The Bible Students' Class: Children of God

Narrator: Chris Genthree
 •  13 min. read  •  grade level: 10
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Since last month, the following have expressed a desire to join the Class, and we accordingly give their numbers.
124-E. A. P.
129-F. P. S.
126-M. C. S.
127-F. I. F.
128-W. J. H.
129-F. C. W.
130-F. E.
We would remind our correspondents that the time given for the preparation of the papers expires on the 25th of the month, and we trust that all who can do so, will send them in by that date. The preparation of the printed result is a work of considerable labor, and we are anxious that it should be done as thoroughly as possible. We know that there are some, who owing to the limited time at their disposal, are not able to finish quite so early, but if these are only few in number, their papers can easily be incorporated in the result before going to press.
The subject selected for this month is:A List of all the children of God spoken of in the Bible, in two divisions; first, those who can be proved to be such undoubtedly by their faith or walk, with one proof annexed; and second, those who are probably such, with the reason given.
The subdivision is arranged as follows:-
Genesis, by 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43.
Exodus, by 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50.
Leviticus, by 57, 58.
Num., by 62, 63, 64, 65, 66.
Deut., by 70, 71, 72.
Josh., by 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80.
Judges & Ruth, by 81, 82, 13, 84, 85, 86.
1 & 2 Samuel, by 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7•
1 & 2 Kings by 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14.
1 & 2 Chronicles, by 105, 106, 107, 117, 118, 119, 120.
Ezra to S. of Solomon, (excluding the Psalms,)by 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92.
Isaiah, by 15, 16, 17, 19, 21, 22, 23.
Jeremiah, by 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98.
Lamen., by 103, 104.
Ezek., by 108, 109, 110.
Daniel and Hosea, by 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116.
Joel to Micah, by 121, 122, 123.
Nahum to Malachi, by 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130.
Matthew & Mark, by 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30.
Luke & John, by 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37.
Acts, by 44, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56.
Romans, by 59, 60, 61.
1 Cor.-Eph. by 67, 68, 69.
Phil.-Jude, by 73, 99, 100, 101, 102.
The Psalms and Rev. are omitted, there being with few exceptions no personal references in them.
In preparing the result of the research on the subject selected for last month, we have been struck afresh with the proofs the Bible affords of its own divine origin. The wonderful unity and the close manner in which the carious books are connected testifying to the fact that though there were many writers, it was the same hand that guided their pens.
We earnestly trust that our correspondents will not be content with having contributed to the result by searching through one book, but that they will carefully read through all the references, studying them both in connection with their immediate context, and also with the subject to which they allude. We are convinced that they will thus gain a deeper insight into the scope of the Word, and a fuller knowledge of the purposes of Him who has determined that all things shall work together for His glory-the One who knows the end from the beginning.
We have received papers from all but Nos. 3, 8, 17, 29, 33, 39, 69, 86, 87, 99, 102, 110, and 111, who we hope will be able to send us papers next time. We have, however, received three or four papers without a number, which we conclude came from some of the above.
Bearing in mind that the object of our subject was to illustrate from the other books of the Bible the principles contained in Genesis, we have found it necessary to exclude mere verbal allusions, such as to places and persons-especially the names contained in the genealogies of Gen. 10; 25; 36-The place occupied in the subsequent history of the Bible by the nations mentioned in these chapters would form an interesting subject for personal study, though perhaps not a suitable one for the research of the Class.
We think the following arrangement of the materials contained in the papers will show the value of the work which our Correspondents have most thoroughly performed.
As it would have been impossible to give all the texts bearing upon each subject, we have selected in each case, those which seemed the most striking.
It will be seen that references are given to Genesis from all the books of the Old Testament except Ruth, Ezra, Esther, S. of Solomon, Nahum, Zephaniah, and Haggai; and from all the books of the New except Philippians, Colossians, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, and 2 & 3 John.
Creation-Gen. 1 and 2.
1St-of the Material World.
