Podcasts about aram naharaim

The Bet Halevi told us that we don't merit open miracles these days because if we had open miracles, there would be no longer be a test, and we're here in our lives to be tested in our bitachon. He says that's why our parnasa comes to us in the way it does- due to our sins. After the sin of Adam HaRishon, parnasa comes with a lot of hard work. It comes wrapped in the covering of labor. It's the opposite of medicine that is sugar coated, with medicine on the inside. This is bitter-coated on the outside, with the sugar on the inside. It's coated and covered with labor so that it's not recognizable that God is giving us our parnasa. The Parnasa is coming from God, but that Godly given parnasa is work-coated. But the work is a coverup, so that we won't see God's greatness and there is room for us to be tested. He quotes a mishna in Kiddushin which asks, how is it that the animals get their sustenance effortlessly but we have to work so hard? It's because Adam sinned. But the work doesn't help at all. The work doesn't make a difference. It's all from Hashem. One of the Bet Halevi's great-grandchildren, the one who actually had the Bet Halevi's manuscript in his hands, told me that the Bet Helevi did not just write these as notes for himself. He planned on printing them, but for some reason they weren't printed. How do I know? Because he writes, in his handwriting, “ The reader should not think that you don't have to work.” The Bet Halevi felt it was important to say this, due to the elusiveness of bitachon. He was afraid that someone might read this and think, “ That's it. I don't really have to work. If the work doesn't make a difference anyway, why am I going to work? ” That's why he felt the need to add the footnote: “ Don't make this mistake. God wants us to work.” And he quotes a midrash that says that when Avraham was going through Aram Naharaim and Aram Nahor , he saw that the people there were lazy, they were eating and drinking. He said, “I don't want my children to have a portion in this land.” But when he reached Eretz Yisrael and found them working the fields, he said, “ It may be that my portion will be in this land.” He wanted to have a portion in the land where the culture was a work culture. And we see also that the great Yitzhak was busy planting the land. But, he says, and this this is the important message, “ Man has to understand that you have to work, and without working, you're not going to get it .” But the secret ingredient, the catalyst is the Birkat Hashem. I use the term catalyst , because it's just like chemically, you can put two chemicals together, but nothing will happen until you have the catalyst that causes the chemical reaction. That's exactly what we're doing at work. We're setting everything up, we're putting all the chemicals in, and still nothing can happen. The catalyst is Birkat Hashem. So why do we need everything? We need everything because we're not on the level that our Emuna and Bitachon will not be affected with open miracles. So therefore, it has to remain in a covered fashion, so we can always attribute it to ourselves. But we have to realize, “ No, it wasn't me.” That's the interesting part of the balance. When we talk about hishtadlut , we always use the term, “ to cover the miracle.” It has to be enough that you can attribute it to yourself, but at the same time, know that's really Hashem that's making it happen. And this is not just in parnasa, this is in all areas of hishtadlut and success. Have a wonderful day.

Psalm 60 For the Chief Musician. To the tune of “The Lily of the Covenant.” A teaching poem by David, when he fought with Aram Naharaim and with Aram Zobah, and Joab returned, and killed twelve thousand of Edom in the Valley of Salt. 60:1 God, you have rejected us. You have broken us down. You have been angry. Restore us, again. 60:2 You have made the land tremble. You have torn it. Mend its fractures, for it quakes. 60:3 You have shown your people hard things. You have made us drink the wine that makes us stagger. 60:4 You have given a banner to those who fear you, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah. 60:5 So that your beloved may be delivered, save with your right hand, and answer us. 60:6 God has spoken from his sanctuary: “I will triumph. I will divide Shechem, and measure out the valley of Succoth. 60:7 Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine. Ephraim also is the defense of my head. Judah is my scepter. 60:8 Moab is my wash basin. I will throw my shoe on Edom. I shout in triumph over Philistia.” 60:9 Who will bring me into the strong city? Who has led me to Edom? 60:10 Haven’t you, God, rejected us? You don’t go out with our armies, God. 60:11 Give us help against the adversary, for the help of man is vain. 60:12 Through God we shall do valiantly, for it is he who will tread down our adversaries. Right mouse click to save this Podcast as a MP3. To download all 150 Psalms to your device, click or tap here to visit our Psalm page on this website.

Islington Baptist is a church in Newcastle, Australia sharing the life-changing message of Jesus. Our sermon/bible teaching is a central part of our gatherings. Bible passage - NIV11 version. 7 The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord; they forgot the Lord their God and served the Baals and the Asherahs.8 The anger of the Lord burned against Israel so that he sold them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram Naharaim, to whom the Israelites were subject for eight years. 9 But when they cried out to the Lord, he raised up for them a deliverer, Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, who saved them. 10 The Spirit of the Lord came on him,so that he became Israel's judge and went to war. The Lord gave Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram into the hands of Othniel, who overpowered him. 11 So the land had peace for forty years, until Othniel son of Kenaz died. 12 Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, and because they did this evil the Lord gave Eglon king of Moabpower over Israel. 13 Getting the Ammonites and Amalekites to join him, Eglon came and attacked Israel, and they took possession of the City of Palms. 14 The Israelites were subject to Eglon king of Moab for eighteen years. 15 Again the Israelites cried out to the Lord, and he gave them a deliverer—Ehud, a left-handed man, the son of Gera the Benjamite. The Israelites sent him with tribute to Eglon king of Moab. 16 Now Ehud had made a double-edged sword about a cubit long, which he strapped to his right thigh under his clothing. 17 He presented the tribute to Eglon king of Moab, who was a very fat man. 18 After Ehud had presented the tribute, he sent on their way those who had carried it. 19 But on reaching the stone images near Gilgal he himself went back to Eglon and said, “Your Majesty, I have a secret message for you.” The king said to his attendants, “Leave us!” And they all left. 20 Ehud then approached him while he was sitting alone in the upper room of his palace and said, “I have a message from God for you.” As the king rose from his seat, 21 Ehud reached with his left hand, drew the sword from his right thigh and plunged it into the king's belly. 22 Even the handle sank in after the blade, and his bowels discharged. Ehud did not pull the sword out, and the fat closed in over it. 23 Then Ehud went out to the porch; he shut the doors of the upper room behind him and locked them. 24 After he had gone, the servants came and found the doors of the upper room locked. They said, “He must be relieving himself in the inner room of the palace.” 25 They waited to the point of embarrassment, but when he did not open the doors of the room, they took a key and unlocked them. There they saw their lord fallen to the floor, dead. 26 While they waited, Ehud got away. He passed by the stone images and escaped to Seirah. 27 When he arrived there, he blew a trumpet in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites went down with him from the hills, with him leading them. 28 “Follow me,” he ordered, “for the Lord has given Moab, your enemy, into your hands.” So they followed him down and took possession of the fords of the Jordan that led to Moab; they allowed no one to cross over. 29 At that time they struck down about ten thousand Moabites, all vigorous and strong; not one escaped. 30 That day Moab was made subject to Israel, and the land had peace for eighty years. 31 After Ehud came Shamgar son of Anath, who struck down six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad. He too saved Israel.

Psalm 060For the director of music. To the tune of “The Lily of the Covenant.” A miktam of David. For teaching. When he fought Aram Naharaim and Aram Zobah, and when Joab returned and struck down twelve thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt. (v 1-12)**********Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version ®, NIV ® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved worldwide.The “NIV”, “New International Version”, “Biblica”, “International Bible Society” and the Biblica Logo are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.  Used with permission.BIBLICA, THE INTERNATIONAL BIBLE SOCIETY, provides God's Word to people through Bible translation & Bible publishing, and Bible engagement in Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and North America. Through its worldwide reach, Biblica engages people with God's Word so that their lives are transformed through a relationship with Jesus Christ.Support the showSupport the show

Have you ever needed help finding something and finally thought about praying and asking God for help? In today's story, DeeDee is reminded of the story of Abraham's servant and the prayer that he asked God for help. Bible Text:"The servant took ten of his master's camels and, loaded with gifts from his master, traveled to Aram Naharaim and the city of Nahor. Outside the city, he made the camels kneel at a well. It was evening, the time when the women came to draw water. He prayed, “O God, God of my master Abraham, make things go smoothly this day; treat my master Abraham well! As I stand here by the spring while the young women of the town come out to get water, let the girl to whom I say, ‘Lower your jug and give me a drink,' and who answers, ‘Drink, and let me also water your camels'—let her be the woman you have picked out for your servant Isaac. Then I'll know that you're working graciously behind the scenes for my master.” It so happened that the words were barely out of his mouth when Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel whose mother was Milcah the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, came out with a water jug on her shoulder. The girl was stunningly beautiful, a pure virgin. She went down to the spring, filled her jug, and came back up. The servant ran to meet her and said, “Please, can I have a sip of water from your jug?” She said, “Certainly, drink!” And she held the jug so that he could drink. When he had satisfied his thirst she said, “I'll get water for your camels, too, until they've drunk their fill.” She promptly emptied her jug into the trough and ran back to the well to fill it, and she kept at it until she had watered all the camels.Genesis 24 (Message)If you're interested in any other books published by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, please visit adventistbookcenter.com or call 1-800-765-6955.Visit our website: www.kathyskidsstorytime.org We'd love to hear from you. Write to us at:Kathy@kathyskidsstorytime.orgorKathy's Kids StorytimePO Box 44270Charlotte, NC 28215-0043Special Thanks:Recorded by: Kathy Russell, Children's Ministry Director Edited by: Communication Department

Bible Text:"The servant took ten of his master's camels and, loaded with gifts from his master, traveled to Aram Naharaim and the city of Nahor. Outside the city, he made the camels kneel at a well. It was evening, the time when the women came to draw water. He prayed, “O God, God of my master Abraham, make things go smoothly this day; treat my master Abraham well! As I stand here by the spring while the young women of the town come out to get water, let the girl to whom I say, ‘Lower your jug and give me a drink,' and who answers, ‘Drink, and let me also water your camels'—let her be the woman you have picked out for your servant Isaac. Then I'll know that you're working graciously behind the scenes for my master.” It so happened that the words were barely out of his mouth when Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel whose mother was Milcah the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, came out with a water jug on her shoulder. The girl was stunningly beautiful, a pure virgin. She went down to the spring, filled her jug, and came back up. The servant ran to meet her and said, “Please, can I have a sip of water from your jug?” She said, “Certainly, drink!” And she held the jug so that he could drink. When he had satisfied his thirst she said, “I'll get water for your camels, too, until they've drunk their fill.” She promptly emptied her jug into the trough and ran back to the well to fill it, and she kept at it until she had watered all the camels.Genesis 24 (Message)If you're interested in any other books published by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, please visit adventistbookcenter.com or call 1-800-765-6955.Visit our website: www.kathyskidsstorytime.org We'd love to hear from you. Write to us at:Kathy@kathyskidsstorytime.orgorKathy's Kids StorytimePO Box 44270Charlotte, NC 28215-0043Special Thanks:Recorded by: Kathy Russell, Children's Ministry Director Edited by: Communication Department

