

It took a week for Laban and his crew to catch Jacob in the mountains of Gilead. He set up camp near Jacob, heeding GOD’s warning. He knew that if he were to bring any harm to Jacob, he would face GOD’s wrath.

 

Laban had to calm down enough to be able to talk versus act. His first inclination was probably to kill everyone and take back all his stuff. But he realized that GOD had a different plan. He may not have ever heard from GOD directly. His encounter would be memorable.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD give details to Moses about Laban’s pursuit?
• Have you ever gotten angry and started to act before thinking?
• In times of anger, are you willing to slow down before acting or saying anything so GOD can diffuse the situation>?

Laban’s Greed

Laban’s Greed

Genesis 30: ³¹ So he said, “What shall I give you?”

 

And Jacob said, “You shall not give me anything. If you will do this thing for me, I will again feed and keep your flocks: ³² Let me pass through all your flock today, removing from there all the speckled and spotted sheep, and all the brown ones among the lambs, and the spotted and speckled among the goats; and these shall be my wages. ³³ So my righteousness will answer for me in time to come, when the subject of my wages comes before you: every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and brown among the lambs, will be considered stolen, if it is with me.”

 

³⁴ And Laban said, “Oh, that it were according to your word!” ³⁵ So he removed that day the male goats that were speckled and spotted, all the female goats that were speckled and spotted, every one that had some white in it, and all the brown ones among the lambs, and gave them into the hand of his sons. ³⁶ Then he put three days’ journey between himself and Jacob, and Jacob fed the rest of Laban’s flocks.

 

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When Abraham’s servant came to the place where Abraham grew up, he prayed for a wife for Isaac and Rebekah showed up. Bethuel was her father, but she ran and told her mother and Laban. Years later, Jacob shows up. Laban, Jacob’s uncle, is in control of a vast estate of lambs, cattle, goats, camels and many other animals. When Jacob asked to leave, Laban asked about the parting wages.

 

My Observations:

• Laban was a deceiver who may have followed the ways of those who worshipped idols.
• Terah was Abraham’s father who also had Haran and named the city after him when he died.
• Laban lived in Haran and may have picked up values that included greed and human possession.

 

Being wealthy and greedy, Laban saw an opportunity to get over on Jacob again. When Jacob gave the parameters of the parting wages, Laban went through the flocks and herds and chose the best animals for himself. He separated the animals with three days’ journey between him and Jacob.

 

Little did Laban know, that GOD was in control of the situation. It’s hard to see how GOD would use a deceiver like Jacob, but HE had a larger plan. Possibly there was no one who would even mention GOD, living at that time. Maybe it was similar to the time of Noah, where he was the only believer on earth. Regardless, GOD showed grace to Jacob.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about the conversation between Laban and Jacob?
• Have you ever done something wrong and wondered if GOD would leave you?
• Can you make a decision today to stand firm with the LORD despite any sin you did in the past?

They All Praised

 

They All Praised

Genesis 24: ²² So it was, when the camels had finished drinking, that the man took a golden nose ring weighing half a shekel, and two bracelets for her wrists weighing ten shekels of gold, ²³ and said, “Whose daughter are you? Tell me, please, is there room in your father’s house for us to lodge?”

 

²⁴ So she said to him, “I am the daughter of Bethuel, Milcah’s son, whom she bore to Nahor.” ²⁵ Moreover she said to him, “We have both straw and feed enough, and room to lodge.”

 

²⁶ Then the man bowed down his head and worshiped the Lord. ²⁷ And he said, “Blessed be the Lord God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken His mercy and His truth toward my master. As for me, being on the way, the Lord led me to the house of my master’s brethren.” ²⁸ So the young woman ran and told her mother’s household these things.

 

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Abraham’s servant realized that Rebekah was the one who GOD led him to. He gave her gold from the Garden of Eden. I believe all gold came from there. She explained who she was related to.

 

My Observations:

• Rebekah was a strong woman who had a strong mother and grandmother.
• Rebekah got excited, but used wisdom and ran to her “mother’s household.”
• Abraham’s servant praised GOD for showing mercy to Abraham.

 

Rebekah was excited, Abraham’s servant was excited and soon the entire household would be excited. Milcah must have been a prominent figure in the community. She was Haran’s daughter. Haran was Abrahm’s brother who died. Rebekah mentioned Milcah in a way that she was the one who was known.

 

Abraham’s servant thanked GOD for showing him exactly what he was looking for. He wanted Abraham to get exactly what he asked for. He may not have know how important finding Rebekah was. GOD orchestrated the scenario where Abraham’s family would become involved. They seemed to be one of the few who worshipped GOD at the time.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD go into detail over whose household Rebekah belonged to?
• What did you do when GOD answered a prayer in your favor?
• Can you praise GOD for what HE has done and what HE will do in your life?

Seeking the Best for Others

Seeking the Best for Others

Genesis 24: ¹⁰ Then the servant took ten of his master’s camels and departed, for all his master’s goods were in his hand. And he arose and went to Mesopotamia, to the city of Nahor. ¹¹ And he made his camels kneel down outside the city by a well of water at evening time, the time when women go out to draw water. ¹² Then he said, “O Lord God of my master Abraham, please give me success this day, and show kindness to my master Abraham. ¹³ Behold, here I stand by the well of water, and the daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water. ¹⁴ Now let it be that the young woman to whom I say, ‘Please let down your pitcher that I may drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink, and I will also give your camels a drink’—let her be the one You have appointed for Your servant Isaac. And by this I will know that You have shown kindness to my master.”

