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Jacob Moves to Egypt – Genesis 46:1-47:12
The number of the family members of Jacob who are listed in this passage as going down to Egypt has been a source of discussion and debate. The text lists the number at 70 (46:27). “The number
Continue reading...Joseph Reveals Himself – Genesis 45
It is proper for us to see Joseph as a type of Christ. Wiersbe aptly remarks: Reconciliation was possible only because Joseph had suffered and triumphed, and it’s a beautiful picture of what the
Continue reading...Conclusion of Joseph’s Test – Genesis 44
“For twenty-two years, Joseph’s brothers had carefully covered their sins. They hadn’t told the truth and apparently had reaped no serious consequences. Furthermore, they weren’t afraid of
Continue reading...Second Trip to Egypt for Food – Genesis 43
The need to return to Egypt again for food brings out the dysfunction still present in Jacob’s family, largely because of Jacob. It does, however, mark the ascendency of Judah to the role of firstborn.
Continue reading...First Trip to Egypt for Food – Genesis 42
Can you put yourself in Joseph’s place? What would you be feeling as you recognize the brothers who were initially going to kill you, then decided to sell you despite all your pleading and appealing
Continue reading...Joseph’s Rise to Power – Genesis 41:37-57
Jesus taught, “Whoever humbles himself will be exalted,” and the exaltation of Joeph is certainly spectacular. He goes from slave and prisoner to second only to Pharaoh. Walton notes, “Placing
Continue reading...Pharaoh’s Dreams – Genesis 41:1-36
The date of the Exodus from Egypt has been very debated, by those who see the Bible as inerrant and those who don’t. The date of the Pharaoh who interacted with Joseph is a piece of the evidence
Continue reading...Joseph Interprets Two Dreams – Genesis 40
“As Joseph’s story began with two dreams (37:5–11), two dreams now propel the story in this episode: the dreams of two prisoners who have offended the pharaoh. The two Egyptian officials probably
Continue reading...Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife – Genesis 39
Joseph faced incredible temptation. He could have justified giving in just because his master’s wife demanded it. But as Wiersbe says, “Self-control is an important factor in building character
Continue reading...Judah Interlude – Genesis 38
The NIV Truth and Grace Study Bible has a great introduction to this passage: “If the first chapter of Genesis 37–50 set the stage for the Joseph story, the next chapter seems like a complete
Continue reading...Joseph Sold Into Slavery – Genesis 37
The selling of Joseph for 20 shekels of silver is a beautiful example of the historical accuracy of Scripture. Twenty shekels was “the going rate in the mid-second millennium. Examples from Hammurabi’s
Continue reading...Esau – Genesis 36
Lists like these are often boring to modern readers. But to the Israelites who are being led by Moses through the wilderness to Canaan, this list is gold. It explains to them the peoples they are going
Continue reading...Deaths of Rachel and Isaac – Genesis 35:16-29
The culture of the middle east in regard to clan succession was that the firstborn son or whoever inherited the firstborn inheritance from his father, took responsibility for the “care and ownership
Continue reading...Bethel – Genesis 35:1-15
We are not used to the sacred value ancient peoples put on places where spiritual experiences were had. Jacob does this. One of the places he finds sacred is a terebinth tree near Shechem. The ESV
Continue reading...Slaughter of Shechem – Genesis 34
“An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth,” has been a principle of justice throughout all generations. We would say it, “The punishment must be fitting for the crime.” We have
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