Abraham Offered Isaac

 Abraham Offered Isaac (Genesis 22)

A Type Of Christ

Genesis 22:1-2 And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am. And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.

Abraham, the Father of faith, the "father of a multitude" (as his name signified), had been walking with the Lord God for possibly fifty years or more at this time. He had gone through various tests and trials - each one strengthening his faith a little more; and he was about to face his toughest test yet! God was going to test/tempt him (which basically means, "to try, to prove" him) to show to himself and to the world how much he loved God and the evidence of his faith.

Hebrews 11:17-18 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called.

God was calling Abraham to offer his son, the son he loved so much - the son that all the promises of God hinged upon, the son he had waited for 25 years to have, the son he had with Sarah, the son of his love. To offer Isaac on Mount Moriah as a burnt offering, wholly consumed upon the altar. The Lord knew how strong Abraham's faith was, and knew it would not be above what Abraham was able to endure (see 1 Corinthians 10:13), but would be an excellent lesson to us all. Abraham's faith was so strong by this point in his walk with the Lord that his faith did not falter - he trusted God, and obeyed.

Genesis 22:3-4 And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him. Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.

All the promises of the Messiah coming through his line depended upon this son, all the promises of inheriting the land and receiving a city depended upon Isaac, all the promises of his descendants being as the stars in number and as the sand of the sea depended upon this son of promise, all the promises of being a blessing to the nations of the world depended upon Isaac being alive - but God had called him to sacrifice him on an altar three days journey away!

So Abraham journeyed to the place God told him of (the mountain range of Moriah - where Calvary/Gologtha was, where Solomon's temple would later be built), there to offer his beloved son.

2 Chronicles 3:1 Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD at Jerusalem in mount Moriah, where the LORD appeared unto David his father, in the place that David had prepared in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.

For three days, Abraham considered his son as dead - but believing God would have to raise Isaac up to fulfill all His promises - and in that too we see a type of Christ, the coming Messiah and Saviour of the world.

Hebrews 11:19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

God the Father sent His only begotten Son, His Beloved Son in whom He was well pleased, the Son of promise, to die for our sins on Calvary, where He would then die upon a cruel wooden cross and be buried in a tomb for three days and three nights - but would then arise triumphant over the grave. I believe Abraham was beginning to get a glimpse of what the Messiah would one day do...

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Genesis 22:5 And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.

Abraham wasn't 100% sure what exactly would transpire upon that Mount, but he testified of his faith to the men that were travelling with him: "Wait here, we will go and worship God upon this mountain, and will both come back to you again." What faith!

Genesis 22:6 And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together.

Here we see the son of promise bearing his own wood that he would be sacrificed upon - much as Jesus, the Beloved Son of Promise, would one day bear His own cross to Calvary.

John 19:17 And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha.

It is interesting to note that the only ones who would see what would happen upon that mountain would be Abraham and Isaac, father and son - much like what happened on Calvary that day, when darkness for three hours hid the eyes of prying man from the Saviour who was bearing the sins of the world and God's wrath upon that cross. (See Matthew 27:45-46)

And he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together.

"The fire here speaks of judgment, and the knife speaks of the execution of judgment and of sacrifice." (J. Vernon McGee, Thru The Bible Commentary, Genesis.)

Genesis 22:7-8 And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.

Notice the faith of Abraham - he looked forward to the cross, where the Messiah, the Lamb of God, would die in our place. Notice verse 8 says "God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering." It doesn't say, "God will provide for Himself a lamb," but that "God will provide Himself a lamb" - ie. provide Himself as the lamb! This theme is pictured all through the Old Testament, in every sacrifice - especially in the burnt offering, in the Passover Lamb, in Isaiah 53, in the New Testament, and even in the book of Revelation, where Jesus is referred to as "a Lamb as it had been slain," bearing the scars of His crucifixion for eternity.

"God will provide Himself a lamb." Abraham was looking prophetically towards God's fulfillment of all His promises, especially of the coming Redeemer.

Genesis 22:9 And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood.

Abraham got everything in order, prepared the altar - and his son willingly laid down his life! We must remember that Isaac here is a grown man - somewhere between the age of 25-35; no one forced him to give in - Isaac willingly let his father bind him upon the altar, he willingly laid down his life.

Much like our Saviour came down from Heaven, and willingly laid down His life to save us.

Luke 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

Psalms 118:21-28 I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation. The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity. Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD. God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar. Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee.

John 10:17-18 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Romans 5:6-8 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Genesis 22:10 And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.

The ultimate test - and here Abraham obeyed, without faltering in his faith - an example to us all. Have you given your all to the Lord, have you given yourself and everything you love into His sovereign hand and will? Look what God did next:

Genesis 22:11-12 And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.

God knew all along how Abraham would fare in this test - but He allowed it so the world would see and be blessed by Abraham's faith. Abraham proved to himself and us how great his faith was, and how much he loved the Lord more than all else, including his beloved son of promise! Abraham obeyed God because of the love and fear (ie. reverential awe and respect) he had for the Lord. Abraham passed the test of his faith - it was real and it was proven to the world.

In Genesis 15:6, we had the declaration that Abraham "believed in the Lord; and he (the Lord) counted it to him for righteousness."

Abraham was justified before God by believing His promises, especially about the coming Messiah and Redeemer who would one day die for his sins (see also Genesis 3:15). Now here we have the passage that explains what many would try to state is a contradiction in the Word of God and which religious groups have always sought to twist:

James 2:20-23 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

Rightly divided, this passage is teaching that Abraham was justified before men by acting upon his faith. You see, man cannot see what is in the heart of another man - only the Lord can. We see the proof, the evidence, the fruit of someone's salvation, by how they live - we see the evidence of their faith by how they live it out on a day to day basis, on the works that they do because of their faith. That is the evidence that their salvation was real in the first place. This is what Jesus meant when He said, "Ye shall know them by their fruits." What is on the inside, what is in the heart, will come out eventually. What is the evidence showing in your life? If you have trusted the Lord Jesus Christ alone for salvation, believing that He paid the complete penalty for your sins, when He died in your place, there will be evidence to the world around you. Can they see your faith?

Genesis 22:13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.

I have already touched down on this a little - here we see a ram offered in the stead of his son, Isaac - much like Jesus was offered in our stead. Here we have a wonderful picture of the coming Messiah. Lest someone think that this was the fulfillment of Abraham's statement, "God will provide Himself a lamb," realize this is a ram here, NOT a lamb. The Lamb of God was still to come, and that Lamb would be Jesus.

One part of the picture here that might be easily overlooked is the fact that not only was this ram a substitute, its blood also had to be shed before it was burnt completely on the altar. All the Old Testament animal sacrifices - from those animals slain for Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden to those Passover lambs being slain in the same day that Christ was crucified - and their shed blood (that provided an atonement - a covering for their souls, see Leviticus 17:11) pointed toward the great Sacrifice of Christ and the blood He would one day shed on the cross of Calvary for the sins of the world. Jesus' death and shed blood was the fulfillment of all these types, and in complete accordance with what the atonement pictured in the Old Testament. See Romans 5:11; Hebrews 9:22-10:10. But not only did Christ's sacrifice provide a covering for sins, it also took them completely away! (This is pictured by the two sacrifices on the Day of Atonement - but that is another study for another day.)

