The Survey of the Book of Genesis
What is the Bible? The Bible is the divine library of 66 books. It is called the book of books. The name “Bible” is derived from the Greek word “biblia” meaning book. It is the sacred writing or the Word of God. The Bible unfolds the objective truth about God and man. It is the objective truth, meaning it stands alone in its facts. The Bible is mainly divided into two parts, the Old Testament, and the New Testament. In the Bible God makes himself known by divine revelation. To know God, we must study the Bible. The Bible also answers man’s basic questions. From beginning to end the Bible has one great theme, the person and work of Lord Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament Christ is predicted, in the gospel He is revealed, in the book of Acts Christ s preached, in the Epistles He is explained and in the book of Revelation Christ expected.
Authorship and Influence: The Bible was written by 40 different authors over a period of 1600years. They were moved by the Holly Spirit to write the message without distorting the revealed truth (2 Tim 3:16-17). The scripture did not come by human will or invention (2 Pet 1:21). Though the writers did not consult each other, there is profound unit in the Bible. The church has no right to rewrite the Bible. It is the complete revelation of God, and no one has the right add anything or remove anything from it. The Bible is the time tested and the verifiable divine truth. It is trustworthy because of the testimony of Christ. The fulfillment of its prophecies. its preservation, its books amazing unity, its historical accuracy, its absolute honesty, it’s amazing circulation, its universal influence and its life transforming power makes the Bible the unique revelation of God. It is the source of eternal life. Happy are those who read it, study it, honor it, believe it and obey it.
How to Study the Bible: The Bible is book of divine instruction. It offers comfort in sorrow, guidance in doubts and inspiration for our every need. But we need to develop a habit to study the Bible. The Bible is not an end, but it is a means to the end of knowing God and his wonderful plan of salvation. We are instructed to “Study to show ourselves approved unto God rightly dividing the Word of truth (2 Tim 2:15). We should study the Bible devotionally to hear God’s voice personally to live a better Christian life. Here are some practical suggestions.
Genesis is the book of beginnings. There is no other section of scripture more controversial than Genesis 1-3. In Genesis we see the beginning of the universe, life, human race, the beginning of society, marriage, work, and responsibility, evil and the beginning of redemption and the beginning of hope. It deals with the deep questions of the beginning of life, does God exist? The Bible begins with the assumption that God exists. It is the progressive self -revelation of God and His relationship with His creation. The Bible does not try to prove the existence of God but assumes His existence. Science deals with objective proof of material things. God is Spirit and the Spirit is non-material. Non-material things are not observable or measurable. So, we cannot apply the scientific methods to prove God. But the universe shows there is an intelligent designer behind creation. One must have more faith to believe that this universe came into existence by fluke than accepting the creation account of the Bible. It sad that Satan blinded the mind of many people think Genesis one to three as a mixture of truth and myth.
The Bible stands on the foundation of the four opening words of the it “In the beginning God”. It provides the account of the origin of mankind and the universe. Genesis has mainly two divisions. The first division is the history of early mankind, narrating the events of the creation, the fall, the flood, and the dispersion (1-11). The second division explains the lives of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph (12-50). Both Scripture and tradition attribute the authorship to Moses. The title Genesis is derived from the Greek word means “in the beginning”. It is written with the presupposition that God exists and simply asserts that everything exists because of God. It begins with God and not with philosophical arguments and speculation for His eternal existence. Throughout the Bible we learn that without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever comes to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Those who recognize this principle will find Genesis the source of faith, comfort, and edification. The book of Genesis has become a stumbling block for many who approach differently. The Bible reveals that the universe was not formed randomly. The Bible says, “By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command (Heb 11:3). Man is the capstone of God’s creation. The earth and what has gone wrong with the world and how it is to be restored are the theme of the Bible. The purpose of the survey of the book of Genesis is to highlight the divine principles that help us to grow spiritually. The Bible is a relational story of interaction between God and humanity. God gave those who believe in Christ the right to become the children of God (John 1:12). Are you a child of God?
Authorship and Influence: The Bible was written by 40 different authors over a period of 1600years. They were moved by the Holly Spirit to write the message without distorting the revealed truth (2 Tim 3:16-17). The scripture did not come by human will or invention (2 Pet 1:21). Though the writers did not consult each other, there is profound unit in the Bible. The church has no right to rewrite the Bible. It is the complete revelation of God, and no one has the right add anything or remove anything from it. The Bible is the time tested and the verifiable divine truth. It is trustworthy because of the testimony of Christ. The fulfillment of its prophecies. its preservation, its books amazing unity, its historical accuracy, its absolute honesty, it’s amazing circulation, its universal influence and its life transforming power makes the Bible the unique revelation of God. It is the source of eternal life. Happy are those who read it, study it, honor it, believe it and obey it.
How to Study the Bible: The Bible is book of divine instruction. It offers comfort in sorrow, guidance in doubts and inspiration for our every need. But we need to develop a habit to study the Bible. The Bible is not an end, but it is a means to the end of knowing God and his wonderful plan of salvation. We are instructed to “Study to show ourselves approved unto God rightly dividing the Word of truth (2 Tim 2:15). We should study the Bible devotionally to hear God’s voice personally to live a better Christian life. Here are some practical suggestions.
- Begin the study by reading with prayer (Ps 119:18). Pray for wisdom and understanding to know the will of God. Only God gives us wisdom to understand his Word (James 1:5).
- Read the Bible in an orderly manner. One way to do this is to use an established daily reading plan. Keep a notebook to take note of important points.
- Meditate the read passage and ask questions. To meditate means to reflect or ponder. This cannot be overemphasized it because meditating helps to discover the importance of the passage. Meditation is paying attention to God’s Word with the intention of applying it. It is the spiritual digestion, getting the Word from head to the heart and out into life. It helps us to examine our lives considering what God has revealed in His Word.
- One of the best ways to meditate God’s Word is to ask questions. Ask
- What is the main theme of this passage?
- Who are the people revealed in this passage?
- What is the key verse of this passage?
- What does it teach about God and Jesus Christ?
- Is there any sin mentioned here for me to confess and forsake?
- Is there any command given here for me to obey?
- Is there any promise given here for me to claim?
- Is there any prayer given here that I could pray?
- Interpret the passage correctly in the historical context. Consider the context and compare it with other similar scriptures. The best interpreter of the Bible is Bible itself.Scripture should be interpreted with scripture by the help of the Holy Spirit.
- Observation, interpretation, and application should be correctly followed.
- Understand the literary from poetry, parable from history. Quiet time with God in prayer and in the study of the Word help us grow spiritually.
Genesis is the book of beginnings. There is no other section of scripture more controversial than Genesis 1-3. In Genesis we see the beginning of the universe, life, human race, the beginning of society, marriage, work, and responsibility, evil and the beginning of redemption and the beginning of hope. It deals with the deep questions of the beginning of life, does God exist? The Bible begins with the assumption that God exists. It is the progressive self -revelation of God and His relationship with His creation. The Bible does not try to prove the existence of God but assumes His existence. Science deals with objective proof of material things. God is Spirit and the Spirit is non-material. Non-material things are not observable or measurable. So, we cannot apply the scientific methods to prove God. But the universe shows there is an intelligent designer behind creation. One must have more faith to believe that this universe came into existence by fluke than accepting the creation account of the Bible. It sad that Satan blinded the mind of many people think Genesis one to three as a mixture of truth and myth.
The Bible stands on the foundation of the four opening words of the it “In the beginning God”. It provides the account of the origin of mankind and the universe. Genesis has mainly two divisions. The first division is the history of early mankind, narrating the events of the creation, the fall, the flood, and the dispersion (1-11). The second division explains the lives of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph (12-50). Both Scripture and tradition attribute the authorship to Moses. The title Genesis is derived from the Greek word means “in the beginning”. It is written with the presupposition that God exists and simply asserts that everything exists because of God. It begins with God and not with philosophical arguments and speculation for His eternal existence. Throughout the Bible we learn that without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever comes to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Those who recognize this principle will find Genesis the source of faith, comfort, and edification. The book of Genesis has become a stumbling block for many who approach differently. The Bible reveals that the universe was not formed randomly. The Bible says, “By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command (Heb 11:3). Man is the capstone of God’s creation. The earth and what has gone wrong with the world and how it is to be restored are the theme of the Bible. The purpose of the survey of the book of Genesis is to highlight the divine principles that help us to grow spiritually. The Bible is a relational story of interaction between God and humanity. God gave those who believe in Christ the right to become the children of God (John 1:12). Are you a child of God?
Genesis 1
The Account of Creation
Six Day Creation: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. God is the creator of matter, space, and time. Genesis gives the account to special creation of the universe. One must have more faith to believe in evolution than special creation account of Genesis. The theistic evolution and gap theory are not convincing either. Genesis gives the creation account of the beginning of the world, the beginning of animals and the beginning of people. On the first day God created light. Jesus Christ is the light of the world (John 8:12). We are living in a fallen, spiritual, and moral dark world. God sent Jesus to be the light of the world. In Him was life and the life was the light of men (John 1:4). On the second day God created space between the waters. Here we see the principle of separation. On the third day God created land, sea, and plant life. Our God the God of provision. On the fourth day God created sun, moon, and stars. On the fifth day God created the animal life in waters and flying birds. He blessed them to multiply in abundance according to its kind. The Bible does not approve cloning. On the firth day God created living creatures on earth and bless them to multiply according to its kind. Look at the variety of the animal world and plants. They are created for our use and delight. On the sixth day God created all sorts of animals and creeping thing on earth. He blessed them to multiply after its kind. He saw them good. The Bible does not support of the theory of evolution. Heaven declares the glory of God; the sky above proclaims His handiwork (Ps 19:1).
The Capstone of God’s Creation: Then God said, “Let us make man in our image according to our likeness” (1:26-27). The phrase “Let us” has become a subject of debate among many people. Many consider this to a reference to Trinity. Elohim is the first name mentioned for God in the Bible. Scholars suggest that it is a plural noun form meaning the powerful Creator and Ruler. It is plural noun form but singular in meaning. It is the “unified oneness rather than an absolute oneness”. The other name used for God in the Bible is “LORD” or Jehovah which means the self-existing One who reveals Himself. LORD is inexhaustible, ever present, all sufficient and available God. The Word commonly used for God in the Bible is Adonai which means master. Man was not created by evolutionary process but was made as the capstone of God’s creation. He is created with God-consciousness to fellowship with God. We are fearfully and wonderfully made for God’s pleasure and to enjoy relationship with us. He was created in the moral likeness of God. Man has a natural likeness of intellect, emotion and will of personality. The highest beast has no God-consciousness. Man is accountable to his creator. The theory is evolution is a theory invented by man to escape from his accountability to God. Since all people are made in God’s image, we should treat them with respect and dignity. We worship a perfect God who made a perfect world for his perfect purpose. Some scholars suggest that the day mentioned here is 24 hours day (Ex 20:11). God created them male and female in His image and blessed them. They were created to reign over God’s creation. This indicates the equality and dignity of women. They were commanded to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. God gave man everything necessary for his substance. God looked over all that He had made, and he saw them very good. God is good and His mercy endures forever. When Jesus was on earth, he did all things well (Mark 7:37). Do you know this God who sent his only begotten Son to save you from your sins? God is good all the time!
Six Day Creation: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. God is the creator of matter, space, and time. Genesis gives the account to special creation of the universe. One must have more faith to believe in evolution than special creation account of Genesis. The theistic evolution and gap theory are not convincing either. Genesis gives the creation account of the beginning of the world, the beginning of animals and the beginning of people. On the first day God created light. Jesus Christ is the light of the world (John 8:12). We are living in a fallen, spiritual, and moral dark world. God sent Jesus to be the light of the world. In Him was life and the life was the light of men (John 1:4). On the second day God created space between the waters. Here we see the principle of separation. On the third day God created land, sea, and plant life. Our God the God of provision. On the fourth day God created sun, moon, and stars. On the fifth day God created the animal life in waters and flying birds. He blessed them to multiply in abundance according to its kind. The Bible does not approve cloning. On the firth day God created living creatures on earth and bless them to multiply according to its kind. Look at the variety of the animal world and plants. They are created for our use and delight. On the sixth day God created all sorts of animals and creeping thing on earth. He blessed them to multiply after its kind. He saw them good. The Bible does not support of the theory of evolution. Heaven declares the glory of God; the sky above proclaims His handiwork (Ps 19:1).
The Capstone of God’s Creation: Then God said, “Let us make man in our image according to our likeness” (1:26-27). The phrase “Let us” has become a subject of debate among many people. Many consider this to a reference to Trinity. Elohim is the first name mentioned for God in the Bible. Scholars suggest that it is a plural noun form meaning the powerful Creator and Ruler. It is plural noun form but singular in meaning. It is the “unified oneness rather than an absolute oneness”. The other name used for God in the Bible is “LORD” or Jehovah which means the self-existing One who reveals Himself. LORD is inexhaustible, ever present, all sufficient and available God. The Word commonly used for God in the Bible is Adonai which means master. Man was not created by evolutionary process but was made as the capstone of God’s creation. He is created with God-consciousness to fellowship with God. We are fearfully and wonderfully made for God’s pleasure and to enjoy relationship with us. He was created in the moral likeness of God. Man has a natural likeness of intellect, emotion and will of personality. The highest beast has no God-consciousness. Man is accountable to his creator. The theory is evolution is a theory invented by man to escape from his accountability to God. Since all people are made in God’s image, we should treat them with respect and dignity. We worship a perfect God who made a perfect world for his perfect purpose. Some scholars suggest that the day mentioned here is 24 hours day (Ex 20:11). God created them male and female in His image and blessed them. They were created to reign over God’s creation. This indicates the equality and dignity of women. They were commanded to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. God gave man everything necessary for his substance. God looked over all that He had made, and he saw them very good. God is good and His mercy endures forever. When Jesus was on earth, he did all things well (Mark 7:37). Do you know this God who sent his only begotten Son to save you from your sins? God is good all the time!
Genesis 2
The Beginning of the Sabbath or God’s Rest.2:1-17)
God created all things in six days and rested on the seventh day. God created human being s as the cap stone of creation for his pleasure and His purpose. God gave us dominion over all the earth. This gives us dignity, meaning and purpose in life. When David considered God and magnitude of God’s creation he said, “What is man that You are mindful of him” (Ps 8:4). The focus in the creation account in Genesis is, who and why they are created. To know God and Christ we should give priority to Biblical revelation than theological studies. Job asked, “Can you find out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limit of the almighty? (Job 11:7). God wants us to know him and make him known. Since we are made in God’s image we can fellowship With God. Man was made in God’s image in innocence and placed him in a perfect environment in the garden of Edom. God did not rest on the seventh day because He needed a rest (Is 40:28). He wanted to set an example for man to follow. God rested because He found the creation Very good and complete. Israel was commanded to observe rest in God and His provisions (Ex 20:2, 3). Sabbath was to rest and to reflect on God who delivered them from Egypt. God is enough for Israel to save and sustain them.
Christians enter the rest by believing in the finished work of Christ on the cross (Heb 4:3,4). God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it. This must have been a 24-hour day (Ex 20:11). Israel was commanded to observe Sabbath. God did not need to rest for his own benefit but given this for us. God has been engaged in the work of providence ever since creation. Jesus said, “My Father is always working, and so am I” (John 5:17). We must be thankful for the loving gift of weekly rest we all enjoy. God does all things well. Man is significant in God’s creative plan. He was made to have dominion over the earth. Created in God’s own image. God breathed the breath of life into his nostril. They are created made and female yet with equal significance. They were placed in a perfect environment in the garden of Edom with one single restriction and many blessings. “You shall not eat of the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die”. God graciously warned man about the danger of sin. Instead, Adam disobeyed God and died spiritually. The death mentioned here is not an immediate physical death, but spiritual death which separate man from God. Sin always has consequences. Pray that God would give us ears to hear God’s warnings about the danger of sin and disobedience. God so loved the world that He sent Jesus to save sinners. The eternal life is knowing and experiencing the moral attributes of God. Have you received Christ as your Savior by faith?
Marriage is ordained and blessed by God (Gen 2:18-25). God said, “It is not good for man to be alone; I will make him a help meet for him”. This is the first time in history of creation God said, “It is not good”. If man is to achieve fulness of life, he needed his counterpart. She is like him agreeing him mentally, physically, and spiritually to meet his needs. She is not inferior to him. God saw man’s need and made woman from his side. She is of his bone and flesh. She shall be called woman because she was taken out of man. This speak of women’s dignity. They did not experience spiritual death until Eve and Adam ate the forbidden fruit (3:6). Eve was like everyone else who died in Adam (1 Cor 15:22). God brought Eve before dam and performed the first marriage and blessed them. This teaches us about the sanctity of marriage. Marriage is instituted by God. Adam had only one wife and it is a monogamous relationship. Marriage was instituted by God between man and woman. There is a leaving, cleaving, and becoming one flesh elements in this relationship. In Some special way, only known to God a man woman become one flesh in marriage. The husband and wife are to be united physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Husband is glued to wife implies the permanency of marriage. Leaving implies independence from parents. There is no room for half-hearted commitment in marriage. It is just as we cannot be separated from the love of God in Christ (Rom 8:35-39). Becoming one flesh may give the picture of physical and emotional intimacy. Since Adam was created first, he is the head of the family to provide, protect and lead. Eve was created as a helper for Adam. This is the order instituted by God to unite people in the closest possible way. But woman is not inferior to man. Paul explained the marriage doctrine and relationship between Christ and his church (Eph 5:25-33). Jesus said, “What God has joined together, let not man separate” (Matt19:6). Jesus challenged the practice of divorce. In marriage man and woman become one flesh, just as Adam and Eve had become one flesh after Eve was fashioned from Adam’s side. Marriage is an inseparable as the bones and flesh. They are inseparable because it is God who instituted it. Pray that our marriages should be Christ centered.
God created all things in six days and rested on the seventh day. God created human being s as the cap stone of creation for his pleasure and His purpose. God gave us dominion over all the earth. This gives us dignity, meaning and purpose in life. When David considered God and magnitude of God’s creation he said, “What is man that You are mindful of him” (Ps 8:4). The focus in the creation account in Genesis is, who and why they are created. To know God and Christ we should give priority to Biblical revelation than theological studies. Job asked, “Can you find out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limit of the almighty? (Job 11:7). God wants us to know him and make him known. Since we are made in God’s image we can fellowship With God. Man was made in God’s image in innocence and placed him in a perfect environment in the garden of Edom. God did not rest on the seventh day because He needed a rest (Is 40:28). He wanted to set an example for man to follow. God rested because He found the creation Very good and complete. Israel was commanded to observe rest in God and His provisions (Ex 20:2, 3). Sabbath was to rest and to reflect on God who delivered them from Egypt. God is enough for Israel to save and sustain them.
Christians enter the rest by believing in the finished work of Christ on the cross (Heb 4:3,4). God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it. This must have been a 24-hour day (Ex 20:11). Israel was commanded to observe Sabbath. God did not need to rest for his own benefit but given this for us. God has been engaged in the work of providence ever since creation. Jesus said, “My Father is always working, and so am I” (John 5:17). We must be thankful for the loving gift of weekly rest we all enjoy. God does all things well. Man is significant in God’s creative plan. He was made to have dominion over the earth. Created in God’s own image. God breathed the breath of life into his nostril. They are created made and female yet with equal significance. They were placed in a perfect environment in the garden of Edom with one single restriction and many blessings. “You shall not eat of the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die”. God graciously warned man about the danger of sin. Instead, Adam disobeyed God and died spiritually. The death mentioned here is not an immediate physical death, but spiritual death which separate man from God. Sin always has consequences. Pray that God would give us ears to hear God’s warnings about the danger of sin and disobedience. God so loved the world that He sent Jesus to save sinners. The eternal life is knowing and experiencing the moral attributes of God. Have you received Christ as your Savior by faith?
Marriage is ordained and blessed by God (Gen 2:18-25). God said, “It is not good for man to be alone; I will make him a help meet for him”. This is the first time in history of creation God said, “It is not good”. If man is to achieve fulness of life, he needed his counterpart. She is like him agreeing him mentally, physically, and spiritually to meet his needs. She is not inferior to him. God saw man’s need and made woman from his side. She is of his bone and flesh. She shall be called woman because she was taken out of man. This speak of women’s dignity. They did not experience spiritual death until Eve and Adam ate the forbidden fruit (3:6). Eve was like everyone else who died in Adam (1 Cor 15:22). God brought Eve before dam and performed the first marriage and blessed them. This teaches us about the sanctity of marriage. Marriage is instituted by God. Adam had only one wife and it is a monogamous relationship. Marriage was instituted by God between man and woman. There is a leaving, cleaving, and becoming one flesh elements in this relationship. In Some special way, only known to God a man woman become one flesh in marriage. The husband and wife are to be united physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Husband is glued to wife implies the permanency of marriage. Leaving implies independence from parents. There is no room for half-hearted commitment in marriage. It is just as we cannot be separated from the love of God in Christ (Rom 8:35-39). Becoming one flesh may give the picture of physical and emotional intimacy. Since Adam was created first, he is the head of the family to provide, protect and lead. Eve was created as a helper for Adam. This is the order instituted by God to unite people in the closest possible way. But woman is not inferior to man. Paul explained the marriage doctrine and relationship between Christ and his church (Eph 5:25-33). Jesus said, “What God has joined together, let not man separate” (Matt19:6). Jesus challenged the practice of divorce. In marriage man and woman become one flesh, just as Adam and Eve had become one flesh after Eve was fashioned from Adam’s side. Marriage is an inseparable as the bones and flesh. They are inseparable because it is God who instituted it. Pray that our marriages should be Christ centered.
