[Genesis - General]
Genesis signifies creation, beginning, the act, process or mode of producing or originating. The Bible points out Jehovah God as the great first cause of all things. R2834:2 Every step of creation has tended to display the divine character more and more and each successive step and development of creation has brought forth new creatures capable of comprehending the Eternal One. SM483:5 The study of creation is the key of knowledge. Using this key we begin to realize that the only worthy ambition is to cooperate with our Creator's beneficent designs respecting his creation. PD1/7
Genesis does not tell of the creation of the material of the earth; not the creation of matter but the bringing of order out of the matter. Q41:5, Q633:1; PD2/8 It discusses merely the things pertaining to this world-their beginnings-leaving out of the account entirely the other worlds of the universe. R3920:3,6, R5139:2; F17,18 The history of creation given in Genesis does not conflict with geology: the conflict between the champions of Genesis and geology has been mainly in the length of time consumed. R299:2*, R5130:1, R1608:2-6, R1609:1,4*; F20, F23; OV9:T The Abydos tablet fully agrees with Genesis. PD21/30
Mark teachings attempting to harmonize the Bible with Evolution as contrary to the ransom. If Evolution is true the Bible is false, and vice versa. There can be no middle ground. R1610:4; F39-41 To us it means infidelity-a total denial of the divine Word and plan of God. R2835:4
It is doubtless true that Moses wrote a large share of the Pentateuch-but we are nowhere told by any Bible writer that he wrote all of them. R691:2; R3935:6 That they were written by Moses, or under his supervision, is a reasonable inference. A43 Jesus said, "Moses wrote of me." Q633:3 The natural inference is that it consists of different revelations made at different times prior to Moses; and that he embodied them in a connected narrative. This in no degree detracts from the divine authority of the book. R1623:1 It is not strange that the story of creation and the flood are found in the land of the Chaldeans at a date prior to Moses' writings. The Scriptures make no claim that Moses was present at creation or a witness of other incidents in Genesis. Moses was merely the recorder who was used as God's amanuensis. R3935:6
While the Bible claims no divine inspiration in respect to the history of affairs from creation to Moses, a divine supervision of that history is unquestionably implied. OV9:2; A44, A53 The claim of this book to be regarded as a part of divine revelation is established beyond question by the authority of Christ and his apostles. R1622:3No part of subsequent revelation could be understood without a familiar acquaintance with this book. R1616:5*
Contents of book outlined R1623:5Harmony from Genesis to Revelation listed in a "Divine Program" OV12:2 Comparison of contents of first chapters of Genesis with last chapters of Revelation R462:1*
[Gen. 1:1]
In the beginning — Not of the universe, but of our planet. F17
In the beginning of the first day of the creative week. F18
The Bible is the only book in the world which in a logical and rational manner sets forth the order of creation in respect to earth. OV8:4
Refers to the work accomplished by divine power in bringing the waste and lifeless earth into condition for man's use. R5139:2
The purpose which God had has never changed. R5057:6
God created — A distinction is made between the creation of the heaven and the earth, and the subsequent regulation, or ordering, of these. F18
And the earth — The most advanced of all the worlds yet created. R3920:6
[Gen. 1:2]
And the earth was — It already existed before the six days began. R5139:3, R4386:3; F18,F23
We are not told when God began to make the earth. Q633:1; PD2/8
The account of the days of creation given in Genesis relates not to the construction of our globe, but to the ordering of it for human habitation. PD2/8
The Vailian theory harmonizes with the Bible. It assumes that Saturn's rings and Jupiter's belts illustrate earth's development as a planet. PD2/8; F23
Without form and void — Shapeless, empty. PD2/8; R4386:3
Waste and void (Revised Version). R5139:5
There were neither mountains nor valleys, trees nor shrubs, rivers nor oceans. PD2/8
And darkness — There was no light in the earth prior to the time when divine energy brooded on the surface of the waters; because of an impenetrable fog and an upper canopy of water and minerals. R5140:1
And the spirit — The power or energy. E175
Moved upon — Fecundated, rendered fruitful or prolific. E175
This manifestation of God's spirit is easier to understand than its transforming power. E183
The brooding of holy (divine) energy developed a light, probably resembling the Aurora Borealis. PD2/8; R5140:1
[Gen. 1:3]
And there was light — Possibly electrical, as Aurora Borealis. F30; R5140:1
Thus are briefly summed up the results of 7000 years, styled the- first day. PD2/8
The first day of 7000 years, under the divine energy, gradually increased the electrical light and prepared for the next epoch. R5140:1
[Gen. 1:5]
Called the light day — Days, marked by a dull, grayish light, became more distinct. Possibly enough sunlight penetrated to the earth to distinguish day from night. F34
And the evening — The obscure beginning. F31
And the morning — The perfect completion. F31
As with the Hebrew solar days, so with these epoch days, the evening came first. F31
Were the first day — The Azoic or lifeless age of 7000 years. F31
The word "day" may be applied to any period or epoch. F19; R5139:3; PD3/8
Not a sun day, for the sun itself was not visible until the fourth creative day. PD3/8; F19; Q758:2
Each of these ages of creation was a period of 7000 years; the whole period of creation up to the time of man was six periods, or 42,000 years. Q633:1; R5768:2
[Gen. 1:6]
Be a firmament — An expanse of atmosphere. F31 Circumambient air. PD3/8
Doubtless the light had to do in a natural way with bringing about this secondary feature of the earth's preparation. R5140:1
In the midst — Between the. F31
[Gen. 1:7]
Made the firmament — The atmosphere, composed of gasses given off after the fall of the first canopy. F31
Divided the waters — The strongly mineralized waters above the earth, held off by the firmament and centrifugal force, greatest at the equator, concentrated them at the two poles. PD3/8
And it was so — God accomplishes great and wonderful operations by reasonable methods, called the "course of nature." PD4/9
[Gen. 1:8]
Were the second day — The Paleozoic age, Silurian period, 7000 years. F31; PD3/8
[Gen. 1:9]
The dry land appear — The weight of the seas caused the earth to buckle as it cooled, gradually forcing portions of its crust above water. F32; PD4/9
Under divine direction earthquakes took place and mountain ranges were thrown up. R5140:1
Similar paroxysms of nature will probably occur soon, for we are in another transition period-the opening of the Millennial age, for which changed conditions are requisite. F32
Probably the American continent was thrown up much later than were Europe, Asia and Africa. PD4/9
[Gen. 1:11]
Bring forth grass — Vegetation began on the third day, though it did not reach its perfection until after the light of the sun penetrated. PD4/9
[Gen. 1:12]
Grass and herb — Carbonic and nitrogenous gasses caused extraordinary plant growth during the third creative day, storing carbon for coal deposits and purifying the atmosphere for later animal life. F33
Seed after his kind — Reproducing its own kind only. F32
[Gen. 1:13]
Were the third day — The Carboniferous era of 7000 years. F33; PD4/9
[Gen. 1:14]
Let there be lights — The appearance of the sun and moon implies that another ring broke at that time. PD5/10
We are not to assume that the sun and moon shone on the earth as now; but they were discernible. PD5/10
[Gen. 1:16]
And God made — Literally, "caused to shine," not "created." F33; PD5/10
Two great lights — The sun, moon and stars were created long before, but had never before cast their light upon the earth because of the impenetrable veil. PD5/10
Symbolically, the moon represents the Law covenant rule, and the sun the New covenant rule. PD5/10
The greater light — Said by Pope Gregory VII to represent the pope. B308
To rule the day — To indicate the time of day. F34
Said by Pope Gregory VII to represent spiritual things. B308
The lesser light — Said by Pope Gregory VII to represent civil power. B308
To rule the night — Said by Pope Gregory VII to represent temporal affairs. B308
[Gen. 1:19]
Were the fourth day — The Triassic period of 7000 years. F34
Volume One editions up to 1911 state "Devonian."
[Gen. 1:20]
Waters bring forth — This is in harmony with scientific findings that the beginning of life came from the waters. PD6/11
This implies a gradual process of nature. CR119:5
The Bible does not assert that God created separately and individually the myriad kinds of fish and reptiles, but merely that divine influence, or spirit, brooded, and by divine purpose the sea brought forth. F35
A measure of evolution is suggested. R5140:4
Abundantly — The untellable trillions of shellfish which absorbed the excess of hydrocarbons. F35, F37
The moving creature — The protoplasm of the Paleozoic slime may have come into existence through chemical action of the highly mineralized waters. F35
The creeping creature. E324
That hath life — Nephesh, soul, sentient being. R5325:6; E324
Hebrew, "a living soul." The life principle is no different in mankind from what it is in all other creatures whose breath is taken in through the nostrils, as distinguishing them from the fish. HG331:2
[Gen. 1:21]
Living creature — Nephesh, soul, sentient being, as of man. E324, E334
After their kind — Apparently the various orders of creation were brought to a state of development and fixity of species not to be thereafter altered. F36; PD6/11
[Gen. 1:23]
Were the fifth day — The Reptilian age of 7000 years. F36
[Gen. 1:24]
Let the earth bring forth — A remarkable form of expression leaving ample room for the theory of spontaneous generation which is yet one of the mooted questions in biology. F54*
Living creature — Nephesh, soul, sentient being. E324, E334
Cattle — Domestic animals as distinguished from others. F36
[Gen. 1:26]
Let us — The plural form calls our attention to the fact that "The Word was in the beginning with God." (John 1:2) R1609:3
In our image — With similar mental powers of reason, memory, judgment and will; and moral qualities of justice, benevolence and love. A174; F722; PD7/13
God's law was written in Adam's heart. R5286:3
He was perfect morally and mentally. CR140:5, CR326:3; R4965:1, R5284:1
God was manifested in the flesh of Adam. Q452:2; R5286:3
Not in the sense that man is of the divine nature. Q503:2
Not with a mere first glimmer of moral sense as claimed by Evolutionists. R2835:3
The object of making man an earthly image of his Creator was that he might be a suitable ruler of earth. R2836:4
So that man might enjoy the Creator and the fruits of his righteousness to all eternity. R5210:6
Sin has made us to differ from the original image of God. R5290:6, R5124:5, R5284:1
After our likeness — King of earth, as God is of the universe. A174; F39
God being love, Adam was implanted with the quality of love. R5757:2
Adam and Eve were created in the divine likeness. R5154:6 With no bias, no tendency toward sin, no imperfection of judgment. CR500:2
Evolution denies that Adam was fit for a trial; ever had one; or failed and fell from grace; therefore he needed no redemption. R4792:2
And let them — Not Adam alone, but all men together. A245
Have dominion — Not over each other, but as stated. A246
The Bible shows man as earth's Lord and ruler with divine authority over the beasts of the field, the fowls of the air and the fish of the sea. OV8:4; SM154:T
None of the angels was ever set over anything. R5290:3
[Gen. 1:27]
So God created man — Not merely man's body; but man, an intelligent being. R5611:1
It does not say, "the earth brought forth man," or, "the waters brought forth man." F39; R5140:5
In no sense implying evolution of man. R5140:3
In his own image — An earthly image of himself. A171; OV376:2; PD7/13; R5290:3
Like God in that man, too, had a dominion. R5290:6
A free moral agent. OV15:1; R5082:4
The lowest form of man has twice the physical brain capacity of the highest ape. R3921:4
In us the image is blurred, indistinct. R5082:4; SM428:1
With reasoning faculties and the sense of justice, right and wrong. HG508:6; F39
In the image of God — Man was created perfect, upright, in the divine image. OV8:4, OV145:3; R4611:3
If Adam were imperfect, this language is vain. F40
Would a man take pleasure in sending out a blurred and defaced painting and widely announce it as an image of himself, or would he delight in owning and blessing a simple or idiotic son? R1266:3
Created he them — The glory and honor not being in its full sense represented by one of the sexes, but by them both unitedly. R2836:4
[Gen. 1:28]
God blessed them — With everlasting life at their command if they continued in harmony with God. R4963:3
Earthly dominion was for both man and woman. R1552:2
The divine blessing is given only to that which is perfect. R3922:4
Said unto them — The necessity for written language, we believe, lies in the fact that Adam's race has fallen from the original, perfect state. R1717:3
Be fruitful — For 6000 years the divine command has been in process of fulfillment. OV137:2
The sex division was merely for the propagation of the race and not permanent. OV383:1
Propagation of the race was not in any sense a transgression or the transgression of our first parents. R2836:5
God gave this instruction before man transgressed; thus it would be no transgression to bring forth children. HG733:2
