Songs of Praise to YahMonday 1st October, 2018

Team D

Team D Bible Study Songs of PraiseDECLARE (Psalm 71:1-3,8,14-15,19,23)

MY MOUTH SHALL DECLARE THIS OPENLY

OF YOUR SALVATION ALL THE DAY

AND YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS FOR ALL TO SEE

I'M NOT ACQUAINTED WITH THEIR EVIL WAYS

LET MY MOUTH BE FILLED WITH PRAISE

THAT I MAY HYMN YOUR GLORY AND YOUR MAJESTY ALL

THE DAY (2X)

AND MY SOUL WHICH YOU HAVE REDEEMED

WITH MY LIPS SHALL REJOICE WHEN I SING UNTO THEE

(2X)

BUT I WILL HOPE CONTINUALLY

AND I WILL PRAISE THEE YET MORE AND MORE

YAHUAH,I HAVE HOPE IN THEE

LET ME NEVER BE

PUT TO SHAME

EVEN YOUR POWER AND YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS,O YAHUAH

UP TO THE HIGHEST HEAVENS

EVEN THE MIGHTY WORKS WHICH YOU AVE DONE

O YAHUAH,WHO IS LIKE UNTO THEE?

PROTECTOR, DEFENDER, STRONGHOLD TO SAVE ME

MY FORTRESS, MY REFUGE

DELIVER ME FROM ENEMIES

By Davene Michie October 1, 2018

Team D Bible Study Songs of PraiseYAHUAH REIGNS (Psalm 96:1,2,6,10-13)

SING TO YAHUAH A NEW SONGAND BLESS HIS NAME-SING TO YAHUAH ALL THE EARTH FROM DAY TO DAY-SAY AMONG ALL PEOPLE, YAHUAH REIGNSYAHUAH'S SALVATION TO PROCLAIM FROM DAY TO DAY

BEFORE HIM IS THANKSGIVINGBEFORE HIM BEAUTYIN HIS SANCTUARYARE HOLINESS AND MAJESTY

LET THE HEAVENS REJOICELET THE EARTH EXALTLET THE SEA BE MOVEDAND THE FULLNESS OF ITTHE PLAINS SHALL REJOICEAND ALL THINGS IN THEMTHEN ALL THE TREES OF THE WOODS SHALL EXALT

BEFORE THE PRESENCE OF YAHUAH (3x)OUR YAHUAH REIGNS(2x)

HE SHALL JUDGE THE EARTH AND THE PEOPLE WITH HIS TRUTHHE SHALL JUDGE THE EARTH AND THE PEOPLE IN RIGHTEOUSNESSFOR HE HAS ESTABLISHED THE WORLD SO IT SHALL NOT BE MOVED(2x)

By Davene Michie September 17,2018

Team D Bible Study Songs of PraiseLET EVERYTHING (psalm 150)

IN HIS HOLY PLACES, HALLELU-YAHPRAISE YAH IN THE FIRMAMENT -OF HIS POWER ,PRAISE YAHON ACCOUNT OF HIS MIGHTY ACTS, PRAISE YAHACCORDING TO HIS ABUNDANT GREATNESS

LET EVERYTHING,THAT HAS BREATH PRAISE YAHUAH. (2x)HALLELU,HALLELU-YAH. (4x)

WITH THE TIMBREL AND DANCE -HALLELU-YAH WITH THE ORGAN,HORN AND STRINGED INSTRUMENTSWITH THE CLANGING CYMBALS AND OF MELODY, PRAISE YAHWITH THE HARP AND THE PSALTERY

LET EVERYTHING THAT HAS BREATH PRAISE YAHUAH(2x)HALLELU,HALLELU-YAH (4x)

By Davene Michie June 11,2018

Team D Bible Study Songs of PraiseYAHUAH IS GOOD(Psalm 34:7,8,18)

I SAY HALLELU – YOU SAY HALLELU-YAH (4x)

THE ANGEL OF YAHUAH ENCAMPS AROUND ALL THOSE WHO

FEAR HIM-TASTE AND SEE THAT YAHUAH IS GOOD

(4x)

TASTE AND SEE THAT YAHUAH IS GOOD (TOV), YAHUAH IS

GOOD(TOV)

(2x)

BLESSED ARE THOSE (YOU) WHO TRUST IN HIM

(6x)

YAHUAH IS NEAR TO THOSE WHO HAVE A BROKEN HEART-

AND SAVES THOSE WHO HAVE A CONTRITE SPIRIT

(2x)

