Genesis 38
1 “It came to pass at that time that Judah departed from his brothers, and visited a certain Adullamite whose name was Hirah…..”
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So begins a chapter in the Bible that has baffled scholars for centuries, Genesis 38. What is it that so confused them? Let’s find out!
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Joseph’s Early Years.
The previous chapter begins well enough, detailing the story of Joseph’s early years. It tells us he was 17 years old, the beloved son of his father, and that Jacob gave him a wonderful coat. He was the youngest son which, in Jewish culture, meant he was the one who cared for his father’s sheep. You see, shepherding was not considered the most glamorous of jobs, kinda like today. In fact, it pretty much meant you were low man on the totem pole.
Unlocking The Mystery.
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So what. Judah went to visit “a certain Adullamite.” BIG DEAL. Why interrupt Joseph’s story to talk about that? Here’s another question: Why was Judah, in particular, singled out and discussed and not one of the other brothers? There were 11 of them after all. Why not Asher, Ephraim, or Naphtali?
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Again, there is method to the Holy Spirit’s “madness!” Are you beginning to see why scholars have been scratching their heads? Anyway, the whole chapter ends with the story of Judah’s daughter-in-law, Tamar, who tricked him into having sex with her. As a result, she gave birth to twin boys named “Perez and Zerah.” Pay particular attention the the names in bold print. They hold part of the key to this seemingly mysterious chapter.
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Pictures Of Jesus.
Just like Joseph, Jesus (the greater Joseph) was betrayed (sold out) for 30 pieces of silver by his Hebrew brethren, Natural Israel. He was taken away in chains, died on the cross and rose the third day, depicted by Joseph’s 3-year imprisonment. Joseph was Pharoah’s right hand man just as Jesus, Who ascended to sit on His Father’s throne and is seated at His right hand.
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Sadly, He was rejected by the entire Jewish nation. He was their Messiah; the One for Whom they had waited for centuries. They didn’t recognize Him and so missed their visitation. Just like Jacob, who believed the report of Joseph’s death, many Jews to this day believe the fabricated story that Jesus is dead, that His disciples stole His body, and spread a false report that He rose from the dead.
When He returns to earth one day soon, however, I assure you THEY WILL MOST CERTAINLY RECOGNIZE HIM! Every eye will see Him!
Jewish Dispersion.
What happened next was the diaspora. The Jewish people were scattered, dispersed among every nation of the world. They remained among them for 2,000 years. Then, in an unprecedented decision by the U.N. in 1948, they took possession of their ancient land once again, and the nation of Israel was reborn!
Many have returned to their land but not all have come back; not by a long shot. They were renewed just like the Eagle: Old mind but new body!
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Secrets In The Hebrew Language.
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The Blessing Of Abraham.
Joseph’s brothers, you recall, found the money in their sacks with which they had bought grain. They didn’t know who had put it back into their sacks of grain but they certainly found it there.
In the same way, Abraham’s descendants today don’t really know why they have such a talent for financial gain and for blessing the whole world with their inventions, discoveries, and insights. Many don’t even believe in the God of their fathers. But make no mistake: Jesus, the greater Joseph, put the money in their sacks!
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Disproportionately Influential.
Below is a list of some of the most recognizable billionaires, ALL JEWISH:
Michael Dell: Dell Computers
Benjamin Rosen: Compaq
Andrew Grove: Intel
Larry Ellison: Oracle
Mark Zuckerberg: Facebook.
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The list of the accomplishments of the Jewish people goes on and on and on and on: Movie stars, actors and actresses, musicians, doctors, researchers, scientists, authors, nobel prize winners, mathematicians…..you get the idea.
You see, even though many aren’t devout Jews by any stretch of the imagination, God continues to keep His promise to them. He has remained faithful to them, even if it isn’t reciprocal. The promise He made to Abraham was to bless him and his seed, even if they don’t even recognize or serve Him. Many actually even hate God! But His love and tender heart toward His chosen people has not abated AND IT NEVER WILL. HE IS A COVENANT-KEEPING GOD!
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A Better Covenant.
If God is like that to those who aren’t even IN the fold, how much more will He love and bless those of us who are? And you were worried that He would turn His back on you just because you stumbled and fell! AS IF!!! 🥰 No. You and I, Church, have an even better covenant with Abba than the Jewish people!!! In addition to being heirs to all the promises of Abraham, WE HAVE JESUS! WE HAVE THE FULL BLESSING! ♥️
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They didn’t recognize Him in “Egypt” at their first encounter, Egypt being a typology of the world. But Jesus will one day unveil Himself to them and they’ll be reunited with Him at last at His second coming. The entire nation will be saved in one day! He will restore to them the kingdom and their former glory as well as their relationship and position…..fully!
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So now you know the. Truth, Church: That Chapter 38 is DEFINITELY NOT in the wrong place!
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You may follow the link below to Part 3 to continue the story of Joseph. We’ll be discussing the very interesting name he was given by the Egyptians. As you might expect, we will learn that his name has a very interesting meaning: