Talkabout  God and the First Families

Gather ’Round, Fall 2010  Bible study for busy parents

Bible commentary  Week 1 Creation of creatures

Genesis 1–2 The sequence continues with the creation
of swarms of living creatures, culminat-
Primordial soup ing in the designing of the DNA of homo
The poetic statements of God’s creativity sapiens, humankind. Female and male are
are like a symphony with a round of ap- created (Genesis 1:27). In the Latin Vul-
plause concluding every movement. Not gate translation by St. Jerome in the fourth
one, but two dramas of the origin of life are century, humans are said to be created
portrayed in the book that is appropriately imago dei, Latin for “in God’s image.” One
called Genesis. theologian has called this “the original
blessing.” Jewish commentators speculated
Contrary to later Christian thought popular- that the first pair of humans was created as
ized by St. Augustine, the Bible does not one entity. Later they were separated, thus
say that God created the world out of noth- having a magnetic attraction to reunite.
ing (in Latin ex nihilo). Instead, God stirs
forth a watery chaos. God stirs the “pri- The collator of Genesis adds a second
mordial soup” with the wand of natural law. God separates and drama of creation (Genesis 2:1–3). The newly created earth
names the elements of the universe. In the first presentation, is described as a parched desert before the fertilizing rains.
order springs from the chaotic void of foreboding darkness. In Like a child making a mud pie, out of the “red earth” (Hebrew
the ancient biblical world, the fear of darkness was pervasive. adamah) God creates Adam.
God’s swirling creativity is likened to wind sweeping across But a solitary existence is incomplete. God creates animals
the deep tehom, translated as “waters.” It is the “wind of God” for Adam. This is followed by the extraction of woman from
(Genesis 1:2) that enlivens creation. Later, Adam receives con- the male, Eve cloned from Adam. The affirmation of fertility
sciousness as God breathes into his nostrils, ruah. In the New follows. “They shall be of one flesh,” says God (Genesis 2:24).
Testament, the Greek term for spirit is pneuma, also likened to Without blushing, sexuality is applauded as a gift of creation.
the wind. Later in the Bible it is featured in the erotic poetry of the Song
of Solomon. It is even likened by mystics to the soul being
Blessings of light embraced by God’s presence.
Genesis begins with a praise of light that is carried through In these symphonic narratives on the origin of life, God’s seal
the entire Bible. In Genesis 1:3, light splashes forth like pho- of approval of the creative process is reiterated in rhythmic
tons of God’s blessing. Later, in the book of John, Jesus uses fashion. We hear a cacophony of drums and cymbals. Creation
the metaphor “light of the world” to describe himself. The is good!
prologue of the fourth gospel, in fact, states that the whole of
­—Herb Smith, professor of Philosophy and Religion,
creation was brought about through the Christ. The conclud-
McPherson College, McPherson, KS
ing chapters of Revelation, the final book of the Bible, talk
about a sparkling New Jerusalem that is permeated with God’s
light. Its lamp is the Lamb of God (Revelation 21:22).
At twilight the stars of the Milky Way appear like salt sprinkled
on black velvet, a gorgeous sight. In Genesis the stars are not
simply swirling in outer space drawn by the gravity of black
holes; they are affixed to the architecture of the universe
where the heavens are likened to a dome. During the Bronze
Age, when this narrative was written, the Israelites probably
imagined this dome as metallic orange color.
Reflect
Contemporary astrophysicists write about the vibrating
1. What actions or words in Genesis 1 and 2 show
superstrings of the universe giving structure to the universe.
God’s delight in creation?
Thus, we can image the firmament as vibrating. God could be
likened to an orchestra conductor directing the symphony of 2. What responsibilities come with being made in
creation or choreographing its dance. The music of the heav- God’s image?
enly spheres is a manifestation of God’s rhythmic love. 3. Share some earth caring actions you have taken in
the past week, month, or year.
4. What gift of creation are you most grateful for?
 Talkabout  God and the First Families
Gather ’Round, Fall 2010  Bible study for busy parents

Bible commentary  Week 2 we often fail to take responsibility for our

actions.
Genesis 3
Instead of applying the death penalty, God
A tempting taboo penalizes the couple in terms of labor. For
Eve, the labor pain of birthing is increased.
Right smack in the middle of the garden
Adam is sentenced to the sweat and hard
called Eden, the horticulturalist God plants
labor of agriculture. Eve’s punishment was
the tree of knowledge. Not only are Eve
reinforced by Christian tradition. Even after
and Adam asked not to sink their teeth into
the development of pain medications, it was
its succulent fruit, but there is even a “do
thought up until the late nineteenth century
not touch” order. The penalty for violation?
that women should suffer during childbirth
Death.
because of the sin of Eve. It is curious that
In Judeo-Christian tradition, the fruit of this the word sin is never used in the Genesis
tree has been thought to have been apples, story. Instead, the issue seems to be the
peaches, or pomegranates. Whatever its na- destruction of the primordial harmony into
ture, this fruit was taboo. Taboos, though, which Eve and Adam were created. After
foster attraction as well as repulsion. In contrast to the other announcing the punishments for these disobedient children,
unnamed trees in this idyllic orchard, this tree must have lit up God now cares for them. Clothing is fashioned from animal
before the eyes of the newly created couple. skins. These garments symbolize warmth and affirmation.
God’s love prevails.
The wise, healing snake
In the midst of this scene comes a walking snake (which is Cherubim with flaming batons
only later cursed to crawl on its belly). Today, snakes are often Eve and Adam are, however, expelled from the garden. Should
equated with evil and even Satan. In the Hebrew Bible nar- they decide to return, the gateway is guarded by angels.
ratives, however, the serpent sometimes represents healing. These cherubim should not be pictured as apple-cheeked
Moses is asked to make a bronze snake in the wilderness, children. They are more accurately envisioned as the sphinx
which is later kept in Solomon’s temple (Numbers 21:9). In of Egypt or the composite animal creatures that guarded the
the Gospel of John, Jesus is likened to this serpent, in that he Assyrian temples. These cherubim guard the garden with a
is also to be lifted up to save the people (John 3:14–15). Our twirling and flaming sword. The primordial harmony of Eden
medical symbol today is represented by one or two snakes can never be entered again. The naïve innocence of Eden is
twined around a pole. forever lost—but now the saga of human history begins.
In the Genesis scenario, the snake represents wisdom. The ­—Herb Smith, professor of Philosophy and Religion,
snake claims that God’s rule is really based on divine jealousy. McPherson College, McPherson, KS
If Adam and Even eat the fruit, they will become like the
divine, having ethical knowledge like God.