Genesis 3
The Beginning of Sin (Gen 3:1-13). In the last two chapters we saw the most beautiful picture of God’s perfect world. In the third chapter we see the entrance of sin and its consequences. Yet God promises salvation by grace through the promised Savior who will crush the devil’s head. Here we see that sin cannot be blamed on our environment. God brought life, beauty, and order but Satan brought falsehood, chaos, and death. The serpent was more cunning than all other creatures. Satan disguised in the form of snake to deceive Eve. The devil was using Serpent to question God’s goodness. He adds word to God’s instruction to doubt God. Eve’s answer reveals that her feeling toward God’s prohibition was softened. Adam and eve sought wisdom in the tree of knowledge instead of God. They forgot that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Fearing God gives inner strength to resist sin and leads us to salvation. The fear of God is far more than reverential trust in God. It is intense awareness of God’s presence in life and hatred toward sin knowing that we are accountable to God. It means unquestioned trust in God and His Word. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever (Ps 19:9). Cleverness is a matter of mind, but spiritual wisdom is a matter of heart and spirit. Christians should guard themselves from self-deception. Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life (Prov 4:23).
The serpent said to Eve that “You shall not surely die” and denied God’s Word. Satan always bypass the truth and use lies and deception to cast doubt over God’s character. Satan is a liar from the beginning (John 8:44). Eve followed the steps that lead to sin. Sight, desire, and gratification are the steps that led Eve to sin. Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of serpent (2 Cor 11:3). This is the same strategy Satan uses to deceive always (1 John 2:16). Christ gained victory over Satan by the Word of God (Matt 4:4-10). Devil’s attack often starts by questing God’s Word. Devil promised knowledge of good and evil. Godly wisdom never come by disobeying God’s Word. The Bible says that women are weak vessels. Sin introduced shame and fear in the world. All are subjected to sin nature. It is like the gravity that pull us down. We are unable to escape sin without God’s help. Each person is tempted by their own desire. It is our own evil desire that lure us into sin (James 1:14). Only through our union with Christ we can overcome temptation and sin.
Adam and eve tried to hide them from God because of the sense of guilt. Guilt is universal and we cannot escape from it. Repressing guilt can lead to anger, rebellion, fear, and anxiety. But recognizing guilt will lead to repentance. Legalism and moralistic religions make the guilt problem worse. Only grace of God can break the vicious circle of guilt (Rom 5:8, 9; 4:5). When Adam and eve Sinned their fellowship with God was broken. But the Lord did not abandon them. He called Adam and asked him “where are you?” He said to God, “I heard your voice in the garden and I am afraid because I was naked”. This is the cry of a sinner. Adam blamed Eve and did not own his sin. Eve blamed serpent. Instead of running from God, they could have confessed their sin. Blaming others for sin is a common response. We must accept our sins rather than trying to blame others. “If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Those who believe in Christ will be saved. Their sins are forgiven and find peace and security in the finished work of Christ on the cross.
The Beginning of the Promise of Salvation: (Gen 3:14-24). Man was created to rule over God’s creation. Adam and Eve sinned by eating the forbidden fruit in the garden. Eve manipulated her husband Adam and he also sinned. But man lost his blessing and significance by Adam’s disobedience. Their eyes were opened and knew that they are naked. They lost their innocence. They sewed fig leaves together and made covering for them. This is a picture of religions of the world. But God clothed them with the garments of animal skin to cover their nakedness. The animal that was killed to get the skin is a picture of God’s plan of redemption through the death of Christ. Serpent was cursed above all beasts. Thus, the greater struggle between Satan and the seed of woman began. Here is the initial prophecy of the Christ. Satan would bruise Christ’s heal but he will crush Satan’s head. Sin brought curse upon Eve and Adam. They were cursed because of sin. Women would suffer pain in childbearing. The ground was cursed because of Adam. He must work hard and struggle to make a living. The hard labor, painful childbearing and death are the result of sin. Woman will desire to control her husband, but man will rule over her. From dust he was made and to dust he will return. Adam named his wife Eve because she is mother of all who live. This shows there is only one race. The wage of sin is death (Ezekiel 18:20; Rom 6:23). But God who is gracious made provision for their salvation. A sacrifice was made for ransom, life for life. All animal sacrifices point to Christ’s death on the cross. Those who place their faith in Christ are clothed with righteousness of God because of Christ’s death (1 Cor 1:30). Also, God expelled Adam and Eve from the garden to prevent them from eating from the tree of life and live eternally in sinful condemnation. It was an act of God’s grace. God is always gracious to His creation. People are saved and sustained by grace. How gracious is our God! Have you received Jesus the ultimate sacrifice for sin as your Lord and Savior? When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of works but because of his mercy (Titus 3:4). Man lost his glory once he had due to sin. But the gracious God made provision to restore that glory through Christ. The Bible is a glory-to-glory story.
The serpent said to Eve that “You shall not surely die” and denied God’s Word. Satan always bypass the truth and use lies and deception to cast doubt over God’s character. Satan is a liar from the beginning (John 8:44). Eve followed the steps that lead to sin. Sight, desire, and gratification are the steps that led Eve to sin. Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of serpent (2 Cor 11:3). This is the same strategy Satan uses to deceive always (1 John 2:16). Christ gained victory over Satan by the Word of God (Matt 4:4-10). Devil’s attack often starts by questing God’s Word. Devil promised knowledge of good and evil. Godly wisdom never come by disobeying God’s Word. The Bible says that women are weak vessels. Sin introduced shame and fear in the world. All are subjected to sin nature. It is like the gravity that pull us down. We are unable to escape sin without God’s help. Each person is tempted by their own desire. It is our own evil desire that lure us into sin (James 1:14). Only through our union with Christ we can overcome temptation and sin.
Adam and eve tried to hide them from God because of the sense of guilt. Guilt is universal and we cannot escape from it. Repressing guilt can lead to anger, rebellion, fear, and anxiety. But recognizing guilt will lead to repentance. Legalism and moralistic religions make the guilt problem worse. Only grace of God can break the vicious circle of guilt (Rom 5:8, 9; 4:5). When Adam and eve Sinned their fellowship with God was broken. But the Lord did not abandon them. He called Adam and asked him “where are you?” He said to God, “I heard your voice in the garden and I am afraid because I was naked”. This is the cry of a sinner. Adam blamed Eve and did not own his sin. Eve blamed serpent. Instead of running from God, they could have confessed their sin. Blaming others for sin is a common response. We must accept our sins rather than trying to blame others. “If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Those who believe in Christ will be saved. Their sins are forgiven and find peace and security in the finished work of Christ on the cross.
The Beginning of the Promise of Salvation: (Gen 3:14-24). Man was created to rule over God’s creation. Adam and Eve sinned by eating the forbidden fruit in the garden. Eve manipulated her husband Adam and he also sinned. But man lost his blessing and significance by Adam’s disobedience. Their eyes were opened and knew that they are naked. They lost their innocence. They sewed fig leaves together and made covering for them. This is a picture of religions of the world. But God clothed them with the garments of animal skin to cover their nakedness. The animal that was killed to get the skin is a picture of God’s plan of redemption through the death of Christ. Serpent was cursed above all beasts. Thus, the greater struggle between Satan and the seed of woman began. Here is the initial prophecy of the Christ. Satan would bruise Christ’s heal but he will crush Satan’s head. Sin brought curse upon Eve and Adam. They were cursed because of sin. Women would suffer pain in childbearing. The ground was cursed because of Adam. He must work hard and struggle to make a living. The hard labor, painful childbearing and death are the result of sin. Woman will desire to control her husband, but man will rule over her. From dust he was made and to dust he will return. Adam named his wife Eve because she is mother of all who live. This shows there is only one race. The wage of sin is death (Ezekiel 18:20; Rom 6:23). But God who is gracious made provision for their salvation. A sacrifice was made for ransom, life for life. All animal sacrifices point to Christ’s death on the cross. Those who place their faith in Christ are clothed with righteousness of God because of Christ’s death (1 Cor 1:30). Also, God expelled Adam and Eve from the garden to prevent them from eating from the tree of life and live eternally in sinful condemnation. It was an act of God’s grace. God is always gracious to His creation. People are saved and sustained by grace. How gracious is our God! Have you received Jesus the ultimate sacrifice for sin as your Lord and Savior? When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of works but because of his mercy (Titus 3:4). Man lost his glory once he had due to sin. But the gracious God made provision to restore that glory through Christ. The Bible is a glory-to-glory story.
Genesis 4
Cain and Abel; The Beginning of Murder: (Gen 4:1-15). This entire chapter contrasts Cain with Abel, ungodly with godly. The discussion centers around the offerings of Cain and Abel Abel’s sacrifice were accepted because it was a blood sacrifice. Cains’s sacrifice was bloodless and not accepted. Cain brought his offering from the fruit of the ground whereas Abel brought his offering from the first-born of his flock and of their fat portion. Abel gave out of his devotion and faith in God. His offering pleased God (Heb 11:6). Cain was simply discharging his religious custom. Cain was of the wicked one, doing what was evil and Abel was doing what was righteous (1 John 3:12). Cain’s pride and anger resulted in the murder of his brother. Though totally undeserving, Cain received mercy from the Lord. The Lord hates sin but loves sinner. The Lord asked Cain, “Where is Abel, your brother?” Cain was evasive but could not escape from his guilt and punishment. He was unwilling to repent. God cursed him. He became a restless wanderer. The ground was cursed because of his sin. Sin has always consequences. Cain was banished from the presence of God. He was afraid of his life. God in his mercy gave him a mark to protect him from being killed. We are saved by grace, and we are the keepers of our brothers. We can’t pretend to love God when we don’t share the gospel with our neighbor.
“Abel being dead yet speaks” (Heb 11:4). He spoke to God, “The voice of your brother’s blood cries unto me from the ground”. We read about the cry of martyrs for the revenge of their blood in Revelation (Rev 6:10). But the blood of Christ our mediator of the new covenant speaks for forgiveness (Heb 12:24). Secondly Abel speaks to Cain that he is cursed for rejecting offer of forgiveness (Gen 4:9-12). Abel also speaks to us that only by obedient faith in Christ we can please God (Gen 4:3-4; Heb 11:6).
The Descendants of Cain: Cain went out from the presence of the Lord and dwelt in the land of Nod, east of Eden. He most probably had married one of his sisters and fathered Enoch (5:4). He built a city after his name. The human passion to establish own name thus began. One of the descendants of Adam was Lamech. He violated pattern of marriage designed by God by marrying two wives. Jubal, one of Lamech’s sons became the originator all musical instruments. Another son, Tubal-Cain became the expert of bronze and iron tools. Lamech boasted about murder and his affluent society defied God. This godless society was seeking pleasure apart from God in material things. Thus, the dark picture of a godless society was emerged. Adam knew his wife and she gave birth to another son named Seth which means appointed. He had a son whom he named Enosh which means weak. Man realized his frailty and began to call upon the name of God. This indicates the hopeless plight of mankind from God. From the time of Seth people began to worship true God. God accepted Abel’s offering of the lamb but not the offering of fruit (Heb 9:22). Sin cannot be forgiven without death. There is no forgiveness of sin without shedding of blood (Heb 9:22). Jesus Christ the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the whole world (John 1:29). Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice to save us from our sins. He is the Savior of the world. Have you placed your faith in Jesu Christ?
“Abel being dead yet speaks” (Heb 11:4). He spoke to God, “The voice of your brother’s blood cries unto me from the ground”. We read about the cry of martyrs for the revenge of their blood in Revelation (Rev 6:10). But the blood of Christ our mediator of the new covenant speaks for forgiveness (Heb 12:24). Secondly Abel speaks to Cain that he is cursed for rejecting offer of forgiveness (Gen 4:9-12). Abel also speaks to us that only by obedient faith in Christ we can please God (Gen 4:3-4; Heb 11:6).
The Descendants of Cain: Cain went out from the presence of the Lord and dwelt in the land of Nod, east of Eden. He most probably had married one of his sisters and fathered Enoch (5:4). He built a city after his name. The human passion to establish own name thus began. One of the descendants of Adam was Lamech. He violated pattern of marriage designed by God by marrying two wives. Jubal, one of Lamech’s sons became the originator all musical instruments. Another son, Tubal-Cain became the expert of bronze and iron tools. Lamech boasted about murder and his affluent society defied God. This godless society was seeking pleasure apart from God in material things. Thus, the dark picture of a godless society was emerged. Adam knew his wife and she gave birth to another son named Seth which means appointed. He had a son whom he named Enosh which means weak. Man realized his frailty and began to call upon the name of God. This indicates the hopeless plight of mankind from God. From the time of Seth people began to worship true God. God accepted Abel’s offering of the lamb but not the offering of fruit (Heb 9:22). Sin cannot be forgiven without death. There is no forgiveness of sin without shedding of blood (Heb 9:22). Jesus Christ the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the whole world (John 1:29). Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice to save us from our sins. He is the Savior of the world. Have you placed your faith in Jesu Christ?
Genesis 5
The Genealogy from Adam to Noah. This is an obituary chapter. This is the book of the generation of Adam. Books are meant to keep of history or account. The Book of books is the Bible through which God communicates to man. There are many books mentioned in the scriptures. The New Testament starts with the generation Jesus Christ (Matt 1:1). Prophet Malachi mentioned about a book of remembrance (3:16). Our God is a record keeping God. The book of revelation mentions about the book of life (Rev 20:12). The Bible ends with the warning not to add or take from or to what is written in the Book (Rev 22:19). God want us to become men of His Book. The phrase “he died” proves the sad commentary of sinful human race. The human history shows that wages of sin is death (Rom 6:23). This sad story is interrupted with the life of Enoch who walked with God. It is the Biblical expression for fellowship. Enoch walked with God in faith (Heb 11:5-6). Noah is the other person mentioned who walked with God. Enoch started walking with God after the birth of his son Methuselah. Enoch was 65 years old when he started his walk with God. Methuselah mean “When he is gone that will happen”. Arther Pink suggests that it is reference to the flood.
Enoch’s walk lasted 300 years and he pleased God. It was a consistent walk. God took him away that he should not see death. He was translated or raptured to the presence of God. Elijah was the other person who was translated (2 King 2:3-5). Enoch prophesied that “Behold the Lord comes with ten thousand of his saints” to judge the ungodly “(Jude 14-15). He is the first prophet mentioned in the Bible. His walk of faith was not an idle walk. Methuselah live the longest life span of 969 years. This speaks of how longsuffering our God is toward man. God gave men plenty of time to repent. This chapter ends by saying that Noah had three sons, Shem, Ham and Japheth. God is interested in each person. This chapter gives hope. Enoch waled with God when death and wickedness abounded. It was a walk of separation and devotion to God. We are living in a time of tolerance and compromise. Wickedness is abounding everywhere. Do we walk worthy of God who saved us? Let us follow the example of Enoch! There is no greater blessing than studying the Book of books, the Bible.
Enoch’s walk lasted 300 years and he pleased God. It was a consistent walk. God took him away that he should not see death. He was translated or raptured to the presence of God. Elijah was the other person who was translated (2 King 2:3-5). Enoch prophesied that “Behold the Lord comes with ten thousand of his saints” to judge the ungodly “(Jude 14-15). He is the first prophet mentioned in the Bible. His walk of faith was not an idle walk. Methuselah live the longest life span of 969 years. This speaks of how longsuffering our God is toward man. God gave men plenty of time to repent. This chapter ends by saying that Noah had three sons, Shem, Ham and Japheth. God is interested in each person. This chapter gives hope. Enoch waled with God when death and wickedness abounded. It was a walk of separation and devotion to God. We are living in a time of tolerance and compromise. Wickedness is abounding everywhere. Do we walk worthy of God who saved us? Let us follow the example of Enoch! There is no greater blessing than studying the Book of books, the Bible.
Genesis 6
God Hates sin but Loves sinners and Shows Grace. When earth’s population began to increase, the corruption also increased. Population grew rapidly with the longevity of life. The sons of God saw the daughters of man attractive and took them as their wives. The sons of God may be reference to sons of Seth rather than fallen angels. God saw every intention of the thought of man’s heart was only evil continually. Men chose to live in sin. And the Lord was sorry that he had made man on earth. It grieved God’s heart and said “I will destroy man from the face of the earth. His Spirit will not content with people forever”. Though people deserved swift judgment, God delayed it for 120 years. How long-suffering is our God! The Holy Spirit always strives with people of their need of salvation. But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. He received God’s undeserving favor and love. Grace is the manifestation of God’s love toward undeserving rebels resulting in forgiveness and blessing. Grace, mercy, and peace comes from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (Titus 1:4). Even though the world is very wicked and deserving judgment, God still shows his grace to sinners. God spared Noah from the coming judgment. He was a just man like Enoch. He walked with God and made an ark for his family. He walked with God by remembering God’s grace, listening to God, talking to God, and obeying God. He was preacher of righteousness and lived among the wicked generation. God told Noah how he would destroy everything on the earth yet save him and his family. God commanded Noah to build an ark and established a covenant with him (6:18). The last verse of this chapter is remarkable. “Noah did all that God commanded him”. The greatest command is to is to love the Lord. We should obey God’s commands no matter how hard they seem to be.
Genesis 7 & 8
Noah and the Flood
God extended his grace of Noah. This is the first invitation of grace extended to people to respond to God’s saving grace to escape from coming judgment. Noah was instructed to take seven clean animals, male and female and unclean animals two, male and female. This distinction shows the importance of separation and the sacrifice of clean animals to God (Lev 11). God sets a separation between clean and unclean all the time. After the ark was built and preparations were made the flood came there was rain for 40 days and night. It was a miracle of the nature that the water prevailed over the earth for 150 days. Noah preached 120 years that God is going to judge if people would not repent. Only 8 members of Noah’s family believed and escaped the judgment by entering in the ark. All people and animals were destroyed. But Noah and his family prevailed because they were inside the ark. God judged the universe for its wickedness. God remembered Noah. God always take special care of his own. The rained lasted for 40 days and water continued to rise for 110 days. The water flooded earth for 150 days. God remembered Noah (8:1). It does not mean that God ever forget Noah, but that God a had special thought about him and made plans for his safety. God restrained the rain. Flood decreased and the ark rested on mountains of Ararat.
After forty days, Noah sent a dove to make sure that the ground is dry. She flew into the open space but did not find a resting place away from Noah. Noah’s name means rest (Gen 5:29). So, the dove finally returned and find rest once again in Noah’s ark. Just so, Lord Jesus is our great ark of salvation. We cannot find rest for our souls anywhere else. Jesus is waiting to receive the weary and lost sinners to find their rest in Christ. He is waiting with outstretched arm to receive them (Matt 11:28-30). Second time when Noah sent the dove, she found a resting place. Then Noah came out the ark with his family and animals. He built an alter unto God and offered sacrifice of clean animal. The Lord was pleased with the sacrifice, and He blessed Noah. God promised not to judge the world by flood again. Noah received God’s grace. He built ark by faith to save his family from God’s judgment. Ark is a picture of God’s great redemption and salvation. God says, “I have blotted out your sins so return to me (Is 44:22). Salvation is of the Lord. Now those who believe Christ are passed from death to life (John 5:24. They are called to offer the sacrifice of praise to God, the fruit of their lips (Heb13:15). Jesus compares the condition of our time to Noah’s time. People find pleasures by eating and drinking, marrying, and giving in marriage without any regard to the coming judgment (Matt 24:37-39). Believers engage in intermarriage with ungodly people. Jesus warned that the last generation will be pleasure oriented generation devoid of any interest in spiritual things. We are living in such a time. The family values are failing, and moral values are declining. The people of Noah’s time did not know the severity and the suddenness of the coming judgment. That generation was unprepared for God’s judgment. The believers should take note of these warnings and turn to God to escape the coming judgment. The Lord is our father who shows tender compassion to those who fear him (Ps 103:13). God desire all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim 2:4). How blessed to know this merciful God! Are you saved?
God extended his grace of Noah. This is the first invitation of grace extended to people to respond to God’s saving grace to escape from coming judgment. Noah was instructed to take seven clean animals, male and female and unclean animals two, male and female. This distinction shows the importance of separation and the sacrifice of clean animals to God (Lev 11). God sets a separation between clean and unclean all the time. After the ark was built and preparations were made the flood came there was rain for 40 days and night. It was a miracle of the nature that the water prevailed over the earth for 150 days. Noah preached 120 years that God is going to judge if people would not repent. Only 8 members of Noah’s family believed and escaped the judgment by entering in the ark. All people and animals were destroyed. But Noah and his family prevailed because they were inside the ark. God judged the universe for its wickedness. God remembered Noah. God always take special care of his own. The rained lasted for 40 days and water continued to rise for 110 days. The water flooded earth for 150 days. God remembered Noah (8:1). It does not mean that God ever forget Noah, but that God a had special thought about him and made plans for his safety. God restrained the rain. Flood decreased and the ark rested on mountains of Ararat.
