From the Category, “The Eastern Eye”

[The Bible is an “Eastern” book. It was written many years ago in the “East” which today we refer to as “The Middle East.”  As such, there are many customs and idioms that are not familiar to the “Western” mind.

In understanding the Scriptures it is important for us to understand the culture, but it doesn’t mean that we should necessarily follow that culture. Rather, it is in the understanding of the Eastern culture that we gain light and understanding about many things in the Bible.

If you are not familiar with the record in the Bible of Joseph, then you can read it  in the book of Genesis. It is a truly remarkable account.  If you are familiar, then you know that Pharaoh called for Joseph, who was in prison, to interpret Pharaoh’s dream.

However, as one reads what is recorded after Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dream, it seems a bit confusing.  Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, and without you shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.”  Why did Pharaoh tell him, “I am Pharaoh?”

At this point in the record, Pharaoh is giving Joseph authority over all of Egypt.  He is in fact placing Joseph as second only to himself.  This is an extraordinary event which only Pharaoh could command.

Saying, “I am,” is a declaration that what he was speaking was as good as who he was.  When someone says, “I am so-and-so,” they are attesting that what they have said is absolutely certain.  It is a declaration of one’s prestige, standing, status, power and authority.

Obviously Joseph knew who he was standing before.  Pharaoh gave what we might refer to as an executive order.  He was making it very clear that there could be no question as to the certainty of what he spoke.

That expression is similar to when someone says, “In the name of.”  In that case, it is not the person himself speaking, but someone else on his behalf who has the authority to speak using his name.  And again, it would mean all the authority, power, status, standing and prestige of that name.

In our culture here in the United States, in would be a bit awkward in the workplace to say, “In the name of the boss, this project is a priority.”  We would simply say, “The boss said to get this done, now!”

Today, born again believers have the authority to utilize the name of Jesus Christ.

In the book of Acts, there are a number of references to believers operating the power of God by utilizing the name of Jesus Christ.  We can, and we should, pray in the name of Jesus Christ.  We can and we should operate the power of God in the name of Jesus Christ.

Genesis 41:44
And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I [am] Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.

[For the complete record concerning Joseph, see Genesis 37 – 50]

Acts 3:6, 16
Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

Acts 4:10
Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, [even] by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

Acts 9:34
And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.

Acts 8:12
But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Acts 16:18
And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

Ephesians 5:20
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

Mark 9:39
But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.

John 14:13 and 14
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do [it].

John 20:31
But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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Resources
There are a number of books that you can read to get insight on customs, manners, idioms and meanings from the Eastern culture in which the Bible was written.  The best I know of were written by Bishop K. C. Pillai.  I have had the pleasure of listening to many recorded teaching by him.

He wrote three books, and they are hard to find, and are usually over priced.  But, if you want to you can check this link to see what Amazon has to offer. Light Through an Eastern Window

Another great resource that I have used for years is a book called, “Manners and Customs of the Bible,” by James Freeman. Mine was printed in 1972 and I know they have newer additions. For the newest edition, just click the link and it will take you to Amazon. The New Manners and Customs of the Bible (Pure Gold Classics)

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