John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

Abraham offered the ram in the stead of his son - in the place of his son, as a substitute. One day, almost 2000 years ago, Jesus died in our stead, in our place, bearing the wrath and judgment that our sins deserved, as our Subsitute - this is what is often referred to as the Substitutionary Atonement.

Here, I believe, Abraham got his clearest glimpse of the coming Messiah:

John 8:56-58 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

In the Old Testament, God's name Jehovah means, "I Am that I Am." (See Exodus 3:14) This is exactly who Jesus claimed to be, which is why the unbelieving Jews got upset - but notice how it fulfilled the wonderful prophecy made by Abraham: "God will provide Himself a lamb." There are no contradictions in the Word of God - it is all one big Book that fits together wonderfully!

One of my favourite verses in the whole Bible:

Genesis 22:14 And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.

Jehovahjireh - the Lord my Provider! The name means literally, "The Lord Will See or Provide," signifying that the Lord has seen my need and and will provide it. The Bible teaches that Jesus saw our greatest need: for salvation from sin and eternity in Hell, and provided for that need. Now all that trust in Him have the promise that as they walk with Him they will have all their other needs provided for as well:

Romans 8:31-32 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

What a wonderful promise! What a wonderful Saviour! What a wonderful type

Galatians 3:8-9 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

I hope this passage was opened up to you and helped you to understand a bit more about the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. Have you trusted in His free gift of salvation? God preached the Gospel to Abraham through prophecies and types, and here we see this type opened up before our eyes. Have you received this Gospel of salvation in your heart, and have you receive the Saviour it tells of?

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.

Jesus was crucified on Calvary, which is on Mount Moriah, was buried in a tomb for three days and three nights, and then arose triumphantly over the grave. Have you trusted the Lamb of God to take away your sins and save you?

January 12th, 2006
Jerry Bouey

For more studies in Genesis (with Genesis as the springboard):

Genesis

And I Will Give You Rest

And I Will Give You Rest

Part One - The Rest Of Salvation

To quote a hymn writer: "Are you weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?"

What are you doing with your burdens? Are you trying to carry them yourself? Are you weighed down with trying to reach Heaven through your own good deeds and righteousness? Are you oppressed by all the legalistic rules that religious leaders have placed upon you? Matthew 23:4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. These burdens of men are heavy and grievous indeed!

It doesn't have to be that way. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28 Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. There is a rest found only in the Saviour that the religions of the world can never offer you. It is the rest from striving for perfection, striving to keep the Law, striving to make your good deeds outweigh your bad deeds.

By the way, that can never happen. In God's sight, when we are without Jesus Christ we have no good deeds. Isaiah 64:6 says, But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. The Bible teaches that none of us are righteous - we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. (See Romans 3:10, 23) Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on Him (Jesus) the iniquity of us all.

All of us have gone our own way in life (whether it be the way of atheism, the way of the religious - trying to work our way to Heaven by adding church service or baptism, etc. to the Gospel - whatever our way has been. That's the problem, it's our way!), not the Lord's way. The wages of our sin against God is death in a literal, fiery place called Hell. (See Romans 6:23) There is nothing we can do to escape that punishment. The wrath of God must strike and our sins must be judged.

But praise the Lord Jesus Christ! Jesus offers us rest from the penalty of the Law. He took all our sins upon Himself when He died on the cross. He died in our place, as our substitute, and bore the judgment for our sins so that we wouldn't have to, if we place personal faith in Him and in the perfect salvation He provides.

The saying that lightning never strikes twice in the same place is so true. The lightning of God's wrath struck the Lord on Calvary, and if by faith we accept His payment in our place, we will never be struck by that wrath. God's wrath will not strike His children, because His only begotten Son has already borne it! Romans 5:6, 8-9 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.

1 Corinthians 5:7 …For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.

2 Corinthians 5:21 For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.

1 Peter 2:24; 3:18 Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.

1 John 2:1-2 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

The fact that He arose again after three days in the tomb is the proof that His sacrifice (of Himself) for our sins was accepted by God the Father. Romans 4:24-25 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on Him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

Several beautiful types of the rest of salvation found in Jesus are portrayed in the story of Noah's Ark:

1) First, we have Noah's name, which means rest. (Genesis 5:29)

2) We have the ark itself, which is a picture of the refuge found in Christ from the wrath of God (which was displayed by the worldwide flood). It is interesting to note that in the description of the Ark in Genesis 6:14-16, there are seven specific things mentioned: Gopher wood, rooms, pitch, dimensions, a window, a door, 3 floors. Seven is God's number of perfection, completion. So here we have a picture of God's perfect salvation through Jesus Christ, who is our complete refuge from God's wrath against sin (eternity in Hell). There was only one door to enter into the Ark. God has only one way of salvation, only one Saviour who paid the complete penalty for our sin, only one name whereby we must be saved! (See John 14:6; Acts 4:12) Once Noah and his family entered the Ark, they were completely safe from the destruction of the flood. The Lord Himself shut them in the Ark, and it is the Lord Himself who keeps us in Christ, safely preserved unto Heaven. (See Genesis 7:16; 1 Peter 1:3-5)

3) In Genesis 8:8-9, when Noah released the dove, she found no rest for the sole of her feet from the chaos of the world after the flood, except in the Ark itself. Even so, Jesus Christ is the only refuge for our souls from the chaos of this world. Is your soul resting in Him?

In Isaiah 28:9-13, we have a passage dealing with the rest found in studying the Word of God. Notice especially verse 12 (which I have bolded). Whom shall He teach knowledge? and whom shall He make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: For with stammering lips and another tongue will He speak to this people. To whom He said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

When we study the Word of God and compare Scripture with Scripture, building precept upon precept (which means we study each passage where a doctrine is taught and we put them together to arrive at the correct conclusion), we will find rest and refreshing. In what way? Because the Word of truth rightly divided reveals the Saviour. Verse 16 says Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. Jesus Christ is that corner stone. (See 1 Peter 2:6-8) This rest and refreshing of salvation is found only in Him! The testimony of Jesus is the heart (the spirit) of the whole Bible. (See Revelation 19:10) Peter's promise to the Jews in Acts 3:19 is just as true for us today. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

When we are striving to keep the Law on our own (to earn salvation), the burden is heavy and grievous. God's requirement is perfect obedience, and we all fall short of that mark already. There is only one person in the history of the world that has ever kept the Law fully, completely fulfilling all its requirements - the Messiah who is both God and man, Jesus Christ. (See 1 Timothy 3:16 and John 1:14) Matthew 5:17-20 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

If we accept His free gift of salvation, we are then credited with His righteousness, and that righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees. No longer are we as filthy rags in God's sight, but we are covered in the spotless white robe of Christ's righteousness. When our Heavenly Father looks at us, He doesn't see our sinfulness, but He sees the perfect righteousness of His sinless Son.