After forty days, Noah sent a dove to make sure that the ground is dry. She flew into the open space but did not find a resting place away from Noah. Noah’s name means rest (Gen 5:29). So, the dove finally returned and find rest once again in Noah’s ark. Just so, Lord Jesus is our great ark of salvation. We cannot find rest for our souls anywhere else. Jesus is waiting to receive the weary and lost sinners to find their rest in Christ. He is waiting with outstretched arm to receive them (Matt 11:28-30). Second time when Noah sent the dove, she found a resting place. Then Noah came out the ark with his family and animals. He built an alter unto God and offered sacrifice of clean animal. The Lord was pleased with the sacrifice, and He blessed Noah. God promised not to judge the world by flood again. Noah received God’s grace. He built ark by faith to save his family from God’s judgment. Ark is a picture of God’s great redemption and salvation. God says, “I have blotted out your sins so return to me (Is 44:22). Salvation is of the Lord. Now those who believe Christ are passed from death to life (John 5:24. They are called to offer the sacrifice of praise to God, the fruit of their lips (Heb13:15). Jesus compares the condition of our time to Noah’s time. People find pleasures by eating and drinking, marrying, and giving in marriage without any regard to the coming judgment (Matt 24:37-39). Believers engage in intermarriage with ungodly people. Jesus warned that the last generation will be pleasure oriented generation devoid of any interest in spiritual things. We are living in such a time. The family values are failing, and moral values are declining. The people of Noah’s time did not know the severity and the suddenness of the coming judgment. That generation was unprepared for God’s judgment. The believers should take note of these warnings and turn to God to escape the coming judgment. The Lord is our father who shows tender compassion to those who fear him (Ps 103:13). God desire all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim 2:4). How blessed to know this merciful God! Are you saved?
Genesis 9 & 10
God’s Covenant with Noah and his Descendant.
What is a covenant? God blessed Noah and his sons and said “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth (Gen 9:1). He has given them food to eat and said they should not eat meat that has the lifeblood in it. God instituted government to safeguard the sanctity of human life (9:6; Rom 13:1-2). God also made a covenant with men and given them the sign of rainbow that He will not destroy the earth by universal flood again. A covenant is a special promise from God that brings people into a special relationship with him. Noah built an alter to God and offered sacrifice of cleans animal. God was pleased with the sacrifice of the righteous man offered in faith. People were permitted to eat meat and every herb from this point. God saw the sanctity of human life and said, “If anyone takes a human life, his life also will be taken by human hands”. It shows life is sacred because man is created in the image of God. The law of capital punishment was established to ensure the stability of society.
The Noahic covenant institute the principle of human government. It reaffirms that man was made responsible to protect the sanctity of human life. The flesh of animals is added to man’s diet who was vegetarians before. Noah had three. Sons, Shem, Japheth, and Ham. Noah means rest and comfort. He was also a man of the earth. He planted a vineyard and got drunk and laid naked in his tent. Ham saw his father’s nakedness. His two brothers walked backward and covered his nakedness. Ham’s descendants are the Canaanites. They were cursed for their attitude. Noah cursed them and said, “Blessed be the Lord of Shem and Canaan shall be his servant. It is a reference to special blessing bestowed upon Shem’s descendants beginning with Abraham and ending in Jesus. And God shall enlarge Japheth. Even though Noah had a great beginning, he wasted his end because of carelessness. It can happen to believers. So, let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall (1 Cor 10:12). Chapter 10 lists the 70 descendants of Noah including 14 from Japheth, 30 from Ham and 26 from Shem. Japheth and his descendants moved toward north westward and settled there. Many centuries later the descendants of Japheth conquered the whole world. The Ham and his descendants moved southward and settled down in the Nile valley. The descendants of Shem settled in the middle east. After the flood, the descendants of Noah were scattered. All the nations of the world came from Noah.
What is a covenant? God blessed Noah and his sons and said “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth (Gen 9:1). He has given them food to eat and said they should not eat meat that has the lifeblood in it. God instituted government to safeguard the sanctity of human life (9:6; Rom 13:1-2). God also made a covenant with men and given them the sign of rainbow that He will not destroy the earth by universal flood again. A covenant is a special promise from God that brings people into a special relationship with him. Noah built an alter to God and offered sacrifice of cleans animal. God was pleased with the sacrifice of the righteous man offered in faith. People were permitted to eat meat and every herb from this point. God saw the sanctity of human life and said, “If anyone takes a human life, his life also will be taken by human hands”. It shows life is sacred because man is created in the image of God. The law of capital punishment was established to ensure the stability of society.
The Noahic covenant institute the principle of human government. It reaffirms that man was made responsible to protect the sanctity of human life. The flesh of animals is added to man’s diet who was vegetarians before. Noah had three. Sons, Shem, Japheth, and Ham. Noah means rest and comfort. He was also a man of the earth. He planted a vineyard and got drunk and laid naked in his tent. Ham saw his father’s nakedness. His two brothers walked backward and covered his nakedness. Ham’s descendants are the Canaanites. They were cursed for their attitude. Noah cursed them and said, “Blessed be the Lord of Shem and Canaan shall be his servant. It is a reference to special blessing bestowed upon Shem’s descendants beginning with Abraham and ending in Jesus. And God shall enlarge Japheth. Even though Noah had a great beginning, he wasted his end because of carelessness. It can happen to believers. So, let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall (1 Cor 10:12). Chapter 10 lists the 70 descendants of Noah including 14 from Japheth, 30 from Ham and 26 from Shem. Japheth and his descendants moved toward north westward and settled there. Many centuries later the descendants of Japheth conquered the whole world. The Ham and his descendants moved southward and settled down in the Nile valley. The descendants of Shem settled in the middle east. After the flood, the descendants of Noah were scattered. All the nations of the world came from Noah.
Genesis 11
The Tower of Babel
The Dispersion at Babel. This chapter explains how the descendants of Noah got scattered across the face of the ancient world. They attempted to make a name for themselves. It was their prideful attempt against God. People had one language and one vocabulary. They wanted to build a city with a tower that reaches heaven. It was an earlier attempt against God who commanded them to spread out and fill the whole earth. This happened in Shinar, an area of Babylon. This city symbolizes the godless society with sin, superstitions, and pleasure. Men wanted to bind together with a common language. God confused their language and thus stopped building the city. Babel means confusion. The moral history of gentile world begins in Babel. They were scattered upon the face of earth. When man would not obey God willingly, He will force them to do it to accomplish His purpose. Out of all scattered nations God chose one nation to bring forth the Savior. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). When sinners trust Christ with a humble heart, they will be saved.
Genesis 11 and 12 mark a turning point in the history of human race. There was no gentile nor Jew, only one race. All humanity came from the first man, Adam. In the call of Abraham, God separated him from universal idolatry to be a witness for true God. The Old Testament illustrates the blessedness of serving the true God. We see the unification of scattered nation at Pentecost (Acts 2). The genealogy-record traces from Shem to Abram. The call of Abram provided hope of salvation for nations. He was 75 years old when he left Haran. Abram means exalted father. We are told very little about Abram’s father, Terah. They were moon worshipers (Josh 24:2). Haran was a moon-worship center. Abram’s brother, Haran died before his father Terah. The Ur of the Chaldees situated in the northern part of Mesopotamia. Abram and his ancestors were well established in Mesopotamia. It was a prosperous and civilized society. Scholars suggest that Abram’s initial call happened in Ur and the family then moved back to Haran. After the death of Terah, Abram was told to move on to Canaan, the promised land. Thus, God turned his attention from godless humanity to a family through which the Savior of the world ultimately would come.
The Dispersion at Babel. This chapter explains how the descendants of Noah got scattered across the face of the ancient world. They attempted to make a name for themselves. It was their prideful attempt against God. People had one language and one vocabulary. They wanted to build a city with a tower that reaches heaven. It was an earlier attempt against God who commanded them to spread out and fill the whole earth. This happened in Shinar, an area of Babylon. This city symbolizes the godless society with sin, superstitions, and pleasure. Men wanted to bind together with a common language. God confused their language and thus stopped building the city. Babel means confusion. The moral history of gentile world begins in Babel. They were scattered upon the face of earth. When man would not obey God willingly, He will force them to do it to accomplish His purpose. Out of all scattered nations God chose one nation to bring forth the Savior. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). When sinners trust Christ with a humble heart, they will be saved.
Genesis 11 and 12 mark a turning point in the history of human race. There was no gentile nor Jew, only one race. All humanity came from the first man, Adam. In the call of Abraham, God separated him from universal idolatry to be a witness for true God. The Old Testament illustrates the blessedness of serving the true God. We see the unification of scattered nation at Pentecost (Acts 2). The genealogy-record traces from Shem to Abram. The call of Abram provided hope of salvation for nations. He was 75 years old when he left Haran. Abram means exalted father. We are told very little about Abram’s father, Terah. They were moon worshipers (Josh 24:2). Haran was a moon-worship center. Abram’s brother, Haran died before his father Terah. The Ur of the Chaldees situated in the northern part of Mesopotamia. Abram and his ancestors were well established in Mesopotamia. It was a prosperous and civilized society. Scholars suggest that Abram’s initial call happened in Ur and the family then moved back to Haran. After the death of Terah, Abram was told to move on to Canaan, the promised land. Thus, God turned his attention from godless humanity to a family through which the Savior of the world ultimately would come.
Genesis 12
The call of Abram
Abram was willing to separate himself. Even in the dark background of man’s willful rebellion, God showed his mercy to mankind by picking out Abram through whom the whole world would be blessed. Abram was asked to leave his country and go to a place God would show him. It is clear from the text how God called Abram to go to Canaan. The language implies that it was an audible conversation of some sort. It was enough to persuade Abram to obey. He was an idol worshiper at that time. His faith was awakened and obeyed God. There were no specifics in God’s promise to Abram, only a broad promise. This is the most important personal narrative in the book of Genesis. He responded in obedience. Salvation is completely God’s doing and our part is to believe and respond to God’s promise (John 3:16; 5:24; 1 Thes 2:13). All we can do is reject the drawing and initiative God does in our heart to receive Christ (John 6:44, 37). Abram became the biblical example of the faithful. He is called the father of the faithful in the scriptures. Some suggest the actual moment of Abram’s new creation happened later when he believed God (Gen 15:6; Rom 4:3). Sometimes the conversion may be drawn out over time.
God promised Abram a land, a seed a great nation and a bless blessing. “In you all families of the earth shall be blessed” (Gen 12:3). This blessing is a reference to Jesus Christ. After he reached the promised land, Abram built an alter and called upon the name of the Lord. He recognized God as worthy of worship and made submission to God. Building alter was a habit of Abraham and he taught this practice to his son Isaac. Later Isaac himself built the alter (26:25). This is a picture of prayer and our daily devotion to God. Though Lot was a believer, he never practiced building the alter to God. As a result, his wife and children rejected this idea and followed the sinful practices of Sodom. God appeared to Abram and confirmed his promise to him (12:7). It was an unconditional covenant that God made with Abram. “His seeds will inherit a specific land forever. God will bless those who bless Israel. In him all the families will be blessed” (Gen 12:2-3).
There was a famine in the land of Canaan, the land of promise. It was to test the faith of Abraham. So, Abram went down to Egypt. Egypt is the picture of world system. Fear motivated Abraham to risk the moral compromise of his wife to protect his life. He asked his wife to say that she is his sister to save his life. Sarai was quickly taken into Pharaoh’s palace. As a result, Abraham was prospered. His intension was to save life and to deceive others. His proposal was partial truth, but it was with intent of deception. Sarah was his half-sister. Abram was sinning when he said this. One of the characteristics of the Bible is that it reveals the sins of some great men of faith. Abraham was a friend of God (James 2:23; Isa 41:8). But God’s sovereign plan saved Sarai from the foolish behavior of her husband. Even though we are saved, all our old sinful nature will not change immediately. God plagued Pharaoh and his house to save Sarai. Certainly, Abram was not a blessing in Egypt. Pharoah rebuked Abram for his error and asked him to leave his country. God may rescue us from error, but the spiritual damage will be real. “Be sure your sin will find you our” (Num 32:23). Servants of God should trust God and do not resort to their own schemes. God’s gracious intervention only protected Abram and Sarai. He returned to Canaan, repented of his sin, and restored to fellowship with God. Abram may have picked Hagar at this time. God is also the God of mercy and forgiveness. He never forsakes us.
Abram was willing to separate himself. Even in the dark background of man’s willful rebellion, God showed his mercy to mankind by picking out Abram through whom the whole world would be blessed. Abram was asked to leave his country and go to a place God would show him. It is clear from the text how God called Abram to go to Canaan. The language implies that it was an audible conversation of some sort. It was enough to persuade Abram to obey. He was an idol worshiper at that time. His faith was awakened and obeyed God. There were no specifics in God’s promise to Abram, only a broad promise. This is the most important personal narrative in the book of Genesis. He responded in obedience. Salvation is completely God’s doing and our part is to believe and respond to God’s promise (John 3:16; 5:24; 1 Thes 2:13). All we can do is reject the drawing and initiative God does in our heart to receive Christ (John 6:44, 37). Abram became the biblical example of the faithful. He is called the father of the faithful in the scriptures. Some suggest the actual moment of Abram’s new creation happened later when he believed God (Gen 15:6; Rom 4:3). Sometimes the conversion may be drawn out over time.
God promised Abram a land, a seed a great nation and a bless blessing. “In you all families of the earth shall be blessed” (Gen 12:3). This blessing is a reference to Jesus Christ. After he reached the promised land, Abram built an alter and called upon the name of the Lord. He recognized God as worthy of worship and made submission to God. Building alter was a habit of Abraham and he taught this practice to his son Isaac. Later Isaac himself built the alter (26:25). This is a picture of prayer and our daily devotion to God. Though Lot was a believer, he never practiced building the alter to God. As a result, his wife and children rejected this idea and followed the sinful practices of Sodom. God appeared to Abram and confirmed his promise to him (12:7). It was an unconditional covenant that God made with Abram. “His seeds will inherit a specific land forever. God will bless those who bless Israel. In him all the families will be blessed” (Gen 12:2-3).
There was a famine in the land of Canaan, the land of promise. It was to test the faith of Abraham. So, Abram went down to Egypt. Egypt is the picture of world system. Fear motivated Abraham to risk the moral compromise of his wife to protect his life. He asked his wife to say that she is his sister to save his life. Sarai was quickly taken into Pharaoh’s palace. As a result, Abraham was prospered. His intension was to save life and to deceive others. His proposal was partial truth, but it was with intent of deception. Sarah was his half-sister. Abram was sinning when he said this. One of the characteristics of the Bible is that it reveals the sins of some great men of faith. Abraham was a friend of God (James 2:23; Isa 41:8). But God’s sovereign plan saved Sarai from the foolish behavior of her husband. Even though we are saved, all our old sinful nature will not change immediately. God plagued Pharaoh and his house to save Sarai. Certainly, Abram was not a blessing in Egypt. Pharoah rebuked Abram for his error and asked him to leave his country. God may rescue us from error, but the spiritual damage will be real. “Be sure your sin will find you our” (Num 32:23). Servants of God should trust God and do not resort to their own schemes. God’s gracious intervention only protected Abram and Sarai. He returned to Canaan, repented of his sin, and restored to fellowship with God. Abram may have picked Hagar at this time. God is also the God of mercy and forgiveness. He never forsakes us.
Genesis 13
Abram and Lot Separate
Faith in God’s promises. Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver and in gold. There is no record of how long Abram was in Egypt. When he returned, he went to Bethel to renew his love and commitment to God. Abram was needed a start over again. Christian life should be a series of start over because we are living in a fallen world. Abraham and became so rich that they could not swell together. There was strife between Abram’s servants and Lot’s servants. Riches could become a snare in Christian life. Riches are neither good nor bad. The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil (Jam 6:10). Lot fell in love with all that is in the world and began to pitch his tent toward Sodom (1 John 2:16). Even though he was torment in his soul by the wickedness of Sodom he continued to live there (2 Pet 2:8). Finally, he was holding political power in the city (Gen 19:1). Ungodly choices always produce tragic results. He lost his wealth and family at the end. Although rescued from destruction, his legacy is “Remember Lot’s wife” (Luke 17:32). Though he was saved all his works are burned considering eternity. Lot teaches that even small ungodly choices can cause us to lose eternal rewards (2 John 1:8). Abram was a man of peace and wanted to bring peace between him and Lot. He said to Lot “Let there be no strife between us for we are brethren”. He allowed Lot to choose the part of the land he wanted. Lot chose the well-watered plain of Jordan and moved toward Sodom and pitched his tent. Scholars suggest that Zoar was located at the south of dead sea. Someone has said “You can take Lot out of Egypt, but you cannot take Egypt out of Lot”. Abram let God to make the choice for him. When we seek God’s kingdom and righteousness, he will bless us (Matt 6:33). Only when Abram separated from Lot, God spoke to him again and reaffirm his promise that He will give the land of Canaan to him and to his seed forever. Abram lived in the plain of Mamre, which is Hebron and built an alter unto God. Lot is called just and righteous in the New Testament (2 Pet 2:7-8). How gracious and merciful is our God! Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God (Matt 5:9).
Faith in God’s promises. Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver and in gold. There is no record of how long Abram was in Egypt. When he returned, he went to Bethel to renew his love and commitment to God. Abram was needed a start over again. Christian life should be a series of start over because we are living in a fallen world. Abraham and became so rich that they could not swell together. There was strife between Abram’s servants and Lot’s servants. Riches could become a snare in Christian life. Riches are neither good nor bad. The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil (Jam 6:10). Lot fell in love with all that is in the world and began to pitch his tent toward Sodom (1 John 2:16). Even though he was torment in his soul by the wickedness of Sodom he continued to live there (2 Pet 2:8). Finally, he was holding political power in the city (Gen 19:1). Ungodly choices always produce tragic results. He lost his wealth and family at the end. Although rescued from destruction, his legacy is “Remember Lot’s wife” (Luke 17:32). Though he was saved all his works are burned considering eternity. Lot teaches that even small ungodly choices can cause us to lose eternal rewards (2 John 1:8). Abram was a man of peace and wanted to bring peace between him and Lot. He said to Lot “Let there be no strife between us for we are brethren”. He allowed Lot to choose the part of the land he wanted. Lot chose the well-watered plain of Jordan and moved toward Sodom and pitched his tent. Scholars suggest that Zoar was located at the south of dead sea. Someone has said “You can take Lot out of Egypt, but you cannot take Egypt out of Lot”. Abram let God to make the choice for him. When we seek God’s kingdom and righteousness, he will bless us (Matt 6:33). Only when Abram separated from Lot, God spoke to him again and reaffirm his promise that He will give the land of Canaan to him and to his seed forever. Abram lived in the plain of Mamre, which is Hebron and built an alter unto God. Lot is called just and righteous in the New Testament (2 Pet 2:7-8). How gracious and merciful is our God! Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God (Matt 5:9).
Genesis 14
Abram Rescues Lot
Abram’s victory over the eastern kings. (Gen 14:1-16). The battle of the four kings against five kings is very interesting. The conflict between people is as old as man in this fallen world. People struggle with conflict resolution always. Only Christ can bring unity and harmony in the world. King Chedorlaomer ruled the plain of Jordan for many years. When the king of Jordan rebelled against him, he joined with three other kings and fought with the five kings in the valley near Sodom and Gomorrah. The four kings looted Sodom and Gomorrah and took Lot with them. Hearing of the invasion, Abram gathered his 318 trained men pursued and defeated the invaders. He rescued Lot and his possession. Christians are engaged in the rescue mission of souls. They should be concern for the perishing souls. Also, we should do good to those in the family of God (Gal 6:10). Abraham is called Hebrew here. This is the first time it is mentioned. It may be a reference to Abram’s rescue mission and the recognition of his victory. He is called a might prince in Genesis 23:6. Though Abram was a sojourner, he was influential. Hebrew is racial name. Israel is the national and Jew is religious names. Are you an influential Christian?
Abram’s encounter with Melchizedek. (Gen 14:17-24). Abram retuned victorious from the battle. He was met by Melchizedek, the king of Salem. This is one of the most interesting passages in the Bible. Melchizedek was a king of Salem means, the king of peace. He seems to be Christophany, the preincarnate Person of Jesus Christ (Heb 7:1-3). He was the righteous king and the priest of God Most High. Melchizedek greeted Abram with words of victory and praise. Abram gave glory to God. The king of Sodom offered to let Abram take the spoils as the custom. He decided to take nothing for himself other that what was due his servants. He returned everything outside the tithe to the original owners. What a gracious response! Abram offered tithes of all to Melchizedek. New Testament does not teach tithing. But teaches that Christians should give generously, cheerfully, and proportional to their income (1 Cor 9:7). It is interesting that much debate is going on about giving among believers today. Abraham was blessed by Melchizedek which also shows his superiority. In the New Testament this passage is quoted to show the superiority of Christ’s priesthood over Levitical priesthood (Heb 7:4-10). Levi was in Abraham when he tithed to Melchizedek. Melchizedek’s priesthood is a type of Christ’s priesthood which has no beginning or end. Abraham refused to receive gifts from the king of Sodom. He trusted in the promises of God for all his needs. Faith looks beyond the riches of what this world gives. Abraham knew that he would become prosperous because he believed in the God who promises. He looked for a city which has foundation, whose builder and maker is God (Heb 11:10). Jesus is our great High-priest, who intercedes for us. Do you know Him?
