The Numerical Features of the Book of Genesis A New Approach to its Compositional Structure

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1 1 The Numerical Features of the Book of Genesis A New Approach to its Compositional Structure Please read the General Introduction Part IV, Genesis 11,27-25,11 The Toledoth of Terah If we take the Toledoth formulae seriously as being the headings of the Toledoth, there can be no doubt about the delimitation of the Toledoth of Terah, the Story of. It does not start in 12,1, as suggested by the chapter division, which is followed by most commentators and translations, but already at 11,27, which contains the heading, followed by a brief genealogy in 11,27-32, which functions as the Prologue to the Story of. In terms of the Masoretic layout markers, the Toledoth of Terah divides into 17 Paragraphs of disproporionate length, of which 7 are delimited by P and 10 by S. The 7 Paragraphs delimited by P seem to deal with crucial events in the storyline. In terms of content and numerical considerations, the 17 paragraphs divide into: I, 1-2: 11,27-12,9 P; II, 3-8: 12,10-17,27 P; III, 9-11: 18,1-21,21 P; IV, 12-13: 21,22-22,19 P; V, 14-17: 22,20-25,11 S. Note that Sections II and III have both 1560 (60x26) words and that 16 has 918 (54x17) words! 1: 11,27-32 Prologue to the Story of Abram S 89 I 2: 12,1-9 Abram s Call and his First Wanderings P 127 3: 12,10-13,18 Abram s Stay in Egypt and Canaan P 382 4: 14,1-24 Abram Among Belligerent Kings S 342 II 5: 15,1-21 YHWH s Covenant with Abram: the Exodus Foretold S = 6: 16,1-16 Abram, Sarai, and Hagar S x26 7: 17,1-14 YHWH s Covenant with : the Circumcision S 178 8: 17,15-27 God Promises a Son P 177 9: 18,1-19,38 Meets the Three Men and Lot S 1000 III 10: 20,1-18 and Sarah at Gerar S = 11: 21,1-21 The Birth of Isaac and the Expulsion of Hagar P x26 IV 12: 21,22-34 and Abimelech at Beer-Sheba P : 22,1-19 The Binding of Isaac in Moriah P : 22,20-24 Birth of Nahor s 12 Sons and Daughter Rebecca S 60 V 15: 23,1-20 Sarah s Death and Burial S : 24,1-67 In Search of a Wife for Isaac P 918 (54x17) 17: 25,1-11 s Death and Burial S 135 Section I, 1-2: Gen 11,27-12,9 Abram s Call and his First Wanderings Verses Texts Words Letters Sum words P/S Contents Highlighted 1 Gen 11, Prologue to the Abram-story 2 Gen 11, Gen 11, Nothing highlighted. 4 Gen 11, Gen 11, Gen 11, /89 S

2 2 7 Gen 12, Abram s Call and Wanderings 8 Gen 12, Gen 12,3 9= The first seven verses (12,1-7) 10 Gen 12, are especially highlighted by 11 Gen 12, their 102 (6x17) words. 12 Gen 12, Gen 12,7 16=102(6x17) Gen 12, Gen 12, /127 P 15 11,27-12, x 127 Observation 1 In terms of individual verses, 7 of the 15 verses (47%) and 102 of the 127 words (80%) are governed by the number 17. The Prologue misses such highlighted verses. Paragraphs 1-3, 11,27-13,18, also seem to constitute a literary unit with their 598 (23x26) words. Section II, 3-8: Gen 12,10-17,27 Abram s Life Before the Birth of Isaac In its entirety, Section II has 1560 (60x26) words (like Section III!); additionally 88 of the 117 individual verses (75%) and 1218 of the 1560 words (78%) are governed by the numbers 17 and 26. Vss Texts Words Letters Sum words P/S Contents Highlighted 1 Gen 12, Abram in Egypt and Canaan 2 Gen 12, The story why Abram came 3 Gen 12, to reside in Egypt is stressed 4 Gen 12,13 11=52(2x26) by its 52 (2x26) words. 5 Gen 12, Gen 12, Gen 12, Gen 12, Gen 12, Gen 12, Gen 12, Gen 13, The story how Abram became 13 Gen 13,2 6= a very rich man and that he 14 Gen 13, travelled in stages towards 15 Gen 13, Bethel, together with Lot, who 16 Gen 13, also had many animals, is focused 17 Gen 13, on by its 85 (5x17) words. 18 Gen 13,7 15=85(5x17) Gen 13, Abram s deal with Lot 20 Gen 13, Gen 13, The entire passage is highlighted 22 Gen 13, by the fact that it is made up of 23 Gen 13, altogether 156 (6x26) words. 24 Gen 13, Gen 13, Gen 13, Gen 13, Gen 13, Gen 13,18 12=156(6x26) /382 P 13, (6x26) words

