Monthly Archives: November 2015

BIBLE CONTRADICTIONS / CONFUSING VERSES SIMPLIFIED, How many daughters did Lot have?, How many daughters did Lot have?, JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS

How many daughters did Lot have?

HOW MANY DAUGHTERS DID LOT HAVE?

by Shawn Brasseaux

Friend, I once had a problem with this. Others have had difficulty with it as well. It really is not complicated as we make it out to be. We simply read the English Bible text and use a little common sense.

In Genesis chapter 19, when the men of the city of Sodom came to have sexual relations with the angels staying in Lot’s house for the night, Lot offered to them his two virgin daughters. These women had not yet known men in the biblical sense. Notice:

“[4] But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter: [5] And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them. [6] And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him, [7] And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly. [8] Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof.”

The angels had come to destroy Sodom for their sexual immorality (sodomy, homosexuality). Verse 14 says that Lot went to warn his sons-in-law and his daughters they married. This means he had at least two married daughters. “[14] And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the LORD will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law.”

In verse 15, the angels tell Lot to take his wife and his daughters and leave. Verse 16: “[15] And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city. [16] And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city.” Verse 30 also mentions two daughters. By the end of the chapter, his two daughters have children by him.

So, how many daughters did Lot have? The common assumption is that he only had two daughters. However, that number does not fit the passage. At minimum, Lot had four daughters. He had at least two married daughters (often overlooked) and two unmarried/virgin daughters (who later had children by him).

Also see:
» Were there five crosses on Calvary?
» Did David’s father Jesse have seven or eight sons?
» Were there really three wise men?

How long did it take for Israel to cross the Red Sea?, JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS

How long did it take for Israel to cross the Red Sea?

HOW LONG DID IT TAKE FOR ISRAEL TO CROSS THE RED SEA?

by Shawn Brasseaux

“How long did Moses and the millions of Israelites stand at the Red Sea with his rod stretched out until the waters backed up and they walked across on dry land? Was it hours, days, or how long was it? Was it instantly? Are there any Scriptures to back up your answer please? Thank you so much.”

Thank you for your question. It took some studying but I believe I have some Scriptural insight. I can tell you that it was certainly not days. The Bible does indicate a rough estimation of how many hours. Let me show you how we can use verses to approximate the time.

Remember, it was nighttime when the Jews left Egypt after Passover and during Unleavened Bread. God told Israel that He would smite Egypt’s firstborn at “midnight” (Exodus 12:29). Pharaoh called Moses and Aaron in the night, shortly after the firstborn were slain, giving Israel permission to leave Egypt (verse 31). Israel left Egypt sometime after midnight. Exodus 12:42,51: “[42] It is a night to be much observed unto the LORD for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night of the LORD to be observed of all the children of Israel in their generations…. [51] And it came to pass the selfsame day, that the LORD did bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies.”

Now, Exodus 14:20: “And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night.” It was still nighttime when the Egyptian armies tried to attack Israel on the banks of the Red Sea. “[21] And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. [22] And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. [23] And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.”

The Bible says that God drove the waters back “all that night.” This seems to be some hours’ passage of time: “[24] And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians, [25] And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians. [26] And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen. [27] And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.”

Verse 24 says that by “the morning watch” (“the last portion of the night”), the Egyptian armies are still trying to reach the Red Sea and attack Israel. By the “morning,” the sea had returned to its normal state and covered the Egyptian armies.

The waters went back instantly I am sure, as God’s miracles are instant in Scripture (Matthew 8:3; Mark 1:32; Mark 10:52; Luke 4:39; Luke 18:43; John 5:9; Acts 9:18; et cetera), but it evidently took several hours for all of the Jews to cross the Red Sea. It was during this time period of hours that God sustained these walls of water. The waters went back instantly after God held them.

True, we do not know how many Jews there were who walked side-by-side across the Red Sea. What we can surmise is that the opening and the closing of the Red Sea happened within the time-span of one night, and thus not days. Exodus 12:29 (“midnight,” Israel told to leave Egypt) and Exodus 14:27 (“morning appeared,” Red Sea covered Egyptians) would give us an estimation of less than six hours, for the Jews to enter the Red Sea and safely pass through to the other shore.

Also see:
» Why did God kill the Egyptians’ firstborn sons?
» What is the “great cloud of witnesses” of Hebrews 12:1?
» Are Christians obligated to observe Passover?

DISPENSATIONAL BIBLE STUDY, PRAYER, Should we pray for the peace of Jerusalem?, Should we pray for the peace of Jerusalem?

Should we pray for the peace of Jerusalem?

SHOULD WE PRAY FOR THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM?

by Shawn Brasseaux

Some well-meaning Christians—including a few confused “dispensationalists”—press us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. They use the book of Psalms: “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee” (Psalm 122:6). These sincere brethren claim that if we pray for peace to come to Jerusalem, then that will make Jesus Christ come back to Earth quicker. Is this a sound way of looking at Psalm 122:6? To the Scriptures we go, beloved!