By Davene Michie April 9th, 2018

Team D Bible Study Songs of PraiseAS LONG AS I LIVE (Psalm 104:33,34,35b)

I WILL SING TO YAHUAH AS LONG AS I LIVE

AND SING PRAISE TO MY YAH WHILE I HAVE MY BEING. (2x)

MAY MY MEDITATION BE SWEET

MAY MY MEDITATION BE SWEET TO YOU

MAY MY MEDITATION BE SWEET

I WILL BE GLAD IN YAHUAH

BLESS YAHUAH, O MY SOUL

PRAISE YAHUAH, HALLELU-YAH. (2x)

By Davene Michie February 19th, 2018

Team D Bible Study Songs of PraiseYAHUAH's NAME SHALL BE GREAT (Malachi 1:11, Matthew 6:9-14)

FROM THE RISING. (From the rising)OF THE SUN. YAHUAH's NAME. (Yahuah's name)SHALL BE GREAT. (Shall be great)EVEN TO THE SETTING (Even to the setting)OF THE SUN. YAHUAH's NAME. (Yahuah's name)SHALL BE GREAT. (Shall be great)

INCENSE SHALL BE OFFERED. (Incense shall be offered)AND PURE OFFERINGS. YAHUAH's NAME. (Yahuah's name)SHALL BE GREAT. (Shall be great)THUS SAYS YAHUAH. (Thus say Yahuah)TSEVAOT. YAHUAH's NAME. (Yahuah's name)SHALL BE GREAT. (Shall be great)

MY FATHER IN HEAVEN, HALLOWED ME YOUR NAMEYOUR KINGDOM COME, YOUR WILL BE DONEON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN (on earth as it is in heaven,in heaven)

GIVE ME MY DAILY BREAD, AND FORGIVE ME OF MY SINSAS I FORGIVE THOSE WHO SINNED AGAINST MEAS I FORGIVE THOSE WHO SINNED AGAINST ME (against me)

HELP ME THROUGH TEMPTATION'S POWERFROM THE EVIL ONE,DELIVER MEFOR YOURS IS THE KINGDOM, AND THE POWERAND THE GLORY FOREVER (and the glory forever,amen)

By: Davene Michie, June 18,2018

Team D Bible Study Songs of PraiseLead Me (Psalm 25:4-6)

LEAD ME (Lead me)IN YOUR TRUTH (in Your truth)AND TEACH ME,FOR YOUMY AUTHORITY (my authority)MY SAVIOUR (my Saviour)I HAVE WAITED IN THEE, ALL THE DAYSHOW ME YOUR WAYS

O YAHUAH, TEACH ME YOUR PATHSO YAHUAH, REMEMBER YOUR COMPASSIONSAND YOUR MERCIES FROM EVERLASTINGLEAD ME(2x)

TO YOU, I HAVE LIFTED UP MY SOULTO YOU, I HAVE LIFTED UP MY SOULO YAHUAH, TO YOU, I HAVE LIFTED UP MY SOUL(2x)

By: Davene Michie September 10,2018

Team D Bible Study Songs of PraiseHANNAH's SONG (1 Samuel 2:1-10)

(Chorus)

MY HEART REJOICES IN YAHUAH

MY HORN IS EXALTED IN YAHUAH

I SMILE AT MY ENEMIES

BECAUSE I REJOICE IN YOUR YESHUA(SALVATION)

NO ONE IS HOLY LIKE YAHUAH

FOR THERE IS NONE BESIDES YOU,YAHUAH

NOR IS THERE ANY-ROCK LIKE OUR YAH

Verse 1

THE FULL NEED BREAD AND THE HUNGRY ARE FULL

THE BARREN HAS SEVEN AND SHE WITH MANY IS WAK

THE BOWS OF THE MIGHTY ARE BROKEN

AND THOSE WHO STUMBLED HAVE STRENGTH

TALK NO MORE SO VERY PROUDLY

LET NO ARROGANCE COME FROM YOUR MOUTH

FOR YAH IS THE ELUAH OF KNOWLEDGE

BY HIM ACTIONS ARE WEIGHED OUT

(Chorus)

