From the 3rd Passover to the start of the final week 1 study
Historical notes 2 studies
From the 3rd Passover to the start of the final week
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PER218
The Messiah Jesus is the light of the world
At the Feast of Sukkot in Jerusalem, Jesus proclaims himself the ‘light of the world’ (John 8.12-58), drawing on the symbolism of the great illuminations of the Temple. He gradually reveals his divine identity through debates with the Pharisees, culminating in the statement ‘Before Abraham was, I AM’, an explicit affirmation of his pre-existence and his divinity. To believe in him is to enter into the light, the truth and eternal life.
Exodus 3.14 (King James Version) :And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
Historical notes
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INF008
The Code of Hammurabi
The Code of Hammurabi allowed a barren woman to offer her servant to her husband to secure descendants, the child being recognized as legitimate. This practice, widespread in the ancient Near East, was not prescribed in the Law of Moses. It sheds light on Sarah's gesture in offering Hagar to Abraham, an act that was culturally acceptable but contrary to the specific divine promise made to Abraham concerning his descendants.
Genesis 29.31 (King James Version) :And when the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren.NoteReuben: that is, See a sonNoteSimeon: that is, HearingNoteLevi: that is, JoinedNoteJudah: that is, PraiseNoteleft…: Heb. stood from bearingKing James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
INF011
The land of Canaan
The land of Canaan, corresponding to present-day Israel, Palestine, Lebanon and parts of Jordan and Syria, is described in the Bible as 'the most beautiful of all lands'. Inhabited by the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites and Philistines, it is the land promised to the Hebrew people. Two stages, separated by 470 years, mark its conquest: Abraham's arrival, followed by Joshua's conquest after captivity in Egypt and wandering in the wilderness.
Ezekiel 20.6 (King James Version) :In the day that I lifted up mine hand unto them, to bring them forth of the land of Egypt into a land that I had espied for them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands:King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org