Dr. Heiser examines Genesis 29:31-30:24 and Genesis 35:16-20 in his lecture to show Bible students how more than just boring linkage can be found within genealogies [1]. The sons of Jacob, that become the different tribes of Israel, is the perfect standard linear genealogy to look deeper for connections that sometimes passed over by students of Scripture.
Basically, this genealogy list presents the idea of inequality when it shows different awards of inheritance of the Tribes dependent upon the mother of each. Check out the chart at http://biblestudydata.com/moodle/mod/resource/view.php?id=131 for a detailed breakdown of each mother and son and the bestowing of inheritance through Tribal divisions.
Though it is clear in both the awarding of inheritance, as well as stated firmly in Scripture, Rachel was Jacob’s favorite, with Joseph the favorite son. Joseph’s activities through serving with Pharaoh in Egypt, and eventually bringing his family together once again is a key point in Scripture that lends a great deal of shadows and symbols that progress through the rest of Scripture concerning this important time, place and person.
Many young students of the Bible conclude incorrectly that Jesus Christ must have surely come from the Tribe of Joseph. But, we see in Genesis 49:10 that Jacob chose Judah to be the bearer of the lineage of David, and eventually, of Christ. Reuben, Simeon, and Levi are disregarded for the most powerful lines of the generations. Reuben was denied because he was unstable and defiled his father’s bed. Simeon and Levi are denied because of their cruel anger. The first qualified son to have the required nature to support such a magnificent inheritance that would one day lead to the birth of Jesus Christ is Judah. And that fact, is important in the rest of Scripture, as the different Tribes of Israel connect with the rest of the world.
The casual reader of Scripture would assume that the favorite child of Jacob’s, Joseph, would be honored with that line. Dr. Heiser mentions the “family favoritism” at work in the blessings of Jacob. But, biblical tradition demands the firstborn child, and if not the firstborn, then the next in line, in order of their births, to be considered for the top inheritance rights. Judah was the son chosen by Jacob to receive the choicest inheritance line because it was the tradition and expectation of all men of God chosen by Him. Lineage was important to God, and firstborn brought additional responsibilities and blessings; when the firstborn is found lacking through choices of disobedience to God or his father, then the inheritance can drop down to the next brother. But, it is a serious matter and the order of generational inheritances must travel upon the path established since the beginning of creation by God in progressively rewarding the firstborn or next qualified always. Just because Jacob favored Joseph and Benjamin, just because he liked their mother more than all the others, it cannot influence the important generational pass downs of heritage. It’s that big of deal in God’s world.
When you consider the genealogies of Jacob, and the establishment of the Twelve Tribes of Israel that play crucial future roles in establishing God’s plans to present the world with His only begotten Son. Not just Judah had his heritage girded within his loins that would one day lead to the arrival of Christ, but other members in other tribes established important things in the world before Christ could come.
By the way, as you consider genealogy with new eyes, take another look at the Chart of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Shadows of important things are hinted at in that designated inheritance of Tribes and the order they are blessed as well as the nature of their responsibilities to God. Check out Judah’s order of tents and march as the first rank on the East, the same direction that the sun rises, and the same direction that the Son of God will come again:
For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. (Matthew 24:27)
There are no coincidences in the Word of God. Memorize that mantra well; you will be seeing those words often, as the remarkable Word of God unfolds in your training as Professional Theologists!
Bibliography
Heiser, Michael S. BI101 Lecture Introducing Biblical Interpretation: Contexts and Resources: LOGOS Bible Software.
Links
About the Author
Kathy L. McFarland is President and Founder of Becker Bible Ministries, Inc. and the Becker Professional Theology Academy. She is also a Becker Bible Studies Teacher and author of Guided Bible Studies for Hungry Christians. She has received her Bachelor of Science degree in Religious Studies from Liberty University, is on track for the Master of Divinity (Professional Ministries Track) degree from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary & Graduate School in 2016 and will be seeking a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Theology and Apologetics beginning in the fall of 2016. She is the originator of the newest theological movement to encourage Christian leaders to minister within the modern-day marketplace as Professional Theologists. She is also the Curriculum Developer for Becker Professional Theology Academy and a teaching faculty member. Kathy's favorite studies to teach include the connections between Old Testament exegesis, Christian Apologetics, and Bible typology and mysteries.
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