Studies In Theology - 12/09/2006 (But Lot Gets To Do It - Fluffy Naked Angels & Moses Presents Another Re-run)

STUDIES IN THEOLOGY;

Popular Christianity 12/09/2006

Study Notes And Journal Entries,

An Observation

By

David A. Archer

02/15/1968

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

12/09/2006

In again considering the relationships between Israel, the descendants of Essau and those of Lot - it is notable that Abraham - father of Isaac - father of Jacob (Israel) and Essau, was the uncle of Lot.

Lot is said to have begotten his line through his own daughters. ~

Even in such a procreation method as that, it is that the Lord still granted them the land that they occupied - even as contrary as sexual relations with a daughter was said to be within the Israelites. ~

This speaks more of that multiple aspect and the result of proximity in regard to interpretation - resulting effect of that influence. ~

It is presumably the same deity that forbids such within the Israelites, that the two cultures from Lot and Essau worship. ~

Though it would seem acceptable in these passages - such discrepancy presents the potential for future social upheavals. ~

In Chapter 3, verse 21, begins what is titled as Moses forbidden to enter the land. ~

When giving this thought, as previously touched on, it again suggests a sort of use in transference similar to that of the scapegoat wandering in the wilderness - which itself is similar in some ways, to even the Israelites - themselves - before entering the promised land. ~

A re-occurrence so to speak, in different forms - though consistent in that resonating quality. ~

Chapter 4 continues with an oration tone in presenting Moses as speaking to the Israelites. It also depicts Moses as referring to God as the God of our ancestors. ~

This presents th imagery of another social progression in suggesting that tendencies toward such worship fell away from God at some point, then to return, in the case of the Israelites - to a form resembling past form.

Of course there is the aspect of having lived in Egypt for generations, but it seems more than a reference to that - especially in considering the comparison to the version within the descendants of Essau and of Lot. ~

Considering the reference to a longevity in regard to God of your ancestors - and considering the differences between the cultures being cited as of that line of worship - it then tends to seem as though a certain inconsistency is actually a consistency of itself within that line of worship. ~

This then further substantiating the observation pertaining to the inverted qualities of this structure utilizing a single point of focus amidst so many other structures employing various points of focus/deities. ~

Further in chapter 4 (4:11), I find great example in the dual aspect of our existence - which then presents the possibility of a larger tier. ~

it references Mt. Sinai, and flames from the mountain shooting into the sky - then of God speaking from the heart of the fire. ~

Obviously, a common vision of hell itself, is flames and fire - and here it is that God was speaking from the fire. ~

On this level of reasoning, it is nothing less than obvious that the extremes in the idea of God and the Devil co-habitate to some degree - at least within this example from our perspective. Further, on this level of reasoning, it would be stated that these people were actually duped by the devil in their ignorance - into believing such a moment to have been of God. ~

Within the idea of entirely different entities, separate of one another - this level of reasoning means that in the extremes, considering this apparition of God being of/from/within fire - that the Devil is of the frozen element(s) conversely. ~

This level of reasoning as well could suggest that anything (especially of that natural sense) that we cannot control, especially those things seen as ominous and potentially destructive, are associated to the idea of God. ~

Of course then, in our modern day - this then topically would suggest that things such as Santa, and Jack Frost - are actually evil - of the Devil within that presented/suggested contradicting element.

Of course, in realizing that much of our realm consists of things wrought from evil, a person then has to question the level of truth in such assertions - given even further that it is the Devils ploy to deceive. ~

A rather enjoyable paradox to toy with , at the least. ~

Beyond this level of consideration and reasoning - a person then has to see the potential of a return in a cyclical sense, to the pattern of actual elements (earth, fire, water, air). ~

Speculatively, within this association of God and fire - then further considering the presence of observed differences within the same structure of worship - a person has to at least consider - within this example - that the elemental base may be at least part of that multiple aspect of influences comprising this multiple/single point of focus - in the idea of God. ~

In 4:20, there is an incredibly interesting metaphor describing Egypt as an iron smelter furnace - which then leaves a person to wonder what this means of the Israelites; does it suggest them to be iron, or to have been the fuel burned in the furnace? ~

It further suggests perhaps that God had been forging them in the wilderness - likening God to a blacksmith - and further suggesting that life in Egypt had been a conditioning of its own to precede being made into a special possession. ~

The use described thus far in the wandering and pillaging, would suggest that special possession to have been some sort of weapon. Even knowing what is said about the sword, thus perhaps rendering a likeness of; Live by the Hebrew, die by the Hebrew! It just doesn't have the same ring to it! ~

What of such representative affiliations for Essau and Lot's descendants?