Yada, yada, yada

Eve, seeing the beauty of the fruit, acts assertively. She eats
some fruit and serves Adam as well. Once they perform this
momentous action, their consciousness is heightened. The
embarrassment of nakedness is followed by the sewing of
garments.
The Hebrew yada, usually translated “knowledge,” refers to Reflect
sexual experience as well as intellectual consciousness. The
“knowledge” of the tree is associated with sexuality. During 1. What signs of God’s grace do you see in this story?
the Middle Ages, church doctrine said that the original sin of 2. Why is it so easy to blame someone else for our own
Adam and Eve was passed to everyone through the act of pro- wrong choices?
creation. This interpretation is not found either in the Genesis 3. We may look back on our own times of innocence
narrative or in Paul’s commentary on the creation story in 1 and remember stages of life when we have became
Corinthians. aware of loss or injustice. Is there something you
When God seeks out Adam and confronts him for his act wish you hadn’t found out or wish you didn’t know?
of defiance, Adam passes the buck of responsibility to Eve. 4. What important choices did you make this past week?
She, in turn, condemns the snake for tricking her. Likewise,
 Talkabout  God and the First Families
Gather ’Round, Fall 2010  Bible study for busy parents

Bible commentary  Week 3 A rainbow in the heavens

Genesis 6:5–9:17 When the rains subside and greenery is
resurrected from the fertilized soil, Noah,
Impending doom his three sons, and their families alight
According to one poll that was released from their aquatic cabin onto dry land.
while this essay was being written, approxi- After a thanksgiving celebration accom-
mately 46 percent of Americans believe panied by animal sacrifices, Noah and his
that the world will face a major catastrophe family receive visual assurance of God’s
within the coming decades. Impending new promise. A rainbow shines forth from
doom for humanity? The deluge narrative shimmering violet to verdant green, a bow
in Genesis has a contemporary ring. The in the sky above Mount Ararat. Throughout
story of Noah and the ark is familiar even European and Asiatic folklore, rainbows
to those who score low on biblical literacy. are symbols of assurance. Moreover, in a
prehistoric age, they were seen as a literal
In this story, God is pictured as being bridge to the dome of the sky, a colorful
despondent about human behavior to the ladder to the heavens.
point of regretting ever having created humankind. In the
midst of this iniquity, one family stands forth as faithfully in In the New Testament book Hebrews, the rainbow-gazing
fellowship with God. Noah and his kin are saved from the Noah is paraded as a supreme example of faith. He is called an
purifying flood. Who was Noah—this man who was “blameless “heir to the righteousness that is in accordance with faith” for
in his generation” (Genesis 6:10)? obeying God (Hebrews 11:7).
But God’s spectacular promise is to all creation. The flood of
A child prodigy purification is followed by God’s re-creation. The renewal of
In the Genesis narrative, Noah is the son of Lamech. Accord- life is affirmed. The rainbow is a symbol of God’s constant
ing to Jewish tradition, Lamech was a mighty warrior who love.
killed his great-grandfather, Cain. Because there was blood on ­—Herb Smith, professor of Philosophy and Religion,
his hands, his wives would not relate to him until, reluctantly, McPherson College, McPherson, KS
Zillad consents and gives birth to Noah.
Also according to tradition, Noah was born on the day that
Adam died. Upon his birth, the world immediately improved
as harvests became more bountiful. Noah is credited with de-
signing the first agricultural plows, sickles, and axes. It is this
handyman who will construct the ark to save humanity.

Noah’s zoo
Divine architectural blueprints are drawn for an enormous
ship to house the entire DNA on earth. From butterflies to
antelopes, from ants to buffalos, the ark that Noah the car-
penter is asked to build is a zoologist’s dream (or nightmare,
perhaps). It has three decks. God instructs Noah to make the
ship of cypress wood. Some have suggested that it was really
acacia. The latter was considered sacred in the ancient Middle
Reflect
East. It was the wood prescribed for the ark of the covenant.
1. Notice God’s emotions and actions in this story. How
Rabbinical commentaries speculate that the lower level was
does God change as the story progresses? How do
set aside for the beasts, the middle for the birds, and the up-
you understand the character of God?
per for the insects and the lodging of Noah’s extended family.
Some have also suggested that aquatic beasts swam alongside 2. What might grieve God’s heart in our world?
the ark. As for zookeepers? Sources allude to guardian angels 3. The rainbow is given as a sign of God’s promise.
herding the animals and providing fodder for them. What promise do you wish to receive from God?
As the sluices of the heavens open and the aquifers of the 4. Some people see floods, hurricanes, earthquakes,
underground are unleashed, rain falls for the proverbial 40 days. and other catastrophes as signs of divine judgment.
Rabbis living in an earlier age suggested that God moved some Do you agree or disagree with this view?
of the stars of the constellation Pleiades for this flood to occur.
 Talkabout  God and the First Families
Gather ’Round, Fall 2010  Bible study for busy parents