The direct work of God, Ex. 20:1111For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. (Exodus 20:11); Job 38:44Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. (Job 38:4); Psa. 8; 19:1; 32:6, 7; 74:16, 17; 89:11; 90:2; 104; 136; 144:61<<To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.>> The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handywork. (Psalm 19:1)
6For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him. 7Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah. (Psalm 32:6‑7)
16The day is thine, the night also is thine: thou hast prepared the light and the sun. 17Thou hast set all the borders of the earth: thou hast made summer and winter. (Psalm 74:16‑17)
11The heavens are thine, the earth also is thine: as for the world and the fulness thereof, thou hast founded them. (Psalm 89:11)
2Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. (Psalm 90:2)
2Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain: (Psalm 104:2)
2O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever. (Psalm 136:2)
6Cast forth lightning, and scatter them: shoot out thine arrows, and destroy them. (Psalm 144:6)
; Prov. 8; Isa. 44:24; 45:1224Thus saith the Lord, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the Lord that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself; (Isaiah 44:24)
12I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded. (Isaiah 45:12)
; Jer. 10:1212He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion. (Jeremiah 10:12); Amos 4:23; Jonah 1:99And he said unto them, I am an Hebrew; and I fear the Lord, the God of heaven, which hath made the sea and the dry land. (Jonah 1:9); Zech. 12:11The burden of the word of the Lord for Israel, saith the Lord, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him. (Zechariah 12:1); Acts 4:24; 14:1624And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: (Acts 4:24)
16Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. (Acts 14:16)
; 2 Cor. 4:66For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6); Heb. 11:33Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (Hebrews 11:3); 2 Peter 3:55For 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: (2 Peter 3:5); Rev. 10:66And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer: (Revelation 10:6).
2nd-of Man.
His responsibility to God, indicated by the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, Rom. 6:2323For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23).
Woman made subject to man, Num. 30; 1 Cor. 11:3; 14:343But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. (1 Corinthians 11:3)
34Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. (1 Corinthians 14:34)
; Eph. 5:2222Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. (Ephesians 5:22); 1 Tim. 2:11-1311Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 13For Adam was first formed, then Eve. (1 Timothy 2:11‑13); 1 Peter 3:1-61Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; 2While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. 3Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 4But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. 5For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: 6Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. (1 Peter 3:1‑6).
The temptation of Adam ended in his failure, that of Christ in His victory, Matt. 4; Heb. 2:1818For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted. (Hebrews 2:18).
THE HISTORY OF CAIN AND ABEL, Gen. 4
The death of another the ground of approach to God: the first setting forth of sacrifice.
THE HISTORY OF THE FAMILY OF GOD, Gen. 5
RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT OF THE EARTH ESTABLISHED IN THE HAND OF MAN, & HIS FAILURE, Gen. 9
The Sacrifice of Christ (in figure) the ground of God's covenant with the earth and its inhabitants.
Murder-see remarks on Chapter 4
THE HISTORY OF ABRAHAM, THE MAN OF FAITH, Gen.
xii.-xxiv. & HIS IMMEDIATE DESCENDANTS, xxv.-1.
The promise of a numerous posterity, and its fulfillment, Chapter 12:2; 13:16; 15:5; 17:7; 22:17, confirmed to Isaac, 24:4; 24; to Jacob, 28:14; 35:11; Ex. 32:1313Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it for ever. (Exodus 32:13); Num. 11:21; 23:1021And Moses said, The people, among whom I am, are six hundred thousand footmen; and thou hast said, I will give them flesh, that they may eat a whole month. (Numbers 11:21)
10Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his! (Numbers 23:10)
; Deut. 1:10; 6:3; 10:2210The Lord your God hath multiplied you, and, behold, ye are this day as the stars of heaven for multitude. (Deuteronomy 1:10)
3Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey. (Deuteronomy 6:3)
22Thy fathers went down into Egypt with threescore and ten persons; and now the Lord thy God hath made thee as the stars of heaven for multitude. (Deuteronomy 10:22)
; 1 Kings 4:2020Judah and Israel were many, as the sand which is by the sea in multitude, eating and drinking, and making merry. (1 Kings 4:20); 1 Chron. 27:2323But David took not the number of them from twenty years old and under: because the Lord had said he would increase Israel like to the stars of the heavens. (1 Chronicles 27:23); Neh. 9:2323Their children also multipliedst thou as the stars of heaven, and broughtest them into the land, concerning which thou hadst promised to their fathers, that they should go in to possess it. (Nehemiah 9:23).