3 3 30 Gen 14, Abram among Belligerent Kings 31 Gen 14,2 20=34(2x17) This passage begins with 34 words 32 Gen 14, and ends with 17. Additionally, the 33 Gen 14, entire text is highlighted by the fact 34 Gen 14, that it has 136 (8x17) words. 35 Gen 14, Gen 14, Gen 14,8 18=119(7x17) Gen 14,9 17=136(8x17) Gen 14, The number 36 may be interpreted 40 Gen 14, as the numerical value of the name 41 Gen 14,12 12=36=Abram Abram: = Gen 14, ,13-24, Abram s campaign 43 Gen 14, against the allied kings with 318 men 44 Gen 14, and his victory over them, as well as 45 Gen 14, his meeting with Melchizedek, the 46 Gen 14, king of Salem, is highlighted by the 47 Gen 14, fact that it has 170 (10x17) words. 48 Gen 14, Gen 14, The mysterious number 318 can be 50 Gen 14, interpreted as being the numerical 51 Gen 14, value of the name Eliezer, Abram s 52 Gen 14, servant: = Gen 14,24 16=170(10x17) /342 S 54 Gen 15, YHWH s Covenant with Abram 55 Gen 15, Verses 1-6 constitute a distinct 56 Gen 15, literary unit: the initiative taken by 57 Gen 15, God to make a covenant with Abram. 58 Gen 15, The passage is highlighted by its 59 Gen 15,6 5=85(5x17) (5x17) words. 60 Gen 15, Gen 15, Gen 15, Gen 15, Abram brings the required animals. 64 Gen 15, Gen 15, Gen 15, YHWH foresees Israel s stay in Egypt, 67 Gen 15, their oppression for 400 years, his 68 Gen 15, judgment on Egypt and the release 69 Gen 15, of the Israelites from slavery. 70 Gen 15, YHWH makes a covenant with Abram 71 Gen 15, in which he promises to give Abram s 72 Gen 15,19 6= descendants the land of the ten 73 Gen 15,20 6=78(3x26) indigenous nations living there. 74 Gen 15, /258 S 75 Gen 16, Abram, Sarai, and Hagar 76 Gen 16, Gen 16,3 21=52(2x26) The entire passage, except verse 4