Bible commentary  Week 4 many Semitic dialects and Afro-Asiatic

languages existed.
Genesis 11:1–9
Thought to have been written during the
The ziggurat of Babel exile, the period when the Israelites had
been carried away by Nebuchadrezzar af-
During the devastating war in Iraq, U.S.
ter the destruction of Jerusalem, this nar-
troops were careful not to destroy a stately
rative critiques the oppressor. The term
ziggurat of ancient Babylonian culture from
babel, which inspired the name Babylon,
the biblical age. This intriguing structure,
originally meant “gate of God.” In Genesis
which the Israelites may have seen during
11:9 it is interpreted as “confused.” Today
their exile in Babylon, probably inspired
we use the term babbling to mean incoher-
the tower of Babel narrative.
ent speech. In their culture shock, the
Ziggurats were swirling towers reaching captive Israelites might have experienced
skyward. The word ziggurat is derived the foreign language of their captors as
from zagaru, meaning “tall” or “lofty.” babble.
They were sacred monuments with
ramps that were meant to reach literally to the heavens. We Building for ourselves; building for God
believe that originally the ziggurats were brilliantly color-
The Babylonians built a tower out of chest-thumping pride.
coded in seven distinct stories. Each story represented
They baked the bricks in the stiflingly hot desert terrain and
a sphere of the heavens ruled by a major heavenly body,
stacked them high. These religious architects desired to make
including the sun, moon, and visible planets. Rather than
a name for themselves rather than to honor and glorify God.
the colorless, barren architecture that is all that remains
today, it is believed that the towers had fragrant flowers This story can also be seen as applicable today. Metaphori-
in verdant gardens planted on different levels. Recall the cally, we build our interior towers of pride, fortified by our own
legendary hanging gardens of Babylon, one of the wonders self-effort rather than trusting in God. When we remove these
of the ancient world. towers, we open the possibility of drawing closer to God. We
are asked to build for God’s purposes, not our own.
The story of the tower of Babel is thought by some to refer to
the temple of Marduk called Etemanaki. This immense struc- ­—Herb Smith, professor of Philosophy and Religion,
ture, upon which the pyramids of Egypt may have been mod- McPherson College, McPherson, KS
eled, is described in ancient clay cuneiform tablets. According
to Babylonian mythology, Marduk became the chief god in
the Babylonian pantheon by defeating the monster Tiamat.
It is written that his tower reached heavenward toward the
boundless sky called Apsu. Like so many of the world’s great
religious monuments, it was thought to represent a cosmic
mountain rising from a primordial sea.
This was an age in which many believed that Milky Way
Reflect
stars were very close to the earth. The heavenly bodies were
thought to hover just above the horizon, perhaps attached to a 1. How is God’s point of view different from the goals
firmament. To construct a magical stairway to promenade to of the people in this story?
the abode of the gods was thought to be possible. The ancient 2. Talk about the difficulties and joys of learning
Egyptians sometimes even buried a miniature ladder with another language. If you have experienced another
their pharaohs to help them climb to the stars. language and culture, how has that enriched your
life?
Myriad languages
3. The builders ambitiously developed advanced build-
In the Genesis account, the tower of Babel is viewed as a ing technology. They had great community spirit.
symbol of exaggerated, unwarranted, and even self-destruc- When do ambition, community spirit, and technol-
tive human pride. As an etiological story, one designed to ogy become detrimental?
describe the origin of a custom, it is also seen as a narra-
tive to explain the multiplicity of languages. Today there 4. Noah’s built an ark at God’s command. God stopped
are myriad languages and dialects in our world culture. In the building at Babel. Why was one type of building
China alone there are at least 235 major languages spoken, a good thing and the other harmful? How can we tell
many unintelligible to one another. During the biblical age, whether we are building for ourselves or for God?
 Talkabout  God and the First Families
Gather ’Round, Fall 2010  Bible study for busy parents

Bible commentary  Week 5 some eastern city-state rulers.)

Genesis 12–13 On the open range near Bethel, Uncle
Abram generously proposes an amicable
Journeys and blessings settlement. Quelling the hot-tempered
herdsmen, he calls for a peaceful reconcili-
From the historic city-state of Ur (meaning
ation. Lot is presented with the first choice
“fire”), situated in what is now Iraq, comes
of real estate. Lot astutely chooses the lush
a picturesque travelogue. Abram and Sarai
plain of the Jordan in the direction of Zoar.
have been living in Haran, along with
It reminded him of the terrain of Egypt
Abram’s nephew Lot. When Abram is 75
after the annual July inundation (thought
years old, he is called by God to make a pil-
to be the tears of the goddess Isis) brought
grimage. His Near Eastern travel directions
fertility to the soil.
come with a blessing: all the families of the
earth will be blessed through him (12:1–3). Abram’s judgments show wisdom and gen-
erosity. What a model for us to emulate!
The blessing promised him is prefigured
in a Jewish legend about his childhood. In
An inspiring faith pilgrim
this tale, Abram is reported to have had an amazing birth. He
comes forth from his mother’s womb chanting Hebrew. This Abram’s obedient faith pilgrimage has often become a model
child prodigy also has foreknowledge of the laws of Moses, for individuals who feel called into the ministry. Like Noah,
which would only be revealed generations later. The account Abram is honored for his faith in the New Testament book of
also claims that at his birth he wore the traditional Jewish Hebrews (Genesis 14:1–24; Hebrews 11:8). He caravans a long
skull cap (yarmulke) and ate kosher food. distance from his homeland to a foreign land, not knowing
where he is going.
With his entourage of perhaps as many as 70 individuals,
this sacred trek over hundreds of miles lands him in Canaan. Rabbinical commentary interprets the travelogue of Abram
Here at Shechem, later the capital of northern Israel, Abram and Sarah allegorically as a spiritual journey. The journey is
receives a revelation at an oracular oak (Genesis 12:6). symbolic of God’s call for us to leave the usual, the familiar, the
status quo, and to venture forth in mission. We obey despite
In the ancient Near East, certain groves of trees were con-
the ongoing anxiety of uncertainty. Abram and Sarai are proto-
sidered sacred, used for divining the will of God. This grove
types for the adventure of faith.
was prominent throughout early Israelite history. In Genesis
18:1–32, Abram (now renamed Abraham) receives three an- ­—Herb Smith, professor of Philosophy and Religion,
gels at this same sacred woodland along with a further bless- McPherson College, McPherson, KS
ing. Later, while at the oak of Mamre, Jacob is asked to settle
at Bethel. He buries foreign idols and ear-rings under the tree
before he sets out for Bethel (Genesis 35:1–4).
After what must have seemed like an endless journey, Abram
arrives in Canaan, where God promises this land to Abram’s
offspring (Genesis 12:7). Reflect
Conflict resolution 1. Compare Abram and Sarai’s story with the tower of
Babel story from Genesis 11:1–9. When is leaving
Due to a famine in Canaan, Abram and Sarai sojourn in the a blessing? When is it not? What kind of greatness
land of the pyramids. When they leave Egypt they journey into does God want us to seek?
the Negeb desert and then on to Bethel. Between the villages
of Bethel and Ai, the generosity of Abram shines forth. 2. Abram and Sarai journeyed long distances. Abram made
peace rather than insisting on the best land. What
Lot and Abram both own many flocks and herds and tents, actions show our trust in God’s care and provision?
so many that “the land [cannot] support both of them living
together” (13:6). Their herders quarrel. 3. Abram and Sarai received promises of blessing: bless-
ings of descendants, land, and relationship with God.
In a patriarchal culture where gray-haired seniority ruled, What blessings do you seek on your spiritual journey?
Abram could have dominated his younger nephew. Lot’s
father, Haran (Abram’s brother), had died years earlier, even 4. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Faith is taking the first
before his family left Ur. We can surmise that Abram had step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”
become a surrogate father to his nephew. (Later in the narra- What did Abram and Sarai see by faith? When have
tive, he rescues his nephew’s family from the military might of you been called to step out in faith?
 Talkabout  God and the First Families
Gather ’Round, Fall 2010  Bible study for busy parents

