This section of scripture contains further interaction between God and Abram, where we see Abram's faith in God and His promises. As I've mentioned before, it must have been absolutely amazing to have such a relationship with the Lord - where he not only speaks through written words but in dreams and even directly in the waking day! I cannot imagine it, but it encourages me to look forward to Heaven with great expectations.
Toward the end of this passage, God also gives a physical description of the lands which are promised to Abram and his descendants: "From the river of Egypt as far as the great river, the river Euphrates" (NAS). If I read that correctly, it means that the current boarders of Israel are far smaller than they should be! I'd say that the Israeli people have a right to all of Lebanon, as well as a few other countries or parts of countries in that region.
This chapter in:
New America Standard, New King James, New International
Voting on Laws
15 years ago
Posts
3 comments:
I'm not entirely sure, but it seems that verses 4-5 could be an early reference to Jesus? You are correct, though, any direct contact would be awesome! :)
Literally, as I'm sure you know, v. 4-5 refer to Isaac, the child of the Promise, and then to all the people of Israel. As Christians, we can say, as Paul did, that through Jesus we have all been made children of Abraham (by faith), so that God thinks, in part, of us when He makes this promise. I don't think we can accurately read it as an allusion directly to Christ, though.
A note on yesterday: since Melchizedek was not of Israel (obviously, we're still two generations before Israel here), he's kind of a free agent. What I mean to say is that he is (indirectly) a direct representative of God (i.e. not an angel, but in a sense closer to God than the chosen people, hence Abram's action). The point is, as you said, William, that Abram tithes to him. And through Abram, the entire people of Israel, including the Levites, who later receive tithes from the rest of Israel!
I feel there's a lot more to be said about this passage, but I've exhausted my words for now. Cheers!
Forgive me, I was referring to the speaker of the promise, not the actual promise. At the beginning of verse 4, it says, "Then behold, the word of the LORD came to him, saying..." My focus was "the WORD of the LORD". As we know, Jesus had may other names, "The Word", being one of them. Later, in verse 5, it says "And He took him outside and said..." and "...And He said to him...", making it sound like it wasn't necessarily written word, but God, himself, actually speaking directly to Abram. Good points regarding our place, as children, though. Also interesting about this chapter is the shear amount of Prophecy that is given. Just cool! :)
Post a Comment