Verse 2

YAHUAH KILLS AND MAKES ALIVE

HE BRINGS DOWN TO THE GRAVE AND BRINGS UP

HE MAKES POOR AND MAKES RICH

YAH BRINGS LOW AND LIFTS UP

HE RAISES POOR FROM THE DUST

HE LIFTS THE BEGGAR FROM THE ASH HEAP

TO SET THEM AMONG THE PRINCES

AND MAKE THEM INHERIT THE THRONE OF GLORY

(Chorus)

Verse 3

HE WILL GUARD THE FEET OF HIS SAINTS

BUT THE WICKED SHALL BE SILENT IN DARKNESS

FOR BY STRENGTH NO MAN SHALL PREVAIL

YAH'S ADVERSARIES SHALL BE BROKEN IN PIECES

FROM HEAVEN HE'LL THUNDER AGAINST THEM

YAHUAH WILL JUDGE THE ENDS OF THE EARTH

HE WILL GIVE STRENGTH TO HIS KING

AND EXALT THE HORN OF HIS ANOINTED

(Chorus)

By Davene Michie April 16th, 2018

Bereshit/GenesisIn the Beginning

Chapter 16Monday 1st October, 2018

Welcome to the Team ‘D’ Bible Study Bereshit/Genesis Chapter 16

Wait on the YHWH: be of good courage

When conflict arises

Sources: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/can-a-marriage-thrive-with-unresolved-conflict_b_9424032

&

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/anxiety-zen/201709/marriages-come-and-go-high-conflict-divorce-is-forever

Waiting Patiently

Introduction

(Psa 39(40):1-17 Brenton) 1For the end, a Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the Lord; and he attended to me, and hearkened to my supplication. 2And he brought me up out of a pit of misery, and from miry clay: and he set my feet on a rock, and ordered my goings aright. 3And he put a new song into my mouth, even a hymn to our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall hope in the Lord. 4Blessed is the man whose hope is in the name of the Lord, and who has not regarded vanities and false frenzies. 5O Lord my God, thou hast multiplied thy wonderful works, and in thy thoughts there is none who shall be likened to thee: I declared and spoke of them: they exceeded number. 6Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not; but a body hast thou prepared me: whole-burnt-offering and sacrifice for sin thou didst not require. 7Then I said, Behold, I come: in the volume of the book it is written concerning me, 8I desired to do thy will, O my God, and thy law in the midst of mine heart. 9I have preached righteousness in the great congregation; lo! I will not refrain my lips; O Lord, thou knowest my righteousness. 10I have not hid thy truth within my heart, and I have declared thy salvation; I have not hid thy mercy and thy truth from the great congregation. 11But thou, Lord, remove not thy compassion far from me; thy mercy and thy truth have helped me continually. 12For innumerable evils have encompassed me; my transgressions have taken hold of me, and I could not see; they are multiplied more than the hairs of my head; and my heart has failed me. 13Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me; O Lord, draw nigh to help me. 14Let those that seek my soul, to destroy it, be ashamed and confounded together; let those that wish me evil be turned backward and put to shame. 15Let those that say to me, Aha, aha, quickly receive shame for their reward. 16Let all those that seek thee, O Lord, exult and rejoice in thee; and let them that love thy salvation say continually, The Lord be magnified. 17But I am poor and needy; the Lord will take care of me; thou art my helper, and my defender, O my God, delay not. (LXX)

Waiting Patiently

Introduction

Initially, this study was titled ‘The tail wagging the dog’, because of the role and influence that Sara had in this situation with her husband Abram. The title was a bit bothersome because there is a cultural element that both parties would have been familiar with, and they consented to the act. Also, Sara was not overpowering or having undue influence over Abram, but more a situation of putting the cart before the horse. When YHWH gives His word there is no time frame for it to be accomplished. He would execute His promises in it’s season, for His purpose. Hence the title of this study, and the reading of Psalm 39(40) from the Septuagint. Let us all be of good courage as we wait patiently for His salvation.