Bible commentary  Week 6 culture, one of the coronation names of a pharaoh was kept secret
so that one could not harm him by using it inappropriately.
Genesis 16:1–17:22; 18:1–15; 21:1–7
The change of names for Abram and Sarai in a sense changed
Father Abraham has no sons their being. Sarah becomes pregnant and gives birth to a son.
In the midst of this unlikely scene, hilarity is order of the day.
Many of us are familiar with a camp song with the endlessly
The child is appropriately named Isaac, meaning “laughter.”
repeating lines: “Father Abraham had seven sons. Seven sons
The long-awaited promise of God is fulfilled.
had father Abraham.” The great patriarch would have seen this
song as derisive. The aged Abram was childless.
Cutting the deal
Ironically, a Jewish legend claimed that at the birth of Abram, an
At the renaming ceremony of Abraham and Sarah a ritualistic
astrologer announced that his descendants would be numer-
surgery becomes the physical mark of the covenant (Genesis
ous. This prophecy is later confirmed in Genesis, in the city of
17:9–14). At that time, circumcision was already a custom in
Haran, where God proclaims that through Abram all nations
Egyptian and other cultures. Today among Jews an individual
will be blessed (12:3b). Later, in Hebron, the future capital of the
called a mohel performs the ceremony with another person hold-
young King David, Abram is told to gaze in all directions. God
ing the infant sitting on a chair designated for the prophet Elijah.
proclaims that Abram’s descendants will be as numerous as
Abraham supposedly used a flint knife to circumcise all male
“specks of dust on the earth” (13:16).
members of his household, including slaves. (Genesis 17:23–27).
Contrast this scene of exhilarating promise with another legend-
Why circumcision? Some scholars say that the shedding of
ary story about a despondent Abram lying in his tent at night.
blood was to ward off demons (see Exodus 4:24–26). Oth-
He is all too aware that he is an octogenarian with a wife who is
ers note that the act of cutting was intrinsic to the making of
beyond childbearing years.
covenants during the biblical age. Sometimes participants in
In the midst of this despondency, Sarai proposes a solution. the treaties walked through animals that were severed in two.
During their sojourn (Genesis 12:10–20), she had acquired an Supposedly, anyone breaking the covenant would be treated
Egyptian slave-girl named Hagar. After they had lived in Canaan like that sacrificed animal. Making a covenant was literally to
10 years, she suggests that her husband lie with Hagar. “cut a covenant.”
In effect, Sarai upgrades Hagar’s status from handmaiden The covenant is sealed. God’s promise to the aged Sarah and
to wife. In an age when men were often victims of warfare, Abraham is fulfilled. Abraham now has two sons.
polygamy was an accepted norm. Hagar becomes a surrogate
­—Herb Smith, professor of Philosophy and Religion,
childbearer for Sarai and gives birth to a son named Ishmael
McPherson College, McPherson, KS
(Genesis 16:16). An angel proclaims that Ishmael will be a “wild
ass” of a man. Scholars note that the term was not intended to
be derogatory: it simply meant “Bedouin tent dweller.” Reflect
What’s in a name? 1. Think of your life in three stages: childhood, youth,
and adulthood. Think of one everyday blessing and
Thirteen years after the birth of Ishmael, when Abram is one one surprising blessing for each of these stages.
year shy of the century mark, God appears to him and makes
a new covenant. This covenant includes a change of nomencla- 2. Abram and Sarai were given meaningful new names.
ture. Abram’s name becomes elongated to Abraham, meaning Do you consider your own name a blessing? Why or
“ancestor of multitudes.” Likewise, Sarai is recast as Sarah, why not?
meaning “princess.” 3. In many African cultures, children bring social status
From the nineteenth to the seventeenth centuries BCE, the and carry family lineage in ways reminiscent of
royal title “Abrahama” was written on cuneiform clay tablets. Abraham and Sarah’s time. What role do children
The Arabic raham means multitude. Abraham here is treated have in a North American setting? In your family? In
by God as if he were royalty. Appropriately, Sarah’s name also your congregation?
takes on the charm of royalty. 4. In Abraham: A Journey to the Heart of Three Faiths
During the biblical age, new names were sometimes given Bruce Feiler says, “The Abraham I long for would be
at coronation ceremonies. Gideon became Jerubbaal a bridge between humanity and the divine, who dem-
(Judges 6:32). Jedediah became the more familiar Solomon onstrates the example of what it means to be faithful
(2 Samuel 12:25). but who also delivers to us God’s blessing on earth.
. . this Abraham is not a Jew, Christian, or Muslim.”
At the time of the writing of Genesis, it was believed that the How might a new look at Abraham bring the bless-
meaning of a person’s name (given on the eighth day after birth) ing of peace among peoples?
became incorporated into the soul of that person. In Egyptian
 Talkabout  God and the First Families
Gather ’Round, Fall 2010  Bible study for busy parents