After we have received Jesus as our Saviour, He then works through us to enable us to fulfill God's will for our lives, and gives us the grace and strength to obey Him. 1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous. When you walk with the Lord Jesus Christ, He bears the burden with you. Matthew 11:29-30 Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light. Like two oxen yoked together will bear the burden together, so too, when we are yoked together with Jesus, He will enable us to bear the burden in our service to Him, because He bears it with us! (And, believe me, He carries most of the load!) But if we buck against the Lord's will for our lives, then the burden will seem so heavy.

There is one final Old Testament type that I want to bring to your attention in this matter of resting in Christ, our salvation. That is the Sabbath and what it pictured. Of all the ten commandments, nine are clearly restated in the New Testament as still binding on the Christian. (See Romans 13:9; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21; and other passages.) But the Sabbath is not commanded to the Christian - why not? Because it has been completely fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The word Sabbath means rest, and Jesus Christ is our rest! Colossians 2:16-17 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

Exodus 31:14-15 Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.

The Jews were to work six days, but on the seventh they were to rest and do no work. If they worked, they were punished for it. Many critics get upset at this command in the Scriptures because they do not understand it. If we understand clearly what the Sabbath pictured, then the commandment and the punishment for not obeying it is simple to understand. The Jews were not to work on the Sabbath because it pictured the free gift of salvation found in Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Titus 3:4-6 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Several passages that clearly teach about the Sabbath are as follows: (Note: these passages are specifically referring to the Sabbath on the Day of Atonement, when all Israel's sins were dealt with once a year, which pictured Christ's sacrifice once for all.)

Leviticus 16:29-31 And this shall be a statute for ever unto you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you: For on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before the LORD. It shall be a sabbath of rest unto you, and ye shall afflict your souls, by a statute for ever.

Leviticus 23:26-32 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD. And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the LORD your God. For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people. And whatsoever soul it be that doeth any work in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people. Ye shall do no manner of work: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings. It shall be unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath.

In the above passages, there are several things I want to point out:

1) The Jews were to afflict their souls. They were to be repentant of their sins and acknowledge them to God. This was a requirement for both the Jews and those that sojourned among them (the Gentiles).

2) They were not to work at all, because on that day the priest would make an atonement for their sins. This day was to be a holy day, one set apart from all other days.

3) There was nothing they could do to add to the atonement or take away from it their only requirement was to repent and believe. Acts 20:21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. They were to afflict their souls on that day, or they would be cut off from their people (the people of God). Jesus said in Luke 13:3,5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Repentance was absolutely essential to be saved. Repentance means a change of mind resulting in a change of conduct. If the Jews did not acknowledge the guilt of their sin to the Lord and turn from it to the Saviour, they would be cut off from the people of God. This is just as true for us today: if we refuse to repent, saying a meaningless prayer is not going to save us - we will not go to Heaven, and we will be cut off eternally from the people of God. We need to believe in our heart. (See Romans 10:9-10)

4) By the way, the alternative to eternity in Heaven is eternity in Hell. Jesus spoke twice as much about Hell as He did about Heaven! This is seen in the threat that those who work on the Sabbath will be destroyed from among the people. This pictures the person who chooses to add their good deeds to the Gospel. The Bible teaches that they will be destroyed in Hell. You cannot add to Christ's work on the cross - He will not accept it! If there was any other way that we could be saved apart from Christ's finished work on Calvary, He would never have needed to die for our sins!

Isaiah 30:15 For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.

Have you personally trusted the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, believing that He died for your sins on the cross? Do you believe that He paid the full penalty when He suffered the wrath of God in your place? Have you received His free gift of salvation? If not, why not turn from your sin and receive the Saviour today? He's waiting for your answer. Find your rest in Him!

The Haven Of Rest
(Words: Henry L. Gilmour)

My soul in sad exile was out on life's sea,
So burdened with sin and distressed,
Till I heard a sweet voice, saying,
"Make Me your choice";
And I entered the "Haven of Rest"!

Chorus:
I've anchored my soul in the "Haven of Rest,"
I'll sail the wide seas no more;
The tempest may sweep over the wild, stormy, deep,
In Jesus I'm safe evermore.

I yielded myself to His tender embrace,
In faith taking hold of the Word,
My fetters fell off, and I anchored my soul;
The "Haven of Rest" is my Lord.

The song of my soul, since the Lord made me whole,
Has been the old story so blest,
Of Jesus, Who'll save whosoever will have
A home in the "Haven of Rest."

How precious the thought that we all may recline,
Like John, the beloved so blest,
On Jesus' strong arm, where no tempest can harm,
Secure in the "Haven of Rest."

O come to the Savior, He patiently waits
To save by His power divine;
Come, anchor your soul in the "Haven of Rest,"
And say, "My Beloved is mine."

July 10th, 2002
Jerry Bouey

For Part Two:
Rest For Your Souls - The Rest Of Victory In Christ

Jacob, The Plain Man

Lessons From The Life Of Jacob:
Part One - Jacob, The Plain Man

Genesis 25:27 And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents.

For nineteen years, Rebekah was barren and had no children. Isaac intreated the Lord for his wife. In their twentieth year of marriage, God answered his prayers and Rebekah gave birth to twins. While these boys were struggling together in her womb, God made a promise to her - that the eldest son would serve the younger. The line of the younger son would be the one that God would bless and cause to prosper.

Genesis 25:22-24 And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to enquire of the LORD. And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger. And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb.

This blessing would also include having the Messiah be his direct descendant. God chose Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation; then Isaac, the promised son, instead of Ishmael. Now the Lord indicates to Rebekah that her younger son would be the next in the line of Christ (the Messiah).

Genesis 25:25-26 And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau. And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau's heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them.

When the children were born, Esau was first (ie. the elder), and Jacob was the younger son. According to God's choosing, Jacob would be the son which would receive the blessing.

After he came out of the womb, he took hold of his brother's heel.

"Before birth, Jacob and Esau had contended; and at birth, Jacob grasped his brother's heel. This latter action was interpreted to mean that Jacob would trip up his brother and take advantage of him. The prediction proved true." (Pentateuch, The Bible Exposition Commentary by Warren Wiersbe)

"There was a manifest contest in their births. Esau, the stronger, came forth first; but Jacob's hand took hold of his heel, Gen. 25:26. This signified, (1.) Jacob's pursuit of the birthright and blessing; from the first, he reached forth to catch hold of it, and, if possible, to prevent his brother. (2.) His prevailing for it at last, that, in process of time, he should undermine his brother, and gain his point. This passage is referred to (Hos. 12:3), and hence he had his name, Jacob, a supplanter." (Matthew Henry)

He was aptly named Jacob, which means supplanter, which Strong's Concordance defines as: to seize by the heel; figuratively, to circumvent (as if tripping up the heels); also to restrain (as if holding by the heel). Webster's 1828 Dictionary gives this as one of his two definitions for supplant - To remove or displace by stratagem; or to displace and take the place of. These descriptions would be very true of Jacob's life before he came to know the Lord - in his relationship with Esau - and would affect his life for years afterwards!

Genesis 25:27-28 And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents. And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob.

Here we see the potential for further problems to develop. Each parent had their favourite son - and the consequences of their favoritism would soon follow.

