Genesis

בייה

Genesis 10 Guiding, Explaining, Tutoring Children

Ha Torah Shares five chapters in Genesis on the experiences of Na’amah, her husband Noah, their three sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren. (Genesis) tells the historical side that bridges the old world with the new, briefly telling us what happened. Then there is the human side of highs and lows, ups and downs, failures and successes. What was the function, the role of the parents? Let’s back up a little. In a previous discussion, I noted that Adam’s role was dismal. He failed to rule over the serpent’s crafty, devious plan to separate Eve from the Adam Eve marital relationship. Even though Adam was instructed to guard Gan Eden / The Garden of Eden, he was hesitant in his administrative responsibilities. He did not interject himself into the conversation between Eve and the serpent. He was passive. He didn’t guide, support, or shield Eve from the servant’s advances. He didn’t corral the serpent; instead, he allowed him free reign. What was he thinking? We don’t know! Adam’s failure to act swiftly permitted sin to enter Gan Eden and spread. We see some of these same failings in Noah. 

(Proverbs 31.10 – 31) defines the goals of a Praiseworthy Wife. He questioned, who can find it? Her value is far above pearls/rubies. I don’t recall anyone debating what Solomon wrote in the thousands of years that have passed. Why am I sharing this? Men place too much burden on their wives/mothers. Solomon was speaking about the best of the best. Not every wife’s mother is on that level of proficiency, which holds for husbands and fathers. Studying Adam / Eve, Na’amah / Noah, and Sarah / Abraham is valuable.

In a previous discussion, I noted what Adam said to his sons.‘It was the season of Passover that Adam said to his sons: ‘At some time in the future, all the people of Israel will bring their Paschal [offerings] during this season, and they will be favorably received by [G-d]. This is, therefore, an auspicious time for you, too, to bring a [offering] to [G-d], and He [Will Be Pleased] with you.‘Rabbi Meir Zlotowitz and Rabbi Nosson Scherman, The Artscroll Tanach Series – Bereishis Vol. I(a) (Brooklyn, New York: Mesorah Publications, Ltd. 3rd Impression, 1989), p 144. The Midrash informs us of Adam’s attempt to teach and guide his sons, even though the first 130 years were pretty rocky. In (Genesis 4.23-24) Adam shows his great-grandchildren.

When we look at what Noah said, Ha Torah Reveals it was very little. Ha Torah Reveals that Noah was a just man, he was perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God (Genesis 5.9).’ ‘Noah did according to all that the Lord commanded him, (Genesis 7.5).’ Neither Adam nor Noah were Jewish. Only portions of Ha Torah applied to them. Solomon’s points about a Praiseworthy Wife are not taken from Ha Torah. Does that mean we are free to ignore them? No. They are part of Ketuvim / The Writings. That does not change the fact that Nevi’im / The Prophets and Ketuvim / The Writings are authentic. Yet, it draws a distinction between Adam and Noah from Abraham. That distinction is important! They are like the Moon in comparison to the Sun. They reflect the light of the Sun and are not bright. Jewish descendency is through Adam and Noah. (Genesis 5) is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day when God created man, in the likeness of God, he made him; (Genesis 10) is the generation of the sons of Noah. (Genesis 11.10) begin The generations of Shem/Melchizedek, king of Shalem (Genesi 14.18). This is how we trace the righteous line of Seth through Ha Tenach.

Abraham was on a higher level.

Genesis 18.19) says, ‘[The Lord Says], For I Know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he has spoken of him.‘ Abraham was a teacher. He had thousands of talmudim that traveled with him. How do we know this?

(Genesis 14.14) ‘And when Abram heard that his kinsman was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, who were born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them until Dan.‘

Consider what Ha Torah is Saying. What does the number 318 represent? Abram had 318 young men of fighting age trained for battle born in his household. They were Abram’s students, his talmudim. He instructed them in Ha Torah. So there were 318 male servants. There must be about 318 females of the same approximate age who were born in Abram’s house. If there were approximately four sons and four daughters per mother and father, there would be about 160 parents if all their children were adults. However, it is more reasonable to consider that half were adults and half were not. As a result, there would be approximately 318 parents also. This does not consider those above the age of fifty who were grandparents or great-grandparents traveling with their children. In addition, some of the 318 male and female adults were married with their own young children, not included in this total. Then there were all the servants given to him in Egypt. As a result, this would mean that Abram had over 1,000 servants.

318 young men of fighting age

318 young women

160 fathers

160 mothers

320 younger brothers and sisters.

1,276 individuals were traveling with Abram.

This is a very conservative estimate! Again, the key word here is born.

Avraham had a relationship as a leader with his followers and family.

Adam was great. Noah was incredible, and Abraham was greater. The point is how they communicated with their parents, spouses, children, and servants. Enoch learned from Adam / Seth. Methuselah learned from Enoch. Noah learned from Methuselah, and Abraham learned from Noah. God’s Ways and Ha Torah were passed along the line. Abraham used the lessons he learned from these elders, Ha Torah, and logic to guide, tutor, and teach his children and household. He bettered himself and blessed others—I do my best to share these studies from Ha Torah. I care and want to encourage my friends and family to use these lessons to their advantage. God Loves each of us and wants the best for us. The path to a better life is studying Ha Torah and observing the Mitzvot, which will help us to be better, happier, and fulfilled.

May we follow the Guidelines of righteous living. May we help others and bring peace and healing to our world. May this coming Sabbath and every Sabbath be a blessed Day.

May the Lord Bless each of us with a beautiful pleasant happy Sabbath observance.

Dr. Akiva Gamliel Belk

Author