Study Notes Week 10

Torah Study Notes for Week 10 of the Torah Reading Cycle

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• Torah (T): Bereshiyt (Genesis) 10:1-32
• Prophets (P): Isaiah 66:18-23
• Apostolic (A): 1 Peter 1:1-25
• Additional (ADD): Jubilees 7:13 – 10:17

Torah Summary
Context and coherence (Nehemiah 8:8)

1. Genesis 10:1 Now this is the history of the generations of the sons of Noaḥ and of Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Sons were born to them after the flood.
   1. Remember Genesis 9:28 says, “Noaḥ lived three hundred fifty years after the flood. 29 All the days of Noaḥ were nine hundred fifty years, and then he died.”
      1. Noaḥ was 600 years old when the flood was over.
      2. This means Noaḥ lived after the flood to see and teach the next three generations. This rounds to about 6 generations when considering the overlap between generations: Genesis 11:10-13 says “Shem was one hundred years old when he became the father of Arpachshad two years after the flood. (Noaḥ is 602) 11 Shem lived five hundred years after he became the father of Arpachshad, and became the father of more sons and daughters. 12 Arpachshad lived [one hundred]^(LXX)(SP) thirty-five years and became the father of [Cainan].^(LXX) (Noaḥ is 737) 13 Arpachshad lived four hundred three years after he became the father of [Cainan], and became the father of more sons and daughters. [And Cainan lived one hundred and thirty years and became the father of Shelah. (Noaḥ is 867) And Cainan lived three hundred and thirty years after he had become the father of Shelah, and fathered sons and daughters.]^(LXX)
         1. The Septuagint restores the original ages of when the first sons of Noaḥ’s descendants were born to create an accurate picture of Noaḥ’s years after the flood.
            1. This is closer to how the previous generation before the flood had their first child after they lived from 230 years with Adam down to 188 years with Lamech, Noaḥ’s father.
               1. Genesis 5:3 Adam lived [two hundred]^(LXX) thirty years, and became the father of a son in his own likeness, after his image, and named him Seth…6 Seth lived [two hundred]^(LXX) five years, then became the father of Enosh… 9 Enosh lived [one hundred]^(LXX) ninety years, and became the father of Cainan…12 Cainan lived [one hundred]^(LXX) seventy years, then became the father of Mahalalel…15 Mahalalel lived [one hundred]^(LXX) sixty-five years, then became the father of Jared…18 Jared lived [two hundred sixty-two years],^(LXX) then became the father of Enoch…21 Enoch lived [one hundred]^(LXX) sixty-five years, then became the father of Methuselah…25 Methuselah lived one hundred eighty-seven years, then became the father of Lamech…28 Lamech lived one hundred eighty-[eight]^(LXX) years, then became the father of a son. 29 He named him Noaḥ, saying, “This one will comfort us in our work and in the toil of our hands, caused by the ground which YHWH has cursed.” (cf. Genesis 3:17-18)
      3. Was Noaḥ alive all the way to when Abraham was born? 
         1. “Yes, Noaḥ was alive when Abraham was born. Noaḥ was still alive for the first 58 years of Abraham’s life.”
         2. “Interestingly, Noaḥ died only two years before Abraham was born.”
         3. “Shem, Noaḥ And Abraham All Lived Together For 39 Years”
         4. Modern Biblical scholars get the years wrong if they do not use the Septuagint or Josephus’ first century writings that confirm the years from original Hebrew and Septuagint. The Masoretic Text uses an erroneous set of years from a Hebrew text that was either incorrectly copied or copied from an incorrect scroll. You can see that the years show an illogical EIGHT generations which rounds up to 16 when considering the overlap between generations. Genesis 5:25 and Genesis 11:10 give us a hint that the original Hebrew had years of at least 100 years before a first child and not the less than 100 down to 35 we see from the Masoretic Text.
            1. Arpachshad two years after the flood. (Noaḥ is 602) 11 Shem lived five hundred years after he became the father of Arpachshad, and became the father of more sons and daughters. 12 Arpachshad lived thirty-five years and became the father of Shelah. (Noaḥ is 637) 13 Arpachshad lived four hundred three years after he became the father of Shelah, and became the father of more sons and daughters. 14 Shelah lived thirty years, and became the father of Eber. (Noaḥ is 667) 15 Shelah lived four hundred three years after he became the father of Eber, and became the father of more sons and daughters. 16 Eber lived thirty-four years, and became the father of Peleg. (Noaḥ is 701) 17 Eber lived four hundred thirty years after he became the father of Peleg, and became the father of more sons and daughters. 18 Peleg lived thirty years, and became the father of Reu. (Noaḥ is 731) 19 Peleg lived two hundred nine years after he became the father of Reu, and became the father of more sons and daughters. 20 Reu lived thirty-two years, and became the father of Serug. (Noaḥ is 763) 21 Reu lived two hundred seven years after he became the father of Serug, and became the father of more sons and daughters. 22 Serug lived thirty years, and became the father of Nahor. (Noaḥ is 793) 23 Serug lived two hundred years after he became the father of Nahor, and became the father of more sons and daughters. 24 Nahor lived twenty-nine years, and became the father of Terah. (Noaḥ is 822) 25 Nahor lived one hundred nineteen years after he became the father of Terah, and became the father of more sons and daughters. 26 Terah lived seventy years, and became the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran. (Noaḥ is 892)
         5. Note: I will personally add that, in my opinion, there is absolutely NO WAY the Tower and City of Babel happens while Noaḥ is alive and shows that the Septuagint and Josephus’ year count putting Noaḥ only living until Shelach more accurately.
2. When did the sons and descendants of Noaḥ begin to inherit their lands?