Bereshit/Genesis 16: 1-3

(Gen 16: 1-3 Koren Pub) 1Now Saray Avram's wife bore him no children: and she had a Miżrianhandmaid, whose name was Hagar. 2And Saray said to Avram, Behold now, the Lord has restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in to my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Avram hearkened to the voice of Saray. 3And Saray Avram's wife took Hagar, her maid, the Miżrian, after Avram had dwelt ten years in the land of Kena῾an, and gave her to her husband Avram for a wife. (Masoretic)

(Gen 16: 1-3 Brenton) 1And Sara the wife of Abram bore him no children; and she had an Egyptian maid, whose name was Agar. 2And Sara said to Abram, Behold, the Lord has restrained me from bearing, go therefore in to my maid, that I may get children for myself through her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sara. 3So Sara the wife of Abram having taken Agar the Egyptian her handmaid, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Chanaan, gave her to Abram her husband as a wife to him. (Septuagint)

הל ·ו ד איל םל ר תאב ש ריא ·וו ·ש יתו·ל ר צ המ ח פ ·הש מ ר׃·ש ג הה

ר ·ו אעצ נ ה־נ םה ר ל־אב יא ר רש אמ הוהמ·ת יי ת·נ ח פ ל־ש תב א־נאא ד ·ל מ המ נ ב יא םל ·נהו·יאול ר עאב מ ש י׃·י ר ולש ק

רה·ו ג ת־ה םא ר ת־אב ש יא ר חש ק ת·ת ח פ יתש ר צ יםל ·המ·מ נ רש ש ץע םב ·ק ר תאב ב נ עןו·ש ץכ ר ·א ת ןא ת ם·הל ·ת ר אב יש ה׃·ול ·הל·א ש א

Bereshit/Genesis 16: 1-3The need for a child (heir)

In our prior studies, it was mentioned about YHWH Elohim opening and closing the womb of the women associated with the patriarchs. Sara has no children, and Abram would have told her about the promises which include an heir. Sara getting ahead of YHWH, and Abram cosigning the request, took Hagar, Sara’s Egyptian maidservant, and she conceived.

In ancient eastern culture, conceiving children is as important as the air that we breathe:

• The two great imperatives in the ancient world were to get married and to have children. There were two reasons why having a family was considered so necessary. With no medicare, senior residences, or pension plan, people throughout the ancient world relied on their adult children to look after them in old age. Perhaps the Ancient Egyptian euphemism for an eldest son---the staff of old age---says it all. While most people died of injury or sickness long before they had a chance to grow old, many did live long enough to have to rely on others to care for them. Without at least one son to assist them the aged were in serious trouble. The second reason was the need in all pre-industrial societies for an increase in population. More people meant more workers. More workers meant greater wealth and a better chance of preventing conquest by aggressive neighbors. (http://www.womenintheancientworld.com/pregnancy%20and%20childbirth.htm)

Commentary

Bereshit/Genesis 16: 1-3The need for a child (heir)

A similar situation, but different circumstances, repeats itself with Jacob. Sara was now in her old age, so too Abram, and with the life expectancy diminishing, childbearing age is also decreasing. It is known that at a certain age, a woman can no longer produce eggs whereas a ‘healthy’ man can produce seed in his old age up to death. Abram was 75yrs when he heeded the call to leave his father’s house, and Sara would be about the same age or slightly younger. Both Abram and Sara are now in the land consistently for ten years which puts Abram's age at eighty-five. This is ten years after hearing the voice of YHWH Elohim, (intermittently most likely) and promises being made. In the typical fashion: 'let us help Elohim with his work', they took matters into their own hands. What can possibly come out of this?

Commentary

Bereshit/Genesis 16: 4-6

(Gen 16: 4-6 Koren Pub) 4And he went in to Hagar, and she conceived: and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes. 5And Saray said to Avram, My wrong be upon thee: I have given my maid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: the Lord judge between me and thee. 6But Avram said to Saray, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as it pleases thee. And when Saray dealt harshly with her, she fled from her face. (Masoretic)

(Gen 16: 4-6 Brenton) 4And he went in to Agar, and she conceived, and saw that she was with child, and her mistress was dishonoured before her. 5And Sara said to Abram, I am injured by thee; I gave my handmaid into thy bosom, and when I saw that she was with child, I was dishonoured before her. The Lord judge between me and thee. 6And Abram said to Sara, Behold thy handmaid is in thy hands, use her as it may seem good to thee. And Sara afflicted her, and she fled from her face. (Septuagint)

ל־·ו אא ב רי הרו·והג הו·ת ת ר יה אכ ר ·ת ת ר ב לג ק י·הב ·ת ינ ׃·ע ה

·ו ס םחמ ר ל־אב יא ר רש אמ י·ת ל ת·יע ח פ יש ת ת ינ כ נ יק·יב ·ךא הו·ךו·ח ת ר יה אכ ר לב ·ת ק ינ י·א ·ע ינ הב הו טי פ ש י י·ה·ו י ינ ך׃·ב

ת ·ו ח פ נ הש יה ר ל־ש םא ר ראב אמ ·יד ·ךב ·י י־ל ובב ·הה·ךעש י·ט ינ ·ךו·ע ענ יו·ת ר ש חמ·ה ר ב י·ת נ ׃·פ ה

Bereshit/Genesis 16: 4-6Commentary The other Rival

Wife or concubine? Hagar is now a rival in the tent of Abram to Sara. Hagar conceiving and having a potential heir to Abram may have made her ‘sashay’ around Sara a bit too much. Having an heir to a well established man is a big thing, as well as the ability to issue offspring. Also being a maid servant and pregnant with Abram’s child is a bolster to this woman’s ego.

