DISQUS

Alex · 1 year ago

What do you think, please, of Obadiah Shoher's interpretation of the story? (here: samsonblinded.org/blog/genesis-37.htm ) He takes the text literally to prove that the brothers played a practical joke on Yosef rather than intended to murder him or sell him into slavery. His argument seems fairly strong to me, but I'd like to hear other opinions.

Randy · 1 year ago

Hi Alex. Well, two things come to mind:

1) Shoher starts off with saying that Jewish law condemns anyone who kidnaps a Jewish person to death. He seems to assert that because the brothers didn't get put to death there must be some other explanation. From my understanding this is before "The Law" was given through Moses. Am I wrong?

2) I am not a theologian but it also appears that Shoher is also arguing from silence about motivations and while that makes for interesting opinions, it doesn't compel me to re-think the interpretation of the scriptures. I don't see it as a serious challenge to thousands of years worth of understanding from both Jewish and Christian scholars.

That's just my layman's perspective. Thank you very much for the challenging question and for leaving a comment.

Alex · 1 year ago

What do you think, please, of Obadiah Shoher's interpretation of the story? (here: samsonblinded.org/blog/genesis-37.htm ) He takes the text literally to prove that the brothers played a practical joke on Yosef rather than intended to murder him or sell him into slavery. His argument seems fairly strong to me, but I'd like to hear other opinions.

Randy · 1 year ago

Hi Alex. Well, two things come to mind:
1) Shoher starts off with saying that Jewish law condemns anyone who kidnaps a Jewish person to death. He seems to assert that because the brothers didn't get put to death there must be some other explanation. From my understanding this is before "The Law" was given through Moses. Am I wrong?
2) I am not a theologian but it also appears that Shoher is also arguing from silence about motivations and while that makes for interesting opinions, it doesn't compel me to re-think the interpretation of the scriptures. I don't see it as a serious challenge to thousands of years worth of understanding from both Jewish and Christian scholars.
That's just my layman's perspective. Thank you very much for the challenging question and for leaving a comment.

Mike · 1 year ago

"Wisdom Point: Adversity is a part of the will of God."

Your last point is almost heresy to some believers. I've often thought it is too easy to find, quote and pound the prosperity scriptures. Thank you for thought-provoking sermon post.

<abbr>Mikes last blog post..C.F. Hembree Poem on ... http://www.revcoday.com/free-sermons</abbr>

Randy · 1 year ago

Oh, it was easy for me. The real thanks goes to my Pastor. Thank *you* for commenting.

Mike · 1 year ago

"Wisdom Point: Adversity is a part of the will of God."
Your last point is almost heresy to some believers. I've often thought it is too easy to find, quote and pound the prosperity scriptures. Thank you for thought-provoking sermon post.
<abbr>Mikes last blog post..C.F. Hembree Poem on ... http://www.revcoday.com/free-sermons</abbr>

Randy · 1 year ago

Oh, it was easy for me. The real thanks goes to my Pastor. Thank *you* for commenting.