The Genesis Genealogies. Abraham Park

in the Ark of the Covenant for their descendants (Exod 16:32–34). Finally, He commanded that the two tablets of the Law be kept in the Ark of the Covenant also (Deut 10:2, 5). Consequently, Aaron’s budded rod, the jar of manna, and the two covenantal tablets were preserved in the Ark of the Covenant as memorials to remind the people of God’s grace throughout the generations (Heb 9:4).

      The bronze serpent that Moses made and erected on a pole during the wanderings in the wilderness was also preserved as a memorial (Num 21:4–9; 2 Kgs 18:4). When the Israelites were about to die after being bitten by fiery serpents because of their grumblings against God, He commanded them to look at the serpent made of bronze so that they might be healed and live again. This bronze serpent was a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, who would be nailed to the cross for all eyes to behold (John 3:14–15). At the same time, it was a reminder that God is merciful even in wrath.

      Also, when God allowed Joshua to lead the people across the Jordan River after the death of Moses, He commanded them to set up a memorial to commemorate the miracle of the parting of the waters and the drying up of the land (Josh 3). God had them set up 12 stones in two different places as a perpetual sign for the crossing of the Jordan River (Josh 4:6). God commanded them to take one set of 12 stones from the middle of the Jordan and set them up in Gilgal (Josh 4:8, 20), and the other in the middle of the Jordan at the place where the priests had stood with the Ark of the Covenant (Josh 4:9). In Joshua 4:7, God said, “So these stones shall become a memorial to the sons of Israel forever.”

      The command to “remember the days of old” is a call to discover God’s fervent love as well as His grace and guidance throughout the times of suffering, affliction, and trials so that we may come to deeply fathom His amazing plan of redemption.

      Chapter 2

      The Second Command: Consider the Years of All Generations

      Moses’ second command was to “consider the years of all generations.” It is easy to render the significance of this command as being similar to the first command, “remember the days of old,” but there is a distinct difference.

      1. Years of All Generations

      The “years of all generations” and the “days of old” are similar in that both refer to the past, but the term “years of all generations” refers to a more defined and specific point in history than does the term “days of old.” In Hebrew, the term years is the plural form of The term “days of old” refers to a general time in the past, whereas the term “years” refers to a significant and meaningful point in time within the “days of old.” The word “generations” is composed of two consecutive occurrences of the Hebrew word which means “time period” or “generation,” and thus refers to each of the generations that appear within the history of salvation. Therefore, if the “days of old” refer to God’s entire history of salvation, then the “years of all generations” refer to the specific administration of redemption which God performed in each generation within the history of salvation.

      The genealogy is the most condensed form of presenting God’s administration of redemption in each generation. Thus, studying God’s work of redemption revealed through the genealogies with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit will lead us to a clearer understanding of God’s amazing providence of salvation hidden within each generation.

      2. Consider

      The word consider in the phrase “consider the years of all generations” is in Hebrew and means “to discern” or “to have insight.” It refers to the act of closely observing or studying the principle of a matter or event in order to gain thorough understanding and insight. Thus, the command to “consider the years of all generations” does not simply mean to reminisce about the past, but it is an exhortation to gain understanding through careful research and study. The prophet Isaiah also repeatedly urged the Israelites to “consider” in the following passage:

      Isaiah 51:1–2 Listen to me, you who pursue saving justice, you who seek Yahweh. Consider the rock from which you were hewn, the quarry from which you were dug. 2Consider Abraham your father and Sarah who gave you birth. When I called him he was the only one but I blessed him and made him numerous. (New Jerusalem Bible)

      This passage is a call to consider the events and experiences of different persons in the years of all generations. Isaiah urged the people to consider the faith of their ancestors, Abraham and Sarah, and also the history of Israel. He encouraged them not to lose hope even though their return from captivity in Babylon might have appeared impossible in the near future. Moreover, he beseeched them to reflect upon God’s covenant with Abraham and to think about all of His great works during their years of slavery in Egypt.

      Chapter 3

      The Third Command: Ask Your Father, and He Will Inform You, Your Elders, and They Will Tell You

      Moses’ third command was “Ask your father, and he will inform you, your elders, and they will tell you.”

      1. Your Father and Elders

      The Israelites were to go and ask their fathers and elders. The Hebrew word for father is and refers to the male parent, but it also generally means “forefather.” In the context of this verse, “father” refers to the patriarchs of all previous generations. The Hebrew word for elder is and means “elder,” “aged,” “senior,” or “old man.” Elders in Israel were not merely old men or aged persons; they were leaders of the people. God commanded Moses to call the elders of Israel together and to consult with them about the plans for the exodus (Exod 3:16, 18).

      Thus, the “father” and “elders” in this verse are the patriarchs of faith (e.g., Abraham) and the leaders of the people. They kept God’s commands and never strayed outside the boundaries of God’s Word and His law. Through oral narratives passed down by their ancestors, they were profoundly experienced and well trained in God’s work.

      It is crucial to note that most patriarchs enjoyed astonishing longevity. While there are certain things in life that can be learned relatively quickly, other things can be learned only through experience over an extensive period of time. Thus, the godly patriarchs must have come to understand numerous spiritual truths during their long lives. For them, the Word of God was not just knowledge; it was living wisdom deeply rooted into their lives. Leviticus 19:32 states, “You shall rise up before the grayheaded and honor the aged, and you shall revere your God; I am the Lord.” Proverbs 16:31 also states, “A gray head is a crown of glory; it is found in the way of righteousness.”

      God granted spiritual leadership to the patriarchs, who lived godly lives throughout their long years, and charged the people to go to them and ask. Just as a nation turns to the seniors of society in times of crisis, God commanded His people to seek the advice of their fathers and elders without hesitation if their faith were ever to waver when adjusting themselves to the new society and culture in Canaan.

      2. Ask

      The word ask is in Hebrew and means “to inquire,” “to make a request,” or “to beg” and has the connotation of a “desperate plea.” The phrase suggests that the Israelites should proactively seek after their ancestors, ask questions,