Here, we have a transplant of the garden with Adam and Eve occurring with Abram and Sara in Abram’s tent. Sara conceiving a plan, ahead of YHWH Elohim, created discord in their house. Her statement to Abram is not to be dismissed. She held Abram accountable for the situation and he owned up to it not throwing accusations back at her, by reminding his wife that it was her plan to begin with. There are a few additional things happening here:

• Abram never elevated Hagar above Sara in his tent. He very likely may not have loved Hagar the way he loved his Sara. Abram and Sara thought it was expedient for them to produce an heir because of impatience on waiting for YHWH Elohim

• Sara’s actions towards Hagar may not have been right. Sara may have built up resentment in her heart which resulted in her actions towards the handmaid.

Bereshit/Genesis 16: 7-9

(Gen 16: 7-9 Koren Pub) 7And an angel of the Lord found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain on the way to Shur. 8And he said, Hagar, Saray's maid, whence camest thou? and whither wilt thou go? And she said, I flee from the face of my mistress Saray. 9And the angel of the Lord said to her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself to her hands. (Masoretic)

(Gen 16: 7-9 Brenton) 7And an angel of the Lord found her by the fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Sur. 8And the angel of the Lord said to her, Agar, Sara's maid, whence comest thou, and wither goest thou? and she said, I am fleeing from the face of my mistress Sara. 9And the angel of the Lord said to her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands. (Septuagint)

א·ו צ מ ךה·י יןהמלא הו העל־ע םב· י י רעל־ה·מ ב ד ןב ·מ י ור׃·ע ךש ר ד

י־מ·ו יא ר תש ח פ רש ג רה אתו ·י אמ הב יו·ז כ ל נהת רמ·א אמ ת·ת ר ב יג ר יש נ חת׃·פ ר יב כ נ יא

רל·ו אמ ·י ת ר ב ל־ג יא וב הש הו ךי א י·ךו ·המל חתיד ית ענ ת ׃·ה ה

Bereshit/Genesis 16: 7-9Commentary Taking flight

This brings us to the meaning of her handmaid’s name:

• Hagar(הגר)(1904) - flight: she took flight in order to escape the circumstances of an ill-conceived plan. Hagar is not innocent in this situation either. Understanding the sensitivities of the situation, she could have conducted herself differently.

YHWH Elohim sent one of his angels to Hagar. Who or what is an angel? The hebrewword for angel is malach ך) and it means a messenger. Depending on the (4397)(מלאcontext it can be a earthly messenger, a heavenly sent messenger, or ‘The Angel of YHWH’.

Bereshit/Genesis 16: 7-9Commentary

Taking flightThe Angel of YHWH is one of the many agents that YHWH Elohim uses to establish his will. In the

situation with Hagar, this is not that agent for one simple fact:

• This messenger is introduced with the ‘indefinite article ‘an’’

– ‘And an angel of the Lord’

– This can be any angel/malach sent on this mission to intercept Hagar who has taken flight from

Abram’s tent

– After the introduction of this angel/malach, the narrative switched to the definite article, ‘the’, to

specify who is speaking to Hagar.

The specific ‘Angel of YHWH’ is mentioned in scripture:

• Psa 34:7 Brenton (7) The angel of the Lord will encamp round about them that fear him, and will

deliver them.

• 2Sa 24:16 Brenton (16) And the angel of the Lord stretched out his hand against Jerusalem to destroy

it, and the Lord repented of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the people, It is enough

now, withhold thine hand. And the angel of the Lord was by the threshing-floor of Orna the Jebusite.

• Exo 23:20 Brenton (20) And, behold, I send my angel before thy face, that he may keep thee in the

way, that he may bring thee into the land which I have prepared for thee. (21) Take heed to thyself

and hearken to him, and disobey him not; for he will not give way to thee, for my name is on him.