"O say does that star-spangled banner yet waveO'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?" These lines, written by Francis Scott Key (1779–1843) were not penned in the aftermath of the Revolutionary War and its elation. Nor in the euphoria of the late 1940s and early 50s, when Americans felt they had saved the world from the Axis powers. Key's poem hails not from one of American's high times, but one of its lowest. The star-spangled banner he saw was not a symbol of American dominance, but of mere survival in a dark moment.It was written in the midst of a war that Americans don't talk much about: “Mr Madison's War” of 1812. The President and Congress responded to Great Britain's mistreatment of American ships and sailors on the high seas by making a landgrab at Canada. It wasn't pretty. In the end, it was humiliating.In August of 1814, the British sacked and burned the nation's new capital named Washington City, including the White House the U.S. Capitol. But at that point, Washington had only been the capital for 14 years. The real prize for the British would be Baltimore, just 40 miles away.The Battle of Baltimore came two weeks later on September 12–15, 1814. America was weak and vulnerable, on the defensive. Francis Scott Key witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry, anticipating another devastating loss for America. But “through the night” by the light of “the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,” he saw the banner still flying. Not as a symbol of American dominance and strut, but mere survival under threat. The flag still waving was a sign that hope was not forsaken. The fort, and its weak nation, despite the odds, still endured as long as the banner yet waved.Shock, Devastation, FearSo too Psalm 60 mentions a banner, as a sign of survival, and a place to fall back and flee in devastation, when the invading army is advancing and routing the front lines. As the tides of defeat rise around them, surviving soldiers turn to look for the banner, a place to return and regroup, to escape and fight another day. While the banner still flies, hope remains, even as the odds mount.Psalm 60 is the seventh and final psalm in the sequence of 54–60 which mention seven specific enemies of David. What a catalogue of foes we've seen: “relatives from his own tribe, a closest friend, neighboring Philistines, King Saul, rulers of the land, murderous henchmen, [and now] enemies from distant lands” (O. Palmer Robertson, The Flow of the Psalms, 110-111; see Psalm 54:7; 55:12; 56:2, 9; 57:3–4; 58:1ff; 59:1, 10; 60:3, 11–12). In each psalm, David is under threat from enemies. Yet each ends with a note of David's confidence in God.We learn the particular context of Psalm 60 in the superscript: “When [David] strove with Aram-Naharaim and Aram-Zobah, and when Joab on his return struck down twelve thousand of Edom in the Valley of Salt.” Aram was the region to the north and east of Israel in David's day, sometimes called Aramea; you may have heard of the ancient language Aramaic, which Jesus would have spoken a thousand years after David. Later, this region became Syria.Interestingly enough, this conflict may have started, like the War of 1812, with a landgrab. Along with 2 Samual 8, we find some background in 1 Chronicles 18, where verse 3 says, in summarizing David's victories, “David also defeated Hadadezer king of Zobah-Hamath, as he went to set up his monument at the river Euphrates.” It may have been that David heard that Aram had its back turned, and David tried to catch them off guard.Meanwhile, while the Israelite army went north to Aram, the nation of Edom, to the south, invaded Israel. That's the reference in the superscript about Joab, leader of David's army, “on his return” striking down “twelve thousand of Edom in the Valley of Salt.”David's Spiritual DynamicIf we only knew the broad brushstrokes of 1 Chronicles 18 (and 2 Samuel 8), with its refrain “the LORD gave victory to David wherever he went” (verses 6, 13). We might assume that David just rolled from victory to victory. But Psalm 60 gives us a remarkable window into the fears and uncertainties of that moment, and into the spiritual dynamic that eventually led to victory after victory, but not without painful setbacks and fears and distresses along the way.Psalm 60 comes in the dark moment when David has been caught off guard by Edom, and has suffered an unnerving, even devastating, first wave of losses. David and the nation are undone. In their shock and embarrassment and fear, they feel rejected by God. As we'll see in verses 1–3, they are anxious, in some measure, of God's abandonment. Was he not supposed to protect them? And yet, in this psalm, in this painful defeat, David sees the banner still flying. Hope is not lost yet. He falls back to the banner.For InstructionOne last note about the superscript: I love that it says “for instruction.” Psalm 60 not only captures a moment in history, when David finds himself in the tension between present darkness (vv. 1-3) and the light of God's promises (vv. 6-8). It's not only David's expression of self-humbling in that moment, and rehearsing of God's word in that moment, and a fresh plea to God for help in that moment. What's implicit in all the Psalms is explicit here: “for instruction.” That is, for teaching God's people, in David's day, and in every generation since, including ours, the spiritual dynamic of fleeing to God in our devastations. So, let us learn!What timeless lessons, then, might we draw as instruction for our times of devastation from Psalm 60?1) Hope begins with the sovereignty of God.Whatever the devastation — cancer diagnosis, loss of a loved one, loss of a job, divorce, disease, depression — hope does not begin by pretending that God didn't see it coming or couldn't have stopped it. A God so small that he couldn't have prevented it will be no real help and comfort in it.David does not begin with a few exercises in shrinking God, or trying to get him off the hook. Rather, from the get-go, he owns God's absolutely sovereignty over the defeat of Israel's army, and in doing so, he acknowledges a God big enough to actually pray to for help. Look at verses 1–3: "O God, you have rejected us, broken our defenses;you have been angry; oh, restore us.You have made the land to quake; you have torn it open;repair its breaches, for it totters.You have made your people see hard things;you have given us wine to drink that made us stagger." Acknowledging God's sovereignty does not make David and Israel cavalier. They feel rejected. They feel confused, disoriented, made to stagger. Not only is this humiliating, but now they are pierced with fear. Will Edom win the next battle? Will Edom march on Jerusalem? Will Edom overthrow the nation? Has God rejected his people?David begins with “O God” and then says “you” six times. And he does it, not with his finger pointed to heaven in accusation, but with his hands spread, prostrate on his knees. O God, you, you, you, you, you, you. He is humbled, not arrogant.God not only rules over the greatest triumphs of his people, but also their greatest losses. The devastations of his beloved are by his allowance, but not toward the end of destruction but in service of his good purposes. We might talk of an asymmetry in his sovereignty over the good and bad. He stands directly behind the good, as it were, and indirectly over the evil. The good reflects his character, but he is no less sovereign over devastation. But for his people, for David, for us in Christ, any felt-sense of rejection from God is never the final word for his people.So even as David casts this military defeat as quaking earth and a cup of staggering, even as he counts it as if God has rejected the nation (not actually rejection, but it feels like that in the moment), David does not come at God in cynicism but humbles himself.So, #1, in our devastation, hope begins with the sovereignty of God.2) Our God gives us a banner to flee to.As Francis Scott Key saw the banner flying, and knew there was still hope, so too, in the devastating news, David sees a banner still flying.Verses 4–5: “You have set up a banner for those who fear you,that they may flee to it from the bow. SelahThat your beloved ones may be delivered,give salvation by your right hand and answer us!” So, all hope is not lost. But what is this banner David sees? Where does he flee? It's not a star-spangled banner. It's not cloth waving in the breeze at the top of a pole.In one sense, the banner is God himself, as we'll see, but more specifically here, it is something that he has “set up.” One way to say it would be that the banner is prayer. God has set up a banner for his people, in his covenant, with his open ear. He hears our prayers. In our devastation, he inclines his ear. So, then, this very psalm is David's running to the banner. It is, “a hand upon the throne of the Lord” (Exodus 17:15–16), petitioning him for help. In particular, the culminating plea to God comes in verses 9–12. But before we get there, we have an even more specific answer still as to what this banner is. Verse 6 is the hinge of the psalm. Verses 1–3: devastation. Verses 4–5: hope, there is a banner. Verses 6–8: specificity: “God has spoken.” The word of God is the turning point in the psalm. “God has spoken” changes everything. Brothers and sisters, this is so precious and practical. He has spoken. His oath, his covenant, his blood-bought promises support us in the whelming flood. He has spoken. Do you flee to banner? In your devastations, in your fears, in your disappointments, in your anxieties, do you fly to the banner of what God has spoken? Not a visual banner, star-spangled over Fort McHenry, but the audible banner of God's own words to us. Not an image-banner, but a word-banner. Do you ask, in your devastation, in your fears, what does God have to say? That God has spoken changed everything for David, and that God has spoken will change everything for us.Cities Church, very practically, the Bible is no ordinary book. This is the very words of God to us his people, — a record of his words to his people in the past, and the treasury of his words to us in this age — not dead words, but living and active by the power of God himself in his Spirit. How well do you know this Book? How well do you know this treasure chest of holy balms and tonics, not just applicable to our devastations, but designed especially for them? Do you come here, when the arrows come your way? Do you fall back first to God's banner, or flee elsewhere?God has spoken — and not casually but “in his holiness,” that is, with the full force of divine authority and power. And in the last part of verse 6, “with exultation.” He not only speaks promises good as gold, but rejoices to say them for us. He will not change his mind. Fly to the banner.3) God's action is decisive; our action matters.Now, there are glorious exceptions. Our action is not always required. In fact, there are moments when we dare not act, except to watch in faith. Like we saw a couple years ago in Exodus 14:13–14, just before God parted the sea: “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. . . . The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” Or, as we saw earlier this summer, Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” Or as we saw this spring in Galatians 2:16: “a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ.” Now, we might say that David does have his moment of being still and knowing that God is God, when he rehearses God's promises and bows in prayer. But then David doesn't stand by passively. There's another battle to fight. He sends Joab. He sends Abishai. The psalm ends in verses 9–12 with a prayer that leads to action, and a burst of confidence. When David asks “Who?” in verse 9, he knows exactly who. He has rehearsed God's word. Now he asks, “Who will bring me to the fortified city?Who will lead me to Edom?Have you not rejected us, O God?You do not go forth, O God, with our armies.Oh, grant us help against the foe,for vain is the salvation of man!With God we shall do valiantly;it is he who will tread down our foes.” Vain is the salvation of man. In other words, we dare not go forth in our own strength. We dare not try to effect our own salvation. To do so is to live like the lost, to be like Edom.But, verse 12 says, “With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes.” Notice that we-he: we shall do. And he will tread. We act, in faith, but God's action is decisive. And our acting will be in vain, unless he acts.The decisiveness of God's action does not make us passive, nor do we dare act in our own strength. But word-informed, prayer-requested, faith-inspired action works here, in David, and in God's people, replacing fear, valiancy. That is, the courage needed for war. War demands the training of two kinds of strength: bodily strength and emotional strength, a determined, undeterred spirit or soul. We call it valor, or bravery, or courage; the heart of a lion (2 Samuel 17:10). And this is precisely what Balaam prophesied, hundreds of years before David, about Israel defeating Edom in Numbers 24: Edom shall be dispossessed;Seir also, his enemies, shall be dispossessed.Israel is doing valiantly. (verse 18; also 1 Samuel 14:47–48) So, though quaking and staggering, David and the nation will put to rest their fears. How? Now that we have some key pieces on the table, let's trace the spiritual dynamic: in our devastation, fleeing to God means acknowledging his sovereignty, flying to the banner of his word, and trusting his words, and then turning to him in prayer and asking for help. This is very basic, and powerful, and this is our life.This is what God made us for: turn to him, come to him, listen to him, trust him, ask him for help, and act in faith. This is the dynamic of the Christian life, individually and corporately, again and again. This is what we do every Sunday in worship, and this is the pattern for our days. Let every fear and threat turn you to God, to hear him, trust him, ask him for help, and act in reliance on him.But we have one final lesson that's at the very bottom and center of the spiritual dynamic.(4) God protects his own without fretting or breaking a sweat.The raging of his people's enemies is child's play to our God. The heart of Psalm 60, and this is the main lesson, is the bigness and calmness and power of our God in verses 6–8. It's this vision of God, through his word, which then leads to David's confidence in verse 9–12. But God's majesty and composure comes first. So, let's finish with verses 6–8: “God has spoken in his holiness:‘With exultation I will divide up Shechemand portion out the Vale of Succoth.Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine;Ephraim is my helmet;Judah is my scepter.Moab is my washbasin;upon Edom I cast my shoe;over Philistia I shout in triumph.'it is he who will tread down our foes.” Verses 6–7 mention parts of the land God has promised his people, going back to Jacob. Shechem (in Canaan) and Succoth (across the Jordan) were the first places Jacob settled when he returned from Aram, of all places (Genesis 33:17ff). So too Gilead is across the Jordan. Manasseh spans the Jordan. And Ephraim and Judah (north and south) compromise the heart of the promised land. The effect of rehearsing God's claim on these lands in verses 6–7 is it reminds David, in his time of need, of God's unbreakable commitment to Israel, and that he would not let Edom take his lands.In fact, now in a reversal, God calls the neighboring lands his. That's verse 8, the culminating verse showing God's bigness and strength and power. Fret as David may over Edom, Edom does not make God sweat. He will wash his feet in Moab. And he will fling his shoe on Edom like it's just a shoe rack in the corner. And by the way, Philistia will be his too. This vision of God in his power, without fretting, without sweating, calmly bringing his people's foes into submission, with his feet resting on their backs is the heart of what moves David, and the nation, from fear to faith.God Threw His Shoe on EdomForty years ago this fall, our mother church Bethlehem Baptist was worried about this massive stadium that had come to downtown, just across the street. Tens of thousands of Vikings fan would be descending on that corner of downtown, on Sunday mornings, before noon games, and little Bethlehem across the street wondered, Are we doomed? Will the hordes streaming in overrun us and send us fleeing elsewhere for a place to worship?On Sunday, September 12, 1982, they came. And two days later, on September 14 — so exactly forty years ago this week — pastor John Piper quoted Psalm 60:8 and wrote this: “Picture Edom in rebellion against Yahweh and his people. Picture them mustering thousands and thousands of warriors. Picture the iron chariots, the war horses snorting and stamping, the bulging muscles and bronze skin of the mighty men, the razor sharp swords, the awful pointed spears, the shields flashing in the sun, the unflinching countenance of seasoned soldiers. . . . Fearful, dreadful, fierce and powerful. When God sees them coming he sits down. . . . God sits down to wash his feet! And then, as one would flick a fly, he tosses his shoe on Edom. And 18,000 soldiers fall. God never even looked; he scarcely heard the noise. The world sits stunned at the victory; God sits with his feet in the water. God is never ruffled. He never jerks. When attacked from behind, he is never startled. At just the right moment he tosses his shoe and all the enemies are crushed. He does not honor them with any nervous preparation. He has set his own schedule for the day and he will accomplish all his purpose. The enemy may try to interrupt, but will not be able to cause the slightest pause in the washing of his feet.” Cities Church, this is our God. He never frets about our enemies. He never sweats over our foes. Not because he doesn't care. Oh does he care! But because he is God! Psalm 2 says, “The nations rage and the peoples plot,” “The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Christ . . .” And: “He who sits in the heavens laughs” (Psalm 2:1–4). “All the nations are as nothing before him,” says Isaiah 40:17, “they are accounted by him as less than nothing and emptiness.” Never ruffled. Never jerks. Never startled. No nervous preparation. “At just the right moment he tosses his shoe and all the enemies are crushed.” Derek Kidner says about verses 6–8: “It is as though, at the height of a children's quarrel, which has come to blows, there could be heard the firm tread and cheerful voice of the father. . . . Like a colossus, God dominates the scene[of verses 6–8]: it is no longer a matter of rivals fighting for possession, but of the lord of the manor parcelling out his lands and employments exactly as it suits him” (Psalms 1–72, 217). Here's how Piper closed his letter to Bethlehem back in September of 1982, “Last Sunday the Vikings drew their crowd. And we survived. We not only survived; Sunday School attendance shot beyond last fall. . . .The dome is dead as a threat to Bethlehem Baptist Church. We saw the hordes coming. But we waited for God, and he threw his shoe upon Edom. He was never nervous. He never wrung his hands. He had no plan B. And now? Let us dream. We will be at 13th Ave. and 8th Street in ten years. The dome is dead as a threat. It is as harmless as a big strapped marshmallow.” Which brings us to the Table.Staggering to ClarityIn Christ, we now know so much more than David, about this God, and his salvation, as we come to God's banner, the place where we flee in danger. And the banner of God's word tells of the banner of the cross to which we fly in our sin. “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son” (Hebrews 1:1–2). In Psalm 60, verse 3, David said, about God's will in allowing Israel's first loss to Edom, “you have given us wine to drink that made us stagger.” But here at this Table, Christ gives us wine to drink that sobers us and brings clarifying reminders of his word and makes us rejoice. At the Table, in Christ, our God reminds his people who feel rejected that they are are his beloved.

