“The law of first mention.” Not sure if it’s really a “law”, but as a young believer, more than once, I remember being exhorted to take note of the first time a word or phrase is used in Scripture, or the first time something or someone appears, for it might have a particular significance. This morning, a second encounter with a word sparks noodling on its first mention.

The word? Abomination. What do think of when you hear that word? Where do you think it might first be found in Scripture? If you’re like me, you might be surprised. You might also be left a bit in wonder.

This morning’s reading in Genesis (a likely place to find a “first mention”) deals with Jacob & Co.’s relocation from Canaan to Egypt. Upon being reunited with Joseph — the son who Jacob thought was dead but in fact was alive and had become king (sound familiar?) — Jacob is told by Joseph how to secure the best land in this foreign land.

When Pharaoh calls you and says, ‘What is your occupation?’ you shall say, ‘Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now, both we and our fathers,’ in order that you may dwell in the land of Goshen, for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians.”

(Genesis 46:33-34 ESV)

An abomination to the Egyptians. I read this and remembered that this isn’t the first time I’ve encountered that phrase. Last time it was also in the context of a reunion; at the banqueting table where Joseph reveals himself to his brothers.

They served him by himself, and them by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves, because the Egyptians could not eat with the Hebrews, for that is an abomination to the Egyptians.

(Genesis 43:32 ESV)

First mention of abomination? Describing how Egyptians viewed Hebrews. Second mention? How Egyptians viewed shepherds. Hmm . . . Chew on that for a bit.

Egypt, in Scripture, is representative of the world. It is a type of the place, principles, and practices from which the people of God are delivered. It’s the place they were to leave. The place they would be told not to return to. The place where they’ll be tempted to retreat for help when the going gets tough. But when it comes right down to it, it will always be the place of slavery and bondage, for the people of God are an abomination to the world. The world, under the rule of the prince of darkness, can’t help but abhor those in covenantal relationship with the King of Light.

What’s more, Egypt is disgusted by shepherds. What does that say for us who would own the Lord as my Shepherd?

Much more to noodle on and develop with this thought. But there’s something here, something which identifies us, the people of God, as the first abomination. An abomination in Egypt. At odds with the world. Whether we’re tempted to embrace the world, to enjoy the world, or try and find refuge in the world, if we are God’s chosen people, if we are the sheep who know the voice of the Great Shepherd, then we’re not really gonna find our place in the world. ‘Cause if we are faithful to Him, we’ll be an abomination to them.

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” ~ Jesus

(John 15:18-19 ESV)

An abomination. Like I said, hmm . . .

By His grace. For His glory.