Esau was a fornicator and a profane (ie. godless) man, who had no interest in spiritual things - nor in his birthright. When a man is living for sensual appetites, he does not care for the things of God, for His Word, or for God's hand of blessing on his life. In this case, Esau saw no benefit in some seemingly far off inheritance (the double portion that would have been given to him as the firstborn - see Deuteronomy 21:17), but rather chose to live for the here and now - whatever could fulfill him now, not later.

"Esau pictures the man of the world who despises the eternal and lives for the temporal." (Chapter By Chapter Bible Commentary by Warren Wiersbe)

Hebrews 12:16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.

He did not care for any of this. All Esau cared for was living for the present, satisfying his hunger, and hunting in the field.

Esau preferred to live in the wild and prosper by his physical skills, whereas God says Jacob dwelled in tents. This is referring not simply to a desire to live at home, but is actually stating he was living for the promises of God regarding the Promised Land, as the following passage clarifies:

Hebrews 11:8-10 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

What puzzles me about this verse in Genesis 25 is God s description of Jacob: he was a plain man - this is spoken in contrast to Esau, who was known for his cunning and living by his hunting skills. Strong's gives this definition for plain - pious, upright. Webster's defines it as: Artless; simple; unlearned; without disguise, cunning or affectation; without refinement; as men of the plainer sort. He specifically mentions Genesis 25 as a reference for this use of the word. Funk and Wagnalls Dictionary states that plain means: straightforward; guileless. This has to be God's description of Jacob until this point in his life - he was pious, feared God, and was not known for deception (ie. he was without guile) until the events that next unfolded in his life. Then his manner of scheming and supplanting became a way of life for him.

"Jacob was a man for the other world. He was... an honest man that always meant well, and dealt fairly, that preferred the true delights of solitude and retirement to all the pretended pleasure of busy noisy sports." (Matthew Henry)

Though unsaved at this time (I do not believe he got saved until he dreamed about the ladder to Heaven - more on this later), Jacob had an interest in spiritual things, and desired that God's blessings would be upon him. Unfortunately, he relied on his own scheming to (attempt to) get what he wanted in life, rather than trusting that God would work out His plan in His own timing. The Lord had already stated that it would be Jacob's. It was a matter of waiting upon God to bring this to pass. Unfortunately, Jacob was impatient in spiritual matters.

"The 'birthright' had three elements:
(1) Until the establishment of the Aaronic priesthood the head of the family exercised priestly rights.
(2) The Abrahamic family held the Edenic promise of the Satan-Bruiser, Gen. 3:15. -- Abel, Seth, Shem, Abraham, Isaac, Esau.
(3) Esau, as the firstborn, was in the direct line of the Abrahamic promise of the Earth-Blesser, Gen. 12:3." (Scofield Study Bible)

Jacob realized that Esau did not care for the spiritual blessings, and when the opportunity presented itself, Jacob talked Esau out of his birthright - which Esau willingly gave up. All he cared for was satisfying his own appetites, living by his physical senses (what he could see, feel, taste, touch, and smell) - not spiritual realities (which only could be seen and touched by faith).

Genesis 25:29-34 And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint: And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.

"Jacob's pious desire of the birthright, which yet he sought to obtain by indirect courses, not agreeable to his character as a plain man. It was not out of pride or ambition that he coveted the birthright, but with an eye to spiritual blessings, which he had got well acquainted with in his tents, while Esau had lost the scent of them in the field. For this he is to be commended, that he coveted earnestly the best gifts; yet in this he cannot be justified, that he took advantage of his brother's necessity to make him a very hard bargain (Ge 25:31): Sell me this day thy birthright... It is egregious folly to part with our interest in God, and Christ, and heaven, for the riches, honours, and pleasures, of this world, as bad a bargain as his that sold a birthright for a dish of broth." (Matthew Henry)

"Luther points out that Jacob's purchase was not valid because he was attempting to purchase what was already his. And with equal correctness it may be asserted that Esau was attempting to sell what was not his." (Genesis: Men Of Faith by Charles M. Horne)

Jacob's sin was not in his desire for the birthright or the blessing - in this he was not being covetous, as these were already promised to him by God. His sin was in not trusting in the Lord to work it all out according to His perfect plan, and resorting to his own scheming to get it. What seemed like a good opportunity to Jacob to get the birthright only developed into further problems down the road.

Catch those little foxes, Jacob, before they spoil the vines! (See Song of Solomon 2:15)

January 27th, 2005
Jerry Bouey

The Story Of Four Gardens: The Garden Of Eden

In 2006, I preached a series of three messages on three main gardens of Scripture: Eden and the fall of man; Gethsemane and Jesus Christ going to the cross; the garden with the empty tomb and Christ's resurrection. I wrote up the first two messages, but somehow never got the third one written, then ended up losing the notes I had for it. A couple of years later, I preached these messages again.

This year, as we are getting closer to Easter, where the thoughts of many Christians and the religious world turn towards the cross and Jesus' death, burial and resurrection, I wanted to cover these messages again. But this time, I was thinking of a fourth garden - Paradise (which means "garden"), referring to the third heaven, the dwelling place of God.

Lord willing, this time I will get the third and (now) fourth studies written up. I plan on covering one per week until Easter (plus, a supplemental message from Days Of Praise devotionals: Make It As Sure As You Can).


The Story Of Four Gardens:
Part One - The Garden Of Eden

In Genesis chapter one, we have the account of Creation. Adam, the first man, was created on day six. God then created a garden eastward in Eden and placed man there in this perfect, sinless environment. Eden means “delight, pleasure.” There, all Adam’s needs would be met, and it would be a peaceful, blessed existence.

Genesis 2:15-17 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

Only one command that Adam must not disobey, one command to test his love and obedience to the Lord God.

Then God made Eve, the first woman, from the rib of Adam. They were now one flesh, united together, walking in daily fellowship with the Lord… Until the serpent came along.

1) The Devil.

Genesis 3:1a Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made.

The New Testament clearly teaches that it was the Devil that was speaking to Eve through the serpent. (See Revelation 12:9; John 8:44) Subtil means “cunning, crafty.” Martin Luther made this statement: “Satan’s first appearance was under the tree of knowledge.” It is also interesting to note that Satan’s first recorded words in the Old Testament were ones of doubt and distrust in what God had already clearly stated. (It is also interesting to note that Satan's first words recorded in the New Testament were also words of doubt and disbelief. See Matthew 3:17; 4:3)

2) Doubt.

Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

“Did God really say? Did God really mean it? Can you really trust God?” These were some of the doubts the Devil was attempting to sow into Adam and Eve’s hearts. As an angel of light, a messenger (but not of God), he was creating confusion and deception. (See 2 Corinthians 11:3, 14; 1 Corinthians 14:33) Eve should never have hearkened to that voice.

Genesis 3:2-3 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

Here Eve does something good: she quotes the Word of God. But then she adds to it! God said “don’t eat of the tree”; He did not say “don’t touch it”. Once you start questioning the Word of God and moving from its solid mooring (by adding to, subtracting from, or twisting it), then you are on a dangerous, slippery slope. (See Revelation 22:18-19; 2 Peter 3:16)

3) Deception.

