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| Thank God He has me COVERED!!! |
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As I continued reading through Genesis this week, I came across the story of Noah passed out drunk and naked in his tent (Gen. 9:20-27). Ok, once again I read this and thought, “what the heck am I supposed to do with this, God?” You remember, in the story Ham discovers his naked father, apparently finding amusement in the sight. His two brothers, by contrast, come in backwards (eyes averted) and lay a covering over their father. What was God teaching me? A lesson about respect? The dangers of wine? Not this time.
The commentary I’m reading (Be Basic, W. Wiersbe) pointed out that “love covers all sins (Prov. 10:12, 1 Pet. 4:8).” Ok, so out of love for their father, the good sons discretely covered their father’s sin, rather than telling others or making light of it. So we should do the same, quietly and meekly working towards restoration of those we find caught in sin.
But it seems to me there’s way more than that. It seems Paul wrote about the same sort of thing, only he wrote about me, not Noah or some other sinner...
3:1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 3:2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3:3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 3:4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Paul (or the Lord, through Paul) is telling me that the old me has actually died and been raised up with Jesus. In a spiritual sense for now, though that is actually the real me, not this body of flesh that will eventually turn to dust one day! So the real me has been hidden (covered!!) with Christ. God sees Jesus, the “covering”, not me, or the old me, shameful sinner that I was. Of course, I am still stumbling through this life, BUT I am covered, the guilt and shame no where to be seen! Indeed, love has covered all of my sins. To dwell on my failings, shortcomings, and weaknesses would be to set my mind on earthly things, to focus on what I looked like before He covered me. That is exactly what Paul told me (us) not to do!!
So here I am now, thankful for the awesome lesson that began with a story about a drunken naked man in a tent! Thank God for his love, and the reminder that I am completely covered, free from ALL guilt and shame. Free indeed!!
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| GOD BLESS You! Great blog! |
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Cheryl |
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February 22, 2008 at 7:52pm |
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I almost turned from this blog and thought this was a guys only blog, lol!!! Wow to walk in that liberty. Liberty in Christ is true freedom! ~thanks |
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Thanks Doyle!!
Cheryl - hi there! And I'm confused, lol. A guy's only blog? Well, sometimes Laura wishes.... |
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Ragland |
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February 22, 2008 at 8:07pm |
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Hi Mike, I thought nakedness can also be equated to'truth'. |
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Sue |
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February 22, 2008 at 8:09pm |
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| Hallelujah!! |
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Thanks Sue!! Thanks apodemeo! (Although personifying this truth sounds dangerously close to...well, you can read the story I referenced!)
Ragland... I don't think in Noah's case "nakedness"=truth. Though you're right, people do sometimes use nakedness to illustrate truth. You sure ain't hiding anything when you're naked, that's for sure! :-) |
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| This is a great reminder! Thank you, Mike! |
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Excellent blog Mike!! Thank you for this timely reminder.
Matt |
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| You did it again Mike! Great Blog. It made me feel good to know that I'm covered. |
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Wonderful Cheryl! Then mission accomplished! (made you feel good to know that you're covered)
Thanks Matthew! (haven't seen you in a while, everything alright?)
Lara, you are welcome....and thanks for the comment, my godly (though covered) Canadian friend! |
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I wish I had two cents for this one but I think you just about covered all bases. Never really connected that before, that is really awesome. I am not one for "new revelations" but this is not that, it is God peeling back the scales and allowing us a closer glimpse...awesome
Cheryl, the only "guys only" thing around here is the men's room ...that is supposed to be funny |
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Cheryl |
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February 22, 2008 at 10:26pm |
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| Patrick: you are awesome! see ya~ |
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| Mike great blog. As I was reading your blog I song came to my mind entitled Oh, the Blood of Jesus. I remeber when God really revealed the truth of justification to me one day while I was reading Rom. 5. It said having been justified (past tense) by faith, I now have peace with God (present tense) ..." By receiving Christ, I discovered that I now stood before God totally righteous. |
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Another great posts and I thought I was the only one who asked all those questions about the Noah and Ham story. It's right up there with how long it took me to read that part about first fruits when it came to Abel.