Genesis 24:1-33; 54-67Now Abraham was old, well advanced in years, and the Lord had blessed him in everything. 2 Abraham said to his servant, the senior one in his household who was in charge of everything he had, “Put your hand under my thigh 3 so that I may make you solemnly promise by the Lord, the God of heaven and the God of the earth: You must not acquire a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I am living. 4 You must go instead to my country and to my relatives to find a wife for my son Isaac.”5 The servant asked him, “What if the woman is not willing to come back with me to this land? Must I then take your son back to the land from which you came?”6 “Be careful never to take my son back there!” Abraham told him. 7 “The Lord, the God of heaven, who took me from my father's house and the land of my relatives, promised me with a solemn oath, ‘To your descendants I will give this land.' He will send his angel before you so that you may find a wife for my son from there. 8 But if the woman is not willing to come back with you, you will be free from this oath of mine. But you must not take my son back there!” 9 So the servant placed his hand under the thigh of his master Abraham and gave his solemn promise he would carry out his wishes.10 Then the servant took ten of his master's camels and departed with all kinds of gifts from his master at his disposal. He journeyed to the region of Aram Naharaim and the city of Nahor. 11 He made the camels kneel down by the well outside the city. It was evening, the time when the women would go out to draw water. 12 He prayed, “O Lord, God of my master Abraham, guide me today. Be faithful to my master Abraham. 13 Here I am, standing by the spring, and the daughters of the people who live in the town are coming out to draw water. 14 I will say to a young woman, ‘Please lower your jar so I may drink.' May the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac reply, ‘Drink, and I'll give your camels water too.' In this way I will know that you have been faithful to my master.”15 Before he had finished praying, there came Rebekah with her water jug on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milcah (Milcah was the wife of Abraham's brother Nahor). 16 Now the young woman was very beautiful. She was a virgin; no man had ever been physically intimate with her. She went down to the spring, filled her jug, and came back up. 17 Abraham's servant ran to meet her and said, “Please give me a sip of water from your jug.” 18 “Drink, my lord,” she replied, and quickly lowering her jug to her hands, she gave him a drink. 19 When she had done so, she said, “I'll draw water for your camels too, until they have drunk as much as they want.” 20 She quickly emptied her jug into the watering trough and ran back to the well to draw more water until she had drawn enough for all his camels. 21 Silently the man watched her with interest to determine if the Lord had made his journey successful or not.22 After the camels had finished drinking, the man took out a gold nose ring weighing a beka and two gold wrist bracelets weighing ten shekels and gave them to her. 23 “Whose daughter are you?” he asked. “Tell me, is there room in your father's house for us to spend the night?”24 She said to him, “I am the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah, whom Milcah bore to Nahor. 25 We have plenty of straw and feed,” she added, “and room for you to spend the night.”26 The man bowed his head and worshiped the Lord, 27 saying, “Praised be the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his faithful love for my master! The Lord has led me to the house of my master's relatives!”28 The young woman ran and told her mother's household all about these things. 29 (Now Rebekah had a brother named Laban.) Laban rushed out to meet the man at the spring. 30 When he saw the bracelets on his sister's wrists and the nose ring and heard his sister Rebekah say, “This is what the man said to me,” he went out to meet the man. There he was, standing by the camels near the spring. 31 Laban said to him, “Come, you who are blessed by the Lord! Why are you standing out here when I have prepared the house and a place for the camels?”32 So Abraham's servant went to the house and unloaded the camels. Straw and feed were given to the camels, and water was provided so that he and the men who were with him could wash their feet. 33 When food was served, he said, “I will not eat until I have said what I want to say.” “Tell us,” Laban said.54 After this, he and the men who were with him ate a meal and stayed there overnight.When they got up in the morning, he said, “Let me leave now so I can return to my master.” 55 But Rebekah's brother and her mother replied, “Let the girl stay with us a few more days, perhaps ten. Then she can go.” 56 But he said to them, “Don't detain me—the Lord has granted me success on my journey. Let me leave now so I may return to my master.” 57 Then they said, “We'll call the girl and find out what she wants to do.” 58 So they called Rebekah and asked her, “Do you want to go with this man?” She replied, “I want to go.”59 So they sent their sister Rebekah on her way, accompanied by her female attendant, with Abraham's servant and his men. 60 They blessed Rebekah with these words:“Our sister, may you become the mother of thousands of ten thousands!May your descendants possess the strongholds of their enemies.”61 Then Rebekah and her female servants mounted the camels and rode away with the man. So Abraham's servant took Rebekah and left.62 Now Isaac came from Beer Lahai Roi, for he was living in the Negev. 63 He went out to relax in the field in the early evening. Then he looked up and saw that there were camels approaching. 64 Rebekah looked up and saw Isaac. She got down from her camel 65 and asked Abraham's servant, “Who is that man walking in the field toward us?” “That is my master,” the servant replied. So she took her veil and covered herself.66 The servant told Isaac everything that had happened. 67 Then Isaac brought Rebekah into his mother Sarah's tent. He took her as his wife and loved her. So Isaac was comforted after his mother's death.

This twenty-seventh episode continues the deep dive into the history found in the book of Judges. In this episode, I cover what is known about King Cushan-Rishathaim, the places Aram-Naharaim and Seirah, along with Oxgoads. Listen and let me know what you think.

Salmos 60 Lamento y oración en la derrota Para el director del coro; según la tonada de «El lirio del testimonio». Mictam de David para enseñar, cuando luchó con Aram Naharaim y contra Aram Soba, y volvió Joab e hirió a 12,000 edomitas en el valle de la Sal. 1 Oh Dios, Tú nos has rechazado, nos has quebrantado, Te has enojado. Restáuranos, oh Dios. 2 Has hecho temblar la tierra, la has hendido; Sana sus hendiduras, porque se tambalea. 3 Cosas duras has hecho ver a Tu pueblo; Nos has dado a beber vino embriagador. 4 Has dado un estandarte a los que te temen, Para que sea alzado por causa de la verdad. (Selah) 5 Para que sean librados Tus amados, Salva con Tu diestra, y respóndeme. 6 Dios ha hablado en Su santidad[a]: «Me alegraré, repartiré a Siquem, Y mediré el valle de Sucot. 7 Mío es Galaad, Mío es Manasés, Efraín es el casco de Mi cabeza, Judá es Mi cetro. 8 Moab es la vasija en que me lavo; Sobre Edom arrojaré Mi calzado; Clama a gritos, oh Filistea, a causa de Mí». 9 ¿Quién me conducirá a la ciudad fortificada? ¿Quién me guiará hasta Edom? 10 ¿No eres Tú, oh Dios, el que nos ha rechazado? ¿No saldrás, oh Dios, con nuestros ejércitos? 11 Danos ayuda contra el adversario, Pues vano es el auxilio del hombre. 12 En Dios haremos proezas, Y Él pisoteará a nuestros adversarios. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/yamy-cruz/message

(English) In this message Ps Monty talks about how to re-ignite the love in these 4 points: (Genesis 24:10-18 NIV) Then the servant left, taking with him ten of his master's camels loaded with all kinds of good things from his master. He set out for Aram Naharaim and made his way to the town of Nahor. (11) He had the camels kneel down near the well outside the town; it was toward evening, the time the women go out to draw water. (12) Then he prayed, “Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. (13) See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. (14) May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,' and she says, ‘Drink, and I'll water your camels too'—let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.” (15) Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milkah, who was the wife of Abraham's brother Nahor. (16) The woman was very beautiful, a virgin; no man had ever slept with her. She went down to the spring, filled her jar and came up again. (17) The servant hurried to meet her and said, “Please give me a little water from your jar.” (18) “Drink, my lord,” she said, and quickly lowered the jar to her hands and gave him a drink. 1.Reignite in Priority: Put God First (Genesis 24:12-14 NIV) Then he prayed, “Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. (13) See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. (14) May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,' and she says, ‘Drink, and I'll water your camels too'—let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master. 2.Reignite in Prayer (Genesis 24:15 NIV) Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milkah, who was the wife of Abraham's brother Nahor. (Genesis 24:16-18 NIV) The woman was very beautiful, a virgin; no man had ever slept with her. She went down to the spring, filled her jar and came up again. (17) The servant hurried to meet her and said, “Please give me a little water from your jar.” (18) “Drink, my lord,” she said, and quickly lowered the jar to her hands and gave him a drink. (Genesis 24:19-22 NIV) After she had given him a drink, she said, “I'll draw water for your camels too, until they have had enough to drink.” (20) So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough, ran back to the well to draw more water, and drew enough for all his camels. (21) Without saying a word, the man watched her closely to learn whether or not the Lord had made his journey successful.(22) When the camels had finished drinking, the man took out a gold nose ring weighing a beka and two gold bracelets weighing ten shekels. 3.Reignite in Serving (Genesis 24:63-67 NIV) He went out to the field one evening to meditate, and as he looked up, he saw camels approaching. (64) Rebekah also looked up and saw Isaac. She got down from her camel (65) and asked the servant, “Who is that man in the field coming to meet us?” “He is my master,” the servant answered. So she took her veil and covered herself. (66) Then the servant told Isaac all he had done. (67) Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah, and he married Rebekah. So she became his wife, and he loved her; and Isaac was comforted after his mother's death. 4.Reignite in Obedience (John 3:16 NIV) For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

(Bilingual) このメッセージではモンティー 牧師が愛を再び燃え立たせる方法について以下の4つのポイントから話します。 In this message Ps Monty talks about how to re-ignite the love in these 4 points: (Genesis 24:10-18 NIV) Then the servant left, taking with him ten of his master's camels loaded with all kinds of good things from his master. He set out for Aram Naharaim and made his way to the town of Nahor. (11) He had the camels kneel down near the well outside the town; it was toward evening, the time the women go out to draw water. (12) Then he prayed, “Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. (13) See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. (14) May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,' and she says, ‘Drink, and I'll water your camels too'—let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.” (15) Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milkah, who was the wife of Abraham's brother Nahor. (16) The woman was very beautiful, a virgin; no man had ever slept with her. She went down to the spring, filled her jar and came up again. (17) The servant hurried to meet her and said, “Please give me a little water from your jar.” (18) “Drink, my lord,” she said, and quickly lowered the jar to her hands and gave him a drink. (創世記24:10-18 JCB)さっそく、旅行の準備にかからなければなりません。まず、らくだを十頭選びました。また、贈り物として最上の物を幾つかより分けました。それを全部らくだに積み終えると、一行はナホル（アブラハムの兄弟）の住むアラム・ナハライム地方（現在のイラクの一地域）へ向かったのです。(11)いよいよ目的地に着くという時、アブラハムの召使は、町はずれの泉のそばにらくだを座らせました。ちょうど夕方で、女たちが水くみに来る時刻でした。(12)彼は祈りました。「私の主人アブラハムの神様、どうぞご主人様に恵みをお与えください。また、私がこの旅の目的を果たせますよう、お助けください。(13)いま私は、この泉のかたわらで、娘たちが水をくみに来るのを待っています。(14)そこで、こうしていただけないでしょうか。娘たちに水を下さいと頼むつもりですが、その時もし、『ええ、どうぞ。らくだにも飲ませましょう』と言ってくれたら、その娘さんこそイサク様の妻となるべき娘だ、ということにしてください。そうすれば、主人アブラハムへの神様のお恵みを知ることができます。」(15-16)このように祈っていると、リベカという美しい娘が水がめを肩にのせ、泉にやって来ました。そして、水がめに水をいっぱい入れました。彼女の父親はベトエルと言い、アブラハムの兄弟ナホルと妻ミルカの息子でした。(17)アブラハムの召使はさっそく彼女に走り寄って、水を飲ませてほしいと頼みました。(18)「どうぞ、どうぞ」と、その娘はすぐに水がめを下ろし、彼が飲み終わるのを見はからって、  1) Reignite in Priority: Put God First 優先順位を再び燃え立たせる:神様を第一に置く  (Genesis 24:12-14 NIV) Then he prayed, “Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. (13) See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. (14) May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,' and she says, ‘Drink, and I'll water your camels too'—let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.” (創世記24:12-14 JCB)彼は祈りました。「私の主人アブラハムの神様、どうぞご主人様に恵みをお与えください。また、私がこの旅の目的を果たせますよう、お助けください。(13)いま私は、この泉のかたわらで、娘たちが水をくみに来るのを待っています。(14)そこで、こうしていただけないでしょうか。娘たちに水を下さいと頼むつもりですが、その時もし、『ええ、どうぞ。らくだにも飲ませましょう』と言ってくれたら、その娘さんこそイサク様の妻となるべき娘だ、ということにしてください。そうすれば、主人アブラハムへの神様のお恵みを知ることができます。」 2) Reignite in Prayer 祈りを再び燃え立たせる (Genesis 24:15 NIV) Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milkah, who was the wife of Abraham's brother Nahor. (創世記24:15-16 JCB)このように祈っていると、リベカという美しい娘が水がめを肩にのせ、泉にやって来ました。そして、水がめに水をいっぱい入れました。彼女の父親はベトエルと言い、アブラハムの兄弟ナホルと妻ミルカの息子でした。 (Genesis 24:16-18 NIV) The woman was very beautiful, a virgin; no man had ever slept with her. She went down to the spring, filled her jar and came up again. (17) The servant hurried to meet her and said, “Please give me a little water from your jar.” (18) “Drink, my lord,” she said, and quickly lowered the jar to her hands and gave him a drink. (創世記24:16-18 JCB)…リベカという美しい娘が水がめを肩にのせ、泉にやって来ました。そして、水がめに水をいっぱい入れました。…(17)アブラハムの召使はさっそく彼女に走り寄って、水を飲ませてほしいと頼みました。(18)「どうぞ、どうぞ」と、その娘はすぐに水がめを下ろし、彼が飲み終わるのを見はからって、  (Genesis 24:19-22 NIV) After she had given him a drink, she...

