Sermon - AudioGen 38-40 - Audio
Gen 38-40 - Daily Reading
Daily Insights - Please Comment
Chapter 38
Tamar understood the Hittite law that stipulated that when a widow married her late husband's brother and then died, she was to marry his father. She was following this law. The story of Judah and Tamar is a story of community. Of the willingness of Tamar to risk her life to sustain and be loyal to it, and Judah’s unwillingness to risk his son to sustain and be loyal to the community. For this reason Judah recognizes that Tamar is more righteous than he is—for she recognizes the importance of community, even when it means taking risks. For her willingness to risk the Rabbi’s say that she is given the honor of being one who is part of King David’s line.
v. 9: It’s all about the inheritance. Onan is fearful that the child who would be born would take part of the inheritance from him.
v. 27-30: What is the significance of the scarlet thread? When Tamar was giving birth to her twins, Zerah stuck his arm out first and the midwife tied a scarlet thread on his wrist to tag him as the first born. He pulled his hand back in and his brother Perez came out as the first born which suggests something important in the lineage to follow.
Chapter 39
In the past, God communicated directly with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Although God never speaks directly to Joseph, His presence is affirmed through dreams.
v. 6-9: Joseph recognizes that to give in to Potiphar's wife would not only be an offense against Potiphar who trusted him with everything, but more importantly would be an offense against God. The 10 Commandments were not yet given, but it was understood that taking another man's wife would be considered a sin.
Chapter 40
v. 4: In prison (just like in Potiphar's house), Joseph was given the authority to wait on the captain of the guard and manage the affairs of the house/prison.
v. 8-19: Joseph is unique in interpreting dreams because he did not consult scientific literature (which was the custom of the day, i.e. wise men and magicians), but consulted God for his interpretation.
v. 14 and 23: Joseph requests that he be remembered so he can be released from prison. In v. 23 the cupbearer did not remember Joseph. Could this be because God is the only one who will remember and release Joseph?
3 comments:
It's so amazing to me that the same God that was with Joseph in prison is with us during our times of trouble. It's so soothing to know that God is the ancient of days and that even though people may speak lies about us and people believe those lies God sees it all and HE judges accordingly.
Rebecca: Thank you for your comment, it brought me up short. I so appreciate your insight in seeing "God with us" in this story.
I realized on reading your comment that I have never viewed this story as anything but some facts about God manuvering everything to accomplish his plan. In doing so I lose track of the realness of the people, they are just chess pieces that get moved.
Again, thank you.
My heart just aches for what Joseph had to go through. He was punished for something he didn't do and it makes me think of others that have been accused. We are so quick to point figers and go along with what others first impressions are instead of giving them the benefit of the doubt. It reminds me to pray for the judges of today, but take comfort in knowing that when God returns HE will make everything right again and judge accordingly.
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