Bible Study Online Article
In the last article, we learned that the famine of seven years; had finally lifted from the land. Now, it's at this time the Scriptures turn our attention back towards the Israelites. For we are told, that the Israelites were doing quite well for themselves, while they dwelled in the region of Goshen. The Sacred Scriptures points out, that they had acquired property; and were fruitful, and increased greatly in number. Now, I would like to point out very quickly, that when we are told that they had acquired property; this had nothing to do with them becoming owners: for the land that they were dwelling on, belonged to Pharaoh's. But, while the Israelites lived in that region; during that time: they were able to profit from the land, as if; they did own it. For, the increase that the land produced for them; would in fact, be theirs. It's at this point in the account that we are fast forwarded: "Jacob lived in Egypt seventeen years, and the years of his life, were one-hundred and forty-seven." I find this to be very interesting, being that Joseph was under the care of Jacob; for the first seventeen years of his life, and now; Jacob is under the care of Joseph, for the last seventeen years of his. I can't help but wonder, for the last days of Jacob must have been quite the opposite for the great patriarch. For if we were to compare the last seventeen years of his life, to the first one-hundred and thirty years that he lived; we would see, that Jacob had peace; joy and lived in comfort. The great patriarch, would no longer have to fight and scheme; or be forced, to keep looking over his shoulder constantly. And for the mere fact, that he was able to have this joy; peace and comfort, while he lived in a strange land -- clearly shows; that God does kept His Word: "I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down into Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again. And Joseph's own hand will close your eyes." (Genesis 46:3) But, in spite of the good fortunes that Jacob would receive while he lived in the land of Egypt, he knew that his place was in Canaan. And although his last seventeen years were spent in a strange land, he wanted his resting place, to be in the promise land. For Jacob, would call for Joseph; as his final hour drew near, and he spoke these words: "If I have found favor in your eyes, put your hand under my thigh and promise that you will show me kindness and faithfulness. Do not bury me in Egypt, carry me out of Egypt and bury me where they are buried." After hearing his father's request, Joseph responded by saying: "I will do as you say." But Jacob wanted reassurance in his son's pledge: "Swear to me." After hearing this, Joseph swore to his father; that he would honor his request, when it came to him being buried in the promise land; along with his progenitors (Abraham and Isaac). So understand, that this is who "they" were, when Jacob had made his request: "Do not bury me in Egypt, carry me out of Egypt and bury me where they are buried." We must also understand that Jacob's request had nothing to do with having limited faith, as some would suggest. For some teach that, Jacob believed that he would have to be buried in the land of Canaan; in order for him to be raised again, so he can enter into the "New Jerusalem." This in my opinion; is quite the opposite. For his request, is a testament to how strong his faith really was. Here we find Jacob approaching his last hour, and through faith; he basically demands that Joseph would bury him in Canaan and not in Egypt. This request was made on behalf of the Israel nation. Jacob wanted to show the Israelites, and remind them of the promise that God had made when it came to the land of Canaan, and the future of their nation. It was by strong faith, that Jacob knew that God would keep His Word, His Promise and bring the nation of Israel out of Egypt -- a great nation. And when God brings them out of this strange country, Jacob wants them to remember that "Promise" that God had made. He wanted the Israel nation to not forget, their inheritance in the natural, and in the eternal. It would be Jacob's strong faith that would, allow him to know that God would eventually deliver them; so therefore, he wanted them to constantly be reminded, when it came to that place called "Canaan." Jacob wanted them to be reminded so much so, that they would be reminded; not to allow themselves to fall into, or be influenced by the Egyptian culture; a culture that didn't serve the one true God. And the same holds true for us today, for we are also in a strange land; placed in cultures that don't serve the one true God, the Father of the begotten son Jesus Christ. It doesn't matter were you live on this planet, for there is an all out onslaught against Christianity by governments, elite societies and special interest groups all throughout the world. This is why I laugh at those, who claim that Christians are weak. For if the truth be told, Christians are the bravest people on this planet; for we are constantly fighting against the powers that be, the powers that run this cold, corrupted and deceptive world. It takes an untold strength and wisdom (the Spirit of God) that gives us Christians any chance at all, to be able to stand confident; with the assurance of a foretold victory, against the intimidation and deception that the world throws at us constantly. Pastor & Bible Expositor: Charles H. Spurgeon once said: "Our glorious Jesus plays the Man beyond all other men. Boldest of the sons of men, He quails not in the hour of battle, but tunes His voice to loftiest psalmody. The genius of the Christianity of which Jesus is the Head and Founder: its object, spirit, and design, are happiness and joy, and they who receive it -- are able, to sing in the very jaws of death." Jacob had a promise covenant with God, and the great patriarch surrendered all that he had because of it. And the same holds true for us today, we too; have a promise covenant with God, that's sealed by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. For God honored his promise when it came to Jacob and the Israel nation, and because of this; and many other great examples that are revealed to us through God's Word, we as believers; can take solace in knowing -- that God will do the same for you and me: "For I am the LORD, I do not change; Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob." (Malachi 3:6) Now that Jacob is nearing his last hour, we find that he is becoming weaker in his natural body. He has become ill, and word gets back to Joseph. Because of this, Joseph takes his sons Ephraim and Manasseh to see their grandfather.
Jacob - The Path of Uncertainty **YOUR CURRENT SERIES WOULD BE HERE** 102) Jacob the Stunned & Delighted 105) Israel's Blessing to Pharaoh 107) <-CURRENT PAGE-> 108) Jacob Becomes Ill 109) Jacob Adds Manasseh and Ephraim 110) Jacob Places Ephraim Before Manasseh 111) Joseph's Expectation and Disappointment 112) The Promise Covenant with Humanity 113) The Prophecy of Reuben, Simeon and Levi 115) The Tribe of Kings 116) Representation of the Scepter 117) The Importance of the Sanhedrin 118) The Gathering of the People  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!
|
|
|
|
|
|