Blessings,
David. |
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Ragland |
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February 23, 2008 at 1:28am |
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HI Mike, Coming back to the point, When we love some one, One's weakness should always be covered. Ham instead of covering his father's nakedness brought it to the notice of his other to brothers. He had also gone to the territory of his father- which he is not supposed to. How do we draw parallel to the present day situation? Christ's love has covered our weakness/sin. Are we covering other's weakness or sin? |
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Cheryl....I just got the "guys only" thing...when I first read that, I do not know what I was thinking, but it was nothing along the lines of Patrick's answer...I must have been way beyond sleepy when I first read that.
Pastor Tim, that is a powerful paragraph, almost a tiny blog unto itself! I really appreciate that point....justified (past tense), at peace (present)...excellent!
Dave...lol...no, you aren't the only one, that Ham/Noah story has long been sort of mysterious to me.
Ragland (I keep fighting the temptation to call you Rag for short, greatly fearing you might take it wrong if I did!).... I thought I drew a short parallel, but maybe not. 1 Peter 4:8 says "love covers a multitude of sins", therefore if I encounter a brother/sister caught in sin, to act in love would be to work gently, discretely, and meekly toward their restoration in Christ, rather than doing what Ham did.
Satan tempts us to take the Ham approach too. I "want" (selfishly) to tell others about someone's sins and failings, b/c it makes us look better when others look worse. It puts me in a position of power, like when we engage in gossiping. Or I want to laugh at others' sins b/c it loosens things up and, well it ain't me getting laughed at so who cares. All these are the Ham approach...common, but not at all loving. Is that what you had in mind? |
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Gene |
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February 23, 2008 at 5:59am |
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| Great point, Mike. Instead of pointing out the errors of others, we can express our compassion and love by helping them - without a lot of notice. |
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Amen brother, O, the Blood of Jesus ! All the comments are a blessing to me. Including your comment about Ragland's comment. Brpther helping brother, a beautiful thing ! |
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Donna S |
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February 23, 2008 at 7:39am |
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Of course, I am still stumbling through this life, BUT I am covered, the guilt and shame no where to be seen! Indeed, love has covered all of my sins. To dwell on my failings, shortcomings, and weaknesses would be to set my mind on earthly things, to focus on what I looked like before He covered me. That is exactly what Paul told me (us) not to do!!
WOW like I been reading here to and it is why i wrote what i wrote today also, which i didnt mention LOL I was reading in Genesis. What you said is soooo what i am feeling today!! THANK YOU!!! for being here and al the posts you write god Bless Tima to totally Let go let God and let my son's sins be covered. I know God is with him ! |
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| Great work with the blog, you sure are awesome at this. *hugs* |
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Ragland |
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February 23, 2008 at 9:25am |
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Hi Mike,You are welcome to call me Rag, Rags, Ragi (These are the names most of my close friends and members of the family use to call me). So there is no question of taking it as offence or wrong. You are my brother and you are welcome to call me what you want to. Yes you are right actually what you had in mind and what I was trying to tell is the same. You have already told this before that we have the same thoughts. I think thats one of the reasons which attract me to read your blogs. The other is Gene my elder brother. Jairah, I mentioned that one's weakness should be covered. Which means it should not be made public. Also sin. If one is concious of his/her sin, it is between him/her and God. God alone has the right to make them righteous through the blood of Jesus Christ. We as fellow human beings dont have the right to 'expose' other's sins. If you had studied about 'reformation' you would accept this statement of mine. If we 'expose' other's weakness who want to turn from his old ways to the new way, one of the things that we would be indulging in is 'gossipping'. I dont any one with the right senses would agree 'gossipping' is the right of a believer who 'exposes' his/her friend who sins. |
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Lovely comments, thank you all! Megan, thanks for hangin in there. Stick around, there's plenty of love to go around on this site! Gene - perfectly stated, your economy with words is impeccable! Paul, my friend the fellowship has only just begun!