These words were addressed to the natural man, not to the Church. R3922:5
Replenish the earth — Fill the earth. OV137:2; D648; R2344:6, R2836:5
When the earth has been filled, procreative powers will be eliminated and the race will be composed of perfect units, as Adam was before Eve was created. R2836:5
God's ultimate purpose did not contemplate filling the earth with a dead race. R1516:1*
And subdue it — Develop it. SM414:2
The garden of Eden only had been subdued. CR425:1
Had our first parents not sinned they would have been able to complete the subjugation of the earth without losing their Edenic home. CR429:4; R3922:5
The subduing of the earth has been accomplished by convict labor-all mankind. CR66:5
And have dominion — Like God. PD7/13; R5290:6
Adam and the Logos were the only ones who were in any sense over anything. R5290:6
Illustrated by Nebuchadnezzar's dream of a tree. (Dan. 4) B93
See similar language of the passage in which Nebuchadnezzar was made representative head of human dominion. (Dan. 2:37,38) B96; HG49:1
Every living thing — No intimation that the animals were wild, vicious, at enmity with man. R5574:3
[Gen. 1:29]
Shall be for meat — Presumably animal food, now eaten with the Lord's sanction and necessary because of human weakness, will not be eaten in the coming age. R2836:6
It was not until after the flood that the Lord sanctioned the eating of animal food. (Gen. 9:1-4) R2836:6
[Gen. 1:30]
There is life — Nephesh, soul, sentient being, as of man. E325; HG331:2
[Gen. 1:31]
That he had made — Adam was "the son of God." R1609:6
Not merely commenced to make, but completed. A174
It was very good — Adam was physically, mentally and morally perfect, satisfactory to God. A174; E406; CR427:3; HG578:3, HG131:2
Contrary to Evolutionists. R5154:3
Crowning masterpiece of mundane creation. R5140:3
No specimen of remote antiquity yet discovered is inferior to the lowest of existing men, showing conclusively that there has been a fall. R3921:4
The garden of Eden was brought to full perfection; the rest of the earth was in the condition in which God intended it to be. Q232:1
The physical earth is a good storehouse of blessings, a good place for the exercise of man's powers, for his discipline and development and for his everlasting home and dominion. R1609:3
Were the sixth day — It was toward the close of the sixth day that God created man. PD7/13
Each of these ages of creation was a period of 7000 years, the whole period up to the time of man was six periods, or 42,000 years. Q633:1; R5768:2
[Gen. 2:1]
Finished — God finished his creative work. R2837:4
[Gen. 2:2]
On the seventh day — The seventh period of 7000 years, whose known length furnishes the clue to the length of the other six creative days. R1731:5; F50; Q758:3, Q759:2; R5768:2
During the last thousand years of the seventh day earth will be restored to paradise condition and man to God's image. R5139:3
He rested — At the beginning of the great seventh day God rested from his work of creating; this has continued ever since. PD8/15; Q759:2; R1731:5, R5768:2
To give the Son the honor of finishing the work. F47
This great rest day of Jehovah has been man's work week, each day 1000 years long. R5768:3
[Gen. 2:3]
And sanctified it — Throughout God's plan six periods of equal length were to be followed by a seventh period of special blessing, as illustrated in the seventh day, or rest day; the seventh year, or rest year; and the seventh thousand-year day, or Day of Restitution. (See note on Ex. 16:23) R1609:6
He had rested — God rested from creating. He did not actively employ his power to overthrow sin and uplift mankind, but left it in the hands of the Redeemer, Jesus. PD8/15
Meanwhile he permitted sin and evil to flourish. R4058:5
[Gen. 2:4]
These are — As a good illustration of the folly of so-called Higher Critics, see their comments on this verse. R3397:5* The start of the second account of the work of creation. Q758:5
The generations — Developments or details. F38; Q758:5
In the day — Not 24 hours but a long, definite period; as we speak of Luther's day, or Judgment day. A139
Grasping the whole as one larger epoch-day, including the work of the six already enumerated. Q758:5
The LORD God made — By his energy, exercised through his Son. E182; Q758:5
[Gen. 2:5]
Not caused it to rain — The earth was still enveloped in the last canopy or watery veil which came down in Noah's day. F25; R5159:2
Noah manifested his faith in his building of the ark in obedience to divine direction. R4386:5
The whole earth was like a great hothouse. F24; PD16/25
[Gen. 2:6]
A mist — No rain before the flood; vegetation sustained by a mist. R3933:6
[Gen. 2:7]
LORD God formed man — It is not said of man, "Let the earth bring forth," or "Let the seas swarm." F39
Dust of the ground — Producing an earthly creature, as the same energy operating on spirit substances produced angels. E105
What God formed out of the dust of the earth was not man, but merely a form, or body, that would be made into man. R5611:1
The first man, root or life-giver of the race, is of the earth, earthy; the second man, root or life-giver of the race, is the Lord from heaven at his second advent. E137, E453
And breathed — Naphach, inflated, blew. E319
The breath of life — Neshamah, life power Caiyah, lives. E319
The same breath of life common to all breathing animals. CR170:1; Q667:1; R5611:1; HG330:1
Vitality, the power to live. R5611:2; CR338:5*
And man became — Man is a soul, not that he has a soul. E322, R5166:1
A living soul — Nephesh, sentient being, as other creatures. E322
A being capable of sensation, perception and thought. HG330:2
The union of a body and a life principle. R5611:2, R5612:2, R5166:1
The entire man, a thinking person. OV137:2,4; R4774:4,5; CR170:2, CR397:6
An animal or earthly soul. OV137:2; R4774:3
Defined by a Methodist Episcopal Bishop as "Without interior or exterior, without body, shape or parts; and you could put a million of them in a nutshell." E321; Q666:6
[Gen. 2:8]
Planted a garden — A paradise, soon to be restored, and into which the dying thief shall come, as promised. F668
God foresaw that man would sin so he left the earth in an imperfect condition, except the garden of Eden. R4973:1
God foresaw that if the earth were perfected the death struggle would be longer. R5058:1
There he put the man — The perfection of man and of the earth was represented in Eden when Adam was in his Maker's image. PD8/15
[Gen. 2:9]
To grow every tree — Every kind of tree. A209
The tree of life — Which would have sustained life perfectly. A209
[Gen. 2:10]
A river — Might represent the human race. R4240:6*
Parted — The human race has gone out of Eden because of sin, and it has been divided into four classes. R4240:6*
[Gen. 2:11]
Gold — Symbol of the divine nature. T18; R4240:6*
[Gen. 2:13]
Gihon — Corresponding to the servants before the throne— touching a symbolic Ethiopia, representing servitude. R4240:6*
[Gen. 2:14]
Hiddekel — Flowing toward Assyria, the world, the restitution class. R4240:6*
Euphrates — Symbol of the Second Death class. R4240:6*
Symbol of the world of mankind (Rev. 16). B209; R718:6, R4699:4
[Gen. 2:15]
The man — Holy, pure and free from sin, with every favorable prospect. R4963:3
Garden of Eden — Presumably the site is in Mesopotamia, in the valleys of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. OV68:3
[Gen. 2:16]
Of every tree — Life-sustaining trees. R4792:5
[Gen. 2:17]
But — The provision (of life) was conditional, dependent upon man's obedience. R4792:5
Tree of knowledge — Not one tree, but one kind of trees. Q6:2
Mankind has learned evil first. R5058:4
Not eat of it — Had Adam and Eve remained obedient this restriction would doubtless have been lifted in due time. R3925:3; PD10/17
The headship of Jehovah was thus expressed to Adam in his perfect condition. R1075:2*
For In the day — One day with the Lord is as a thousand years. (2 Pet. 3:8) R5417:6, R4552:1; F332; Q762:5
Adam died within the 1000-year day of the Lord's reckoning. (2 Pet. 3:8) HGI20:2
Came under the death sentence. R4551:6
That thou — The Nephesh, sentient being, soul. E400
Shalt surely die - Dying thou shalt die. A140; OV207:1; SM62:T, R4964:1, R5774:2
The death of the soul, the entire being. HG654:1
Much less horrible than if it had read, "living thou shalt live in eternal torment." HG650:3
The death penalty was a just penalty. OV16:3, OV405:4; CR429:4
Physically, mentally and morally. R5429:6, R5774:2; E407; SM96:T, R5284:1
With no intimation of any release. R5149:2; A154; R5623:6
The penalty included sickness, sorrow, pain, dying and death. OV131:2
With no suggestion of torment afterwards. OV376:2, OV303:4, OV288:3; R5063:6, R5635:6; F333; SM28:1; CR269:4, CR458:3
Implying everlasting life if not disobedient. R4551:6; E22
Adam experienced 930 years of dying. CR278:6; R4551:6; SM503:1
This penalty has continued 6000 years. R4973:1, R5429:6, R5760:2, R5919:5;OV329:4
The dying process began immediately. OV299:1; R4551:6, R5149:2; Q218:T
Death is the divine sentence for disobedience. SM110:1; R4792:1, R5768:2, R5972:2
The death penalty could not be increased by any subsequent sins. R5149:3
Adam alone had been tried and condemned; and all will be released by the obedience of one, Christ. R4552:3
The death penalty did not change Adam's nature. OV288:3
The penalty against Adam must be met before the world could be blessed. R4964:1
If Jesus had failed in any degree, the death penalty would have been upon him also. R5551:3
Satan was merely ostracized, while man was subjected to the full penalty of the divine law. OV16:1
We were condemned to death, and we were redeemed, without our consent or knowledge. R4552:3
A clear declaration of the Creator that only a perfect and clean creation shall be accounted worthy to abide forever. R1610:2
Death is not a friend, but an enemy. R15:2
Would it be just thus to sentence a being who was only a little above the beast? R2835:5
[Gen. 2:18]
Meet for him — Adam was so far superior to all other creatures that he had no companionship amongst them. R3922:3
[Gen. 2:19]
Living creature — Nephesh, soul, sentient being, as of man. E325, E334
[Gen. 2:20]
And Adam — In the two years before the fall. C127
To every beast — The perfect man had perfect control over all the brute creation. R2374:5
[Gen. 2:21]
One of his ribs — Implying separation of some of his qualities. F497
Indicating that when the work of restitution is complete, all will be as Adam was originally. T101
Closed up the flesh — Typifying that the Church, the Bride of Christ, was formed from his wounded side as a result of the deep sleep of death which came upon our Lord Jesus. R1388:1
[Gen. 2:22]
Made he a woman — Eve, type of the Church. E140
Predominating in the sympathetic tendencies. R5141:2
The creation of Mother Eve is indicated as having been accomplished in the beginning of the seventh day. R5140:5; PD9/16; F37
The time spent by Adam and Eve before sin entered is not counted as part of the six days of evil. C127, C128; R1980:6
Mother Eve was a portion of Adam, separated for the purpose of the propagation of the race. PD9/16
Mother Eve had no standing with God except as a part of Adam; so the Church has no standing with God except through the sacrifice of Jesus. R5719:3
The object of woman's creation was to be a suitable help for man. R1551:3
An intelligent, sympathetic companion. R1551:6
[Gen. 2:23]
Taken out of Man — They twain were one; neither one was complete without the other. The feminine qualities of Adam's perfection he still possessed in Mother Eve. PD9/16
[Gen. 2:24]
Unto his wife — Marriage is honorable in all. (Heb. 13:4) S104
They shall be one — The figure of Adam and Eve as typifying the Lord Jesus and his Bride ends here, where, the twain are made one. R1388:3
[Gen. 3:1]
Now the serpent — Satan possessed the serpent. R5150:4
Was more subtle — Did not creep, but was next in intelligence to man. R5238:3
And he — This was evidently the time of Satan's fall. R2839:6
Said — Perhaps by his actions: "Actions speak louder than words." PD10/17; OV299:2; R3925:2, R5150:4, R5238:5
Probably the serpent ascended the tree and ate of its fruit under Satan's guidance. R3925:5
Unto the woman — His first ambassador, and often used as his mouthpiece, as evidenced by Spiritism and Christian Science. Exalted by him in Egypt as Isis, in Assyria as Ashtaroth, in Greece as Diana, in Pagan Rome as Juno, and in Mariolatry. F266
Posing as her friend. R3925:4
[Gen. 3:2]
Of the trees — In the garden were all kinds of trees. R3925:3
[Gen. 3:3]
In the midst — One of marked peculiarity. R3925:3
[Gen. 3:4]
Not surely die — This is the first affirmation of the doctrine of inherent immortality. SM129:1; OV215:T, R1642:6
This is the foundation of ancestor worship, purgatory and Spiritism. SM99:1; R3926:3
Satan probably believed this lie, having first deceived himself as most deceivers do. R1686:5
Whoever may be inclined to condemn Mother Eve should reflect that the great majority today are believing Satan's lie and rejecting God's message. R3926:2
Error, combined with Satan's falsehood, has made the waters of truth brackish, unpalatable, unhealthful. R4758:4, R5801:5
Christian Science is in full agreement with this lie. R4743:3
A falsehood perpetuated by the teaching that death is merely an avenue to another plane of consciousness. HG700:1*
Humanity of every grade and language has accepted Satan's deceptive statement. SM110:1; R4792:1
Our first parents chose to believe Satan and the responsibility was their own. God wished to teach a great lesson to angels and to men. OV394:1
Satan has very assiduously propagated this lie ever since. R5909:6; SM129:1
From the beginning Satan was a murderer and a liar. (John 8:44). Q765:4
[Gen. 3:5]
