The Gospel According to Moses - Genesis - Lesson 47 Part 2 - Gen. 22

In lesson 47 we studied Orthodox Jewish Midrash or Orthodox Jewish Bible commentary.  In lesson 47 it was shown that this is a common tool of the orthodox rabbis in orthodox Judaism.  Many times their views and comments are found to be unbiblical, contradicting real archaeology and history, and sometimes even contradicting the actual Hebrew words or grammar.  These orthodox rabbis even word their views and opinions in such a way that "it is their way or the highway." 

Many Christians today in the 21st century have bought into their views and ideas unbeknownst to themselves.  Some of these midrashim, these rabbinic statements as to the meaning of the Bible or statements as to questions or issues the Bible does not answer,  have entered into Christian beliefs and Bible understanding and most Christians have no idea they are only opinions or views of men, rabbis yes, buy mere men.  These views and ideas have become so entrenched in the beliefs of both Jews and non-Jews that the tradition has become solid granite - like the midrash that Chanukah is all about the miracle of the oil!  

One of these views is that there is a mountain called Moriah as found in Gen. 22:1-2 and it this mountain that is the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.  In lesson 47 it is shown that this is orthodox rabbinic midrash.  Jewish sources are clear that it was the rabbis who determined this with no basis in fact.  Their conclusions even contradict the actual Hebrew.  The Bible in Hebrew is precise - Moriah is not a proper name and it not the name of a mountain; it is an ancient Hebrew noun that has dropped out of use by the time of the days of Jesus. 

In this podcast we will continue our study and this time we will accept what the Bible says exactly in Hebrew and not orthodox rabbinic opinions and views.  We will restudy Genesis 22 but this time we will use the word MORIAH as a place where something is seen.  This is a possible meaning as as presented in the "Jewish Publication Society Torah Commentary - Genesis."  See below as to the high praise for the JPS series. It is one the best Jewish commentaries available today.

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So, to continue on about the noun "moriah."  It is not a proper name but a noun describing a location where something appears.  If we do and we consider three mountain, three separate mountains where something amazing was seen and experienced, we find that the rabbinic midrash is not as profound or penetrating.  

So come. Join us.  If we remove tradition, if we remove views and opinions, and if we study what the Bible actually says we come to a deeper and more intense understanding of THE VERY WORDS OF GOD.  

Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?  What's his background?  Why should I listen to him?  Check his background at this link - click here for the teacher's background