What book are you reading right now? The Name: by Franklin Graham
Blasting The Name!
“Christianity is a religion for losers,” said one famous American billionaire.
“Organized religion is a sham and a crutch for weak-minded people who need strength in numbers,” said a famous politician. It makes no sense! What drives two such otherwise intelligent, motivated, and successful men to publicly slam the followers of the greatest Name in history?
Today in the Word logo FULL ISSUE • RESOURCES • GIVE Come Let Us Rebuild. A Study of Nehemiah. Called to Be Holy Saturday, November 18 | 1 Corinthians 1:1–9 On the Go? Listen Now!
Is this person “the one”? Should I pursue this job or that one? Is now the time to move or invest or retire? Whenever we are confused or concerned about more specific questions of calling, God’s general call anchors us.
When we don’t know what to do, we ask God for wisdom, walk in faith, and pursue what He asks of all His followers all the time. While we may not even know how to pray, the Spirit utters groanings (Rom. 8:26).
In today’s passage, Paul introduced himself to the church at Corinth—one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire, strategically located on a major trade route. Paul had spent many months in Corinth during his second missionary journey, establishing this church. Corinth, however, was also full of sin: immorality, idolatry, greed.
Three years later, Paul learned that the Corinthian church was struggling. He begins his letter by reasserting his own credibility: “Paul, called [kletos] to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God” (v. 1). God had given Paul this position and bestowed on him the authority to speak on His behalf.
He reminded the Corinthians of God’s call on them to be “holy” (v. 2). They were to be set apart and pure. This expectation was not unique to them! Paul explained that it was for “all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 2).
Ancient letters typically included a word of thanks after the greeting, and Paul follows that convention (vv. 4–9). Despite the corruptness in Corinth, Paul expressed gratitude for God’s grace to them—in the form of teaching and spiritual gifts. Paul’s hope was in God who is faithful, and who had called (kaleo) the Corinthian church into fellowship with Christ.
>> When we are confused about a difficult decision, we can be anchored by our faith in Christ and God’s call for us to be “holy” (v. 2). How does Paul’s challenge for believers to be set apart for God’s purpose affect your choices?
Pray with Us Father, from sinful temptations to worldly pressures, the Enemy has many tactics to distract and misdirect us. Help us pursue You with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our strength (Deut. 6:5).
On October 7, 2023, Israel faced what is now being referred to as “the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust.”
Unprecedented attacks on Israel. Innocent Jewish civilians murdered in the streets. Women, men, children, and the elderly taken hostage by Hamas terrorists. Thousands of deadly rockets fell upon the Holy Land, forcing families and entire communities to seek refuge in emergency bomb shelters.
Hamas terrorists and other extremist groups crossed into Israel with a brutal determination. They left a trail of death, destruction, and suffering in their wake.
Tragically, the numbers are devastating:
Over 6,000 rockets launched into Israel More than 30 communities infiltrated Over 200 Israelis abducted 3,200+ Israelis injured 1,400+ Israelis killed Desperate calls for help are coming in to us. We are in constant communication with Israeli officials and already responding
Urgent aid to families and communities directly affected by these horrific attacks Food supplies, hot meals, and hygiene supplies Temporary shelter in hotels Trauma counseling to victims enduring this terrible violence Additional emergency bomb shelters for those living in high-risk areas Now is the time to stand with Israel. Let us stand with unwavering faith against her enemies who seek to harm her people, devastate her land, and erase her very existence.
I implore you to send help today! Your compassionate support will swiftly reach Israel as she asserts her God-given right to exist as the land of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob forever.
Your ongoing prayers and partnership will serve as a powerful reminder to Israel and the Jewish people that Bible-believing Christians like you are standing with them like never before.
Thank you for stepping forward with courage as you bless Israel and her people in their time of need. Through God’s blessings and His grace, may you be further blessed for your love and support for Israel.
For the love of Israel and her people
Thank you for your continued prayer and support for Israel. We are committed to keep you up to date on what is happening.
