Comments on: Laying Down the Law – My Servant Moses

By: Joseph Herrin

Joseph Herrin — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 22:19:41 +0000

Dear John,

Thank you for the comments on the word "parabolic." I admit that the more common usage of the word refers to something that has the shape of a parabola. I actually double-checked the word with the dictionary built into my WordPerfect program before I used it. I wanted to be "word perfect."

WordPerfect used the Oxford Dictionary, and it showed that this word is also understood as a reference to a parable. You can check the Oxford Dictionary online where you will find the same definition.

http://oxforddictionaries.com/view/entry/m_en_us1275465#m_en_us1275465

Thanks for the concern demonstrated in the comment.

May you be blessed with peace and understanding in these days.

By: John

John — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 21:22:30 +0000

Dear Joseph, in the first line of the first paragraph you used the word parabolic, which seems to be speaking of comparing the life of some Old Testament personality to something today. Such comparisons are certainly acceptable. I have noticed your use of this word a number of times and something never felt quite right about it. So, I looked it up today. Every dictionary I found on the internet states that parabolic has to do with the shape of a parabola. I then looked up the word parabole and discovered that that is the word to use when making comparisons. I submit this for your consideration.

By: gibby62

gibby62 — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 20:56:55 +0000

It was my impression that Hagar and Ishmael were sent away because they were not the fulfillment of Yahweh's promise, but of Abraham & Sarah's attempt to fulfill Yahweh's promise through actions of their own. A reminder to wait on Him instead of relying on self.

I don't think my impression negates your study, but only adds an additional layer.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 19:13:05 +0000

while i was reading this, particularly the section concerning God's altering of His dealings with His people israel, the Spirit reminded me of how paul also understood this, in relation to the nations as well. while in lystra, after him and barnabas tore their clothes and demanded the people dont worship them/worthless things, but rather the living God, paul states, "in the past, He let all nations go their own way."(acts 14: 16) its interesting to note that even after such inspiration, such prophetic pronouncement, paul and barnabas still had a hard time stopping them from sacrifing to them. so entrenched we humans become, so stubborn to imagine God dealing with us in a way that doesnt involve our striving flesh. surrendering our will(obedience to be led by Another), is much better than sacrifice(still led of ourselves). further confirmation of God dealing different with the nations is in acts 17, when paul is now in athens, and, after an inspired, history-encompassing speech which sets forth Gods dealings with man and puts them in context, we come to v. 30, "in the past God overlooked such ignorance…" i believe the Spirit speaks cleary that we, as the church, are no different than the ignorant, idol-worshipping nations of the world when we dont understand what it means to walk by the Spirit and be made into obedient sons of God. joseph, thank you for being obedient to post this teaching. i am pleasantly surprised in my spirit each time a new one comes, for they have blessed me alot.