Is Paul crazy?

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost; 9 July 2023; Proper 9A (RCL); Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67; Psalm 45:11-18; Romans 7:15-25a; Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30.

We abbreviate the story of Abraham’s servant and Rebekah for the sake of liturgical reading, but it is one of the most complete novellas in the Old Testament. And after reading it, can there be any doubt that John is copying the plot of this standard story in the episode of the Samaritan woman at the well? It is interesting, however, that after the events of last Sunday’s lection (call it the Sacrifice of Isaac, or the Obedience of Abraham, or what you will) that Abraham and Isaac never speak again in the story.

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