4 4 78 Gen 16, and verses 15-16, are governed by 79 Gen 16, the numbers 17 and Gen 16,6 15=34(2x17) Gen 16, Gen 16,8 15= Gen 16, Gen 16, Gen 16, Gen 16, Gen 16, Gen 16,14 12=104(4x26) Gen 16, Gen 16, /223 S 91 Gen 17, YHWH s Covenant with 92 Gen 17, ,1 contains the 17 th of the Gen 17, occurrences of the name 94 Gen 17, in 14,1-17, Gen 17, Gen 17, Gen 17, YHWH promises to establish the 98 Gen 17, covenant between him and 99 Gen 17, including his descendants, and to 100 Gen 17, give them the land of Canaan. 101 Gen 17, Every male must be circumcised. 102 Gen 17,12 19=85(5x17) Being circumcised is a prerequisite 103 Gen 17, for membership of the nation. 104 Gen 17,14 15= /178 S 105 Gen 17, God Promises a Son 106 Gen 17, Gen 17, The 7 verses (15-21) of the passage 108 Gen 17, dealing with YHWH s promise that 109 Gen 17, Sarai will be a mother of nations, are 110 Gen 17, highlighted by 104 (4x26) words. 111 Gen 17,21 13=104(4x26) Gen 17, Gen 17, Gen 17, Gen 17, Ishmael s circumcision: 13 years old. 116 Gen 17,26 7= and Ishmael circumcised. 117 Gen 17, /177 P Also all the men of his household ,10-17, (60x26) x 1560(60x26) Observation 2 The additionally highlighted passages (Column 8) are self-explanatory. The fact that Section II, Abram s sojourns in Egypt and Canaan, is for 100% governed by the number 26 illustrates their paramount importance. The same goes for the Section III, 18,1-21,21. However, let us first explore the numerical features of the Dialogues in 5-7 of Section I, Gen 15-17, dealing with the Covenant with Abram Sarai and Hagar and the Covenant with :

5 5 Genesis 15 Genesis 16 YHWH 10+9= =15 4+9=13 2+3=5 2+12= = = =40 : =166 Angel 1+8=9 4+6=10 4+7= =30 Abram 2+14= =12 1+6=7 : 5+30=35 Sarah 4+12= =19 Abram 4+7=11 Hagar 1+5=6 Narrative :

6 6 Genesis = God/Angel =226 Hagar 5+10= =21 Humans 23+79= Narrative = = =79 13, 14, = = =12 4+4= = = =

7 7 Observation 3 The following numerical features of these dialogues have come to light: There are 17 divine speeches (4 by YHWH s Angel and 13 by YHWH himself). In 16,11-12, the Angel speaks 26 words announcing the birth of Ishmael. In Genesis 15-16, 102 (6x17) words are devoted to the human dialogues (Abram, Sarah, and Hagar) and 153 (9x17) words are devoted to the remaining narrative sections. In 17,1-14, YHWH s speeches 13, 14, and 15, in which he informs about the covenantal stipulations, is made up of altogether 153 (9x17) words. In 17,19-21, YHWH s speech (including its introduction), in which he promises to establish a covenant with Isaac and to make Ishmael fruitful and multiply him, is made up of 51 (3x17) words. Section III, 9-11: Gen 18,1-21,21 s Life Until the Birth of Isaac In terms of verses and words, 85 of the 110 verses (77%) and all of the 1560 (60x26) words (100%) are governed by the numbers 17 and 26. Compare Section II, which has also 1560 (60x26) words! Vss Texts Words Lett. Sum words P/S Contents 1 Gen 18, , Three Men, and Lot 2 Gen 18,2 15= God appears to in Mamre 3 Gen 18, Gen 18, Gen 18, Gen 18, Abram instructs Sarah to prepare a 7 Gen 18, meal: the three men eat while Sarah 8 Gen 18, remains in the tent. 9 Gen 18,9 8=52(2x26) The men tell that Sarah 10 Gen 18, will have a son, a message which 11 Gen 18,11 10= Sarah happens to overhear. 12 Gen 18, Gen 18, Gen 18, Gen 18, Gen 18, Gen 18, Gen 18, Gen 18, Gen 18, Gen 18, Gen 18, The greater part of vs dealing 23 Gen 18, with s urgent plea for 24 Gen 18,24 16=34(2x17) compassion with the inhabitants 25 Gen 18, of Sodom, is governed by 17 and Gen 18, Gen 18, The last 7 verses of s plea 28 Gen 18, are highlighted by the fact that they 29 Gen 18, have 104 (4x26) words. 30 Gen 18, Gen 18, Gen 18, Gen 18,33 10=104(4x26)