• The book of Malachi means ‘My Messenger’.

Bereshit/Genesis 16: 10-12

(Gen 16: 10-12 Koren Pub) 10And the angel of the Lord said to her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude. 11And the angel of the Lord said to her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Yishma᾽el; because the Lord has heard thy affliction. 12And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren. (Masoretic)

(Gen 16: 10-12 Brenton) 10And the angel of the Lord said to her, I will surely multiply thy seed, and it shall not be numbered for multitude. 11And the angel of the Lord said to her, Behold thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ismael, for the Lord hath hearkened to thy humiliation. 12He shall be a wild man, his hands against all, and the hands of all against him, and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren. (Septuagint)

רל·ו אמ ·י ע ת־זר הא ב האר ב ההר הו ךי א רמ ·ךו ·המל פ ס אי ב׃·ל ר

רל·ו אמ ·י נ הה הו ךי א הו ·המל ר ןו ·ךה ב ת ד ל מ·י אתש ר אלו·ק ישמע י נ ל־ע הא הו עי מ י־ש ך׃·כ

יה·ו ה ואי ראה םפ אד ל·בו·יד לב ·ו כ י·וו ·ידכ ח ל־א יכ נ ן׃·על־פ כ ש וי

Bereshit/Genesis 16: 10-12

The multiplication of Hagar’s Seed

The Angel of YHWH is having a conservation with Hagar the runaway. The angel tell Hagarthat ‘he’ would multiply her seed. Is the angel speaking on behalf of YHWH or with someauthority acting on his own behalf? The typical view is that God is taking the form of anangel which we would call ‘theophany’ solution:

Theophany (from Ancient Greek (ἡ) θεοφάνεια theophaneia, meaning "appearance of god") isthe appearance of a deity to a human.

This term has been used to refer to appearances of the gods in the ancient Greek and NearEastern religions. While the Iliad is the earliest source for descriptions of theophanies in theClassical tradition/era (and they occur throughout Greek mythology), probably the earliestdescription of a theophany is in the Epic of Gilgamesh.[5]

The term theophany has acquired a specific usage for Christians and Jews with respect to theBible: It refers to the manifestation of the Abrahamic God to people; the sensible sign bywhich his presence is revealed. Only a small number of theophanies are found in the HebrewBible, also known as the Old Testament.

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theophany)

Commentary

Bereshit/Genesis 16: 10-12

The multiplication of Hagar’s Seed (‘theophany’)

What does Genesis 16:10 mean?

The angel of the Lord found Hagar at a spring along the road, possibly on her way back toher homeland in Egypt. She was fleeing from the harsh mistreatment by her mistress Sarai,and she was pregnant with Abram's first child (Genesis 16:6). Sarai's abuse came in responseto Hagar's contempt for Sarai, which itself was caused by Hagar immediately conceiving achild for Abram, when Sarai had been barren for decades. Abram allows Sarai to assert herownership over Hagar, and as a result, Hagar runs away.

After telling Hagar to return and submit to Sarai, the angel of the Lord now makes a familiarpromise to this slave girl. It's familiar because it's the same promise the Lord made to Abramhimself multiple times over the last few chapters. Specifically, that He—this angel of theLord—will multiply Hagar's offspring so that they become uncountable. Of course, only theLord Himself could likely make such a promise. This is a primary reason most scholarspresume this "angel of Yahweh" to be a theophany, the Lord Himself in a physical form.

All the same, this child is not the promised heir for Abram and he will not inherit theblessings which God has guaranteed for Abram's descendants. In the following verses, thispromise is followed by a prophecy explaining that the future is not entirely good news forHagar and her unborn son, Ishmael.

Commentary

Bereshit/Genesis 16: 10-12

The multiplication of Hagar’s Seed (‘theophany’)

What does Genesis 16:10 mean? (Continued)

All the same, this child is not the promised heir for Abram and he will not inherit theblessings which God has guaranteed for Abram's descendants. In the following verses, thispromise is followed by a prophecy explaining that the future is not entirely good news forHagar and her unborn son, Ishmael.

