7th Day Rest Q&R #1 - 7th Day Rest E7

Nov 21, 2019

The podcast dives into the intriguing concept of 'avodah,' exploring its theological significance in the context of work and rest. It contrasts biblical narratives with Canaanite myths, highlighting the notion of humans as royal priests rather than mere slaves. The hosts discuss the importance of sacred time and the celestial markers of seasons, questioning how these elements relate to humanity's purpose. Additionally, the significance of the number seven in biblical texts is examined, linking it to themes of divine order and new beginnings.

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INSIGHT

Work vs. Slave Labor

The Hebrew word "avodah" means both work and slave labor.
Genesis uses it to possibly challenge the idea of humans as slaves to gods, prevalent in other cultures.

INSIGHT

Genesis 1's Perspective

Genesis 1 isn't a neutral account of creation.
It's told from an Israelite perspective, setting up their sacred calendar and tabernacle.

INSIGHT

Jesus Fulfilling Sacred Days

The sacred days in Genesis 1 foreshadow a person, Jesus.
He fulfills their meaning, making observance not obligatory for Christians.

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7th Day Q+R 1

Sam from Ohio (1:55): “I've heard you use the phrase that the Hebrew authors are in conversation with their Canaanite neighbors. In the creation narratives, when the Hebrew authors use the word avodah—for slave labor or work—are they saying something significant to their Canaanite neighbors, who in some of their creation accounts claim that the gods created humans to be their slaves? Is the word avodah tied to a unique claim that the Hebrew authors are trying to make about the relationship between God, work, and rest?”

Laura from Missouri (11:46): “As you were talking about sacred time built into the fabric of creation—particularly how the sun, moon, and stars are indented to mark the days and times for seasons and feasts—would these things still have been the case if the fall did not occur? Were these intended to be part of the people of God regardless of the fall? And if so, what would they be looking back to or forward to?”

Mike from South Africa (22:20): “Is the number seven a divine construct imported into the Israelite thinking? Or is it (or was it) an already established cultural idea that God just adopted to teach something that they would have understood if you spoke in their language?”

Brianna from Wisconsin (32:35): “I have a question about the flood narrative, and what’s going on there with all the uses of time and sevens that keep getting repeated. I’m wondering if all the references to time are supposed to get mapped onto Israel’s calendar and the feast days? And if so, does that somehow tie into Noah and his name meaning “rest?” What are we meant to see there with all the reference to time and sevens and the idea that Noah is rest and bringing rest into the world.”

John from Virginia (43:27): “You mention that the Exodus story participates with days one, two, and three of the creation account. I was wondering if there was anything following that that maps onto days four, five, and six that maps onto the new Eden.”

Show music

Defender Instrumental by Tents

Show Produced by Dan Gummel

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