†. Gen 28:22a . . And this stone, which I have set up as a pillar, shall
be God's abode;
Jacob's pillow stone wasn't really meant to be a dwelling or a container as
we typically think of human habitat or animal cages. It was meant to be a
sort of monitoring device. An 8th century BC Aramaic treaty inscription from
Sfire, in Syria, terms each upright stone on which the treaty is inscribed as
an abode of the gods. The Hebrew word for "God" is 'elohiym (el-o-heem')
which is a plural word meaning gods. So that we could translate Gen
28:22a-- "shall be the abode of the gods."
The stone(s) symbolize a divine presence monitoring fulfillment and/or
infractions of the terms of a treaty or a vow. So Jacob's pillar was not only
the custodian of his vow, but was also its regulatory agency taking note
whether Jacob and Yhvh keep their promises to each other. The very same
thing turns up again in Gen 31:44-52.
†. Gen 28:22b . . and of all that You give me, I will set aside a tithe
for You.
This is probably the very first Biblical instance of the so-called "faith
promise". Though coming from a wealthy family; and heir apparent to his
father Isaac's personal fortune, the fulfillment of this particular vow was
contingent, not upon what Jacob possessed already; but upon God's future
providence.
Jacob didn't promise a set dollar figure, but promised a "tithe" which in
English Bibles is commonly translated a tenth; but in reality the Hebrew
word 'asar (aw-sar') just means to apportion; which Webster's defines as: to
divide and share out according to a plan; especially to make a proportionate
division or distribution of.
The value of a nondescript tithe therefore is left up to individual discretion.
†. 2Cor 9:7 . . Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to
give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God prefers a whole-hearted
giver.
†. 2Cor 8:10-12 . . And here is my advice about what is best for you in this
matter: Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the
desire to do so. Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it
may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. For if
the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not
according to what he does not have.
In other words; if you comfortable with a so-called faith promise, then just
to be on the safe side do not promise a dollar amount. Honor your promise
with what you have; rather than what you hope to have.
Jacob was under no obligation to reciprocate and compensate God for the
promises. Their fulfillment was dependant neither upon Jacob's generosity
nor his piety. Fulfillment was dependant solely upon God's own personal
integrity. So why should Jacob dedicate a tithe? Well; like I said, he didn't
have to. Jacob's response was totally spontaneous and voluntary. His tithe
was motivated from a sense of fair play, rather than a response to Holy
mandates. In other words: Jacob reciprocated God's kindness with kindness
of his own.
A faith that gives out of friendship, rather than obligation, is much better
than a religion that mandates a tithe. And the gift should be given where the
giver feels whole-hearted about it; viz: they should have some say in where
their offering goes, and they should be able to feel quite satisfied about it
rather than feel as though their pockets were picked.
So; how was Jacob going to transfer some of his assets into God's account?
There was neither Temple nor synagogue in his day, and certainly no
Aaronic priesthood. Abraham did his business with Melchizedek but there is
no record of either Isaac or Jacob doing business with one of Mel's
successors.
When all else fails, a very, very good way to give to God is by helping people
less fortunate than yourself; in other words: pay it forward.
†. Prv 19:17 . . He who is generous to the poor makes a loan to Yhvh: He
will repay him his due.
There are lots of charities benefiting disadvantaged people. United Way lists
quite few to pick from. Believe me, those causes are a whole lot more
satisfying than just mindlessly tossing money into a basket passed around
on a Sunday morning.
Cont.
/
be God's abode;
Jacob's pillow stone wasn't really meant to be a dwelling or a container as
we typically think of human habitat or animal cages. It was meant to be a
sort of monitoring device. An 8th century BC Aramaic treaty inscription from
Sfire, in Syria, terms each upright stone on which the treaty is inscribed as
an abode of the gods. The Hebrew word for "God" is 'elohiym (el-o-heem')
which is a plural word meaning gods. So that we could translate Gen
28:22a-- "shall be the abode of the gods."
The stone(s) symbolize a divine presence monitoring fulfillment and/or
infractions of the terms of a treaty or a vow. So Jacob's pillar was not only
the custodian of his vow, but was also its regulatory agency taking note
whether Jacob and Yhvh keep their promises to each other. The very same
thing turns up again in Gen 31:44-52.
†. Gen 28:22b . . and of all that You give me, I will set aside a tithe
for You.
This is probably the very first Biblical instance of the so-called "faith
promise". Though coming from a wealthy family; and heir apparent to his
father Isaac's personal fortune, the fulfillment of this particular vow was
contingent, not upon what Jacob possessed already; but upon God's future
providence.
Jacob didn't promise a set dollar figure, but promised a "tithe" which in
English Bibles is commonly translated a tenth; but in reality the Hebrew
word 'asar (aw-sar') just means to apportion; which Webster's defines as: to
divide and share out according to a plan; especially to make a proportionate
division or distribution of.
The value of a nondescript tithe therefore is left up to individual discretion.
†. 2Cor 9:7 . . Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to
give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God prefers a whole-hearted
giver.
†. 2Cor 8:10-12 . . And here is my advice about what is best for you in this
matter: Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the
desire to do so. Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it
may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. For if
the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not
according to what he does not have.
In other words; if you comfortable with a so-called faith promise, then just
to be on the safe side do not promise a dollar amount. Honor your promise
with what you have; rather than what you hope to have.
Jacob was under no obligation to reciprocate and compensate God for the
promises. Their fulfillment was dependant neither upon Jacob's generosity
nor his piety. Fulfillment was dependant solely upon God's own personal
integrity. So why should Jacob dedicate a tithe? Well; like I said, he didn't
have to. Jacob's response was totally spontaneous and voluntary. His tithe
was motivated from a sense of fair play, rather than a response to Holy
mandates. In other words: Jacob reciprocated God's kindness with kindness
of his own.
A faith that gives out of friendship, rather than obligation, is much better
than a religion that mandates a tithe. And the gift should be given where the
giver feels whole-hearted about it; viz: they should have some say in where
their offering goes, and they should be able to feel quite satisfied about it
rather than feel as though their pockets were picked.
So; how was Jacob going to transfer some of his assets into God's account?
There was neither Temple nor synagogue in his day, and certainly no
Aaronic priesthood. Abraham did his business with Melchizedek but there is
no record of either Isaac or Jacob doing business with one of Mel's
successors.
When all else fails, a very, very good way to give to God is by helping people
less fortunate than yourself; in other words: pay it forward.
†. Prv 19:17 . . He who is generous to the poor makes a loan to Yhvh: He
will repay him his due.
There are lots of charities benefiting disadvantaged people. United Way lists
quite few to pick from. Believe me, those causes are a whole lot more
satisfying than just mindlessly tossing money into a basket passed around
on a Sunday morning.
Cont.
/