(https://www.bibleref.com/Genesis/16/Genesis-16-10.html)

Commentary

Bereshit/Genesis 16: 10-12

The multiplication of Hagar’s Seed (‘theophany’)

Hagar and IshmaelBy, Whitney Hopler, Updated August 18, 2018

The Bible and Torah record two separate accounts in the Book of Genesis of how an enslavedwoman named Hagar meets the Angel of the Lord as she is wandering through a desertfeeling hopeless. The angel—who is God himself appearing in angelic form—provides thehope and help that Hagar needs both times (and the second time, the Angel of the Lordalso helps Hagar's son, Ishmael):

The book of Genesis records that Hagar encounters the Angel of the Lord twice: once inchapter 16 and once in chapter 21. The first time, Hagar runs away from Abraham andSarah's household because of Sarah's cruel mistreatment of her, sparked by jealousy over thefact that Hagar had been able to conceive a child with Abraham but Sarah (then known asSarai) hadn't. Ironically, it was Sarai's idea for Abraham to resort to sleeping with Hagar (theirenslaved maid) rather than trust God to provide the son he'd promised they would eventuallyconceive.

(https://www.thoughtco.com/angel-helping-hagar-and-ishmael-124034)

Commentary

Bereshit/Genesis 16: 10-12

The multiplication of Hagar’s Seed

There are a few issues with theophany and it is quite simple:

• YHWH Elohim is lowering his AUTHORITY to appear in the form of an angel/malach to connect with Hagar. He could have done the same with her as he did with Abram. YHWH Elohim nature does not change:

What does it mean that God is immutable? How can we understand that God’s nature is unchanging since every other created thing changes?What Immutability MeansImagine that I am on the couch and I want to mute the sound on my TV but there are no batteries in the remote control. It is impossible for me to mute the TV’s sound with a remote control that has no batteries. That gives us an idea, although it is a poor example, of how it is impossible to mute God’s purpose. We are human and to try and mute what God says in His Word or to thwart the divine will, plans, and purposes of God is a task that is destined to fail. Just as no human can prevent the sun from rising, no human effort can stop what God has planned or is doing at present. God is immutable and that is what the Word of God says as we shall later read about.God Cannot ChangeGod has no need to change for He is complete and perfect in Himself and has no need of anything. The Covenantal name that He gave to Moses to tell the people of Israel just Who God was is this: I AM that I AM or I AM the self-existent One. (https://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/gods-unchanging-nature-the-immutability-of-god/#ixzz5SPzslXUA)

Commentary

Bereshit/Genesis 16: 10-12

The multiplication of Hagar’s Seed

There are a few issues with theophany and it is quite simple:

• King Solomon when he dedicated the temple made bold statements about YHWH Elohim:

– (1Ki 8:27 Brenton) 27But will God indeed dwell with men upon the earth? if the heaven and heaven of heavens will not suffice thee, how much less even this house which I have built to thy name?

– (1Ki 8:27 Koren Pub) 27For will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain Thee; how much less this house that I have built?

YHWH Elohim does not have to change his nature in order to execute His will. The angel/malach is instructing Hagar and informs her that YHWH has heard her affliction. Hence this angel/malach giving the unborn child the name Yishma᾽el/Ishmael[God will hear](אל The question is weather this angel/malach .(3458)(ישמע has, or had, the authority to state to Hagar that he would multiply her seed. Or, better yet, is this angel/malach acting outside the will of YHWH Elohim. Let us keep in mind that the seed of promise comes first in succession. Also, Ishmael seed is of the lineage of Abram and Ishmael’s seed would fold in to the promise YHWH Elohim made to Abram. Additionally, she is told that her son shall be ‘a wild man(Adam/ם רא) ’The word used to describe his wildness is ‘pere .(אד which is a wild ,(6501)(פdonkey. It is not easy to tame or control a wild donkey, hence Ishmael’s seed is going to be at odds with everyone. The stage has been set for him.

Commentary

Bereshit/Genesis 16: 13-16

(Gen 16: 13-16 Koren Pub) 13And she called the name of the Lord that spoke to her, Thou God seest me: for she said, 14Have I also here looked after Him that sees me? Therefore the well was called Be᾽er-laĥay-ro᾽i; behold, it is between Qadesh and Bered. 15And Hagar bore Avram a son: and Avram called his son's name, whom Hagar bore, Yishma᾽el. 16And Avram was eighty six years old, when Hagar bore Yishma᾽el to Avram. (Masoretic)

(Gen 16: 13-16 Brenton) 13And she called the name of the Lord God who spoke to her, Thou art God who seest me; for she said, For I have openly seen him that appeared to me. 14Therefore she called the well, The well of him whom I have openly seen; behold it is between Cades and Barad. 15And Agar bore a son to Abram; and Abram called the name of his son which Agar bore to him, Ismael. 16And Abram was eighty-six years old, when Agar bore Ismael to Abram. (Septuagint)