   1. Jubilees 8:8-11 And in the sixth year [1567 A.M.] thereof, she bare him son, and he called his name Peleg; for in the days when he was born the children of Noaḥ began to divide the land amongst themselves: for this reason he called his name Peleg. 9. And they divided it secretly amongst themselves, and told it to Noaḥ. 10. And it came to pass in the beginning of the thirty-third jubilee [1569 A.M.] that they divided the land into three parts, for Shem and Ham and Japheth, according to the inheritance of each, in the first year in the first week, when one of us who had been sent, was with them. 11. And he called his sons, and they drew nigh to him, they and their children, and he divided the land into the lots, which his three sons were to take in possession, and they reached forth their hands, and took the writing out of the bosom of Noaḥ, their father…18. And Noaḥ rejoiced that this portion came forth for Shem and for his sons, and he remembered all that he had spoken with his mouth in prophecy; for he had said: ‘Blessed be the Lord Elohim of Shem And may the Lord dwell in the dwelling of Shem.’ 19. And he knew that the Garden of Eden is the holy of holies, and the dwelling of the Lord, and Mount Sinai the centre of the desert, and Mount Zion -the centre of the navel of the land: these three were created as holy places facing each other.
3. Lack of faith in the covenant and promise caused them to not inherit.
   1. Genesis 9:8-17 Elohim spoke to Noaḥ and to his sons with him, saying, 9 “As for me, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you, 10 and with every living soul that is with you: the birds, [and]^(LXX) the livestock, and every animal of the land with you, [of all that go out of the ark].^(LXX) 11 I will establish my covenant with you: All flesh will not be cut off any more by the waters of the flood. There will never again be a flood to destroy the land.” 12 Elohim said, “This is the sign of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living soul that is with you, for perpetual generations: 13 I set my bow in the cloud, and it will be a sign of a covenant between me and the land. 14 When I bring a cloud over the land, that the bow will be seen in the cloud, 15 I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living soul of all flesh, and the waters will no more become a flood to destroy all flesh. 16 The bow will be in the cloud. I will look at it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between [me]^(LXX) and every living soul of all flesh that is on the land.” 17 Elohim said to Noaḥ, “This is the sign of the covenant which I have established between me and all flesh that is on the land.”
      1. Josephus 1.4.1. Now the sons of Noaḥ were three,—Shem, Japhet, and Ham, born one hundred years before the Deluge. These first of all descended from the mountains into the plains, and fixed their habitation there; and persuaded others who were greatly afraid of the lower grounds on account of the flood, and so were very loath to come down from the higher places, to venture to follow their examples. Now the plain in which they first dwelt was called Shinar. Elohim also commanded them to send colonies abroad, for the thorough peopling of the land, that they might not raise seditions among themselves, but might cultivate a great part of the land, and enjoy its fruits after a plentiful manner. But they were so ill instructed that they did not obey God; for which reason they fell into calamities, and were made sensible, by experience, of what sin they had been guilty: for when they flourished with a numerous youth, Elohim admonished them again to send out colonies; but they, imagining the prosperity they enjoyed was not derived from the favor of God, but supposing that their own power was the proper cause of the plentiful condition they were in, did not obey him. Nay, they added to this their disobedience to the Divine will, the suspicion that they were therefore ordered to send out separate colonies, that, being divided asunder, they might the more easily be Oppressed.
4. Genesis 10:2-5 The sons of Japheth were: Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras. 3 The sons of Gomer were: Ashkenaz, Riphath, and Togarmah. 4 The sons of Javan were: Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and [Rodanim].^(LXX) 5 Of these were the islands of the nations divided in their lands, everyone after his language, after their families, in their nations.
   1. Josephus 1.6.1. Now they were the grandchildren of Noaḥ, in honor of whom names were imposed on the nations by those that first seized upon them. Japhet, the son of Noaḥ, had seven sons: they inhabited so, that, beginning at the mountains Taurus and Amanus, they proceeded along Asia, as far as the river Tansis, and along Europe to Cadiz; and settling themselves on the lands which they light upon, which none had inhabited before, they called the nations by their own names. For Gomer founded those whom the Greeks now call Galatians, [Galls,] but were then called Gomerites. Magog founded those that from him were named Magogites, but who are by the Greeks called Scythians. Now as to Javan and Madai, the sons of Japhet; from Madai came the Madeans, who are called Medes, by the Greeks; but from Javan, Ionia, and all the Grecians, are derived (cf. Genesis 10:2). Thobel founded the Thobelites, who are now called Iberes; and the Mosocheni were founded by Mosoch; now they are Cappadocians. There is also a mark of their ancient denomination still to be shown; for there is even now among them a city called Mazaca, which may inform those that are able to understand, that so was the entire nation once called. Thiras also called those whom he ruled over Thirasians; but the Greeks changed the name into Thracians. And so many were the countries that had the children of Japhet for their inhabitants. Of the three sons of Gomer, Aschanax founded the Aschanaxians, who are now called by the Greeks Rheginians. So did Riphath found the Ripheans, now called Paphlagonians; and Thrugramma the Thrugrammeans, who, as the Greeks resolved, were named Phrygians. Of the three sons of Javan also, the son of Japhet, Elisa gave name to the Eliseans, who were his subjects; they are now the Aeolians. Tharsus to the Tharsians, for so was Cilicia of old called; the sign of which is