Abram’s victory over the eastern kings. (Gen 14:1-16). The battle of the four kings against five kings is very interesting. The conflict between people is as old as man in this fallen world. People struggle with conflict resolution always. Only Christ can bring unity and harmony in the world. King Chedorlaomer ruled the plain of Jordan for many years. When the king of Jordan rebelled against him, he joined with three other kings and fought with the five kings in the valley near Sodom and Gomorrah. The four kings looted Sodom and Gomorrah and took Lot with them. Hearing of the invasion, Abram gathered his 318 trained men pursued and defeated the invaders. He rescued Lot and his possession. Christians are engaged in the rescue mission of souls. They should be concern for the perishing souls. Also, we should do good to those in the family of God (Gal 6:10). Abraham is called Hebrew here. This is the first time it is mentioned. It may be a reference to Abram’s rescue mission and the recognition of his victory. He is called a might prince in Genesis 23:6. Though Abram was a sojourner, he was influential. Hebrew is racial name. Israel is the national and Jew is religious names. Are you an influential Christian?
Abram’s encounter with Melchizedek. (Gen 14:17-24). Abram retuned victorious from the battle. He was met by Melchizedek, the king of Salem. This is one of the most interesting passages in the Bible. Melchizedek was a king of Salem means, the king of peace. He seems to be Christophany, the preincarnate Person of Jesus Christ (Heb 7:1-3). He was the righteous king and the priest of God Most High. Melchizedek greeted Abram with words of victory and praise. Abram gave glory to God. The king of Sodom offered to let Abram take the spoils as the custom. He decided to take nothing for himself other that what was due his servants. He returned everything outside the tithe to the original owners. What a gracious response! Abram offered tithes of all to Melchizedek. New Testament does not teach tithing. But teaches that Christians should give generously, cheerfully, and proportional to their income (1 Cor 9:7). It is interesting that much debate is going on about giving among believers today. Abraham was blessed by Melchizedek which also shows his superiority. In the New Testament this passage is quoted to show the superiority of Christ’s priesthood over Levitical priesthood (Heb 7:4-10). Levi was in Abraham when he tithed to Melchizedek. Melchizedek’s priesthood is a type of Christ’s priesthood which has no beginning or end. Abraham refused to receive gifts from the king of Sodom. He trusted in the promises of God for all his needs. Faith looks beyond the riches of what this world gives. Abraham knew that he would become prosperous because he believed in the God who promises. He looked for a city which has foundation, whose builder and maker is God (Heb 11:10). Jesus is our great High-priest, who intercedes for us. Do you know Him?
Genesis 15
God’s Covenant with Abraham. After Abram rescued Lot, God made an unconditional covenant with him confirming the promise and amplified it to Abram (Gen 12:1-3). God assured him of his protection from his enemies. “Fear not Abram, I am your shield and exceedingly great reward”. This promise is significant considering Abram’s refusal to receive any reward from the king of Sodom. He needed the assurance from God at this time. He knew that it is better to trust in the Lord than to put his confidence in men. Abram believed what God has promised and it was counted to him for righteousness. All he did in Genesis 15:6 was, he just said amen to God’s promise. But it took 25 years to fulfill that promise. It is the imputed righteousness Abram has received. This is the first-time faith is the condition for salvation is mentioned in the Bible. Salvation is always by grace through faith in Christ.
Apostle Paul quotes this passage in Romans 4:3 to show that the method of salvation in the Old Testament and New Testament is the same. Abram gave all that he had to Isaac. All believers are imputed with the same righteousness when they trust Christ. Paul refers to this in Romans 4:9-12 to show that salvation is by faith in Christ. Abram’s circumcision was only a sign of his faith and not the means of it. God gave Abram a sign related to his faith through a covenant ceremony (15:7-21). God promised Abram that he would give a land to his descendants. Abram hoped that his servant Elizer would become his heir because he was too old to become a father. But God promised that Abram would have a son. There was no visible of having a son for some time. Sarai herself gave up after 11 years and insisted that Abram bear a child through Hagar, her maid (Gen 16:15).
It was an ancient practice to confirm an agreement of covenant. It was a covenant God graciously made without any condition. God himself promised to fulfill all the blessing attached to the promise He has made to Abram. “God swore by Himself”. God mentioned the 400 years of slavery of Israel in Egypt, but they will be delivered. God is faithful in his promises. Here we see fourfold blessings: revelation, deliverance, peace, and triumph. God specified the geographical boundaries of Israel’ land. “From the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates”. But Israel never possessed this land. But Israel will ultimately possess this land when Christ returns as their Messiah. To Abram God’s promise was clean and plain. Believers should not be confused about God’s promises. They are great and precious promises (2 Pet 1:4). Israel should be encouraged that what God promised to Abram will be fulfilled one day despite all their suffering. He is the one who brought them out of Egypt and Babylon. This passage encourages believers as well. In this world we have suffering and difficulties. But Christ is faithful in his promises concerning our salvation. “The one who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it” (1 Thess 5:24). We are responsible to live the Christian life defendant on the faithfulness of God. God does not merely tell us what to do, but also energizes our will so that we want to do what he desires. Are you saved by believing in the promise of Christ?
Apostle Paul quotes this passage in Romans 4:3 to show that the method of salvation in the Old Testament and New Testament is the same. Abram gave all that he had to Isaac. All believers are imputed with the same righteousness when they trust Christ. Paul refers to this in Romans 4:9-12 to show that salvation is by faith in Christ. Abram’s circumcision was only a sign of his faith and not the means of it. God gave Abram a sign related to his faith through a covenant ceremony (15:7-21). God promised Abram that he would give a land to his descendants. Abram hoped that his servant Elizer would become his heir because he was too old to become a father. But God promised that Abram would have a son. There was no visible of having a son for some time. Sarai herself gave up after 11 years and insisted that Abram bear a child through Hagar, her maid (Gen 16:15).
It was an ancient practice to confirm an agreement of covenant. It was a covenant God graciously made without any condition. God himself promised to fulfill all the blessing attached to the promise He has made to Abram. “God swore by Himself”. God mentioned the 400 years of slavery of Israel in Egypt, but they will be delivered. God is faithful in his promises. Here we see fourfold blessings: revelation, deliverance, peace, and triumph. God specified the geographical boundaries of Israel’ land. “From the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates”. But Israel never possessed this land. But Israel will ultimately possess this land when Christ returns as their Messiah. To Abram God’s promise was clean and plain. Believers should not be confused about God’s promises. They are great and precious promises (2 Pet 1:4). Israel should be encouraged that what God promised to Abram will be fulfilled one day despite all their suffering. He is the one who brought them out of Egypt and Babylon. This passage encourages believers as well. In this world we have suffering and difficulties. But Christ is faithful in his promises concerning our salvation. “The one who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it” (1 Thess 5:24). We are responsible to live the Christian life defendant on the faithfulness of God. God does not merely tell us what to do, but also energizes our will so that we want to do what he desires. Are you saved by believing in the promise of Christ?
Genesis 16
The Birth of Ismael. Abraham was promised to have a son but there was a delay in the fulfillment of God’s promise. There was a human effort, initiated by Sarai to fulfill the divine promise. This complicated the whole situation. When we try to do things without God, it will lead to failure and problem. Sarai was barren and she gave her maid to her husband to have a son. In the legal custom of that day, a barren woman could give her maid to her husband as a wife. After Hagar, the Egyptian maid became pregnant, she began despising Sarai. Sarai then mistreated Hagar and she fled. The name Hagar means “Flight”. No matter how reasonable sin looks, it always will lead to suffering and heartache. We must follow God’s plan and not our ideas how cleaver they may look like. The angel of the Lord appeared to Hagar and spoke to her. Scholars suggest that it was a preincarnate appearance of Christ. This is the first time in the Old Testament the “Angel of the Lord” is mentioned. It was the preincarnate appearance of Christ. It is called Christophany or Theophany by scholars. After the incarnation of Christ there is no visible appearance of God in the scripture.
The Angel of the Lord asked Hagar, “where are you going”. She said, “I am fleeing from the presence of my mistress Sarai” (16:8). She was asked to return to Sarai and submit to her. The Angel blessed her that she will have a son. God Himself named the boy Ismael, means “God has heard of your misery” (16:11). He became the ancestor of the Arabs, who are still hostile to Israel. Hagar called the place where the Lord spoke to her as “the One who sees”. She named the well where God heard and saw her helpless condition, Beerlahairoi which means “the well of the living One who sees me”. Sarai still had a way to grow in her faith. In Israel’s affliction God also afflicted, and He personally rescued them” (Is 63:9). God always hears the cry of the afflicted and delivers them (Ps 34:17). Believers should trust God and patiently wait on God to fulfill his promise. God hears our prayers and delivers us from all our fears. Human schemes and efforts cannot replace God’s sovereign plan for our lives. God fulfills his promises. How comforting to know that our God sees and hears us! God is our refuge and strength a very present help in trouble (Ps 46:1). Do you know Him?
The Angel of the Lord asked Hagar, “where are you going”. She said, “I am fleeing from the presence of my mistress Sarai” (16:8). She was asked to return to Sarai and submit to her. The Angel blessed her that she will have a son. God Himself named the boy Ismael, means “God has heard of your misery” (16:11). He became the ancestor of the Arabs, who are still hostile to Israel. Hagar called the place where the Lord spoke to her as “the One who sees”. She named the well where God heard and saw her helpless condition, Beerlahairoi which means “the well of the living One who sees me”. Sarai still had a way to grow in her faith. In Israel’s affliction God also afflicted, and He personally rescued them” (Is 63:9). God always hears the cry of the afflicted and delivers them (Ps 34:17). Believers should trust God and patiently wait on God to fulfill his promise. God hears our prayers and delivers us from all our fears. Human schemes and efforts cannot replace God’s sovereign plan for our lives. God fulfills his promises. How comforting to know that our God sees and hears us! God is our refuge and strength a very present help in trouble (Ps 46:1). Do you know Him?
Genesis 17
Abram is named Abraham. This chapter records God’s reassurance of his promise to Abram. God confirmed the covenant by changing Abram’s and Sarai’s names to Abraham and Sarah. Abram means “the exalted father”. Abraham means “The father of multitude”. Also, God instituted circumcision as a sign of his covenant with Abraham. Jew who refuses circumcision was cut off from the covenant community. God promised Abraham a son and named him Isaac, which means laugh. His promises are the sure Word because God can’t lie (Titus 1:2). God revealed himself progressively to Abram as Elsaddai which means almighty One. God is powerful and sufficient for us. There is a gap of 13 years between God’s appearance to Abram in Chapter 15 and chapter 17. The root meaning of Elsaddai is “breast”. God is the provider, nourisher, and protector of his people. God is enough for us. With God all things are possible. This is the first occurrence of this name in the Bible. Abraham is also called the father of the faithful. We become his sons when we believe in Christ (Gal 3:7-9). But God cannot be tempted, or He cannot lie (Jam 1:13; Titus 1:2).
The covenant God made with Abraham was unconditional and everlasting.
It was concerning his descendants and the land of Canaan. God changed Abram’s name into Abraham. Abram means exalted one. Abraham means father of many nations. He was not a flawless man. Abraham doubted the promise of God and desired that his descendants shall come through Ishmael. His laughed because of his doubt having Sarah bearing children at age 90. We should not laugh at God’s promises. God made quite clear that he will be the God of Abraham and would have a Son through Sarah. God confirmed his promise by the sign of Circumcision. All the household of Abraham’s were commanded to be circumcised. His obedience of circumcision reflects his faith in God’s promise. It is symbolic of separation, purity, and loyalty to God. God Wanted that our hearts should be circumcised that we may be devoted to God (Deut 30:6). Unbelief is described as uncircumcision of heart (Jer 9:26). A devoted heart is the evidence of salvation. Only they can enjoy fellowship with God (Rom 4:11). God also changed Sarai’s name to Sarah. Sarai means contentious while Sarah means princess. She is the mother of kings in Israel. Do you obey God? Pray we may have a devoted heart toward God.
The covenant God made with Abraham was unconditional and everlasting.
It was concerning his descendants and the land of Canaan. God changed Abram’s name into Abraham. Abram means exalted one. Abraham means father of many nations. He was not a flawless man. Abraham doubted the promise of God and desired that his descendants shall come through Ishmael. His laughed because of his doubt having Sarah bearing children at age 90. We should not laugh at God’s promises. God made quite clear that he will be the God of Abraham and would have a Son through Sarah. God confirmed his promise by the sign of Circumcision. All the household of Abraham’s were commanded to be circumcised. His obedience of circumcision reflects his faith in God’s promise. It is symbolic of separation, purity, and loyalty to God. God Wanted that our hearts should be circumcised that we may be devoted to God (Deut 30:6). Unbelief is described as uncircumcision of heart (Jer 9:26). A devoted heart is the evidence of salvation. Only they can enjoy fellowship with God (Rom 4:11). God also changed Sarai’s name to Sarah. Sarai means contentious while Sarah means princess. She is the mother of kings in Israel. Do you obey God? Pray we may have a devoted heart toward God.
Genesis 18
The Angels Reaffirm the Birth of Isaac. Then the LORD appeared again to Abraham near the oak grove of Mamre. Three men stood before Abraham’s tent, two of whom were later revealed to be angels (18:2; 19:1). Th Lord appeared to Abraham after 13 years of His promise to him to confirm the birth of Isaac. One among the three was Lord. It was Christophany, the preincarnation appearance of Christ. It happened near Mamre. Abraham washed their feet and treated them honorably with food and milk. What a beautiful picture of fellowship with God! The angel of the Lord told Abraham that a son will be born to Sarah in a year. Sarah overheard this and laughed in her heart in unbelief. The angel of the Lord knew that she laughed and said, “Is anything too hard for the Lord”. Sarah denied that she laughed out of fear. The reason both Abraham and Sarah laughed was because she was past the age of having children. They failed to believe that nothing is too difficult for God who called all things into existence out of nothing. God purposefully waited to fulfill his promise to strengthen the faith of Abraham. With God all things are possible.
The destruction of Sodom. The angel of the Lord told Abraham about the coming judgment of Sodom. The sins of Sodom were so grievous. Abraham interceded for the people of Sodom. He wanted to save his nephew Lot and his family. Abraham’s intercession was based on the belief that few righteous people would be there to spare the city from destruction. He said, “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do, right?’ (18:25). His intercession began with humility and reverence to God. He started his bargain with fifty righteous people and reduced it to number ten. He believed that Sodom must have at least ten righteous people to spare it from destruction. Abraham knew that God’s judgment is righteous judgment (Ps 19:9). He prayed for God’s grace. God was pleased with Abraham’s intercession but there was no ten righteous people in Sodom. This is the sad commentary on the ineffectiveness of Lot’s compromised life and witness. Scripture says that righteousness exalts a nation (Matt 5:13). Jesus was moved with compassion when he saw people like sheep having no shepherd. Do you feel compassion for the lost and dying? May God help us to pray for the salvation of people lost in their sins.
The destruction of Sodom. The angel of the Lord told Abraham about the coming judgment of Sodom. The sins of Sodom were so grievous. Abraham interceded for the people of Sodom. He wanted to save his nephew Lot and his family. Abraham’s intercession was based on the belief that few righteous people would be there to spare the city from destruction. He said, “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do, right?’ (18:25). His intercession began with humility and reverence to God. He started his bargain with fifty righteous people and reduced it to number ten. He believed that Sodom must have at least ten righteous people to spare it from destruction. Abraham knew that God’s judgment is righteous judgment (Ps 19:9). He prayed for God’s grace. God was pleased with Abraham’s intercession but there was no ten righteous people in Sodom. This is the sad commentary on the ineffectiveness of Lot’s compromised life and witness. Scripture says that righteousness exalts a nation (Matt 5:13). Jesus was moved with compassion when he saw people like sheep having no shepherd. Do you feel compassion for the lost and dying? May God help us to pray for the salvation of people lost in their sins.
Genesis 19
God Rescues Lot. This chapter records the visit of two angels to Lot in his home in Sodom. He was sitting in the gate of the city as a judge. Perhaps Lot tried to screen out the wickedness of the city. He knew the truth and justice but was willing to assimilate to the culture of Sodom. This is the picture of Christendom which is being controlled by the world’s influences. Lot first pitched his tent near Sodom but later he moved to the city of Sodom. He saw the evil there but was willing to compromise. Lot was righteous but he was greatly distressed by the wickedness of the people (2 Pet 2:8). When we make compromise, it will always lead to greater sin. The sin of Sodom deserved capital punishment according to Law (Lev 20:13). Christians should follow the example of Daniel and Joseph when it comes to sin and temptations. When people forced Lot to let the angels to engage in their sin, he was willing to give them his two virgin daughters to protect the angels. Lot’s action was strange and beyond understanding. Angels blinded the people and dragged Lot and his family out of Sodom. He found grace in the sight of God and escaped the judgment. But his heart was still in Sodom. It was easy to save Lot from Sodom and difficult to save Sodom from Lot.
God destroyed Sodom by fire.
God always judges sin because He is holy and righteous. But He remembered Abraham and saved Lot and family from judgment. God shows mercy based on His faithfulness to those who trust him (Deut 7:9). Lot lost his wife, possession, and his family. His daughters were pledged to marry Sodomites. Christ warns that “Lot’s wife looked behind and became a pillar of salt” (Luke 17:32). Lot narrowly escaped from judgment and decided to go to Zoar and lived there in a cave. He was afraid to move to the mountains as angels instructed. His daughters thinking of no chance of marriage engaged in incest with Lot and had given birth to Moab and Benammi. Moabites and Ammonites are the descendants of them. They became enemies of Israel later. In this chapter we see God’s severe judgment on wickedness. Though Lot was righteous, he compromised his spiritual values to associate with wicked society. Yet God in his mercy spared him when He judged Sodom. Bible warns that Christians should not love the world and its pleasures (1 John 2:15-17). The world is under the control of Satan and waits for its swift destruction. Christ said that Sodomites would have repented if the miracles done in Capernaum had been done in Sodom. God judges according to knowledge we have received from God. Moral and spiritual compromise can lead to spiritual bankruptcy. Confessing sins regularly will help us grow spiritually. Pray that God would help us to remain faithful to God.
God destroyed Sodom by fire.
God always judges sin because He is holy and righteous. But He remembered Abraham and saved Lot and family from judgment. God shows mercy based on His faithfulness to those who trust him (Deut 7:9). Lot lost his wife, possession, and his family. His daughters were pledged to marry Sodomites. Christ warns that “Lot’s wife looked behind and became a pillar of salt” (Luke 17:32). Lot narrowly escaped from judgment and decided to go to Zoar and lived there in a cave. He was afraid to move to the mountains as angels instructed. His daughters thinking of no chance of marriage engaged in incest with Lot and had given birth to Moab and Benammi. Moabites and Ammonites are the descendants of them. They became enemies of Israel later. In this chapter we see God’s severe judgment on wickedness. Though Lot was righteous, he compromised his spiritual values to associate with wicked society. Yet God in his mercy spared him when He judged Sodom. Bible warns that Christians should not love the world and its pleasures (1 John 2:15-17). The world is under the control of Satan and waits for its swift destruction. Christ said that Sodomites would have repented if the miracles done in Capernaum had been done in Sodom. God judges according to knowledge we have received from God. Moral and spiritual compromise can lead to spiritual bankruptcy. Confessing sins regularly will help us grow spiritually. Pray that God would help us to remain faithful to God.
Genesis 20
Abraham and Abimelech. Abraham moved south to the Negev and lived for a while between Kadesh and Shur and then to Gerar. Abraham had failures after spiritual victories. But God’s providential protection and preservation he experienced in his life. Chapter twenty records one of the sad commentaries of his lack of faith in God. Abraham journeyed toward the south and dwelled in the land of Garar in Philistine. Here Abimelech, the king of Garar took Sarah to be his wife. Abraham said of Sarah that she is his sister out of fear. This is the second time Abraham failed to trust God for his protection (Gen 12). But God warned Abimelech in a dream that she is married to Abraham and that it is capital punishment to take someone’s wife (20:7). God told Abimelech to return Sarah to Abraham, for he is a prophet, and he will pray for him. This is the first time the word prophet is used in the Bible. God protected their marriage and thereby His promise. Abraham failed to believe God’s promise (15:1). He was not a man without flaw. Abraham was practicing situational ethics and did not trust God. Yet God was faithful in his promise. No man could hinder God’s eternal plan. Though God did not rebuke Abimelech, he rebuked Abraham for his lack of faith. How sad that the unsaved had to rebuke God’s prophet. King acknowledged his offense against Sarah by giving Abraham livestock and a thousand shekels of silver. Thus, he respected Abraham and Sarah. God graciously protected Sarah from intermarriage with pagan king. The believers should not marry unbelievers.
