I am sure one can go much deeper than this. There is I notice a link to another resource at the bottom of Ken Matto's essay. But indeed research will show that much of this, if not almost all of it, started with Scofield and his bible. This particular essay just kind of touches the surface. But what it does do is show a little bit of the deception and dishonesty of the man and who backed him up in his work.
The fact that so many Christians interpret Genesis 12:3 in the way mentioned here sadly shows just how few people, Christian or otherwise, can properly read in context. Or else, choose not to in order to support their own preconceived notions and beliefs.
And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.(Genesis 12:3)
It sadly really does seem that many Christians have become terrified of Scofield's notion and interpretation of this verse.
“and curse him that curseth thee” This was a warning literally fulfilled in the history of Israel’s persecutions.It has invariably fared ill with the people who have persecuted the Jew-well with those who protected him.For a nation to commit the sin of anti-Semitism brings inevitable Judgment.The future will remarkably prove this principle.”
And I will add, with all the cries of anti-Semitism over every slight, a certain group of people that we know from Revelation 2:9 and 3:9 have taken full advantage of this, have they not? They have mastered this more than other people have with false cries and accusations of racism.
The fact is, Matto's interpretation is plain and correct. God was addressing Abram, not Israel as a nation or even the patriarchs of the 12 tribes who also had not been born yet. More to the point, when God actually changed Abram's name to Abraham, what does Abraham mean? As you likely know it means father of many nations. As a matter of fact, before Sarah bare Isaac, and even closer to this revelation from the Lord of Genesis 12:3, Abraham bare a son with Sarah's handmaid Hagar, from whence would Ishmael, the father of the Arab nations and peoples. Indeed, even as we know today the Islamic/Arabic people consider Abraham to be a "father" of theirs. For that matter, we know that after the death of Sarah, Abraham took another wife in Keturah,
Genesis 25:1 Then again Abraham took a wife, and her name was Keturah.
2 And she bare him Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah.
3 And Jokshan begat Sheba, and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were Asshurim, and Letushim, and Leummim.
4 And the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abidah, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.
The point I am at least trying to make is that if one wants to interpret Genesis 12:3 as being the people, the children, the nations that would come from Abraham, which children and which nations are we not supposed to curse? Based on events since 9-11, I'm pretty sure there are a lot of Christians perfectly fine with cursing Arabic peoples. Or so it would seem anyway.
Of course, it is true that there is a spiritual side, that there is a futuristic and prophetic side, and there is even a particular side, child or seed line that we can narrow things down to.
Genesis 21:12 And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.
So yes, in Issac would ultimately come the promise. But again let's examine that a bit deeper, shall we?
Hebrews 11:17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
18 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:
19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
21 By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.
Yes, even Esau received a blessing. It wasn't necessarily much of one but it was one nonetheless. But let's look specifically at Jacob blessing the sons of Joseph. Who were those sons?
Genesis 48:11 And Israel said unto Joseph, I had not thought to see thy face: and, lo, God hath shewed me also thy seed.
12 And Joseph brought them out from between his knees, and he bowed himself with his face to the earth.
13 And Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel's left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel's right hand, and brought them near unto him.
14 And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim's head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh's head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the firstborn.
15 And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day,
16 The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the