That there comes a time in every human life and in every human community when the sins of the parents keep accumulating over the generations, and history reaches these crisis moments, and these crisis moments are usually full of untold pain and destruction. But yet, also at the same time, there are moments of courage and faith, and the human story continues out the other side. And every time that cycle happens, it’s a chance for yet another round for the images of God to tune in to God’s purpose. - —Tim Mackie The Bible Project
The Mesopotamian Kings Versus the Giants
Rephaim in Ashteroth Qarnaim
Deut 3:8-11
Joshua 13:12
The Zuzim (םיזוז) in Ham
Deuteronhomy 2:19-21
The Emim in Shaveh-Qiryataim
Deut 2:10-11
Numbers 13:27-33
Deut 2:9-11
Deut 2:18-23
A Flood of Violence
Genesis 14:11-16
Bibliography
https://bibleproject.com/classroom/abraham
Middleton, J. Richard. Abraham’s Silence: The Binding of Isaac, the Suffering of Job, and How to Talk Back to God. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic: A Division of Baker Publishing Group, 2021.
Cotter, David W. Genesis. Edited by Jerome T. Walsh, Chris Franke, and David W. Cotter. Berit Olam Studies in Hebrew Narrative and Poetry. Collegeville, MN: The Liturgical Press, 2003.
Josephus, Flavius, and William Whiston. The Works of Josephus: Complete and Unabridged. Peabody: Hendrickson, 1987.
Richard N. Longenecker, “The Melchizedek Argument of Hebrews: A Study in the Development and Circumstantial Expression of New Testament Thought,” in Unity and Diversity in New Testament Theology: Essays in Honor of George E. Ladd (ed. Robert Guelich, Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1978), 161.
https://bible.org/article/melchizedek-covenantal-figure-biblical-theology-eschatological-royal-priesthood#P8_421
Anders Aschim, “Melchizedek and Jesus: 11QMelchizedek and the Epistle to the Hebrews,” in The Jewish Roots of Christological Monotheism: Papers from the St. Andrews Conferences on the Historical Origins of the Worship of Jesus (eds. Carey Newman, James Davila, and Gladys Lewis, JSJSup. 63; Leiden: Brill, 1999), 130.
Paul J. Kobelski, Melchizedek and Melchiresa (CBQMS 10; Washington DC: Catholic Biblical Association of America, 1981), 126-7.
https://bible.ca/manuscripts/Septuagint-LXX-Shem-was-Melchizedek-Masoretic-chronology-Messiah-Jesus-Christ-priesthood.htm
Bible Study: Genesis 12-14
Day 1: The Call of Abram (Genesis 12:1-9)
Reflection:
God called Abram to leave his homeland and go to a place He would show him. Abram obeyed in faith, trusting in God’s promises. His journey illustrates how faith requires trust even when the destination is unknown.
Hebrew Word Study:
- “Lekh Lekha” (לֶךְ-לְךָ) – “Go forth” (Genesis 12:1). This phrase implies both a physical and spiritual journey. Abram was not just leaving a place; he was stepping into a new identity and purpose in God’s plan.
Application Questions:
1. What is God calling you to step out in faith for today?
2. How does trusting in God’s promises shape your decisions?
3. Have you ever experienced a “Lekh Lekha” moment in your life where God called you to something unknown? How did you respond?
Day 2: Abram in Egypt (Genesis 12:10-20)
Reflection:
Abram’s faith wavered when he entered Egypt, fearing for his life and resorting to deception. Despite his failure, God protected him and fulfilled His promises.
Hebrew Word Study:
- “Emunah” (אֱמוּנָה) – “Faithfulness” or “trust.” Abram struggled with fully trusting God’s protection in Egypt, yet God’s faithfulness remained.
Application Questions:
1. Have you ever faced a situation where fear led you to compromise your faith?
2. How does God’s faithfulness encourage you when you struggle with trust?
3. What can you learn from Abram’s failure and God’s response?
Day 3: Abram and Lot Separate (Genesis 13:1-18)
Reflection:
Abram let Lot choose first, showing humility and trust in God’s provision. His generosity contrasts with Lot’s choice based on appearance rather than seeking God’s will.
Hebrew Word Study:
- “Shalom” (שָׁלוֹם) – “Peace.” Abram pursued peace over personal gain, trusting that God would provide for him regardless of Lot’s choice.
Application Questions:
1. How can you pursue peace in your relationships, even at personal cost?
2. Do you trust God enough to be generous, knowing He will provide for you?
3. How can you make decisions based on faith rather than outward appearances?
Day 4: Abram Rescues Lot & Encounters Melchizedek (Genesis 14:1-24)
Reflection:
Abram courageously rescues Lot and refuses a reward from the king of Sodom, demonstrating his reliance on God rather than worldly wealth. His encounter with Melchizedek, a priest of God, foreshadows Jesus as our eternal priest.
Hebrew Word Study:
- “El Elyon” (אֵל עֶלְיוֹן) – “God Most High.” Melchizedek blesses Abram in the name of El Elyon, emphasizing God’s supreme authority over all things.
Application Questions:
1. How do you see God’s provision in your life when you choose righteousness over worldly gain?
2. What does Melchizedek’s blessing teach about worship and honoring God?
3. How can you respond in faith to God’s victories in your life?
Closing Thought:
Abram’s journey reminds us that faith is a continuous walk of trust, obedience, and surrender. Even in failure, God remains faithful. How can you step forward in faith this week, trusting God in both small and big decisions?