One of the brightest spots in the life stories of the patriarchs is this little snippet from the flight of Jacob from his brother. Here Jacob has deceived and tricked his brother one time too many, and his mother sent him away to keep him from being killed, and in his flight, on his way … Continue reading Bethel – House of God (Genesis 28:10-22)
Revenge, Release, Retry (Genesis 27:41-28:9)
After Jacob basically stole Esau's blessing, Esau was furious and plotted to kill Jacob once their father had died. However, Rebekah heard of his plans and warned Jacob of the impending danger. Esau, although he may have been somewhat justified in his anger, overreacted to Jacob's deceit. The rift was deep, and led to Esau's … Continue reading Revenge, Release, Retry (Genesis 27:41-28:9)
The Blessing Deception (Genesis 27:1-40)
Isaac knew he was nearing death and wanted to give his oldest son the blessing of the firstborn. However, Rebekah saw an opportunity for her son to receive the greater blessing. She devised a plan for Jacob to deceive his father and get the blessing. He took game and cooked it like Esau, put on … Continue reading The Blessing Deception (Genesis 27:1-40)
Selling of the Birthright; Like Father, Like Son; Redigging Wells (Genesis 25:29-26:35)
Talk about a dysfunctional family! Jacob and Esau, the twins from Isaac and Rebekah's union, came out of the womb at odds, and are still, seemingly, in the midst of sibling rivalry. Esau has been out hunting and comes home hungry, where Jacob has been cooking stew. Esau is so hungry, he agrees to sell … Continue reading Selling of the Birthright; Like Father, Like Son; Redigging Wells (Genesis 25:29-26:35)
God’s Chosen: The Next Generation (Genesis 25:7-28)
Abraham died after 175 years, and was buried in Machpelah in the same cave as Sarah. Then the story shifts to Isaac. While Isaac's story seems the most brief in comparison to the other patriarchs, Abraham and Jacob, it does have some interesting twists and turns. Rebekah was barren, and Isaac prayed to God for … Continue reading God’s Chosen: The Next Generation (Genesis 25:7-28)
More and More (Genesis 25:1-6)
Here is a small passage about the later life of Abraham. After Sarah died, Abraham took another wife, Keturah. This is an obscure story, but one that merits some attention. Keturah bore several sons, some of whom would become nations that Israel would eventually fight in battle, especially Midian. If you notice the details of … Continue reading More and More (Genesis 25:1-6)
A Funeral and a Wedding (Genesis 23-24)
In this passage, Abraham loses his wife Sarah in chapter 23, then sends his servant to find a wife for Isaac in chapter 24. Sarah dies after the fulfillment of the promise of a son. Abraham wanted to give her a proper burial, but had no proper place in which to inter his wife. He … Continue reading A Funeral and a Wedding (Genesis 23-24)
How Much Do I Trust God? (Genesis 22)
Abraham finally got it! After all the promises and covenant activity of the past few years, Abraham has a son in his old age and seems to finally get it: God is trustworthy! God says to Abraham, after he had enjoyed having a son for several years and being several years older, that he should … Continue reading How Much Do I Trust God? (Genesis 22)
Covenant Matters (Genesis 21:8-34)
Hagar was the surrogate for Sarah. She had Ishmael, which was not the covenant design. Sarah eventually had the son of promise, Isaac, but she felt that Ishmael mocked him. She demanded that Abraham send her away. In this situation, Abraham was conflicted. He had two sons, but only one of them was the true … Continue reading Covenant Matters (Genesis 21:8-34)
“Here We Go Again!” and “The Blessing Received” (Genesis 20:1 – 21:7)
Just a few chapters before this, Abraham had pulled the same stunt with his wife in the presence of Pharoah. He told Pharoah's team of leaders that Sarai was his sister and thereby avoided any danger from Pharoah if he wanted Sarai. Now, here he is in the presence of Abimelech, and Abraham pulls the … Continue reading “Here We Go Again!” and “The Blessing Received” (Genesis 20:1 – 21:7)
Devoted To You 