Shall be opened — Confidence in their Creator should have been complete, and such disloyal thoughts promptly spurned. R5150:4
Shall be as gods — Shall be wise as gods. R2180:3 If you have a theory you want to prove to yourself, the great Adversary will be ready to assist you in every conceivable manner. R1223:1
Good and evil — She did indeed get a great increase of knowledge, but with condemnation, sorrow, pain and tears. R3925:5
Any knowledge which may come to us along any lines out of accord with the divine testimony would be costly knowledge indeed. CR65:4
[Gen. 3:6]
Was good for food — The serpent ate of the forbidden fruit in the sight of the woman and then manifested its wisdom, its sagacity. PD10/17; OV299:2; R5150:4
To make one wise — Satan endeavored to show that the fruit was most desirable to give wisdom, to make them as gods. PD10/17; OV15:6; Q706:T, R5150:4, R5238:6
Ambition to appear wiser and abler than others is a danger which especially besets the elders. F267
Satan's wisdom is "earthly, sensual, devilish." (James 3:15) R2180:3
Took of the fruit — Originally sin was inspired by Eve's desire to secure knowledge in advance of the Creator's arrangement. SM156:1
She surmised that her husband would not consent, so she ate alone. PD10/17; R5150:5
She was not deceived as respects the wrong doing, but was deceived regarding the results. R5150:5
And he did eat — The first tragedy of earth was disobedience to God. R5150:2
Adam could discern right from wrong, not from experience, but from the perfection of his being. CR500:2
"The man was not deceived;" he ate knowingly, to share his wife's penalty; he was a suicide. CR378:4; R5150:5, R2841:5; PD10/17
No doubt God would have arranged some way for the recovery of his companion. R3926:1
[Gen. 3:7]
They were naked — Eating the forbidden fruit evidently so engulfed our first parents in passion as to lead to a misuse of a knowledge of which previously they had not been entirely ignorant. R2840:3
Fig leaves together — Indicating penitence and an effort to establish and maintain virtue. R1610:5
Aprons — Typifying our own righteousness, the flimsy, worthless cove-ring for sins. R387:6
[Gen. 3:8]
Voice of the LORD God — The Logos, the word or voice of God, our Lord Jesus in his prehuman condition. R5622:4; Q361:2
[Gen. 3:10]
Hid — Motivated by the spirit of fear. R5093:6
[Gen. 3:12]
And I did eat — Adam did not blame the transgression upon his wife, he simply told the truth plainly. R2841:4
[Gen. 3:14]
Unto the serpent — Figuratively Satan, symbolizing all the powers of evil, everything adverse to humanity. R1610:5, R4963:3
Upon thy belly — Figurative of Satan; no longer upright, respected and honored among the angelic sons of God, as previously. R1610:5
No injustice was done to the serpent; God made the serpent a synonym for sin, and provided a lesson in humility. R5238:6, R5239:4
Shalt thou go — Literally, the serpent experienced some kind of change of form and locomotion. R3926:4
Dust shalt thou eat — Another way of saying "Lick the dust," "Bite the dust.". R2842:1
[Gen. 3:15]
And her seed — Jews and Christians understand the seed of the woman to be the Messiah. CR267:5, R431:3
Christ. SM88:1; F353
Christ and the Church, "the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly." (Rom. 16:20) OV224:1; Q642:4; CR461:6
Not until the "marriage" when Christ and his Bride are made one will the promised seed be perfected. HG38:3; HG343:3
It — Christ, the seed of the woman, not the seed of the man. R1610:6
Bruise thy head — Bring vital injury , crush out all evil in due time. R5768:3; SM44:2; OV184:1, OV305:5; CR460:2, CR459:4; R4451:3, R4963:3, R3926:6
An intimation of the ultimate recovery of mankind from the power of Satan. A57, A98; SM88:1; PD12/20; R4964:6
The man Jesus did not bruise the serpent's head. CR460:2
Christ and his followers must be faithful unto death before they can enjoy their victory of crushing the evil one. R2778:1
There can be no crushing of the evil one and his power until all the sacrifice for sin, the ransom price, shall be paid. R2778:1
Bruise his heel — Not injure him vitally. CR460:2; R3926:4
[Gen. 3:16]
And thy conception — The race has multiplied more heavily as it has become more degenerate and weak. F41
In sorrow — As a part of the curse. F558
And thy desire — Inclination to seek and obey righteous authority. F493
Rule over thee — This prophecy, that man in his fallen state would exercise tyranny over woman, has been abundantly fulfilled. R1548:6
[Gen. 3:17]
Because thou hast — "Adam was not deceived." (1 Tim. 2:14). E22
Cursed — Unprepared to perpetuate human life. R3031:3
That is why we have all the disadvantages in the world. CR201:2
God left the earth outside Eden in an imperfect condition. R4973:1
Is the ground — All the ground outside this specially prepared garden in which you have been living, and from which you are now to be expelled. CR66:1; R4973:1, R5068:1, R3031:6
For thy sake — The earth in general is in its present imperfect condition for man's profit and experience. R1124:6, R5058:1; Q265:2
Idleness is injurious to fallen beings. PD34/45; R5376:3; A169, A337
The poverty of the world has assisted in keeping mankind back from greater depths of iniquity. R5058:1
Shalt thou eat — By feeding upon the less nourishing and poisonous foods of the unprepared earth man gradually suffered the penalty of death. HG509:6, HG510:1
[Gen. 3:18]
Thorns also and thistles — Obtainable without labor, choking the herbs which would only come by forceful labor. R1476:6
[Gen. 3:19]
Sweat of thy face — The curse, the result of sin. R4991:5, R5112:3, R5154:6
Being done away with by modern inventions. Bviii
For dust thou art — And in no sense of the word a spirit being. R2841:1
Shalt thou return — With no hint of any subsequent torment. SM28:1; R4552:2, R5063:6; F333;CR269:5
To die by gradual processes. R5417:6
A death penalty was effected by his being cast out of Eden. CR278:2; SM88:T
There could be no escape from the divine sentence except through Jesus. R5578:3
[Gen. 3:21]
Made coats of skins — Suggested a future covering provided by the death of some unknown Redeemer—the seed of the woman. R5768:5; A57;R1614:2
[Gen. 3:22]
One of us — The Elohim. R5210:4
To know good — Before the entrance of sin into the world. A120
And evil — As a result of the curse. A120
For Adam and Eve, first good, then evil; for their posterity, first evil, then good. HG393:5
Proves that God knows good and evil. R5210:4
Also of the tree — Trees or grove (plural). Q6:2; E340, E390
And live for ever — By eating continuously they would have lived forever, even though sinners. Q6:2; R5150:1; E340
Though Adam was perfect in his organism it was necessary for him to sustain life by partaking of the fruit of the trees of life. HG330:3
[Gen. 3:23]
Sent him forth — So that the death penalty might take effect. A209; R4792:5, R5417:3
[Gen. 3:24]
Drove out the man — The death sentence was upon all of Adam's race from the time he was cast out of Eden. R5150:1, R5179:2
Of the tree — Grove, woods, orchard. R2840:1
[Gen. 4:1]
And bare Cain — Cain means "Acquired;" no doubt Eve considered that in him she had acquired the promised seed or deliverer. R2776:6
The period of gestation was one of much mental distress to his mother; she doubtless marked him with discontent and selfishness. R5150:3
With so noble a parentage, he must have been a great man in many ways. R5150:3
[Gen. 4:2]
His brother Abel — Abel means "Nourisher" or "Feeder," and probably signifies that he was looked to as a helper in the battle for bread. R2777:1
It is fair to suppose that Abel was born under more favorable conditions than was Cain; by that time Adam and Eve were more reconciled to their fate. R5150:3
Cain was a tiller — The children of the first man were evidently far above monkeys and apes. R3927:3
[Gen. 4:3]
In process of time — Both sons having in the meantime doubtless reared large families. R3927:3
That Cain — Typified fleshly Israel and the tare class. R2778:3
Fruit of the ground — Typifying offerings of works. R2778:3
Not acceptable to God because it could not show the necessity of a blood sacrifice. HG508:1
Unto the LORD — The children of the first man were not worshipers of idols, or of the sun, moon or stars. R3927:3
[Gen. 4:4]
And Abel — Typifying spiritual Israel and the wheat class. R2778:4
"The Non-Resistant One" in the Abydos tablet. PD21/30
And of the fat — Symbol of loving zeal. T57
Our best powers. T45
Respect unto Abel — Because he had first sought the mind of the Lord: "By faith Abel offered a more excellent sacrifice." (Heb. 11:4). R1614:2
To his offering — Because it typified the necessity of the death of a redeemer as a sacrifice for sins. A57; PD12/20; R5200:3
Doubtless manifesting his acceptance by fire, as in the case of Elijah's offering in the presence of the priests of Baal. R2777:2
[Gen. 4:5]
Had not respect — This teaches that without shedding of blood there can be no remission of sins. PD12/20; Q609:2
Cain was very wroth — Instead of appealing to the Lord to know why his sacrifice was not acceptable. R3928:3
He did not have the proper respect for God. R5151:2; Q609:2
And — Instead of humbly and lovingly congratulating his brother and profiting by the knowledge gained. R2777:4, R5151:2
His countenance fell — Doubtless knowing of his parents' hopes that he should be the deliverer and being therefore filled with pride, chagrin and envy toward his younger brother. R2777:2
[Gen. 4:6]
Why art thou wroth? — The inability to be angry under proper cause would imply imperfection; but Cain had no just cause to be angry with his brother. R3928:2
[Gen. 4:7]
Sin — The spirit of Satan, which if received will displace the right spirit. R3928:4
Lieth at the door — Crouching, ready to spring into your heart at the next misstep. R3928:4, R5151:2
If thou doest not well — Now that you know what would be acceptable as a sacrifice. HG508:1
Shall be his desire — Satan's desire. R3929:2
Shalt rule over him — Cain's proper course would have been to resist the devil. R5151:2, R3929:2
You can get the victory over this wrong attitude if you but desire. R3042:5; HG508:2
[Gen. 4:8]
And Cain — Illustrating hatred of one's brother — murder. R3044:2; SM223:2
That Cain — Probably thinking thus to remove his rival. R2777:3
He allowed anger, malice, hatred and strife to burn in his heart, and thus became a murderer. PD12/20
And slew him — Satan's first attempt to destroy the woman's seed. R5848:1*
[Gen. 4:9]
I know not — The sin of murder led to the sins of lying and insolence. R1614:3
My brother's keeper — Every member of the New Creation is his brother's keeper. "We ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." (1 John 3:16) "And to love our neighbors as ourselves." (Matt. 19:19). R3929:4
[Gen. 4:10]
Thy brother's blood — The blood is the life. (Lev. 17:11) R3930:2
Crieth unto me — Figuratively cries for vengeance. R3930:1
Sooner or later the divine penalty will be meted out. R5151:4
[Gen. 4:11]
Cursed — God condemned the sinner; but nothing indicates bitterness or hatred on God's part. R5150:3
[Gen. 4:13]
Than I can bear — A haughty, proud, ambitious and self confident spirit is the one which leads at last to disappointment. R2778:5
[Gen. 4:14]
And from thy face — Indicating that he appreciated God's favor. R1614:5
Shall I be hid — If there be even a slight disposition to penitence, God fosters and cherishes it. R1614:5
[Gen. 4:15]
A mark — He was birth marked with a selfish disposition. R5150:3, R5700:6; PD12/21
[Gen. 4:17]
His wife — Undoubtedly one of his sisters. R3042:4; Q46:2
He builded a city — A house or villa for himself and his family. R3944:2
[Gen. 4:19]
Two wives — Violating the true marriage relations. R1615:1
[Gen. 4:20]
Jabal — Kakan of the Abydos tablet. PD21/30
[Gen. 4:25]
Seth — His name indicates that his parents hoped he would be the promised seed. PD14/23
Indeed the hope that she might be the mother of the long-promised "seed of the woman" seems to have filled the heart of Eve's daughters all the way down to Mary. R1175:3
[Gen. 5:1]
Adam — Mena in the Abydos tablet. PD21/30
The likeness of God — With similar faculties of will, reason, etc. A201
Adam was a son of God, he had the spirit of the Father. R5452:3
God was manifested in the flesh of father Adam. Q452:2
[Gen. 5:2]
Their name Adam — The headship remaining with the male. T101
[Gen. 5:3]
Lived 130 years — The first link in the true Bible chronology. B43
His own likeness — All his posterity have been born blemished and imperfect. CR490:4, CR498:6
[Gen. 5:5]
Were 930 years — Nearly to the end of the first 1000 year day: "One day with the Lord is as a thousand years." (2 Pet. 3:8) Q762:5; R4792:5
Adam could, by obedience to the divine law, prolong the process of his dying; so may his children. R5149:3
One half now die under 10 years of age and the average is only 33 years despite medical skill. E406
[Gen. 5:6]
Lived 105 years — Link No.2 in the true Bible chronology. B43
[Gen. 5:9]
Lived 90 years — Link No.3 in the true Bible chronology. B43
[Gen. 5:12]
Lived 70 years — Link No. 4 in the true Bible chronology. B43
[Gen. 5:15]
Lived 65 years — Link No.5 in the true Bible chronology. B43
[Gen. 5:18]
Lived 162 years — Link No.6 in the true Bible chronology. B43
Enoch — Possibly representing perfect man when he will not die. Q262:T
[Gen. 5:21]
Lived 65 years — Link No.7 in the true Bible chronology. B43
[Gen. 5:24]
Walked with God — He did not stand still, but "walked." R74:5
And he was not — He disappeared from amongst men. R3417:3, R4757:2
For God took him — We do not know where, but we do know that it was not to heaven. "No man has ascended into heaven." (John 3:13). R3417:4, R5772:2; Q713:4, Q261:3
He did not die (Heb. 11:5). R619:6; Q773:2, Q261:3; R838:5
In Enoch's case the execution of the death sentence was deferred, but not annulled. R3378:1, R2153:2, R838:5
