George Ruheni, PhD.

  Moses and the burning bush on Mount Horeb Moses spent 40 years tending the flock of his father-in-law Jethro. This was not a noble task as there is no evidence that he owned any flock, or had built an empire. He lived what we might call today a life of quiet obscurity. This was a stripping of self-reliance, a dismantling of Egyptian pride, and a preparation of character before assignment. In Egypt he was mighty in status, in Midian he became mighty in surrender. God often prepares deliverers in hidden places before public impact. And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed (Exodus 3:2). He noticed a bush that was burning with fire, but was not consumed. Fire in Scripture usually represents, God’s holiness, presence, judgment, and purification. However, the bush was burning but, it was not destroyed. This was not just a miracle, but a message. ...

Moses’ birth and childhood Moses was born into a godly Levite family, his Father - Amram, and Mother - Jochebed (who was also Amram’s aunt – Exodus 6:20). His older siblings were, Miriam (born 1400 BC) and Aaron (born 1396 BC). So Moses was indeed the youngest of the three. When he was born Pharaoh had already passed a decree on the killing of all Israel boys. However, when the mother saw the boy - Moses, she saw that he was a beautiful child, and she hid him for three months. At first glance, this seems like simple parental love. But [Hebrews 11:23], gives the divine interpretation, it was an act of faith, that led her not to be afraid of the king’s command. So the woman conceived and bore a son. And when she saw that he was a beautiful child, she hid him three months (Exodus 2:2). This means, Amram and Jochebed, did not act from emotion or fear buy by faith. Faith always rests on something God has said, Amram and Jochebed likely believed, God’s covenant with Abraham still stoo...

The family of Jacob, made up of his wives Rachel and Leah, and their maidservants Zilpah and Bilhah, became the foundation of the nation of Israel. Through these four women, Jacob had 12 sons, who became the 12 tribes of Israel. Jacob’s household was not just a family, it was a God-chosen covenant family. Israel did not begin as a nation, it began as a family. Due to famine, Jacob and his entire household moved to Egypt during the time of his son Joseph [Genesis 46–47]. But the children of Israel were fruitful and increased abundantly, multiplied and grew exceedingly mighty; and the land was filled with them (Exodus 1:7). [Genesis 47:27]. Even though they were foreigners in Egypt, God’s blessing of growth followed them [Genesis 47:27]. By the time we reach Exodus, the family had become a people.   The children of Israel were fruitful, (they had many children). They increased abundantly (their numbers grew fast).   They multiplied (Growth was continuous). They became e...

Jacob’s burial in the cave of the field of Machpelah The Cave of Machpelah is located near Mamre (Hebron), in the land of Canaan, south of Jerusalem. On a biblical map, Machpelah sits in the hill country of Judah, a strategic and fertile region. This site later became one of the most sacred ancestral landmarks in Israel’s history. For his sons carried him to the land of Canaan, and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah, before Mamre, which Abraham bought with the field from Ephron the Hittite as property for a burial place (Genesis 50:13). We trace the journey from Egypt → Canaan → Hebron (Machpelah). It highlight that Jacob’s burial marks a symbolic return to the Promised Land, even before national possession.   Machpelah was the only piece of land Abraham legally owned in Canaan [Genesis 23:17]. Purchased publicly from Ephron the Hittite, establishing a legitimate title deed. Though Abraham lived as a sojourner, this purchase was a statement of faith in God’...

Reuben In Genesis 49, Jacob is giving sentimental blessings which are prophetic declarations over his sons and reveal both character and destiny, shaped by past actions and future outcomes. The prophecy over Reuben is especially sobering. First, acknowledged as the firstborn, carrying natural privileges: which are Jacob's might, and the beginning of his strength. This had given him a position of leadership, honor, and authority, the excellency of dignity and power, which is associated with kingship and priestly influence. However, his potential is tragically undercut by character failure. Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity and the excellency of power. 4 Unstable as water, you shall not excel, because you went up to your father’s bed; Then you defiled it— He went up to my couch (Genesis 49:3-4). Unstable as water speaks to moral instability, lack of self-control, and inconsistency. Water has no fixed form, it flo...