Let me tell you right now, upfront, first and foremost. I am not an anti-Semitic Christian. I do not hate Jews. When I study my Bible as a whole, and not just a verse here and there, I see no reason for you or I to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. I cannot make God do something He is not doing. You, friend, cannot make God do something He is not doing. No one on Earth can make God do something He is not doing. Probably for the last 2000 years, Christians have been praying for the peace of Jerusalem, and yet, there is still no peace today in Jerusalem. Far from it! Great civil unrest exists in Jerusalem amongst Jews, Christians, Muslims, Arabs, and Palestinians. That ought to tell us that we cannot make God do something He is not doing. If we have been praying for something for decades—yea, centuries—and nothing has happened, the only logical conclusion is that we must be praying outside of God’s will for this dispensation.

Remember, the day is coming when there will be peace in Jerusalem. That is the purpose of the Antichrist, the false Messiah. He will bring a false peace treaty to light in Israel and the Middle East. Daniel 11:21 explains how this Antichrist figure will originate: “And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries.” He will be an over-complimentary character, slowly conniving his way into the Middle-Eastern governmental structures. Consider 1 Thessalonians chapter 5: “[1] But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. [2] For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. [3] For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.” We certainly do not want to pray for the peace of Jerusalem in the Dispensation of Grace. Why? We would be praying for the revelation of the Antichrist! (The Antichrist has to come and usher in false peace before Jesus Christ, “the Prince of Peace,” can come and usher in true peace [Isaiah 9:6-7]).

Actually, Israel has no national status before God today. That startles many people—especially denominationalists—when they hear it, but it is true. Israel has no special relationship with JEHOVAH. She had such a relationship in the past but it is suspended in this the Dispensation of Grace. Paul’s epistles are very clear about that. We would have to ignore the Pauline epistles to conclude that Israel is still the chosen people of God, the nation God calls “My people.” Romans chapter 11 is plain if we are willing to let it say what it says: “[11] I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. [12] Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? [25] For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. [28] As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes.”

People who urge us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they are not rightly dividing the Word of God as 2 Timothy 2:15 instructs. They do not understand prophecy versus mystery. God is not operating Israel’s program today. We cannot rush Him to continue prophecy. He is operating the mystery program. In His own time, Jesus Christ will return. He is not presently coming to establish Israel’s earthly kingdom. This will change one day, but not today, not while God is forming the Church the Body of Christ. God is focused today on impacting the governments of heaven for His glory. God formed the Body of Christ to influence the heavenly places:

  • Ephesians 1:3: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:”
  • Ephesians 1:20-23: “[20] Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, [21] Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: [22] And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, [23] Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.”
  • Ephesians 2:6-7: “[6] And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: [7] That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.”
  • Ephesians 3:10: “To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,”
  • Ephesians 4:8-10: “[8] Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. [9] (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? [10] He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)”
  • Ephesians 6:12: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [heavenly] places.”

Once our Dispensation of Grace ends, and Israel’s prophetic program resumes, Israel’s believing remnant most definitely should pray for the peace of Jerusalem. After all, they are praying for Jesus Christ’s Second Coming and the destruction of the evil Antichrist who will be reigning during the seven-year Tribulation (Daniel’s 70th week). The context of Psalm 122 is Jesus Christ’s literal, physical, visible earthly kingdom. In the so-called “Lord’s Prayer,” we read in Matthew chapter 6: “[9] Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. [10] Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. [11] Give us this day our daily bread. [12] And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. [13] And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” During those final seven years, the Tribulation period, Israel’s Little Flock is to pray for deliverance, for Satan’s reign on Earth to end and for God’s reign on Earth to begin. (For more information, at the end of this study, you may see the article we have linked, “Should we pray ‘The Lord’s Prayer?’”)

CONCLUSION

Never once did our Apostle Paul in his epistles, Romans through Philemon, instruct us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Why? That is not what God the Holy Spirit is doing today! Friend, you need to pray in accordance with God’s will, not misquoting Bible verses and repeating them to God all corrupted and muddled up. That is how religion encourages you to pray. Just name whatever you want and claim it as so, and God will give it to you. No, prayer is always about what God is doing, not about what we want God to do. If you want to see and pray for what God is doing today, see what our Apostle Paul prayed and by faith go pray for that. (For more information, you can see our study linked at the end, “How should I pray? What is ‘Pauline’ prayer?”) Friend, you will save yourself a lot of wasted time and heartache. Prayer is talking to God in light about what He is doing, not about manipulating Him to do whatever we want Him to do.

Certainly, peace will come to Jerusalem one day. There will be a false Messiah (Antichrist) first, followed by the true Messiah (the Lord Jesus Christ). That is God’s purpose and program with Israel. We need not be troubled by it. We need not worry about it. Let us read all of the Bible, Genesis through Revelation, but let us remember that Romans through Philemon are the program and the doctrine that Father God currently has in effect. We are living in the mystery program, certainly not to be confused with the prophetic program of Israel. Let us not be distracted by claiming Israel’s verses and promises and making them part of our prayer life. That is sure to bring about unanswerable confusion and misery.

Also see:
» Should we pray “The Lord’s Prayer?”
» How should I pray? What is “Pauline” prayer?
» Are we Israel? Have we replaced Israel?