Genesis 21
The birth of Isaac and expulsion of Ishmael. The LORD kept his promise to Abraham and Sarah and the promised son was born. They named him Isaac expressing their faith in God. He was circumcised according to the covenant on the eight days. God had changed Sarah’s laughter of doubt into laughter of joy. After Isaac had been weaned, Sarah noticed Ismael mocking her and Isaac. The Ismael’s mockery turned her laughter of joy into sadness. Since Hagar had given birth to Ismael, Abraham had grown to love him. God used the incident of mockery to expel Hagar and Ismael from the house. Sarah’s request to expel them distressed Abraham. But God approved their banishment to show the difference between flesh and the promised son though whom the Messiah would come (21:12; Gal 4:23-31). Abraham sent Hagar and Ismael away and she wandered aimlessly in the wilderness. She did not want to watch her son dying of thirst and cried to God. God heard the cry of the afflicted Hagar and open her eyes to see the well full of water. Unless God opened our spiritual sights, we cannot see His blessing.
God assured Abraham that Ismael would have a future and he will become a great nation. Ismael was born after the flesh and Isaac was born by the promise. The contrast of the two sons is a major teaching in the New Testament (Gal 3:29). They were in conflict from the beginning. The natural and flesh cannot coexist. That which is born of the flesh always persecute that which is born after the Spirit. Paul uses this incident to explain the conflict between flesh and Spirit in believer’s life (Gal 5:16-18). Believer would remove the threat of the flesh to live by the Spirit. Christians do not live by sight but by faith in God. We become heirs according to the promise by faith in Jesus Christ. This relationship makes us joint-heirs with Jesus Christ (Rom 8:17-21).
Abraham was facing trials and dispute at Beersheba. God sometimes allow trials in life to test our faith, love, and obedience to God. It was the base of operation for Abraham and Isaac. He entered a covenant relationship at Beersheba with Abimelech. Abimelech was a dynastic title and not a personal name. He recognized that God has blessed Abraham with providing water in a barren land. Water is the symbol of blessing. The two men made a treaty so that Abimelech could share the blessing. Abraham thus got the right to own the well. God blesses us so that we could become blessing to others (12:1). Abimelech knew that God has blessed Abraham. He made a binding treaty with Abraham so that he would not deceive him. What a contradiction in Abraham’s life. Abraham planted a tree there and worshiped the Lord, the eternal God. He lived there as a foreigner for a long time. Christians would walk the talk to have an effective testimony in the world.
God assured Abraham that Ismael would have a future and he will become a great nation. Ismael was born after the flesh and Isaac was born by the promise. The contrast of the two sons is a major teaching in the New Testament (Gal 3:29). They were in conflict from the beginning. The natural and flesh cannot coexist. That which is born of the flesh always persecute that which is born after the Spirit. Paul uses this incident to explain the conflict between flesh and Spirit in believer’s life (Gal 5:16-18). Believer would remove the threat of the flesh to live by the Spirit. Christians do not live by sight but by faith in God. We become heirs according to the promise by faith in Jesus Christ. This relationship makes us joint-heirs with Jesus Christ (Rom 8:17-21).
Abraham was facing trials and dispute at Beersheba. God sometimes allow trials in life to test our faith, love, and obedience to God. It was the base of operation for Abraham and Isaac. He entered a covenant relationship at Beersheba with Abimelech. Abimelech was a dynastic title and not a personal name. He recognized that God has blessed Abraham with providing water in a barren land. Water is the symbol of blessing. The two men made a treaty so that Abimelech could share the blessing. Abraham thus got the right to own the well. God blesses us so that we could become blessing to others (12:1). Abimelech knew that God has blessed Abraham. He made a binding treaty with Abraham so that he would not deceive him. What a contradiction in Abraham’s life. Abraham planted a tree there and worshiped the Lord, the eternal God. He lived there as a foreigner for a long time. Christians would walk the talk to have an effective testimony in the world.
Genesis 22
Abraham’s faith Tested: God tested Abraham’s faith to prove his love and obedience to him (Jam 1:2; 1 Pet 1:5-7). God does not tempt anyone with evil (Jam 1:13). Abraham’s faith was awakened at age 75, Disciplined for 25 years and perfected when he offered Isaac on the alter. When he was told to sacrifice his son Isaac, he obeyed. “Take your son your only son Isaac whom you love”. Faith is confident in the wisdom of God, the power of God, the love of God, the timing of God and in the promise of God. God tested Abraham’s sincerity, loyalty, and faith. Isaac was the promised seed. It was a test to prove how much Abraham would obey God. Ishmael never enjoyed the status of a legal son. He was sent away by Abraham and given only the gifts. Though this command was totally humanly unreasonable, Abraham believed that God would keep his promise and raise Isaac from the dead. The first use of the word Love is in Gen 22:2.
Abraham got up early in the morning to start his three-day journey. This shows his commitment and love to God. The first use of the word “Love” in the Bible is found here (22:2). The mount Moriah was near the place where Solomon built the temple. From Beersheba to mount Moriah was about 50 miles journey. He told his two servants to stay behind and said, “we will worship and come back”. This shows Abraham’s total trust in God. In the Bible the word “worship” is appeared first time here. When Isaac asked his father, “where is the lamb”, Abraham replied “God Himself will provide”. Abraham believed that God could bring Isaac from the dead. He believed that the God who gave Isaac from dead womb of Sarah can raise him again from the alter (Heb 11:17-19).
Abraham’s willingness to offer up Isaac in obedience to God’s command is an example of faith.
They both went together is a testimony of Isaac’s faith as well. Isaac was a grown young man by this time. He was willing to be bound by his father to be sacrificed. When Abraham picked the knife to kill his son Isaac, God stayed his hand and provided a ram a substitute for his son. Abraham heard the voice from heaven saying, “Abraham, Abraham do not lay your hand on the lad, do not hurt Isaac, for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son from Me” (Gen 22:9-12). Here fear means to reverence to God as sovereign one. He Obeyed God without questioning. Abraham saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. He took the ram and sacrificed in place of Isaac to God. The New Testament makes it clear it is a beautiful type of the (Gal 3:16). Father and the Son going both together to the cross. Isaac is the type of Christ who became obedient unto death (Phil 2:5-8). Abraham a type of the Father, who did not spare His own Son but delivered Him up for us all (Rom 8:32). The ram is a type of substitute, Christ who died in our stead (Heb 10:5-10). Abraham called this place “Jehovah Jireh which means The Lord will provide” (Gen 22:14). Christ became our substitute (2 Cor 5:21). Jesus takes our sin, and he gives us his righteousness. Because of this great exchange, believers are reconciled to God. Our legal standing before holy God has changed from guilty to blameless. How thankful we must be for the salvation he offers!
Worship holds nothing from God.
Worship is an act of giving to God trusting that He will provide. God provided a ram as a substitute for Isaac in the offering. Worship involves praise and thanksgiving. God’s ultimate substitute was His only Son Jesus Christ (John 1:29; 2 Cor 5:21). When we worship God in faith, we receive His blessings and provision. God confirmed his promise to Abraham. His descendants would be numerous like the stars in the heaven and sand on the seashore. God is worthy of our worship. The account of Nahor’s children shows that Abraham may have led to choose Isaac’s wife, Rebekah from them. What can we learn from this very important Chapter and about worship? Faith obeys God completely and withholds nothing from God. Faith also looks to God to provide all our needs. Faith, love, and obedience will always go together. Are you a worshiper of God?
Abraham got up early in the morning to start his three-day journey. This shows his commitment and love to God. The first use of the word “Love” in the Bible is found here (22:2). The mount Moriah was near the place where Solomon built the temple. From Beersheba to mount Moriah was about 50 miles journey. He told his two servants to stay behind and said, “we will worship and come back”. This shows Abraham’s total trust in God. In the Bible the word “worship” is appeared first time here. When Isaac asked his father, “where is the lamb”, Abraham replied “God Himself will provide”. Abraham believed that God could bring Isaac from the dead. He believed that the God who gave Isaac from dead womb of Sarah can raise him again from the alter (Heb 11:17-19).
Abraham’s willingness to offer up Isaac in obedience to God’s command is an example of faith.
They both went together is a testimony of Isaac’s faith as well. Isaac was a grown young man by this time. He was willing to be bound by his father to be sacrificed. When Abraham picked the knife to kill his son Isaac, God stayed his hand and provided a ram a substitute for his son. Abraham heard the voice from heaven saying, “Abraham, Abraham do not lay your hand on the lad, do not hurt Isaac, for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son from Me” (Gen 22:9-12). Here fear means to reverence to God as sovereign one. He Obeyed God without questioning. Abraham saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. He took the ram and sacrificed in place of Isaac to God. The New Testament makes it clear it is a beautiful type of the (Gal 3:16). Father and the Son going both together to the cross. Isaac is the type of Christ who became obedient unto death (Phil 2:5-8). Abraham a type of the Father, who did not spare His own Son but delivered Him up for us all (Rom 8:32). The ram is a type of substitute, Christ who died in our stead (Heb 10:5-10). Abraham called this place “Jehovah Jireh which means The Lord will provide” (Gen 22:14). Christ became our substitute (2 Cor 5:21). Jesus takes our sin, and he gives us his righteousness. Because of this great exchange, believers are reconciled to God. Our legal standing before holy God has changed from guilty to blameless. How thankful we must be for the salvation he offers!
Worship holds nothing from God.
Worship is an act of giving to God trusting that He will provide. God provided a ram as a substitute for Isaac in the offering. Worship involves praise and thanksgiving. God’s ultimate substitute was His only Son Jesus Christ (John 1:29; 2 Cor 5:21). When we worship God in faith, we receive His blessings and provision. God confirmed his promise to Abraham. His descendants would be numerous like the stars in the heaven and sand on the seashore. God is worthy of our worship. The account of Nahor’s children shows that Abraham may have led to choose Isaac’s wife, Rebekah from them. What can we learn from this very important Chapter and about worship? Faith obeys God completely and withholds nothing from God. Faith also looks to God to provide all our needs. Faith, love, and obedience will always go together. Are you a worshiper of God?
Genesis 23
Sarah’s Death and Burial: Sarah died at the age of 127 years. Abraham mourned and wept for his wife. Since Abraham was foreigner, he bought a portion of land with burial site in Machpelah. It was transferred to Abraham as his permanent possession by the elders. She died in faith not having received the promises (Heb 11:13). Abraham had been promised a land, yet he did not have a place to bury his wife. In the cave of Machpelah not only Sarah was buried but also Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, and Leah. In faith Abraham bought the land, taking nothing from people without cost. It gave Abraham the ownership of the land and helped him to believe that God will do much more for those who die in faith. He decided not to go back to his native land Mesopotamia. Abraham was held in high regard by the people around him. They recognized him as a might prince among them. This term means “prince of God”. Those who believe in Christ have hope beyond their death. They have the blessed hope in Christ (Titus 2:13). Blessed are those who die in Christ in any circumstances (Rev 14:13).
Genesis 24
Finding a Wife for Isaac. This chapter shows God’s providence to His faithful servants Abraham and Isaac. Abraham was 140 years old and advanced in age. He wanted Isaac to find a wife from his own people. Parents always must have a concern for their grownup children’s marriage. When they acknowledge their needs to God, He will direct their path (Pro 3:6). Isaac was 40 years old. Abraham directed his faithful servant, Eliezer to go to Mesopotamia to find a wife for Isaac. It was 450 miles journey. Eliezer was a trusted and devoted servant. Abraham wanted a sacred vow from Eliezer to secure a bride for Isaac from his own people. He placed his total confidence in the faithfulness of God and the covenant He made to him. He had confidence in the promises of God. Eliezer trusted in the Lord that He would grant his prayer. “Placing hand under the thigh”, was a solemn sign of oath in the name of God. If the oath was not carried out, the children who would be born to Abraham would avenge the servant’s unfaithfulness.
Abraham’ Assurance to Eliezer: He said that God would send His angel before Eliezer. He prepared for the success of his mission wasting no time. On his way he must have thought how to discern a proper wife for Isaac. She must be strong, industrious, and gracious. God granted him his prayer (Gen 24:12-14). Before Eliezer finished praying, he found a young woman named Rebekah coming out with water jug. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord (Ps 37: 23). Our paths are directed by God when we acknowledge him (Pro 3:6). Rebekah revealed her kindness by offering him not only water for 10 camels but also a place to stay. At that point Eliezer bowed his head and worshiped God saying, “Blessed be the Lord, the God of my master Abraham who has not forsaken His steadfast love and his faithfulness toward my master” (Gen 24:27). Rebekah told what happened to her family. Her brother Laban invited Eliezer to the family. In that society a woman’s brother used to give sister in marriage. In God’s providence Eliezer got permission and blessing to take Rebekah with him to Isaac.
Eliezer’s mission was completed. Rebekah’s consent to marriage and readiness to go is noteworthy. In this story we see Abraham was preparing Isaac for the future. Eliezer was carrying out his duty and God was providing. Rebekah was responding to God’s leading. Abraham is the picture of God the Father. Eliezer is a picture of the Holy Spirit. Isaac is a type of Christ and Rebekah is the type of the church. This is what happened in our salvation also. Father planned it, Christ wrought it and the Holy Spirit applied it. Salvation is all of God. Also, we see here the model of a faithful servant. He was a sent servant. He goes where he is sent and does what he was asked to do. He is prayerful and thankful. His goal is to win the soul. He speaks not of himself but of Christ. He requires a clear decision from those who hear the gospel. This is the act of God’s steadfast love. Are you thankful for the great salvation you enjoy?
Abraham’ Assurance to Eliezer: He said that God would send His angel before Eliezer. He prepared for the success of his mission wasting no time. On his way he must have thought how to discern a proper wife for Isaac. She must be strong, industrious, and gracious. God granted him his prayer (Gen 24:12-14). Before Eliezer finished praying, he found a young woman named Rebekah coming out with water jug. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord (Ps 37: 23). Our paths are directed by God when we acknowledge him (Pro 3:6). Rebekah revealed her kindness by offering him not only water for 10 camels but also a place to stay. At that point Eliezer bowed his head and worshiped God saying, “Blessed be the Lord, the God of my master Abraham who has not forsaken His steadfast love and his faithfulness toward my master” (Gen 24:27). Rebekah told what happened to her family. Her brother Laban invited Eliezer to the family. In that society a woman’s brother used to give sister in marriage. In God’s providence Eliezer got permission and blessing to take Rebekah with him to Isaac.
Eliezer’s mission was completed. Rebekah’s consent to marriage and readiness to go is noteworthy. In this story we see Abraham was preparing Isaac for the future. Eliezer was carrying out his duty and God was providing. Rebekah was responding to God’s leading. Abraham is the picture of God the Father. Eliezer is a picture of the Holy Spirit. Isaac is a type of Christ and Rebekah is the type of the church. This is what happened in our salvation also. Father planned it, Christ wrought it and the Holy Spirit applied it. Salvation is all of God. Also, we see here the model of a faithful servant. He was a sent servant. He goes where he is sent and does what he was asked to do. He is prayerful and thankful. His goal is to win the soul. He speaks not of himself but of Christ. He requires a clear decision from those who hear the gospel. This is the act of God’s steadfast love. Are you thankful for the great salvation you enjoy?
Genesis 25
The Death of Abraham: Abraham married another wife whose name was Keturah. He lived 38 years after Sarah’s death and begotten children. Before death Abraham transferred God’s blessing to Isaac his promised son to safeguard his inheritance (Gen 22:2). This was a fulfillment of the promise that Abraham would become the father of many nations (Gen 17:4). Keturah was only a concubine (1 Chr 1:32). He gave gifts to her sons and sent them away. Abraham died at the age of 175 and gathered to his people. Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah. God’s blessing rested on Isaac. Ishmael died at age 137. The generations of Ishmael lived in north central Arabia. He lived in hostility toward all their brothers. It was a fulfillment of prophecy given to Hagar (Gen 16:12). The generation of Isaac is given in verses 19-26. Isaac lived at Beerlahairoi. This place was known for God’s respond to Hagar when she was in distress. Isaac was meditating in this place while waiting for Rebekah. This is a special place where God answered prayers. Rebekah was barren. Isaac prayed and God answered his request. Two children struggled together within her womb. She enquired about this to the Lord. She was told that two nations were struggling in her womb and the older son will serve the younger son (25:23). Here we see God’s election of Jacob over Esau. Israel is the descendants of Jacob and the Edomites the children of Esau. They are at enmity always. This is a picture of Spirit and flesh in the believer. This spiritual conflict continues and whom we feed will always win.
Esau sells his birthright. God fulfilled his promise to Abraham through the election of Jacob. Isaac knew that God had chosen Jacob to rule but he loved Esau more than Jacob. Esau was an ungodly man and a skilled hunter (Gen 27:46). He married pagan wives contrary to God’s command (26:34). But Jacob had a quiet temperament and preferred to stay at home. Paul says that before the twins’ birth, the younger was chosen over the elder (Rom 9:11-12). God often works contrary to man’s ways. Isaac wanted to give birthright to Esau. The single reason for this irrational behavior was Isaac love the savory meat Esau brought in from hunting (Gen 27:1-4). Esau sold his birth right to Jacob for red stew. He looked at his birthright with contempt. How sad that some people treat spiritual and eternal things with contempt! Jacob wanted the birthright and may not be deceptive in this incident. Esau was godless and sold his birthright for a single meal (Heb 12:16).
Jacob loved Rebekah and influenced by the oracle she received from the Lord. Jacob is often considered a deceiver. But the scriptures describe him differently. Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents (Gen 25:27). Scholars suggest that the word “Plain” is rendered as Perfect and upright in many places. He manipulated Esau to get what he wanted. Isaac trembled exceedingly when he realized he had been overruled by God. The intention of Jacob and Rebekah was to prevent the disobedience of Isaac. Jacob had to spend 20 years in exile for taking the risk to get the birthright. He also endured the trickery of Uncle Laban. To live on base things to satisfy one’s apatite can lead to the temptation of despising spiritual things. Believers should seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. They should prioritize spiritual things to avoid the deception of flesh, world, and Satan
Esau sells his birthright. God fulfilled his promise to Abraham through the election of Jacob. Isaac knew that God had chosen Jacob to rule but he loved Esau more than Jacob. Esau was an ungodly man and a skilled hunter (Gen 27:46). He married pagan wives contrary to God’s command (26:34). But Jacob had a quiet temperament and preferred to stay at home. Paul says that before the twins’ birth, the younger was chosen over the elder (Rom 9:11-12). God often works contrary to man’s ways. Isaac wanted to give birthright to Esau. The single reason for this irrational behavior was Isaac love the savory meat Esau brought in from hunting (Gen 27:1-4). Esau sold his birth right to Jacob for red stew. He looked at his birthright with contempt. How sad that some people treat spiritual and eternal things with contempt! Jacob wanted the birthright and may not be deceptive in this incident. Esau was godless and sold his birthright for a single meal (Heb 12:16).
Jacob loved Rebekah and influenced by the oracle she received from the Lord. Jacob is often considered a deceiver. But the scriptures describe him differently. Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents (Gen 25:27). Scholars suggest that the word “Plain” is rendered as Perfect and upright in many places. He manipulated Esau to get what he wanted. Isaac trembled exceedingly when he realized he had been overruled by God. The intention of Jacob and Rebekah was to prevent the disobedience of Isaac. Jacob had to spend 20 years in exile for taking the risk to get the birthright. He also endured the trickery of Uncle Laban. To live on base things to satisfy one’s apatite can lead to the temptation of despising spiritual things. Believers should seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. They should prioritize spiritual things to avoid the deception of flesh, world, and Satan
Genesis 26
Abrahamic Covenant confirmed to Isaac. God’s blessing was passed on from Abraham to Isaac. He had confirmed to Isaac the covenant He had made with Abraham. It was an unconditional and eternal covenant Isaac, and his decedent could enjoy. There was a severe famine in the land. So, Isaac moved to Garar, where Abimelech the king of Philistines ruling. God told him to live there, and He will bless him. Isaac had many parallel experiences to his father. God allowed Isaac to take many de-routes in his life to mature him spiritually. Abraham’s obedience brought blessing to his descendance. They include possession of the land, children as numerous as the stars and the Savior. Isaac was also told that he should not go down to Egypt but live in Gerar as a foreigner. So, Isaac stayed in Gerar. When the men who lived there asked Isaac about his wife, he said she was his sister. He was afraid to say she was his wife. Rebekah was beautiful woman. When King Abimelech learned that Rebekah was Isaac’s wife, he rebuked him fearing that someone might have committed adultery with her. What a tragedy that an unbeliever had to rebuke believer for deception. Abimelech was not a name but only a title. God in his mercy protected Rebekah from defilement to preserve the covenant seed. How gracious is our Lord!