Psalm 60[a] For the director of music. To the tune of “The Lily of the Covenant.” A miktam[b] of David. For teaching. When he fought Aram Naharaim[c] and Aram Zobah,[d] and when Joab returned and struck down twelve thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt. 1 You have rejected us, God, and burst upon us;     you have been angry—now restore us! 2 You have shaken the land and torn it open;     mend its fractures, for it is quaking. 3 You have shown your people desperate times;     you have given us wine that makes us stagger. 4 But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner     to be unfurled against the bow.[e] 5 Save us and help us with your right hand,     that those you love may be delivered. 6 God has spoken from his sanctuary:     “In triumph I will parcel out Shechem     and measure off the Valley of Sukkoth. 7 Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine;     Ephraim is my helmet,     Judah is my scepter. 8 Moab is my washbasin,     on Edom I toss my sandal;     over Philistia I shout in triumph.” 9 Who will bring me to the fortified city?     Who will lead me to Edom? 10 Is it not you, God, you who have now rejected us     and no longer go out with our armies? 11 Give us aid against the enemy,     for human help is worthless. 12 With God we will gain the victory,     and he will trample down our enemies.

For the director of music. To the tune of “The Lily of the covenant.” A miktam of David. For teaching when he fought Aram Naharaim. And Aram Zobah, and when Zoab, and when Joab and struck down twelve thousand Edomites in The Valley of salt. (2) Titus sent to Corinth part 2. Sowing generously.

Saturday, 30 October 2021   Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Acts 2:9   The list of various dialects (even within various languages) is now presented. This list is probably not all inclusive, but it gives a sense of the scope of what was heard by those gathered in Jerusalem. Hence, it gives the scope of the miracle itself. As these are Galileans speaking forth, and as there are such an expansive number of individual languages and dialects, it reveals the knowledge and understanding of the Spirit who caused these people to speak.   The languages, as they are presented, generally follow from east to west in their geographic locations. Albert Barnes gives a detailed description of these people groups and his work will be cited here.   The list begins with “Parthians.” Of them, Barnes says, “Parthians mean those Jews or proselytes who dwelt in Parthia. This country was a part of Persia, and was situated between the Persian Gulf and the Tigris on the west, and the Indus River on the east. The term ‘Parthia' originally referred to a small mountainous district lying to the northeast of Media. Afterward it came to be applied to the great Parthian kingdom into which this province expanded. Parthia proper, or Ancient Parthia, lying between Asia and Hyrcania, the residence of a rude and poor tribe, and traversed by bare mountains, woods, and sandy steppes, formed a part of the great Persian monarchy. Its inhabitants were of Scythian origin. About 256 years before Christ, Arsaces rose against the Syro-Macedonian power, and commenced a new dynasty in her own person, designated by the title of Arsacidae. This was the beginning of the great Parthian empire, which extended itself in the early days of Christianity over all the provinces of what had been the Persian kingdom, having the Euphrates for its western boundary, by which it was separated from the dominions of Rome (Kitto's Encyclop.). Their empire lasted about 400 years. The Parthians were much distinguished for their manner of fighting. They usually fought on horseback, and when appearing to retreat, discharged their arrows with great execution behind them. They disputed the empire of the East with the Romans for a long time. The language spoken there was that of Persia, and in ancient writers Parthia and Persia often mean the same country.”   Next, Luke says, “and Medes.” Of them, Barnes says, “Inhabitants of Media. This country was situated westward and southward of the Caspian Sea, between 35 degrees and 40 degrees of north latitude. It had Persia on the south and Armenia on the west. It was about the size of Spain, and was one of the richest parts of Asia. In the Scriptures it is called Madai, Genesis 10:2. The Medes are often mentioned, frequently in connection with the Persians, with whom they were often connected under the same government, 2 Kings 17:6; 2 Kings 18:11; Esther 1:3, Esther 1:14, Esther 1:18-19; Jeremiah 25:25; Daniel 5:28; Daniel 6:8; Daniel 8:20; Daniel 9:1. The language spoken here was also that of Persia.”   After them come the “Elamites.” Barnes states, “The nation was descended from Elam, the son of Shem, Genesis 10:22. It is mentioned as being in alliance with Amraphel, the king of Shinar, and Arioch, king of Ellasar, and Tidal, king of nations, Genesis 14:1. Of these nations in alliance, Chedorlaomer, king of Elam, was the chief, Genesis 14:4. See also Ezra 2:7; Ezra 8:7; Nehemiah 7:12, Nehemiah 7:34; Isaiah 11:11; Isaiah 21:2; Isaiah 22:6, etc. They are mentioned as a part of the Persian empire, and Daniel is said to have resided at Shushan, which is in the province of Elam, Daniel 8:2. The Greeks and Romans gave to this country the name of Elymais. It is now called Kusistan. It was bounded by Persia on the east, by Media on the north, by Babylonia on the west, and by the Persian Gulf on the south. The Elamites were a warlike people, and celebrated for the use of the bow, Isaiah 22:6; Jeremiah 49:35. The language of this people was of course the Persian. Its capital, Shusan, called by the Greeks Susa, was much celebrated. It is said to have been fifteen miles in circumference, and was adorned with the celebrated palace of Ahasuerus. The inhabitants still pretend to show there the tomb of the prophet Daniel.”   Luke next turns to “those dwelling in Mesopotamia.” Barnes details them, saying, “This name, which is Greek, signifies between the rivers; that is, the region lying between the rivers Euphrates and Tigris. In Hebrew it was called Aram-Naharaim; that is, Aram, or Syria, of the two rivers. It was also called Padan Aram, the plain of Syria. In this region were situated some important places mentioned in the Bible: "Ur of the Chaldees, the birthplace of Abraham Genesis 11:27-28; Haran, where Terah stopped on his journey and died Genesis 11:31-32; Charchemish 2 Chronicles 35:20; Hena 2 Kings 19:13; Sepharvaim 2 Kings 17:24. This region, known as Mesopotamia, extended between the two rivers from their sources to Babylon on the south. It had on the north Armenia, on the west Syria, on the east Persia, and on the south Babylonia. It was an extensive, level, and fertile country. The language spoken here was probably the Syriac, with perhaps a mixture of the Chaldee.”   Luke next mentions “Judea.” In this, Barnes notably and wisely states, “This expression has greatly perplexed commentators. It has been thought difficult to see why Judea should be mentioned, as if it were a matter of surprise that they could speak in this language. Some have supposed that there is an error in the manuscripts, and have proposed to read Armenia, or India, or Lydia, or Idumea, etc. But all this has been without any authority. Others have supposed that the language of Galilee was so different from that of the other parts of Judea as to render it remarkable that they could speak that dialect. But this is an idle supposition. This is one of the many instances in which commentators have perplexed themselves to very little purpose. Luke recorded this as any other historian would have done. In running over the languages which they spoke, he enumerated this as a matter of course; not that it was remarkable simply that they should speak the language of Judea, but that they should speak so many, meaning about the same by it as if he had said they spoke every language in the world. It is as if a similar miracle were to occur at this time among an assembly of native Englishmen and foreigners. In describing it, nothing would be more natural than to say they spoke French, and German, and Spanish, and English, and Italian, etc. In this there would be nothing remarkable except that they spoke so many languages.”   Luke next turns to “Cappadocia.” Barnes diligently notes, “This was a region of Asia Minor, and was bounded on the east by the Euphrates and Armenia, on the north by Pontus, west by Phrygia and Galatia, and south by Mount Taurus, beyond which are Cilicia and Syria. The language which was spoken here is not certainly known. It was probably, however, a mixed dialect, made up of Greek and Syriac, perhaps the same as that of their neighbors, the Lycaonians, Acts 14:11. This place was formerly celebrated for iniquity, and is mentioned in Greek writers as one of the three eminently wicked places whose name began with C. The others were Crete (compare Titus 1:12) and Cilicia. After its conversion to the Christian religion, however, it produced many eminent men, among whom were Gregory Nyssen and Basil the Great. It was one of the places to which Peter directed an epistle, 1 Peter 1:1.”   After that, Luke states “Pontus.” Again, to Barnes – “This was another province of Asia Minor, and was situated north of Cappadocia, and was bounded west by Paphlagonia. Pontus and Cappadocia under the Romans constituted one province. This was one of the places to which the apostle Peter directed his epistle, 1 Peter 1:1. This was the birthplace of Aquila, one of the companions of Paul, Acts 18:2, Acts 18:18, Acts 18:26; Romans 16:3; 1 Corinthians 16:19; 2 Timothy 4:19.”   The verse ends with, “and Asia.” Of this area, Barnes details the following, “Pontus and Cappadocia, etc., were parts of Asia. But the word Asia is doubtless used here to denote the regions or provinces west of these, which are not particularly enumerated. Thus, it is used Acts 6:9; Acts 16:6; Acts 20:16. It probably embraced Mysia, Aeolis, Ionia, Caria, and Lydia. "The term probably denoted not so much a definite region as a jurisdiction, the limits of which varied from time to time, according to the plan of government which the Romans adopted for their Asiatic provinces" (Prof. Hackett, in loco). The capital of this region was Ephesus. See also 1 Peter 1:1. This region was frequently called Ionia, and was afterward the seat of the seven churches in Asia, Revelation 1:4.”   Concerning the term “Asia,” Vincent's Word Studies further clarifies the term, saying, “Not the Asiatic continent nor Asia Minor. In the time of the apostles the term was commonly understood of the proconsular province of Asia, principally of the kingdom of Pergamus left by Attalus III. to the Romans, and including Lydia, Mysia, Caria, and at times parts of Phrygia. The name Asia Minor did not come into use until the fourth century of our era.”   Life application: When reading commentaries on verses such as Acts 2:9, be sure to thank the Lord for all of the diligent work that has gone into recording information about these places by scholars of past ages. At times they provide scriptural references that will help identify who is being referred to elsewhere in the Bible. Great scholars of the past spent a lot of time in rooms lighted by lamps, pouring over maps, books, and the Bible itself to put together reliable records of what is being described.   We are those who benefit from their labors, and they have made our lives much easier as we prepare our own commentaries, Bible studies, and sermons for those in our lives to also benefit from. A big “thank you” to them is due when we meet on the fairer shores we will someday walk upon.   And above all, thank the Lord that He has given us such wonderful words through Luke and the other writers of the Bible to get us going in our journey of understanding the greatness of what God is doing in redemptive history as He arranges His word, builds up His foundations, and weaves together His church. Yes, thank God for all He has done to give us the surety of His word and thus the surety of our salvation which is so clearly presented in this word.   Lord God, thank you for the wonderful stream of instruction You have given us, both in Your word and in those who have evaluated Your word throughout the ages. We have a reliable testimony to all that is going on in the wonderful story of the redemption of man because of those things You have put together for us. Thank You, O God! Amen!  