8 8 34 Gen 19, Gen 19, Lot invites the two angels from 36 Gen 19,3 14=34(2x17) Sodom to spend the night with him: 37 Gen 19, highlighted by 34 (2x17) words 38 Gen 19, Gen 19, Gen 19, The men of the city demand to 41 Gen 19,8 29=34(2x17) know Lot s guests, but he offers his 42 Gen 19, two young daughters instead. Lot is 43 Gen 19, attacked, but the angels rescue him 44 Gen 19, and strike the mob with blindness. 45 Gen 19, The entire passage is highlighted by 46 Gen 19,13 15=78(3x26) (2x17) + 78 (3x26) words. 47 Gen 19, The rest of the story (vs 14-31): the 48 Gen 19, evacuation from the doomed city 49 Gen 19, is highlighted by 272 (16x17) words 50 Gen 19, (153 [9x17] [7x17]), until the 51 Gen 19, beginning of the story of how Lot s 52 Gen 19, daughters decide to make him drunk 53 Gen 19, and lie with him in order to preserve 54 Gen 19, offspring through him (vs 32-38). 55 Gen 19,22 17=153(9x17) Gen 19, Gen 19, Gen 19, Gen 19, Gen 19,27 11= Gen 19, Gen 19, Gen 19, Gen 19,31 14=119(7x17) Gen 19, Gen 19, Gen 19, Lot s daughters execute their plan to 68 Gen 19, make him drunk, lie with him, and 69 Gen 19, get pregnant: 52 words highlighted. 70 Gen 19,37 11=52(2x26) The first-born is Moab! 71 Gen 19, / /1000 S occurs 17x until this point ,1-19, (148x26) 1000 Is this round number a coincidence? 72 Gen 20, and Sarah at Gerar 73 Gen 20,2 14= The entire paragraph is highlighted 74 Gen 20, by the numbers 17 and Gen 20, ( =282). That is 76 Gen 20, why there is nothing special about 77 Gen 20,6 24=52(2x26) God s words spoken to Abimelech in 78 Gen 20, a dream: , except that Gen 20, signifies the letter value of : 80 Gen 20, =41.

9 9 81 Gen 20, Gen 20,11 14=85(5x17) Gen 20, Gen 20, Gen 20, Gen 20, Gen 20, Gen 20, Gen 20,18 14=102(6x17) /282 S 18 20, x Gen 21, Birth of Isaac: Hagar Sent Away 91 Gen 21, YHWH fulfils his promise and Sarah 92 Gen 21,3 12=34(2x17) bears a son: Isaac. 93 Gen 21, Except for v 4, the entire passage 94 Gen 21, (vs 1-14) is highlighted by 17 and Gen 21, Gen 21, Gen 21, Gen 21,9 10=51(3x17) Gen 21, Gen 21, Gen 21, Gen 21, Gen 21,14 21=78(3x26) Gen 21, Ishmael in a near-death situation. 105 Gen 21, Gen 21, Gen 21, Gen 21, God enables Hagar to see a well of 109 Gen 21, water: she gives her child water and 110 Gen 21,21 9=34(2x17) /278 P it survives to live in Paran , x ,1-21, = 120x17 letters ,1-21, (60x26) x 1560(60x26) Observation 4 In terms of words, the entire text of Section III, 9-11: 18,1-21,21, is governed by a multiple of the divine name number 26, because 1560 = 60x26. This is a strong indication that Section III has been designed as a distinct literary unit. Its first subsection, 9: 18,1-19,38, has altogether 1000 words (a full-round number!) and 3848 (148x26) letters. The second subsection, 10-11: 20,1-21,21, has 2040 (120x17) letters, which can hardly be a matter of coincidence.