The blessing of all the nations of the earth through him, Chapter 12:3; confirmed to his seed, 22:18; Gal. 3:16, 1716Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. 17And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. (Galatians 3:16‑17); Zech. 8:13, 2313And it shall come to pass, that as ye were a curse among the heathen, O house of Judah, and house of Israel; so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing: fear not, but let your hands be strong. (Zechariah 8:13)
23Thus saith the Lord of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you. (Zechariah 8:23)
; Acts 3:2323And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. (Acts 3:23); Rom. 15:88Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: (Romans 15:8); Heb. 2:16; 6:1316For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. (Hebrews 2:16)
13For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, (Hebrews 6:13)
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The promise of the land, and its fulfillment, Chap. 12:7; 13:15; 16, 18; 17:8; confirmed to Isaac, 26:3; to Jacob, 28:13; 35:12. Ex. 6:4, 8; 12:25; 13:5; 32:13; 33:14And I have also established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage, wherein they were strangers. (Exodus 6:4)
8And I will bring you in unto the land, concerning the which I did swear to give it to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it you for an heritage: I am the Lord. (Exodus 6:8)
25And it shall come to pass, when ye be come to the land which the Lord will give you, according as he hath promised, that ye shall keep this service. (Exodus 12:25)
5And it shall be when the Lord shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee, a land flowing with milk and honey, that thou shalt keep this service in this month. (Exodus 13:5)
13Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it for ever. (Exodus 32:13)
1And the Lord said unto Moses, Depart, and go up hence, thou and the people which thou hast brought up out of the land of Egypt, unto the land which I sware unto Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying, Unto thy seed will I give it: (Exodus 33:1)
; Lev. 20:2424But I have said unto you, Ye shall inherit their land, and I will give it unto you to possess it, a land that floweth with milk and honey: I am the Lord your God, which have separated you from other people. (Leviticus 20:24); Num. 11:12; 13:2; 14:812Have I conceived all this people? have I begotten them, that thou shouldest say unto me, Carry them in thy bosom, as a nursing father beareth the sucking child, unto the land which thou swarest unto their fathers? (Numbers 11:12)
2Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel: of every tribe of their fathers shall ye send a man, every one a ruler among them. (Numbers 13:2)
8If the Lord delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey. (Numbers 14:8)
; Deut. 1:8; 34:48Behold, I have set the land before you: go in and possess the land which the Lord sware unto your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give unto them and to their seed after them. (Deuteronomy 1:8)
4And the Lord said unto him, This is the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, saying, I will give it unto thy seed: I have caused thee to see it with thine eyes, but thou shalt not go over thither. (Deuteronomy 34:4)
; Josh. 1:2; 12:43; Judg. 2:11And an angel of the Lord came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you. (Judges 2:1); 1 Chron. 16:1818Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance; (1 Chronicles 16:18); 2 Chron. 20:77Art not thou our God, who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever? (2 Chronicles 20:7); Neh. 9:88And foundest his heart faithful before thee, and madest a covenant with him to give the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Jebusites, and the Girgashites, to give it, I say, to his seed, and hast performed thy words; for thou art righteous: (Nehemiah 9:8); Psa. 105:8-118He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations. 9Which covenant he made with Abraham, and his oath unto Isaac; 10And confirmed the same unto Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant: 11Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance: (Psalm 105:8‑11); Jer. 11:5;155That I may perform the oath which I have sworn unto your fathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as it is this day. Then answered I, and said, So be it, O Lord. (Jeremiah 11:5)
5For who shall have pity upon thee, O Jerusalem? or who shall bemoan thee? or who shall go aside to ask how thou doest? (Jeremiah 15:5)
. 15; 30:3; 32:22; Ezek. 28:25; 37:2525Thus saith the Lord God; When I shall have gathered the house of Israel from the people among whom they are scattered, and shall be sanctified in them in the sight of the heathen, then shall they dwell in their land that I have given to my servant Jacob. (Ezekiel 28:25)
25And they shall dwell in the land that I have given unto Jacob my servant, wherein your fathers have dwelt; and they shall dwell therein, even they, and their children, and their children's children for ever: and my servant David shall be their prince for ever. (Ezekiel 37:25)
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Abraham a sojourner in the land, dwelling in tents, with no possession save a burying-place, Isaac and Jacob (in part) the same, Acts 7:5,5And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child. (Acts 7:5) figures of the Christian, who is but a sojourner, a pilgrim and a stranger here below, 1 Peter 1:17;217And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: (1 Peter 1:17)
17Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. (1 Peter 2:17)
. 11; but who has his altar of communion and worship, in contrast with Lot, who seeks to find his portion in the land (Chapter 13:10, 11) and who is a sharer in its vicissitudes (14:12) and occupying a prominent position therein (19:1) is delivered only through the mercy of God, but with the loss of all that on which he had set his heart.