Eliezer and the Mission to get Isaac a Wife Genesis 24:10-13 NIV Then the servant left, taking with him ten of his master's camels loaded with all kinds of good things from his master. He set out for Aram Naharaim and made his way to the town of Nahor. (11) He had the camels kneel down near the well outside the town; it was toward evening, the time the women go out to draw water.(12) Then he prayed, “Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. (13) See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. Genesis 24:14-18 NIV May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,' and she says, ‘Drink, and I'll water your camels too'—let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.”(15) Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milkah, who was the wife of Abraham's brother Nahor. (16) The woman was very beautiful, a virgin; no man had ever slept with her. She went down to the spring, filled her jar and came up again.(17) The servant hurried to meet her and said, “Please give me a little water from your jar.”(18) “Drink, my lord,” she said, and quickly lowered the jar to her hands and gave him a drink. Genesis 24:19-23 NIV After she had given him a drink, she said, “I'll draw water for your camels too, until they have had enough to drink.” (20) So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough, ran back to the well to draw more water, and drew enough for all his camels. (21) Without saying a word, the man watched her closely to learn whether or not the Lord had made his journey successful.(22) When the camels had finished drinking, the man took out a gold nose ring weighing a beka and two gold bracelets weighing ten shekels.(23) Then he asked, “Whose daughter are you? Please tell me, is there room in your father's house for us to spend the night?” Genesis 24:24-28 NIV She answered him, “I am the daughter of Bethuel, the son that Milkah bore to Nahor.” (25) And she added, “We have plenty of straw and fodder, as well as room for you to spend the night.”(26) Then the man bowed down and worshiped the Lord, (27) saying, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master. As for me, the Lord has led me on the journey to the house of my master's relatives.(28) The young woman ran and told her mother's household about these things. Genesis 24:40-42 NIV “He replied, ‘The Lord, before whom I have walked faithfully, will send his angel with you and make your journey a success, so that you can get a wife for my son from my own clan and from my father's family. (41) You will be released from my oath if, when you go to my clan, they refuse to give her to you—then you will be released from my oath.'(42) “When I came to the spring today, I said, ‘Lord, God of my master Abraham, if you will, please grant success to the journey on which I have come. Genesis 24:63-67 NIV He went out to the field one evening to meditate,and as he looked up, he saw camels approaching. (64) Rebekah also looked up and saw Isaac. She got down from her camel (65)and asked the servant, “Who is that man in the field coming to meet us?”“He is my master,” the servant answered. So she took her veil and covered herself.(66) Then the servant told Isaac all he had done. (67) Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah, and he married Rebekah. So she became his wife, and he loved her; and Isaac was comforted after his mother's death. Luke 19:10 NIV For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” John 3:16 NIV For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Support this podcast

( Japanese Note Below ) Eliezer and the Mission to get Isaac a Wife Genesis 24:10-13 NIV Then the servant left, taking with him ten of his master's camels loaded with all kinds of good things from his master. He set out for Aram Naharaim and made his way to the town of Nahor. (11) He had the camels kneel down near the well outside the town; it was toward evening, the time the women go out to draw water.(12) Then he prayed, “Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. (13) See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. Genesis 24:14-18 NIV May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,' and she says, ‘Drink, and I'll water your camels too'—let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.”(15) Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milkah, who was the wife of Abraham's brother Nahor. (16) The woman was very beautiful, a virgin; no man had ever slept with her. She went down to the spring, filled her jar and came up again.(17) The servant hurried to meet her and said, “Please give me a little water from your jar.”(18) “Drink, my lord,” she said, and quickly lowered the jar to her hands and gave him a drink. Genesis 24:19-23 NIV After she had given him a drink, she said, “I'll draw water for your camels too, until they have had enough to drink.” (20) So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough, ran back to the well to draw more water, and drew enough for all his camels. (21) Without saying a word, the man watched her closely to learn whether or not the Lord had made his journey successful.(22) When the camels had finished drinking, the man took out a gold nose ring weighing a beka and two gold bracelets weighing ten shekels.(23) Then he asked, “Whose daughter are you? Please tell me, is there room in your father's house for us to spend the night?” Genesis 24:24-28 NIV She answered him, “I am the daughter of Bethuel, the son that Milkah bore to Nahor.” (25) And she added, “We have plenty of straw and fodder, as well as room for you to spend the night.”(26) Then the man bowed down and worshiped the Lord, (27) saying, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master. As for me, the Lord has led me on the journey to the house of my master's relatives.(28) The young woman ran and told her mother's household about these things. Genesis 24:40-42 NIV “He replied, ‘The Lord, before whom I have walked faithfully, will send his angel with you and make your journey a success, so that you can get a wife for my son from my own clan and from my father's family. (41) You will be released from my oath if, when you go to my clan, they refuse to give her to you—then you will be released from my oath.'(42) “When I came to the spring today, I said, ‘Lord, God of my master Abraham, if you will, please grant success to the journey on which I have come. Genesis 24:63-67 NIV He went out to the field one evening to meditate,and as he looked up, he saw camels approaching. (64) Rebekah also looked up and saw Isaac. She got down from her camel (65)and asked the servant, “Who is that man in the field coming to meet us?”“He is my master,” the servant answered. So she took her veil and covered herself.(66) Then the servant told Isaac all he had done. (67) Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah, and he married Rebekah. So she became his wife, and he loved her; and Isaac was comforted after his mother's death. Luke 19:10 NIV For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” John 3:16 NIV For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not... Support this podcast

For the music director; according to the shushan-eduth style; a prayer of David written to instruct others. It was written when he fought against Aram Naharaim and Aram-Zobah. That was when Joab turned back and struck down 12,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt.O God, you have rejected us.You suddenly turned on us in your […]

Judges 3:7-12 New International Version (NIV) Othniel 7 The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord; they forgot the Lord their God and served the Baals and the Asherahs. 8 The anger of the Lord burned against Israel so that he sold them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram Naharaim,[a] to whom the Israelites were subject for eight years. 9 But when they cried out to the Lord, he raised up for them a deliverer, Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, who saved them. 10 The Spirit of the Lord came on him, so that he became Israel's judge[b] and went to war. The Lord gave Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram into the hands of Othniel, who overpowered him. 11 So the land had peace for forty years, until Othniel son of Kenaz died. 12 Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, and because they did this evil the Lord gave Eglon king of Moab power over Israel. Ruth 1:1 New International Version (NIV) Naomi Loses Her Husband and Sons 1 In the days when the judges ruled,[a] there was a famine in the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab.

Psalm 56 to Psalm 60 Often we hear the Psalms one by one, but today we offer you the chance to hear a group of Psalms read as a collection! Psalm 56 For the director of music. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” Of David. A miktam. When the Philistines had seized him in Gath. 1 Be merciful to me, my God, for my enemies are in hot pursuit; all day long they press their attack. 2 My adversaries pursue me all day long; in their pride many are attacking me. 3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 4 In God, whose word I praise — in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? 5 All day long they twist my words; all their schemes are for my ruin. 6 They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps, hoping to take my life. 7 Because of their wickedness do not let them escape; in your anger, God, bring the nations down. 8 Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll — are they not in your record? 9 Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me. 10 In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise— 11 in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me? 12 I am under vows to you, my God; I will present my thank offerings to you. 13 For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life. Right mouse click or tap here to save/download these Psalms as a MP3 file   Psalm 57 For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” Of David. A miktam. When he had fled from Saul into the cave. 1 Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. 2 I cry out to God Most High, to God, who vindicates me. 3 He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me— God sends forth his love and his faithfulness. 4 I am in the midst of lions; I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts— men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords. 5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. 6 They spread a net for my feet— I was bowed down in distress. They dug a pit in my path— but they have fallen into it themselves. 7 My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. 8 Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. 9 I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. 10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. 11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. Right mouse click or tap here to save/download these Psalms as a MP3 file Psalm 58 For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” Of David. A miktam. 1 Do you rulers indeed speak justly? Do you judge people with equity? 2 No, in your heart you devise injustice, and your hands mete out violence on the earth. 3 Even from birth the wicked go astray; from the womb they are wayward, spreading lies. 4 Their venom is like the venom of a snake, like that of a cobra that has stopped its ears, 5 that will not heed the tune of the charmer, however skilful the enchanter may be. 6 Break the teeth in their mouths, O God; Lord, tear out the fangs of those lions! 7 Let them vanish like water that flows away; when they draw the bow, let their arrows fall short. 8 May they be like a slug that melts away as it moves along, like a stillborn child that never sees the sun. 9 Before your pots can feel the heat of the thorns— whether they be green or dry—the wicked will be swept away. 10 The righteous will be glad when they are avenged, when they dip their feet in the blood of the wicked. 11 Then people will say, “Surely the righteous still are rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the earth.” Right mouse click or tap here to save/download these Psalms as a MP3 file   Psalm 59 For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” Of David. A miktam. When Saul had sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him. 1 Deliver me from my enemies, O God; be my fortress against those who are attacking me. 2 Deliver me from evildoers and save me from those who are after my blood. 3 See how they lie in wait for me! Fierce men conspire against me for no offense or sin of mine, Lord. 4 I have done no wrong, yet they are ready to attack me. Arise to help me; look on my plight! 5 You, Lord God Almighty, you who are the God of Israel, rouse yourself to punish all the nations; show no mercy to wicked traitors. 6 They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city. 7 See what they spew from their mouths— the words from their lips are sharp as swords, and they think, “Who can hear us?” 8 But you laugh at them, Lord; you scoff at all those nations. 9 You are my strength, I watch for you; you, God, are my fortress, 10 my God on whom I can rely. God will go before me and will let me gloat over those who slander me. 11 But do not kill them, Lord our shield, or my people will forget. In your might uproot them and bring them down. 12 For the sins of their mouths, for the words of their lips, let them be caught in their pride. For the curses and lies they utter, 13 consume them in your wrath, consume them till they are no more. Then it will be known to the ends of the earth that God rules over Jacob. 14 They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city. 15 They wander about for food and howl if not satisfied. 16 But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. 17 You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely. Right mouse click or tap here to save/download these Psalms as a MP3 file   Psalm 60 For the director of music. To the tune of “The Lily of the Covenant.” A miktam of David. For teaching. When he fought Aram Naharaim and Aram Zobah, and when Joab returned and struck down twelve thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt. 1 You have rejected us, God, and burst upon us; you have been angry—now restore us! 2 You have shaken the land and torn it open; mend its fractures, for it is quaking. 3 You have shown your people desperate times; you have given us wine that makes us stagger. 4 But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow. 5 Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered. 6 God has spoken from his sanctuary: “In triumph I will parcel out Shechem and measure off the Valley of Sukkoth. 7 Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim is my helmet, Judah is my scepter. 8 Moab is my washbasin, on Edom I toss my sandal; over Philistia I shout in triumph.” 9 Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom? 10 Is it not you, God, you who have now rejected us and no longer go out with our armies? 11 Give us aid against the enemy, for human help is worthless. 12 With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies. Right mouse click or tap here to save/download these Psalms as a MP3 file   You can now purchase our Partakers books! Please do click or tap here to visit our Amazon site! Click or tap on the appropriate link below to subscribe, share or download our iPhone App!

The Prayers of the Righteous   The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (James 5:16)   Session 2 – A wife for Isaac – Praying for Guidance Genesis 24 Abraham was now very old, and the Lord had blessed him in every way. 2 He said to the senior servant in his household, the one in charge of all that he had, ‘Put your hand under my thigh. 3 I want you to swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not get a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I am living, 4 but will go to my country and my own relatives and get a wife for my son Isaac.’ 5 The servant asked him, ‘What if the woman is unwilling to come back with me to this land? Shall I then take your son back to the country you came from?’ 6 ‘Make sure that you do not take my son back there,’ Abraham said. 7 ‘The Lord, the God of heaven, who brought me out of my father’s household and my native land and who spoke to me and promised me on oath, saying, “To your offspring I will give this land”– he will send his angel before you so that you can get a wife for my son from there. 8 If the woman is unwilling to come back with you, then you will be released from this oath of mine. Only do not take my son back there.’ 9 So the servant put his hand under the thigh of his master Abraham and swore an oath to him concerning this matter. 10 Then the servant left, taking with him ten of his master’s camels loaded with all kinds of good things from his master. He set out for Aram Naharaim and made his way to the town of Nahor. 11 He made the camels kneel down near the well outside the town; it was towards evening, the time the women go out to draw water. 12 Then he prayed, ‘Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. 13 See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. 14 May it be that when I say to a young woman, “Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,” and she says, “Drink, and I’ll water your camels too”– let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.’ 15 Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milkah, who was the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor. 16 The woman was very beautiful, a virgin; no man had ever slept with her. She went down to the spring, filled her jar and came up again. 17 The servant hurried to meet her and said, ‘Please give me a little water from your jar.’ 18 ‘Drink, my lord,’ she said, and quickly lowered the jar to her hands and gave him a drink. 19 After she had given him a drink, she said, ‘I’ll draw water for your camels too, until they have had enough to drink.’ 20 So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough, ran back to the well to draw more water, and drew enough for all his camels. 21 Without saying a word, the man watched her closely to learn whether or not the Lord had made his journey successful. 22 When the camels had finished drinking, the man took out a gold nose ring weighing a beka and two gold bracelets weighing ten shekels. 23 Then he asked, ‘Whose daughter are you? Please tell me, is there room in your father’s house for us to spend the night?’ 24 She answered him, ‘I am the daughter of Bethuel, the son that Milkah bore to Nahor.’ 25 And she added, ‘We have plenty of straw and fodder, as well as room for you to spend the night.’ 26 Then the man bowed down and worshipped the Lord, 27 saying, ‘Praise be to the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master. As for me, the Lord has led me on the journey to the house of my master’s relatives.’   What a task! Imagine you’re the servant. How could you possibly know if you’ve made the right choice? You’d need God’s help.