Genesis 3:4-5 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

Here, we see the Devil outright contradicting God (ye shall not surely die), and enticing Eve with forbidden knowledge. Basically he is stating, “God is withholding something from you. He really doesn’t have your best interests in mind. Why not try this fruit yourself – and you can determine whether it is really good or not. Instead of having God rule over you, telling you what to do and not to do, you can be your own gods, be your own authority.” While most may not fall for the religious lie that they can literally become gods (as taught in Mormonism, the New Age religion, and various cults), many do fall for the lie that they can be their own gods – controlling their own lives, using their own fallen wisdom to direct themselves, instead of letting God and His Word be their guide and final authority.

First doubt, and then deception. The slippery slope was becoming less firm, sloping ever downwards. The road to Hell started with questioning God, but it didn’t end there. The temptation to partake of what God clearly commanded against was becoming more and more appealing. And the consequences became less and less intimidating… If death really wouldn’t come, then it really couldn’t hurt to eat of this fruit.

4) Disobedience.

Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

"Hm, this does look like a good tree, not really much different than all the rest that we’ve been eating from. Actually, this fruit is quite pleasant looking, quite appealing – can’t be all that bad." And then the clincher: and a tree to be desired to make one wise. Not only was she listening to the serpent, she was now believing his word instead of God’s! There was no way the appearance of the fruit would have caused her to think that it could make her “wise”, but the Devil had planted those seeds of doubt, and now they took root.

For a more in-depth look at the temptation of Eve, please read my study, Three Avenues Of Temptation.

She took of the fruit thereof, and did eat. She disobeyed God’s clear command and ate the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. In her deception, she probably was thinking, “I didn’t drop dead immediately – the serpent must have been telling the truth!”

And then here comes one of the saddest notes of the Scriptures: and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. Adam was with her all the time! And he didn’t step in and rebuke Eve for listening to the serpent, nor did he chase it away. Instead he observed, and then partook after Eve did. Despite the lies and deception, the consequences of rebellion against God still took effect – just as God said would happen.

5) Death.

Genesis 3:7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.

Their eyes were opened! But not in the way that Satan promised. They now did know good and evil, but it was no longer knowledge from a state of innocency, but from a state of guilt! And it was knowledge without the means to apply it - they no longer had the power to do good, but were enslaved to the evil. Notice the contrast between Genesis 2:25 and 3:7. Sin brought shame. They needed to cover this up somehow – hence the aprons made of fig leaves, something they themselves put together. But religious works can never truly cover or deal with the sins of man.

And death had come. Not physical death at first (though the process was now begun and they would eventually die physically) – but spiritual death, which is separation from the Lord God. We will see this clearly in the next part of this study.

6) Disrupted Fellowship.

Genesis 3:8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.

Now instead of fellowshipping with the Lord like they had been doing every day since they were created, here they sought to run and hide from Him.

Genesis 3:9-10 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard Thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.

God knew where Adam and Eve were, He knew what they had done, and He knew how their sin created shame and fear in their hearts. His words were intended to draw them out of hiding and to bring a confession of guilt from them.

Genesis 3:11-13 And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? And the man said, The woman whom Thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.

At first, Adam and Eve are attempting to play the blame game, blaming others for the sin they have committed. However, they do acknowledge their own guilt and part in what had transpired: and I did eat. What Eve had spoken was true, she was deceived by the Devil. (See 1 Timothy 2:14) This is not an excuse that God would accept, however, as she needed to accept the blame for herself. If she had not been listening to the Devil, she would not have been confused and led astray by his lies!

7) Distressing Judgement and the Promised Deliverer.

Genesis 3:14-15 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise His heel.

Before sin entered into the world, God had His plan prepared. Now it was time to set it in motion. Judgement was pronounced on the serpent for being the willing instrument that Satan used. And judgement was threatened to the Devil for his enticing Adam and Eve to turn from the Lord and do evil.

There was also a promise given in several parts:

1) There would be enmity between the Devil and the woman.

2) Enmity between the seed of the Devil (physically-born children of man) and the seed of the women (spiritually-born children of man - born again of God).

3) A promised Redeemer – the seed of the woman. He would be the virgin born Son of God. This Deliverer would one day be bruised on the heel – implying a temporary wound that He would recover from (this was fulfilled when Jesus was crucified on the cross for our sins, died, was buried, and arose three days later), and the Devil would be bruised on the head – this was to be a mortal wound (fulfilled when Jesus defeated him by His death on the cross, and one day would completely bruise Satan underfoot – see Hebrews 2:14-16 and Romans 16:20).

Genesis 3:16-19 Unto the woman He said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. And unto Adam He said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.

Here Adam and Eve are faced with the consequences of their distrust and disobedience to the Lord God: Sorrow, the curse, thorns, sweat, death. As the head of the human race, it was Adam’s disobedience that brought death into the world and upon all his descendents. The first Adam brought sin and death upon all mankind, the last Adam would one day restore all that was lost in the first Adam’s fall. And this Promised Deliverer would deal with each of the effects of the curse, but that will have to wait until our next study, The Garden Of Gethsemane.

Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

1 Corinthians 15:21-22 For since by man came death, by Man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

1 Corinthians 15:45-47 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second Man is the Lord from heaven.

8) A Determined Note Of Faith.

Genesis 3:20-21 And Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living. Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.

The Lord clothed Adam and Eve with coats made of the skins of animals – this meant an animal had to shed its blood to cover their sin and had to die to clothe their nakedness and shame. All these animal sacrifices were a picture of and a prelude to the Lamb of God who would one day shed His blood and die upon the cross of Calvary to take away the sins of the world. (John 1:29) This plan was made before the foundation of the world, and would eventually be carried into effect about 4000 years later. (See 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 1:2; 1 Peter 1:18-20; Revelation 13:8) As time went on, more was revealed about this Promised Deliverer, but the basics were already given: Someone would come and save them from their sins; this Messiah would be their righteousness (the covering for their sins)

Genesis 3:22-24 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of Us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. So He drove out the man; and He placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

Adam and Eve were now banished from the Garden of Eden into a sin-cursed world. The toil, sweat, and sorrow that they now faced would remind them of what it was once like in the Garden, and cause them to look for and long for the coming Messiah, who would remove all of sin’s curse.

It was doubt in God’s Word that initially brought disobedience, sin, and death into this world – and it would be faith (trust) in God’s Word and in the coming Messiah which would bring salvation to those who believed.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

October 30th, 2004
Jerry Bouey

The Story Of Four Gardens:
Part One - The Garden Of Eden (above)
Part Two - The Garden Of Gethsemane
Part Three - The Garden With The Empty Tomb (coming soon)
Part Four - Paradise, The Garden Of Eternity (coming soon)

Three Avenues Of Temptation

Three Avenues Of Temptation

1 John 2:15-17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

In this passage we see Satan's three main avenues of temptation:

1. The lust of the eyes - means forbidden longing or desire, covetousness, following after the sight of the eyes.

2. The lust of the flesh - means carnal desires, fulfilling the appetites of the flesh; fulfilling physical appetites outside of the will of God.

3. The pride of life - means selfishness, self-seeking; self-advancement.
pride = (Strong's #213) boasting, bragging, (by implication) self-confidence.
life = bios, physical life (as opposed to spiritual life, zoe).