Justification by faith, 15:6; Abraham the father of all them that believe, Hab. 2:44Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith. (Habakkuk 2:4); Rom. 4:33For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. (Romans 4:3); Gal. 3:6-96Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. 7Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. 8And 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. 9So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. (Galatians 3:6‑9); James 2:2323And 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. (James 2:23). History of the promised seedThe sojourn and affliction in Egypt (15:13)—-Ex. 1:11;611Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses. (Exodus 1:11)
11Go in, speak unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, that he let the children of Israel go out of his land. (Exodus 6:11)
. 5; 12:40, 41; 1 Sam. 12:88When Jacob was come into Egypt, and your fathers cried unto the Lord, then the Lord sent Moses and Aaron, which brought forth your fathers out of Egypt, and made them dwell in this place. (1 Samuel 12:8); Isa. 52:44For thus saith the Lord God, My people went down aforetime into Egypt to sojourn there; and the Assyrian oppressed them without cause. (Isaiah 52:4).
The extent of the land defined (15:18), Ex. 33:31; Num. 34; Deut. 11:24; 34:124Every place whereon the soles of your feet shall tread shall be yours: from the wilderness and Lebanon, from the river, the river Euphrates, even unto the uttermost sea shall your coast be. (Deuteronomy 11:24)
1And Moses went up from the plains of Moab unto the mountain of Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that is over against Jericho. And the Lord showed him all the land of Gilead, unto Dan, (Deuteronomy 34:1)
; Josh. 1:44From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast. (Joshua 1:4); 2 Sam. 8:33David smote also Hadadezer, the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to recover his border at the river Euphrates. (2 Samuel 8:3); Ezek. 47:1515And this shall be the border of the land toward the north side, from the great sea, the way of Hethlon, as men go to Zedad; (Ezekiel 47:15). Birth of Ishmael, Gen. 16, see Gal. 4:22-3122For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. 23But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. 24Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. 25For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. 26But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. 27For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband. 28Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. 29But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. 30Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. 31So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free. (Galatians 4:22‑31).
The unconditional premises confirmed by a covenant, Gen. 17, confirmed to Isaac, 17:19; 26:3; to Jacob, 28:13-15.
The ground on which God answers the cry of Israel when they are in distress, and on which He will yet fully bless them. Ex. 2:24; 6:5; 32:1324And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. (Exodus 2:24)
5And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage; and I have remembered my covenant. (Exodus 6:5)
13Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it for ever. (Exodus 32:13)
; Lev. 26:4242Then will I remember my covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham will I remember; and I will remember the land. (Leviticus 26:42); Deut. 4:31; 7:8; 9:5; 29:1331(For the Lord thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them. (Deuteronomy 4:31)
8But because the Lord loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the Lord brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. (Deuteronomy 7:8)
5Not for thy righteousness, or for the uprightness of thine heart, dost thou go to possess their land: but for the wickedness of these nations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee, and that he may perform the word which the Lord sware unto thy fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. (Deuteronomy 9:5)
13That he may establish thee to day for a people unto himself, and that he may be unto thee a God, as he hath said unto thee, and as he hath sworn unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. (Deuteronomy 29:13)
; Psa. 105:8,8He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations. (Psalm 105:8) &c.; Jer. 11:55That I may perform the oath which I have sworn unto your fathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as it is this day. Then answered I, and said, So be it, O Lord. (Jeremiah 11:5); Mic. 7:2020Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob, and the mercy to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old. (Micah 7:20); Luke 1:7373The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, (Luke 1:73).
