Prophecy
The doctrine of predestination and preordination has been a topic of extensive theological discussion with many varying views and differing opinions among Christians. This paper will look at the topic of preordination versus foreknowledge rather than predestination, so as to narrow the scope of discussion and focus on understanding the steps to take in interpreting events and narratives of the Old Testament. The primary purpose is to understand the text in its proper context and perspective using hermeneutical analysis. The narrative that will be discussed in this paper will entail the event preceding the birth of Jacob and Esau, and the oracle concerning the two nations and the two peoples that will come forth from Rebekah’s womb, as found in Genesis 25:19-26.
Before going into the detailed analysis of the event, it is necessary to understand that narratives in the Old Testament are not written for the purpose of answering theological questions, as they are specific and limited in scope, and usually deal only with particular issues, “leaving behind others to be dealt with elsewhere in other ways” (Fee & Stuart 2003:106). This means the result from analyzing a particular passage does not determine a particular theological stand throughout the Bible, but merely proposes a way of understanding how a specific passage may be interpreted according to its original intent (Fee & Stuart 2003:98).
Take the chiastic structural analysis of Genesis 25:19-26 for example. The focal point of the passage is determined by the structure as contained in verses 22 and 23, where Rebekah asked for an oracle and the LORD answered her. The oracle, in this case, concerns the two nations and two peoples in her womb, where “one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger” (Genesis 25:23 NIV). To analyze whether this oracle is foreknowledge or preordination, two tasks may be performed. The first is exegesis, which refers to the understanding of what has been said to the readers at the time of writing, and the second is hermeneutics, which refers to what the passage means “here and now” as may be understood from “the original intent of the biblical text” (Fee & Stuart 2003:23, 29).
To perform the two tasks, it is quintessential to first understand the context of the passage. The preceding verses prior to the oracle in Genesis 25:23 explain why God has spoken to Rebekah concerning events that will take place in the future. Verse 22 states when Rebekah became pregnant, “the babies jostled each other within her” (NIV). This may have been seen by Rebekah as an “evil omen” that can bring “misfortune” (Keil & Delitzsch 2005), which may explain why Rebekah said, “Why is this happening to me?” and inquired of the LORD (Genesis 25:22 NIV). The reason why God has revealed things of the future to Rebekah concerning her children may therefore be because God wants to assure Rebekah that the fruit of her womb will ensue to become great nations.
In this instant, the Bible does not record how Rebekah inquired of the LORD, hence there is no way to determine with certainty how God answered her inquiry (Keil & Delitzsch 2005). Some commentaries suggest it was by prayer and sacrifice at a place dedicated to Jehovah, or by consulting a prophet, such as Melchizedek or others, but this is unlikely in the patriarchal age (Keil & Delitzsch 2005; Henry 2005). The key focus in this passage, however, is not about how the oracle is spoken, but about God answering Rebekah’s inquiry. This point is important because it provides further insights to understanding the passage.
One of the best ways to analyze a verse or a passage is to read different translations of the Bible, ranging from formal literal equivalence to functional dynamic (Fee & Stuart 2003:33-53), which essentially means reading the text using translations ranging from those close to the original language, to translations which primary objective is focused on readability and the modern language.
For the purpose of this paper, four different translations of the Bible will be used to analyze the verse, Genesis 25:23:
- And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger. (KJV)
And Jehovah said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, And two peoples shall be separated from thy bowels. And the one people shall be stronger than the other people. And the elder shall serve the younger. (ASV)
The LORD said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.” (NIV)
And the LORD told her, "The sons in your womb will become two rival nations. One nation will be stronger than the other; the descendants of your older son will serve the descendants of your younger son." (NLT)
From the analysis of the narrative discussed in this paper, it is clear the oracle concerning the two nations within Rebekah’s womb and the elder serving the younger is foreknowledge rather than preordination. The fact the oracle is spoken in answer to Rebekah’s inquiry after she has conceived Esau and Jacob suggests the purpose of the oracle is to assure, rather than to preordain events of the future.
REFERENCES
ASV (1901), The American Standard Version: Holy Bible. Nashville: Thomas Nelson & Sons.
Fee, D. Gordan and Stuart, Douglas (2003), How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth. Philippines: OMF.
Henry, M. (2005), “Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible”, in Rick Meyers, e-Sword, e-sword.net, version 7.7.7. Franklin: Equipping Ministries Foundation.
Keil & Delitzsch (2005), “Commentary on the Old Testament”, in Rick Meyers, e-Sword, e-sword.net, version 7.7.7. Franklin: Equipping Ministries Foundation.
KJV (1984), The King James Version: Holy Bible. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
NIV (1984), The New International Version: Holy Bible. Colorado: International Bible Society.
NLT (2005), “Scripture Search: Genesis 25”, New Living Translation, http://www.newlivingtranslation.com/05discoverthenlt/ssresults.asp?txtSearchString=gen+25%3A23, 2005 (Accessed 4 November 2006). Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers.
PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
Reader Count & Comments
Date
The opinions expressed by authors do not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com. This is especially true with articles that
deal with personal healthcare and prophecy. We encourage the reader to make their own decision in consultation with God, His Word, and others as needed.
This article has been read 3937 times < Previous | Next >
Read more articles by Edmond Ng or search for other articles by topic below.
This article has been read 3937 times < Previous | Next >
Search for articles on: (e.g. creation; holiness etc.)
Read more by clicking on a link:Free Reprints
Main Site Articles
Most Read Articles
Highly Acclaimed Challenge Articles.
New Release Christian Books for Free for a Simple Review.
NEW - Surprise Me With an Article - Click here for a random URL
God is Not Against You - He Came on an All Out Rescue Mission to Save You
...in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them... 2 Cor 5:19
Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Acts 13:38
LEARN & TRUST JESUS HERE
FaithWriters offers Christian reading material for Christian readers. We offer Christian articles, Christian fiction, Christian non-fiction, Christian Bible studies, Christian poems, Christian articles for sale, free use Christian articles, Christian living articles, New Covenant Christian Bible Studies, Christian magazine articles and new Christian articles. We write for Jesus about God, the Bible, salvation, prayer and the word of God.