Observation: Genesis chapter 36 is a full genealogy of Esau, starting with his wives and children, and continuing through generations of clans, tribal leaders, and marriages. Verse 31 introduces a line of kings, and then eight kings are listed. As indicated, these were Edom's kings before Israel had any kings.
Yet ... if Moses wrote Genesis ... and to his knowledge Israel was NEVER to have kings ... where did this line come from? Why compare the timing of the kings of Edom to the kings of Israel? And if these are eight kings right before Israel has a king, i.e., Saul, wouldn't that put them in the time of the judges well after Moses' death?
Application: I often see that the bible in non-linear and difficult to understand. Stories are not always chronological, and little facts may be added out of context. I often wonder why. Sometimes I think it is bad storytelling, but then remember God is the author. So the answer must be that ... the story isn't the point. Sometimes God is just saying something, and we need to get our heads out of our prescribed models for context in order to discover understanding.
In other words, understanding scriptures is itself as much about faith as it is about knowledge. We can read and study, but the Spirit reveals truth and insights. Often we can't do this because the knowledge his hidden too deeply, but sometimes our earthly knowledge interferes with heavenly understanding.
I have no idea why we have an entire chapter about the genealogy of Esau and the nation of Edom. I have no idea why it seems incongruent from both the context of the narrative, and the timing of the authorship of the book itself. Yet here it is, to be read and included in our understanding of God's word.
Prayer: Lord, my personal lesson today is not that Edom had kings, but that my understanding of your word is not of my doing. I need your Spirit to understand your teaching, and so I ask for more of your Spirit. May I continue to grow in wisdom, as you would grant it to me. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment