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Joseph Interprets the Cupbearer’s and Baker’s Dreams – Genesis Chapter 40
If these teachings have been a blessing to you, please consider supporting this channel: DONATE After he was sold into slavery, Joseph became a slave in Potiphar’s household, where he noticed how that God made everything that Joseph did to prosper - a great benefit to Potiphar. So, he made him the chief steward over [...]
Joseph, Slavery and Imprisonment – Genesis Chapter 39
Genesis 38 affirms the wisdom of God in preparing to send the Jewish people into Egypt to maintain their religious and ethnic purity by noting how Judah had began to intermarry with the Canaanites. So, chapter 39 continues with God’s preparation, returning the attention back to Joseph.
Judah Marries a Canaanite!! – Genesis Chapter 38
If these teachings have been a blessing to you, please consider supporting this channel: DONATE After Joseph is sold into slavery by his brothers, Judah departed from the family clan and dwelled in Adullam and married a Canaanite woman. They had three sons, who clearly seemed to have adopted the ways of their pagan mother; [...]
Joseph, the Favored Son, Sold as a Slave – Genesis Chapter 37
Genesis 36 ends with the “toldot” (what had became of) Esau. And his genealogical history is outlined to indicate his material prosperity and greatness. But there is an even greater spiritual significance of these things, showing how that the world experiences prosperity when God’s people learn to patiently wait on Him.
The Descendants of Esau – Genesis Chapter 36
When Jacob’s two sons, Simeon and Levi, killed all the men of Shechem, he became fearful that his small tribe would be attacked in vengeance from the surrounding Canaanites. God commanded him to return to Bethel; but before he could leave, he had to purge idolatry from his household and peoples.
Jacob Returns to Bethel – Genesis Chapter 35
After the rape of Dinah, Simeon and Levi, her brothers, took revenge and killed all the men of Shechem. Jacob reprimanded his two sons for their violent acts and feared the destruction of his clans by vengeful Gentile neighbors. God once again rescued Jacob and told him to return to Bethel, where God appeared to him when he fled from his brother Esau.
The Rape of Dinah – Genesis Chapter 34
After Jacob encounters his brother Esau in peace, Esau returns to Mt. Stir bu Jacob settles outside of Shechem. In time, Jacob’s daughter Leah decides to socially interact with the daughters of the Canaanite city-state of Shechem. She is discovered by Shechem, the prince of the town and is raped.
Jacob and Esau are Reconciled! – Genesis Chapter 33
After wrestling with God and receiving a new name to reflect his changed character, Jacob proceeded towards the Land of Promise. His faith was strengthened; but he was still fearful of meeting his brother Esau. So, once again he devised a plan of escape for his family by separating them into three groups.
Jacob Wrestles With God – Genesis Chapter 32
After Laban departed from Jacob and returned home, Jacob’s thoughts focussed on his most pressing concern – meeting his brother Esau. Twenty years ago when Jacob left his father’s home to go to Haran, he was also fleeing the anger of his brother Esau, who had sworn to kill him because of a perceived “stolen blessing”.
Jacob Flees from Laban – Genesis Chapter 31
Jacob has been working for Laban by keeping his flock for six years now – that’s after having done this for fourteen years previously as a dowry for his two daughters. Laban has been very deceitful and has not dealt fairly with him. Plus, Jacob noticed that Laban and his sons’ countenance towards him has become quite toxic.
Jacob Prospers Despite Laban’s Treachery – Genesis Chapter 30
After Jacob has arrived in Haran, he meets Rachel his uncle’s daughter at a well. He tells her who he is and she takes him to her father’s house. Jacob after seven years marries Leah and Rachel, Laban’s daughters. Jacob loves Rachel, but is not so loving of Leah. So, God graciously opens her womb and she bears him four sons in the hope that Jacob would love her too. In this chapter we see where the two women are engaging in a race to see who can have the most children. But also, there is a note of Rachel’s spiritual lacking. God finally gives her a son and Jacob wants to go back home. However, Laban is unwilling to let Jacob leave because he has noticed how Jacob’s God has prospered him on account of Jacob. So, he bargains with Jacob once again – only to deceive him again. But God over-rules Laban’s actions against Jacob and greatly increases his wealth.
Jacob’s Deception – The deceiver is deceived! – Genesis Chapter 29
After receiving a visitation by God in a dream, Jacob’s spirit is revived and he journeys onward to Haran. After arriving there, he meets some shepherds at a well who tell him that Rachel, his uncle’s daughter, is headed to the same place. He introduces himself to Rachel; and she thereby introduces Jacob to her father Laban. Laban welcomes Jacob. After working for him for a short period, Jacob contracts with Laban to marry his younger daughter Rachel. Laban deceives Jacob and gives him the eldest daughter Leah. Jacob then has to negotiate once again a bridal price for Rachel. But, all is not well in his household. Leah is unloved. So, God favors her because Jacob does not.