Abel
_The Hebrew spelling of this word means ‘breath,’ ‘vapor,’ that which is
‘insubstantial.’ However, it is more likely that the name should be
linked with the Accadian word meaning ‘son.’ Abel was the second son of
Adam and Eve and was murdered by his brother Cain because God preferred
Abel’s sacrifice over Cain’s.
Abel is referenced multiple times throughout the Bible, including in Heb 11:4; 1 John 3:12; Matt. 23:35; Luke 11:51; and Heb 12:24, always as a faithful, innocent, righteous man.
Biblical references:
Genesis 4:2- “Next she bore his brother Abel. Abel became a keeper of flocks, and Cain a tiller of the soil.
Genesis 4:4- “…while Abel, for his part, brought one of the best firstlings of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering,…”
Genesis 4:8- “Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let us go out in the field.” When they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.”
Abel is referenced multiple times throughout the Bible, including in Heb 11:4; 1 John 3:12; Matt. 23:35; Luke 11:51; and Heb 12:24, always as a faithful, innocent, righteous man.
Biblical references:
Genesis 4:2- “Next she bore his brother Abel. Abel became a keeper of flocks, and Cain a tiller of the soil.
Genesis 4:4- “…while Abel, for his part, brought one of the best firstlings of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering,…”
Genesis 4:8- “Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let us go out in the field.” When they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.”
Adam & EveAdam:
-It could be ultimately derived from Hebrew meaning “to be red”, referring to the ruddy colour of human, or from Akkadian “adamu” meaning “to make.” -With Adam, God is portrayed as a potter molding man's body out of the clay. This is a play on the how the words sound in Hebrew. The Hebrew "Adam" is "man" and "adama" is "ground". Adam is literally simply named “man”. -“Adham” is Hebrew for “of the ground” or “taken out of the red earth.” Eve: -From the Hebrew name “Chawwah”, which was derived from the Hebrew word “chawah”, “to breath” or the related word “chayah,” “to live.” -With Eve, the name is also descriptive. The Hebrew name “hawwa” (Eve) is related to the Hebrew word “Hay” (living). This implies that she is not only the mother of all the living, but also the mother of promised Seed who would give life to the human race now subjected to death. -The name given to the first woman by the first man (Gen. 3:20). The Bible interprets this name to mean “the mother of all living,” both because Eve is, through her sons, the female ancestor of the entire human race and because the name sounds similar to the Hebrew word for “living being.” The wordplay is probably etymologically incorrect, and later rabbinic tradition proposed a connection with the Aramaic word “serpent.” The actual linguistic derivation of the name remains uncertain. (Oxford) |
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Cain
Origin of the name: Genesis 4:1- “The man had relations with his wife Eve, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying ‘I have produced a man with the help of the Lord.’” The Hebrew name "qayin" (Cain) and the term "qaniti" (I have produced) is another play on words that would be recognized in the original Hebrew, but is lost in translation. An extremely rough equivalent would be “I have gained Cain”, with gain meaning “to begat” or “to create”
The first son of Adam and Eve. The first murderer in human history- killed his brother Abel because God preferred Abel’s sacrifice over his own. In punishment, Cain was “banned from the soil” and condemned to wander the Earth. He settled in the land of Nod and built a city. His descendants include: Jabal (forefather of tent-dwelling cattle-keepers), Jubal (forefather of musicians), Tubal-Cain (forefather of smiths). It is also hypothesized that Cain is the father of the Kenites, which included both shepherds and metal-workers. In this theory, though, some of the descendants of Cain must have survived the flood. This is entirely possible as it is becoming more common to accept that the flood was not world-wide.
The Oxford Illustrated Companion to the Bible lists multiple later interpretations, including identifying Cain as the son of either Satan, the wicked angel Sammael, or the serpent in the Garden of Eden. It also states that the “Zohar” and various medieval legends speculate on the fate of Cain’s offspring (with his wife Awan, meaning “Wickedness”) as demons.
The first son of Adam and Eve. The first murderer in human history- killed his brother Abel because God preferred Abel’s sacrifice over his own. In punishment, Cain was “banned from the soil” and condemned to wander the Earth. He settled in the land of Nod and built a city. His descendants include: Jabal (forefather of tent-dwelling cattle-keepers), Jubal (forefather of musicians), Tubal-Cain (forefather of smiths). It is also hypothesized that Cain is the father of the Kenites, which included both shepherds and metal-workers. In this theory, though, some of the descendants of Cain must have survived the flood. This is entirely possible as it is becoming more common to accept that the flood was not world-wide.
The Oxford Illustrated Companion to the Bible lists multiple later interpretations, including identifying Cain as the son of either Satan, the wicked angel Sammael, or the serpent in the Garden of Eden. It also states that the “Zohar” and various medieval legends speculate on the fate of Cain’s offspring (with his wife Awan, meaning “Wickedness”) as demons.
