Studies In Theology - 09/23/2006

STUDIES IN THEOLOGY;

Popular Christianity -09/23/2006

Study Notes And Journal Entries,

An Observation

By

David A. Archer

02/15/1968

(r.f.p.p.s.h.)

09/23/2006

I have happened upon something that I find rather exciting in an exploratory fashion.

Though it is that I know little of the particular importance of "numbers" and the "Book of Numbers" in relation to various forms of Western religions, I do know of their importance - this from even early childhood.

I as well know that there are some excessive and even obsessive social derivatives of said "importance" which results in an over amplification and mutation of it.

The aspect I find a small thrill with is in a sequence I can see possible direction for further exploration of.

As I read Genesis 46, I find this particular little "thrill" in connection with previous suggestions - one of which being in the story of Joseph interpreting Pharoahs dreams pertaining to "feast or famine."

In essence he essentially suggests that he is/or has a direct affiliation with "God." A person could even interpret the statement as if he were even claiming to be "god" itself - beyond any sort of embodiment. ~

Taking that into account (as well as the station of Governor he was awarded), then in conjunction with the census total of his father (Jacob's) descendants that then joined Joseph in Egypt being 66 - then further this making Jospeh 67 of a total being 70 of his Hebrew relatives now living in Egypt.

Initially this doesn't necessarily strike any chords until it is considered in conjunction with things yet to pass at this point in Genesis, being chapter 46.

The most obvious to me, as per the comparison is that there is a total of 66 books in the work known as the "Bible." Then further a person can consider the Star of David being comprised of 6 points and 7 enclosures - "wells" so to speak. ~

Most certainly this is exploratory - but reasonable speculation in my own opinion for several reasons - the first of which being the apparent early importance of enumeration. Further then is the developing consistency within the work itself, as I have mentioned - to "weave" upon itself as per the symbolism being similar in various places - "bread and wine" for instance at the "last supper," then found as well in several places through out the old testament - thus far being in Genesis.

Further then, these associations even between "old" and "new" testaments acting to bind earlier works immersed in the Hebrew influence, with those of developed "Christianity" during and after the introduction of "Christ." ~

This then places much of the entirety in symbolism, in a firm connection with the Hebrew aspects of existence, even in Egypt (as per the accounts of this work).

As a note; Egypt was one of the many cultures having and supporting more than one deity - even affording the idea of the Hebrew "God" being a single point of focus as is illustrated with the acceptance of Joseph.

Then further to support this speculation is Jacobs name given him after he "wrestled with god" - that name being "Israel." ~

Another point of interest in chapter 48 of Genesis, is a continuation - then on establishing similar blessings as those that Jacob and his mother stole for Jacob - being the youngest - then being past from Jacob in the form of blessing - to Josephs youngest son. This in effect establishes a consistency in no longer adhering to the "old ways" of passing things to the oldest son.

In Genesis 50, it is noted that Jacob (Israel) was embalmed after his death in the Egyptian method.

At the time of Josephs death, he was embalmed and placed in a coffin in Egypt, leaving instructions for his remains ("his bones") to be brought from Egypt "when god comes to lead you back." ~

In 50;24 of Genesis, it is further divulged that "God" will deliver the house of Jacob (being the 12 houses of Israel) back to the land promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. This poses points of interest to me for further (future) studies. Particularly the perception that the "promised land" is that only of and for "Israel." ~

It is noted as well, that the Dead Sea Scrolls count all of Josephs relatives in Egypt initially, being 75. So this then obviously leads to some inconsistency between the accounts in the "Bible" and those of the Dead Sea Scrolls - BUT, the Dead Sea Scrolls do confirm that there was actually someone such as is described as Joseph within the Bible - then confirming to some extent the consistency of the "Bible." Really kind of funny that with the discovery of something that points to some inconsistency (Dead Sea Scrolls), there is support of the consistency itself.