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Discussions Torah

Dwelling in the tents of Shem: Elohim’s Presence brings a blessing to all nations (Genesis 9:18–27)

This study of Genesis 9:18–27 explores the lineage and legacy of Noah’s family, highlighting the historic hallmark of the genetic bottleneck at the Flood and the significance of Shem’s line leading to the Messiah, noted by the cryptic phrase about Elohim — which is God in Hebrew — dwelling in Shem’s tents. This passage delves into the character lessons from Noah’s vineyard, namely the importance of moderation to help us keep control over things that can be both tov and ra (Hebrew for good and bad). Those include not only desires such as wine and food but also how we spend our time. We look at what constitutes a nation and why “blasphemy against the Holy Spirit” can never be forgiven. The study emphasizes the hope Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus the Christ) provides in the resurrection and the importance of pursuing justice, love, mercy and humility before God.

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Discussions Torah

Genesis 9: God blesses Noach and his sons; Noach curses Canaan

At first, it’s puzzling why Noach cursed Cana’an for something his father, Ham, did. Is this a generational curse, with the sins of the father being meted out to future generations? Is something else going on here? The answer seems to be in the meaning of the Hebrew words for curse and Cana’an.

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Discussions Torah

Genesis 11 — the world for a brief time has one mind, speech and culture

Genesis 11 starts with confusion and ends with the story of the family line which will bring the Messiah into the world and bring God’s order back to earth.

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Discussions Torah

Genesis 9 — God blesses Noah

How did God bless (literally, “kneel before” or “bestow honor on”) Noah in Genesis 9 following the Flood?