There is an event tomorrow in Genèva, Switzerland that we are asking for your prayers and participation.
Help us spread the word by forwarding this email to others you may know who can help get the word out or attend.
Who were the Hebrews?
Abstract:
The essay sheds light on the ancestry of the Biblical Hebrews of the Exodus. The accounts in the Bible, particularly in the books of Genesis, Exodus, and Numbers, suggest that the Hebrews, known as the Israelites, experienced significant population growth during their time in Egypt. The proposed mathematical model and Josephus’s historical account indicate that this growth might be attributed to natural population increase, mixed marriages, and the assimilation of other ethnic groups. Notably, Josephus suggests that Jews in Egypt had Egyptian origins and that their proximity to Egypt and interactions with Egyptians were influential. This implies that the Hebrews’ ancestry may have been shaped by a blend of factors, making their genetic makeup diverse and complex.
Introduction:
There is undeniable evidence that the Biblical Hebrews might have had some African ancestry.
The origins of the Biblical Hebrews, also known as the Israelites, have intrigued scholars and historians for centuries. By examining biblical accounts, mathematical models, and historical sources, we can explore the complex tapestry of their ancestry.
Background:
The population growth of the family of Jacob, also known as the Israelites, during their time in Egypt and up to the Exodus is described in the Bible, specifically in the books of Genesis, Exodus, and Numbers. Let’s outline the key events and numbers based on the biblical accounts:
Jacob and His Family in Egypt (Genesis): Jacob, also known as Israel, had 12 sons, who became the heads of the 12 tribes of Israel. When Jacob and his family relocated to Egypt to escape famine, they numbered 70 individuals, including Jacob himself (Genesis 46:27).
Growth in Egypt: Over the course of their time in Egypt, the family of Jacob, now called the Israelites, began to multiply significantly. The Bible doesn’t provide specific population figures during this period.
The Oppression and Slavery: The Book of Exodus tells us that the Israelites faced oppression and slavery in Egypt under a new Pharaoh who was worried about their population growth (Exodus 1:8-22). Despite the harsh conditions, they continued to grow.
The Census in Numbers: In the Book of Numbers (Chapter 1), after leaving Egypt and while in the wilderness, a census was taken of all the men fit for military service. The number of men counted in this census was 603,550.
Now, based on an assumption that the total population was two times the number of men counted in the census, we can calculate the estimated total population:
Total Population = 2 x 603,550 = 1,207,100
So, according to this assumption, the population of the family of Jacob, the Israelites, at the time of the Exodus was estimated to be around 1,207,100 people. It’s important to note that these numbers are based on biblical accounts and assumptions, and actual historical records from this period are limited.
Examples of Reasons and Mathematical Models Which Could Explain Such a Population Growth:
– Theory: Some Israelites intermarried with Egyptians or other groups, experienced natural population growth, and also accepted other ethnic groups (immigrants) into their community leading to an increase in the population.
– Possible Mathematical Model: Population = Initial Population (70) * (1 + r + I + T + M)^ (Time / Generation Length) – Here, Population represents the final population (1,207,100), r an average annual natural population growth rate, I is the immigrant absorption rate, T is generational turnover, M is the mixed marriage rate, Time is the number of years (400), and Generation length is a guess such as between 15 and 40 years. The combination of factors (C) = r + I + T + M. If generation length was 18 years per generation, C would need to be 55.11%. A C of 55.11% is equivalent to 2 out of 3 Hebrew family either having 4 kids instead of just 2, marrying an immigrant (I), or marrying an Egyptian (M).
These mathematical models provide a framework for exploring the population growth scenarios while considering various factors like natural growth, immigration, generational turnover, and mixed marriages. Keep in mind that these models are based on simplifications and assumptions, and the actual historical dynamics would have been more complex.