Donna, feel free to post links to your blogs, I don't mind at all. Especially if you've been reading my mind and have another viewpoint to share!
Jairah, I hear you, and I would like to share a response, when I have time...tonight I hope. BTW, love your new profile pic, you are a very attractive lady - your husband is blessed!
Rag, my friend, now I know we share a wavelength. You responded to our sister similarly to the way I would. Thanks for your input here! |
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Ragland |
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February 23, 2008 at 4:46pm |
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I Thank God Mike for allowing both of us to have the same wavelength. Child, sin, mother of Jairah's comments need a separate blog. Jairah, I just happened to read your blog Wet Pants. I think what we are discussing is something similar. |
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Hi Jairah, Just wanted to add to my previous comment to you, the Bible doesn't say love cleanses from sin (only the blood of Jesus does that), nor does it say love condones sin. But it does say in more than one place that love covers all sins. Our task is to determine what exactly that means. Well, in the example of Noah, love covered the shame and guilt of Noah's sin, the after effects of shame. Love preserved some of Noah's respect and stature.
In the case of your son, love would tell him not to beat himself up for disobeying (or whatever sin), but to try harder next time (or something positive like that). Love protects, love works to restore. But love definitely recognizes sin, I certainly was not saying it overlooks it. God bless! ~mike |
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Deb |
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February 24, 2008 at 11:52am |
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| As usual, Mike, another great blog! I too am thankful that God has me "covered". |
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Cheryl |
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February 24, 2008 at 1:35pm |
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lol! See ya~ |
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Rosie |
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February 26, 2008 at 1:03am |
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| Mike... TD Jakes preached Sunday that Gods got you covered......Not only sin but in every area of our lives ....thought that was interseting to come here and find your blog same title.....HMMMMMMMMMM.....(one spirit one mind) |
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| Wow Rosie! Interesting, considering I have never listened to Jakes before. |
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JayKTX |
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February 26, 2008 at 7:11am |
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| I had to scroll a long way down to leave my comment. It's nothing special, just a thank you for a great devotional read this morning. I especially liked this since the Lord has been reminding me to see myself as He sees me: To dwell on my failings, shortcomings, and weaknesses would be to set my mind on earthly things, to focus on what I looked like before He covered me. |
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Bubbles |
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February 27, 2008 at 4:36am |
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WOW! That is awesome. You think you know something and then God allows you to see it just a little bit clearer! You made it clariton clear Mike. Then it is so encouraging to read the thread of comments. |
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Thank you Ruth - and thanks to Wiersbe and of course the Lord for opening my eyes to this truth. We are covered, it is time to put away shame and enjoy our Father's love shamelessly! Janell, your comments are always so thoughtful and uplifting (mainly b/c their so thoughtful!)... Thanks! |
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Mike,
Wonderful... don't ya just love His Word. Thank God that he does see us by our "covering" of His Love, His Son, Our Lord and Savior...
Pastor Aminata |
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| I preached on that Scripture last Sunday. |
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| Really Steve? Wow, dontcha just love those "coincidences"?? :-0 |
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Hi Mike & Laura- When I first read the story I felt Noah was the one who was wrong for getting drunk and naked and passing out in the middle of the tents living-room. I like your interpretation on the story though. There is another common interpretation that is not near so nice as yours. In that interpretation Ham, is cursed by Noah, not because he didn't cover him and told his brothers instead. He is cursed because it is, as described in (Lev.18:6-23) an incestuous relationship. That's one reason I love the Bible everyone can read it but, no matter what part you've read someone else has a different spin on it. I think God intended it that way so we would always refer to it and always discuss it to keep it fresh in our minds and hearts. Great blog. God bless you. Bob |
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I forgot to say...speaking of "coincidences" we just studied this last night in Bible study. God does work in mysterious ways. =0) Bob |
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Hi Bob! I would agree with your original reading, Noah "shamed" himself by drinking too much and passing out. (What the heck was he doing in that tent anyway, naked and drunk??????) The point was Ham made light of his father's sin, whereas Shem and Japeth "covered" it, out of love for their dad.
