Genesis
Joseph Reveals His Identity
When Joseph saw their concern for their father and for Benjamin, he knew that they had really changed. Quickly he sent all the servants out of the room, and with a burst of emotion he revealed himself to his brothers (vv. 1-2). At first they were stunned by the news and feared he would seek …
Abraham’s Servant Finds a Wife for Isaac
This chapter reveals Abraham’s dedication to finding a godly mate for his son Isaac. Abraham’s eldest servant was selected for the task (v. 2). This may have been Eleazar (Gen. 15:2). Abraham is now approximately 140 years old, and his son Isaac is 40. It is evident that the old patriarch was …
Joseph Sold Into Egypt by His Brothers
This passage is both a story of hatred and deception. When the brothers saw Joseph coming, they plotted to kill him (vv. 18-20), but Reuben wanting to protect his brother, suggested that they place him in a pit, which they did (vv. 21-22). Reuben planned to rescue Joseph later and take him back …
Isaac Plans to Give Esau His Blessing
In this chapter everyone is doing the wrong thing. It all began when Esau and Jacob were born and when Isaac and Rebekah each chose a favorite son. Isaac, now at the age of 137, was thinking about death and the giving of his patriarchal blessing. This blessing had to be given in accordance …
The Water Goes Down
The first 8 words are very special (v. 1). “And God remembered Noah, and every living thing.” “Every living thing†was on the ark in a sea of nothingness. God sent a “wind†over the earth and that the waters then receded (v. 1). After 40 days it stopped raining (v. 2), then for 150 days (about …
Jacob Wrestles With God
Since God had told Jacob to return to Canaan, he had been obedient. Now he had an unseen angel escort him all the way (vv. 1-2). After Laban is gone Jacob began to think about how he would face Esau and he became greatly afraid. The greater part of this chapter is concerned with all the …
Entering The Ark
When God pronounced the destruction of man from the face of the earth (Gen. 6:7,13) he still gave sinful man 120 years to repent while Noah built the ark. And now in this chapter Noah enters the Ark (v. 1). Some have questioned why it would say in one place that Noah took two of every kind …
Cain And Abel
Chapter 3 ends with five events: (1) Adam names his wife Eve (v. 20). Remember that God named Adam, and Adam named all the animals. Naming is linked to authority. (2) God gave them clothing made from animal skins (v. 21). Without innocence clothing is necessary. Also, death will now be …
Jacob Blesses Ephraim And Manasseh
The news came to Joseph one day that his father was very sick. He immediately laid aside his affairs of state, took his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, and hurried to see his father (v. 1). Jacob sat up in bed and when Joseph presented his two sons to him the aged patriarch prono …
God’s Covenant With Noah
After the flood there were only eight people alive in the world: Noah and his family. God told them the things they were to do, and He makes a covenant with Noah here in chapter 9: (1) He told Noah to be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth again with people (vv. 1, 7), just …