Enoch will not get restitution blessings until the full Christ is complete. Q714:T
[Gen. 5:32]
Shem, Ham and Japheth — Not listed in order of their birth. HG104:3
[Gen. 6:1]
It came to pass — It might safely be estimated at about 1000 years after Adam's creation. SM193:2
[Gen. 6:2]
The sons of God — Materialized angels. OV17:3; SM97:2; R4880:1, R4976:1, R5706:3
Some of the angels to whom was committed the supervision of mankind prior to the flood. R2171:3
They were permitted to see what they could do for the uplift of humanity; or, rather, to demonstrate that the downward tendency of sin is incurable except in the manner which God has already arranged. R5043:2
While angels are sons of God they were not directly begotten by God but were created by our Lord Jesus. Q19:2
That they were fair — Jude 6 & 7 clearly shows the nature of the sin of these angels when, after mentioning them, it says: "Even as Sodom and Gomorrah ... in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication and going after strange flesh." HG724:6
And they — Being largely seduced by the evil of mankind. R5429:5; R1680:4
Probably at the instigation of Satan, who thus planned to outwit the Almighty and create a race that would live forever. R5429:5, R1686:5
Took them wives — In violation of the divine arrangement for them; apparently without consulting anyone. OV249:2; R4880:2, R5115:6; SM193:2; OV299:6
Thus they became the fathers of a new race, distinct from Adam's. PD15/24
For the purpose of attempting to uplift mankind. HG512:2
The result of the angels' loss of faith in God's wisdom and power. R5115:6
It is reasonable to think that when the fallen angels regain power they will use it in an immoral manner. SM118:2
But marriage between men and women is not in any scripture suggested as displeasing to God. (Heb. 13:4). S104
[Gen. 6:3]
Yet his days — His age limit, as illustrated by Moses' life. D604
[Gen. 6:4]
There were giants — The children of this combination of angelic vitality grafted upon the human stock were a race of giants. PD15/24; OV299:7; R4880:2, R4976:1, R5043:3
Physical and mental giants; brutish, sensual tyrants. R4797:2; PD15/24; OV300:T, SM62:3, SM64:1; R5160:1
They possessed greater virility than Adam's race. OV17:5
They had no right to existence, since they were born contrary to divine will, or law. SM64:1
Nephilim — fallen ones, unrecognized by God, destroyed in mercy to Adam's race. E104
They were in no sense of the word Adamic stock; hence, in no sense of the word covered by the ransom. R3341:6
This new race consisted exclusively of males, propagated through the human female. SM62:2
Typifying the trusts, the children of professed Christian governments, which today have the whole world in their grasp. R3935:2, R4797:2, R5457:3
Sons of God — It was approximately during the 655 years preceding the flood that the angelic sons of God took to themselves wives. SM193:2
Their illicit progeny was blotted out with the flood and they themselves were afterward restrained from the liberty of assuming physical bodies and isolated from the holy angels. R2171:4
Disobedient angels imprisoned in the days of Noah. OV17:3; SM192:3
Became mighty men — The father gives life, and the mother organism, as illustrated in the birth of Christ. E103
Men of renown — Intellectually strong, but morally perverted. SM547:1; R5160:2
Because of the vigor of their angelic fathers. E104
[Gen. 6:5]
Evil continually — And progressively, proving the necessity of divine interposition if man is to be recovered. A71
Not merely from human depravity, but at the connivance of some of the angels. R5160:1
Man took pleasure in still further degrading himself instead of loathing his sinful condition and looking to God for relief. SM194:1; OV249:3; R2026:6
What a mercy that this condition should be brought completely to an end. SM62:3
[Gen. 6:6]
Repented the LORD — The Lord changed his course of dealing, not his mind. The matter is so stated as to convey to the general reader as much as he is able to comprehend of God's reasons for changing his course. R2026:6
[Gen. 6:7]
I will destroy — The world became so full of corruption that God destroyed all humanity, and began anew the propagation of the race from Noah and his family, who had remained untainted. R5910:1
[Gen. 6:9]
Perfect — Uncontaminated by the fallen angels and their influence. PD16/25; SM97:2, SM118:2; OV301:T, R4682:2, R5043:4; HG512:2
Noah's family was singled out as exceptional. PD16/ 25
In his generations — Toledaw, descent, family. R2844:2
Walked with God — Noah's faith in God was manifested in his building of the ark in obedience to the divine instructions. R4386:5
[Gen. 6:11]
Filled with violence — The new race was vicious, brutal and violent, as well as immoral. SM62:3
"As it was in the days of Noah" (Luke 17:26) so it is now. R3241:6*
Corporate giants will very shortly give mankind a great deal of trouble and will fill the earth with violence. R2844:4, R4797:5
[Gen. 6:13]
I will destroy — The account of the fall of the angels from being sons of God to being demons helps us to understand why God decreed the flood. PD17/26
[Gen. 6:14]
Rooms shalt thou make — The Chicago Tribune, Aug. 13, 1883, printed a dispatch from London stating that a paper at Constantinople reports Turkish commissioners as having discovered the ark protruding from a glacier on Mt. Ararat. The interior was found divided into partitions 15 feet high. R524:3
The oldest records of Babylonia tell the story of the deluge-of Noah and his ark. R5159:1
[Gen. 6:15]
This is the fashion — A design which has been found in actual practice to yield the best results for safety and stowage. R3934:2, R3525:4
Length... 300 cubits — 547.3 feet, by sacred cubit of 21.88 inches. R3679:4*
Breadth... 50 cubits — 91.2 feet. R3679:4*
Height... 30 cubits — 54.72 feet. R3679:4*
These dimensions would give a capacity of 2,730,782 cubic feet, a tonnage of 81,052. R3679:4*, R3934:1; Q778:2
Approximately three or four times the capacity of the largest vessels now afloat (1901). R2843:1
Providing plenty of room for pairs of all the 244 species of animals scheduled by Buffon and all the supplies they would need on the voyage. R3336:2*
[Gen. 6:16]
A window — An opening 20 inches high all around the ark under the eaves. R2843:2; Q778:2
[Gen. 6:17]
Flood of waters — God had already arranged that one of the aqueous "rings" still suspended above the earth should descend, causing the flood. R4682:1
The account of the deluge is not merely a Bible narrative, but is corroborated by the traditions of all races except the Black race. R1615:1, R3933:3*
Is the breath — Ruach, air, spirit, life-power, as in man. E174, E314
See comment on "Hath life" in Gen. 1:20.
[Gen. 6:19]
Bring into the ark — Type of Christ and the power in him which will replenish and reorganize society. A318
[Gen. 7:1]
Into the ark — See comment on Gen. 6:19. A318
[Gen. 7:6]
Was 600 years old — Link No. 10 in the true Bible chronology. B43
[Gen. 7:7]
Son's wives with him — Noah and his family, with the ark, represent the Church, lifted up above the whole earth during the time of trouble, preserved from the terror of the trouble and afterward coming down from heaven to bless and replenish the earth. R3757:1
[Gen. 7:8]
Of clean beasts — Suitable for human food, such as the cow, sheep, etc. R2843:2
That are not clean — Not suitable for human food, such as the horse and dog. R2843:2
[Gen. 7: 10]
The flood — Noah's day is similar to the present time. R4797:2, R5328:2
[Gen. 7:11]
Broken up — The main part of the flood came to the earth from the poles. PD16/25; R3934:2, R3045:1
[Gen. 7:15]
Is the Breath — Ruach, spirit, life-power, as in man. E174, E314
[Gen. 7:17]
And the flood — Now abundantly corroborated by science. F27
Forty days — A prominent period of time frequently recurring in the Bible. HG102:4
[Gen. 7:18]
The waters prevailed — The deluge of Noah's day was the last ring or belt surrounding the earth to fall; it was of pure water only. PD3/8
[Gen. 7:19]
All the high hills — Perhaps merely in the portion of the earth inhabited by man. R3933:6*
[Gen. 7:22]
The breath of life — Ruach neshamah caiyah, breath of the spirit of life. E314, E319
[Gen. 7:24]
150 days — With Gen. 7:11 & Gen. 8:4, a proof that 30 days is the Bible measure for one month. HG50:2
[Gen. 8:1]
With him In the ark — Type of Christ and the power in him which will replenish and reorganize society. A318
God made a wind — Ruach, spirit, invisible power, as in man. E174
[Gen. 8:3]
The 150 days — Reasonable and in harmony with scientific investigation. R5159:5
[Gen. 8:4]
Rested — The administration of God was changed, but the earth remained. R10:2
[Gen. 8:9]
Found no rest — It will take a certain time, after the time of trouble, to bring in God's favor of peace and blessing. R5328:2
[Gen. 8:11]
Was an olive leaf — Symbol of peace. D651
Indicating that the blessing of the Lord was bringing vegetation. R5328:3
[Gen. 8:12]
Returned not again — Picturing the end of the trouble and the full inauguration of the new dispensation. R5328:3
[Gen. 8:13]
And first year — Noah having just completed 600 full years. R2059:2
The first day — Illustrating the accuracy of Bible chronology. B43
[Gen. 8:21]
The LORD smelled — Ruach, exercised invisible power, spirit. E174
[Gen. 8:22]
Earth remaineth — "The earth abideth forever." (Eccl. 1:4). PD18/26
Seedtime and harvest — Flowers and vegetation will die and revive perennially. R2640:6
Shall not cease — But will be everlasting reminders to mankind of their deliverance from sin and death. R2640:6
[Gen. 9:3]
Be meat for you — During the period of human weakness resulting from the fall. R2836:6
For food, but not for sport. R3045:1
[Gen. 9:4]
Flesh with the life — Nephesh, soul, sentient being, existence. E325
Which is the blood — Which is represented by the blood. E325
[Gen. 9:6]
Sheddeth man's blood — Although not obligatory, God would approve of the execution of the death sentence upon the murderer. Q500:T
This rule held good from the days of Noah, both for Israel and for today. R5645:4
The image of God — God was manifested in the flesh of father Adam. Q452:2
[Gen. 9:10]
Living creature — Nephesh, soul, sentient being, as of man. E325, E334
Out of the ark — Type of Christ. A318
[Gen. 9:11]
Destroy the earth — The existing order of things. B162
It was not the earth which came to an end, merely that condition of things which prevailed prior to the deluge. PD18/26
[Gen. 9:12]
Living creature — Nephesh, soul, sentient being, as of man. E325, E334
[Gen. 9:13]
My bow in the cloud — A pledge that God would never again destroy mankind by a flood. PD19/28
The new heavens and earth are God's promise, of which the bow in the clouds was a pledge. R1614:5
Previous to the flood, the watery canopy enveloping the earth prevented the bow from forming. F28
Of a covenant — An unconditional one. R3108:3 Giving to him dominion over the earth as he had done with Adam. R1614:2
[Gen. 9:15]
Living creature — Nephesh, soul, sentient being, as of man. E325, E334
[Gen. 9:16]
Living creature — Nephesh, soul, sentient being, as of man. E325, E334
[Gen. 9:21]
And was drunken — The breaking of the last canopy at the time of the flood produced an acidulous condition of the atmosphere tending towards ferment, and directly affecting human longevity. This ferment changed the character of the grape product, making it alcoholic. Noah's intoxication was the result of ignorance of this change. R2533:4; PD19/28; Q777:3, Q809:3, Q265:3
[Gen. 9:25]
Cursed — Possible start of Negro race. R2344:6
[Gen. 10:2]
Sons of Japheth — Supposed to have settled Europe. D556
[Gen. 10:6]
Sons of Ham — Supposed to have settled Northern Africa. D556
[Gen. 10:10]
Babel — Antitype of nominal gospel church. R718:2
Calneh — Excavated in 1903. R3220:1*
[Gen. 10:18]
Canaanites — The sons of Canaan. R5169:6
[Gen. 10:22]
Children of Shem — Supposed to have settled Western Asia. D556
[Gen. 11:4]
And a tower — As a protection against further disasters similar to the flood. R2846:2
Losing confidence in God, the people began the construction of the tower of Babel. PD22/33
A name — Such as Catholic, Methodist, Episcopal, etc. R718:2
[Gen. 11:7]
Confound their language — The diversity of language is an effectual barrier to prevent mankind from combining for the accomplishment of his own selfish or sinful purposes. PD22/33
[Gen. 11:9]
Called Babel — Confusion, type of Babylon, Christendom. D26
Called by the natives Babil, the gate of God. D24
Picture of a religious "tower of Babel," primarily Papacy. SM405:1
Confound the language — This corresponds well with the Protestant Reformation movement. SM405:2
[Gen. 11:10]
Two years after the flood — Link No.11 in the true Bible chronology. B44
Therefore Shem was not the oldest son of Noah. HG1O4:2
[Gen. 11:11]
500 years — Longevity immediately shortened after the flood. R534:5
[Gen. 11:12]
Lived 35 years — Link No.12 in the true Bible chronology. B44
[Gen. 11:14]
Lived 30 years — Link No.13 in the true Bible chronology. B44
[Gen. 11:16]
Lived 34 years — Link No.14 in the true Bible chronology. B44
[Gen. 11:18]
Lived 30 years — Link No.15 in the true Bible chronology. B44
[Gen. 11:20]
Lived 32 years — Link No.16 in the true Bible chronology. B44
[Gen. 11:22]
Lived 30 years — Link No.17 in the true Bible chronology. B44
[Gen. 11:24]
Lived 29 years — Link No.18 in the true Bible chronology. B44
[Gen. 11:26]
And begat Abram — Haran, the eldest, was born when Terah was 70; while Abram, the youngest, was not born until Terah was 130. Abram is mentioned first because of his greater prominence. R2855:1, R5177:3, R1595:2
Lot and Abraham were probably nearly the same age. R5177:5
[Gen. 11:27]
Abram — Terah's youngest son. Q709:5
[Gen. 11:29]