Yes, the Bible is awesome, isn't it? It isn't necessarily that we all derive different interpretations of what verses mean so much as the Holy Spirit speaks to each of us differently, teaching us on an individual basis. God bless you brother! |
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Bob is right. The sin was not commited by Noah. To uncover you Father's nakedness is to lie with his wife. In this case Ham slept with his mother. There is no doubting this. It is very clear. Shem and Japeth walked backward to cover up the sin of their brother Ham. Canaan was the son produced by Ham. Actually, the fouth of his son's (Gen 10:6) He was the progenitor of the Phoenicians. (l Chron. l:8)
God bless!! |
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| Golden, interesting thought regarding Noah's drunkenness not being a sin, especially in light of Isa 28:1, Hab 2:15, and Eph 5:18 (among others). And until now never heard the interpretation regarding Ham's incestuous relationship. Supporting evidence in Gen 10 seems scant. But hey, thanks for offering your perspective! |
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With due respects to Bob and Golden, I would like to point out the following: According to Moses in the book of Leviticus, Chapter 18, One should not 'uncover' the nakedness of close relatives. In Genesis 9, 22, Ham 'saw' his father's nakedness. While Noah has the right to 'uncover his nakedness' Ham does not have the right to see his father's nakedness. Therefore it should not be inferred that Ham had sexual relationship with his 'father's wife' |
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| Thanks Rag! (btw, I meant "evidence in Gen 9...") |
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Mike, You know how I see the issue of (so called) condoning sin ! But I can understand why Noah was tempted to get drunk, which could be the reason for the other strange behavior. He had just witnessed the destruction of all people of the world (except eight on the arc). Not to mention the animals. Horrific beyond words, I'm sure. Still, I'm thanking God for His covering!! |
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Jenily |
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March 03, 2008 at 2:45pm |
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| Wow! Powerful! |
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Gene |
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March 03, 2008 at 3:08pm |
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And, after reading some of the commentary here, I can understand why Noah would be tempted to drink. . . .
I am not suggesting that the Hebraism is not true. But, if it is, the expression's application would be to have intercourse with Noah - not Noah's wife - that would be uncovering the nakedness of your father's wife.
Also, In Genesis 19:30-36 that expression is not used when referring to the sexual act between Lot's daughter's and him. If the application was the same (intercourse with the father, and the writer of Genesis is the same person, why is the application not the same. The preceding verse says that "Noah lay uncovered in his tent" (not an identified Hebraism). It makes every bit of sense that the Hebraism is not the intended application.
In this case, I'll go with the literal meanings. Noah was naked and Ham was being an idiot about it. |
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Paul, I honestly never considered why Noah got drunk. Interesting thought. Though notable commentaries that I've consulted don't appear to speculate on that. So there's a gap in coverage, perhaps time for you to write your own! :-)
Jenily, thanks! I've likewise enjoyed some of your writings as well lately!
Gene, I too am comfortable with the literal meanings, along with a couple of notable commentators I've read (see below). Thanks for weighing in, your perspective is always very balanced and deeply thoughtful, I appreciate it!