Secondary Sources
Excerpt from Josephus, The Antiquity of the Jews, Book XIV, Chapter 7:
Chapter Title: How Crassus came into Judea, and pillaged the temple; and then marched against the Parthians; and perished, with his army. Also how Cassius obtained Syria; and put a stop to the Parthians, and then went up to Judea.
‘Accordingly the Jews have places assigned them in Egypt, wherein they inhabit; besides what is peculiarly allotted to this nation at Alexandria: which is a large part of that city. (15) There is also an ethnarch allowed them, who governs the nation; and distributes justice to them; and takes care of their contracts, and of the laws to them belonging: as if he were the ruler of a free republick. In Egypt therefore this nation is powerful; because the Jews were originally Egyptians; and because the land wherein they inhabit, since they went thence, is near to Egypt. They also removed into Cyrene; because that this land adjoined to the government of Egypt, as well as does Judea; or rather was formerly under the same government.” And this is what Strabo says.’
Material evidence of the Hebrews of Exodus in Palestine
The biblical accounts implies that the Hebrews who left Egypt may have exhibited cultural customs and worn attire typical of Egyptians. Consider this verse which was how a Midianites describe Moses.
Exodus 2:19 NIV [19] They answered, “An Egyptian rescued us from the shepherds. He even drew water for us and watered the flock.”
Egyptian Records About The Hyksos and Canaanite Revolt
During the 2nd millennium BCE, some Semites came to Egypt as traders and immigrants. Others were prisoners of war, and yet others were sold into slavery by their own people. A papyrus mentions a wealthy Egyptian lord whose 77 slaves included 48 of Semitic origin.
By the late Middle Kingdom era, around 3700 years ago, Canaanites had actually achieved significant influence and power, in the form of a line of Canaanite pharaohs ruling the Lower Kingdom, coexisting with the Egyptian-ruled Upper Kingdom. (These Canaanite pharaohs included the mysterious “Yaqub,” – full name Meruserre Yaqub-Har – whose existence is attested by 27 scarabs found in Egypt, Canaan and Nubia and a famous one found at Shikmona, by Haifa.)
In time, the Canaanite leaders were themselves ousted by the Hyksos, a mysterious group who settled in Egypt some time before 1650 BCE, also from Canaan, and who came to rule the Lower Kingdom from the city of Avaris. Controversy remains, but it is increasingly suggested that the Hyksos originated from northern Levant – maybe Lebanon or Syria.
Some scholars believe the Semitic traders shown in the mural on Khnumhotep II’s tomb are actually Hyksos.
Under the Hyksos’ wing, the Canaanite population in the delta grew and waxed stronger, as shown by findings in ancient Avaris (Tell el-Dab’a). The Canaanite presence is attested by pottery that was Canaanite in form and chemically derived from Palestine. The dominant religious burial practices in Avaris at the time were also Canaanite.
The Roman-era Jewish historian Josephus for one identifies the Hyksos with the Israelites. He cites the 3rd-century Egyptian scribe and priest Manetho, who wrote that after their expulsion, the Hyksos wandered in the desert before establishing Jerusalem.
DNA evidence
All ancient Hebrews, ancient Israelites and modern Jews tested so far have E Y-DNA components, E-M35 subclades in particular, which is a common North African haplogroup.
In light of the biblical accounts and historical insights, it is likely that the majority genetic components of the biblical Hebrews, also known as the Israelites, were influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including significant African ancestry through Egyptian genetic components. The proposed mathematical model and Josephus’s account from “The Antiquity of the Jews” provide a framework for understanding the population growth dynamics. This model suggests that natural population growth, mixed marriages, and the acceptance of other ethnic groups, including Egyptians and immigrants, played crucial roles. Josephus’s reference to Jews in Egypt, their interaction with Egyptians, and the proximity of their settlements in Alexandria and Cyrene offer historical context. Therefore, it is plausible that the genetic makeup of the Hebrews was influenced by a combination of these factors. Nevertheless, the exact genetic components would have been diverse and shaped by centuries of interactions and migrations.
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