this, that the noblest city they have, and a metropolis also, is Tarsus, the tau being by change put for theta. Cethimus possessed the island Cethima: it is now called Cyprus; and from that it is that all islands, and the greatest part of the sea-coasts, are named Cethim by the Hebrews: and one city there is in Cyprus that has been able to preserve its denomination; it has been called Citius by those who use the language of the Greeks, and has not, by the use of that dialect, escaped the name of Cethim. And so many nations have the children and grandchildren of Japhet possessed. Now when I have premised somewhat, which perhaps the Greeks do not know, I will return and explain what I have omitted; for such names are pronounced here after the manner of the Greeks, to please my readers; for our own country language does not so pronounce them: but the names in all cases are of one and the same ending; for the name we here pronounce Noeas, is there Noaḥ, and in every case retains the same termination.
5. Genesis 10:6-7 The sons of Ham were: Cush, Mizraim, Put, and Canaan. 7 The sons of Cush were: Seba, Havilah, Sabtah, Raamah, and Sabteca. The sons of Raamah were: Sheba and Dedan.
6. Genesis 10:13-20 Mizraim (Egypt) became the father of Ludim, Anamim, Lehabim, Naphtuhim, 14 Pathrusim, Casluhim, which the Philistines descended from, and Caphtorim.
   1. Josephus 1.6.2. The children of Ham possessed the land from Syria and Amanus, and the mountains of Libanus; seizing upon all that was on its sea-coasts, and as far as the ocean, and keeping it as their own. Some indeed of its names are utterly vanished away; others of them being changed, and another sound given them, are hardly to be discovered; yet a few there are which have kept their denominations entire. For of the four sons of Ham, time has not at all hurt the name of Chus; for the Ethiopians, over whom he reigned, are even at this day, both by themselves and by all men in Asia, called Chusites. The memory also of the Mesraites is preserved in their name; for all we who inhabit this country [of Judea] called Egypt Mestre, and the Egyptians Mestreans. Phut also was the founder of Libya, and called the inhabitants Phutites, from himself: there is also a river in the country of Moors which bears that name; whence it is that we may see the greatest part of the Grecian historiographers mention that river and the adjoining country by the apellation of Phut: but the name it has now has been by change given it from one of the sons of Mesraim, who was called Lybyos. We will inform you presently what has been the occasion why it has been called Africa also. Canaan, the fourth son of Ham, inhabited the country now called Judea, and called it from his own name Canaan. The children of these [four] were these: Sabas, who founded the Sabeans; Evilas, who founded the Evileans, who are called Getuli; Sabathes founded the Sabathens, they are now called by the Greeks Astaborans; Sabactas settled the Sabactens; and Ragmus the Ragmeans; and he had two sons, the one of whom, Judadas, settled the Judadeans, a nation of the western Ethiopians, and left them his name; as did Sabas to the Sabeans: but Nimrod, the son of Chus, staid and tyrannized at Babylon, as we have already informed you. Now all the children of Mesraim, being eight in number, possessed the country from Gaza to Egypt, though it retained the name of one only, the Philistim; for the Greeks call part of that country Palestine. As for the rest, Ludieim, and Enemim, and Labim, who alone inhabited in Libya, and called the country from himself, Nedim, and Phethrosim, and Chesloim, and Cephthorim, we know nothing of them besides their names; for the Ethiopic war which we will describe hereafter, was the cause that those cities were overthrown. The sons of Canaan were these: Sidonius, who also built a city of the same name; it is called by the Greeks Sidon. Amathus inhabited in Amathine, which is even now called Amathe by the inhabitants, although the Macedonians named it Epiphania, from one of his posterity: Arudeus possessed the island Aradus: Arucas possessed Arce, which is in Libanus. But for the seven others, [Eueus,] Chetteus, Jebuseus, Amorreus, Gergesus, Eudeus, Sineus, Samareus, we have nothing in the sacred books but their names, for the Hebrews overthrew their cities; and their calamities came upon them on the occasion following.
7. Genesis 10:8-12 Cush became the father of Nimrod. He began to be a [giant]^(LXX) in the land. 9 He was a [giant hunter]^(LXX) to the face of [Elohim].^(LXX) Therefore it is said, “like Nimrod, a [giant hunter]^(LXX) to the face of [Elohim]”.^(LXX) 10 The beginning of his reign was Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar. 11 Out of that land he went into Assyria, and built Nineveh, Rehoboth Ir, Calah, 12 and Resen between Nineveh and the great city Calah.
   1. 1 Chronicles 1:10 Cush became the father of Nimrod. He began to be a [giant]^(LXX) in the earth.
   2. Micah 5:6 They will rule the land of Assyria with the sword, and the land of Nimrod in its gates. He will deliver us from the Assyrian, when he invades our land, and when he marches within our border.
   3. “to the face of” is the literal translation of לִפְנֵי lifnei which means to be in front of or before something. However, if we keep with the literal translation, we can almost see a defiance from Nimrod here against, not YHWH as the Masoretic Text changed, but a defiance against the Elohim, specifically the sons of Elohim.
      1. Remember, this is the time of the divisions of the people where they are split (palag) and the bounds of the people are set. We know from Deuteronomy 32:8 that this was done according to the number of the sons of Elohim.
         1. Deuteronomy 32:8-9 When Elyon gave to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of man, he set the bounds of the peoples according to the number of the sons of [Elohim].^(DSS) 9 For YHWH’s portion is his people. Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.