Golden, the commentary that brought out the lesson on covering for sin was written by Warren Wiersbe, a highly respected Christian teacher and writer of some 50 years. And given the prohibitions against drunkenness elsewhere in the Bible plus admonitions to respect one's parents, plus the clear parallel to Christ's covering our sins, I am inclined to agree w/Mr Wiersbe. Not that I needed to, but I also checked with the highly respected Matthew Henry for a historical perspective, and found no disagreement between he and Wiersbe concerning the sin of Noah. Please feel free to visit the link for Henry's essay. Thanks for your interest in this blog Golden, though I ask that you please try harder to temper your comments in the future. |
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Hi Mike, Bob said There is another common interpretation. I want to ask "what is the source of reference for this information?" I perused 5 commentaries on the same subject 1. John Wesley's explanatory notes, 2.Albert Barnes' Note on the Bible, 3. Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible, 4. John Gill's Exposition on the entire Bible and 5. K&D Commentary on the Old Testament. None of the authors mentioned above had even mentioned anything in line with this kind of argument. There was no mention at all. That is the reason then I compared with various versions. Even the Bible translators of the various versions did not give the impression what was proposed by Bob. Hence I want to know the source for the common interpretation. It gave me an opportunity to go deeper into the subject and know the "truth". |
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Hi Rag,
Perhaps Bob and Golden read from the same source, and I do not know what that is. Is their source the "truth"? If it contradicts what you read in your 5 commentaries, and it also contradicts the commentaries of Wiersbe, Henry, and Jamieson, why would we assume it's the truth? I rather doubt it. Thanks for jumping in, I too am a truth seeker, but when well respected writers all agree, I am content to stop at that rather than search for some hidden "secret" truth. I don't believe God cloaks the truth. |
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Gene |
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March 03, 2008 at 7:59pm |
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You're so right, Mike. No, God doesn't cloak the truth. The clothes we have are those of righteousness. |
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I have to get better at my writing skills or at least meaning what I am typing. lol Just to clarify what I was saying, ( I hope anyway). What I was referring to was, as Gene said " the expression's application would be to have intercourse with Noah - not Noah's wife - that would be uncovering the nakedness of your father's wife." . I have no source nor do I agree with the scenario I stated. Recall I said the interpretation I gave an example of was "not near so nice as yours". It is a commonly used verse by people who argue homosexuality is a sin. I should have said, I guess, homosexual incest, but I just thought that would be understood if anyone read the verses. I also said "I like your interpretation on the story though" which in my feeble mind meant the same as, I agree with your version. Your version was exactly what we said at Bible Study the night before was the true meaning. I had told the Bible Study group that night the first sentence I typed to you which was , ' When I first read the story I felt Noah was the one who was wrong for getting drunk and naked and passing out in the middle of the tents living-room". That got a few giggles and then we discussed the true meaning, which is exactly what Mike has said. I probably made my stance even more confusing then when I started and that is why I let my wife do the talking. Anyway, I apologize if I offended anyone and I hope this clears it up. It is a great blog Mike and I thank you for it. Peace |
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Bob, I thought your initial comment, and all your follow-ups (this might be the only one...I lose track), were offered in humility and in a good conversational spirit. I saw your offering "another common interpretation" to mean you'd heard but didn't necessarily agree with it.
The above references to that interpretation were directed mostly at a later comment (which was deleted for other reasons) which claimed emphatically that view was the truth rather than just another interpretation.
No probs Bob - it's all good! A hearty thanks for offering your point of view! |
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Phew, thanks Mike. I feel better now. God Bless you Brother |
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Proverbs l:22 "How long , ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? And the scorners delight in their scorning, And fools hate knowledge?
Also for Mr Wiersbie who need hang his head in shame for his confusion on the Holy Scriptures!! |
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| Wow! Keep them blogs coming, with what you say sure does get a lot of peoples attention because it sure got mine. funny because I read that scripture in Genesis last night. Read on becuase theres more and I want to know what your insights are. Its almost as if your helping me understand the bible even more....God Bless you both |
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Thanks woman of joy and deborah, can't tell you how much I appreciate hearing from you! deborah, you are far too kind. How interesting that you were just reading that scripture, wouldn't wanna call it a coincidence, would ya? ;-) |
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Gene |
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March 04, 2008 at 4:52pm |
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| Gee, Mike. I guess we all hate "knowledge." Shame. . . |
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Hi Golden, Proverbs 1:22 is for whom? For you? or for us? Have a blessed Day!! |
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Gene |
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March 04, 2008 at 4:54pm |
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I seen to recall something about that in Paul's writing. . "the foolish to be made. . " what was that? And being a fool to confound the wise. . . . Hmm. Is there a counterpoint here? |
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Hi Golden I understand from another blog that you are a man of God. This is what the bible says and told to us by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Mat 5:22 but I say unto you, that every one who is angry with his brother shall be in danger of the judgment; and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council; and whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of the hell of fire. |
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