10 10 The Dialogues in Genesis 18 God Narrative 1+4=5 1+33=34(2x17) 1+8= = =24 1+3=4 2+42=44 1+2=3 Sarah 4+7=11 3+2= = =13 1+7=8 1+4=5 1+6=7 1+4=5 1+4= = = =22 5+4=9 1+9= = = =

11 11 Observation 5 Remarkably enough, there is nothing significant about the 13 divine speeches. However, significant is that 170 (10x17) words are devoted to the dialogues of and Sarah. Note also the ascending series in the words devoted to s plea in vs 29-32: 9, 10, 11, 12. The Dialogues in Genesis 19 The Angels 1+4=5 4+29= = = =25 Characters Lot 1+14=15 City men 5+10=15 Lot 1+33=34(2x17) City men 2+11=13 Lot 8+10= =46 Lot: =113 Narrative

12 12 Lot s daughters 4+20= = = = Observation 6 As in Genesis 18, there is nothing significant about the five divine speeches, except that there are altogether 17 speeches in Genesis (12+5=17 speeches). What is also special is that the words spoken by the mob, Lot, and his daughters, amount to 156 (6x26). Moreover, 34 (2x17) words are devoted to Lot s measures in reponse to the immoral demand of the mob (vs 7-8). Lot s role is extra highlighted by the fact that he speaks altogether 100 words.

13 13 Section IV, Gen 21,22-22,19 at Beer-Sheba and in Moriah No less than 30 of the 32 verses (94%) and 419 of the 465 words (90%) are governed by 17 and Gen 21, at Beer-Sheba 2 Gen 21, Except for v 23, the whole story of 3 Gen 21, s s sojourn at Beer-Sheba 4 Gen 21, and his dealings with Abimelech 5 Gen 21, is governed by 17 and Gen 21, Gen 21,28 7=52(2x26) Gen 21, Gen 21, Gen 21, Gen 21,32 13=52(2x26) Gen 21, Gen 21,34 6=68(4x17) /158 P 13 21, x Gen 22, The Binding of Isaac in Moriah 15 Gen 22, The story about the journey of 16 Gen 22, and Isaac to Moriah, vs 1-8, 17 Gen 22, is highlighted by 136 (8x17) words. 18 Gen 22, Gen 22, Gen 22, Gen 22,8 11=136(8x17) Gen 22, V 9, the building of the altar and the 23 Gen 22, binding of Isaac is not highlighted! 24 Gen 22, The rest of the story is highlighted 25 Gen 22, by 78 (3x26) and 68 (4x17) words. 26 Gen 22, Therefore, 18 of the 19 verses (95%) 27 Gen 22,14 13=78(3x26) and 282 of the 307 words (92%) are 28 Gen 22, governed by 17 and Gen 22, Gen 22, Gen 22, Gen 22,19 14=68(4x17) /307 P 19 22, x ,22-22, x 465 Observation 7 The Binding of Isaac in Moriah, 13, 22,1-19, has a distinct mathematical centre in terms of its 307 words: namely, the name of in v 9b: 307= The 153(9x17) words flanking the name symbolically express God s eighteenfold(!) presence. The author used this meticulously organized architecture of the text to demonstrate Isaac s real position in the fateful situation of being bound on the altar: He is surrounded by God s presence which guarantees his safety! For more particulars, see my article Numerical Features of Genesis 22:1-19, at

14 14 The Dialogues in Genesis 21,22-22,19 God Abimelech 8+27=35 Narrative 3 2+2=4 12 Abimelech 2+18= = =16 40 Genesis 22 God 2+1=3 1+24=25 Subtotal 17+70=87 1+1=2 Subtotal =17 Isaac 6+1=7 1+2=3 Isaac 1+6=7 2+6= The Angel 1+2=3 1+23=24 1+1= =46 Subtotal 16+30= = = Observation 8 The words devoted to all the speeches amount to 234 (9x26) ( =234).

