Genesis-Chap-12-1-20

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Please Note: Some alterations or (additions) have been made relating to ‘Names’ and ‘Attributes’ of אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, having been corrected like it once was pre the “Masoretic Text”.

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Remember the following truth from our beloved Torah!

Ye shall NOT ADD TO THE WORD which I command you, NEITHER SHALL YE DIMINISH FROM IT, that ye may keep the commandments of יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם - the LORD your Eloleichem, which I command you”. Davarim - Deuteronomy 4:2. (JPS-1917).

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 “Genesis Chapter 12:1-20

With Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.

Introduction:

Genesis 12 marks a pivotal shift in the Scriptural narrative, moving from the universal history of mankind to the singular history of one family. It introduces the call of Avram (Abram), establishing the themes of Divine election, faith, and the promise of a homeland. This chapter sets the stage for the Covenant, demonstrating that the blessing of one man is intended to eventually reach “all the families of the earth”!

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Let us now read Genesis Chapter 12: verses 1 to 20: (JPS-1917 version of the Totah).

1. “Now יְהוָה - the LORD said unto Avram - Abram: ‘Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto the land that I will show thee. 2. And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and be thou a blessing. 3. And I will bless them that bless thee, and him that curseth thee will I curse; and in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed’. 4. So Avram went, as יְהוָה - the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him; and Avram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran5. And Avram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came. 6. And Avram passed through the land unto the place of Shechem, unto the terebinth of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land. 7. And יְהוָה - the LORD appeared unto Avram, and said: ‘Unto thy seed will I give this land’; and he builded there an altar unto יְהוָה - the LORD, who appeared unto him. 8. And he removed from thence unto the mountain on the east of Beth-el, and pitched his tent, having ‘Beth-el’ on the west, and ‘Ai’ on the east; and he builded there an altar unto יְהוָה - the LORD, and called upon the Name of יְהוָה - the LORD. 9. And Avram journeyed, going on still toward the South. 10. And there was a famine in the land; and Avram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was sore in the land. 11. And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife: ‘Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon. 12. And it will come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they will say: This is his wife; and they will kill me, but thee they will keep alive. 13. Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister; that it may be well with me for thy sake, and that my soul may live because of thee’. 14. And it came to pass, that, when Avram was come into Egypt, the Egyptians beheld the woman that she was very fair. 15. And the princes of Pharaoh saw her, and praised her to Pharaoh; and the woman was taken into Pharaoh’s house. 16. And he dealt well with Avram for her sake; and he had sheep, and oxen, and he-asses, and men-servants, and maid-servants, and she-asses, and camels. 17. And יְהוָה - the LORD plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Avram’s wife. 18. And Pharaoh called Avram, and said: ‘What is this that thou hast done unto me? why didst thou not tell me that she was thy wife? 19. Why saidst thou: She is my sister? so that I took her to be my wife; now therefore behold thy wife, take her, and go thy way’. 20. And Pharaoh gave men charge concerning him; and they brought him on the way, and his wife, and all that he had”.

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Let us look at the Commentary of verses 1 to 20:

Verses 1-3: (The Call and Promise):

אֱלֹהִים - Elohim comman’ds Avram to leave everything familiar country, kindred, and father’s house. The promise is sevenfold, emphasizing that Avram will not only be blessed but will become the very definition of a blessing.

Verses 4-6: (The Journey of Faith):

At seventy-five, Avram obeys without question. He journeys with Sarai and Lot to Canaan, passing through the land to the terebinth of Moreh. The text notes “the Canaanite was then in the land”, highlighting the challenge to the promise.

Verses 7-9: (Altars and Possession):

אֱלֹהִים - Elohim appears to Avram, explicitly promising the land to his seed. Avram responds by building altars at Shechem and between ‘Beth-el’ and ‘Ai’, “calling upon the name of יְהוָה - the LORD,”, effectively sanctifying the land through worship.

Verses 10-13: (Descent into Egypt):

A famine tests Avram’s residency. He descends to Egypt for survival. Fearing for his life due to Sarai’s beauty, he requests she identify as his sister, showing the human vulnerability of the patriarch.

Verses 14-16: (Sarai in Pharaoh’s House):

The Egyptians praise Sarai’s beauty to Pharaoh, and she is taken into his palace. Consequently, Avram is treated well for her sake, acquiring sheep, oxen, and servants.

Verses 17-20: (Divine Intervention and Departure):

יְהוָה - the LORD intervenes by smiting Pharaoh’s house with great plagues. Upon discovering the truth, Pharaoh rebukes Avram for the deception and sends him away with all his possessions, ensuring his safe passage out of Egypt.

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My Closing Message:

Genesis 12 teaches us that the path of faith is rarely via a straight line. It begins with a courageous “going forth” (Lech Lecha) and includes moments of both profound spiritual heights, like the building of altars, and the harsh realities of physical survival. Even when human frailty leads to compromise, the ‘Divine Promise’ remains steadfast. Avram leaves Egypt wealthier and more experienced, proving that while man may falter, אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s commitment to His chosen remains unshakable.

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This site was originally created, for those who desired to return to our blessed and wonderful faith. Thus be wise and work on your faith and pray at least two or three times a day (if possible) and always seek our beloved אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s guidance, for His love is always with us, especially when we seek Him, blessed be He! However this site has become very much a teaching site with hundreds of studies!

Remember what אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, blessed be He, said the following via several of our prophets...

Return unto Me, and I will return unto you, saith צְבָאוֹת- יְהוָה- the LORD of hosts”. Mal’a’chi - Malachi 3:7. (JPS).

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“The More Torah, the More Life”,

For Elohim is the One who gave us our ... Life!

May the שָׁלוֹם - Shalom = Peace of צְבָאוֹת- יְהוָהthe LORD of hosts, be with you, and please always uphold our blessed שַׁבָּת - Shabbat, as well as the מוֹעֲדִים Mo’a’dim - Feasts, and continue saying your daily תְּפִלָּה - Tefeelah’s - Prayers and regular בְּרָכָה Be’ra’chah’s - blessings before food and drinks, etc!

שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם Shalom Aleichem - Peace be with you!

Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.

 

 

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