The stories of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and their families have played an important part of Western culture. Most of you have heard at least some of these stories, but a bit of review might be useful. Please read through two or three of the stories in Genesis 25-50. Explain how these stories might have helped Ancient Israel with ethical guidance or emotional fulfillment. Do you see anything here that shows how the people of Ancient Israel helped teach the world "new ways to dream"?
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Stories from Genesis (extra credit)
The stories of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and their families have played an important part of Western culture. Most of you have heard at least some of these stories, but a bit of review might be useful. Please read through two or three of the stories in Genesis 25-50. Explain how these stories might have helped Ancient Israel with ethical guidance or emotional fulfillment. Do you see anything here that shows how the people of Ancient Israel helped teach the world "new ways to dream"?
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I think the storey of Joseph could have given Isreal some emotional fulfillment. Much of this fulfillment can come from religion or seeing some one succeed, like Joseph did. He was sold as a slaves by his brothers, but worked his way up in Egypt to a high command. And I can see Israel teaching the world new ways to dream by the way Joseph reacted to his brothers when he saw them again. They left him for dead and didn't care about him, but he helped them out many years later. Its hard to say if the Assyrians or other groups would have done this.
ReplyDeleteAlex Droog
The Ancient Israelites would have been able to seek fulfillment through the writings in Genesis 26. The Lord had told Isaac where to go to grow food. During times of hardships and famines, I believe that Israelites would have looked to God because like Isaac, they would be able to thrive too. Something else to be learned, and a way that Israelites saw and dreamed of things was that you aren't to hate on others. In Genesis 29, Jacob was given Leah as a wife first, and then Rachel. As soon as Jacob had started to like Rachel more, Leah was able to conceive. This shows that even though you may not be treated as well, good things will still come your way through Christ.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the story of Jacob's dream in Genesis 28 gives a thought of hope. The dream shows the people that there is a God and he talks to us in many different forms. God tells him that he will always be watched over and his people will be treated right. This makes ethical guidance really simple, you will be watched for and cared for by God every day. Towards the end of the passage, he points out that he can step out in faith and God will watch over him. This is what I would call the new way to dream. People could dream of any journey they dream of and would always have God looking over them.
ReplyDelete-Zachary R Anderson