   4. Josephus 1.4.2. Now it was Nimrod who excited them to such an affront and contempt of God. He was the grandson of Ham, the son of Noaḥ, a bold man, and of great strength of hand. He persuaded them not to ascribe it to God, as if it was through his means they were happy, but to believe that it was their own courage which procured that happiness. He also gradually changed the government into tyranny, seeing no other way of turning men from the fear of God, but to bring them into a constant dependence on his power. He also said he would be revenged on God, if he should have a mind to drown the world again; for that he would build a tower too high for the waters to be able to reach! and that he would avenge himself on God for destroying their forefathers!
   5. Josephus 1.6.2. …but Nimrod, the son of [Cush], staid and tyrannized at Babylon, as we have already informed you.
   6. Targum And Kush begat Nimrod: he began to be mighty in sin, and to rebel before the Lord in the land. He was a mighty rebel before the Lord; therefore it is said, From the day that the world was created there hath not been as Nimrod, mighty in hunting, and a rebel before the Lord. And the beginning of his reign was Bavel the Great, and Hadas, and Netsibin, and Ketispon, in the land of Pontos. From that land went forth Nimrod, and reigned in Athur, because he would not be in the counsel of a divided generation. And he left those four cities; and the Lord thereupon gave him a place; and he builded four other cities, Nineveh and Pelatiath, Kartha and Parioth. And Talesar, which was builded between Nineveh and Hadiath; that is a great city. And Mizraim begat the Nivatee, and the Mariotee, and the Livakee, and the Pantascinee, and the Pathrosim, and the Nasiotaee, and the Pantapolotee, from whom went forth the Philistaee and the Kaphodikaee.
   7. Targum [JERUSALEM. 9. He was mighty in hunting and in sin before the Lord; for he was a hunter of the sons of men in their languages. And he said to them, Leave the judgments of Shem, and adhere to the judgments of Nimrod. On this account it is said, As Nimrod the mighty, mighty in hunting and in sin before the Lord 10. And the beginning of his reign was Bavel, and Hadas, and Netsibin, and Katispa in the land of Bavel. 11. From that land he went out towards Athur, and builded Nineveh, and Pelatiath-Kartha, and Hadiath……And Talesar, between Nineveh and Hadiath, which is a great city……13. And Mizraim begat the Mariotaee, and Pentepolitaee, and Lusetaee, and Pelusaee, and the Pantaskenaee, from whom went forth the Philistaee and Kapodekaee.]
   8. Remember Genesis 6:10-12 Noaḥ̣ became the father of three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. 11 The land was corrupt before [the Elohim],^(MTT) and the land was filled with violence. 12 Elohim saw the land, and saw that it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the land.
      1. Enoch 7:2 …they bare great giants, whose height was three thousand ells: 3. Who consumed all the acquisitions of men. And when men could no longer sustain them, 4. the giants turned against them and devoured mankind. 5. And they began to sin against birds, and beasts, and reptiles, and fish, and to devour one another’s flesh, and drink the blood. 6. Then the land laid accusation against the lawless ones.
8. Genesis 10:15 Canaan became the father of Sidon his firstborn, Heth, (Hittites) 16 the Jebusites, the Amorites, the Girgashites, 17 the Hivites, the Arkites, the Sinites, 18 the Arvadites, the Zemarites, and the Hamathites. Afterward the families of the Canaanites were spread abroad. 19 The border of the Canaanites was from Sidon—as you go toward Gerar—to Gaza—as you go toward Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim—to Lasha. 20 These are the sons of Ham, according to their families, according to their languages, in their lands and their nations.
   1. Afterward the families of the Canaanites were spread abroad. “Afterward” = אַחַר achar (H310) means to follow after an event (this event is most likely the Tower and City of Babel event, see more in point #3 below) and “spread abroad” = פּוּץ puts (H6327) which actually means to be “scattered” or “dispersed” in the sense of something being broken into pieces. פּוּץ puts comes from the root word which means “to smash” in the sense of striking a clay pot on its side. This is the only time is used in Genesis 10 and is used next to describe “scattered abroad” (cf. Genesis 11:4, 11:8, and 11:9). It’s interesting that most translators used the neutral or positive word “spread abroad” when translating פּוּץ puts in Genesis 10:18, but then translate to the more negative word “scattered abroad” in Genesis 11 when referring to the Tower and City of Babel.
   2. Genesis 10 speaks most to the descendants of Ham, 20 verses from Genesis 10:6-20, but the Torah does not mention the lands the sons of Ham went to even though Genesis 10:20 says, “These are the sons of Ham, according to their families, according to their languages, in their lands and their nations.” Genesis 10:5 says of Japheth, “these were the islands of the nations divided (פָּרַד parad H6504 means to make a division / ἀφορίζω aphorizō G873 means to mark off a boundary) in their lands, everyone after his language, after their families, in their nations” Genesis 10:25 and 30-31 tell us of the land being split during the days of Peleg the son of Shelach, “…for in his days the land was divided ((פָּלַג palag H6385 means to split as opposed to פָּרַד parad H6504 which means to make a division or mark a boundary)…Their dwelling extended from Mesha, as you go toward Sephar, the mountain of the east. 31 These are the sons of Shem, by their families, according to their languages, lands, and nations.”
      1. “according to their languages” again proves that Genesis is not in chronological order since Genesis 11:1 says, “The whole earth was of one language and of one speech.”
   3. Again, we actually see some of the land division and boundaries of both Japheth and Shem and their sons, but we don’t see any land division or boundaries of Ham and his sons except Canaan when it says, “Afterward the families of the Canaanites were spread abroad. 19 The border of the Canaanites was from Sidon—as you go toward Gerar—to Gaza—as you go toward Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim—to Lasha.” This seems to suggest that after the sons of Ham received their portion and land divisions, Ham’s son Canaan were scattered abroad into what would become known as the land of Canaan even though this land was not theirs.