Is it as stated in 4:24 that God is a devouring fire in their representations as well? ~

In 4:26 it seems as though to be suggesting Moses as God - If you break my covenant being prominent with no segue or indication to any other respect. ~

Something I find interesting in 4:34, is in referring to those present at this address Moses is giving, as if they were those Israelites actually brought out of Egypt. Stating that the Lord did the things described right before your eyes. Perhaps indicating some cyclical element as far as re-incarnation within the tribes of Israel? Perhaps indicating a use of transference and consistency within ceremony to present an aspect of no generational movement at all - as if, through the transference and consistencies - those before him represented those present when leaving Egypt. To suggest no continuance of populous in the realm of that ceremony and consistency? ~

Almost, metaphorically - as if punching in while tracking a recording. ~

01/11/2007 As a note - this then presents a sort of paradox within itself in such considerations, given that the initial people of the tribes of Israel were said to no longer be able to enter the promised land due to transgressions and 'rebellion' against the 'Lord.' To consider that with the proposed transference in symbolism - presents a potentially precarious relation. Is it, within that consideration, that such is meant to 'span' such a chasm as is the separation between the generation(s) entering the 'land' and those having been forbidden? Presenting perhaps another aspect of duality?

Further in 4:36 is something that definitely shows the potential of duality at least, if not the multiple aspects I am exploring in regard to a multiple presence in a single point of focus pertaining to deity - they heard his voice from heaven and they heard his voice from his great fire - In that alone is present descriptive facets of the modern popular understanding of heaven and hell - which, within this description it is depicted as God inhabiting both. ~

4:41 again references the cities of refuge, but only names the three that Moses sets apart on the East side of the Jordan river - 1 for each tribe (including the half tribe) residing on the East side of the river. ~

4:44 begins with describing again, laws and decrees as if in review. ~

Chapter 5, Deuteronomy - consists of re-affirming the commandments, though now in the condensed - 10 commandments - form. ~

And again speaks as if to be addressing those Israelites present at the time the commands were given from the Lord. ~

5:23 accounts for Gods voice coming from the heart of darkness - at the mountain blazing with fire. ~

This obviously contradicts the popular visions of white clouds and half naked angels strumming harps. ~

Not saying it to be a good or bad thing - but it definitely displays the potential duality at this point in the work of the Bible. ~

Further, in considering the application of such areas of text in our modern day - it could very much be likened to those popular attributes which many see to represent evil and the Devil. Which again tends to tell me that interpretation of this work seems meant more in the consideration of it on the whole - within the idea of applied ideology - than in specific, literal interpretations of rigid application. ~

Especially considering the larger social consistencies already in motion within much of society - bearing a striking resemblance to those social and political dynamics put into motion in the previous book - being the book of Numbers, the fourth book of the Bible. ~

Again, this in regard to considering applied ideology. ~

Something else as note - this review sort of tone seems very much directed at the 9 1/2 tribes going to the West side of the river - almost specifically. Being particularly interesting in and within this tone of delivery while again considering the failures presented as prediction like statements being near 4:25 and ending with 4:31.

It is as though they are almost being sent out on their own even after having presented Joshua as a leadership role. Suggesting even further that the more political sway will be with the 2 1/2 tribes remaining East of the river. ~

Almost cursing - condemning those going West across the river, to the failures and mishaps being predicted - perhaps even encouraging them to fulfill the predictions.

This being supported in 4:31 - stating that they will somehow only remain worthy because of their ancestors (which of course, were cut off so to speak, in forbidding the previous generation entry into the promised land). But reassured in this all the same - again, as if to perhaps even promote further divergence. ~

It gives me some confidence in my current perspective and explorations pertaining to progressive corruptions being vital to a healthy society.

It would appear, as stated in those brief verses - that Moses knew something of that sort then, about what appears to be human tendency toward various forms of corruptions. ~

Once warring is over, what then promotes the vigor and health of a community?

There is only so much that can be conquered until there is nothing left to conquer - and subsequently sustain a society having been built on such social motion (as was very common in that day and age).

01/11/2007 To briefly elaborate on this perspective - Historically it can be seen that such is the case in many examples of social and cultural development. It wasn't until quite recently in human history that ideologies were implemented which then provided for a social direction to sustain a healthy society without the dependence on war.

This fact then further substantiates the observation that it is most times even centuries from the time an idea is introduced - something is 'discovered' within human existence, before it is then efficiently utilized. Such can be observed in many places through out human history.

~