Bible commentary  Week 7 It is also believed that the holiest shrine of

Islam called the Kabah was built by Ishmael
Genesis 21:8–21
when he was with his father, Abraham.
This large cubicle containing a meteorite
Exile for Hagar and Ishmael
stone covered with a black linen cloth was
As Isaac grows and is weaned, a celebra- thought to have been originally built by
tory feast is held (Genesis 21:8). In an age Adam and later rebuilt by Ishmael.
of high infant mortality, Isaac has suc-
ceeded in surviving the precarious months The legacy of Ishmael
of early childhood. With Sarah now more
In the biblical narrative, what happens to
confident of his survival, her hot jealousy
Ishmael? Genesis says that he lives in the
toward Hagar and Ishmael becomes in-
wilderness of the northern Sinai Penin-
flamed. She asks her husband to cast them
sula. His mother arranges for an Egyptian
out of the household. In this demand, she
woman from her heritage to marry him.
refers to Hagar no longer as wife but again
Jewish tradition calls her Meribah, though
as slave. The consequence of this change would have been in
she is also called Isa and is said to be from Moab.
more than the name. This demotion of status would preclude
any inheritance for Ishmael as the firstborn of Abraham. In the As for Ishmael’s descendants, twelve tribes claim him as their
midst of this familial conflict, God comforts Abraham, assur- primary ancestor (Genesis 25:16). In Judges 23:24, these
ing him that Ishmael will become a great nation. Abraham Ishmaelite tribes are identified as the Midianites. The bibli-
presents Hagar with bread and a skin of water for her journey cal genealogy lists Midian as Ishmael’s half-brother. In an
into exile. We can imagine him grieving as the silhouettes upcoming session, we will see that it is a trading caravan of
of mother and child dissolve into the horizon of the desert Ishmaelites who buy the abandoned Joseph from his brothers.
landscape. Ironically, they are the ones who save this central figure in the
drama of Jacob’s family.
Ishmael will return to his father only upon the occasion of
Abraham’s burial at Machpelah Cave near Hebron (Genesis Where else do we hear of the offspring of Ishmael? Approxi-
25:9). Perhaps the earlier foreboding comment at Ishmael’s mately five hundred years after the Abrahamic saga, there is a
birth—“he shall live at odds with all his kin”—was the under- poignant story of a refugee Israelite seeking labor in the Sinai.
standable anger of a child rejected by his father. Throughout He falls in love with the daughter of a Midianite priest who
the tale of this dysfunctional family, the comfort of God’s bless- lovingly brings him water at a well. The woman: Zipporah. The
ing becomes the major theme of hope. Earlier God comforted refugee: Moses.
a despondent Hagar (Genesis 16:10). God’s promise is reiter- Today Islam claims Mohammed’s ancestry through Ishmael
ated again and again (21:13, 15–19). God’s love is extended to while Judaism features Isaac. Would that there be reconcili-
the powerless, the outcast, and the homeless. The very name ation today between the progeny of Abraham. The sibling
Yishmael in Hebrew in ancient Semitic culture meant “God has rivalry echoes through 27 centuries.
heard.”
­—Herb Smith, professor of Philosophy and Religion,
Ishmael in Islam McPherson College, McPherson, KS

Interestingly, within Islamic tradition, Ishmael, not Isaac, is the

featured son of Abraham. In the Qur’an, God asks Abraham
to sacrifice Ishmael. In the stories attributed to the reception
of Mohammed, God explicitly provides for Hagar and her Reflect
progeny. 1. As you read the scripture text, who were you most
In the biblical account, when Hagar and Ishmael venture forth concerned about? Why?
into the wilderness and their throats are parched, God directs 2. What surprises you about God’s actions in this story?
them to a well. In the Islamic saga, Ishmael’s heel, kicking in Abraham’s actions?
desperation, causes refreshing waters to flow forth from the
Zamzam Well. Today followers of this faith tradition locate the 3. When have you cried out to God and found rescue?
source of this water in Mecca. It is frequented annually by mil- What difficulties have made you wonder if God hears
lions of pilgrims wearing white garments during the Hajj. Its your cries?
brackish liquid is thought to have medicinal qualities. During 4. Read Psalm 4:1–2 as a lament similar to Hagar’s cries
the extended yearly ritual in Mecca, pilgrims also run franti- in the wilderness. What word or phrase stands out
cally between two hills called Marah and Sara, imitating Hagar to you?
questing for water for her son.
 Talkabout  God and the First Families
Gather ’Round, Fall 2010  Bible study for busy parents

Bible commentary  Week 8 sends him forth to hunt and kill some game
and prepare it as a savory meal.
Genesis 25:29–34; 27:1––28:9
Rebekah, however, favors Jacob; she is
Wrestling in the womb also disgruntled with her daughters-in-law,
Esau’s Hittite wives. She plans a deception.
The Hebrew Bible is peppered with
In so doing, she follows in the tradition of
stories of sibling rivalry. Yet, in the midst
other assertive women in the Genesis ac-
of brokenness and even hostility, God’s
counts (Eve and Sarah). Such behavior was
light shines through. As Andrew Greely
unusual for this patriarchal culture.
writes, “God draws straight with crooked
lines.” As the Genesis saga continues, Isaac Some scholars are so struck with the
travels to his father’s ancestral lands and behavior of these women that they surmise
marries his cousin Rebekah. They experi- that a sizeable portion of Genesis was
ence twenty years of barrenness, but finally written by a woman. They speculate that
Rebekah becomes pregnant with twin boys. she would likely have been a person of
A struggle between the brothers begins in the womb (Genesis high rank in the court during the reign of Solomon or shortly
25:22). It is prophesied that they will represent two different thereafter.
cultures. Eventually this would become Israel and its south- Rebekah has Jacob disguise himself as Esau, bring his father a
eastern neighbor Edom (today Jordan). meal, and accept the blessing of his father Isaac. Interestingly,
The first child to come forth is red and hairy. In parts of the rabbinical commentators say that the garments of Esau that
ancient Near East—Egypt, for example—red was the forebod- Rebecca put on her favorite son, Jacob, were the same ones
ing color of evil. This firstborn son was named Esau. Clutch- that God gave to Adam and Eve. Rabbis have also proposed
ing on to the heel of his brother came Jacob, whose name that Jacob really did not want to deceive his father and that he
means “the supplanter.” The Hebrew Ya’qobh has also been wept in his disguise. They claim that it was out of obedience
interpreted as “God protects.” to the fifth commandment later received by Moses (“Honor
your father and your mother”—Deuteronomy 5:16) that Jacob
The hunter and the mama’s boy carried out this fateful charade.
After they are grown, the story goes that Esau, the skilled What were the repercussions of Jacob taking the birthright
hunter, comes in from the fields as the more domestic Jacob is and blessing from his sibling? Enmity, strife, and a brother
cooking. The delicious, appetizing aroma of lentil soup perme- bent on blood revenge. But, stay tuned—God’s reconciliation
ates the tent. Esau announces that he is famished, which sets will shine forth in a magnificent story of forgiveness.
the stage for a deal that would have ramifications for genera-
­—Herb Smith, professor of Philosophy and Religion,
tions. Foolishly Esau agrees to sell his birthright for a bowl of
McPherson College, McPherson, KS
stew.
The legal repercussions of this momentous bargain are
unclear. Middle Assyrian laws mandated a double portion of
inheritance for the firstborn, as did numerous other Mesopo-
tamian texts. Some Egyptian laws also mandated primogeni-
ture. However, in the Hebrew Torah, among the six hundred
thirteen laws of Sinai delivered to Moses, nothing is said.
In the Genesis story, no mention is made of property. What Reflect
was at stake was perhaps far more important: the destiny
1. Pick a character from the Bible story. What choice
of Jacob, Esau, and their offspring. The main lineage of the
or action can you understand? What surprised, ir-
family of Abraham would proceed through Jacob, later called
ritated, or disappointed you about that character?
“Israel,” rather than through Esau. The theme of the younger
son becoming more favored is found widely in the Bible: see, 2. When has selfishness separated people you know?
for example, the narratives concerning Abel, Joseph, David, How has family selfishness affected your own life?
and Solomon. 3. In what ways do you compete with your siblings or
others close to you?
A deathbed blessing
4. What kind of blessing do you wish from your parents?
The second major episode in the rivalry takes place when the What words and actions from parents and mentors
centenarian Isaac, failing in eyesight, is about to give his pater- have been life-giving to you?
nal blessing. Before blessing his favored firstborn son, Isaac
 Talkabout  God and the First Families
Gather ’Round, Fall 2010  Bible study for busy parents