   4. Deuteronomy 19:14 You shall not remove your neighbor’s landmark, which they of old time have set, in your inheritance which you shall inherit, in the land that YHWH your Elohim gives you to possess.
      1. Deuteronomy 20:10-18 When you draw near to a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace to it. 11 It shall be, if it gives you answer of peace and opens to you, then it shall be that all the people who are found therein shall become forced laborers to you, and shall serve you. 12 If it will make no peace with you, but will make war against you, then you shall besiege it. 13 When YHWH your Elohim delivers it into your hand, you shall strike every male of it with the edge of the sword; 14 but the women, the little ones, the livestock, and all that is in the city, even all its plunder, you shall take for plunder for yourself. You may use the plunder of your enemies, which YHWH your Elohim has given you. 15 Thus you shall do to all the cities which are very far off from you, which are not of the cities of these nations. 16 But of the cities of these peoples that YHWH your Elohim gives you for an inheritance, you shall save alive nothing that breathes; 17 but you shall utterly destroy them: the Hittite, the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, as YHWH your Elohim has commanded you; 18 that they not teach you to follow all their abominations, which they have done for their elohim; so would you sin against YHWH your Elohim.
      2. Jubilees 10:29-34 And Canaan saw the land of Lebanon to the river of Egypt that it was very good, and he went not into the land of his inheritance to the west that is to the sea, and he dwelt in the land of Lebanon, eastward and westward from the border of Jordan and from the border of the sea. 30. And Ham, his father, and Cush and Mizraim, his brothers, said unto him: “Thou hast settled in a land which is not thine, and which did not fall to us by lot: do not do so; for if thou dost do so, thou and thy sons will fall in the land and be accursed through sedition; for by sedition ye have settled, and by sedition will thy children fall, and thou shalt be rooted out for ever. 31. Dwell not in the dwelling of Shem; for to Shem and to his sons did it come by their lot. 32. Cursed art thou, and cursed shalt thou be beyond all the sons of Noaḥ̣, by the curse by which we bound ourselves by an oath in the face of the holy judge, and in the face of Noaḥ̣ our father.” 33. But he did not hearken unto them, and dwelt in the land of Lebanon from Hamath to the entering of Egypt, he and his sons until this day. 34. And for this reason that land is named Canaan.
      3. Matthew 15:21-28 Yeshua went out from there and withdrew into the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 Behold, a Canaanite woman came out from those borders and cried, saying, “Have mercy on me, Lord, you son of David! My daughter is severely possessed by a demon!” 23 But he answered her not a word. His disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away; for she cries after us.” 24 But he answered, “I wasn’t sent to anyone but the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 25 But she came and worshiped him, saying, “Lord, help me.” 26 But he answered, “It is not appropriate to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” 27 But she said, “Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” 28 Then Yeshua answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Be it done to you even as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that hour.
9. Genesis 10:21-31 Sons were also born to Shem, the elder brother of Japheth, the father of all the sons of Eber. 22 The sons of Shem were: Elam, Asshur, Arpachshad, Lud, and Aram. 23 The sons of Aram were: Uz, Hul, Gether, and Mash. 24 Arpachshad became the father of [Cainan. And Cainan became the father of]^(LXX) Shelah. Shelah became the father of Eber. 25 To Eber were born two sons. The name of the one was Peleg, for in his days the land was divided. His brother’s name was Joktan. 26 Joktan became the father of Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah, 27 Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah, 28 Obal, Abimael, Sheba, 29 Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab. All these were the sons of Joktan. 30 Their dwelling extended from Mesha, as you go toward Sephar, the mountain of the east. 31 These are the sons of Shem, by their families, according to their languages, lands, and nations.
   1. Josephus 1.6.4. Shem, the third son of Noaḥ, had five sons, who inhabited the land that began at Euphrates, and reached to the Indian Ocean. For Elam left behind him the Elamites, the ancestors of the Persians. Ashur lived at the city Nineve; and named his subjects Assyrians, who became the most fortunate nation, beyond others. Arphaxad named the Arphaxadites, who are now called Kasdim. Aram had the Aramites, which the Greeks called Syrians; as Laud founded the Laudites, which are now called Lydians. Of the four sons of Aram, Uz founded Trachonitis and Damascus: this country lies between Palestine and Celesyria. Ul founded Armenia; and Gather the Bactrians; and Mesa the Mesaneans; it is now called Charax Spasini. Sala was the son of Arphaxad; and his son was Heber, from whom they originally called the Jews Hebrews. Heber begat Joetan and Phaleg: he was called Phaleg, because he was born at the dispersion of the nations to their several countries; for Phaleg among the Hebrews signifies division. Now Joctan, one of the sons of Heber, had these sons, Elmodad, Saleph, Asermoth, Jera, Adoram, Aizel, Decla, Ebal, Abimael, Sabeus, Ophir, Euilat, and Jobab. These inhabited from Cophen, an Indian river, and in part of Asia adjoining to it. And this will suffice concerning the sons of Shem.
10. Genesis 10:32 These are the families of the sons of Noaḥ, by their generations, according to their nations. The nations divided from these in the land after the flood.

