Bible Study Online Article
As we move away from the account of Joseph for a moment, the scriptures has now placed our attention on the historic account of Judah. I feel that this is a very important record, being that it was the family lineage of Judah that our Saviour Jesus Christ would eventually come from. Normally when this account is taught and preached on, I find that the main focus is often times placed on the events that happened between Judah and his daughter-in-law Tamar. Being that these are very important events, I also find that the occurrences that had happened earlier in Judah's life that leads up to Tamar are just as important. This account is also one of those that seem to be placed out of the proper order sequences, being that it starts before Joseph was sold into slavery. Now it's these types of accounts that non-believers try to use when they want to bring trivial and frivolous objections to the Word of God. So therefore some might try to gloss over certain accounts or just ignore these types of records that are found within God's awesome book. I must admit that the thought had crossed my mind when it came to this particular record, being that the account of Joseph seems to be more interesting and engaging when it comes to one's mind. But these are the things that are so wonderful and mysterious when it comes to God's Word; for it causes one to reach beyond the surface of simple reason and rational thinking. I like to think that if we never push ourselves to go beyond the norm in our thinking process, then we will be forever limited to the natural environment that surrounds it. As I started to delve deeper and began to peel back the simple text layers when it came to these particular passages. I would ask myself why the extra detail over the others when it comes to the record of Judah's family history? As I continued my journey, I began to discover some very interesting information. First let me point out that this record goes back before Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers. For we are actually taken back to a time when Judah himself was around the age of seventeen. Now pay close attention, because its right here at the very beginning of the account in the thirty eight chapter, if you're not careful you can be thrown completely off when it comes to the actual time period that this passage is referring to. "At that time, Judah left his brothers and went down to stay with a man of Adullam named Hirah." (Genesis 38: 1) Being that this scripture is placed right after the account of Joseph being sold into slavery, you would assume that Judah had left his brothers soon after this deceitful account of betrayal had happened. Well perhaps? But this scripture is pointing to an earlier time period when Judah had left his brothers once before. Why so? Why not begin Judah's account from the time that Joseph was sold? This is a very good question, so let me try to answer it from what I gathered when it comes to this awesome book. We must keep in mind that Judah and his genealogy gains special attention throughout the Bible, simply because - our Lord Jesus Christ will eventually come from his family lineage. I know I stated this before, but its important being that this is the whole reason why I begun these studies from within the Old Testament and not from the New Testament - like most would do. You have to understand and see how Jesus is just as much part of the Old Testament as he is of the New Testament. The Old Testament is the foundation of everything that the New Testament is. And the New Testament is the confirmation and fulfillment of everything that the Old Testament had foretold and promised. This is why we must learn to have patience when it comes to God's Word. When we begin our studies in the New Testament, we seem to get immediate answers when it comes to our salvation and who Jesus is. Notice how I used the word 'seem.' For how can you know and appreciate what the gift of salvation truly is if you don't know about the history of fallen humanity? How can you stand strong and courageous for Jesus Christ, if you don't know about the promises and the historic events that took place throughout this great book? What about the prophecies that were foretold that laid forth the path of great expectations that Jesus would later meet and fulfill through physical and divine confirmations? Having a good understanding of the Old Testament will help you to stand and have faith without doubt when it comes to who Jesus is. Once you see how Jesus fulfilled every Old Testament prophecy that was foretold about the coming Messiah, there will be no more second guessing when it comes to him. Now don't get me wrong, I have no problem with Bible teachers or leaders who start in the New Testament. In fact, as Bible teachers - this is what we are supposed to do. I'm just pointing out why I like to start in the Old Testament. So please understand that I'm not trying to be critical of any church leader or Bible teacher, in any way, shape or form - for we are all fighting along side each other in the good fight. I just wanted to point out why Judah gets the special attention over the other eleven brothers when it comes to his genealogy, being that he's directly connected with Jesus Christ and how important the Old Testament is when it comes to our Biblical studies. Judah's account is one of many that take place in the Old Testament that helps to add to the facts and substance of why we stand for Jesus, just like he stood for us on Calvary.
Jacob - The Path of Uncertainty 69) Joseph the Interpreter of Dreams 71) Joseph & The Pit of Darkness 72) Jacob the Father of Sorrow 73) <-CURRENT PAGE-> 76) Tamar's Revenge 78) Joseph the Servant of Favor 79) Potiphar's Wife Pursues Joseph 82) The Dreaming Cupbearer & Baker 84) Joseph's Dark Dreams Interpretation 85) Joseph the Overseer of Egypt  CrossDaily.com Web Search where you can VOTE FOR THIS SITE & other great ones. Christian search engine, directory & voting index. You'll find Bible, chat, churches, jobs, music, reviews, software, theology, & more. See the best sites!
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