Took them wives — Nahor's wife, Milcah, was the daughter of his brother Haran; and Milcah's granddaughter, Rebekah, was the wife of Isaac, Abraham's son; showing that Haran and Nahor were both much older than Abraham. R2855:4, R5177:6
[Gen. 11:30]
Sarai was barren — Corresponding to the long deferred coming of Christ. PD23/34
[Gen. 11:31]
And Lot — About Abram's own age. Lot had "sons-in-law which married his daughters" (Gen. 19:14) before Isaac was born. R2855:4, R5177:5
And Sarai — Probably the daughter of Haran, sister of Lot. R2846:5
And they went forth — Probably influenced by the gross idolatry about them. R3936:1
He did not stop to argue that he could do more good by remaining among his idolatrous and wicked neighbors. R3936:4
Ur of the Chaldees — Now called Mugheir, at which place the name "Abu Ramu " (Abram) has been found on tablets recently unearthed. R3935:3
[Gen. 11:32]
Were 205 years — Link No.19 in the true Bible chronology. B44
[Gen. 12:1]
Now the LORD had — Previously, before he left Ur. "The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran." (Acts 7:2) B45
Said unto Abram — Individually—not to Terah or Nahor or Haran or anyone else. R2846:6
To one whose heart was full of trust in God. R5809:5
Abram's name signifies "exalted faith." R5169:3
Thy father's house — Thy brethren, etc. B45
[Gen. 12:3]
I will bless them — Favor them. R3938:5
That bless thee — That favor thee, Abram, or thy natural or spiritual seed. R3938:5
And curse him — Show disfavor toward. R3938:5
All will be destroyed who do not thus become true Israelites. R5810:4
That curseth thee — Injureth. R5169:5
That shows disfavor toward thee or thy seed. R3938:5
And in thee — "And in thy seed, which is Christ." (Gal. 3:16) T83; R5057:3, R4939:3;SM7:1;R5761:4, R5769:5
When your seed shall come. HG120:5
Shall — In due time. E22
This covenant is unconditional. R3108:3
All of God's dealings with the Israelites were in accord with this oath. R5285:3
All families — Not merely the Jews. A58
Every member of our race. CRI40:2; R4715:2
Including those who are in their graves. R5154:1, R4440:5, R5015:6
Be blessed — With an opportunity to return to harmony with God, and with everlasting life. R4557:3, E384; R4537:6, R4939:3, R5057:3, R5177:6, R5269:4, R5768:3; SM93:T, SM7:1; OV193:2
This promise was the good root of the olive tree of Rom. 11:17. R5023:3
By the wonderful provisions of the great Sabbath day. R5072:1
By knowledge, opportunity and assistance. R3108:4
Not by ignoring the law of God, but by being gradually restored so that they can keep it. T83
By the great King and Priest, Jesus; and by the Church, as assistant priests and kings, CR250:3
[Gen. 12:4]
So Abram departed — "When his father was dead he removed." (Acts 7:4) B46
Typifying the course of the true Church in coming out of Babylon. No doubt Abram's relatives all opposed his course, especially as he "came out not knowing whither he went. (Heb. 11:8) R2847:1
Was 75 years old — At the time the covenant was made with him. B231
2081 years after the fall in Eden. R3460:2
2081 years before Cornelius' conversion. R3460:2
Out of Haran — As Stephen declared, "when his father was dead." (Acts 7:4) B46
[Gen. 12:7]
And said — Making the covenant previously promised. B45; R1617:1
[Gen. 12:10]
There was a famine — Which must have greatly tested Abram's faith. R3938:2
Down into Egypt — Possibly contrary to the Lord's wishes. R3938:3
[Gen. 12:12]
Save thee alive — History records the case where one of the kings of Egypt thus forcibly took a beautiful wife away from her husband. Abram had probably heard of this. R2848:2
[Gen. 12:13]
Say, I pray thee — This is the only blot recorded against Abram's character. This impartiality establishes the truthfulness of the Scriptures. R3938:3
[Gen. 12:18]
Called Abram — This rebuke from a heathen king doubtless proved a great blessing to Abram ultimately. R3938:3
[Gen. 13:7]
And the Canaanite — The Lowlanders. R2848:4
And the Perizzite — The Highlanders. R2848:4
[Gen. 13:8]
There be no strife — "Blessed are the peacemakers." (Matt. 5:9) R3939:2
[Gen. 13:9]
Before thee — "The liberal soul shall be made fat." (Prov. 11:25) R3939:3
[Gen. 13:10]
Garden of the LORD — The Dead Sea area is to be watered by a river from Jerusalem. R2507:3
[Gen. 13:11]
Then Lot — Manifesting covetousness and worldly-mindedness, perhaps from a desire to please his wife and daughters. R3939:4
[Gen. 13:14]
And the LORD said — Confirming the covenant previously made. B45
[Gen. 13:15]
For all the land — The promises made to Abram were earthly. A293; R4966:2, R5171:4, R5859:2; CR116:6
The Ancient Worthies did not look for heavenly things. HGI31:6
Will I give it — At a future time from Stephen. (Acts 7:5) HG131:6
To thee — Primarily to Abraham himself. R5178:1
Abraham must have a resurrection for God's Word to come true. R5291:2
To thy seed forever — Although it was given to them by Joshua to be their inheritance this did not fulfill the conditions of the promise. R5178:1
[Gen. 13:16]
As the dust — This promise was to an earthly people. R5171:4
Then — Implying a far-distant period ample for the multiplication of the seed. C245
[Gen. 13:17]
Through the land — "All the land of Canaan., (Gen. 17:8) C245
[Gen. 13:18]
Built there an altar — In typical acknowledgment of sin and hope of the coming sin-offering. R2849:5
[Gen. 14:10]
Full of slime pits — Bitumen, sulphur and salt, used in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. R1618:6
[Gen. 14:14]
Taken captive — One of the earliest illustrations of slavery in the Bible. SM157:2
318 — Implying a general household of at least 1000 persons. R2846:5
Therefore the armies of the five kings were not large. HG362:1
And pursued them — The fact that with this small army Abram could conquer the combined armies of several kings disproves the contentions of the Higher Critics that the cities and armies of that day were large. R3944:2
[Gen. 14:18]
Melchizedek — Representing our Lord as a glorified priest. Q484:5, Q485:T
Type of The Christ glorified. SM136:1, SM600:1; F72
Possibly the builder of the Great Pyramid. C322; PD25/36
King of Salem — Signifies King of Peace, Prince of the Most High God. SM136:1; Q484:5
Bread and wine — Abraham partook of the symbolic bread and wine in conjunction with Melchizedec's blessing. SM136:1
The priest — He did not offer sacrifices; but was a type of the glorified priest. Q484:5
[Gen. 14:22]
Unto the LORD — Unto Jehovah. E67
The most high God — "He is to be feared above all gods." (1 Chron. 16:25) E67
[Gen. 15:1]
Fear not, Abram: — Do not be afraid of any attempts at vengeance on the part of the kings you have just conquered. R3944:3
I am thy shield — "When he giveth quietness who then can make trouble." (Job 34:29) R3944:4
Great reward — In a sense, I will give myself to you and that will constitute your greatest possible reward. R3944:4
To have God for a friend and counselor and guide is to be esteemed far beyond every earthly interest and blessing. R2853:6
[Gen. 15:2]
Eliezer of Damascus — Type of the holy Spirit. F171
[Gen. 15:5]
And tell the stars — "Star differeth from star in glory." (1 Cor. 15:41) R2067:4
So shall thy seed — The heavenly seed, the Little Flock. R2854:5
Including also the Great Company. R2067:4
[Gen. 15:6]
And he believed — The word signifies more than "belief"; it has the thought of a rest of faith. R3944:5
God must have had some dealings with Abraham before he believed or there would have been nothing for him to believe. R5206:6
[Gen. 15:7]
To inherit it — In the future; for Stephen states, "He gave him none inheritance in it"-yet. (Acts 7:5) R3945:4
[Gen. 15:8]
Whereby shall I know — What outward signs and evidences will help my faith to grasp these great promises. R3945:4
[Gen. 15:9]
A young pigeon — A bird is usually considered young up to one year old. Figuring thus, the ages of these animals represent 11 years. Eleven prophetic years of 360 literal years each equals 3960 years, the time from the giving of the covenant to Abraham until the year 1915. R3957:5*
[Gen. 15:12]
Of great darkness — Representing the sufferings of the Lord's people in the present time. R3946:4
[Gen. 15:13]
Thy seed — If Levi could pay tithes to Melchizedek while in the loins of Abraham (Heb. 7:9,10), then the children of Israel could sojourn in Abraham's loins. HG1O4:5
Afflict them — They were not afflicted all that time, nor in Egypt all that time. The 400 years covers the dwelling in a land that was not theirs, and also the serving and the affliction. HG104:5
400 years — Beginning with Ishmael's mockery of Isaac 30 years after the covenant with Abram, when Isaac was 5 years old, and ending with the Exodus. R2482:3*
400 prophetic years equals 144,000 days. R2482:3*
[Gen. 15:14]
Will I judge — In the plagues of Egypt, illustrating the law of retribution. R2306:1
[Gen. 15:16]
Of the Amorites — Who had a prior hold on the land. R3945:6
Is not yet full — Each nation was permitted to go only so far in sin and there was stopped. R1270:5, R1779:2
The Lord would not bring Israel into their land because the iniquity of the Canaanites was not yet come to the full. R1270:5
"When the transgressors are come to the full." (Dan. 8:23) C97
[Gen. 15:17]
That, when the sun — Symbolically the Gospel light, the truth. D590
A burning lamp — Symbolizing the divine presence. R3945:5
Passed between those — Representing the Lord's swearing by a covenant or sacrifice of life-blood to the promise he had given. R3945:5
[Gen. 15:18]
Covenant with Abram — The Sarah covenant is the Abrahamic covenant in its highest and special sense. Q170:4
The Abrahamic covenant included particularly the spiritual seed, but shadowed forth an earthly seed also. Q170:6
Unto thy seed — As their possession in the Millennial age. R3944:3, R3945:2,3
This land — Equal to half of Europe. Q792:2
Solomon extended the boundaries of his kingdom to the full limits set by the Lord prophetically long before. R5722:2
River of Egypt — The Nile. Q792:2
[Gen. 16:1]
Now Sarai — Type of the Abrahamic covenant. F170; Q170:4
The Sarah covenant is the Abrahamic covenant in its highest and special sense. Q170:4
Bare him no children — Corresponding to the barrenness of the Abrahamic covenant for 2000 years. F361
Name was Hagar — Hagar means flight, or cast out. R4371:6
Type of the Law covenant. F170
[Gen. 16:2]
Said unto Abram — Type of Jehovah. F170
[Gen. 16:4]
Was despised — Hagar thus manifested her unworthy, sneering disposition. R3952:6
[Gen. 16:11]
Ishmael — Type of natural Israel. F170; R3952:6
[Gen. 16:15]
Hagar bare — The house of servants was developed before spiritual Israel. R4319:2
[Gen. 17:1]
And when — About the year 1900 BC. R5178:3
The LORD appeared — Jehovah appeared. E67
The Almighty God — "He is to be feared above all gods." (1 Chron. 16:25) E68
And be thou perfect — Do your best to be perfect. R5244:1
God could not set an imperfect standard, although he clearly states in his Word that none can attain perfection in the flesh under present conditions. R3939:1
[Gen. 17:5]
Be called Abram — High Father. R3935:3
Abraham — Father of a multitude. R3935:3, R5169:3 Representing God in a figure. R5909:5
Of many nations — Represented in the many tribes of Israel. R4389:6
All who love righteousness and truth. OV154:2
All the nations of the earth. F119; R4454:3, R3945:2; CR59:6; Q171:T, Q622:T
"In becoming thy seed shall all the nations of the earth bless themselves." R5909:5
[Gen. 17:8]
Give unto thee — Stephen implied that Abraham will yet receive that land. R5182:5
Thy seed after thee — An implication that the Ancient Worthies will pass to the spirit nature. R5182:5
The land of Canaan — Not a heavenly Canaan, but an earthly one. C244
[Gen. 17:10]
Be circumcised — It was obligatory upon every Jew, and still is. R2158:1
Symbolizing a cutting off, a separation, from the flesh—its aims, hopes and desires. R3022:3, R5170:1, R2032:3
[Gen. 17:14]
Cut off — An argument against Anglo-Israel concepts. R2086:1
[Gen. 17:15]
Said unto Abraham — Type of Jehovah. F170
But Sarah — Type of the Abrahamic covenant. F170
The name signifies Princess. R5169:6, R4371:6
[Gen. 17:17]
And laughed — The name Isaac means "Laughter," symbolizing the glad tidings of great joy yet to come through the anti-typical Isaac. R3952:3
The name also symbolizes our joys in the Lord in the present time. "We brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise." (Gal. 4:28) R2861:5
[Gen. 17:18]
O that Ishmael — Type of natural Israel. F170; R5178:2
[Gen. 17:21]
With Isaac — Type of Christ. F170
[Gen. 18:1]
And the LORD — Not Jehovah personally, but the messenger of Jehovah, Christ Jesus, in human form. E43, E94; R5179:1
Appeared unto him — Temporarily assumed human form, a matter entirely different from his advent as a man when he was "made flesh." (John 1:14) R3946:3
[Gen. 18:2]
And, lo, three men — Jesus and two other spirit beings, in the form of men. A183; B127; E94; R5416:3
Angels possess a God-given power of materialization. PD15/24
And bowed himself — Shaw-kaw, worshipped. It is proper to reverence those in harmony with Jehovah. E73
[Gen. 18:8]
And they did eat — Showing complete materialization. Q744:3
"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for some thereby have entertained angels unawares." (Heb. 13:2) R3946:2
[Gen. 18:12]
Sarah laughed — With incredulity when informed of the subject. R2860:2
In joy and appreciation at the time of Isaac's birth. R2860:2
[Gen. 18:17]
Hide from Abraham — My friend. "I have called you friends, because whatsoever I have heard of the Father I have made known unto you." (John 15:15) R2208:4,5
"The Lord will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants." (Amos 3:7) B22
[Gen. 18:18]
And all the nations — Not merely the Jews. A58
Shall be blessed — In due time. E22
With an opportunity of returning to harmony with God, and with everlasting life. R4557:3, R4537:6, R5768:3,5
[Gen. 18:19]