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Apostolic Summary
Context and coherence (Nehemiah 8:8)

1. This week’s Apostolic portion brings us back to Peter’s first epistle.
   1. Scholars date the letter to 64 CE.
   2. “To those who reside as aliens (#3927), scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia” (1 Pet. 1:1).
      1. Located in the region of modern Turkey
2. 

1. G3927. parepidémos – “sojourner, stranger, exile, settler”.
   1. Usage: The term “parepidémos” refers to someone who resides temporarily in a place that is not their permanent home. It conveys the idea of being a foreigner or an alien, living in a land where one does not have the rights and privileges of citizenship.

1. Who are the “aliens”? Are they Jews in the diaspora? Greeks or other nationalities? 
   1. I believe Peter uses this term to indicate a spiritual status rather than an ethnic one.
      1. “Beloved, I urge you as foreigners and strangers (#3927) to abstain from fleshly lusts, which wage war against the soul” (1 Pet. 2:11).
      2. “All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen and welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles (#3927) on the earth” (Heb. 11:13).
2. Being a pilgrim is just one aspect of identity that Peter wanted his readers to understand. Another was that they were “chosen” (vs. 2).

KEY POINT:

Knowing our identity as “the chosen” is essential to understanding and applying the teachings of the Apostle Peter.

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Exhortation
Counsel, comfort, and encouragement (Acts 13:14-15)

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the holy ones” (Eph. 1:18).

PREMISE:

God has one consistent and unifying purpose throughout scripture – to call out from the nations a group of people to be set apart by covenant relationship unto Him that He might receive the glory due His Name.