Contrast the pride of life with charity (love) in 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

We see Satan using these three main avenues of temptation in his temptations of Eve and Jesus:

Eve

Genesis 3:1-5 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

The tree was good for food - the lust of the flesh.
It was pleasant to the eyes - the lust of the eyes.
A tree to be desired to make one wise - the pride of life.

Eve disregarded the Word of God (the command given previously to Adam) and gave in to the temptation.

Jesus

Matthew 4:1-3 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to Him, he said, If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.

Temptation to turn the stones to bread - the lust of the flesh.

Matthew 4:5-6 Then the devil taketh Him up into the holy city, and setteth Him on a pinnacle of the temple, And saith unto Him, If Thou be the Son of God, cast Thyself down: for it is written, He shall give His angels charge concerning Thee: and in their hands they shall bear Thee up, lest at any time Thou dash thy foot against a stone.

Temptation to tempt God and endanger Himself - the pride of life, ie. you are so important God won't let you hurt yourself recklessly.

Matthew 4:8-9 Again, the devil taketh Him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth Him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto Him, All these things will I give Thee, if Thou wilt fall down and worship me.

Temptation to worship Satan to receive the kingdoms of the world - the lust of the eyes.

Jesus overcame all these temptations by continually meditating on and submitting Himself to the Word of God.

Matthew 4:4 But He answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Matthew 4:7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

Matthew 4:10-11 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth Him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto Him.

"Viewing the Old Testament in its unity, and the Messiah as the apex in the column of its history, we admit - or rather, we must expect - throughout points of correspondence between Moses, Elijah, and the Messiah. In fact, these may be described as marking the three stages in the history of the Covenant. Moses was its giver, Elijah its restorer, the Messiah its renewer and perfecter. And as such they all had, in a sense, a similar outward consecration for their work. But that neither Moses nor Elijah was assailed by the Devil, constitutes not the only, though a vital, difference between the fast of Moses and Elijah, and that of Jesus. Moses fasted in the middle, Elijah at the end, Jesus at the beginning of His ministry. Moses fasted in the Presence of God; Elijah alone; Jesus assaulted by the Devil. Moses had been called up by God; Elijah had gone forth in the bitterness of his own spirit; Jesus was driven by the Spirit. Moses failed after his forty days' fast; when in indignation he cast the Tables of the Law from him; Elijah failed before his forty days' fast; Jesus was assailed for forty days and endured the trial. Moses was angry against Israel; Elijah despaired of Israel; Jesus overcame for Israel." (Alfred Edersheim, The Life And Times Of Jesus The Messiah, Volume 1 Page 295.)

There is another aspect of these temptations I would like to look more in-depth at later: the questioning and doubting of the Word of God, but will save that for another study.

I will end on this neat observation that the Lord pointed out to me this morning in my studying.

Look at the comparison between these two passages:

Matthew 4:8-9 Again, the devil taketh Him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth Him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto Him, All these things will I give Thee, if Thou wilt fall down and worship me.

Revelation 21:10-11 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;

The first passage deals with the kingdoms of the world, the temporal glory of them, and the temptation to turn aside to gain that "glory". The second passage deals with the Kingdom of Heaven, the eternal glory thereof - and we know for a fact that this city shown here is the Lord's! Jesus did not have to compromise to gain it! In fact, had He done so, He would have lost it for Himself and for us! Praise the Lord that the Son of God was faithful and did not give in to the temptations of the Devil!

Written September 6th, 2004
Jerry Bouey

When Life Doesn't Go As You Planned

When Life Doesn't Go As You Planned

Joseph was born the eleventh son of a family of twelve brothers and one sister. He was the oldest child of his father Jacob's (Israel's) favourite wife, Rachel. His mother died giving birth to the youngest son in the family, Benjamin.

Genesis 37:2-4 These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report. Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.

In the book of Genesis, we can see four major disappointments in Joseph's life - things that he did not plan on, but that had a major impact on his life and future plans.

1) Unexpected Affliction - Sold Into Slavery

The first was his brother's jealousy, which motivated them to betray Joseph, when he was 17 years old, and sell him into slavery - something which was not in Joseph's plans at all, and affected him for years to come.

Genesis 37:23-24 And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him; And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it.

Genesis 37:28 Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.

There are times in our lives where we may meet with an unexpected affliction, ranging anywhere from an accidental injury to severe illness or disease, from a lost job to a financial crisis.

What was Joseph's response during all this? He kept trusting in the Lord his God. He did not know why God allowed this trial to come into his life, but he chose to trust his Heavenly Father - as a result God blessed him in all he did.

2) Falsely Accused And Imprisoned

Genesis 39:1-4 And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither. And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand. And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.

When Potiphar saw how the Lord blessed the work of Joseph's hands, he was made overseer over Potiphar's house. Until Potiphar's wife set her eyes upon him, and laid in wait for him. Because she did not get her desire fulfilled, she turned on Joseph and lied about his actions to Potiphar.

Genesis 39:20-23 And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison. But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it. The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper.

In times of ill treatment by others, we have the example of Joseph choosing to be faithful to the Lord no matter what - even if it caused him further affliction! He refused Potiphar's wife's advances and fled from her. See verses 7-9.

Though tried in prison and bound in fetters (see Psalm 105:18-19), he was later exalted by the keeper of the prison. All through this period, we again see that the Lord blessed Joseph and was with him.

3) Dashed Hopes And Expectations

Over time, Pharaoh's butler and baker were imprisoned and had dreams which saddened them. The Lord gave Joseph wisdom to interpret these dreams - and they were fulfilled as declared by Joseph. The chief butler was to be restored to his place, and therefore Joseph petitioned him as follows:

Genesis 40:14-15 But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house: For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.

Joseph was now 28 years old. After 11 years of being sold into slavery and his time of imprisonment, it now looked like he might be set free. After getting his hopes up, rejoicing in his possible freedom, anticipating his release, we read this sad report:

Genesis 40:23 Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him.

When our plans don't come to pass - what do we do? Joseph kept his trust in the Lord and still remained faithful. Eventually two more years passed, and then Pharaoh had two dreams which greatly troubled him. He called the wise men, but none could interpret his dream, until the butler remembered Joseph. As the course of events unfolded, Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dreams, gave God the glory, and praised and thanked the Lord, and was exalted to a place of honour at 30 years old - after 13 years of slavery.

Genesis 41:38-44 And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is? And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck; And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.

There was a final point I want to mention regarding the things in Joseph's life that he did not plan:

4) Separation From His Family

This was not something that he had ever intended or planned upon - he never dreamed that it would be 22 years before he would see his brethren (and a little later, his father) again. Though, no doubt, this disappointment greatly affected him during those years of slavery, imprisonment, and was even remembered during his years of being exalted as second in command over all of Egypt. See Genesis 41:51-52.

Though all those years of Joseph's life did not go as he planned, God worked behind the scenes to set things in motion to protect the tribe of Israel by sending Joseph into Egypt ahead of them, to prepare the way - though Joseph did not see or know God's plan at that time. The Lord worked it out that Joseph would see his whole family again.