 

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Nervous and confused, Abraham’s servant did as he was commanded. He went to Mesopotamia, city of Nahor, Abraham’s brother. Abraham and Nahor were born in Ur, land of the Chaldeans, but when their brother Haran died, they both moved. Nahor was named after his grandfather. Abraham’s servant prayed to the LORD.

 

My Observations:

• Even someone who did not speak to the LORD much, saw the power of GOD.
• Abraham’s servant had everything Abraham had at his disposal, so going on this quest must have been important.
• Abrahm’s servant wanted the best for Abraham and he sought clarity.

 

Instead of asking people “Where are Nahor’s relatives?”, Abraham’s servant sought clarity from GOD. He had been with Abraham through difficult times and saw him succeed, over and over. He was probably nervous at disappointing Abraham, even though he would be released from the oath he took if things did not work out.

 

Abraham’s servant prayed a specific prayer, not to test GOD’s power, rather to know it was HIM who provided the answer versus guessing wrong on a matter of this importance. Abraham’s servant wanted the best for Abraham. He asked for GOD’s kindness to be shown. GOD listened to this prayer.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Abraham’s servant’s prayer?
• Have you ever needed clarity from GOD?
• Do you want the best for someone and are willing to ask GOD to show HIS kindness?

All in the Family

All in the Family

Genesis 22: ²⁰ Now it came to pass after these things that it was told Abraham, saying, “Indeed Milcah also has borne children to your brother Nahor: ²¹ Huz his firstborn, Buz his brother, Kemuel the father of Aram, ²² Chesed, Hazo, Pildash, Jidlaph, and Bethuel.” ²³ And Bethuel begot Rebekah. These eight Milcah bore to Nahor, Abraham’s brother. ²⁴ His concubine, whose name was Reumah, also bore Tebah, Gaham, Thahash, and Maachah.

 

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After the flood, GOD said to Noah’s family, “Be fruitful and multiply” just like HE said to Adam and Eve. Generations passed and Terah, father of Abraham, Nahor and Haran, was born. Haran died and tore Terah apart. Abraham and Nahor got a plan. They would get married and bring some joy to Terah.

 

Abraham married Sarah and Nahor married Haran’s daughter Milcah. Someone from Milcah’s family told Abraham about her children.

 

My Observations:

• Milcah was watched over by the LORD.
• Milcah and Nahor also shared in the blessing from GOD.
• Milcah had a child named Bethuel who was the father of Rebekah, who will be discussed later.

 

Though the family faced the difficulties of death, they lived for GOD in a way that HE mentioned them to Moses. JESUS, the Angel of the LORD, seemed close to this family and must have spoken to them regularly. The heartache of losing Haran was filled with joy through Nahor and Milcah.

 

Milcah was opposite of Sarah as she had eight children. They remained in the area that Terah left, amongst the Chaldeans. JESUS’ human lineage would come through this family. To clarify, I believe JESUS was the one who made numerous appearances in the Old Testament.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD give Moses this conversation and lineage?
• Have you ever thought you were not seen by GOD?
• Do you realize you are part of GOD’s family and HE sees you and loves you?

Lone Guardian

Lone Guardian

Genesis 19: Now the two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them, and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground. ² And he said, “Here now, my lords, please turn in to your servant’s house and spend the night, and wash your feet; then you may rise early and go on your way.”

And they said, “No, but we will spend the night in the open square.”

³ But he insisted strongly; so they turned in to him and entered his house. Then he made them a feast, and baked unleavened bread, and they ate.

 

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After leaving Abraham and Sarah, the angels arrived at Sodom. Lot was there in the gate to the city. He recognized the angels as being special. He insisted that they stay with him. He, just like Abraham, wanted to serve the angels by washing their feet.

 

My Observations:

• Lot took it upon himself to guard the city of Sodom, turning away innocent people.
• Lot did not partake in the ways of Sodom, but his family was not with him in his beliefs.
• The angels could easily protect themselves, but went with Lot to his house.

 

Lot was raised by Haran, Abram’s father. He heard the stories of Seth and Noah. He believed in the LORD’s ways, but chose poorly when he went to Sodom. He may have realized this choice was poor and tried to make up for it by guarding the city by himself.

 

When the angels appeared, he recognized them as beings from GOD. He knew he had to do something to protect them, thinking they needed protection. The angels were going to stay in the town square, but were convinced to stay in Lot’s house. I believe that angels are not omniscient, so they only had the information revealed to them by GOD.

 

They knew about Lot and his family as informed by GOD. They were sent on a mission to destroy Sodom. Lot brought the angels in his home, thinking he was going to send them on their way in the morning.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think Lot was sitting at the gate of the city?
• Have you ever been in a situation where you were the only one who believed in GOD’s ways?
• If you are the only believer in JESUS as your LORD and Savior in your area, what would you do?

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?