Isaac sojourned in the land and enjoyed divine prosperity in crops. He became very rich. He dug wells but Philistines filled the wells with dirt. He reponed the old dirt-filled wells but Philistines said that the water was theirs. Isaac refused to fight back and continued to dig wells and named them because they are associated with God and significant events. This time there was no dispute over well and Isaac called it Rehoboth which means open space God provided. After this Isaac moved to Beersheba. God appeared to him there and confirmed to him Abrahamic covenant. He built an alter and worshiped the Lord. His servants dug another well. After the conflict was over Abimelech wanted to make a treaty with Isaac. He acknowledged that God was with Isaac. At the well of Shibah they made a treaty by oath. No matter how much the enemy oppose, God’s blessings cannot be stopped. The enemies will recognize that God is in our side. We must seek peace with all. This chapter ends with the record of Esau marring two Hittite wives at the age of forty. This made Isaac and Rebekah very sad.
Isaac sojourned in the land and enjoyed divine prosperity in crops. He became very rich. He dug wells but Philistines filled the wells with dirt. He reponed the old dirt-filled wells but Philistines said that the water was theirs. Isaac refused to fight back and continued to dig wells and named them because they are associated with God and significant events. This time there was no dispute over well and Isaac called it Rehoboth which means open space God provided. After this Isaac moved to Beersheba. God appeared to him there and confirmed to him Abrahamic covenant. He built an alter and worshiped the Lord. His servants dug another well. After the conflict was over Abimelech wanted to make a treaty with Isaac. He acknowledged that God was with Isaac. At the well of Shibah they made a treaty by oath. No matter how much the enemy oppose, God’s blessings cannot be stopped. The enemies will recognize that God is in our side. We must seek peace with all. This chapter ends with the record of Esau marring two Hittite wives at the age of forty. This made Isaac and Rebekah very sad.
Genesis 27
Isaac blesses Jacob. When Isaac was old and turning blind, he wanted to bless Esau with birthright. He asked Esau to make his favorite dish and bring it him. Rebekah overheard what Isaac said to Esau and said to Jacob that she will make the favorite dish for Isaac. She wanted Jacob to get the blessing from Isaac. This chapter gives the account of a family involved in deception. Isaac knew about God’s plan for Jacob that Esau would serve Jacob (25:23). Isaac was old and partially blinded. He was also spiritually blinded. The love for tasty wild meat blinded him from doing the will of God. Rebekah overheard the discussion, and it seems she had a different plan. She decided to duplicate the meat with goat meat and give to Isaac. Jacob was afraid instead of blessing he might be cursed. Jacob had no guilt of doing it but only fear. Rebekah told him to put on some of Esau’s clothes to deceive Isaac. He gave his mother’s prepared meal to Isaac and lied twice to his father that he is Esau. Jacob thus stole the blessing from his father by deception. Once before Jacob stole the blessing of first born from Esau. Now he has stolen the blessing of prosperity and dominion over other nations. Thus, the family got fragmented because of deception.
Conflict between Jacob and Esau. As soon as Isaac had finished blessing Jacob, Esau returned from his hunt. He brought the delicious meal to his father and said, “Eat my meal and bless me”. When Isaac heard it, he was trembled over what had happened. He said, “I have already blessed Jacob before Esau came and the blessing will stand”. Isaac recognized that God’s will for his sons is better than his will for them and trembled (Gen 27:33). When Esau heard he cried bitterly and begged “Oh my father, what about me? Bless me too”. Jacob tricked Isaac and taken away Esau’s blessings. Jacob’s name means conniver. All that left for Isaac to bless Esau was lesser blessing. The descendants of Esau, the Edomite would live in a land less fertile and live subservient to Jacob. Jacob stole his blessing through deception. Yet God works through their conniving what He predicted to Rebekah. It teaches that God’s plan will ultimately triumph despite human failures. Showing favoritism will fragment families and churches. Our natural appetites can hinder us from doing the will of God. Jacob later realized that blessing gained by God’s way will last and deception will not bring lasting blessings. Rebekah’s deception of her husband for Jacob’s sake was not right. She would have left the whole situation to God. She knew that Esau was angry toward Jacob and may kill him. Rebakah expressed disgust about the Hittite women Esau married and found excuse in sending Jacob to Laban his uncle to escape from Esau. Rebekah never saw Jacob again. Jacob may have learned his carnal nature at home. Believers should set good example at home for children.
Conflict between Jacob and Esau. As soon as Isaac had finished blessing Jacob, Esau returned from his hunt. He brought the delicious meal to his father and said, “Eat my meal and bless me”. When Isaac heard it, he was trembled over what had happened. He said, “I have already blessed Jacob before Esau came and the blessing will stand”. Isaac recognized that God’s will for his sons is better than his will for them and trembled (Gen 27:33). When Esau heard he cried bitterly and begged “Oh my father, what about me? Bless me too”. Jacob tricked Isaac and taken away Esau’s blessings. Jacob’s name means conniver. All that left for Isaac to bless Esau was lesser blessing. The descendants of Esau, the Edomite would live in a land less fertile and live subservient to Jacob. Jacob stole his blessing through deception. Yet God works through their conniving what He predicted to Rebekah. It teaches that God’s plan will ultimately triumph despite human failures. Showing favoritism will fragment families and churches. Our natural appetites can hinder us from doing the will of God. Jacob later realized that blessing gained by God’s way will last and deception will not bring lasting blessings. Rebekah’s deception of her husband for Jacob’s sake was not right. She would have left the whole situation to God. She knew that Esau was angry toward Jacob and may kill him. Rebakah expressed disgust about the Hittite women Esau married and found excuse in sending Jacob to Laban his uncle to escape from Esau. Rebekah never saw Jacob again. Jacob may have learned his carnal nature at home. Believers should set good example at home for children.
Genesis 28
Jacob Sent to Laban (Gen 28:1-9). When Isaac learned about Esau’s intention to kill Jacob, he sent him to Padanaram where his uncle Laban lived. This place was near Haran where Abraham’s brother Nahor lived. Isaac instructed Jacob not to marry a Canaanite woman to maintain purity of the family. Abraham and Moses warned against the danger of intermarriage with unbelievers because it will destroy the faith of the children of God. Before Jacob departed, Isaac blessed Jacob which includes birthright, prosperity, and the land (28:3-4). Believers should always maintain spiritual separation and purity. They live in this world but not of this world. Meanwhile Esau married his third wife, a daughter of Ishmael. Perhaps he hoped that it would please Isaac. Esau did not realize that Ismael had been separated from Abrahamic line by God. He had no understanding of God’s covenant relationship with Abraham. Esau was a natural man living on human level. Bible does not say Esau ever put away his heathen wives. Believers should not be unequally yoked.
Jacob’s Dream (Gen 28:10-22). On his way to Laban, Jacob stopped for night. He dreamed angels ascending and descending on a stairway extending to heaven. Prophet dreams were rare until the book of Revelation. Jacob had the most personal encounter with God than Abraham or any other patriarch. Jacob’s ladder was a picture of God’s presence with him. This vision gave Jacob confidence that God will fulfill the eternal promises He made to Abraham. Jesus used this figure of speech to point out that Christ himself is the ladder between God and man (John 1:51). God confirmed the covenant He had promised to Abraham and Isaac to Jacob. He promised Jacob a land, descendants numerous as dust and blessing through his seed to all the families of the earth. God also promised to protect Jacob until he returns to his father’s land. Jacob’s vision made him afraid and said, “How dreadful is this place, surely this is none other but the house of God and called the place Bethel”. Bethel means house of God. Jacob worshiped God erecting the pillow-stone as a memorial and anointed the top of it with oil. Anointing with oil is a picture of consecration (Lev 8:10-11). Thus, Jacob expressed his faith in the Lord and made vow to Him. He promised to tithe God if He would protect and bring him to his father’s house. It was a voluntary act of Jacob.
In the Old Testament tithing was a not an option but a requirement. But in the New Testament there is no command for tithing. But believers are instructed to give willingly and generously as they can give in response to God’s blessings toward them (2 Cor 8; 9). Memorials are meant to recall God’s divine visitation (Josh 4:6). Only God should be worshiped. Worship is our response to God’s saving grace and blessing in life. We worship God for who He is. Thanksgiving is for what God has done in our lives. Worship is the act of ascribing the worthiness to God by bowing before Him. The Lord promises His presence with every believer. The vision at Bethel made Jacob a believer and worshiper of true God. Here we see Jacob’s first love for God. But it was gradually lost because of compromise. Later Jacob obeyed God’s call and went back to Bethel burying all foreign gods (Gen 35:1-4). How blessed to return to our first love toward God (Rev 2:4). Those who believe Christ are made the kingdom of priests to worship and serve God (1 Pet 2:9). Have you received Christ as your Lord and Savior? Are you a worshiper of true God in spirit and truth?
Jacob’s Dream (Gen 28:10-22). On his way to Laban, Jacob stopped for night. He dreamed angels ascending and descending on a stairway extending to heaven. Prophet dreams were rare until the book of Revelation. Jacob had the most personal encounter with God than Abraham or any other patriarch. Jacob’s ladder was a picture of God’s presence with him. This vision gave Jacob confidence that God will fulfill the eternal promises He made to Abraham. Jesus used this figure of speech to point out that Christ himself is the ladder between God and man (John 1:51). God confirmed the covenant He had promised to Abraham and Isaac to Jacob. He promised Jacob a land, descendants numerous as dust and blessing through his seed to all the families of the earth. God also promised to protect Jacob until he returns to his father’s land. Jacob’s vision made him afraid and said, “How dreadful is this place, surely this is none other but the house of God and called the place Bethel”. Bethel means house of God. Jacob worshiped God erecting the pillow-stone as a memorial and anointed the top of it with oil. Anointing with oil is a picture of consecration (Lev 8:10-11). Thus, Jacob expressed his faith in the Lord and made vow to Him. He promised to tithe God if He would protect and bring him to his father’s house. It was a voluntary act of Jacob.
In the Old Testament tithing was a not an option but a requirement. But in the New Testament there is no command for tithing. But believers are instructed to give willingly and generously as they can give in response to God’s blessings toward them (2 Cor 8; 9). Memorials are meant to recall God’s divine visitation (Josh 4:6). Only God should be worshiped. Worship is our response to God’s saving grace and blessing in life. We worship God for who He is. Thanksgiving is for what God has done in our lives. Worship is the act of ascribing the worthiness to God by bowing before Him. The Lord promises His presence with every believer. The vision at Bethel made Jacob a believer and worshiper of true God. Here we see Jacob’s first love for God. But it was gradually lost because of compromise. Later Jacob obeyed God’s call and went back to Bethel burying all foreign gods (Gen 35:1-4). How blessed to return to our first love toward God (Rev 2:4). Those who believe Christ are made the kingdom of priests to worship and serve God (1 Pet 2:9). Have you received Christ as your Lord and Savior? Are you a worshiper of true God in spirit and truth?
Genesis 29
Jacob arrives at Haran. Gen 29:1-14. Jacob sojourned and arrived at a well near Haran. Chapters 29-35 explain how God kept his promises to Jacob and disciplined Jacob when he drifted away from God. God permitted him to reap the shame he had sown. The well was often associated with God’s blessing (Gen 26:32). Jacob met some shepherds and asked them about his uncle Laban. They introduced Rachel, Laban’s daughter to him. Jacob helped her to move the stone from the mouth of the well and watered his uncle’s flock. Rachel quicky return home and told her father Laban about Jacob and what happened. As soon as Laban heard about his nephew Jacob, he welcomed him. He kissed Jacob and received him. Kissing of relative was a greeting custom at that time. What happened to Jacob here and the timing were the sovereign work of God. God not only appeared to Jacob in vision at Bethel but also ordered his steps. Jacob took care of Laban’s flock and God prospered Laban. Jacob was industrious and zealous in all that he was doing. The Bible says that “Commit your ways to the Lord and trust in him, he will give you the desire of your heart” (Ps 37: 4-5). When we take delight in the Lord, he will bless us.
Jacob marries Leah and Rachel. Gen 29:15-26. After Jacob had stayed with Laban for some time. Laban wanted that Jacob should not work for him without pay. Laban asked Jacob, “Tell me how much your wages should be”? Jacob planned to work for Laban seven years to have Rachel as his wife. She was beautiful and Jacob was already fell in love with her. His love for her was so strong that the seven years seemed to him but a few days. Only those who fall in love with Christ can serve him with joy. When the time came to marry Rachel, Laban substituted Leah, her older sister for Rachel. This trickery of Laban may have helped Jacob to understand how his brother Esau felt when he was deceived. Laban offered traditional excuse for his deception that it is not to marry the younger before the older according to the custom. The Bible shows over and over the principle that what a man sows he reaps (Gal 6:7). The sovereign Lord orders the affairs of the world to set things right. Laban’s deception may have opened Jacob’s eye to see what he did to Esau.
Jacob serves Laban for seven more years for Rachel. Gen 29:27-35. Since Jacob was in love with Rachel, he told Laban that he will work seven more years for her. Laban agreed. When believers follow the path of trickery, they also will go through the discipling process. After Jacob finished out the bridal week, Laban gave Rachel to Jacob as his wife. The Lord saw that Leah was unloved and enabled her to give birth to four sons. God always see the misery of the afflicted (Gen 16:13-14). Leah named her first son Reuben, indicating that the Lord had seen her misery. She named her second son Simeon because the Lord heard her. Leah named her third son Levi for she hoped that her husband would love her more. She named her fourth son Judah hoping that she would be satisfied to praise God. In the naming of her sons, Leah expressed her faith in God. What about your desire for your children? Do you pray for their salvation and live worthy of God? There is nothing greater than to see that our children are walking in the truth.
Jacob marries Leah and Rachel. Gen 29:15-26. After Jacob had stayed with Laban for some time. Laban wanted that Jacob should not work for him without pay. Laban asked Jacob, “Tell me how much your wages should be”? Jacob planned to work for Laban seven years to have Rachel as his wife. She was beautiful and Jacob was already fell in love with her. His love for her was so strong that the seven years seemed to him but a few days. Only those who fall in love with Christ can serve him with joy. When the time came to marry Rachel, Laban substituted Leah, her older sister for Rachel. This trickery of Laban may have helped Jacob to understand how his brother Esau felt when he was deceived. Laban offered traditional excuse for his deception that it is not to marry the younger before the older according to the custom. The Bible shows over and over the principle that what a man sows he reaps (Gal 6:7). The sovereign Lord orders the affairs of the world to set things right. Laban’s deception may have opened Jacob’s eye to see what he did to Esau.
Jacob serves Laban for seven more years for Rachel. Gen 29:27-35. Since Jacob was in love with Rachel, he told Laban that he will work seven more years for her. Laban agreed. When believers follow the path of trickery, they also will go through the discipling process. After Jacob finished out the bridal week, Laban gave Rachel to Jacob as his wife. The Lord saw that Leah was unloved and enabled her to give birth to four sons. God always see the misery of the afflicted (Gen 16:13-14). Leah named her first son Reuben, indicating that the Lord had seen her misery. She named her second son Simeon because the Lord heard her. Leah named her third son Levi for she hoped that her husband would love her more. She named her fourth son Judah hoping that she would be satisfied to praise God. In the naming of her sons, Leah expressed her faith in God. What about your desire for your children? Do you pray for their salvation and live worthy of God? There is nothing greater than to see that our children are walking in the truth.
Genesis 30
God blessed Jacob with many children (Gen 30:1-24). People long for love and recognition. Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah. God saw the affliction of Leah and blessed her with children. The competition of childbearing between Leah and Rachel shows the struggle in the family. Leah gave birth to six sons. Rachel was barren. The naming of Children shows Leah’s faith in God and her hoped that Jacob would love her more. The Lord hears the cry of the afflicted (Gen 16:15). When Rachel saw that she was having children, she envied her sister Leah and said to Jacob “Give me children or else I die”. Rachel failed to understand that children are the gift of God. Her son through her maid Bilhah shows her lack of faith in God. Despite Jacob’s love for Rachel, God chose Leah, the despised mother to give birth to children. Levi and Judah received the exalted position of becoming the priestly and the royal tribes in Israel.
Jacob’s wealth increased (Gen 30:25-43). Jacob was a clever man. He asked Laban permission to return to Cannan. Laban asked Jacob to stay and acknowledged that he became rich because of Jacob. He asked Jacob what he wanted for taking care of his sheep. He suggested that Jacob would receive wages for his work in the black and spotted sheep. Jacob agreed. Laban separated spotted animals and gave them to his sons and placed them to a third day journey distance between Jacob and his sons. Dark colored and spotted sheep were a bad sign in that culture. Jacob played a trick to increase the spotted sheep under his care. He placed peeled branches before stronger sheep while they were mating. Jacob tried deception before to steal the blessing of first born from Esau. Now again he overcame the Laban’ deception by trickery. Jacob saw them as means to gain divine blessing. But Jacob suffered fear and danger for his craftiness. God blessed Jacob in an unusual way and fulfilled the promise He made to him at Bethel. When we seek God with all our heart and seek His will, we will be blessed (Pro 3:5).
Jacob’s wealth increased (Gen 30:25-43). Jacob was a clever man. He asked Laban permission to return to Cannan. Laban asked Jacob to stay and acknowledged that he became rich because of Jacob. He asked Jacob what he wanted for taking care of his sheep. He suggested that Jacob would receive wages for his work in the black and spotted sheep. Jacob agreed. Laban separated spotted animals and gave them to his sons and placed them to a third day journey distance between Jacob and his sons. Dark colored and spotted sheep were a bad sign in that culture. Jacob played a trick to increase the spotted sheep under his care. He placed peeled branches before stronger sheep while they were mating. Jacob tried deception before to steal the blessing of first born from Esau. Now again he overcame the Laban’ deception by trickery. Jacob saw them as means to gain divine blessing. But Jacob suffered fear and danger for his craftiness. God blessed Jacob in an unusual way and fulfilled the promise He made to him at Bethel. When we seek God with all our heart and seek His will, we will be blessed (Pro 3:5).
Genesis 31
Jacob flees from Laban. (Gen 31:1-42). Jacob was greatly prospered as he was promised by God (30:43). Then the Lord said to him to return to the land of his fathers. Jacob knew that he was blessed and protected by God. He was also facing animosity from Laban’s sons. Jacob obeyed the divine call by faith. He shared the encounter he had with the angel of the Lord at Bethel with his wives and his plan to leave Laban. Jacob wanted that they should follow him willingly. They decided to leave Laban and follow Jacob by faith as well. But Rachel stole her father’s household idols and took them with her. It shows the pagan influence on Jacob’s family. The “teraphim” idols have given the right of inheritance in society at that time. Laban pursued Jacob when he found that the idols are lost. He confronted Jacob and blamed him of theft. Jacob became very angry, and he challenged Laban, not knowing what Rachel has done. Jacob acknowledged that though Laban abused and deceived him, the God of his fathers has prospered his hard works. He rebuked Laban for accusing him of theft.
Jacob’s treaty with Laban. (Gen 31:43-55). When Laban failed to find the idols, he suggested that they would make a treaty to keep Jacob away from his property. Jacob took a stone and set up monument. They gathered stones and made them in a heap. Then Laban said, “This pile of stone will stand as a witness to remind us of the covenant we have made today”. It was called Mizpah, which means watchtower and said, “May the Lord keep watch between us to make sure that we keep this covenant when we are out of each other’s sight”. This treaty was made at Gilead. In their last confrontation they made a peace treaty to set up a boundary they do not cross one another. At the end God was included in the treaty to watch between them. They celebrated a covenant feast and spent the night on the mountain. Next day Laban kissed his grandchildren and his daughters and return to his place. God promised to protect Israel despite their failures. Laban was an Aramean. Jacob never made evil use of these idols which Rachel had stolen but buried at Shechem (35:2-4). Believers should abstain from all kinds of idol worship.
Jacob’s treaty with Laban. (Gen 31:43-55). When Laban failed to find the idols, he suggested that they would make a treaty to keep Jacob away from his property. Jacob took a stone and set up monument. They gathered stones and made them in a heap. Then Laban said, “This pile of stone will stand as a witness to remind us of the covenant we have made today”. It was called Mizpah, which means watchtower and said, “May the Lord keep watch between us to make sure that we keep this covenant when we are out of each other’s sight”. This treaty was made at Gilead. In their last confrontation they made a peace treaty to set up a boundary they do not cross one another. At the end God was included in the treaty to watch between them. They celebrated a covenant feast and spent the night on the mountain. Next day Laban kissed his grandchildren and his daughters and return to his place. God promised to protect Israel despite their failures. Laban was an Aramean. Jacob never made evil use of these idols which Rachel had stolen but buried at Shechem (35:2-4). Believers should abstain from all kinds of idol worship.
Genesis 32
Jacob fears Esau. (Gen 32:1-21). Jacob left Laban on his way, and the angels of God met him. God was preparing him to meet his brother Esau. The angels of God met Jacob in a vision. Jacob called this place Mahanaim which means “two camps”. He was assured of divine protection. Earlier he encountered angel of God at Bethel (Gen 28:12). With God’s command comes His protection and enablement. Jacob feared because Esau was coming with 400 men to meet him. So, he divided his family into two groups. Jacob confessed his unworthiness and prayed for God’s protection by reminding God of his command to return to his country. He knew God’s promise to his fathers, but his guilt haunted him. He selected some valuable gifts and sent his servants to meet Esau and said, “your servant Jacob is coming behind them”. Jacob thought these gifts will appease Esau’s anger toward him. He spent that night in the camp. He failed to realize that deliverance comes only from the Lord rather than from men. The Scripture says, “Blessed is the man who trust in the Lord rather than in princes” (Ps 118:8-9). Whom do you trust in your difficulties? God says, “Cast all your cares upon the Lord for He cares for you” (1 Pet 5:7). For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and He watches over them.