Psalms 105:16-17 Moreover he called for a famine upon the land: he brake the whole staff of bread. He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant:

17 years later (see Genesis 47:9 and 28), when Jacob/Israel died, Joseph's brethren began worrying about whether Joseph would now take vengeance upon them for their betrayal (39 years before - Joseph is now 56 years old). But Joseph did not let his years of hardship make him bitter - he let them make him better! Disappointments are His appointments, as Joseph goes on to relate:

Genesis 50:19-21 And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.

During this reminder (by his brethren) of his previous afflictions, Joseph testified to his brethren of the Lord's goodness and love in his life.

Even though Joseph's life did not go as he planned, Joseph learned that they went as He planned. His Heavenly Father was in control all the while, working out His perfect will and plan in Joseph's life - as He does in the lives of all His children! The New Testament parallel of Genesis 50:20 is Romans 8:28.

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

The Answers Why

I asked the Lord one day why there were so many mountains in my life,
So much grief and heartache, so much trouble and strife?
I read His Word very carefully, looking for the answers why,
And deep within my soul, I heard His Spirit reply.

I am working all things out for your good;
Removing the debris that shouldn't be there.
There is so much damage that sin has done,
There is so much I need to repair.
There are works that I am doing - if you could only understand -
I am fulfilling all My promises according to My Plan.

The mountains are for reminding you of My goodness and My love,
The weakness is to cause you to lean upon My arms above.
Rest upon My provision, and trust that I will guide you along Life's way,
And rejoice in My grace and mercy that will lead you safely Home one day.

There's a work I am doing inside your very heart,
So one day up in glory, My likeness to you I will impart;
So don't fret about the things that you don't understand,
Just trust my eternal wisdom, and know it's all according to My Plan.

Poem written December 20th, 2002
Devotion written August 5th/05
(Preached August 4th/05)
Jerry Bouey

"GOD MEANT IT UNTO GOOD"

"God meant it unto good"--O blest assurance,
Falling like sunshine all across life's way,
Touching with Heaven's gold earth's darkest storm clouds,
Bringing fresh peace and comfort day by day.

'Twas not by chance the hands of faithless brethren
Sold Joseph captive to a foreign land;
Nor was it chance which, after years of suffering,
Brought him before the monarch's throne to stand.

One Eye all-seeing saw the need of thousands,
And planned to meet it through that one lone soul;
And through the weary days of prison bondage
Was working towards the great and glorious goal.

As yet the end was hidden from the captive,
The iron entered even to his soul;
His eye could scan the present path of sorrow,
Not yet his gaze might rest upon the whole.

Faith failed not through those long, dark days of waiting,
His trust in God was recompensed at last,
The moment came when God led forth His servant
To succour many, all his sufferings past.

"It was not you but God, that sent me hither,"
Witnessed triumphant faith in after days;
"God meant it unto good," no "second causes"
Mingled their discord with his song of praise.

"God means it unto good" for thee, beloved,
The God of Joseph is the same today;
His love permits afflictions strange and bitter,
His hand is guiding through the unknown way.

Thy Lord, who sees the end from the beginning,
Hath purposes for thee of love untold.
Then place thy hand in His and follow fearless,
Till thou the riches of His grace behold.

There, when thou standest in the Home of Glory,
And all life's path lies open to thy gaze,
Thine eyes shall see the hand which now thou trustest,
And magnify His love through endless days.

--Freda Hanbury Allen

(Taken from Streams In The Desert devotional)

For more studies in Genesis (with Genesis as the springboard):

Genesis

References To Genesis In The Book Of Job

References To Genesis In The Book Of Job

At the Gospel Mission, I have been preaching my way through the book of Job - mostly tackling it by chapters/sections, but some messages have been by themes. Job certainly is an interesting book, and it serves the purpose of reminding us to keep our eyes upon the Lord when we are going through trials in our lives. As has been stated in various ways by others: the book of Job is more concerned with Who, though it does address many of the reasons why we go through trials and what the Lord is bringing out of them.

One theme that has intrigued me recently is the multiple references to past events by the various speakers in Job. I have read many articles defending the literal history found in the book of Genesis, especially the first eleven chapters, by showing how the Lord Jesus Christ Himself (God manifest in the flesh) and the various New Testament writers (ie. the apostles, their associates, and Jesus' half-brothers) often quoted these passages as literal, historical events. I believe the book of Genesis can stand on its own - but it is worthwhile to see how all the rest of the Bible (and its writers) refers to and comments upon these events/passages.

My belief is that the author of the book of Job is Elihu, one of the eyewitnesses of what transpired during this difficult and troublesome time in Job's life. Consider how Elihu refers to himself in the first person - this was not something spoken during the conversations between Job and his friends, but stated by the person recording them:

Job 32:15-17 They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking. When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more;) I said, I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion.

Earlier in the same chapter, we read this about Elihu:

Job 32:2 Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God.

Elihu, being a Buzite, would have been a descendant of Nahor, Abraham's brother.

Genesis 22:20-23 And it came to pass after these things, that it was told Abraham, saying, Behold, Milcah, she hath also born children unto thy brother Nahor; Huz his firstborn, and Buz his brother, and Kemuel the father of Aram, And Chesed, and Hazo, and Pildash, and Jidlaph, and Bethuel. And Bethuel begat Rebekah: these eight Milcah did bear to Nahor, Abraham's brother.

The reference to being the kindred of Ram (assuming it is the same Ram that is in the lineage of Abraham), implies that he (or his family) intermarried with Abraham's line (Ram being Judah's great-grandson):

Ruth 4:18-22 Now these are the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron, And Hezron begat Ram, and Ram begat Amminadab, And Amminadab begat Nahshon, and Nahshon begat Salmon, And Salmon begat Boaz, and Boaz begat Obed, And Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David.

1 Chronicles 2:9-10 The sons also of Hezron, that were born unto him; Jerahmeel, and Ram, and Chelubai. And Ram begat Amminadab; and Amminadab begat Nahshon, prince of the children of Judah;

Nahshon was the prince of the tribe of Judah during the Exodus and the years of wandering in the wilderness; therefore we have the events of the book of Job occuring sometime between the time of Jacob (and his children) and the time of Moses. A studying out of the lineage of the other principal characters in the book of Job will also clearly show that they lived during the time of the patriarchs (see also Job 1:1; 2:11; Genesis 25:2; 36:11, 28; and Lamentations 4:21).

I believe that Job was familiar with the history of Abraham's family - including that of Jacob - because of the following passage, spoken by him:

Job 31:35-37 Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that mine adversary had written a book. Surely I would take it upon my shoulder, and bind it as a crown to me. I would declare unto him the number of my steps; as a prince would I go near unto him.

In a passage about pleading/contending with God (ie. praying to Him and presenting his case before the Lord), Job compares himself to Jacob and his time of wrestling with the Angel of the Lord (a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ):

Genesis 32:24-30 And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there. And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.

The references to this and other past events in the book of Job are spoken of as common knowledge - Job and his friends knew these things as part of history - not as fables - as their arguments are in part based on the FACT and certainty of each of these things having happened (notice in all their disputing with one another, these events were not questioned, but used as the basis for some of the points they were making).

For ease of study, I have decided to cover each of these events in the order they occur in the book of Genesis.

