After all that has happened to Israel since the nation crossed the Jordan to fulfill God’s promise to Abraham, one would think that these images and memories would be hard-pressed into the hearts of the children of Israel and serve as a vivid reminder of God’s power and grace. But no.
"…that God may open a door (Col. 4:3)"
'Israel' tagged posts
It is interesting to observe that the people of Israel will consistently disobey God, and then, in turn, blame its leaders or even God himself. Why is it that mankind often lacks the ability to admit its own failures, accept responsibility for its choices and actions, or to place blame where blame is actually due?
The past several days of reading have revealed a myriad of rules, regulations, and procedures that God introduces to form the nation of Israel, both as a community and as His chosen people. Frankly, some of these rules don’t conform to our thought processes today, but comparing the emergence of the nation of Israel to our contemporary society is not something that will make sense in several ways.
This week’s reading details the origins of the twelve tribes of Israel, the name that God ultimately gives to Jacob (Genesis 32:28 and 35:10). Having been sent by his father, Abraham, to find a mate among his own people, Jacob travels to Haran – and stays much longer than I’m sure he anticipated!