א·ו ר ק ם־יהוההת ר·ש ב יד ל ה·א את יה לרא ההא ר מ יא ·כ א יר יאחר ית א םר י׃·גםהל

אל ר ןק ר·על־כ א יב א יר רלח שובא ד ין־ק הב נ ד׃·ה ר יןב ב

ג רל ·ו דה ל ןו·ת םב ר נ ·אב ם־ב םש ר אאב ר ק אל׃·י ע מ ש רי ג הה ד ר־יל ואש

הו ·ו נ יםש נ מ ן־ש םב ר יםב ·אב נ שש אלל ·ש ע מ ש ת־י רא ג ת־ה ד ם׃·ל ר אב

Bereshit/Genesis 16: 13-16The Name, the well and the sonA lot is happening with Hagar at this moment. For starters, an Angel of YHWH appears to her and not YHWH Elohim

Himself. There is an order of things in YHWH Elohim kingdom. Because YHWH Elohim was building a relationship with

Abraham, He spoke directly with him just as in the same manner YHWH Elohim spoke with Moses:

• Exo 33:10-11 Brenton (10) And all the people saw the pillar of the cloud standing by the door of the tabernacle, and

all the people stood and worshipped every one at the door of his tent. (11) And the Lord spoke to Moses face to

face, as if one should speak to his friend; and he retired into the camp: but his servant Joshua the son of Naue, a

young man, departed not forth from the tabernacle. (LXX)

Hagar did not have this relationship, and she ran away from the tent of Abram. Further, she was carrying the son of

Abram in her womb which encapsulates that child into the promise made to Abram about his seed. Therefore, the Angel

of YHWH appearing and talking with her was with the sanctioning of YHWH Elohim Himself.

As an Egyptian, Hagar would have been familiar with the gods of that realm. Recognizing who she was speaking with

(Other Worldly) it would not have been uncommon to attribute a name to the entity. Hence her saying, “Thou art God

who seest me; for she said, For I have openly seen him that appeared to me.”:

• י) לרא (410 ,7210)(א

The well bears the name “Be᾽er-laĥay-ro᾽i” as a memorial of the event that occurred at that location. Hagar heeded the

voice of the Angel of YHWH and returned to the tent of Abram. She gave birth, and the name that the Angel of YHWH

had spoken to her is bestowed upon him. Abram is now 86 years which puts him and his household in the land eleven

years

Commentary

Bereshit/Genesis 16: 1-16(Psa 26 (27):1-14 Brenton)1A Psalm of David, before he was anointed. The Lord is my light and my Saviour; whom shall I fear? the Lor

d is the defender of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 2When evil-doers drew nigh against me to eat up my

flesh, my persecutors and mine enemies, they fainted and fell. 3Though an army should set itself in array ag

ainst me, my heart shall not be afraid: though war should rise up against me, in this am I confident. 4One t

hing have I asked of the Lord, this will I earnestly seek: that I should dwell in the house of the Lord, all the

days of my life, that I should behold the fair beauty of the Lord, and survey his temple. 5For in the day of mi

ne afflictions he hid me in his tabernacle: he sheltered me in the secret of his tabernacle; he set me up on

a rock. 6And now, behold, he has lifted up mine head over mine enemies: I went round and offered in his ta

bernacle the sacrifice of joy; I will sing even sing psalms to the Lord. 7Hear, O Lord, my voice which I have u

ttered aloud: pity me, and hearken to me. 8My heart said to thee, I have diligently sought thy face: thy face

, O Lord, I will seek. 9Turn not thy face away from me, turn not thou away from thy servant in anger: be tho

u my helper, forsake me not; and, O God my Saviour, overlook me not. 10For my father and my mother have

forsaken me, but the Lord has taken me to himself. 11Teach me, O Lord, in thy way, and guide me in a right

path, because of mine enemies. 12Deliver me not over to the desire of them that afflict me; for unjust witn

esses have risen up against me, and injustice has lied within herself. 13I believe that I shall see the goodness

of the Lord in the land of the living. 14Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and let thy heart be

strengthened: yea wait on the Lord. (LXX)

Commentary

Questions & Comments

Bereshit/Genesis 16: 1-16

Wait on the YHWH: be of good courage

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