1. Abram was chosen first, then through his seed, YHWH chose all of Israel:
   1. “YHWH said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.’” (Gen.12:1-3).
   2. “Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine” (Exo. 19:5).
   3. “For you are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for His personal possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth” (Deut. 7:6).
   4. “Today you have declared the Lord to be your God, and that you will walk in His ways and keep His statutes, His commandments, and His ordinances, and listen to His voice. And the Lord has today declared you to be His people, His personal possession, just as He promised you, and that you are to keep all His commandments; and that He will put you high above all the nations which He has made, for glory, fame, and honor; and that you shall be a consecrated people to the Lord your God, just as He has spoken” (Deut. 26:17-19).
2. So, who are God’s “Chosen People”, why are they chosen, and how do we apply these truths to our lives?
   1. We are going to lay out some themes from our apostolic portion to answer this question.
      1. “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who reside as aliens…who are chosen…”
         1. #1- “…According to the foreknowledge of God…”
         2. #2- “…[B]y the sanctifying work of the Spirit…”
         3. #3- “…[T]o obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood”.
3. “According to the foreknowledge of God…”
   1. The Father knows who are His and whom He will choose.
      1. “Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His;” and “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to keep away from wickedness” (2 Tim. 2:19).
      2. “[F]or though the twins were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad, so that God’s purpose according to His choice would stand, not because of works but because of Him who calls” (Rom. 9:11).
      3. “In Him we also have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things in accordance with the plan of His will” (Eph. 1:11).
   2. The call unto salvation goes out to everyone, but only the Elect responds.
      1. “However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, ‘Lord, who has believed our report?’ So, faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Messiah. But I say, surely they have never heard, have they? On the contrary: ‘Their voice has gone out into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world” (Rom 10:16-18; ref. Psa. 19:4).
      2. “It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thes. 2:14).
         1. “For many are called, but few are chosen (#1588)” Mat. 22:14).
   3. The one being chosen responds to the call with faith.
      1. Faith is the one and only requirement to enter into the covenant of salvation with the Father.
         1. “[T]hat if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Rom. 10:9).
         2. “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Eph. 2:8).
         3. “[A]nd these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified” (Rom. 8:30).

KEY POINT:

The Father desires a people and He invites them into covenant with Him through the preaching of the Gospel. The ones whom He foreknew (e.g.. the Elect/Chosen) respond with faith, confess their sins and receive justification — i.e. forgiveness of all sins and the imputed righteousness of Messiah Yeshua.

1. God’s purpose in choosing a people is not primarily to keep them from hell but rather to glorify His Name.
   1. Every human being exists to bring glory to God.
      1. From the Westminster Shorter Catechism:
         1. Question #1: “What is the chief end of man?”
         2. Answer #1: “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever” (See 1 Cor. 10:31; Rom. 11:36).
      2. “Sing to the Lord, all the earth; Proclaim good news of His salvation from day to day. Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples. For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; He also is to be feared above all gods” (1 Chr. 16:23-25).
      3. “[H]owever, as I live, all the earth will be filled with the glory of the Lord” (Num. 14:21).
      4. “For from Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen” (Rom. 11:36).
2. Our primary concern as Believer’s should be living a life that glorifies Messiah.
   1.  “[A]ccording to my eager expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Messiah will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death” (Phi. 1:20).

KEY PROBLEM:

How can fallen man bring glory to a perfect God?

1. When we offer Him praise or try to reflect His glory with our behavior, it will always fall short of what He deserves. 
   1. “[F]or all have sinned and fall short (#5302) of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23).
      1. G5302. hustereó – “to lack, to fall short, to be in need, to fail”.
         1. HELPS Word-studies: 5302 /hysteréō (“failing to fulfill a goal”) means to be in lack and hence, unable to meet the need at hand because depleted (“all run out”). This state of lack (insufficiency, privation) naturally results when a person misses out on what is vital.
2. The history of Israel reveals that the chosen people of God have never fulfilled their calling to bring glory to God.
   1. “What then? Are we better than they? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin; as it is written, ‘THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE; THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS, THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD; ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS; THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD, THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE. THEIR THROAT IS AN OPEN GRAVE, WITH THEIR TONGUES THEY KEEP DECEIVING, THE POISON OF ASPS IS UNDER THEIR LIPS; WHOSE MOUTH IS FULL OF CURSING AND BITTERNESS; THEIR FEET ARE SWIFT TO SHED BLOOD, DESTRUCTION AND MISERY ARE IN THEIR PATHS, AND THE PATH OF PEACE THEY HAVE NOT KNOWN. THERE IS NO FEAR OF GOD BEFORE THEIR EYES. Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God” (Rom. 3:9-20; ref. Psa. 5:9; 10:7;14:1-3; 53:1-3; 140:3; Isa. 59:7 ).
3. Being chosen by God is a responsibility that leaves no room for pride or self-righteousness.
   1. “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more” (Luke 12:48b).

KEY POINT:

Despite the history of His people, YHWH’s intention to fill the earth with His glory will not be stopped by man’s sin, failure, or weakness.