Circumcision (death to the flesh) instituted (17:10) and, as setting forth true separation to God, its necessity for all His people, Ex. 4:2626So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision. (Exodus 4:26); Josh. 5:22At that time the Lord said unto Joshua, Make thee sharp knives, and circumcise again the children of Israel the second time. (Joshua 5:2)—8; Jer. 4:44Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings. (Jeremiah 4:4); Ezek. 44:77In that ye have brought into my sanctuary strangers, uncircumcised in heart, and uncircumcised in flesh, to be in my sanctuary, to pollute it, even my house, when ye offer my bread, the fat and the blood, and they have broken my covenant because of all your abominations. (Ezekiel 44:7)—9; John 7:2222Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man. (John 7:22); Rom. 2:28; 4:12; 15:828For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: (Romans 2:28)
12And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. (Romans 4:12)
8Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: (Romans 15:8)
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The wickedness and judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah, Gen. 19- the most awful instances of both, and frequently used as illustrations and warnings, Deut. 29:2323And that the whole land thereof is brimstone, and salt, and burning, that it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the Lord overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath: (Deuteronomy 29:23); Isa. 1:9, 10; 3:9; 13:199Except the Lord of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah. 10Hear the word of the Lord, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah. (Isaiah 1:9‑10)
9The show of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves. (Isaiah 3:9)
19And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. (Isaiah 13:19)
; Jer. 20:16; 23:14; 49:18; 50:4016And let that man be as the cities which the Lord overthrew, and repented not: and let him hear the cry in the morning, and the shouting at noontide; (Jeremiah 20:16)
14I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah. (Jeremiah 23:14)
18As in the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighbor cities thereof, saith the Lord, no man shall abide there, neither shall a son of man dwell in it. (Jeremiah 49:18)
40As God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighbor cities thereof, saith the Lord; so shall no man abide there, neither shall any son of man dwell therein. (Jeremiah 50:40)
; Lam. 4:66For the punishment of the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the punishment of the sin of Sodom, that was overthrown as in a moment, and no hands stayed on her. (Lamentations 4:6); Ez. 16:49; Amos 4:1111I have overthrown some of you, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and ye were as a firebrand plucked out of the burning: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the Lord. (Amos 4:11); Zeph. 2:99Therefore as I live, saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, even the breeding of nettles, and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation: the residue of my people shall spoil them, and the remnant of my people shall possess them. (Zephaniah 2:9); Matt. 10:15; 11:2415Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. (Matthew 10:15)
24But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee. (Matthew 11:24)
; Mark 6:1111And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. (Mark 6:11); Luke 10:12; 17:2912But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city. (Luke 10:12)
29But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. (Luke 17:29)
; Rom. 9:2929And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha. (Romans 9:29); 2 Peter 2:66And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; (2 Peter 2:6); Jude 77Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. (Jude 7); Rev. 11:88And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. (Revelation 11:8).