For I know him — I have become intimate with him, made a covenant with him, revealed myself to him. R3946:6
That he will — To the end that he may. R3946:6
[Gen. 18:20]
The LORD said — Jesus, as a spirit being who merely assumed a fleshly body as a convenience in communicating with men. R5622:5
[Gen. 18:21]
If not, I will know — This is stated in simple language so that all may understand that the Lord takes full cognizance of earth's affairs. R3947:2
[Gen. 18:23]
And Abraham — Not rejoicing in the calamity about to come upon his neighbors, but manifesting benevolence and the spirit of a mediator. R3947:3
The righteous - Abraham's solicitude was for the righteous, not the wicked. R3948:1
[Gen. 18:25]
Be far from thee — Abraham petitioned God's mercy on the Sodomites to spare them, if even ten among them were righteous. R5179:1
Do right — As if to say, "Lord, harmonize this matter for me. Show me how this would be just." R3947:4
[Gen. 18:32]
For ten's sake — Abraham found that in every case the Lord was no less just and generous than himself. "Blessed are the merciful." In the end he found that God had saved the only righteous one and on his account some that were not righteous; and we shall see in due time that God will save all who were destroyed. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways." (Isa. 55:9) R3948:2
[Gen. 19:1]
Came two angels — In human form. E94
He bowed himself — Shaw-ka, worshipped. It is proper to reverence those in harmony with Jehovah. E73
[Gen. 19:11]
With blindness — Angels have powers above the human. R265:2
[Gen. 19:15]
Lot — Representing the Great Company. R2857:6
[Gen. 19:17]
Brought them forth — Out of Sodom, type of Babylon, that great city which spiritually is called Sodom. D608
To the mountain — Symbol of Christ's kingdom. D573
[Gen. 19:24]
Rained upon Sodom — "If the mighty works which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day." (Matt. 11:23) A110
Our Lord teaches that the Sodomites did not have a full opportunity, and he guarantees them such. (Luke 17:24) HG345:4
Brimstone — Probably bitumen, which abounds in the region around Sodom. R1618:6
And fire — Probably lightning. R1618:6
Symbols of utter destruction. A318
[Gen. 19:25]
He overthrew — No injustice as they were convicts anyway, convicted of sin and sentenced to death. (Rom. 5:12) F174
[Gen. 19:26]
But his wife — For the foolish virgins, inclined to look back, the Lord left the injunction, "Remember Lot's wife." (Luke 17:32) C194; D608
Looked back — Being more in sympathy with the things behind than the things before. D608
If they love the things behind more than they appreciate deliverance, they will have no part in deliverance. R2858:1
A pillar of salt — Possibly stumbled in her flight, became covered with the half liquid, slimy mud, suffocated with the sulphur and bitumen, and then became encrusted with the salt crystals which are even now continually exhaled from the Dead Sea. R2858:2
An atmosphere heavily charged with sulphur and bitumen might easily produce suffocation. R2858:4
[Gen. 19:29]
Sent Lot out — God's mercy towards Lot was because of his relationship to Abraham. R5179:3
[Gen. 19:37]
Of the Moabites — Whose relationship to Abraham and the Israelites is thus shown. A42
[Gen. 20:2]
She is my sister — An imperfection demonstrated by Abraham in his endeavor to hold on to the divine promises. R4387:3
[Gen. 20:9]
What hast thou done — The King was governed by high principles. SM379:T
[Gen. 20:12]
My sister — My niece. R2934:1
Is the daughter — The grand-daughter; in olden times it was customary to speak of a grandchild as the son or the daughter of the grandparent. R2934:1
[Gen. 21:3]
And Abraham — Type of Jehovah. F170
Whom Sarah — Type of the Abrahamic covenant. F170
Isaac — Type of Christ. F170
[Gen. 21:5]
Was 100 years old — 25 years after the covenant was made. B231
[Gen. 21:9]
Mocking — This was the beginning of the 400 years of affliction of Abraham's seed, which ended with the exodus, Isaac at the time being 5 years old, 30 years after the covenant. R2482:3*
Typifying the manner in which fleshly Israel mocked at spiritual Israel. R2777:6, R3952:6
Typifying the manner in which the tare class mocks at the wheat class. R2778:5
[Gen. 21:10]
Wherefore — In order to show that the Law covenant was not to have any rule over the spiritual sons of God. R1728:5
Cast out — The Law covenant was cast aside when Jesus became heir of the original promise. R4319:3
And her son — Ishmael, type of the nation of Israel. R4319:2
Tyrannical, domineering, incorrigible; at this time 13 years of age. R3952:6
Shall not be heir — The mother's nature, rights, privileges and liberties attach to the child. E105
The nation of Israel could not inherit the promised blessings because the Law brought nothing to perfection. R4319:2
With my son — Isaac, who represented The Christ, Head and Body. R4319:2, R4320:1
[Gen. 21:12]
In Isaac — Illustrating the principle of election during the Patriarchal age. F170
Divine wisdom indicated beforehand that the blessing would go through Isaac. PD28/41
[Gen. 21:14]
Gave it unto Hagar — Type of the Law covenant. F170
And the child — Ishmael, type of natural Israel. F170
Sent her away — Typifying the divine disfavor upon the Jews. SM202:3
[Gen. 21:19]
Gave the lad drink — As Ishmael was rescued from death by the water, so the nation of Israel is about to be refreshed. SM203:2; R5503:3; PD23/34
[Gen. 22:1]
Did tempt Abraham — Tried or proved his character. R1623:3
For his good. R5702:1
[Gen. 22:2]
Take now thy son — God's final test upon Abraham's faith. R4574:1
Abraham was 125 years old, and Isaac was the son who would be the channel for all the blessings promised. R5180:1
Offer him — Only a person very intimately acquainted with the Almighty, very sympathetic and trustful, could possibly have endured such a test. R5180:1
By prompt obedience Abraham gave proof of his loyalty, "accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead." (Heb. 11:19) R5702:1
Thus he was counted worthy of a better resurrection. R4574:2
[Gen. 22:3]
Abraham — Type of the Almighty. F170; R5180:3
Isaac —Type of The Christ, Head and Body. F170; R5180:3
[Gen. 22:5]
And worship — Abraham's frequent drawing near to God in private prayer and communion was the secret of his unwavering faith and obedience. R1624:1
[Gen. 22:9]
And bound Isaac — Isaac was a man at the time, full of health and vigor, and evidently offered no resistance; typifying Christ Jesus' submission to the Father's will. R2861:1
On the altar — Typifying Christ's death as the blood of the original covenant. R4320:1
Supposedly the very rock upon which Isaac was bound became the location for the Brazen altar. (2 Chron. 3:1) R5180:2, R2510:6
[Gen. 22:10]
Took the knife — The offering was complete in the sight of heaven. R5180:2
[Gen. 22:12]
Thou fearest God — Abraham's entire life was a life of faith, of trust in God, and of reliance upon the divine promises. R5180:1
[Gen. 22:13]
A ram — Type of Christ. Q557:3; R5180:5
[Gen. 22:14]
Jehovah-jireh — Jehovah's providence. E43
[Gen. 22:17]
In blessing — A spiritual promise which the Jews at that time could not appreciate. R5295:5
Seed as the stars — The heavenly seed, Christ and the Church. A292; F355; T34;R4682:3, R4931:1, R5178:5, R5273:4, R5809:5; OV156:3, OV428:3; SM368:1
The Little Flock and Great Company. R2067:4
The favor of the Lord now comes to us as the spiritual seed, to the extent of our faithfulness to the Lord. R4606:4
The spiritual portion was hidden until God's due time-at the first advent. R5285:3
These are the heirs of Gal. 3:29 and 1 Cor. 15:41, 42, R5178:5
Jesus was the first, the Captain, the forerunner. R4646:2
And as the sand — The earthly seed. A292; F355; T34; R4606:4, R4682:3, R5809:5; CR157:5
All who during the Millennial age attain to human perfection. R2854:1, R4646:1, R5273:4, R5836:5
Necessitating the awakening of the entire race from the tomb. R5533:4
In resemblance, not necessarily in numbers. R2067:4
Possess the gate — Place of power and control. R4370:4
[Gen. 22:18]
And in thy seed — The glorified Christ. F72; R5301:4, R5818:1; CR269:6
God's agency in blessing the world. CR460:5; R4442:4, R5181:3, R5761:4; OV201:1
All of God's blessings come under the Abrahamic covenant, either directly or indirectly. Q165:4; OV9:1; PD35/46
Isaac did not fulfill the promise, he was merely a type. SM530:T
Referred to by Paul as the oath-bound covenant. (Heb. 6:10-14). OV9:3
Every mother amongst the Israelites hoped she could be the mother of the promised child. R4963:2
At first the Jews thought of this promise as being fulfilled in them as a nation. R4714:3
The Jews will be first in prominence in the time of blessing. OV118:1
The earthly seed cannot have its share in the work of blessing others until first the heavenly seed shall have been perfected in the first resurrection. HG667:6
The Jews were in darkness in respect to God's plan. R5769:5
All of God's dealings with Israel were in accord with his covenant with Abraham. R5285:3
All the nations — Not only Israel but, through Israel, all families of the earth. A58; R4442:4, R5818:1; OV118:2,5, OV143:T, SM368:1
Implies a resurrection from the dead. R5608:2
Be blessed — With an opportunity both of returning to harmony with God, and for everlasting life. R4557:3, R4537:6, R4806:1; SM530:T
"In becoming thy seed shall all the families of the earth bless themselves." R5836:5; SM590:T
God's promise was that the seed of Abraham would be the great king who would bless Israel and, through Israel, bless the world. HG273:5
[Gen. 23:2]
Sarah died — Prior to the time when Isaac married, signifying that the primary covenant is fulfilled in the bringing forth of the completed Messiah. R5178:2; SM207:1
[Gen. 23:6]
Thou art a mighty — Elohim, god, a name applied to Jehovah. E68
[Gen. 23:7]
And bowed himself — Shaw-kaw, worshipped. It is proper to reverence those in harmony with Jehovah. E73
[Gen. 23:12]
Bowed down himself — Shaw-kaw, worshipped. E73
[Gen. 24:2]
And Abraham — Type of Jehovah. F170; R4476:2, R4516:2, R5187:3, R5533:5
His eldest servant — Eliezer, type of the holy Spirit. F171; R4476:2, R4516:2, R5187:3
[Gen. 24:3]
A wife — Type of the Church. F170; R4476:2
My son — Type of Jesus. F170; R4476:2
[Gen. 24:4]
Go unto my country — Representing the household of faith. R3953:2, R5187:3
To my kindred — Those already in relationship to God through faith. SM204:2
Unto my son Isaac — Type of Christ. F170 Who was at this time 40 years old. Isaac's submission typified Christ's submission to Jehovah. R2861:2, R5178:3
[Gen. 24:10]
The servant — Represented the work of the holy Spirit in calling the Church. PD23/34
Took ten camels — Representing the Word of God. The camels bore the servant and the presents to Rebekah. R161:2
[Gen. 24:15]
Behold, Rebekah — Type of the Church, the Bride of Christ. F170; R5533:5
Milcah — One of Haran's daughters whom Nahor married; grandmother of Rebekah. R5177:6
[Gen. 24:19]
I will draw — The spirit of generosity, of service. R5187:6
For thy camels also — The spirit does not communicate to us the things of our high calling in Christ until we entertain the Word as well as the spirit. R161:3
[Gen. 24:20]
For all his camels — Illustrating her hospitable, kindly disposition. Only those who have something of generosity and amiability in their characters are invited to be of the Bride class. R3953:1
[Gen. 24:22]
A golden earring — Representing the blessed effect of hearing the call to be of the Bride of Christ. R1386:5; SM206:2
And two bracelets — Representing the blessed effect of the divine call upon our doings after we hear the call. R1386:5
[Gen. 24:30]
Earring and bracelets — Symbolic of spiritual blessings. R5187:6
[Gen. 24:35]
Blessed my master — The great riches of God are illustrated in Abraham. SM204:3
[Gen. 24:47]
Milcah bare unto him — Children are of the father, by the mother, as illustrated in the human birth of Christ. E99
[Gen. 24:51]
Take her, and go — The acceptance of the call to be of the Bride of Christ could not be possible if it were with hesitancy: it must be prompt and hearty. R3953:3
[Gen. 24:53]
Jewels of sliver — Symbolizing truths. R1386:5
Jewels of gold — Symbolizing additional treasures of the holy Spirit which we receive after our betrothal to Christ. R3953:3, R4516:3, R5188:2; SM206:2
And raiment — Symbolizing the Church's newness of life and relationship to the Father and the Son whose call she has accepted. R1386:5
Gave also — Showing that others of the household of faith receive spiritual blessings through the betrothed class. R1386:5
Brother and to her mother — Typifying the sympathizing ones of the household of faith, justified but not fully sanctified. R1386:5
[Gen. 24:54]
In the morning — This day and the day previous represent the two thousand-year days in which the Bride of Christ receives the call. R2310:4
[Gen. 24:58]
Rebekah — Type of those who become members of the Bride, the Lamb's wife. R5188:2
[Gen. 24:60]
Be thou the mother — The Bride will become the mother of thousands of millions of humanity. R5188:5; SM207:1; PD27/38
[Gen. 24:61]
Rebekah arose — Typifying the personal consecration of each one who, led of the spirit, accepts the invitation to joint-heirship with Christ. SM206:2
And her damsels — Maids, representing the Great Company. Q584:6; SM205:1,3; F171
Upon the camels — Representing the Scriptures, by which the faithful are borne along. R5188:4
Followed the man — Representing our individual experiences as we follow the guidance of the holy Spirit; and also the experiences of the Church as a whole, covering the past 18 centuries. R3953:3; PD23/34
[Gen. 24:62]
And Isaac came — Typifying the second advent of Christ. R3953:3
Lahai-roi — The place where Hagar talked with the Lord without seeing him; thus teaching that at the second advent Christ will be invisible to the natural eye. R161:6
