I think it's a hoot that if Abraham, Joseph, or David had shown up, they would have had to present legal identification to the "proper officers" of the Society:
Any persons appearing to take possession of said premises shall first prove and identify themselves to the proper officers of said Society as the person or persons described in Hebrews chapter eleven and in this deed.
It would have been great to be alive back then and show up at the doorstep of Beth Sarim dressed like Abraham and Sarah! I can just picture it:Abraham: Howdy, Judge! Thanks for takin' care of my house. After you take our bags up to our rooms, can you put the camels in the garage and give them a little feed?Da Judge: Ummm, Abraham, I'm afraid I need to see some identification. Do you have a driver's license? Social security card? Birth certificate?(Abraham feels around in his pockets and saddlebags.)Abraham: I have this marriage license. (Hands it to Da Judge)Da Judge: (Puts on his glasses and looks at the document) This is in Hebrew! Freddieeee!Freddie: (in Peter Lorre voice) You called, boss?Da Judge: What does this say?Freddie: It says that Abram married Sarai in 1984 B.C.E.Da Judge: Obvious frauds! You, sir, claim to be "Abraham," not "Abram."Abraham: Jehovah changed my name.Da Judge: Can you prove it? Do you have documentation?Sarah: (Tugging on Abraham's sleeve) Hagar says she has to pee again.Abraham: (To Sarah) Tell her to go off in the bushes! (To Da Judge) Well, uh, it's in the Bible.Da Judge: I'm afraid I need an official Certificate of Name Change, dear man.Abraham: Sarah and I did file them. I didn't keep copies, though.Da Judge: I see. Where were you living at the time? Perhaps we can check the court records?Abraham: Well, we were near Sodom . . .Da Judge: Ah, I see. Those records were destroyed by a divine conflagration. How convenient. Now you get yourself and your women and your camels off of my--I mean Jehovah's--lawn before I am forced to call the authorities! And be sure to clean up after those camels as you leave.
Ginny