The descendants of Lot, and their links with the subsequent history of the children of Israel, Deut. 2:9, 19; 23:39And the Lord said unto me, Distress not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battle: for I will not give thee of their land for a possession; because I have given Ar unto the children of Lot for a possession. (Deuteronomy 2:9)
19And when thou comest nigh over against the children of Ammon, distress them not, nor meddle with them: for I will not give thee of the land of the children of Ammon any possession; because I have given it unto the children of Lot for a possession. (Deuteronomy 2:19)
3An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the Lord for ever: (Deuteronomy 23:3)
; Judg. 10:77And the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hands of the Philistines, and into the hands of the children of Ammon. (Judges 10:7); 1 Sam. 11:1111And it was so on the morrow, that Saul put the people in three companies; and they came into the midst of the host in the morning watch, and slew the Ammonites until the heat of the day: and it came to pass, that they which remained were scattered, so that two of them were not left together. (1 Samuel 11:11); 2 Sam. 10; 2 Chron. 26:8; 27:58And the Ammonites gave gifts to Uzziah: and his name spread abroad even to the entering in of Egypt; for he strengthened himself exceedingly. (2 Chronicles 26:8)
5He fought also with the king of the Ammonites, and prevailed against them. And the children of Ammon gave him the same year an hundred talents of silver, and ten thousand measures of wheat, and ten thousand of barley. So much did the children of Ammon pay unto him, both the second year, and the third. (2 Chronicles 27:5)
; Jer. 49:11Concerning the Ammonites, thus saith the Lord; Hath Israel no sons? hath he no heir? why then doth their king inherit Gad, and his people dwell in his cities? (Jeremiah 49:1); Ezek. 21:28; 25:228And thou, son of man, prophesy and say, Thus saith the Lord God concerning the Ammonites, and concerning their reproach; even say thou, The sword, the sword is drawn: for the slaughter it is furbished, to consume because of the glittering: (Ezekiel 21:28)
2Son of man, set thy face against the Ammonites, and prophesy against them; (Ezekiel 25:2)
; Amos 1:1313Thus saith the Lord; For three transgressions of the children of Ammon, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have ripped up the women with child of Gilead, that they might enlarge their border: (Amos 1:13); Zeph. 2:8, 9,8I have heard the reproach of Moab, and the revilings of the children of Ammon, whereby they have reproached my people, and magnified themselves against their border. 9Therefore as I live, saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, even the breeding of nettles, and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation: the residue of my people shall spoil them, and the remnant of my people shall possess them. (Zephaniah 2:8‑9) and their judgment Num. 21:2929Woe to thee, Moab! thou art undone, O people of Chemosh: he hath given his sons that escaped, and his daughters, into captivity unto Sihon king of the Amorites. (Numbers 21:29); Judg. 3:2828And he said unto them, Follow after me: for the Lord hath delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand. And they went down after him, and took the fords of Jordan toward Moab, and suffered not a man to pass over. (Judges 3:28); 2 Sam. 8:22And he smote Moab, and measured them with a line, casting them down to the ground; even with two lines measured he to put to death, and with one full line to keep alive. And so the Moabites became David's servants, and brought gifts. (2 Samuel 8:2); 2 Kings 3:1818And this is but a light thing in the sight of the Lord: he will deliver the Moabites also into your hand. (2 Kings 3:18); Psa. 60:8; 83:68Moab is my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe: Philistia, triumph thou because of me. (Psalm 60:8)
6The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes; (Psalm 83:6)
; Isa. 11:14; 1514But they shall fly upon the shoulders of the Philistines toward the west; they shall spoil them of the east together: they shall lay their hand upon Edom and Moab; and the children of Ammon shall obey them. (Isaiah 11:14)
5And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness. (Isaiah 16:5)
Jer. 48; Ezek. 25:88Thus saith the Lord God; Because that Moab and Seir do say, Behold, the house of Judah is like unto all the heathen; (Ezekiel 25:8); Amos 2:22But I will send a fire upon Moab, and it shall devour the palaces of Kerioth: and Moab shall die with tumult, with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet: (Amos 2:2). The trial of Abraham's faith, (Gen. 22); Heb. 11:1717By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, (Hebrews 11:17); James 2:2121Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? (James 2:21). The birth of Esau and Jacob, Gen. 25 God's sovereignty in election, (v. 23) Mal. 1:2-42I have loved you, saith the Lord. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us? Was not Esau Jacob's brother? saith the Lord: yet I loved Jacob, 3And I hated Esau, and laid his mountains and his heritage waste for the dragons of the wilderness. 