[Gen. 24:63]
In the field — "The field is the world." (Matt. 13:38) R1387:6
[Gen. 24:65]
Unto the servant — Typifying the spirit of the truth. R1387:6
She took a vail — Representing the passing of the Church beyond the vail. R3953:3
In the resurrection the Church will no longer need the guidance of the holy Spirit through the Scriptures. SM206:3
[Gen. 24:67]
Isaac brought her — Typifies Christ receiving the Church at the end of her journey. R4371:6; Q169:5
His mother Sarah — Type of the Abrahamic covenant. F170
Rebekah — Type of the Bride of Christ. OV320:5; R4387:1
Grand-daughter of Milcah. and great grand-daughter of Haran, Abraham's brother. R5177:6
Became his wife — Sarah had died; Rebekah became her successor. So, the glorified Church will replace the Sarah covenant as a channel of blessing. SM207:1
Isaac had but one wife; Christ has but one Bride. R3953:3
The figure of Isaac and Rebekah as types of Christ and the Church ends here where the twain are made one. R1388:3
[Gen. 25:1]
Took a wife — Not, however, as taking the full place of Sarah as his joint-heir. R4440:2
Keturah did not become a wife, or covenant, until after Isaac's marriage, which typified the marriage between Christ and the Church. R4309:5
After Isaac's marriage Abraham took Keturah to wife, thus illustrating the New covenant. R283:5
Name was Keturah — Means increase, or sweet. R4371:6
Type of the New covenant of restitution. E106; R5178:3; Q196:5
[Gen. 25:4]
Children of Keturah — Type of the restitution class of the Millennium. R4309:5
[Gen. 25:5]
And Abraham — Type of Jehovah. F170; OV320:5
At his death, at age 175, one hundred years after the covenant was made, hence 1945 BC, hence 3826 years back from AD 1881, corresponding to the 3826 pyramid inches back from the lower terminus of the "well" to the entrance of the pyramid. C367
Gave all that he had unto Isaac — Type of The Christ, who was thus in position to bless Ishmael, type of natural Israel, and the many sons of Keturah, typical of the world in general. C367; R5300:1, R5178:3
[Gen. 25:8]
Gathered to his people — He went to the same place they were, sheol, the tomb, the death state. R5611:5
[Gen. 25:23]
Serve the younger — This promise was treasured up by Rebekah and doubtless communicated to Jacob. R1624:3
[Gen. 25:24]
There were twins — Representing that the Jewish and Gospel dispensations should be of equal length. R1624:6
[Gen. 25:26]
Threescore years — 85 years after the Abrahamic covenant. B231
[Gen. 25:27]
A man of the field — Esau was full of vigor, athletic, a hunter. R5198:2
Dwelling In tents — Jacob was a home keeper. R5198:2
[Gen. 25:30]
And Esau — Type of natural Israel and Christendom. D14; F172
Said to Jacob — Type of the New Creation. F172
Same red pottage — Type of earthly good things. F172; R5198:5
Presumably the occasion was a celebration of the birthday of their grandfather Abraham. R4722:1
It is the custom amongst the Arabs that the elder son shall recognize by fast the birth date of a celebrated ancestor. For him to partake of the feast on such an occasion would mean the renouncement of his birthright to the next one in succession. R4722:1
[Gen. 25:32]
And what profit — He only regarded so much of it as pertained to this present life. R1624:3; PD28/41
This birthright — Type of the heavenly blessings promised the Church. F172
[Gen. 25:33]
Sold his birthright — Showing that he placed very small valuation upon it. R1624 R5198:3
Unto Jacob — Who thus came lawfully into possession of it. R1624:3, R4722:4
[Gen. 25:34]
Pottage — The enjoyment of the fleeting pleasures of the present life, for which some Christians barter their glorious inheritance and lose the great prize. R5452:1, R4871:4
[Gen. 26:1]
And Isaac — A man of commonplace experiences; as are most of the Lord's people. R3952:3
[Gen. 26:2]
And said — Confirming the original covenant with Abraham. B45
[Gen. 26:3]
Will perform the oath — The making of this covenant implied a fellowship between God and Abraham on the basis of his faith-justification. R4574:1
[Gen. 26:4]
Stars of heaven — The heavenly seed, mentioned exclusively to Isaac, because he himself typified that seed. R3965:2
All the nations — Not only Israel, but, through Israel "all the families of the earth." A58
Some of these nations have perished from the earth but the Scriptures assure us of an awakening of all the sleeping Billions of earth's population. HG434:2
Be blessed — See comments on Gen. 12:3.
[Gen. 26:16]
Go from us — The Russians are using the very words of this verse to the Jews in their midst today (1907). R3953:5
[Gen. 26:22]
Removed from thence — Rather than have strife. "Blessed are the peacemakers." (Matt. 5:9) R3953:5
For now the LORD — Isaac did not forget the source of his blessings. R3954:1
[Gen. 26:24]
Abraham thy father — I still recognize him. He still has a place in my arrangements and purposes. R2860:6
Fear not — Do not be afraid that your course of peace will lead to further injuries at the hands of the Philistines. R3954:1
I am with thee — I approve your faith and submission. R2860:6
Abraham's sake — In harmony with the covenant made with him. R2860:6
[Gen. 26:35]
A grief of mind — Ruach, spirit. E174
[Gen. 27:4]
May bless thee — The line of descent of the covenant favor was hinted to Rebekah in the promise that the elder should serve the younger. (Gen. 25:23) R1624:3
Jacob had a perfect right to appear as Esau, name and all. R1624:5
Esau was dishonest in attempting to take the blessing which he had forfeited, and that with an oath. R4722:4
Esau should have explained to Isaac that he had sold the blessing to Jacob. R1624:3
[Gen. 27:8]
Obey my voice — Jacob's mother concluded that Jacob, having purchased the birthright, might properly impersonate Esau. PD28/41
[Gen. 27:19]
I am Esau — Esau, in selling his birthright actually made Jacob his attorney to hold and exercise Esau's rights. R1624:5
[Gen. 27:23]
He blessed him — To the saintly few, represented by Jacob, the obtaining of this life-right means self sacrifice, the loss of earthly favors. R5198:6
[Gen. 27:29]
Nations bow down — Shaw-kaw, worship. It is proper to reverence those in harmony with Jehovah. E73
[Gen. 27:36]
Birthright — Much more than earthly possessions, it included the inheritance of certain great divine promises. R5198:1
No one can sell a birthright until he has a birthright, been spirit-begotten. R5198:6
Blessing — Instead of a written will. R5198:1
[Gen. 27:41]
And Esau — Type of natural Israel and Christendom. D14; F172
Hated Jacob — Type of the New Creation. F172
[Gen. 28:10]
Jacob — A Patriarch, neither Jew nor Christian. R5199:3 Practically a fugitive on account of his faith in the Abrahamic covenant. R3964:6
[Gen. 28:11]
Took of the stones — Following the custom of many in Palestine today. R5199:1
[Gen. 28:12]
Behold a ladder — The Lord Jesus, the connecting link between heaven and earth. R3483:6, R3965:1
"Hereafter ye shall see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man." (John 1:51). D629
The re-establishment of peace and fellowship between heaven and earth. PD28/41; R5199:6
Communication between heaven and earth- the Messianic Kingdom. R5200:4
Behold the angels — Messengers of God, the "princes" of the new dispensation, including Jacob himself. D629
[Gen. 28:13]
LORD stood above it — "All things are of the Father and by the Son." (1 Cor. 8:6). F3965:1
To thee — God recognized Jacob as the legal heir of the Abrahamic promise. R5199:2
[Gen. 28:14]
Dust of the earth — The earthly seed, mentioned exclusively to Jacob, to whom Paul refers as a representative of natural Israel. R3965:3
One who receives such unqualified divine approval as did Jacob, ought never to be spoken of lightly. R2863:6
In thy seed shall — First through the "Isaac" seed, the New Creation; and secondly through the Ancient Worthies, developed in the ages preceding this age. Q196:2
All the families — Including the ante-diluvians. HG727:5
Be blessed — See comments on Gen. 12:3.
[Gen. 28:15]
Into this land — A prophecy of the regathering of fleshly Israel to Palestine. R1630:2
Not leave thee — God has not let go of fleshly Israel from that time to this. R3965:4
[Gen. 28:16]
And he said — Being content with the loss of all things since he was acknowledged of God as heir of the promise. R3965:2
[Gen. 28:17]
The gate of heaven — "Wherever two or three are met" (Matt. 18:20) in the Lord's name, there the "ladder" still touches the earth. R3965:5
The great Temple of God, composed of living stones, will be the gate of heaven, through which will come to mankind all of the things promised. R5200:1
[Gen. 28:18]
And set it up — It is now our privilege to set up the memorials of baptism and commemoration of the Passover. R3966:4
A pillar — A monument. R5200:4
Poured oil — Signifying its sacredness to God. R5200:4
[Gen. 28:19]
Beth-el — The house of God. R3966:4, R5200:1
[Gen. 28:20]
If God — Since God, or, inasmuch as God. R1630:4
Bread to eat — Jacob did not wish for more than mere necessities and we should have the same disposition. R1630:4
[Gen. 28:22]
The tenth unto thee — The consecration on Jacob's part was voluntary; not of constraint, but of love and gratitude. R1630:4
We, of the New Creation, gladly covenant to give all that we have, but we are fortunate if we are able to give directly to the Lord one-tenth of our time and means and other talents. R3966:4
[Gen. 29:20]
For the love he had — Our love to God and his people should be such as to cause our life's service to him and this to seem but a moment. R31:2
[Gen. 29:30]
Loved also Rachel — Type of Gospel Church. R184:3
More than Leah — Type of fleshly Israel. R184:3
Seven other years — Typifying that the Gospel age would be equal in length to the Jewish age. R184:3
[Gen. 30:8]
Great wrestlings — Elohim, god, mighty, a name applied to Jehovah. E69
[Gen. 31:24]
Either good or bad — From good to bad. R2865:1
[Gen. 31:29]
It is in the power — El, might, a name applied to Jehovah. E69
[Gen. 32:1]
And Jacob — Being at this time 97 years old and having been absent 40 years. R1634:3
[Gen. 32:7]
Afraid and distressed — Representing the present fears of the Jewish people as they near the time of their restoration. R3970:3
[Gen. 32:9]
And Jacob said — The first recorded prayer in the Bible; a perfect prayer as measured by the standard of the Lord's prayer, and following the same general lines of adoration to the Almighty, humiliation in his presence, petition for divine care and protection, and repetition of the divine promises as the ground for faith and hope. R3969:2
[Gen. 32:10]
I am not worthy — An excellent example of earnest, persevering prayer. R5481:1
With my staff — Without other possessions. R3969:3, R5481:1
Over this Jordan — When fleeing from home. R2864:3, R5481:1
Became two bands — Referring to his large possessions of herds, etc., which he had divided into two bands. R3969:3, R5481:1
[Gen. 32:11]
The hand of Esau — Type of natural Israel and Christendom. D15; F172
[Gen. 32:13]
And took of that — Jacob was not content merely to pray, but labored also to set his affairs in the best possible order for the difficulties ahead. R3969:6
A present for Esau — Despite the fact that he had previously abandoned to him all the immense wealth of Isaac, which was his by birthright. We should not be sticklers for full justice and the last penny in earthly matters. R2865:4
[Gen. 32:24]
And Jacob — Type of his faithful ones, the New Creation. F172
Was left alone — To continue his prayer. The account which follows fitly represents our Lord's experiences in the garden of Gethsemane. Our Lord agonized for long hours and finally got the blessing. R3970:1
Wrestled — Permitting Jacob to get into an earnest attitude. We need not wrestle with God, we already have his special blessing. R5835:6
A man with him — An angel in human form. R3969:6
[Gen. 32:25]
Of his thigh — Probably the sciatic nerve. R2866:5
Was out of joint — Probably remained so the balance of his life as a reminder that he owed everything he possessed to the Lord's blessing. R2866:5
Wrestled with him — The blessing being withheld until he should more and more feel the need of it and struggle to obtain it. R3970:1
God would have us thus "strive to enter in." (Luke 13:24) R1634:5
[Gen. 32:26]
Will not let thee go — Representing the Jewish people when the Lord shall shortly "pour out upon them the spirit of prayer and supplication." (Zech. 12:10) R3970:3
"Men ought always to pray and not to faint." (Luke 18:1) R2865:6
Thou bless me — Similarly our prayers should be for the Lord's blessing, not for temporal prosperity. R2865:6
Jacob was full of faith in the power of God and in his promise to protect him and make of him a great nation. R5481:2
[Gen. 32:28]
But Israel — Meaning "Mighty with God," or "A prince with God." R5481:4, R5832:3, R2866:2;OV66:1
[Gen. 32:29]
After my name — The angel seemingly had no desire to flaunt his own name and have it handed down to posterity. He desired the praise to be given to God. R3970:6
Blessed him there — The darkest seasons of Jacob's life were the special occasions for the manifestations of divine favor. R1635:1
[Gen. 32:30]
Peniel — Meaning "The face of God." R5481:5
[Gen. 33:8]
To find grace — So we should be willing to give to others a larger share of earth's good things to forward the Lord's cause. R5206:3
[Gen. 33:10]
My present — A pledge of good faith between Jacob and Esau. R5205:6
[Gen. 34:31]
And they said — These same men shortly afterward, conspired to murder their own brother, showing that pride, not righteousness, was at the bottom of their slaughter of the Shechemites. R3972:2
[Gen. 35:1]
Said unto Jacob — Type of the New Creation. F172
The face of Esau — Type of natural Israel and Christendom. D15; F172
[Gen. 35:9]
And blessed him — Confirming the covenant originally made with Abraham. B45.
