As we continue in our study, I cannot emphasize too much the need for correct application of scripture.

    The earliest period of human history is known as the antediluvian (pre-flood) period and lasted for roughly 1656 years. You can read about this period in your Bible in Genesis chapter 1-5. The word Genesis means "beginning" and the book is truly a book of beginnings.

• It records the beginning of our universe
• The beginning of life on this earth
• The beginning of the marriage vow
• And unfortunately, the beginning of disobedience to God
• The beginning of sin

    Its chief characters are Adam/Eve and their children and Noah is introduced here. The essence of the chapters is the story of the creation of our universe, the goodness of God in giving his creatures everything they needed to pursue a life of peace, plenty and fellowship with the Creator.

    In this time, God spoke directly to them to guide them in the way He would have them go. Some today in their misunderstanding of how to apply scripture, go to this time where God told them to "Be fruitful and multiply." They use this to justify keeping the wife pregnant and in some cases barefooted. The fact is overlooked that this was to specific people at a specific time and for a specific purpose. God has never told you or me any thing even remotely close to this.

    Again, in this same period God gave a command to Noah to build an ark (ship). He also gave him instructions as to how it was to be and the wood that was to be used. Would it not make just as much sense to apply this to ones own self today as it would to go back to this time frame and pick around and try to apply other things to us today that are from this time? Again: specific people in a specific time frame, for a specific purpose.

    The next period we encounter in scripture is the postdiluvian (after the flood) period which lasts 427 years. You can study this period in your Bible in Genesis chapters 6-11. There are a number of characters recorded herein and a study of the things that went on is fascinating. Here we encounter the family of Noah with all their weaknesses, the beginning of human government in rebellion against God's rule and the thread of a lineage that will result in a nation, selected and used by God through which to bring about the redemption of his fallen creation.

    The election and selection of one nation and of one man's descendants within that nation is the story of the period that follows the postdiluvian period. This is known as the Patriarchal Period and lasted some 430 years. The story unfolds with the call of Abram (later Abraham), Isaac, Jacob, Esau, Joseph and many other interesting and, at times, perplexing people. The scripture that relate to this period are Genesis chapter 12 to Exodus 19.

    In the last referenced scripture, we will find that God forms the selected people into a nation, gives them a written law, a special priesthood, a designated land, all for the benefit of the world, not just for themselves. This is known as the National Period of Israel and it will last roughly 1500 years. It is worth noting that only one people was given this law. It never was to or for any other nation!!!! A careful reading of the chapters mentioned will show this beyond any shadow of doubt. That this is correct, is taught all through the New Testament. For instance; "For when Gentiles, who do not have the law by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves."     Rom 2:14

    At the risk of being repetitious, again, I say; specific people, specific time frame and all for a specific purpose. We are not that people, we do not live in that time frame and the law that was theirs is not ours.

    As previously stated this period lasted for a period of about 1500 years and the scriptures that cover it are Exodus 19 through Malachi. It was through the death of Jesus at Calvary, at which time, all the Law of Moses with its special priesthood, worship and sacrifices were abrogated.

    A new day has come. The writer of the Hebrew letter (written to Jewish Christians) speaks on this wise; "Long ago, at many times and in many ways God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son". Heb.1:1,2 More than once God spoke and said "This is my beloved Son, you hear Him."

    With all these things in mind, let us begin to look at some of these real flesh and blood people in the context of the times, the light that they had, the customs and their relationship to God (or lack of one). We pray the trip will be beneficial.