Jacob Wrestles with God. (Gen 32:22-32). Jacob crossed the Jabbok River with his family. He was left alone in the camp where a man came and wrestled with him. This lasted till daybreak. Jacob became very fearful. The man could not defeat Jacob. At last, the man touched Jacob’s hip socket and said, “Let me go, for the dawn is breaking”. But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me”. The man asked “What is your name? He said Jacob. Jacob admitted that he was a deceiver. Before God could bless Jacob, he had to admit that he is a deceiver. Jacob was blessed with a new name “Israel” which means prince with God. Jacob got the name Israel because he fought with God and with men and have prevailed. Also, Jacob is called Jeshurun, which means upright (Is 44:2). Jacob asked the man who wrestled with him, “What is your name? The man replied “Why do you want to know my name? Jacob named the place “Peniel” because he had seen God face to face and did not die. Jews are known as Hebrew and Israel. Abraham was a Hebrew. Jacob got the name, Israel. Jacob prayed for deliverance. He encountered God in an unexpected manner. His self-confidence was shattered. Now crippled in his natural strength he became strong in faith and blessed his children. Jacob was humbled but not humiliated. He was broken to become useful for God. In our own strength we can never live a victorious Christian life. Our sufficiency comes from the Lord (2 Cor 3:5). Do you trust Christ in times of fear and need? Christian life is the life transformed by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Are you saved? How blessed to know Christ as Lord and Savior!
Jacob Wrestles with God. (Gen 32:22-32). Jacob crossed the Jabbok River with his family. He was left alone in the camp where a man came and wrestled with him. This lasted till daybreak. Jacob became very fearful. The man could not defeat Jacob. At last, the man touched Jacob’s hip socket and said, “Let me go, for the dawn is breaking”. But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me”. The man asked “What is your name? He said Jacob. Jacob admitted that he was a deceiver. Before God could bless Jacob, he had to admit that he is a deceiver. Jacob was blessed with a new name “Israel” which means prince with God. Jacob got the name Israel because he fought with God and with men and have prevailed. Also, Jacob is called Jeshurun, which means upright (Is 44:2). Jacob asked the man who wrestled with him, “What is your name? The man replied “Why do you want to know my name? Jacob named the place “Peniel” because he had seen God face to face and did not die. Jews are known as Hebrew and Israel. Abraham was a Hebrew. Jacob got the name, Israel. Jacob prayed for deliverance. He encountered God in an unexpected manner. His self-confidence was shattered. Now crippled in his natural strength he became strong in faith and blessed his children. Jacob was humbled but not humiliated. He was broken to become useful for God. In our own strength we can never live a victorious Christian life. Our sufficiency comes from the Lord (2 Cor 3:5). Do you trust Christ in times of fear and need? Christian life is the life transformed by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Are you saved? How blessed to know Christ as Lord and Savior!
Genesis 33
Jacob’s reconciliation with Esau: (Gen 33:1-17). Jacob was frightened when he saw that Esau was coming with 400 men to meet him. They were meeting after twenty years. So, Jacob divided his wives and children from his servants. He put Rachel and Joseph in the rear to be safer. Jacob bowed seven time before Esau. Esau embraced and kissed Jacob and they both wept. Jacob referred himself as “Your servant” and cautiously approached Esau. Jacob wanted to share his blessing with his brother in the form of gift to reconcile with Esau. He said that seeing Esau is like seeing the face of God. He insisted Esau to accept his gift and he finally accepted it. Jacob acknowledged that Esau’s favorable reaction was God’s gracious dealing toward him. Esau wanted to lead the way to Jacob. But he cleverly avoided Esau and headed to the opposite direction. It is a miracle how Jacob and Esau could be reconciled. God dwelt with Jacob to humble himself before Esau. His walk becomes according to his new name. God also changed Esau’s heart not to seek revenge against Jacob. These changes were proof that God had answered Jacob’s prayer. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and rescues those whose spirits are crushed (Ps 34:18). Only Christ can transform our lives.
Jacob’s settlement at Shechem: (Gen 33:18-20). Jacob traveled all the way to succoth which means “Shelters”. He bought the land and settled there. Like his father Abraham, he built an alter there and named it “El-Elohe-Israel” which means “God the God of Israel”. It was an act of faith on Jacob’s part. Jacob acknowledged that the Lord had led him all the way back to the land of Canaan. Naming the wells and alters commemorated the significance of their relationship to God. Only by God’s help we can live according to His will and become fruitful (John 15:5).
Jacob’s settlement at Shechem: (Gen 33:18-20). Jacob traveled all the way to succoth which means “Shelters”. He bought the land and settled there. Like his father Abraham, he built an alter there and named it “El-Elohe-Israel” which means “God the God of Israel”. It was an act of faith on Jacob’s part. Jacob acknowledged that the Lord had led him all the way back to the land of Canaan. Naming the wells and alters commemorated the significance of their relationship to God. Only by God’s help we can live according to His will and become fruitful (John 15:5).
Genesis 34
Revenge against Shechem: (Gen 34:1-31). Once Jacob settled in the land, Dinah, the daughter of Jacob went to visit young women of Shechem. The local prince saw her and raped her. He fell in love with her and wanted to win her affection by marrying her. He asked his father’s help to marry Dinah. When Jacob heard that Dinah was defiled, he kept quite till his sons got home. They considered this incident as a disgraceful thing and filled with anger. Israel was warned against intermarriage with Canaanites. Hamor spoke with Jacob and his sons and requested that his son may marry their daughter. He was willing to pay dowry they demanded. But Jacob’s sons responded deceitfully to Shechem and his father Hamor. The brothers refused the dowry and wanted that people should be circumcised to marry the Israelites. Hamor accepted their proposal and every male got circumcised. This was a deceitful plot of brothers to take revenge. While the people were in pain Simeon and Levi slaughtered the men and plundered the city. They took Dinah from Shechem’s house and returned to their camp. They looted all their wealth and took captive their children and wives. Jacob became very fearful and said, “You have ruined me and have made me stink among all the people”. He was afraid that this could bring serious reaction from the people of Shechem. But the brothers replied, “Why should we let him treat our sister like a prostitute”?
Israelites were not to associate with Canaanites and engage in intermarriage with them. They were told to destroy them completely before they could defile the Israelites in the promise land (Deut 20:16-18). Jacob could not bless Simeon but cursed Levi and Simeon for their anger toward the people of Shechem (49:5-7). Christians should be careful with whom they associate. They are called to live a separated life. But separation does not mean isolation. Here we are also warned against making deceptive covenant with others. God still can use those who repent of their sin and make them a blessing if they repent and identify with God. The tribe of Levi was chosen to be the priestly tribe for their dedication to God later (Ex 32:29).
Israelites were not to associate with Canaanites and engage in intermarriage with them. They were told to destroy them completely before they could defile the Israelites in the promise land (Deut 20:16-18). Jacob could not bless Simeon but cursed Levi and Simeon for their anger toward the people of Shechem (49:5-7). Christians should be careful with whom they associate. They are called to live a separated life. But separation does not mean isolation. Here we are also warned against making deceptive covenant with others. God still can use those who repent of their sin and make them a blessing if they repent and identify with God. The tribe of Levi was chosen to be the priestly tribe for their dedication to God later (Ex 32:29).
Genesis 35
Jacob’s return to Bethel: (Gen 35:1-15). Jacob was instructed to retuned to Bethel by God. He told everyone to get rid of all the pagan idols and earrings. Jacob buried them under an oak tree near Shechem. By burring the idols, Jacob had shown his devotion to God. Then Jacob set out for Bethel. Arriving back in Bethel Jacob remembered the oaths he made to God and built an alter to God and named it El-Bethel which means “God of Bethel”. Terror from God came upon people so that no one attacked Jacob’s family. Here we see the picture of revival in the life of Jacob. He was freed from fear and received direction from God. He returned to Bethel and built an alter for God and affirmed his faith in God. God revealed to Jacob as El-Shaddai, God Almighty”. Rebekah’s nurse, Deborah died, and she was buried below the oak tree. At Bethel God reconfirmed the promise he had made to Jacob earlier. Jacob’s name was changed to Israel as proof. God identified Himself as El-Shaddai which means, Almighty God who is sufficient for him in all situations. God promised to bless Jacob and said king would be included in his offspring. Jacob set a stone pillar to mark the place where God blessed him and anointed the pillar with olive oil. Jacob named the place “Bethel” which means house of God. Jacob’s life was transformed to serve God. He became a blessing to others. How about you?
The death of Rachel and Isaac. (Gen 35:16-29). Jacob settled in the promised land and Benjamin was added to his family. All other 11 sons were born in Padanaram. Rachel called her son Benoni which means “son of my sorrow”. Jacob called him Benjamin which means “son of my right hand”. Rachel died in childbirth, and she was buried on the way to Bethlehem. Jacob set up a stone monument over Rachel’s grave. While living in the promised land, Ruben engaged in incest with Jacob’s concubine and grieved the heart of Jacob. Jacob could not bless Ruben because of this sin. He forfeited his inheritance and birthright (Gen 49:3-4). The 12 sons who became heads of the tribes of Israel came from Jacob. Jacob returned to his father who lived in Mamre near Hebron. Isaac lived for 180 years and died in his age and joined with his people. His sons, Esau and Jacob buried him. It was an end of an era. God’s promises to Jacob were fulfilled. Jacob buried idols before he entered the promise land. Christians should bury anything more important than Christ in their life to be blessed and become useful. Ruben forfeited blessing because of sin. God does not tolerate sin. Rachel was buried with dignity. Christians bury their dead ones with dignity (Acts 8:2). Jacob fulfilled his vows he made to God. God is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Heb 11:6). What a faithful God we serve!
The death of Rachel and Isaac. (Gen 35:16-29). Jacob settled in the promised land and Benjamin was added to his family. All other 11 sons were born in Padanaram. Rachel called her son Benoni which means “son of my sorrow”. Jacob called him Benjamin which means “son of my right hand”. Rachel died in childbirth, and she was buried on the way to Bethlehem. Jacob set up a stone monument over Rachel’s grave. While living in the promised land, Ruben engaged in incest with Jacob’s concubine and grieved the heart of Jacob. Jacob could not bless Ruben because of this sin. He forfeited his inheritance and birthright (Gen 49:3-4). The 12 sons who became heads of the tribes of Israel came from Jacob. Jacob returned to his father who lived in Mamre near Hebron. Isaac lived for 180 years and died in his age and joined with his people. His sons, Esau and Jacob buried him. It was an end of an era. God’s promises to Jacob were fulfilled. Jacob buried idols before he entered the promise land. Christians should bury anything more important than Christ in their life to be blessed and become useful. Ruben forfeited blessing because of sin. God does not tolerate sin. Rachel was buried with dignity. Christians bury their dead ones with dignity (Acts 8:2). Jacob fulfilled his vows he made to God. God is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Heb 11:6). What a faithful God we serve!
Genesis 36
Descendants of Esau. This chapter gives the genealogy of Esau. They are also known as Edomites. They lived south of the ancient kingdom of Judah. Esau’s sons were born in the land of Canaan before they settled in the land of seir (Gen 36:5, 8). They were powerful landlords. Edomites had kings to rule over them before any king ruled over Israelites (Gen 36:31). Israel had no kings until the time of Soul (1 Sam 10). Jacob’s eleven sons were born in the land of Padanaram and then moved to the promise land. Isaac’s promise to Esau was fulfilled when Edomites settled to live away from Jacob (Gen 27:39-40). Jacob and sons sojourned in the land of Canaan and lived in tents. Unlike Esau, Jacob had no kings and lived by faith. Worldly blessings may come swiftly but Spiritual blessings demand patience and faith. There was always conflict between Edomites and Israelites. Christians live by faith and not by sight (2 Cor 5:7).
Genesis 37
Joseph’s Dreams: (Gen 37:1-11). Jacob settled down in the land of Canaan as a foreigner. The story of Joseph begins in this chapter and continued until chapter fifty. Joseph brought bad report about his half-brothers to his father Jacob. His brothers hated him for this. Jacob loved Joseph more than any of his other sons since he was born to him in his old age. He was the firstborn of Jacob’s favorite wife, Rachel. Joseph was offered the special gift of a beautiful robe of many colors. Jacob’s favoritism in the family made his brothers to hate Joseph. God confirmed Jacob’s choice of Joseph by two dreams. In the Old Testament, God revealed his will toward Israel by dreams (Gen 15:13; 28:12, 15). In these dreams God revealed that Joseph will be elevated to prominence over his brothers and his parent. Jacob scolded Joseph for his dream, but he wondered what these dreams meant. His brothers were jealous of Joseph.
Joseph Sold into Slavery: (Gen 37:12-36). Jacob’s sons went to take care of flocks at Shechem. When they had gone for some time, Jacob asked Joseph to go in search of them and bring report to him. When Joseph arrived Shechem he was told that they went to Dothan. So, Joseph followed his brothers to Dothan and found them there. When his brothers saw Joseph, they planned a plot to kill Joseph. Ruben wanted to save Joseph’s life and suggested that they should throw Joseph alive into an empty cistern. He was secretly planning to rescue Joseph and return him to his father. When Joseph arrived, his brothers ripped of his beautiful robe and threw him into a cistern. Judah then suggested that they may sell Joseph to passing Ishmaelites for 20 shekels.
They took Joseph to Egypt. His brothers decided to deceive Jacob by presenting the torn robe dipped in the blood. They said, “Look at what we found. Doesn’t this robe belong to your sons”. Jacob deceived his father and brother Esau. Again, the deception surfaced in the family. What we sow we will reap. Jacob recognized his son’s robe and was heartbroken. He refused to be comforted. Joseph was sold to Potipher, Pharaoh’s captain of the guard. In this chapter we see the story of hatred and deception. This tells us that human heart is wicked and deceitful above all things. Jacob’s sin of deception came back to haunt him. When we engage in deception, God cannot bless us, and we will suffer its consequences. God had to change the heart of Jacob. Now his sons need the change of heart as well. Joseph is picture of our suffering Savior. God allowed trials in Joseph’s life to prove his character, so that he could be exalted in due time.
Joseph Sold into Slavery: (Gen 37:12-36). Jacob’s sons went to take care of flocks at Shechem. When they had gone for some time, Jacob asked Joseph to go in search of them and bring report to him. When Joseph arrived Shechem he was told that they went to Dothan. So, Joseph followed his brothers to Dothan and found them there. When his brothers saw Joseph, they planned a plot to kill Joseph. Ruben wanted to save Joseph’s life and suggested that they should throw Joseph alive into an empty cistern. He was secretly planning to rescue Joseph and return him to his father. When Joseph arrived, his brothers ripped of his beautiful robe and threw him into a cistern. Judah then suggested that they may sell Joseph to passing Ishmaelites for 20 shekels.
They took Joseph to Egypt. His brothers decided to deceive Jacob by presenting the torn robe dipped in the blood. They said, “Look at what we found. Doesn’t this robe belong to your sons”. Jacob deceived his father and brother Esau. Again, the deception surfaced in the family. What we sow we will reap. Jacob recognized his son’s robe and was heartbroken. He refused to be comforted. Joseph was sold to Potipher, Pharaoh’s captain of the guard. In this chapter we see the story of hatred and deception. This tells us that human heart is wicked and deceitful above all things. Jacob’s sin of deception came back to haunt him. When we engage in deception, God cannot bless us, and we will suffer its consequences. God had to change the heart of Jacob. Now his sons need the change of heart as well. Joseph is picture of our suffering Savior. God allowed trials in Joseph’s life to prove his character, so that he could be exalted in due time.
Genesis 38
Judah and Tamar. (Gen 38:1-30). Judah left home and moved to Adullam, where he stayed with a man named Hirah. He married a Canaanite woman and they had three sons, Er, Onan and Shelah. God had forbidden intermarriage with Canaanites. Assimilation to world will always bring problems in the family. Judah arranged marriage for his firstborn, Er. He married a young woman named Tamar. He was wicked in the Lord’s sight and refused to have a child and he died. By the custom of Israel’s law of marriage, Onan had to marry Tamar to raise son for his brother (Deut 25:5-10). But he was also wicked in the Lord’s sight and refused to have a child who would not be his own. So, the Lord took his life. Judah refused to give his third son Shelah to Tamar when he grew up. Since Tamar was not allowed to marry Shelah, she took the matters into her own hands. She deceptively lured Judah into an immoral union with her pretending to be a temple prostitute. Judah pledge to send a goat for payment and left his identification to her. Later Judah asked his friend Hirah to find the girl. But he could not find the temple prostitute. So, Judah let her keep the things he gave her. About three months later, Judah was informed that Tamar was pregnant. Judah demanded that Tamar should be burned. She sent a message to Judah that she was made pregnant by the man who owned the identification she had sent. Judah recognized them and said, “Tamar is more righteous than I am, because I didn’t give her my third son, Shelah to marry her”. Judah never slept with Tamar again. Tamar gave birth to twins. While she was in labor one of the babies came out first but then pulled back his hand and his brother came out. So, he was named Perez and the second son who came out was named Zerah. The promise that the elder would serve the younger one was confirmed. The line of promise of Messiah came through Perez (Matt 1:3).
Genesis 39
Joseph in Potiphar’s House. (Gen 39:1-18). When Joseph was taken to Egypt, he was purchased by Potiphar, the captain of the guard for Pharaoh. The Lord was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did. So, he was put in charge of entire household. But Joseph was enticed to sleep with Potiphar’s wife. He refused to sleep with her. He said, “Potiphar held back nothing from me except you, then how can I do this wicked thing to him”. He wanted to be the loyal servant to his master. Joseph knew that it would be a sin against God. She kept pressuring on Joseph so one day he left his cloth in her hand and fled. He refused even to be around her. Joseph knew that he was called for a special purpose. He decided not to sin against God. Potiphar’s wife fabricated a lie to accuse Joseph. When Potiphar heard the story, he was furious. Thus, Joseph was falsely accused, and he ended up in the prison. This is the second time he was falsely accused in connection with cloth. But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison as well. God had shown his faithfulness and made the jailor to show favor to Joseph. He put him in charge of all prisoners. Four times in this chapter we see that “the Lord was with Joseph”. He was a faithful servant of God wherever he went. Despite all odds, Joseph decided to remain faithful to God. This is what required of ideal leadership. It is required in stewards that he should be found faithful (1 Cor 4:2). The foolishness of yielding to temptations can ruin the ministry and future. Joseph and Moses could not throw away God’s blessings for the passing pleasures of sin (Heb 11:25). God would honor those who honor Him (1 Sam 2:30). God would ultimately honor those who obey him no matter whatever may be the consequences.
Genesis 40
Joseph Interprets Dreams. (Gen 40:1-23). Pharaoh got upset about his chief cupbearer and baker and put them in the prison where Joseph was in charge. Each had a troubling dream one night. Joseph saw them troubled and asked them why they look so worried. Believers should be observant and take every opportunity to minister to others and share the gospel. They replied they both had dreams last night, but no one could tell them what they mean. Joseph told them “Interpreting dreams is God’s business”. Joseph never lost faith in God in anything he did including interpreting dreams. He was confident that God will help him to interpret the dreams of those two prisoners. The dreams are given in verses 9-11. The cupbearer’s dreams had a favorable interpretation. He will be restored to king’s service in three days. But the dream of the baker was not favorable. The birds were eating the bread from the basket on his head. The three basket represent three days and he would be executed by hanging and the bird would eat his flesh. The interpretation proved to be true. Joseph told the cupbearer that when he will be restored, remember and show him a favor so that he might be freed from the prison. But the cup bearer forgot all about Joseph. Yet Joseph trust in God and encouraged by the fact that his interpretations turned out to be true. Joseph had a steadfast faith in God despite all his bad circumstances. Faith is believing in the promises of God in all circumstances.
Genesis 41
Pharaoh’s Dreams: (Gen 41). Two years later Pharoah had two dreams that disturbed him greatly (Gen 41:2-7). None of the magicians or wise men of Egypt could interpret these dreams. Finally, the king’s chief cub-bearer remembered his failure and spoke to Pharoah about Joseph who interpreted his dream while in the prison. His interpretation came true after three days. Joseph was faithful to be remembered and be used of God. Even though the cub-bearer forgot Joseph for a while, God did not. Joseph was summoned to interpret the dreams. Pharoah told his dreams to Joseph. Joseph said that “the interpretation is beyond his power, but God can interpret Pharoah’s dreams”. He gave glory to God in all that he did. Both the dreams predicated seven years of plenty that would be followed by seven years of famine, and they would happen soon. Joseph devised Pharoah that wise planning needed to save the nation. When God speaks, He always demands a response from the hearers. This is true in the case of Gospel also. Pharoah recognized that Joseph was a man with the Spirit of God and said, “Can we find anyone else like this man filled with the Spirit of God to make wise decisions”. Wisdom comes from God for practical living. Pharoah put Joseph in charge of the entire land of Egypt and placed his signet ring of authority on Joseph finger. He dressed him in fine linen clothing, gave a gold chain around his neck and made him second in command. Nothing could be done in Egypt without Joseph’s approval. Joseph had been faithful over little things. Now God exalted him to become the ruler over Egypt under Pharoah. Peter wrote “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time (1 Pet 5:6). Joseph waited patiently for his dreams to come true. Waiting is not wasting in Christian life.