15 15 Section V, 14-17: Gen 22,20-25,11 Conclusion of the -story The romantic story of s servant going in search of a bride for Isaac (Genesis 24) is for 100% governed by the divine name number 17, through its 918 (54x17) words. This was deliberately done in order to stress the presence of YHWH in the events described in this important story. Vss Texts Words Letters Sum words P/S Contents Highlighted 1 Gen 22, The Sons of Nahor 2 Gen 22, represents the numerical value of 3 Gen 22, ( =46). See 23,17-20! 4 Gen 22,23 11=46 = Betuel is the father of Rebecca! 5 Gen 22, /60 S This preludes on her marriage to Isaac. 6 Gen 23, Sarah s Death and Burial 7 Gen 23, Gen 23, Except for the first four verses, the 9 Gen 23, /47 entire text of the story of s 10 Gen 23, acquisition of the field of Ephron from 11 Gen 23, the Hittites is highlighted by the divine 12 Gen 23, name number 17, by its 170 words 13 Gen 23, built up step by step: Gen 23,9 17=68(4x17) Gen 23, Gen 23, Gen 23, Gen 23, Gen 23,14 6=68(4x17) Gen 23, Gen 23,16 20=170(10x17) /170(10x17) 22 Gen 23, Vs 17-20, stressing the permanence of 23 Gen 23, s acquisition of the site, are 24 Gen 23, made up of 58 words, which represent 25 Gen 23,20 11= /275 S the numerical value of 20 23, ( =58). Compare 14! 26 Gen 24, In Search of a Wife for Isaac 27 Gen 24, Gen 24, Vs 1-11, the story of the commission of 29 Gen 24,4 10=51(3x17) s servant and the first leg of 30 Gen 24, his search when he arrives at the well 31 Gen 24, precisely at the time women go out to 32 Gen 24, draw water, is made up of 170 words 33 Gen 24, ( ). 34 Gen 24, Gen 24, Gen 24,11 12=119(7x17) / Gen 24, Vs 12-18, the story of the servant s 38 Gen 24, prayer asking God to give him a clear 39 Gen 24,14 25=51(3x17) indication of the woman he has 40 Gen 24, appointed for Isaac, until the moment 41 Gen 24, that Rebecca gives him water to drink, 42 Gen 24, is made up of 102 (6x17) words. 43 Gen 24,18 9=51(3x17) /272(16x17) Vs 1-18 have 272 (16x17) words.

16 16 44 Gen 24, Gen 24, Vs 20-25, the episode of the meeting 46 Gen 24, between the servant and Rebecca, 47 Gen 24,22 18=51(3x17) who identifies herself and offers him 48 Gen 24, hospitality, is composed of 85 (5x17) 49 Gen 24, words in two steps (51+ 34=85). 50 Gen 24,25 11=34(2x17) /357 Vs 1-25 has 357(21x17) words! 51 Gen 24, Gen 24, Central verse: The servant s blessing. 53 Gen 24, See Observation 9 below! 54 Gen 24, Gen 24, Vs 30-33, the episode of Laban s 56 Gen 24, reaction to Rebecca s story and his 57 Gen 24, invitation to the servant is composed 58 Gen 24,33 12=68(4x17) of 68 (4x 17) words. 59 Gen 24, Vs 34-36, the beginning of the speech 60 Gen 24, of the servant, in which he explains the 61 Gen 24,36 14=34(2x17) aim of his errand, has 34 (2x17) words. 62 Gen 24, V 34, the servant identifies himself, 63 Gen 24, is the centre of 24,1-67 (67= ). 64 Gen 24, Vs 39-49, the rest of the servant s 65 Gen 24, speech, in which he interprets the 66 Gen 24, succes of his errand to find a wife for 67 Gen 24, Isaac as due to divine providence, 68 Gen 24, is made up of 182 (7x26) words. 69 Gen 24, The factor 7 (the number of fullness) 70 Gen 24,45 19=51(3x17) signifies the comprehensive presence 71 Gen 24, of YHWH in the events described. 72 Gen 24, Gen 24, Gen 24,49 20=182(7x26) Gen 24, Vs 50-51, permission given by Laban 76 Gen 24,51 12= and Betuel for the marriage: 26 words. 77 Gen 24, Until verse instances of YHWH. 78 Gen 24, Gen 24, Gen 24, Vs 55-61, the family is reluctant to let 81 Gen 24, Rebecca leave immediately, but, when 82 Gen 24, they consult her, she is willing to leave 83 Gen 24, the same day. 84 Gen 24, The family dispatches Rebecca and 85 Gen 24,60 15= gives her their blessing: 26 words. 86 Gen 24,61 14=78(3x26) The text is made up of 78(3x26) words. 87 Gen 24, Isaac goes for a walk to meditate and 88 Gen 24, sees camels coming: 89 Gen 24, Rebecca sees a young man: Who 90 Gen 24,65 16= is this man? Then s servant 91 Gen 24,66 8=34(3x17) introduces him: He is my master! 92 Gen 24, /918(54x17) P Isaac brings her into his tent , (54x17) x 918(54x17)