Enoch
While there is more than one Enoch (as well as an Enosh) referenced in the Bible, I am referring to the Enoch spoken of in Genesis 5:18-24.
18 When Jared was one hundred and sixty-two years old, he became the father of Enoch.
19 Jared lived eight hundred years after the birth of Enoch, and he had other sons and daughters.
20 The whole lifetime of Jared was nine hundred and sixty-two years; then he died.
21 When Enoch was sixty-five years old, he became the father of Methuselah.
22 Enoch lived three hundred years after the birth of Methuselah, and he had other sons and daughters.
23 The whole lifetime of Enoch was three hundred and sixty-five years.
24 Then Enoch walked with God, and he was no longer here, for God took him.
Why is Enoch of interest? Because of the simple phrase "Then Enoch walked with God, and he was no longer here, for God took him." In this phrase, he is one of only two people (the other being Elijah) in the Bible who do not die...instead they go directly to/with God. This mysterious phrase gave rise to much extrabiblical literature focused on his "heavenly secrets," commonly referred to as the book(s) of Enoch (Brown, Fitzmyer, & Murphy, 1990, p.14). These are considered part of the apocalyptic literature written after the exile. More recently, those who have adopted the (extremely) recent idea of the rapture believe that all the faithful will be taken up like Enoch was before for the "Tribulation."
The word 'with' implies familiarity with God, not just a distant or awe-filled relationship. Perhaps the lesson to take from Enoch's life, even if only granted a mysterious single sentence in the Bible, is that he 'walked' with God, implying a long, steady, continuous journey with God (MacDonald, 1995, p.38).
18 When Jared was one hundred and sixty-two years old, he became the father of Enoch.
19 Jared lived eight hundred years after the birth of Enoch, and he had other sons and daughters.
20 The whole lifetime of Jared was nine hundred and sixty-two years; then he died.
21 When Enoch was sixty-five years old, he became the father of Methuselah.
22 Enoch lived three hundred years after the birth of Methuselah, and he had other sons and daughters.
23 The whole lifetime of Enoch was three hundred and sixty-five years.
24 Then Enoch walked with God, and he was no longer here, for God took him.
Why is Enoch of interest? Because of the simple phrase "Then Enoch walked with God, and he was no longer here, for God took him." In this phrase, he is one of only two people (the other being Elijah) in the Bible who do not die...instead they go directly to/with God. This mysterious phrase gave rise to much extrabiblical literature focused on his "heavenly secrets," commonly referred to as the book(s) of Enoch (Brown, Fitzmyer, & Murphy, 1990, p.14). These are considered part of the apocalyptic literature written after the exile. More recently, those who have adopted the (extremely) recent idea of the rapture believe that all the faithful will be taken up like Enoch was before for the "Tribulation."
The word 'with' implies familiarity with God, not just a distant or awe-filled relationship. Perhaps the lesson to take from Enoch's life, even if only granted a mysterious single sentence in the Bible, is that he 'walked' with God, implying a long, steady, continuous journey with God (MacDonald, 1995, p.38).
Joseph, father of Jesus
Honestly, Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, is a fairly shadowy figure in the Bible. The last mention of him chronologically is when Jesus is age 12. This is the episode in which Jesus returned to the temple without his parents knowledge; once they found him, they asked what he was doing. His response was that he was in his His Father's house. Jesus seems surprised that they did not know this. It is up to us to decide if mention of Joseph ceased at this time because of Jesus' first reference to his heavenly Father, or whether Joseph passed away. Joseph is mentioned nowhere during the accounts of Jesus' ministry, he is absent from the wedding at Cana, and- most tellingly- at Jesus' crucifixion, he gives the care of his mother over to one of his disciples.
We first learn about Joseph at the same time as the Annunciation. Matthew specifically refers to him as a "just man" and his behavior supports this. Upon learning of Mary's condition, rather than taking action that could have resulted in her death, he decides to privately put her aside. Of course, an angel speaking his dream cancels this course of action. Later verses indicate his profession: a carpenter. The Greek word used (tekton) indicates he was also skilled in other craft work, such as stone. We also learn he is a descendant of David. It is Joseph's adoption of Jesus that fulfills the prophecy that the messiah will be a descendant of David.
We see Joseph is obedient to the will of God multiple times. He follows the angel's instructions to marry Mary and father her child. When the angel speaks again telling him to flee to Egypt, he obeys. When an angel appears after Herod's death and instructs him to go to Galilee (not to his place of origin Judea), he obeys. He follows the Hebrew law about presenting the first-born in the temple and offer sacrifice. He followed the law about trekking to Jerusalem during the required holy days.
While we might not have many Biblical references to the man who is referred to a Jesus' earthly father, the information we do have is telling. He cared for his family, followed the Lord's commandments, and was a "just man." We can also assume that God's choosing him was not arbitrary; he is an example to follow.