[Gen. 35:16]
Rachel — Typifying covenant of sacrifice; bringing forth two separate classes of saints typified by Joseph and Benjamin. R5231:3
See comments on Gen. 29:30.
[Gen. 35:18]
Her soul was in departing — It is the soul life or being that went out. HG205:1
For she died — Benjamin's mother died in giving him birth; so we expect the spiritual feature of the Abrahamic covenant to pass away entirely with the change of those who will constitute the "Great Company." R4437:1, R5231:5
Benjamin — Means "Son of my right hand" or "Son of my pain. " He was born in sorrow and travail, even as the Great Company will come up out of the great tribulation. R4437:1, R5231:5
[Gen. 35:20]
Rachel's grave — Qeburah, place of interment. E356
[Gen. 35:22]
Were twelve — Type of the twelve apostles. B246
[Gen. 35:24]
Rachel — Type of the Gospel Church, Zion. R184:3, R4454:1
Joseph — Type of The Christ. R184:5, R4436:6, R4454:1
Benjamin — Type of the Great Company, born after Zion's travail. (Isa. 66) R184:6 , R4436:6, R4454:1
[Gen. 36:1]
Esau, who Is Edom — Type of Christendom. D15
[Gen. 36:6]
And all the persons — Nephesh, souls, beings. E334
[Gen. 37:2]
Their evil report — It was proper that Joseph should thus inform his father of the misconduct of those in charge of his business. R3971:5
[Gen. 37:3]
Israel loved Joseph - Type of Jesus, the Heavenly Father's beloved Son. R3971:3
Of many colors — Perhaps of greater length than usually worn. R3971:3
Jacob probably considered that the fulfillment of the divine covenant would come in Joseph's line, as the eldest son of his beloved Rachel. R1639:3
[Gen. 37:5]
Dreamed a dream — There was a necessity for dreams then which does not exist now. R3971:6
[Gen. 37:10]
And he told it — His later experiences doubtless taught him to be more secretive—a lesson for us. (Matt. 7:6) R3971:5
Bow down ourselves — This was fulfilled later when Jacob and his family were presented to Joseph as ruler of Egypt. R2880:3
[Gen. 37:11]
Envied him — Typifying that Jesus was sold for silver and delivered for envy. R3971:4
[Gen. 37:18]
To slay him — Typifying that "He came to his own and his own received him not." (John 1:11) R2880:6
[Gen. 37:21]
Reuben heard it — As the instrument of Divine providence in Joseph's affairs. R2880:3,4
[Gen. 37:22]
And Reuben — Who really had more reason to be jealous of Joseph than any of the others, because he was the eldest son of Leah. R1639:3
[Gen. 37:24]
Into a pit — "We saw the anguish of his soul and we would not hear." (Gen. 42:21). R3972:5
[Gen. 37:28]
20 pieces of silver — Prefiguring the hatred and sale of Christ by his enemies—his brethren of the Jewish nation. R1645:5
Typifying the 30 pieces of silver for which Christ was sold; 30 pieces being the price of a slave, or 20 pieces if the slave was under 20 years of age, as in Joseph's case. R1645:5
[Gen. 37:35]
I will go — We may all know that bad men go to hell but how many of us know that the Ancient Worthies, Jacob and Hezekiah, fully expected to go there, and that faithful Job prayed to go there? HG556:3, HG734:5
Down into the grave — Sheol, state of death, oblivion, not torment. E355; PD29/41; SM521:1
[Gen. 38:1]
And It came to pass — The details of this chapter are given because the Messiah was to come of Judah's line. A43
[Gen. 39:1]
Joseph — Then 17 years of age. R2886:1
[Gen. 39:22]
Joseph — Then 27 years of age. R2886:4
[Gen. 40:1]
Butler — King's secretary or cup-bearer. R5216:3
[Gen. 40:8]
Belong to God — The secret of Joseph's greatness was that he trusted in God. R3974:1
[Gen. 40:13]
Lift up thine head — "He shall drink of the brook in the way; therefore shall he lift up the head." (Psa. 110:7) R2935:1
[Gen. 40:15]
Have I done nothing — Joseph did not ruin the happiness of Potiphar and his wife by telling the circumstances under which he was imprisoned. R3974:1
Into the dungeon — Hebrew, "Hole." "His feet they hurt with fetters; he was laid in irons." (Psa. 105:18) R3973:3
[Gen. 41:1]
Two full years — Representing the latter part of the fifth, all of the sixth, and the beginning of the seventh thousand—year day in which The Christ was in the prison-house of death. R2888:3
[Gen. 41:16]
It is not in me — "He that humbleth himself shall be exalted." (Luke 14:11) R3978:6
God shall give — "In all thy ways acknowledge him." (Prov. 3:6) R3978:6, R5216:6
[Gen. 41:29]
Of great plenty — Representing the grace and bounty of God in Christ laid up in the present time. R2075:2
[Gen. 41:30]
Years of famine — Representing the Millennial age, in which the world will come to hunger after righteousness and find none except that which The Christ, the antitype of Joseph, possesses and controls in the name of the great king.R2075:2
[Gen. 41:39]
Said unto Joseph — Joseph, the life-giver of Egypt, was unquestionably a type of the greater life-giver, The Christ, Head and Body. R4437:1
[Gen. 41:40]
Over my house — Over my kingdom. R3979:2
Only In the throne — Supreme authority and rulership. A92
[Gen. 41:41]
And Pharaoh — In this, a type of the Almighty Creator. R5231:3, R3979:4
Said unto Joseph — Type of Christ. R3979:6, R5231:3
Set thee over all — Typifying the raising up of Jesus out of the prisonhouse of death to be ruler of the universe, next to the Father. R5231:3, R3979:3
Joseph was now 30 years of age. R5216:5
[Gen. 41:42]
Took off his ring — Signet ring, representing Pharaoh's authority. R2888:2
[Gen. 41:43]
Bow the knee — "God hath highly exalted him, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow." (Phil. 2:9,10). R3979:4
[Gen. 41:45]
Zaphnath-paaneah — "Deliverer from death by the bread of life," typifying our Redeemer, who was the "bread that came down from heaven." (John 6:41). R3979:5, R2888:3
To wife Asenath — Meaning "Favored," a type of the Bride of Christ, R2888:5
[Gen. 41:49]
Without number — Typifying the abundant provision God has made for the bread of life for all who will receive it in his way. R3980:1
[Gen. 41:55]
All the Egyptians — Typifying the world of mankind. R2881:1
Go unto Joseph — Type of Christ. R2880:6
[Gen. 42:3]
Joseph's 10 brethren — Representing the Jewish people, who will very shortly be brought before the exalted Christ to receive the bread of life. R4437:1, R2881:1
[Gen. 42:38]
Sorrow to the grave — Sheol, state of death, oblivion, not torment. E355; PD30/42
[Gen. 43:34]
Benjamin — Type of the Great Company, the foolish virgins. R4437:1, R5232:5
Five times so much — A mark of special favor. R5231:3, R184:6
[Gen. 44:17]
Get you up in peace — This was a test on them. R5233:3
[Gen. 44:29]
Sorrow to the grave — Sheol, state of death, oblivion, not torment. E355
[Gen. 44:31]
Sorrow to the grave — Sheol, state of death, oblivion, not torment. E355
[Gen. 45:4]
And Joseph — Type of Christ. R3971:3; PD31/43
Unto his brethren — Typifying the Jewish rulers. R3971:3; PD31/43
[Gen. 45:5]
For God did send me — "In all thy ways acknowledge him." (Prov. 3:6) R2894:1
The way adopted was the natural course of events which God overruled and turned; so that without interfering with the wills of any, his will for good was carried out. R1271:2
To preserve life — What you intended as my destruction has been turned by the Lord into the means by which your lives are preserved. R1779:4
[Gen. 45:9]
Lord of all Egypt — Typifying that Christ is "Lord of all." R1645:6
[Gen. 45:10]
Land of Goshen — They were not invited to share his throne, nor will any of the earthly class during the Millennial age be invited to share the throne of Christ. R2894:5
[Gen. 45:16]
Joseph's brethren — Joseph, typifying Christ, was not ashamed to present his brethren before Pharaoh, typifying Jehovah. R1645:6
[Gen. 45:24]
Fall not out — The way planned for us by the Lord is a narrow and difficult way, full of adversities to the flesh and trials and tests to the spirit. R5235:5
Joseph was a keen observer of human nature: when prosperity comes, there are opportunities to quarrel, to feel more or less of envy and selfishness. R5235:4
[Gen. 45:27]
The spirit of Jacob — Ruach, vital or life-powers. E314
[Gen. 46:2]
And he said — Confirming the covenant made with Abraham. B45
[Gen. 46:3]
There make of thee — The last of the patriarchs. B213
A great nation — The twelve tribes of Israel. B213
A divine forestatement of the purpose to make them unusually prolific in their Egyptian home. R2900:3
[Gen. 46:26]
Out of his loins — Children are of the father and by the mother, as illustrated in Christ's human birth E100
[Gen. 47:7]
Jacob blessed Pharaoh — In the sense of asking the divine blessing upon him. R5240:3
[Gen. 47:23]
Then Joseph — Typifying The Christ. R3979:6
Said unto the people — Typifying the world of mankind in the Millennial age. R3980:1
I have bought you — The selling of themselves by the people typified the consecration of their all in order to gain the bread of life. R1645:6, R3980:1
It remains to be proven that a republican form government is in all respects best for humanity R2888:5
For Pharaoh — Typifying Jehovah. The surrender of all that we possess to a fellow-mortal would be very dangerous indeed, but Jehovah is the grand exception. R3980:1
[Gen. 47:28]
Was 147 years — 232 years after the Abrahamic covenant was made, or 198 years before the Exodus. B231
[Gen. 48:19]
Multitude of nations — Goyim, nominal Gentiles. C296
The birthright, with its "double portion" of the promised land, went to Ephraim and Manasseh, the sons of Joseph. R2124:5
[Gen. 49:4]
Thy father's bed — Thus forfeiting the chief blessing. R1635:5
[Gen. 49:6]
Their secret — Their scheming. HG558:1
[Gen. 49:10]
The sceptre — The right to rule, the title to all power. B85, B87
The ruling power went to Judah. R2124:5; CR41:2
Shall not — Although kingly power was taken away from them in the days of king Zedekiah, nevertheless the scepter of authority remained with them. HG428:3
Depart from Judah — Thus shown to be the ancestor of Christ. A42
Nor a lawgiver — The great Deliverer, Christ. B86
Between his feet — Loins. B86, HG48:3
Until Shiloh — The great peacemaker, "The Prince of Peace." B86
And unto him — At the expiration of the Times of the Gentiles. B87
God kept Israel together as a people until Christ came. R1373:2
[Gen. 49:22]
Run over the wall — The tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, Joseph's descendants, took up about one-half of the land of Canaan and in addition large branches or tracts of land "over the wall," or river of Jordan, on its east bank. R2124:6
[Gen. 49:23]
Sorely grieved him — Not a prophecy, but a reference to Joseph's past experiences. R2125:1
[Gen. 49:24]
From thence Is — By the name of. R2125:1
Stone — A supernatural power, heavenly, divine — the Messianic Kingdom. R3359:4
[Gen. 49:28]
Tribes of Israel — First so called after Jacob's death. A78; B213; HG54:3
[Gen. 50:5]
In my grave — Qeburah, place of interment. E356
[Gen. 50:17]
Unto Joseph — Type of Christ. R3979:6
Of thy brethren — Type of fleshly Israel. R3982:1
Now, we pray thee — Typifying the "spirit of prayer and supplication" (Zech. 12:10) to be poured out upon the Jews in the Millennial age. R3982:4
[Gen. 50:19]
The place of God — Is it for me to judge you? Joseph did not regulate the divine arrangements of justice. R5235:2, R3981:6
[Gen. 50:22]
110 years — 54 years after the death of Jacob. R2896:3
[Gen. 50:24]
Bring you out — The strength of Joseph centered in his knowledge of the divine promise made to Abraham. PD31/43
To Isaac — Confirmed to Isaac. B45
[Gen. 50:25]
Children of Israel — Typically, all who would ever become Abraham's seed. R4389:6
Will surely visit you — "By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel." (Heb. 11:22) R1646:5
[Gen. 50:26]
Embalmed him — An expression of his faith in God's promise-he wished to be buried with his people. Q596:5