Bible commentary  Week 9 Still others say that it was the personifica-
tion of Esau taking revenge. Could it be
Genesis 32:1–33:17
that it was really an internal struggle in the
soul of Jacob, initiating a transformation in
Jacob and Esau, part two
his life? During the biblical age, the holy
Jewish folklore says that the most terrible sabbath began not in the morning but at
episode in their ancient history was not nighttime when God’s healing was mani-
the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebu- fested during sleep.
chadnezzar, but was rather the transla-
Injury to the thigh sinews can sometimes
tion of the Hebrew scriptures into Greek.
tighten the tendons with muscle spasms.
Why? For the first time non-Jews could
This can make one appear to swagger as
learn of the foibles of the matriarchs and
one walks. In this case, the swagger of
patriarchs. The Jacob and Esau cycle of
Jacob was hardly defiant confidence. Esau
stories must have been an embarrass-
was coming to meet him with 400 men in
ment to early Jews. The very figure who
his cadre (Genesis 32:6). The silhouetted
is called “Israel,” through connivance, twice deceives his
figures of Esau’s party must have looked more like ten thou-
brother. Nonetheless, this intriguing saga, with its naked
sand to the tunnel vision of Jacob. As the limping Jacob sees
honesty, reflects the human condition, warts and all. God’s
his brother coming, he positions his family in order of impor-
reconciliation blossoms forth despite the thorns of arrogance
tance. The maids and their offspring go first, followed by Leah
and deception.
and her children, and finally by Rachel and Joseph (Genesis
Besides his two Hittite wives, Esau marries a third woman, 33:2). But instead of a bloody confrontation, the unexpected
an Ishmaelite. Perhaps identifying with the rejected son of happens.
Abraham, he takes Mahalath, daughter of Ishmael, as his
bride (Genesis 28:9). Jacob is sent forth to the ancestral Broken heart, whole heart
homeland of Paddan-aram to marry one of his uncle Laban’s
Esau initiates the encounter. He runs to Jacob and embraces
daughters. On this long journey from Beer-sheba he has a
him. They both weep. Twenty years of righteous anger melt
vision. A ladder with angels on its rungs is seen ascending
away in cathartic release. God’s love traverses two decades of
from the earth to the heavens. After waking, Jacob renames
broken tragedy. Grace and reconciliation prevail. Jacob sees in
the location Bethel, meaning “the house of God” (Genesis
his forgiving brother “the face of God” (Genesis 33:10). A Jew-
28:16–17).
ish proverb says that the only whole heart is a broken heart.
After arriving in Haran, he marries not one, but two, of Edom forgave Israel; Esau mended the heart of Jacob. And
Laban’s daughters. Both Leah and Rachel are accompanied perhaps we can imagine that after the salty tears of healing,
by handmaids Zilpah and Bilhah. Jacob is a prolific father Jacob no longer walked with a limp.
with eleven sons and a daughter. What started out as a
­—Herb Smith, professor of Philosophy and Religion,
simple quest for a bride turns out to be a twenty-year sojourn
McPherson College, McPherson, KS
in Haran. But the legacy of his deception lingers on. There
is enmity between Jacob’s and Laban’s households. Jacob
decides to return home, but must have been hyperventilat-
ing with anxiety as he approached the land of Edom. Esau
had promised blood revenge. As an appeasement gift, Jacob
sends messengers with an assortment of goats, ewes, rams, Reflect
camels, cows, bulls, and donkeys. 1. Think of Jacob and Esau. Who needed to seek
forgiveness? Who needed to extend grace? Why are
Wrestler with a swagger both actions important?
That evening, having crossed the stream called Jabbok, the 2. Describe Jacob’s mood as he prepared to meet Esau.
most definitive event of Jacob’s life unfolds. Sleeping apart When have you needed to prepare for a major life-
from his wives, maids, and children, a nightmare wrestling changing event?
match ensues. His opponent forces his hip socket out of joint.
3. Jacob told Esau, “For truly to see your face is like see-
Nonetheless, the now limping Jacob holds his opponent until
ing the face of God.” Who is the face of God to you?
he is blessed. This mysterious wrestler then renames Jacob
“Israel,” meaning “striven with God.” Who was this opponent? 4. Do you agree that the only whole heart is a broken
Medieval rabbis said it was the infamous demon Samuel, the heart? When has brokenness led to wholeness in
guardian of Edom. Others said it was the archangel Michael your own experience?
because 20 years earlier Jacob failed to pay tithes at Bethel.
 Talkabout  God and the First Families
Gather ’Round, Fall 2010  Bible study for busy parents