We first learn about Joseph at the same time as the Annunciation. Matthew specifically refers to him as a "just man" and his behavior supports this. Upon learning of Mary's condition, rather than taking action that could have resulted in her death, he decides to privately put her aside. Of course, an angel speaking his dream cancels this course of action. Later verses indicate his profession: a carpenter. The Greek word used (tekton) indicates he was also skilled in other craft work, such as stone. We also learn he is a descendant of David. It is Joseph's adoption of Jesus that fulfills the prophecy that the messiah will be a descendant of David.
We see Joseph is obedient to the will of God multiple times. He follows the angel's instructions to marry Mary and father her child. When the angel speaks again telling him to flee to Egypt, he obeys. When an angel appears after Herod's death and instructs him to go to Galilee (not to his place of origin Judea), he obeys. He follows the Hebrew law about presenting the first-born in the temple and offer sacrifice. He followed the law about trekking to Jerusalem during the required holy days.
While we might not have many Biblical references to the man who is referred to a Jesus' earthly father, the information we do have is telling. He cared for his family, followed the Lord's commandments, and was a "just man." We can also assume that God's choosing him was not arbitrary; he is an example to follow.
Pharaoh, during Exodus
Who Was Pharaoh During the Exodus?
Despite the detail given in the Bible about Exodus, it neglects to give the Pharaoh a name. This is probably because with the oral tradition, there was no way that anyone was going to forget who the Pharaoh defeated at the Sea of Reeds (commonly translated as Red Sea) was!
Archeologists and theologians think that it was one of three Pharaohs: Ramses II, Thutmose III, or Amenhotep II.
The exodus is “guessed” at occurring around 1445 b.c. Ramses II reigned as Pharaoh during 1279-1213 b.c., much too late for the Exodus. However, the first signs of settlement in Israel occur during the early twelfth century, which corresponds to Ramses II’s reign.
Thutmose III was the father of Amenhotep II. Thutmose III’s reign, from 1479-1425 b.c., fits exactly with the guessed date of Exodus. Thutmose III was also known as a fierce warrior. But silence of his military victories later in his reign MAY be due to his defeat at the Sea of Reeds.
Amenhotep II was also a fierce warrior, and received tribute from as far away as Babylon. It was also recorded that at one time during his reign he invaded the area of Canaan. Not much is known about later in Amenhotep. The sudden silence about his military activities has caused many to speculate that this was because his army had been defeated by God in the Sea of Reeds. But this is pure speculation…nothing concrete has been found.
Despite the detail given in the Bible about Exodus, it neglects to give the Pharaoh a name. This is probably because with the oral tradition, there was no way that anyone was going to forget who the Pharaoh defeated at the Sea of Reeds (commonly translated as Red Sea) was!
Archeologists and theologians think that it was one of three Pharaohs: Ramses II, Thutmose III, or Amenhotep II.
The exodus is “guessed” at occurring around 1445 b.c. Ramses II reigned as Pharaoh during 1279-1213 b.c., much too late for the Exodus. However, the first signs of settlement in Israel occur during the early twelfth century, which corresponds to Ramses II’s reign.
Thutmose III was the father of Amenhotep II. Thutmose III’s reign, from 1479-1425 b.c., fits exactly with the guessed date of Exodus. Thutmose III was also known as a fierce warrior. But silence of his military victories later in his reign MAY be due to his defeat at the Sea of Reeds.
Amenhotep II was also a fierce warrior, and received tribute from as far away as Babylon. It was also recorded that at one time during his reign he invaded the area of Canaan. Not much is known about later in Amenhotep. The sudden silence about his military activities has caused many to speculate that this was because his army had been defeated by God in the Sea of Reeds. But this is pure speculation…nothing concrete has been found.
Pharisees
Greek 'Pharisaioi' is 'separate ones.' In Hebrew means "separatists." According to Josephus, there were three major sects within Judaism at the time of Jesus: the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes. There were also the "Zealots, and probably many lesser sects. Even though they tolerated each other's existence, each saw itself as the most authentic expression of Jewish identity" (MacCulloch, p.72).
They helped to develop an elaborate system of oral laws to apply to the written law of Moses to Jewish life after the destruction of the temple and the Roman conquest of Israel. Thus, they were known for devotion to the law, written and oral. The law was rigorously applied to everyday life. Scribes, experts in the law, belonged predominantly to this group. Many people, having lost respect for priesthood due to corruption, looked to the scribes, who were often pious and disciplined (Lockyear, p.830). While relatively small in number (due to their exclusivity), they nevertheless enjoyed prestige and respect of the people and could affect both popular opinion and national policy at times.