לַ֭מְנַצֵּחַ עַל־שׁוּשַׁ֣ן עֵד֑וּת מִכְתָּ֖ם לְדָוִ֣ד לְלַמֵּֽד׃ For the leader; on shushan eduth. A michtam of David (to be taught), בְּהַצּוֹת֨וֹ ׀ אֶ֥ת אֲרַ֣ם נַהֲרַיִם֮ וְאֶת־אֲרַ֪ם צ֫וֹבָ֥ה וַיָּ֤שָׁב יוֹאָ֗ב וַיַּ֣ךְ אֶת־אֱד֣וֹם בְּגֵיא־מֶ֑לַח שְׁנֵ֖ים עָשָׂ֣ר אָֽלֶף׃ when he fought with Aram-Naharaim and Aram-Zobah, and Joab returned and defeated Edom—[an army] of twelve thousand men—in the Valley of Salt. אֱ֭לֹהִים זְנַחְתָּ֣נוּ פְרַצְתָּ֑נוּ אָ֝נַ֗פְתָּ תְּשׁ֣וֹבֵ֥ב לָֽנוּ׃ O God, You have rejected us, You have made a breach in us; You have been angry; restore us! הִרְעַ֣שְׁתָּה אֶ֣רֶץ פְּצַמְתָּ֑הּ רְפָ֖ה שְׁבָרֶ֣יהָ כִי־מָֽטָה׃ You have made the land quake; You have torn it open. Mend its fissures, for it is collapsing. הִרְאִ֣יתָה עַמְּךָ֣ קָשָׁ֑ה הִ֝שְׁקִיתָ֗נוּ יַ֣יִן תַּרְעֵלָֽה׃ You have made Your people suffer hardship; You have given us wine that makes us reel. נָ֘תַ֤תָּה לִּירֵאֶ֣יךָ נֵּ֭ס לְהִתְנוֹסֵ֑ס מִ֝פְּנֵ֗י קֹ֣שֶׁט סֶֽלָה׃ Give those who fear You because of Your truth a banner for rallying.Selah. לְ֭מַעַן יֵחָלְצ֣וּן יְדִידֶ֑יךָ הוֹשִׁ֖יעָה יְמִֽינְךָ֣ ועננו [וַעֲנֵֽנִי׃] That those whom You love might be rescued, deliver with Your right hand and answer me. אֱלֹהִ֤ים ׀ דִּבֶּ֥ר בְּקָדְשׁ֗וֹ אֶ֫עְלֹ֥זָה אֲחַלְּקָ֥ה שְׁכֶ֑ם וְעֵ֖מֶק סֻכּ֣וֹת אֲמַדֵּֽד׃ God promised in His sanctuary that I would exultingly divide up Shechem, and measure the Valley of Sukkoth; לִ֤י גִלְעָ֨ד ׀ וְלִ֬י מְנַשֶּׁ֗ה וְ֭אֶפְרַיִם מָע֣וֹז רֹאשִׁ֑י יְ֝הוּדָ֗ה מְחֹֽקְקִי׃ Gilead and Manasseh would be mine, Ephraim my chief stronghold, Judah my scepter; מוֹאָ֤ב ׀ סִ֬יר רַחְצִ֗י עַל־אֱ֭דוֹם אַשְׁלִ֣יךְ נַעֲלִ֑י עָ֝לַ֗י פְּלֶ֣שֶׁת הִתְרֹעָֽעִֽי׃ Moab would be my washbasin; on Edom I would cast my shoe; acclaim me, O Philistia! מִ֣י יֹ֭בִלֵנִי עִ֣יר מָצ֑וֹר מִ֖י נָחַ֣נִי עַד־אֱדֽוֹם׃ Would that I were brought to the bastion! Would that I were led to Edom! הֲלֹֽא־אַתָּ֣ה אֱלֹהִ֣ים זְנַחְתָּ֑נוּ וְֽלֹא־תֵצֵ֥א אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים בְּצִבְאוֹתֵֽינוּ׃ But You have rejected us, O God; God, You do not march with our armies. הָֽבָה־לָּ֣נוּ עֶזְרָ֣ת מִצָּ֑ר וְ֝שָׁ֗וְא תְּשׁוּעַ֥ת אָדָם׃ Grant us Your aid against the foe, for the help of man is worthless. בֵּֽאלֹהִ֥ים נַעֲשֶׂה־חָ֑יִל וְ֝ה֗וּא יָב֥וּס צָרֵֽינוּ׃ With God we shall triumph; He will trample our foes.

Genesis 24 (NIV)Isaac and Rebekah 24 Abraham was now very old, and the Lord had blessed him in every way. 2 He said to the senior servant in his household, the one in charge of all that he had, “Put your hand under my thigh. 3 I want you to swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not get a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I am living, 4 but will go to my country and my own relatives and get a wife for my son Isaac.”5 The servant asked him, “What if the woman is unwilling to come back with me to this land? Shall I then take your son back to the country you came from?”6 “Make sure that you do not take my son back there,” Abraham said. 7 “The Lord, the God of heaven, who brought me out of my father's household and my native land and who spoke to me and promised me on oath, saying, ‘To your offspring[a] I will give this land'—he will send his angel before you so that you can get a wife for my son from there. 8 If the woman is unwilling to come back with you, then you will be released from this oath of mine. Only do not take my son back there.” 9 So the servant put his hand under the thigh of his master Abraham and swore an oath to him concerning this matter.10 Then the servant left, taking with him ten of his master's camels loaded with all kinds of good things from his master. He set out for Aram Naharaim[b] and made his way to the town of Nahor. 11 He had the camels kneel down near the well outside the town; it was toward evening, the time the women go out to draw water.12 Then he prayed, “Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. 13 See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. 14 May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,' and she says, ‘Drink, and I'll water your camels too'—let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.”15 Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milkah, who was the wife of Abraham's brother Nahor. 16 The woman was very beautiful, a virgin; no man had ever slept with her. She went down to the spring, filled her jar and came up again.17 The servant hurried to meet her and said, “Please give me a little water from your jar.”18 “Drink, my lord,” she said, and quickly lowered the jar to her hands and gave him a drink.19 After she had given him a drink, she said, “I'll draw water for your camels too, until they have had enough to drink.” 20 So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough, ran back to the well to draw more water, and drew enough for all his camels. 21 Without saying a word, the man watched her closely to learn whether or not the Lord had made his journey successful.22 When the camels had finished drinking, the man took out a gold nose ring weighing a beka[c] and two gold bracelets weighing ten shekels.[d] 23 Then he asked, “Whose daughter are you? Please tell me, is there room in your father's house for us to spend the night?”24 She answered him, “I am the daughter of Bethuel, the son that Milkah bore to Nahor.” 25 And she added, “We have plenty of straw and fodder, as well as room for you to spend the night.”26 Then the man bowed down and worshiped the Lord, 27 saying, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master. As for me, the Lord has led me on the journey to the house of my master's relatives.”28 The young woman ran and told her mother's household about these things. 29 Now Rebekah had a brother named Laban, and he hurried out to the man at the spring. 30 As soon as he had seen the nose ring, and the bracelets on his sister's arms, and had heard Rebekah tell what the man said to her, he went out to the man and found him standing by the camels near the spring. 31 “Come, you who are blessed by the Lord,” he said. “Why are you standing out here? I have prepared the house and a place for the camels.”32 So the man went to the house, and the camels were unloaded. Straw and fodder were brought for the camels, and water for him and his men to wash their feet. 33 Then food was set before him, but he said, “I will not eat until I have told you what I have to say.”“Then tell us,” Laban said.34 So he said, “I am Abraham's servant. 35 The Lord has blessed my master abundantly, and he has become wealthy. He has given him sheep and cattle, silver and gold, male and female servants, and camels and donkeys. 36 My master's wife Sarah has borne him a son in her old age, and he has given him everything he owns. 37 And my master made me swear an oath, and said, ‘You must not get a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I live, 38 but go to my father's family and to my own clan, and get a wife for my son.'39 “Then I asked my master, ‘What if the woman will not come back with me?'40 “He replied, ‘The Lord, before whom I have walked faithfully, will send his angel with you and make your journey a success, so that you can get a wife for my son from my own clan and from my father's family. 41 You will be released from my oath if, when you go to my clan, they refuse to give her to you—then you will be released from my oath.'42 “When I came to the spring today, I said, ‘Lord, God of my master Abraham, if you will, please grant success to the journey on which I have come. 43 See, I am standing beside this spring. If a young woman comes out to draw water and I say to her, “Please let me drink a little water from your jar,” 44 and if she says to me, “Drink, and I'll draw water for your camels too,” let her be the one the Lord has chosen for my master's son.'45 “Before I finished praying in my heart, Rebekah came out, with her jar on her shoulder. She went down to the spring and drew water, and I said to her, ‘Please give me a drink.'46 “She quickly lowered her jar from her shoulder and said, ‘Drink, and I'll water your camels too.' So I drank, and she watered the camels also.47 “I asked her, ‘Whose daughter are you?'“She said, ‘The daughter of Bethuel son of Nahor, whom Milkah bore to him.'“Then I put the ring in her nose and the bracelets on her arms, 48 and I bowed down and worshiped the Lord. I praised the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who had led me on the right road to get the granddaughter of my master's brother for his son. 49 Now if you will show kindness and faithfulness to my master, tell me; and if not, tell me, so I may know which way to turn.”50 Laban and Bethuel answered, “This is from the Lord; we can say nothing to you one way or the other. 51 Here is Rebekah; take her and go, and let her become the wife of your master's son, as the Lord has directed.”52 When Abraham's servant heard what they said, he bowed down to the ground before the Lord. 53 Then the servant brought out gold and silver jewelry and articles of clothing and gave them to Rebekah; he also gave costly gifts to her brother and to her mother. 54 Then he and the men who were with him ate and drank and spent the night there.When they got up the next morning, he said, “Send me on my way to my master.”55 But her brother and her mother replied, “Let the young woman remain with us ten days or so; then you[e] may go.”56 But he said to them, “Do not detain me, now that the Lord has granted success to my journey. Send me on my way so I may go to my master.”57 Then they said, “Let's call the young woman and ask her about it.” 58 So they called Rebekah and asked her, “Will you go with this man?”“I will go,” she said.59 So they sent their sister Rebekah on her way, along with her nurse and Abraham's servant and his men. 60 And they blessed Rebekah and said to her,“Our sister, may you increase to thousands upon thousands;may your offspring possess the cities of their enemies.”61 Then Rebekah and her attendants got ready and mounted the camels and went back with the man. So the servant took Rebekah and left.62 Now Isaac had come from Beer Lahai Roi, for he was living in the Negev. 63 He went out to the field one evening to meditate,[f] and as he looked up, he saw camels approaching. 64 Rebekah also looked up and saw Isaac. She got down from her camel 65 and asked the servant, “Who is that man in the field coming to meet us?”“He is my master,” the servant answered. So she took her veil and covered herself.66 Then the servant told Isaac all he had done. 67 Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah, and he married Rebekah. So she became his wife, and he loved her; and Isaac was comforted after his mother's death.Genesis 25The Death of Abraham25 Abraham had taken another wife, whose name was Keturah. 2 She bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak and Shuah. 3 Jokshan was the father of Sheba and Dedan; the descendants of Dedan were the Ashurites, the Letushites and the Leummites. 4 The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanok, Abida and Eldaah. All these were descendants of Keturah.5 Abraham left everything he owned to Isaac. 6 But while he was still living, he gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them away from his son Isaac to the land of the east.7 Abraham lived a hundred and seventy-five years. 8 Then Abraham breathed his last and died at a good old age, an old man and full of years; and he was gathered to his people. 9 His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah near Mamre, in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite, 10 the field Abraham had bought from the Hittites.[g] There Abraham was buried with his wife Sarah. 11 After Abraham's death, God blessed his son Isaac, who then lived near Beer Lahai Roi.Ishmael's Sons12 This is the account of the family line of Abraham's son Ishmael, whom Sarah's slave, Hagar the Egyptian, bore to Abraham.13 These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, listed in the order of their birth: Nebaioth the firstborn of Ishmael, Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, 14 Mishma, Dumah, Massa, 15 Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish and Kedemah. 16 These were the sons of Ishmael, and these are the names of the twelve tribal rulers according to their settlements and camps. 17 Ishmael lived a hundred and thirty-seven years. He breathed his last and died, and he was gathered to his people. 18 His descendants settled in the area from Havilah to Shur, near the eastern border of Egypt, as you go toward Ashur. And they lived in hostility toward[h] all the tribes related to them.Jacob and Esau19 This is the account of the family line of Abraham's son Isaac.Abraham became the father of Isaac, 20 and Isaac was forty years old when he married Rebekah daughter of Bethuel the Aramean from Paddan Aram[i] and sister of Laban the Aramean.21 Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife, because she was childless. The Lord answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant. 22 The babies jostled each other within her, and she said, “Why is this happening to me?” So she went to inquire of the Lord.23 The Lord said to her,“Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated;one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.”24 When the time came for her to give birth, there were twin boys in her womb. 25 The first to come out was red, and his whole body was like a hairy garment; so they named him Esau.[j] 26 After this, his brother came out, with his hand grasping Esau's heel; so he was named Jacob.[k] Isaac was sixty years old when Rebekah gave birth to them.27 The boys grew up, and Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the open country, while Jacob was content to stay at home among the tents. 28 Isaac, who had a taste for wild game, loved Esau, but Rebekah loved Jacob.29 Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. 30 He said to Jacob, “Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I'm famished!” (That is why he was also called Edom.[l])31 Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.”32 “Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to me?”33 But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob.34 Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left.So Esau despised his birthright.Footnotes:Genesis 24:7 Or seedGenesis 24:10 That is, Northwest MesopotamiaGenesis 24:22 That is, about 1/5 ounce or about 5.7 gramsGenesis 24:22 That is, about 4 ounces or about 115 gramsGenesis 24:55 Or sheGenesis 24:63 The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain.Genesis 25:10 Or the descendants of HethGenesis 25:18 Or lived to the east ofGenesis 25:20 That is, Northwest MesopotamiaGenesis 25:25 Esau may mean hairy.Genesis 25:26 Jacob means he grasps the heel, a Hebrew idiom for he deceives.Genesis 25:30 Edom means red.

