The Gospel According to Moses - Genesis Lesson 47 - SPECIAL - WHAT IS RABBINC MIDRASH?

Many times in this series or in the series on Exodus I bring up rabbinic commentary commonly called in Judaism midrashim (מִדְרָשִׁים).  In many cases these comments by the rabbis are unbiblical and are non-historical and sometimes change the meaning of the text of God’s word.  A case in point is in lesson 46 of this series it was shown that there is no mountain called Moriah and the Temple Mount was not the place of the binding of Isaac.  It is impossible historically, geographically, and etymologically (ie. Moriah in the actual Hebrew of the Bible is not even proper name if one understands the grammar rules of Hebrew).  And yet, so many Jews and Gentiles still hold to the notion that there is a mountain called Moriah and it is the Temple Mount.  This is how the rabbis change the meaning of the text of God’s word by their opinions and conjectures.  This is why adding "fictional aspects" to the text of His word misleads and distorts the truth God is trying to convey.

Another example is the miracle of the oil on Chanukah.  It never happened.  Once again we are dealing with rabbinic midrash that appears hundreds of years after the events stated by a rabbi with no proof or backup.  This “fiction” is then carried down to us and so many hold to the fictional addition to the God’s word. 

This is why I am opposed to the new popular video series, “The Chosen.”  It is taking the true Bible text and adding fictional stories that change the meaning of the His word.  A scholarly writer of historical fiction will never warp the historical event and the historical facts of the event as they add to a fictional account related to the event.  This is not the case for the creators of "The Chosen."  

So, what is a Midrash?  What is their purpose?  How do we deal with Midrash?  How do we begin to stop believing that everything some Jewish rabbi says is not “the gospel?”  This lesson will explore these topics.  It is important for you, if you continue in this series or the series on Exodus to understand.

I promised I give you some links to articles and other sources to expand your understanding on certain things brought up in this lesson.  Here they are.

Link about the midrash of the tzeetzee-ot or tassels – click here

Link to an article on the mysterious land of Moriah - click here

Link about the midrash, the “fake news” about the miracle of the oil at Chanukah – click here

Link to my article on Jesus’ marriage proposal during His “last supper” at the mountain of God or Jerusalem – click here

Link to the article on the Jewish ritual of “washing the dead” or as in 1 Cor 15:29, “baptizing the dead - click here

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