"If they [Pharisees] despised the Herods and the Romans, they hated Jesus' doctrine of equality and claims of messiahship with equal fervor" (Green, p.475). Other sources say that while the Pharisees were not always unfriendly to Jesus (and Mark has them taking no part in his death), Jesus criticized them severely precisely because their religious leadership was so serious. Originally helping to save Judaism (a noble thing), it had degenerated over time and become too rigid/exclusive.
They helped to develop an elaborate system of oral laws to apply to the written law of Moses to Jewish life after the destruction of the temple and the Roman conquest of Israel. Thus, they were known for devotion to the law, written and oral. The law was rigorously applied to everyday life. Scribes, experts in the law, belonged predominantly to this group. Many people, having lost respect for priesthood due to corruption, looked to the scribes, who were often pious and disciplined (Lockyear, p.830). While relatively small in number (due to their exclusivity), they nevertheless enjoyed prestige and respect of the people and could affect both popular opinion and national policy at times.
"If they [Pharisees] despised the Herods and the Romans, they hated Jesus' doctrine of equality and claims of messiahship with equal fervor" (Green, p.475). Other sources say that while the Pharisees were not always unfriendly to Jesus (and Mark has them taking no part in his death), Jesus criticized them severely precisely because their religious leadership was so serious. Originally helping to save Judaism (a noble thing), it had degenerated over time and become too rigid/exclusive.
Seth
_Hebrew “sheth.” Various meanings from different sources- appointed,
compensate, granted, or substitute. His name signifies that he was the
replacement or substitute for Abel.
Adam and Eve’s third son, born after Cain murdered Abel. The father of Enosh. Founder of the line of faith, which eventually includes Jesus Christ. Seth died at the age of 912.
Christian, Jewish, and Islam tradition all have small branches of mysticism about Seth, his various attributes, his status as a prophet, etc.
Biblical References:
Genesis 4:25-26: “….she gave birth to a son and named him Seth, saying, ‘God has granted me another child in place of Abel, since Cain killed him.’ Seth also had a son, and he named him Enosh…..”
Genesis 5:3-4: “…and he named him Seth. After Seth was born, Adam lived 800 years…”
Genesis 5:6-8: “When Seth had lived 105 years, he became the father of Enosh. And after he became the father of Enosh, Seth lived 807 years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether, Seth lived 912 years, and then he died.”
Adam and Eve’s third son, born after Cain murdered Abel. The father of Enosh. Founder of the line of faith, which eventually includes Jesus Christ. Seth died at the age of 912.
Christian, Jewish, and Islam tradition all have small branches of mysticism about Seth, his various attributes, his status as a prophet, etc.
Biblical References:
Genesis 4:25-26: “….she gave birth to a son and named him Seth, saying, ‘God has granted me another child in place of Abel, since Cain killed him.’ Seth also had a son, and he named him Enosh…..”
Genesis 5:3-4: “…and he named him Seth. After Seth was born, Adam lived 800 years…”
Genesis 5:6-8: “When Seth had lived 105 years, he became the father of Enosh. And after he became the father of Enosh, Seth lived 807 years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether, Seth lived 912 years, and then he died.”
Sadducees
Greek 'Saddoukaioi' means 'followers of Zadak,' perhaps 'righteous.' According to Josephus, there were three major sects within Judaism at the time of Jesus: the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes. There were also the "Zealots, and probably many lesser sects. Even though they tolerated each other's existence, each saw itself as the most authentic expression of Jewish identity" (MacCulloch, p.72).
Priestly, wealthy, aristocratic class, centered in Jerusalem. "They enjoyed privileged positions in society and managed to get along well under Roman rule" (Lockyear, p.936). They were the most flexible/allowing in regards to relations with outsiders. In contrast to the Pharisees (in Mark), as the priestly party connected with the Temple, the Sadducees are more directly involved in the death of Jesus, probably due to the fact that they were much more politically minded. Despite their central role in Jesus' death, they did not enjoy the influence among the people that the Pharisees did.
"They accepted as scripture only the first five books of the Old Testament, followed only the letter of the law, rejected the oral legal traditions, and were opposed to teaching not found in the Pentateuch, such as the resurrection of the dead." (Senior et al., Matthew 3:7).
Priestly, wealthy, aristocratic class, centered in Jerusalem. "They enjoyed privileged positions in society and managed to get along well under Roman rule" (Lockyear, p.936). They were the most flexible/allowing in regards to relations with outsiders. In contrast to the Pharisees (in Mark), as the priestly party connected with the Temple, the Sadducees are more directly involved in the death of Jesus, probably due to the fact that they were much more politically minded. Despite their central role in Jesus' death, they did not enjoy the influence among the people that the Pharisees did.
"They accepted as scripture only the first five books of the Old Testament, followed only the letter of the law, rejected the oral legal traditions, and were opposed to teaching not found in the Pentateuch, such as the resurrection of the dead." (Senior et al., Matthew 3:7).
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