Page 19 - Advanced Biblical Backgrounds Student Textbook

5. Why is the work of Genesis likely addressing the superiority of Yahweh over Yamm?
6. Explain why God is not pleased with us trying to buy His favor.

7. Name an instance of bartering in the biblical stories of the patriarchal period.

8. Why did God command Joshua to totally destroy the Canaanite people?

9. When God commanded to not kill, how can you justify that Joshua was commanded to kill the
inhabitants of the Promised Land when conquering it?

10. What is the difference between murder and killing?

2.5 Let’s Personalize this lesson…

Read the story of Laban and Jacob in Genesis 28-31 this week. Take note of the cultural
background we have discussed in this section. As you read develop an answer to the
following question: Does the existence of a cultural practice in the Bible mean it is approved
of by God? Answer the question both explaining how to know when it is approved of by
God and how to know when it is not. Maybe you can teach your church this in a learning time in the
future. It will help them learn how to read their Bible.

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