Genesis
God Promises Abraham a Son
In the heat of the day, Abraham was sitting in the doorway of his tent enjoying the breeze when he saw three men approaching (vv. 1-8). These three were not just ordinary men ?“ one was the Lord (v. 13), and the other two were angels. After greeting them, Abraham hastened into the tent …
Joseph is Delivered to Potiphar
Once in Egypt, Joseph was sold to Potiphar, a captain of Pharaoh’s guard. Joseph soon became a trusted slave in Potiphar’s house. The Lord was with him, prospering him. He served his master faithfully (vv. 1-5). As a result, Potiphar placed him over all that he possessed (v. 6). Joseph …
Sarah’s Death
This chapter records the funeral of one of the most remarkable and most loved women in the Bible. Sarah is the only woman in the Bible whose age at death is recorded. She was 127 years old when she died and a good example of a woman who followed her husband to the end …
Abram and Melchizedek
This chapter records the first battle in the Bible. It was between four powerful kings of the East and five Jordanian kings (vv. 1-2). The battle took place at the intersection of the Mediterranean ?“ Mesopotamian caravan route (running East to West) and a highway running south to Sodom and …
Joseph’s Rise to Power
Pharaoh and his officials were impressed with Joseph. They saw the touch of God’s Spirit on his life (vv. 37- 38). Pharaoh made Joseph governor of all of Egypt (vv. 39-41), placed his ring on his hand (v. 42), gave him royal clothing to wear, let him ride to ride in the second chariot, and had …
Joseph Interprets Pharoah’s Dreams
Pharaoh told how in his dream seven skinny cows ate seven healthy cows (vv. 17-21). In another dream seven thin heads of grain swallowed seven good heads of grain (vv. 22-24). His magicians could not tell him the meaning. After hearing the dreams Joseph immed¬iately interprets them. Both …
The Beginning of Sin
This is the story of the fall of mankind. There are four steps that Eve took on the path to sin and these are the same steps we find it happening today: (1) she saw the opportunity to sin, (2) she desired it, (3) she indulgence in it, & (4) she involved others (Adam) in it. We could also add …
Jacob’s Sons Seek Revenge
A very tragic story unfolds in this chapter. Dinah, Jacob’s daughter by Leah, who must have been about 14 years of age, ended up having physical relations with Shechem, the son of Hamor (vv. 1-2). When Jacob’s family found out, her two brothers, Simeon and Levi, were infuriated. They …
Joseph’s Family Settles in Goshen
All the brothers with their families and flocks settled down in the land of Goshen. Joseph introduces them to Pharaoh (vv. 1-2). Pharaoh asked them what they did for a living, and they reply that they have been shepherds all their lives. They formally asked permission to live in …
Days 5 through 6 of Creation
On the fifth day God created all the sea creature and all the sky creatures. every living creature. God made all kinds of fish and water animals and every kind of bird and fowl (vv.20-23). Again, He brought them forth according to His plan. The waters did not produce the marine life but at …