1) God laying the foundation of the earth (on day three), and ALL the angels rejoicing together (thereby indicating sin was not yet in the universe):

Stated by God Himself: Job 38:4-7 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

I believe the passage quoted above actually gives us the order of events, as they happened at creation. We can see this by comparing the following two passages:

Genesis 1:9-10, 13 And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so. And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good... And the evening and the morning were the third day.

Psalms 104:1-5 Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty. Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain: Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind: Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire: Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever.

Notice that the light was created first (day one), the separation of the waters (day two), the creation of the angels (day two or three), then the foundations of the earth were laid (day three). I know many people have their tradition that the angels were created BEFORE the earth, and that Satan fell before the creation of the earth or in between verses 1 and 2 of Genesis chapter one - but the Scriptures DO NOT bear that out. And shouldn't the Bible be where we get all of our doctrine from, after all?

Reasons why I believe the angels were created on day two or three of the creation week, and why they did not fall until sometime AFTER that point in time:

A) The Bible teaches that all that is in the heavens and the earth were created and made during that time - and that includes angels - see Exodus 20:11; Nehemiah 9:6 (note especially the last clause); Genesis 2:1 (host in the Bible can refer to either stars, angels or both - I believe both are referred to here).
B) Angels were created to be ministers to mankind; therefore it does not make sense for God to create them untold years before creating the world He would place man on - see Hebrews 1:7, 14.
C) Satan/Lucifer fell sometime after the creation of water, stars, and the Garden of Eden (which was created on day six of creation week!) - see Isaiah 14:12-14; Ezekiel 28:13-17.
D) Seven times in Genesis one, God's Word states that "God saw that it was good," but the seventh time, the Bible says this in verse 31: And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. Seven represents fullness, completion, perfection - God's finished work of creation was perfect, with no sin or blemish anywhere in it to mar it - then He rested.

2) God directly, personally creating man out of the dust of the earth, breathing into his nostrils the breath of life, and placing him in the Garden of Eden:

Spoken by Job: Job 10:8-13 Thine hands have made me and fashioned me together round about; yet thou dost destroy me. Remember, I beseech thee, that thou hast made me as the clay; and wilt thou bring me into dust again? Hast thou not poured me out as milk, and curdled me like cheese? Thou hast clothed me with skin and flesh, and hast fenced me with bones and sinews. Thou hast granted me life and favour, and thy visitation hath preserved my spirit. And these things hast thou hid in thine heart: I know that this is with thee.

Mix some water with a bit of dust/earth - and voila, clay!

Spoken by Elihu: Job 33:6 Behold, I am according to thy wish in God's stead: I also am formed out of the clay.

Genesis 2:5-7 And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground. But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground. And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

Spoken by Job: Job 12:9-10 Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this? In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.

Job 27:3 All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils;

By Elihu: Job 32:8 But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.

Job 33:4 The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.

Spoken by Zophar: Job 20:4 Knowest thou not this of old, since man was placed upon earth,

Genesis 2:8 And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.

3) Satan and 1/3 of the angels rebelling against God (though not recorded in Genesis, this would have happened between Genesis chapters 2 and 3 - sometime shortly after the creation of man):

Job chapters 1-2 start off with the assumption that Satan was a fallen creature, an adversary to God and to His people, though in the book of Job we are not told how he became that way.

Spoken by Eliphaz: Job 4:17-19 Shall mortal man be more just than God? shall a man be more pure than his maker? Behold, he put no trust in his servants; and his angels he charged with folly: How much less in them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, which are crushed before the moth?

Job 15:14-16 What is man, that he should be clean? and he which is born of a woman, that he should be righteous? Behold, he putteth no trust in his saints; yea, the heavens are not clean in his sight. How much more abominable and filthy is man, which drinketh iniquity like water?

Revelation 12:7-9 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

Luke 10:18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.

4) Adam's sin and his hiding from God:

By Elihu: Job 31:33 If I covered my transgressions as Adam, by hiding mine iniquity in my bosom:

Genesis 3:8-10 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.

5) Man (ie. his body) going back to the dust when he dies, as part of God's curse upon sin:

Spoken by Eliphaz: Job 4:19 How much less in them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, which are crushed before the moth?

By Job: Job 7:21 And why dost thou not pardon my transgression, and take away mine iniquity? for now shall I sleep in the dust; and thou shalt seek me in the morning, but I shall not be.

Job 10:9 Remember, I beseech thee, that thou hast made me as the clay; and wilt thou bring me into dust again?

Job 17:16 They shall go down to the bars of the pit, when our rest together is in the dust.

By Zophar: Job 20:11 His bones are full of the sin of his youth, which shall lie down with him in the dust.

By Job: Job 21:25-26 And another dieth in the bitterness of his soul, and never eateth with pleasure. They shall lie down alike in the dust, and the worms shall cover them.

Job 34:14-15 If he set his heart upon man, if he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath; All flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again unto dust.

Genesis 3:17-19 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.

6) Abel's blood crying from the ground:

Spoken by Job: Job 16:18-19 O earth, cover not thou my blood, and let my cry have no place. Also now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and my record is on high.

Genesis 4:8-10 And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper? And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.

The blood of Abel cried for vengeance; Job desired his blood to cry for justice; but the New Testament shows us something better than both of these:

Hebrews 12:22-24 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.

Jesus' blood cries for forgiveness and grace.

7) A worldwide flood destroying the wicked inhabitants of the earth:

Spoken by Job: Job 12:15 Behold, he withholdeth the waters, and they dry up: also he sendeth them out, and they overturn the earth.

Spoken by Eliphaz Job 22:15-17 Hast thou marked the old way which wicked men have trodden? Which were cut down out of time, whose foundation was overflown with a flood: Which said unto God, Depart from us: and what can the Almighty do for them?

By God: Job 38:8-11 Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb? When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it, And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors, And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?

Genesis 6:5-7 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.

Genesis 7:11-12 In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened. And the rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights.

Genesis 7:17-23 And the flood was forty days upon the earth; and the waters increased, and bare up the ark, and it was lift up above the earth. And the waters prevailed, and were increased greatly upon the earth; and the ark went upon the face of the waters. And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered. Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail; and the mountains were covered. And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man: All in whose nostrils was the breath of life, of all that was in the dry land, died. And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark.

2 Peter 3:5-7 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

8) The promise from God to man that He would never destroy the whole earth again with a flood:

By Job: Job 28:11 He bindeth the floods from overflowing; and the thing that is hid bringeth he forth to light.

Genesis 8:20-21 And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.

Genesis 9:8-11 And God spake unto Noah, and to his sons with him, saying, And I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you; And with every living creature that is with you, of the fowl, of the cattle, and of every beast of the earth with you; from all that go out of the ark, to every beast of the earth. And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth.

Psalms 104:5-9 Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever. Thou coveredst it with the deep as with a garment: the waters stood above the mountains. At thy rebuke they fled; at the voice of thy thunder they hasted away. They go up by the mountains; they go down by the valleys unto the place which thou hast founded for them. Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over; that they turn not again to cover the earth.

I hope this study was a help and blessing to you - and that it strengthened your faith in God's Word. It is wondrous to see that the Bible is all one grand Book, where each portion fits together like clockwork, and each part upholds the others.

December 11th/07
Jerry Bouey