Life Looks Different Now

This chapter describes Joseph's interpretation of dreams for two fellow prisoners, the chief cupbearer and chief baker, who were imprisoned by Pharaoh. 

Reading, learning and growing by reading the word of God.

Genesis 39 depicts the trials and tribulations Joseph endured in Egypt, including being unjustly imprisoned for refusing to betray his master and sin against God.

Reading, learning and growing by reading the word of God.

The saga continues. This chapter is of the sad story of the moral decline of Jacob’s family. The first three sons had disqualified themselves from leadership positions because of their sins. Reuben, the eldest, slept with Jacob’s concubine Bilhah. Simeon and Levi, the second and third sons, misused God’s holy name to commit mass murder and other crimes, now Judah, the fourth son went off on his own and married a Canaanite woman and had 3 sons. The two oldest ones were wicked resulted in God killing them. 

Reading, learning and growing by reading the word of God.

The chapter introduces Jacob’s favorite Joseph who is now seventeen years old. He was so hated by his older brothers they even sold him into slavery and tricked Jacob into believing his beloved son was dead. 

Reading, learning and growing by reading the word of God.

This Chapter briefly describes  the genealogy of Esau, Jacob’s twin brother, listing his wives, his sons, grandsons and the kings of Edom and the nations that came from Esau. 

Reading, learning and growing by reading the word of God.

Jacob, now Israel buried all the false idols in within his people. Jacob sought God’s counsel and protection as he travels to Bethel with his family. 

Reading, learning and growing by reading the word of God.

 Jacob’s daughter with Leah, Dinah is raped by the son of ruler of the city of Shechem. To exact revenge and defend their sister's honor, Jacob's sons trick the men of the city into being circumcised and then slaughter all of them when they are recovering, plundering all the wealth of the people.

Reading, learning and growing by reading the word of God.

After 20 years Jacob prepares to meet Esau with fear and humility, arranging his family into three groups and sending Esau a generous gift of livestock to appease him. 

Reading, learning and growing by reading the word of God.

Jacob is returning home to Canaan, approaching Seir the land of in which his brother Esau lived, he  became fearful. He feared his brother Esau might attack him for having stolen his blessing, so he split his family into two groups, thinking if one were attacked, the other would survive. A prayer to the Lord was offered by Jacob, thanking God for His past care of him, and asking the Lord to protect him as he met his brother. 

Reading, learning and growing by reading the word of God.

Jacob is commanded by God to return to Canaan, the land of his father Isaac. Jacob packs up his wife and children, all if his possessions and leaves without telling Laban, his father in law. 

Reading, learning and growing by reading the word of God.

This chapter focuses on the narrative of Jacob’s family while highlighting the conflict between his sister wives Leah, and Rachel.  Jacob’s yearning to return to his native country and homeland led him to strike an unusual bargain with his father in law, Laban. The agreement resulted in Jacob achieving great wealth. 

Reading, learning and growing by reading the word of God.

Jacob arrives in Haran, falls in love with his cousin Rachel. After working seven years to marry her, Jacob is tricked by his uncle into marrying the older daughter, Leah, instead. Laban allows Jacob to marry Rachel, as well, in exchange for another seven years' work.

Reading, learning and growing by reading the word of God.

Isaac blessed Jacob and instructed him to leave Beersheba and travel Jacob leaving home to travel to Paddan-aram, to his uncle Laban’s home to find a wife and escape his brother Esau's wrath:

Reading, learning and growing by reading the word of God.

In Genesis 27, we learn of the division in Isaac’s family resulted in Jacob and Rebecca deceiving Isaac in order to steal Esau’s blessing. 

Reading, learning and growing by reading the word of God.

In a time of famine, God commanded Isaac not to travel to Egypt for relief. Isaac obeys, just as his father had done. This passage emphasizes that Abraham's trust in God was demonstrated through his actions. God also restated  and emphasized the covenant promises He had made to Abraham are also for Isaac as  well.  

Reading, learning and growing by reading the word of God.

Abraham took on another wife, had many more sons then died leaving his estate to his Isaac. Ishmael became the father of twelve sons then died. Isaac became a father of twins and the oldest twin sold his birth rough for a bowl of stew. Ouch

Reading, learning and growing by reading the word of God.

In Genesis 24, Abraham, nearing the end of his life, desires to secure a wife for his son Isaac. He fears that marrying a Canaanite woman would compromise their faith and heritage. He entrusts his most trusted servant with the task of traveling to Mesopotamia, where Abraham originated, to find a suitable wife for Isaac from his extended family.

Reading, learning and growing by reading the word of God.

Sarah dies and Abraham mourns for her and then purchases a cave near Mamre as a permanent family burial place in the land of Canaan. 

Reading, learning and growing by reading the word of God.

Abraham’s faith in the Lord and his promises was tested when he was commanded to sacrifice his covenant son, only heir, long await child of 25 years, Isaac. When Abraham proved his faithfulness, the Lord spared Isaac’s life and provided a substitute sacrifice in form of a ram. 

Reading, learning and growing by reading the word of God.

Abraham and Sarah finally conceived a child of their own. Isaac, the long-awaited child of the promise, is born. Sarah no longer saw the need for Hagar and Ishmael, and didn’t want her son Isaac to have to share his inheritance with his half brother. She demanded her husband to send Hagar and Ishmael out of their home. In obedience to God, Abraham sends Hagar and Ishmael away.  King Abimelech approaches Abraham to make a treaty, giving Abraham a permanent home in a place that becomes known as Beersheba.

Reading, learning and growing by reading the word of God.