Genesis 24 (NIV) Isaac and Rebekah 24 Abraham was now very old, and the Lord had blessed him in every way. 2 He said to the senior servant in his household, the one in charge of all that he had, “Put your hand under my thigh. 3 I want you to swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not get a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I am living, 4 but will go to my country and my own relatives and get a wife for my son Isaac.” 5 The servant asked him, “What if the woman is unwilling to come back with me to this land? Shall I then take your son back to the country you came from?” 6 “Make sure that you do not take my son back there,” Abraham said. 7 “The Lord, the God of heaven, who brought me out of my father's household and my native land and who spoke to me and promised me on oath, saying, ‘To your offspring[a] I will give this land'—he will send his angel before you so that you can get a wife for my son from there. 8 If the woman is unwilling to come back with you, then you will be released from this oath of mine. Only do not take my son back there.” 9 So the servant put his hand under the thigh of his master Abraham and swore an oath to him concerning this matter. 10 Then the servant left, taking with him ten of his master's camels loaded with all kinds of good things from his master. He set out for Aram Naharaim[b] and made his way to the town of Nahor. 11 He had the camels kneel down near the well outside the town; it was toward evening, the time the women go out to draw water. 12 Then he prayed, “Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. 13 See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. 14 May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,' and she says, ‘Drink, and I'll water your camels too'—let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.” 15 Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milkah, who was the wife of Abraham's brother Nahor. 16 The woman was very beautiful, a virgin; no man had ever slept with her. She went down to the spring, filled her jar and came up again. 17 The servant hurried to meet her and said, “Please give me a little water from your jar.” 18 “Drink, my lord,” she said, and quickly lowered the jar to her hands and gave him a drink. 19 After she had given him a drink, she said, “I'll draw water for your camels too, until they have had enough to drink.” 20 So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough, ran back to the well to draw more water, and drew enough for all his camels. 21 Without saying a word, the man watched her closely to learn whether or not the Lord had made his journey successful. 22 When the camels had finished drinking, the man took out a gold nose ring weighing a beka[c] and two gold bracelets weighing ten shekels.[d] 23 Then he asked, “Whose daughter are you? Please tell me, is there room in your father's house for us to spend the night?” 24 She answered him, “I am the daughter of Bethuel, the son that Milkah bore to Nahor.” 25 And she added, “We have plenty of straw and fodder, as well as room for you to spend the night.” 26 Then the man bowed down and worshiped the Lord, 27 saying, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master. As for me, the Lord has led me on the journey to the house of my master's relatives.” 28 The young woman ran and told her mother's household about these things. 29 Now Rebekah had a brother named Laban, and he hurried out to the man at the spring. 30 As soon as he had seen the nose ring, and the bracelets on his sister's arms, and had heard Rebekah tell what the man said to her, he went out to the man and found him standing by the camels near the spring. 31 “Come, you who are blessed by the Lord,” he said. “Why are you standing out here? I have prepared the house and a place for the camels.” 32 So the man went to the house, and the camels were unloaded. Straw and fodder were brought for the camels, and water for him and his men to wash their feet. 33 Then food was set before him, but he said, “I will not eat until I have told you what I have to say.” “Then tell us,” Laban said. 34 So he said, “I am Abraham's servant. 35 The Lord has blessed my master abundantly, and he has become wealthy. He has given him sheep and cattle, silver and gold, male and female servants, and camels and donkeys. 36 My master's wife Sarah has borne him a son in her old age, and he has given him everything he owns. 37 And my master made me swear an oath, and said, ‘You must not get a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I live, 38 but go to my father's family and to my own clan, and get a wife for my son.' 39 “Then I asked my master, ‘What if the woman will not come back with me?' 40 “He replied, ‘The Lord, before whom I have walked faithfully, will send his angel with you and make your journey a success, so that you can get a wife for my son from my own clan and from my father's family. 41 You will be released from my oath if, when you go to my clan, they refuse to give her to you—then you will be released from my oath.' 42 “When I came to the spring today, I said, ‘Lord, God of my master Abraham, if you will, please grant success to the journey on which I have come. 43 See, I am standing beside this spring. If a young woman comes out to draw water and I say to her, “Please let me drink a little water from your jar,” 44 and if she says to me, “Drink, and I'll draw water for your camels too,” let her be the one the Lord has chosen for my master's son.' 45 “Before I finished praying in my heart, Rebekah came out, with her jar on her shoulder. She went down to the spring and drew water, and I said to her, ‘Please give me a drink.' 46 “She quickly lowered her jar from her shoulder and said, ‘Drink, and I'll water your camels too.' So I drank, and she watered the camels also. 47 “I asked her, ‘Whose daughter are you?' “She said, ‘The daughter of Bethuel son of Nahor, whom Milkah bore to him.' “Then I put the ring in her nose and the bracelets on her arms, 48 and I bowed down and worshiped the Lord. I praised the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who had led me on the right road to get the granddaughter of my master's brother for his son. 49 Now if you will show kindness and faithfulness to my master, tell me; and if not, tell me, so I may know which way to turn.” 50 Laban and Bethuel answered, “This is from the Lord; we can say nothing to you one way or the other. 51 Here is Rebekah; take her and go, and let her become the wife of your master's son, as the Lord has directed.” 52 When Abraham's servant heard what they said, he bowed down to the ground before the Lord. 53 Then the servant brought out gold and silver jewelry and articles of clothing and gave them to Rebekah; he also gave costly gifts to her brother and to her mother. 54 Then he and the men who were with him ate and drank and spent the night there. When they got up the next morning, he said, “Send me on my way to my master.” 55 But her brother and her mother replied, “Let the young woman remain with us ten days or so; then you[e] may go.” 56 But he said to them, “Do not detain me, now that the Lord has granted success to my journey. Send me on my way so I may go to my master.” 57 Then they said, “Let's call the young woman and ask her about it.” 58 So they called Rebekah and asked her, “Will you go with this man?” “I will go,” she said. 59 So they sent their sister Rebekah on her way, along with her nurse and Abraham's servant and his men. 60 And they blessed Rebekah and said to her, “Our sister, may you increase to thousands upon thousands; may your offspring possess the cities of their enemies.” 61 Then Rebekah and her attendants got ready and mounted the camels and went back with the man. So the servant took Rebekah and left. 62 Now Isaac had come from Beer Lahai Roi, for he was living in the Negev. 63 He went out to the field one evening to meditate,[f] and as he looked up, he saw camels approaching. 64 Rebekah also looked up and saw Isaac. She got down from her camel 65 and asked the servant, “Who is that man in the field coming to meet us?” “He is my master,” the servant answered. So she took her veil and covered herself. 66 Then the servant told Isaac all he had done. 67 Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah, and he married Rebekah. So she became his wife, and he loved her; and Isaac was comforted after his mother's death. Genesis 25 The Death of Abraham 25 Abraham had taken another wife, whose name was Keturah. 2 She bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak and Shuah. 3 Jokshan was the father of Sheba and Dedan; the descendants of Dedan were the Ashurites, the Letushites and the Leummites. 4 The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanok, Abida and Eldaah. All these were descendants of Keturah. 5 Abraham left everything he owned to Isaac. 6 But while he was still living, he gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them away from his son Isaac to the land of the east. 7 Abraham lived a hundred and seventy-five years. 8 Then Abraham breathed his last and died at a good old age, an old man and full of years; and he was gathered to his people. 9 His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah near Mamre, in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite, 10 the field Abraham had bought from the Hittites.[g] There Abraham was buried with his wife Sarah. 11 After Abraham's death, God blessed his son Isaac, who then lived near Beer Lahai Roi. Ishmael's Sons 12 This is the account of the family line of Abraham's son Ishmael, whom Sarah's slave, Hagar the Egyptian, bore to Abraham. 13 These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, listed in the order of their birth: Nebaioth the firstborn of Ishmael, Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, 14 Mishma, Dumah, Massa, 15 Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish and Kedemah. 16 These were the sons of Ishmael, and these are the names of the twelve tribal rulers according to their settlements and camps. 17 Ishmael lived a hundred and thirty-seven years. He breathed his last and died, and he was gathered to his people. 18 His descendants settled in the area from Havilah to Shur, near the eastern border of Egypt, as you go toward Ashur. And they lived in hostility toward[h] all the tribes related to them. Jacob and Esau 19 This is the account of the family line of Abraham's son Isaac. Abraham became the father of Isaac, 20 and Isaac was forty years old when he married Rebekah daughter of Bethuel the Aramean from Paddan Aram[i] and sister of Laban the Aramean. 21 Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife, because she was childless. The Lord answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant. 22 The babies jostled each other within her, and she said, “Why is this happening to me?” So she went to inquire of the Lord. 23 The Lord said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.” 24 When the time came for her to give birth, there were twin boys in her womb. 25 The first to come out was red, and his whole body was like a hairy garment; so they named him Esau.[j] 26 After this, his brother came out, with his hand grasping Esau's heel; so he was named Jacob.[k] Isaac was sixty years old when Rebekah gave birth to them. 27 The boys grew up, and Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the open country, while Jacob was content to stay at home among the tents. 28 Isaac, who had a taste for wild game, loved Esau, but Rebekah loved Jacob. 29 Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. 30 He said to Jacob, “Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I'm famished!” (That is why he was also called Edom.[l]) 31 Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.” 32 “Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to me?” 33 But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob. 34 Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. So Esau despised his birthright. Footnotes: Genesis 24:7 Or seed Genesis 24:10 That is, Northwest Mesopotamia Genesis 24:22 That is, about 1/5 ounce or about 5.7 grams Genesis 24:22 That is, about 4 ounces or about 115 grams Genesis 24:55 Or she Genesis 24:63 The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain. Genesis 25:10 Or the descendants of Heth Genesis 25:18 Or lived to the east of Genesis 25:20 That is, Northwest Mesopotamia Genesis 25:25 Esau may mean hairy. Genesis 25:26 Jacob means he grasps the heel, a Hebrew idiom for he deceives. Genesis 25:30 Edom means red.