4Whereas Edom saith, We are impoverished, but we will return and build the desolate places; thus saith the Lord of hosts, They shall build, but I will throw down; and they shall call them, The border of wickedness, and, The people against whom the Lord hath indignation for ever. (Malachi 1:2‑4); Rom. 9:1111(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) (Romans 9:11); 1 Thess. 1:44Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. (1 Thessalonians 1:4); 2 Thess. 2:1313But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: (2 Thessalonians 2:13). The profanity of Esau, Heb. 12:1515Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; (Hebrews 12:15);-some of the links of his descendants with the subsequent history of the children of Israel and their judgment, Num. 20:14-2114And Moses sent messengers from Kadesh unto the king of Edom, Thus saith thy brother Israel, Thou knowest all the travail that hath befallen us: 15How our fathers went down into Egypt, and we have dwelt in Egypt a long time; and the Egyptians vexed us, and our fathers: 16And when we cried unto the Lord, he heard our voice, and sent an angel, and hath brought us forth out of Egypt: and, behold, we are in Kadesh, a city in the uttermost of thy border: 17Let us pass, I pray thee, through thy country: we will not pass through the fields, or through the vineyards, neither will we drink of the water of the wells: we will go by the king's high way, we will not turn to the right hand nor to the left, until we have passed thy borders. 18And Edom said unto him, Thou shalt not pass by me, lest I come out against thee with the sword. 19And the children of Israel said unto him, We will go by the high way: and if I and my cattle drink of thy water, then I will pay for it: I will only, without doing any thing else, go through on my feet. 20And he said, Thou shalt not go through. And Edom came out against him with much people, and with a strong hand. 21Thus Edom refused to give Israel passage through his border: wherefore Israel turned away from him. (Numbers 20:14‑21); Deut. 2:5; 33:7, 85Meddle not with them; for I will not give you of their land, no, not so much as a foot breadth; because I have given mount Seir unto Esau for a possession. (Deuteronomy 2:5)
7And this is the blessing of Judah: and he said, Hear, Lord, the voice of Judah, and bring him unto his people: let his hands be sufficient for him; and be thou an help to him from his enemies. 8And of Levi he said, Let thy Thummim and thy Urim be with thy holy one, whom thou didst prove at Massah, and with whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meribah; (Deuteronomy 33:7‑8)
; 2 Sam. 8:1414And he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put he garrisons, and all they of Edom became David's servants. And the Lord preserved David whithersoever he went. (2 Samuel 8:14); 2 Kings 8:2020In his days Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah, and made a king over themselves. (2 Kings 8:20); Jer. 49:7,7Concerning Edom, thus saith the Lord of hosts; Is wisdom no more in Teman? is counsel perished from the prudent? is their wisdom vanished? (Jeremiah 49:7) &c.; Ezek. 25:12-14; 3512Thus saith the Lord God; Because that Edom hath dealt against the house of Judah by taking vengeance, and hath greatly offended, and revenged himself upon them; 13Therefore thus saith the Lord God; I will also stretch out mine hand upon Edom, and will cut off man and beast from it; and I will make it desolate from Teman; and they of Dedan shall fall by the sword. 14And I will lay my vengeance upon Edom by the hand of my people Israel: and they shall do in Edom according to mine anger and according to my fury; and they shall know my vengeance, saith the Lord God. (Ezekiel 25:12‑14)
12And thou shalt know that I am the Lord, and that I have heard all thy blasphemies which thou hast spoken against the mountains of Israel, saying, They are laid desolate, they are given us to consume. 13Thus with your mouth ye have boasted against me, and have multiplied your words against me: I have heard them. 14Thus saith the Lord God; When the whole earth rejoiceth, I will make thee desolate. (Ezekiel 35:12‑14)
; Amos 1:1111Thus saith the Lord; For three transgressions of Edom, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because he did pursue his brother with the sword, and did cast off all pity, and his anger did tear perpetually, and he kept his wrath for ever: (Amos 1:11); Obad. 1:11The vision of Obadiah. Thus saith the Lord God concerning Edom; We have heard a rumor from the Lord, and an ambassador is sent among the heathen, Arise ye, and let us rise up against her in battle. (Obadiah 1)
Joseph's faith in the promises, (Gen. 1:24-2624And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so. 25And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good. 26And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. (Genesis 1:24‑26)); Ex. 13:1919And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you. (Exodus 13:19); Josh. 24:3232And the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, buried they in Shechem, in a parcel of ground which Jacob bought of the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for an hundred pieces of silver: and it became the inheritance of the children of Joseph. (Joshua 24:32); Acts 7:1616And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem. (Acts 7:16); Heb. 11:2222By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones. (Hebrews 11:22).