Bible Studies/word meaning

Advertisement

Expert: - 9/10/2006


Question
what does it mean in the old test  when refering to a mule as burdened of the earth

Answer
 Hi Bruce,

  We assume you are asking about the phrase "two mules' burden of earth".

  2K5:17 "And Naaman said, Shall there not then, I pray you, be given to your servant two mules' burden of earth? for your servant will henceforth offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice unto other gods, but unto the Lord."

  Naaman was a brand new convert to the worship of the God of Israel.  In the context of the rest of the verse which speaks of burnt offerings and sacrifices, it would appear that he wanted two mules loaded with the local dirt, to construct an altar when he returned to Syria. This is not something that God required but new converts from superstitious backgrounds sometimes do strange things thinking that it will please God.

 We hope that this answers your question.

 Sincerely,
Mel and Guyna

Bible Studies

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Mel and Guyna Horne

Expertise

Anyone can read the Bible but sometimes it helps to have someone assist with the understanding (Acts 8:26-40). Truth comes from God through his holy spirit of truth (Jn. 16:13, 1Cor. 2:12), which is available to anyone who believes, repents and seeks God fervently and wholeheartedly, with humility, faith and persistence (Mat. 7:7, Deu. 4:29, Isa. 66:2, Jas. 4:1-10, Phil. 2:12). Truth is not limited to, or by, man’s religious organizations, church traditions, popular beliefs or personal opinions (Jn. 8:32, 14:6). We will try to help anyone who is trying to understand scripture or Christian living. [Please do not submit homework questions as they will be rejected.]

Experience

Over 40 years of personal study of the entire Bible (Deu. 8:3, Mat. 4:4, 2Tim. 3:16, Deu. 4:12, Rev. 22:18). B.A. in Theology with continuing studies in religious history and education (2Tim 2:15, 1Ths. 5:21). Years of informal counseling of young adults, teens, couples, and prisoners, based on scripture and on actual life experience in the world outside of classrooms and church buildings and including a long and happy marriage. After years of experience with organized religion, we are non-denominational. Publications: http://thechurchofgodinamerica.com/index.htm; http://www.reocities.com/Athens/Forum/1611/books on God's Holy Days, Lying, the Sacred Names Doctrine; articles on Terrorism and Islam, the Gospel of Christ, Preparing Yourself for Life in the Kingdom of Christ; What Happens After Death; currently developing 70+ college-level courses for Theology and Christian Living studies.

Organizations
Organizations are of men, not God. While God may use some of them to facilitate his plan, organizations train their people to follow, not to lead. God was able to create the whole Creation, as we see it, in only six days, because he did not use a committee. Ten years after 9/11, the only thing approved for construction there was a mosque.

Education/Credentials
"If a man would teach others, he must first teach himself." - Source Unknown. B.A. in Theology, over 50 years of personal study, the last twelve of which have been full time study and research resulting in publication of several books and many articles.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.