Bible commentary  Week 10 to Dothan, Joseph is accosted by some of

his brothers, who intend to kill him.
Genesis 37
Reuben, the eldest, intervenes. He suggests
The Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy declared
throwing Joseph in a pit, thinking that he
that the story of Joseph is the most inspired
will return to retrieve Joseph and restore
story in all world literature.
him to their father. His suggestion was not
as odd as it may seem to us today; such
A favored child
cisterns, designed to store rainwater, were
Even though many parents believe that also sometimes used as prisons. Centuries
they are relating to their children equally, later the prophet Jeremiah suffered that
preferential treatment is not uncommon. dungeonlike fate (Jeremiah 38:6). Legend
This is emphatically so in Jacob’s extended has it that the naked Joseph was clothed by
clan. His favorite wife, Rachel, has been the angel Gabriel or Michael with a gar-
barren for six years. In the seventh year, ment from the garden of Eden and fed food
she becomes pregnant at last and delivers a from the heavens.
son, Joseph. Born with the good looks of his attractive mother,
Then along comes a trading caravan of Ishmaelites. Joseph’s
this favored child experiences loss at an impressionable age.
pit was at Dothan, located along a trading route from Syria
When he is eight, his mother dies giving birth to his brother
to Egypt. Laden with gum, balm, and resin, these merchants
Benjamin. Bilhah, Rachel’s maid, becomes Joseph’s surrogate
pay a hefty sum for the handsome lad of seventeen. Reuben
mother.
returns to the cistern too late to rescue Joseph. In a traditional
Rabbinical tradition notes that father Jacob gave Joseph excel- mourning ritual, he tears his garment in grief.
lent schooling, perhaps not available to his other sons. Accord-
As for Joseph’s designer coat, his brothers dip it in the warm
ing to Hebrew legends this precocious youth was schooled
blood of a slaughtered goat and then return it to their father
by the angel Gabriel and became multi-lingual, mastering 70
who is now convinced that his favorite son is dead. In Jewish
languages.
tradition at the death of a close relative, one tears one’s shirt
Sibling rivalry on the side of the heart. Father Jacob tears his garments, puts
on sackcloth, and weeps.
Jacob also favors Joseph with a special “long robe with
sleeves,” the proverbial coat of many colors. Some commenta- But grief will not have the last word. God’s love turns tears
tors say that this type of robe would have been the equivalent to laughter. The caravan traders sell Joseph in Egypt. Stay
of a royal garment—perhaps prefiguring Joseph’s later role in tuned—a glorious family reunion awaits us.
Egypt. Others note that the Hebrew word for the robe refers, ­—Herb Smith, professor of Philosophy and Religion,
surprisingly, to the apparel worn by royal women. In one of the McPherson College, McPherson, KS
soap opera scenes of King David’s family, his daughter Tamar
wears such a garment (2 Samuel 23:18).
However the garment is styled, it increases the flame of jeal-
Reflect
ousy burning within the souls of his brothers. Joseph pours
kerosene on this fire by tattling on his siblings. Genesis says 1. How did favoritism shape the events of this Bible
only that Joseph brought a “bad report” of his brothers to his story? Explain why Joseph was either fortunate or
father. According to rabbinical tradition, Joseph tells Jacob that unfortunate to be the favored child.
his brothers have abused animals, tearing their limbs. 2. All of us have experienced the pull and tug of family
The last straw for the brothers is Joseph’s naïve arrogance in tensions or conflicts in the workplace. Compare your
sharing his dreams with them. In one dream his sheaf of grain life to today’s story. What similarities, if any, do you
stands upright while his brothers’ sheaves bow down before it. see?
In another dream the sun (presumably his father), moon (his 3. Describe situations where you have seen people
mother) and 11 stars (the number of his brothers) bow before plotting against or gossiping about someone who is
him. Even Jacob rebukes his favored son for sharing this “cen- universally disliked. Have you tried to stop people or
ter of the world” imagery. gone along? How do you feel about your choices?

Violence and slavery 4. Think of your growing-up years. What examples of

preferential treatment made you angry at home
One day Jacob asks Joseph to visit his brothers who are pas- or at school? How did you respond when you saw
turing the flock in the countryside. Jealousy now comes to a favoritism?
climax. Traveling from the Valley of Hebron beyond Shechem
 Talkabout  God and the First Families
Gather ’Round, Fall 2010  Bible study for busy parents

Bible commentary  Week 11 Legendary commentary has Pharaoh

seated on a golden throne with 70 steps as-
Genesis 39–41
cending to the top. Guests would climb the
In Europe during the medieval period, the number of steps according to the number of
doldrums of everyday life were spiced with languages that they spoke. Multilingual Jo-
the pageantry of drama. In the cobbled seph ascends to the top. He is again clothed
streets of England, France, and Spain, by the angel with a heavenly garment.
biblical plays were performed. The most
popular of these plays were stories about The favor of the king
Joseph. Joseph profoundly impresses Pharaoh with
Prologue: Joseph’s brothers sell him into his dream interpretations, predicting seven
slavery. The Ishmaelite / Midianite trad- years of plenty for Egypt followed by seven
ers sell him again. But—serendipity! His years of famine. He skyrockets to the posi-
new owner is none other than Potiphar, tion of viceroy to the king. A golden chain
the captain of the Egyptian guard. In this is hung around his neck, and he is paraded
foreign land, God is still with him, blessing all of Joseph’s ef- around in a chariot (horses were brought to Egypt by the Hyk-
forts. Potiphar promotes Joseph to the position of overseer of sos). Pharaoh removes his signet ring, an ancient equivalent of
his household. the credit card, and puts it on Joseph’s finger.
At the age of 30, Joseph marries Asenath, the daughter of the
Illuminated by God’s light priest of On. According to legend, the city of On, later called
Four times in the Genesis narrative, Joseph is called hand- Heliopolis by the Greeks, was the city where Moses would be
some. Rabbinical commentators claimed that his face was il- educated. It was the Oxford of Egypt. Blessings flow forth with
luminated like a lamp, brighter than the midday sun. This was the births of their sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.
probably a metaphor intended to signify God’s presence. The
metaphor of light signaling the divine occurs several times in The eternal presence of God
the Bible: Moses wears a veil after experiencing God’s glowing From the coat of many colors to the pit of nakedness and
presence on Mount Sinai; Jesus becomes luminescent at his abandonment to the fine linen of the Nile, Joseph has come
transfiguration. full circle. As Psalm 139 states, whether in darkness or light
The blessings that Joseph experiences, unfortunately, soon be- or in the farthest limits of creation, God is there. For our hero,
come mingled with intrigue. The wife of Potiphar has her eye whether abandoned in a pit in the desert or named secretary
on him. Unrequited love sometimes turns bitter; after she is of state of the Egyptian empire, God is present.
rebuffed by the righteous Joseph, she lies about his supposed ­—Herb Smith, professor of Philosophy and Religion,
advances. Into prison he goes. McPherson College, McPherson, KS
Nocturnal theater
But even in prison Joseph triumphs. According to Jewish
tradition, during this time Joseph fasted often and even cel-
Reflect
ebrated the sabbath years before it was revealed to Moses. His
management skills again come to the forefront, and he is put 1. What qualities made Joseph a good leader? How did
in charge of all of the prisoners. Finally, his intuitive genius in God’s steadfast love make a difference in Joseph’s
dream interpretation becomes his ticket to freedom. life?
Jewish psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud wrote that dreams are 2. Ponder the ups and downs of Joseph’s life as you
a “royal road to the unconscious.” Jewish tradition says that complete the following sentences.
a dream without interpretation is like a letter unopened. For • If I were Joseph, I would grieve . . .
Joseph, dreams were a royal road to understanding God’s
• If I were Joseph, I would rejoice . . .
presence in the future. During his prison sentence, Joseph
interprets the dreams of the chief cupbearer and of the baker 3. Identify your own areas of leadership by thinking
of the Pharaoh. Later, when Pharaoh himself is perplexed by about ways that you use your abilities and inspire
his dreams, the thirty-year-old Joseph is called for. others. Think of situations in which others count on
you or look to you for leadership.
Many believe that this period in Egyptian history was one of
Hyksos, or Near Eastern, domination. The pharaohs of this 4. Joseph dreamed and interpreted dreams. What wis-
era were thought to have come from the land of Canaan. Thus, dom or wholeness has come to you through dreams?
there would have been ready acceptance of the Semitic Joseph.
 Talkabout  God and the First Families
Gather ’Round, Fall 2010  Bible study for busy parents

