Home work questions 2-18-12
Genesis 17:1-18:33

1. In Genesis 17:1, we find the first reference in the Torah to “El Shaddai.” How do the various bible translations translate שׁדי? What does this name mean, and what does it tell us about the Creator? Is the Creator male, or female, or somehow both? Do any other divine names give us a clue? How does this conception of “El Shaddai” differ from the view of the divine held by those who followed early Canaanite religion?

2. Genesis 17:10-14 introduces the subject of physical circumcision for Abraham and his descendents as a condition for receiving the blessings of seed and land. Later, in Deuteronomy 10:16 and Deuteronomy 30:6, the concept of spiritual circumcision is introduced. In 10:16, the commandment is that we circumcise the foreskin of our hearts; in 30:6, the text reads that Yahweh circumcises our hearts. 
a) Are New Covenant male believers required to be physically circumcised? Why or why not?
b) How do we circumcise our own heart? How does Yahweh circumcise our heart?

3. Both Avram and Sarai get a “hey” added to their names in this Torah portion (Genesis 17:5 and 17:15). What difference does the letter “hey” make, and what does the letter “hey” mean?

4. Consider these passages: Genesis 18:2-3, 9-10, 16; 19:1-2. 
a) If there were three men in verse 2, why does Abraham say “My lord”? To whom is he speaking?
b) Who is “he” in verse 10?
c) Are the men who set out from Abraham the same beings as the two angels who appear to Lot in 19:1? Why would they appear as men to Abraham but as angels to Lot?