1. “…By the sanctifying work of the Spirit”.
   1. The Father’s goal for His Elect is to make them holy as He is Holy. 
      1. The Holy Spirit is the means by which the Father both chooses His Elect and ensures that they bring Him glory. 
         1. “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified” (Rom. 8:28-30).
         2. “But we all, with unveiled faces, looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit“ (2 Cor. 3:18).
         3. “But we should always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thes. 2:13-14).
   2. God’s holiness is inseparable from His glory.
      1. “And one called out to another and said, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of armies. The whole earth is full of His glory” (Isa. 6:3).
      2. “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; worship the Lord in holy attire” (Psa. 29:2).
   3. The Name of the Spirit of God is “Holy” (Psa. 51:11; Isa. 63:10-11) and His role is the “Helper”.
      1. “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (#3875), so that He may be with you forever; the Helper is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him; but you know Him because He remains with you and will be in you. (John 14:16-17).
      2. “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and remind you of all that I said to you… When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, namely, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, He will testify about Me, and you are testifying as well, because you have been with Me from the beginning” (John 14:26; 15:26-27).
      3. “But I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I am leaving; for if I do not leave, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. And He, when He comes, will convict the world regarding sin, and righteousness, and judgment” (John 16:7-8).
         1. G3875. paraklétos – “Advocate, Helper, Comforter, Counselor”.
            1. HELPS Word-studies: 3875 paráklētos (from 3844 /pará, “from close-beside” and 2564 /kaléō, “make a call”) – properly, a legal advocate who makes the right judgment-call because close enough to the situation. 3875 /paráklētos (“advocate, advisor-helper”) is the regular term in NT times of an attorney (lawyer) – i.e. someone giving evidence that stands up in court.

KEY POINT:

The Holy Spirit’s primary work in the Elect is to teach truth, testify of Messiah, bring conviction for sin, and give comfort. The intended result is holiness that reveals God’s glory through the image of His Son. 

1. The most common name for the people of God are the “saints” or “holy ones”.
   1. “As for the kedoshim (#6918) who are in the land, they are noble—in them is all my delight” (Psa. 16:3).
      1. G6918. qadosh – “holy, sacred, set apart”.
   2. “[G]iving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints (#40) in light” (Col. 1:12).
      1. G40. hagios – “holy, sacred, set apart”.
2. As His people, we cannot reflect His glory without sanctification.
   1. “Then Moses said to Aaron, ‘It is what the Lord spoke, saying, “By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy, and before all the people I will be honored’” (Lev. 10:3).
   2. “[T]hat He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless” (Eph. 5:27).
   3. “Pursue peace with all people, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord” (Heb. 12:14).

1. “…To obey Yeshua the Messiah and be sprinkled by the blood of the covenant”.
   1. If the Father chooses His Elect and the Holy Spirit sanctifies them, then it is Yeshua’s covenant that secures their glory.
      1. Remember our Key Problem?
         1. “How can fallen man bring glory to a perfect God?”
   2. Yeshua is the Answer.
      1. “But we do see Him who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings. For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one Father; for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, “I WILL PROCLAIM YOUR NAME TO MY BRETHREN, IN THE MIDST OF THE CONGREGATION I WILL SING YOUR PRAISE.”
      2. “Therefore, when he had left, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him; if God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and will glorify Him immediately” (John 13:31-32).

KEY POINT:

Because of His willingness to be the atoning sacrifice for sin and the redeemer of humanity, Yeshua has been glorified by the Father and is the only One who can give back to God the glory He deserves. 

1. Through faith in the renewed covenant, we are crucified with Messiah and resurrected into His life, and His glory.
   1. “Therefore, we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Messiah was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin” (Rom. 6:5-7)
   2. “In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls” (1 Pet. 6-9).
2. The sprinkled blood of Yeshua’s covenant brings us into a state of grace where God can complete His work of sanctification through His Spirit.
   1. “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, through whom we also have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we celebrate in hope of the glory of God” (Rom. 5:2).
3. Our continued obedience to Yeshua – through His words in scripture and through the sanctification of His Spirit – is the only prescribed path for the Elect in the pursuit of holiness and a life that glorifies God. 
   1. “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. Just as the Father has loved Me, I also have loved you; remain in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love” (John 15:8-10).
   2. “So, Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, ‘If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free’” (John 8:31).

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1. With new understanding of our identity as the Elect, let’s read the words of Peter with fresh eyes.
   1. “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, “YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.” If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth; knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God” (1 Pet. 1:14-21).
2. Questions for discussion:
   1. What has this teaching revealed about your identity in Messiah?
   2. What should holiness look like practically in the life of the Believer?
   3. How can we bring more glory to Yeshua in our individual lives and as a community?

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Does anyone have specific questions or need any clarification from what was said during the Summary or Exhortation?

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Application & Discussion
Living the Word and following Yeshua (Acts 2:37; Romans 2:13)
Questions, input, and sharpening (Proverbs 27:17; Luke 2:46)

Romans 2:13 For it isn’t the hearers of the Torah who are righteous before Elohim, but the doers of the Torah will be justified.

James 1:22 But be doers of the word, and not only hearers, deluding your own selves.

1. 1. What questions or comments came up during your family’s discussion of this week’s study?
   2. “What other related Scriptures did you find during your study of this week’s portion?”
   3. Have you ever experienced something from this study or something related to it?
   4. “What changes do you need to make in your life to align with what you learned during this week’s Torah Study?”

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Additional Study Notes