Bible commentary  Week 12 The poignant word rings forth: “I am your

brother, Joseph.” Joseph convulses in tears
Genesis 42–46
of reconciliation with his brothers. They
kiss. Joseph tells his shamefaced siblings
Famine in the land
not to be distressed. They are not to wallow
The southern part of the land of Israel in self-rejection and regret for selling him.
resembles the Badlands of South Dakota. Joseph proclaims that God’s providential
The lunarlike landscape, honeycombed love has prevailed. Jewish psychiatrist Vik-
with caves, experienced periodic droughts. tor Frankl, a victim of the Nazi concentra-
Without sweet, fertilizing rains, crops failed tion camps, writes about God’s providence
and famine followed. This is what Jacob despite tragedy. He says that what appear
and his extended family experience. Finally, Jacob sends 10 of to us in our lives to be broken, crooked lines are, from God’s
his sons to Egypt to purchase grain from the Egyptian store- higher dimensional perspective, lines that flow smoothly.
houses. He keeps only Benjamin, the sole remaining son of his
Joseph invites his extended family to settle in the land called
beloved wife, Rachel, at home with him.
Goshen, an area in the Nile Delta which has some of the rich-
Paybacks est soil in the world. When the centenarian Jacob hears the in-
credible news, rabbis tell us that refreshment was the order of
The donkey caravan from Canaan is met by brother Joseph, the day. The ashes of mourning are washed from his wrinkled
unrecognizable in his role as viceroy to Pharaoh. The time for forehead. He trims his beard. The fine linen robes sent from
payback has arrived. Perhaps in revenge, Joseph treats his Egypt now make him seem years younger. Wagons laden with
brothers harshly and calls them spies. He sends them to pris- gifts are received. His granddaughter Serah (Asher’s daugh-
on for three days. After bringing them out, Joseph agrees to let ter) begins to play her harp in joy.
them take grain home but insists that they leave one brother
with him. He also orders them to return to him, bringing with As Jacob’s family arrived in Goshen, the chariots of Joseph are
them their youngest brother. Throughout this negotiation, already there to meet them for the ultimate family reunion. Ah,
Joseph pretends not to understand the Hebrew language that reconciliation is fragrant! The genius mathematician Blaise
they speak among themselves. Pascal wrote that the story of Joseph is a prototype for the
forgiveness manifested in Jesus the Christ.
Arriving back at their father Jacob’s tent estate, they convince
the reluctant patriarch to part with Benjamin. Jacob also sends ­—Herb Smith, professor of Philosophy and Religion,
them back with gifts of ointment, honey, aromatic resin, and McPherson College, McPherson, KS
pistachio nuts for this enigmatic official.
Again meeting Joseph, the brothers prostrate themselves Reflect
before his regal presence. But when Joseph sees his brother 1. Joseph, a powerful leader in Egypt, saw his brothers
Benjamin, he cannot control himself and rushes off to a pri- arrive to buy grain. What choices lay before Joseph?
vate chamber to weep. After he composes himself, he returns Why did Joseph eventually choose the route of rec-
and hosts them for a meal. onciliation?
The brothers are seated by birth order, an ancient Near East- 2. When apartheid ended, white South Africans feared
ern custom. Extra helpings are piled on the plate of Benjamin. payback. Instead Nelson Mandela began to build a
When they are about to leave, Joseph’s silver cup is slipped rainbow nation in which no one had reason to fear. In
into Benjamin’s sack. Genesis records that Joseph used this the words of Desmond Tutu, another famous South
cup for divination. The Talmud writes that the Israelites them- African, “Goodness is stronger than evil.” What
selves used special vessels with guardian angels portrayed other examples show goodness overcoming evil?
on them to help them discern God’s will. Joseph sends his
3. Reconciliation brings both pain and joy. What experi-
steward after them to accuse Jacob’s sons of theft and retrieve
ences of reconciliation have shaped your life? Where
Joseph’s precious cup. The brothers again return to the city;
might the path of reconciliation lead if you were to
Joseph says that he will pardon them all, except for Benjamin,
follow it now?
who must now remain with him as his slave.
4. Reread Viktor Frankl’s idea in the last section of the
A happy ending commentary. Does the idea that “broken, crooked
At this point, Judah steps forward with a heroic offer. Know- lines flow smoothly from God’s perspective” mean
ing that the loss of Benjamin will kill his father, he asks to that God has events planned out ahead of time?
take Benjamin’s place as the viceroy’s slave. At that point, What are some other possibilities for understanding
Joseph can contain himself no longer. He unveils his identity. how God is at work?