Saturday, 5 July 2014

Theological Reflection on the origin of the OLD TESTAMENT

Reflection: What do we need to know about the origin of the Hebrew Scriptures?


The Sacred Tools of Discernment indicated that the answer to this question may be obtained by reflecting on the primary influence of the tribe of Issachar and the secondary influence of the tribes of Ephraim & Manassah; that is, Work + Produce = Possess.

Yarash (yaw-rash') in Hebrew means “inherit” or “take possession.”

The text associated with Possess (Yarash) in the Hebrew Scriptures is the story of “The marriage of Isaac and Rebekah (see Gen 24:55-67).”

The story appears in the Examination section of the reflection cycle, which means that Changes and Outcome are still in process. The inference we can make from this is that the promises of YHWH in the Hebrew Scriptures are still in effect if we continue to be guided by them.

The Hebrew Scriptures were therefore about the inheritance given to the Twelve Tribes of Israel; and contains stories about their relationship with YHWH with respect to their ancestors and their inheritance in the form of promises of land and wealth. The text of the reflection refers to the lineage of Isaac and Rebecca, which indicates that the writings of the Hebrew Scriptures came from that source.

EXAMINATION
It so happens when the Tribes of Israel took possession of Canaan, the land acquired by the tribes of Issachar, Ephraim and Manassah were the larger portion of the Northern Kingdom on both sides of the Jordan.
The text says, “And they blessed Rebekah and said to her, ‘May you, our sister, become thousands of myriads; may your offspring gain possession of the gates of their foes.”

CHANGES
Changes take place in our lives by reflecting on the stories of YHWH’s relationship with the Hebrew people and their heirs.

OUTCOME
The outcome is that the Hebrew Scriptures provide comfort to all the descendants of Isaac and Rebecca.

TODAY’S WORLD
The Old Testament remains the basis of three great monotheistic religions Judaism, Christianity and Islam. 

References:
See Bibliography: Sacred Tools of Discernment by Jonn Lavinnder

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