Lessons

Genesis 33:1-7 – Immediately following this encounter Jacob=s sees Esau approaching with his 400 men. He quickly arranges his wives in an order that seems to protect those whom he loves most, and then goes ahead to meet Esau. In the custom of meeting a king Jacob bows 7 times as a token of respect … Read more

Genesis 42:1-4 With the exception of Genesis 38 we have no idea what has been happening to the sons of Israel. For over twenty years they were keeping the lie of what they did to their brother Joseph to themselves. No doubt they must have wondered and also reckoned that sooner or later their actions … Read more

Genesis 41:1-7 – Dreams played a significant role in the life of Joseph. In earlier years it was his dreams that gave him insights into his future and infuriated his brothers. His interpretation of dreams and his naively sharing them with his brothers angered them so much that they sold him into Egypt. It was … Read more

Genesis 40:1-4– Sometime while in prison an event took place that would lead to the promotion of Joseph to his destined position. Two officials of the king were thrown into Joseph=s prison. The cupbearer was an official who served drink to the king. He and the baker had to be trustworthy individuals. Perhaps some poison … Read more

Genesis 39:1-6 – We now return to Joseph, who is the focal point of the remainder of the book of Genesis. Joseph had been sold by the Ishmaelites to Potiphar the Captain of Pharaoh’s body guards. Joseph was an intelligent and personable young man and Potiphar recognized his abilities by promoting him. He not only … Read more

Genesis 38 – This chapter chronicles the history of the seed of the Messiah through Judah. The story of the other brothers is noticeably absent, and the silence is due in large measure to their treatment of Joseph. With the loss of Joseph Jacob must have conferred the right of the first born to Judah. … Read more

Genesis 37:1-4 This chapter begins with the assertion that Jacob like his father and grandfather, Abraham, lived as a sojourner or pilgrim in the land that was promised to them. We too are called to live in such a manner in order to be commended to God (Heb 11:8‑10). Nowhere in Scripture is it asserted … Read more

Genesis 35:1-4 – Following the events in Shechem it may have been that Jacob went to the Lord in prayer and confession of his failure and the failure of his family in their testimony to the people of Canaan. When God answered him, it was with instructions to move fifteen miles south to Bethel. Bethel … Read more

Genesis 34:1-4 – Ten years have elapsed and we now learn about the sad events surrounding the youngest child of Leah, Dinah. Dinah had to have been at least in her teens and her brothers at least in their twenties. While the text does not mention it there likely were visits of the family to … Read more

Genesis 27:11-17 – While Jacob thought that the plan was just he had reservations. While he knew that the blessing belonged to him, he did not want his father to think him as one who deceives and be cursed instead of blessed if he is discovered. While the voices of the brothers might be similar … Read more