John Worgul

The Young Moses

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So [Moses’ mother] took the child and nursed him.  And the child grew, and she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son; and she named And the child grew, and she named him Moses, for she said, “Because I drew him out of the water.” Exodus 2:9f. Seven times Moses is referred … Read more

Egypt as Symbol of the World: Can We Escape It?

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All the offspring of Jacob were seventy persons; Joseph was already in Egypt. Then Joseph died, and all his brothers, and all that generation. But the descendants of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly; they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong; so that the land was filled with them. Exodus 1:5-7 Therefore they [the Egyptians] set … Read more

Epilogue

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“… He Remembers We Are Dust.” Ps. 103:14 It is good to take to heart the strange fact that the twelve gates of paradise are named after Jacob’s twelve sons. There are only a very few Josephs among us. As for the rest of us, not much will be all that noteworthy, at least from … Read more

The Twelve Sons and the Twelve Gates

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Then Jacob called his sons, and said, “Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you what shall befall you in the days to come.” Genesis 49:1 Seventeen years had passed since that most famous family reunion (Gen. 48:28). Israel was old when he stood before Pharaoh, but now he passed beyond the realm of all … Read more

Joseph and Jesus

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And Joseph provided his father, his brothers, and all his father’s household with food … Genesis 47:12 The Joseph Story is at the apex of world literature; it is not surpassed in sacred or secular lore. Moreover, the author shows skill as a historian as well, melding historical data together into a powerful and forceful … Read more

Jacob Takes His Place among the Great

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Israel had sent Judah ahead to Joseph, [to appear before him] in Goshen. On his arrival in the region of Goshen, Joseph prepared his chariot and went up to meet his father Israel in Goshen. As soon as Israel made his appearance, Joseph threw his arms around him and wept a long time on his shoulder. … Read more