17 17 93 Gen 25, s Death and Burial 94 Gen 25, His children and grandchildren by his 95 Gen 25,3 12= concubine Keturah. 96 Gen 25, Gen 25, Gen 25, He sends all of them away: 17 words. 99 Gen 25, ,7-11, the conclusion of Section V, 100 Gen 25, the story of of : his last days 101 Gen 25, and his burial with his wife Sarah in the 102 Gen 25, cave of Machpelah, is made up of 103 Gen 25,11 15=68(4x17) 54 0x 1388/135 S 68 (4x17) words. Observation 9 The central verse of Section V (22,20-25,11), 24,27 (which is the 52 th verse!), is flanked by 51 (3x17) verses on either side: 103= It is a most appropriate meaningful centre, for it constitutes the blessing pronounced by s servant when he found Rebecca! Being in pride of place, it brings the marriage of Isaac and Rebecca strongly into the focus of attention. This carefully designed centre on verse level has clearly been inspired by the architecture of 22,1-19 where the name of Isaac is positioned at the mathematical centre. Observation 10 In terms of words, the entire text of 16 (24,1-67) is for 100% governed by the divine name number 17, seeing its 918 (54x17) words. Additionally, 55 of its 67 individual verses (82%) and 779 of the 918 words (85%) are highlighted by multiples of 17 and 26. This shows that the story of the Search for a Wife for Isaac is a high-grade numerical composition in which the divine name numbers are woven into the fabric of the text to signify the presence of YHWH in the events. The ingenious way it is done is self-explanatory. Observation 11 An exploration of the dialogues in 24,1-67 has brought the following to light: In vs 6-8, s speech addressed to his servant is made up of 51 (3x17) words. In vs 12-14, altogether 51 (3x17) words are devoted to the response of the servant. In vs17-23, the servant addresses Rebecca and speaks 17 words. In vs 50-51, 26 words are devoted to the speech by Laban and Betuel, including the intro. In vs 18, 19, 24, 25, and 58, altogether 34 (2x17) words are devoted to what Rebecca says, including the introductory formulae ( =34). Observation 12 A significant numerical feature of of the text until the end of the Toledoth of Terah, Gen 1,1-25,11, is that it appears to have been preliminary rounded off at this point in the compositional process, seeing the number of words: 8892 (342x26). For two similar features in Deuteronomy, see Observation 8 in the analysis of Deuteronomy, Part V.

Catechism Bible Mega Quiz 2018 Question Bank: Class 5 Abraham

Catechism Bible Mega Quiz 2018 Question Bank: Class 5 Abraham Prepared by Regina Anthony and Lijo Joseph CHARACTERS & REFERENCES Abraham: Genesis Chapters 11 to 25 Page 2 of 30 GENESIS: CHAPTER 11 Answer