Joseph’s New Status: (Gen 41:47-57). Pharaoh gave Joseph and new Egyptian name, Zaphnath-Paaneah which means “God speaks and live”. He also gave him a wife, whose name was Asenath. She was the daughter of Potipherah, the priest of On. When Joseph took charge of Egypt, he was thirty years old, 13 years after he was sold by his brothers. As predicted the land produced bumper crops for seven years. Joseph gathered all the crops and stored the grain in storages in the cities. There was too much grain to measure. During this time two sons were born to Joseph and his wife. He named them Hebrew names. The older son was Manasseh and said, “God has made me forget all my troubles”. He named his second son, Ephraim and said, “God has made me fruitful in this land of my grief”. Despite his exalted position, Joseph did not abandon his Jewish heritage. The seven years of bumper harvest was followed by seven years of famine. People went to Joseph to buy grain from the storehouse throughout Egypt. People from all nations came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph because the famine was severe throughout the world. Joseph is a picture of Christ. Though rejected by all Jesus was exalted to be Savior of the world. How blessed to know all sufficient Jesus as our Lord and Savior!
Joseph’s New Status: (Gen 41:47-57). Pharaoh gave Joseph and new Egyptian name, Zaphnath-Paaneah which means “God speaks and live”. He also gave him a wife, whose name was Asenath. She was the daughter of Potipherah, the priest of On. When Joseph took charge of Egypt, he was thirty years old, 13 years after he was sold by his brothers. As predicted the land produced bumper crops for seven years. Joseph gathered all the crops and stored the grain in storages in the cities. There was too much grain to measure. During this time two sons were born to Joseph and his wife. He named them Hebrew names. The older son was Manasseh and said, “God has made me forget all my troubles”. He named his second son, Ephraim and said, “God has made me fruitful in this land of my grief”. Despite his exalted position, Joseph did not abandon his Jewish heritage. The seven years of bumper harvest was followed by seven years of famine. People went to Joseph to buy grain from the storehouse throughout Egypt. People from all nations came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph because the famine was severe throughout the world. Joseph is a picture of Christ. Though rejected by all Jesus was exalted to be Savior of the world. How blessed to know all sufficient Jesus as our Lord and Savior!
Genesis 42
Joseph’s Brothers go to Egypt. There was widespread famine in Canaan and surrounding nations. When Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt. He sent his sons down to buy food in Egypt. So, Jacob’s ten older sons went there to buy grain. But Jacob did not send his younger son Benjamin with them because of the fear that something bad might happen to him as it happened to Joseph. Since Joseph oversaw the selling grain, the brothers had to report to him. Joseph recognized them but pretended to be a stranger. Joseph asked them where are they from? They said they are from the land of Canaan. He accused them of coming to Egypt to spy the land. They gave the details of their family to Joseph and said that the youngest one is with their father and one of the brothers is no longer with them. Joseph demanded to bring their little brother as proof of that they are telling the truth and not spies. Joseph retained his brothers in prison for three days and released them. Joseph said, “I am a God-fearing man, if you do what I said, you will live”. In the Old Testament fear means reverential trust in God including hatred toward evil. Joseph kept Simeon in the prison while they return with Benjamin. Rubin reminded them of their sin of what they have done to their brother Joseph. On their way home they found the money on the top their sacks and they were terrified. When they arrived home, they told Jacob what happened to them while in Egypt. Jacob was deeply disturbed. Jacob was reluctant to send Benjamin with them. Ruben promised to bring Benjamin back or Jacob may kill his two sons. But Jacob refused to send Benjamin with them. What lesson we can take home? God used the famine to bring Israel into Egypt under Joseph that they may grow to become a great nation. God wanted that they should remain faithful to God. God permitted testing and trials in their life to prove the validity of their faith in God. They had to acknowledge their sin and forsake in order to be blessed. God causes all things to work together for good to them those who love God and called according to his purpose (Rom 8:238). God allows trials in life to produce character and conform us to the image of Christ (Rom 5:3-5). God disciplines Christians to restore them to his fellowship (Heb12:10).
Genesis 43
Joseph’s brothers return to Egypt. The famine became sever and the grain ran out in Canaan. So, Jacob asked his sons to go back to Egypt to buy more grain. Judah reminded Jacob that without Benjamin their trip will be in vain. Joseph said we will not see his face unless we bring our brother with us. At last Judah succeeded convincing Jacob to send Benjamin with them. Jacob suggested to take with some best product of Canaan with them to give to Joseph. They also took double the amount of silver with them. Jacob in his distress said “May God Elshaddai (almighty) give you mercy as you go before the man, so that he will release Simeon and let Benjamin return. But if I must lose my children, so be it”. When arrived in Egypt; they were taken to Joseph’s house. They were afraid that they are going to be captured and told the household manger what they saw at the top of their sacks, and they have brought additional money to pay for the grain. He told them to relax and said, “Your God, the God of your father must have put this treasure into your sacks”. The steward must have been informed about this by Joseph. Simeon joined them and they bowed down before Joseph fulfilling his dream. Joseph saw his brother Benjain and overcame with emotion and hurried into another room and wept. He ordered to bring food for all and served them in his own table. To their amazement, Joseph asked them to sit according to their age from oldest to the youngest. Joseph asked the welfare of their father. He gave five times more food to Benjamin than other brothers. They feasted and drank freely with Joseph. Joseph first confronted his brothers so that they may repent of their sin. His dealt with them graciously to bring salvation. Joseph’s dealing with his brothers gives us a foretaste of our future blessing with Christ. God sent his Son to provide salvation to sinners. Salvation is a gift of God, and we must receive it by faith. Are you saved?
Genesis 44
Joseph tests his brothers. When his brothers were ready to return to Canaan, Joseph instructed his steward to place his personal cup at the top of Benjamin’s sack. It was to test their integrity and concern for Benjamin. God permits tests in our lives to prove the integrity of our faith in Christ. Joseph asked his steward to pursue them to find out the cup in Benjamin’s sack and arrest him. Benjamin means “Son of the right hand”. This time his brothers had shown that they had repented of what they have done to Joseph. They return to Egypt and bow down before Joseph and was willing to become Joseph’s slaves. Judah again became the spoke person for the brothers and pleaded for mercy. He said that when Jacob sees Benjamin is not with them, he will die heart broken in sorrow. Thus, Judah had shown their concern for Benjamin and their father. Christians should show love and concern for fellow believers. He said that “God is punishing us for our sins” (Gen 44:16). The Bible says, “our sins will find us out”.
Genesis 45
Joseph reveals his identity. Joseph could not stand any longer with his emotion. He revealed his identity to his brothers. He broke down and wept over his brothers. The brothers were speechless and stood before Joseph unable to speak for fear of death. Joseph accomplished the work of reconciliation through testing his brothers. He said “I am Joseph, your brother whom you sold to slavery in Egypt. God sent me here to preserve your lives”. He acknowledged that God was preparing him to save lives. Then Joseph instructed them to go back to Canaan and tell their father what they had seen in Egypt and bring their family to Egypt. He promised to give them the best of the land in Egypt. He gave them all they needed for the journey including wagons and said, “Do not quarrel on their way”. So, they return to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan. They told him that Joseph is the governor of the land of Egypt. Jacob was stunned at the news and could not believe it. But when he saw the wagons, Joseph had sent to bring him to Egypt, he was revived. Jacob was near the end of his hope, but his hope was renewed and said, “It is enough my son Joseph is alive! I must go and see him before I die”. Thus, God’s promise to Abraham was fulfilled in the descendants of him (Gen 15:13-16). Israel multiplied in Egypt and became a great nation without losing their God given identity.
Genesis 46
Jacob’s journey to Egypt. So, Jacob took his journey for Egypt with all his children and possessions. When Jacob reached Beersheba where Isaac lived, he offered a sacrifice to God. During the night God spoke to Jacob in a vision and said, “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make your family a great nation and I will bring you back again”. How blessed to seek God for direction before we make decision! The number of children including the children of Joseph were 70. Their names are given in verses 8-27. The vision Jacob must have given courage and comfort to Israel to leave Egypt when Moses asked them to leave Egypt some 400 years later. God’s Word is always the source of comfort to His children. After 22 years, Joseph and Jacob were reunited, and Joseph wept. It was a confirmation to God’s promise. God’s promises are His sure Word. When they finally arrived in Egypt, Joseph gave them the fertile land of Goshen. Jacob saw Joseph and said, “Now I am ready to die, since I have seen you face again and know you are still alive”. Joseph said “I will go to Pharaoh and tell him that my family have come from the land of Canaan. These men are shepherds”. He instructed his brothers to say to Pharaoh that they raise livestock all their life. When you tell him this, he will let you live here in the Goshen, for the Egyptians despise shepherds. Joseph showed his respect to the custom Egyptians practiced and did not want to upset them. Christians should obey the law of the land and should have a respectful attitude toward governmental authority. They are subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and they are appointed by God (Rom 13:1). How blessed to reunite with our dear ones who departed before us!
Genesis 47
Jacob blesses Pharaoh. Pharaoh gave Jacob’s family the best part of the land, Goshen. He also gave the oversight of his own livestock. When Joseph took his brothers before pharaoh, he asked them what is their occupation? They said they are shepherds all their life and requested permission to live in the region of Goshen. He gave them the best land of Egypt. Then Joseph brought in his father, Jacob before Pharaoh. Jacob blessed Pharaoh. He asked Jacob, “How old are you?” Jacob acknowledged his troubled life of 130 years before Pharoah and said, “My life has been short compared to the lives of my ancestors”. Jacob blessed Pharaoh. Joseph proved to be a wise administrator in feeding the people because God was with him. People were willing to give everything in exchange of food because the famine was severe. Joseph provided them food and bought all the land of Egypt for Pharoah. He did not take the land that belonged to the priests. He gave people seed to plant the field. He said “One-fifth of the harvest belongs to Pharoah. Meanwhile the Israelites lived in Goshen, and they prospered and multiplied. God blessed them according to the promise He made to Abraham and became a great nation. God also blessed Pharoah because of Abraham (12:3). Jacob lived 17 years after he arrived in Egypt. When the time of his death was drawing near Jacob requested Joseph to swear that he would bury him where his fathers were buried. Jacob asked Joseph to put his hand under Jacob’s thigh to promise that he will do as he was told. It was a custom at that time. Jacob worshiped God bowing his head. Jacob believed that one day Israel will return to the promised land. How blessed to live by faith in God!
Genesis 48
Jacob blesses Ephraim and Manasseh. When Jacob was drawing near to death, Joseph took his both sons to Jacob. Jacob gathered his strength and sat up in his bed. He told Joseph how God appeared to him and blessed him at Bethel. Jacob gave the birth right to Joseph by elevating his two sons to the rank of firstborn son. They possess double inheritance. Joseph presented his two sons before Jacob and asked him to bless them. Jacob was half blind because of old age and asked Joseph to bring them closer to him. He said to Joseph “I never thought I would see your face again, but now God has let me see your children too”. Joseph positioned Menasseh at Jacob’s right hand and Ephraim at his left hand. Jacob crossed his arms and blessed the children, his right hand on the younger and left hand on the older (48:15-16). He prayed for God’s gracious blessing on the children. Joseph was upset then he saw what Jacob did. He wanted to correct Jacob. But he refused and said “I know my son, I know. Manasseh will become a great people, but his younger brother will become even greater”. Thus, Jacob put Ephraim ahead of Manasseh. For four consecutive generations the blessing of the younger over the elder repeated; Isaac over Ishmael, Jacob over Esau, Joseph over Ruben, and Ephraim over Manasseh. God’s way are not man’s ways. Where Isaac failed Jacob succeeded. Jacob was a man of faith and knew that one day God will take Israel back to their land. He gave double portion to Joseph. Jacob conquered this land from Amorites with his own hand. He blessed his children by faith. Christians do not live by sight but by faith (2 Cor 5:7). Without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb 11:6). Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ. Are you saved?
Genesis 49
Jacob blesses his sons. (Gen 49:1-28). Genesis 49 gives a picture of God’s plan for the nation of Israel. These are the last words of Jacob. The patriarch Jacob in faith blessed his sons. His last words include blessings, cursing, judgments, and promises. The enjoyment of these blessing depends on the faithfulness of the recipients. This is the general principle we find throughout the scriptures. Some scholars suggest that this is the picture of the judgment of Christ where Christians will be rewarded for their faithfulness service. This blessing is like the blessing of Noah’s blessings of his sons (Gen 9:24-27).
Jacob’s first born was Ruben but he forfeited his leadership position and double inheritance because of his uncontrolled lustful passion. He defiled the bed of Jacob by engaging in adultery with Jacob’s concubine (Gen 35:22). He is characterized as unstable water and indecision (Judges 5:15). Christians are indwelt by the Holy Spirit to control their passions (2 Tim 1:7).
Simeon and Levi were men of cruelty and violence. In their uncontrolled anger, they slaughtered people of Shechem. They are cursed for their anger and wrath toward innocent people. They will be scattered and dispersed among Israel. Later Levites stood with God and Moses when Israel engaged in Idolatry. God blessed them to become the priestly tribe in Israel.
Jacob predicted that Judah will be praised by his brothers. He is like a fierce lion and will have dominance over his enemies. Judah means praise. The scepter shall not depart from Judah. This is a prophecy about the Messiah who would come from the tribe of Judah. “Until the Shiloh come” refers to the coming of the Messiah from the tribe of Judah (49:10; Rev 5:5). He will prosper and become strong.
Zebulun will settle by the seashore and shall become a harbor for ship. He will be enriched by seaborne trade.
Issachar is a strong donkey and will be forced to work for others.
Dan will govern his people, like any other tribe of Israel. He shall be a serpent and bites the horse’s heel. He will choose treachery like poisonous snake. During the period of judges Dan was the first tribe fell into idolatry.
Asher’s food shall be rich and produce food fit for kings.
Naphtali is a doe set free that speaks beautiful words.
Joseph is a fruitful tree growing by a spring. Jacob gives him the double blessing by blessing both his sons. They will be strengthened by the almighty God. They will be victorious. This victory in battle was experienced by Joshua and Samuel. They are from the tribe of Ephraim. Gideon was from the tribe of Manasseh. Joseph got the double blessing of the first born. He is the prince among the brothers (Gen 41:41).
Benjamin is a ravenous wolf devouring his enemies in the morning and divide the spoil. King Soul was from the tribe of Benjamin.
The death and burial of Jacob. (Gen 49:29-33). Jacob said to his sons that he will die soon and join his fathers. He wanted that he should be buried in Canaan where his fathers were buried in the cave in the field of Machpelah in Canaan which, Abraham bought from Ephron the Hittite. When Jacob finished instruction to his sons, he drew up his feet into the bed and breathed his last and gathered to his people. He died at age of 147. It was journey of struggle, sorrow, and failures. He desired for God’s blessing in life and died as a man of faith blessing his sons. Jacob learned the lesson of trusting God whom he met at Bethel. He fought with God and prevailed.
Jacob’s first born was Ruben but he forfeited his leadership position and double inheritance because of his uncontrolled lustful passion. He defiled the bed of Jacob by engaging in adultery with Jacob’s concubine (Gen 35:22). He is characterized as unstable water and indecision (Judges 5:15). Christians are indwelt by the Holy Spirit to control their passions (2 Tim 1:7).
Simeon and Levi were men of cruelty and violence. In their uncontrolled anger, they slaughtered people of Shechem. They are cursed for their anger and wrath toward innocent people. They will be scattered and dispersed among Israel. Later Levites stood with God and Moses when Israel engaged in Idolatry. God blessed them to become the priestly tribe in Israel.
Jacob predicted that Judah will be praised by his brothers. He is like a fierce lion and will have dominance over his enemies. Judah means praise. The scepter shall not depart from Judah. This is a prophecy about the Messiah who would come from the tribe of Judah. “Until the Shiloh come” refers to the coming of the Messiah from the tribe of Judah (49:10; Rev 5:5). He will prosper and become strong.
Zebulun will settle by the seashore and shall become a harbor for ship. He will be enriched by seaborne trade.
Issachar is a strong donkey and will be forced to work for others.
Dan will govern his people, like any other tribe of Israel. He shall be a serpent and bites the horse’s heel. He will choose treachery like poisonous snake. During the period of judges Dan was the first tribe fell into idolatry.
Asher’s food shall be rich and produce food fit for kings.
Naphtali is a doe set free that speaks beautiful words.
Joseph is a fruitful tree growing by a spring. Jacob gives him the double blessing by blessing both his sons. They will be strengthened by the almighty God. They will be victorious. This victory in battle was experienced by Joshua and Samuel. They are from the tribe of Ephraim. Gideon was from the tribe of Manasseh. Joseph got the double blessing of the first born. He is the prince among the brothers (Gen 41:41).
Benjamin is a ravenous wolf devouring his enemies in the morning and divide the spoil. King Soul was from the tribe of Benjamin.
The death and burial of Jacob. (Gen 49:29-33). Jacob said to his sons that he will die soon and join his fathers. He wanted that he should be buried in Canaan where his fathers were buried in the cave in the field of Machpelah in Canaan which, Abraham bought from Ephron the Hittite. When Jacob finished instruction to his sons, he drew up his feet into the bed and breathed his last and gathered to his people. He died at age of 147. It was journey of struggle, sorrow, and failures. He desired for God’s blessing in life and died as a man of faith blessing his sons. Jacob learned the lesson of trusting God whom he met at Bethel. He fought with God and prevailed.
Genesis 50
The burial of Jacob. (Gen 50:1-14). Joseph wept over the death of Jacob and sought permission from Pharaoh to bury his body along with fathers in the cave of Machpelah. Separation is always grievous, but believers do not sorrow like those who do not have hope (1 Thes 4:13). Jacob body was embalmed for burial in the Egyptian manner. Pharaoh granted Joseph’s request to carry his father’s body to Canaan to be buried. He ordered his officials to accompany Joseph for the burial. Egyptian also mourned for Jacob. A great number of chariots accompanied the memorial procession. They carried Jacob’s body and buried it in the cave of Machpelah. It was a great burial service seen by the people. The death of God’s servants is precious in the sight of the Lord (Ps 116:15). Those who honor God will be honored (1 Sam 2: 30).
Joseph’s death and reassurance to his brothers. (Gen 50:15-26). After the burial of Jacob’s body, Joseph returned to Egypt. His brother remembered all they have done to Joseph and feared of retaliation from Joseph. They pleaded for forgiveness for the evil they have done to Joseph. They came and fell before him and said “Look, we are your slaves!” When Joseph saw them, he broke down and wept. He said, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for Good”. He spoke kindly to them and promised that he will provide for them. Joseph lived up to the age of 110 years and died in the land of Egypt. He made his brothers to solemnly promise that his bones would be taken to the Canaan when God deliver them from Egypt. Joseph lived to see three generations of his children. He assured his brothers that God will surely come to deliver them from Egypt. The Egyptians embalmed Joseph’s body and placed it in a coffin in Egypt.
Conclusion: The book of Genesis closes with promise and hope. It began with perfect creation but ends with death. The faithful Israel waited for the promise of God’s visitation. God sent Moses to deliver Israel from Egypt. But the greatest visitation promised is the coming of the promised seed (Gen 3:15). That long awaited promise fulfilled 2000 years ago when Jesus was born in Bethlehem. He came to bring an end to the curse of sin and to establish the reality of eternal blessing. All those who believe in Christ are blessed with eternal life, living hope and priceless inheritance in heaven. Now is the time to believe in Christ to receive these blessings. Have you believed Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? May God bless you!
Joseph’s death and reassurance to his brothers. (Gen 50:15-26). After the burial of Jacob’s body, Joseph returned to Egypt. His brother remembered all they have done to Joseph and feared of retaliation from Joseph. They pleaded for forgiveness for the evil they have done to Joseph. They came and fell before him and said “Look, we are your slaves!” When Joseph saw them, he broke down and wept. He said, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for Good”. He spoke kindly to them and promised that he will provide for them. Joseph lived up to the age of 110 years and died in the land of Egypt. He made his brothers to solemnly promise that his bones would be taken to the Canaan when God deliver them from Egypt. Joseph lived to see three generations of his children. He assured his brothers that God will surely come to deliver them from Egypt. The Egyptians embalmed Joseph’s body and placed it in a coffin in Egypt.
Conclusion: The book of Genesis closes with promise and hope. It began with perfect creation but ends with death. The faithful Israel waited for the promise of God’s visitation. God sent Moses to deliver Israel from Egypt. But the greatest visitation promised is the coming of the promised seed (Gen 3:15). That long awaited promise fulfilled 2000 years ago when Jesus was born in Bethlehem. He came to bring an end to the curse of sin and to establish the reality of eternal blessing. All those who believe in Christ are blessed with eternal life, living hope and priceless inheritance in heaven. Now is the time to believe in Christ to receive these blessings. Have you believed Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? May God bless you!