Genesis 24 (NIV)Isaac and Rebekah 24 Abraham was now very old, and the Lord had blessed him in every way. 2 He said to the senior servant in his household, the one in charge of all that he had, “Put your hand under my thigh. 3 I want you to swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not get a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I am living, 4 but will go to my country and my own relatives and get a wife for my son Isaac.”5 The servant asked him, “What if the woman is unwilling to come back with me to this land? Shall I then take your son back to the country you came from?”6 “Make sure that you do not take my son back there,” Abraham said. 7 “The Lord, the God of heaven, who brought me out of my father's household and my native land and who spoke to me and promised me on oath, saying, ‘To your offspring[a] I will give this land'—he will send his angel before you so that you can get a wife for my son from there. 8 If the woman is unwilling to come back with you, then you will be released from this oath of mine. Only do not take my son back there.” 9 So the servant put his hand under the thigh of his master Abraham and swore an oath to him concerning this matter.10 Then the servant left, taking with him ten of his master's camels loaded with all kinds of good things from his master. He set out for Aram Naharaim[b] and made his way to the town of Nahor. 11 He had the camels kneel down near the well outside the town; it was toward evening, the time the women go out to draw water.12 Then he prayed, “Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. 13 See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. 14 May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,' and she says, ‘Drink, and I'll water your camels too'—let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.”15 Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milkah, who was the wife of Abraham's brother Nahor. 16 The woman was very beautiful, a virgin; no man had ever slept with her. She went down to the spring, filled her jar and came up again.17 The servant hurried to meet her and said, “Please give me a little water from your jar.”18 “Drink, my lord,” she said, and quickly lowered the jar to her hands and gave him a drink.19 After she had given him a drink, she said, “I'll draw water for your camels too, until they have had enough to drink.” 20 So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough, ran back to the well to draw more water, and drew enough for all his camels. 21 Without saying a word, the man watched her closely to learn whether or not the Lord had made his journey successful.22 When the camels had finished drinking, the man took out a gold nose ring weighing a beka[c] and two gold bracelets weighing ten shekels.[d] 23 Then he asked, “Whose daughter are you? Please tell me, is there room in your father's house for us to spend the night?”24 She answered him, “I am the daughter of Bethuel, the son that Milkah bore to Nahor.” 25 And she added, “We have plenty of straw and fodder, as well as room for you to spend the night.”26 Then the man bowed down and worshiped the Lord, 27 saying, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master. As for me, the Lord has led me on the journey to the house of my master's relatives.”28 The young woman ran and told her mother's household about these things. 29 Now Rebekah had a brother named Laban, and he hurried out to the man at the spring. 30 As soon as he had seen the nose ring, and the bracelets on his sister's arms, and had heard Rebekah tell what the man said to her, he went out to the man and found him standing by the camels near the spring. 31 “Come, you who are blessed by the Lord,” he said. “Why are you standing out here? I have prepared the house and a place for the camels.”32 So the man went to the house, and the camels were unloaded. Straw and fodder were brought for the camels, and water for him and his men to wash their feet. 33 Then food was set before him, but he said, “I will not eat until I have told you what I have to say.”“Then tell us,” Laban said.34 So he said, “I am Abraham's servant. 35 The Lord has blessed my master abundantly, and he has become wealthy. He has given him sheep and cattle, silver and gold, male and female servants, and camels and donkeys. 36 My master's wife Sarah has borne him a son in her old age, and he has given him everything he owns. 37 And my master made me swear an oath, and said, ‘You must not get a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I live, 38 but go to my father's family and to my own clan, and get a wife for my son.'39 “Then I asked my master, ‘What if the woman will not come back with me?'40 “He replied, ‘The Lord, before whom I have walked faithfully, will send his angel with you and make your journey a success, so that you can get a wife for my son from my own clan and from my father's family. 41 You will be released from my oath if, when you go to my clan, they refuse to give her to you—then you will be released from my oath.'42 “When I came to the spring today, I said, ‘Lord, God of my master Abraham, if you will, please grant success to the journey on which I have come. 43 See, I am standing beside this spring. If a young woman comes out to draw water and I say to her, “Please let me drink a little water from your jar,” 44 and if she says to me, “Drink, and I'll draw water for your camels too,” let her be the one the Lord has chosen for my master's son.'45 “Before I finished praying in my heart, Rebekah came out, with her jar on her shoulder. She went down to the spring and drew water, and I said to her, ‘Please give me a drink.'46 “She quickly lowered her jar from her shoulder and said, ‘Drink, and I'll water your camels too.' So I drank, and she watered the camels also.47 “I asked her, ‘Whose daughter are you?'“She said, ‘The daughter of Bethuel son of Nahor, whom Milkah bore to him.'“Then I put the ring in her nose and the bracelets on her arms, 48 and I bowed down and worshiped the Lord. I praised the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who had led me on the right road to get the granddaughter of my master's brother for his son. 49 Now if you will show kindness and faithfulness to my master, tell me; and if not, tell me, so I may know which way to turn.”50 Laban and Bethuel answered, “This is from the Lord; we can say nothing to you one way or the other. 51 Here is Rebekah; take her and go, and let her become the wife of your master's son, as the Lord has directed.”52 When Abraham's servant heard what they said, he bowed down to the ground before the Lord. 53 Then the servant brought out gold and silver jewelry and articles of clothing and gave them to Rebekah; he also gave costly gifts to her brother and to her mother. 54 Then he and the men who were with him ate and drank and spent the night there.When they got up the next morning, he said, “Send me on my way to my master.”55 But her brother and her mother replied, “Let the young woman remain with us ten days or so; then you[e] may go.”56 But he said to them, “Do not detain me, now that the Lord has granted success to my journey. Send me on my way so I may go to my master.”57 Then they said, “Let's call the young woman and ask her about it.” 58 So they called Rebekah and asked her, “Will you go with this man?”“I will go,” she said.59 So they sent their sister Rebekah on her way, along with her nurse and Abraham's servant and his men. 60 And they blessed Rebekah and said to her,“Our sister, may you increase to thousands upon thousands;may your offspring possess the cities of their enemies.”61 Then Rebekah and her attendants got ready and mounted the camels and went back with the man. So the servant took Rebekah and left.62 Now Isaac had come from Beer Lahai Roi, for he was living in the Negev. 63 He went out to the field one evening to meditate,[f] and as he looked up, he saw camels approaching. 64 Rebekah also looked up and saw Isaac. She got down from her camel 65 and asked the servant, “Who is that man in the field coming to meet us?”“He is my master,” the servant answered. So she took her veil and covered herself.66 Then the servant told Isaac all he had done. 67 Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah, and he married Rebekah. So she became his wife, and he loved her; and Isaac was comforted after his mother's death.Genesis 25The Death of Abraham25 Abraham had taken another wife, whose name was Keturah. 2 She bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak and Shuah. 3 Jokshan was the father of Sheba and Dedan; the descendants of Dedan were the Ashurites, the Letushites and the Leummites. 4 The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanok, Abida and Eldaah. All these were descendants of Keturah.5 Abraham left everything he owned to Isaac. 6 But while he was still living, he gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them away from his son Isaac to the land of the east.7 Abraham lived a hundred and seventy-five years. 8 Then Abraham breathed his last and died at a good old age, an old man and full of years; and he was gathered to his people. 9 His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah near Mamre, in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite, 10 the field Abraham had bought from the Hittites.[g] There Abraham was buried with his wife Sarah. 11 After Abraham's death, God blessed his son Isaac, who then lived near Beer Lahai Roi.Ishmael's Sons12 This is the account of the family line of Abraham's son Ishmael, whom Sarah's slave, Hagar the Egyptian, bore to Abraham.13 These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, listed in the order of their birth: Nebaioth the firstborn of Ishmael, Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, 14 Mishma, Dumah, Massa, 15 Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish and Kedemah. 16 These were the sons of Ishmael, and these are the names of the twelve tribal rulers according to their settlements and camps. 17 Ishmael lived a hundred and thirty-seven years. He breathed his last and died, and he was gathered to his people. 18 His descendants settled in the area from Havilah to Shur, near the eastern border of Egypt, as you go toward Ashur. And they lived in hostility toward[h] all the tribes related to them.Jacob and Esau19 This is the account of the family line of Abraham's son Isaac.Abraham became the father of Isaac, 20 and Isaac was forty years old when he married Rebekah daughter of Bethuel the Aramean from Paddan Aram[i] and sister of Laban the Aramean.21 Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife, because she was childless. The Lord answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant. 22 The babies jostled each other within her, and she said, “Why is this happening to me?” So she went to inquire of the Lord.23 The Lord said to her,“Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated;one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.”24 When the time came for her to give birth, there were twin boys in her womb. 25 The first to come out was red, and his whole body was like a hairy garment; so they named him Esau.[j] 26 After this, his brother came out, with his hand grasping Esau's heel; so he was named Jacob.[k] Isaac was sixty years old when Rebekah gave birth to them.27 The boys grew up, and Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the open country, while Jacob was content to stay at home among the tents. 28 Isaac, who had a taste for wild game, loved Esau, but Rebekah loved Jacob.29 Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. 30 He said to Jacob, “Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I'm famished!” (That is why he was also called Edom.[l])31 Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.”32 “Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to me?”33 But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob.34 Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left.So Esau despised his birthright.Footnotes:Genesis 24:7 Or seedGenesis 24:10 That is, Northwest MesopotamiaGenesis 24:22 That is, about 1/5 ounce or about 5.7 gramsGenesis 24:22 That is, about 4 ounces or about 115 gramsGenesis 24:55 Or sheGenesis 24:63 The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain.Genesis 25:10 Or the descendants of HethGenesis 25:18 Or lived to the east ofGenesis 25:20 That is, Northwest MesopotamiaGenesis 25:25 Esau may mean hairy.Genesis 25:26 Jacob means he grasps the heel, a Hebrew idiom for he deceives.Genesis 25:30 Edom means red.

This week I cover the peoples and places found in Genesis Chapters 24 through 28. Specifically, Aram Naharaim, Nahor, Havilah, Shur, Gerar, Abimelech, Esek, Sitnah, Rehoboth, Shiba, and Paddan Aram. Next week, I'll begin the first of probably two parts on the Arameans. You don't want to miss it. After listening, let me know what you think.

Salmo 60(RV1960 Strong) Al músico principal; sobre Lirios. Testimonio. Mictam de David, para enseñar, cuando tuvo guerra contra Aram-Naharaim y contra Aram de Soba, y volvió Joab, y destrozó a doce mil de Edom en el valle de la Sal.1 Oh Dios, tú nos has desechado, nos quebrantaste;Te has airado; ~!vuélvete a nosotros!2 Hiciste temblar la tierra, la has hendido;Sana sus roturas, porque titubea.3 Has hecho ver a tu pueblo cosas duras;Nos hiciste beber vino de aturdimiento.4 Has dado a los que te temen banderaQue alcen por causa de la verdad.Selah5 Para que se libren tus amados,Salva con tu diestra, y óyeme.6 Dios ha dicho en su santuario: Yo me alegraré;Repartiré a Siquem, y mediré el valle de Sucot.7 Mío es Galaad, y mío es Manasés;Y Efraín es la fortaleza de mi cabeza;Judá es mi legislador.8 Moab, vasija para lavarme;Sobre Edom echaré mi calzado;Me regocijaré sobre Filistea.9 ~?Quién me llevará a la ciudad fortificada?~?Quién me llevará hasta Edom?10 ~?No serás tú, oh Dios, que nos habías desechado,Y no salías, oh Dios, con nuestros ejércitos?11 Danos socorro contra el enemigo,Porque vana es la ayuda de los hombres.12 En Dios haremos proezas,Y él hollará a nuestros enemigos

Salmo 60(RV1960 Strong) Al músico principal; sobre Lirios. Testimonio. Mictam de David, para enseñar, cuando tuvo guerra contra Aram-Naharaim y contra Aram de Soba, y volvió Joab, y destrozó a doce mil de Edom en el valle de la Sal.1 Oh Dios, tú nos has desechado, nos quebrantaste;Te has airado; ~!vuélvete a nosotros!2 Hiciste temblar la tierra, la has hendido;Sana sus roturas, porque titubea.3 Has hecho ver a tu pueblo cosas duras;Nos hiciste beber vino de aturdimiento.4 Has dado a los que te temen banderaQue alcen por causa de la verdad.Selah5 Para que se libren tus amados,Salva con tu diestra, y óyeme.6 Dios ha dicho en su santuario: Yo me alegraré;Repartiré a Siquem, y mediré el valle de Sucot.7 Mío es Galaad, y mío es Manasés;Y Efraín es la fortaleza de mi cabeza;Judá es mi legislador.8 Moab, vasija para lavarme;Sobre Edom echaré mi calzado;Me regocijaré sobre Filistea.9 ~?Quién me llevará a la ciudad fortificada?~?Quién me llevará hasta Edom?10 ~?No serás tú, oh Dios, que nos habías desechado,Y no salías, oh Dios, con nuestros ejércitos?11 Danos socorro contra el enemigo,Porque vana es la ayuda de los hombres.12 En Dios haremos proezas,Y él hollará a nuestros enemigos

For the director of music. To the tune of "The Lilly of the Covenant." A miktam of David. For teaching. When he fought Aram Naharaim and Aram Zobah, and when Joab returned and struck down twelve thousand Edomites in the valley of Salt.

For the director of music. To the tune of "The Lilly of the Covenant." A miktam of David. For teaching. When he fought Aram Naharaim and Aram Zobah, and when Joab returned and struck down twelve thousand Edomites in the valley of Salt.

Bible reading Isaac and Rebekah 24 Abraham was now very old, and the Lord had blessed him in every way. 2 He said to the senior servant in his household, the one in charge of all that he had, “Put your hand under my thigh. 3 I want you to swearby the Lord, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not get a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I am living, 4 but will go to my country and my own relatives and get a wife for my son Isaac.” 5 The servant asked him, “What if the woman is unwilling to come back with me to this land? Shall I then take your son back to the country you came from?” 6 “Make sure that you do not take my son back there,” Abraham said.7 “The Lord, the God of heaven, who brought me out of my father's household and my native land and who spoke to me and promised me on oath, saying, ‘To your offspring[a] I will give this land'—he will send his angel before you so that you can get a wife for my son from there.8 If the woman is unwilling to come back with you, then you will be released from this oath of mine. Only do not take my son back there.”9 So the servant put his hand under the thigh of his master Abraham and swore an oath to him concerning this matter. 10 Then the servant left, taking with him ten of his master's camelsloaded with all kinds of good things from his master. He set out for Aram Naharaim[b] and made his way to the town of Nahor. 11 He had the camels kneel down near the well outside the town; it was toward evening, the time the women go out to draw water. 12 Then he prayed, “Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. 13 See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. 14 May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,' and she says, ‘Drink, and I'll water your camels too'—let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.” Footnotes: Genesis 24:7 Or seed Genesis 24:10 That is, Northwest Mesopotamia