Genesis 33
Jacob reunites with Esau. I am sure this is not the response Jacob
expected from Esau (4). Jacob is very kind and gracious towards his
brother. I sense a change in Esau 4,9,11b,16. Does this indicate
that God dealt with his heart also during these years of separation
? 4-16. Jacob settles in Shechem where he builds an altar to the
Lord and it El-Elole Israel = God, The God of Israel 18-20.
Jacob now claims God as his own, not just the God of his fathers.
Note: God chose Jacob and Jacob chose God. Is Jesus your Lord ? Do
I claim Him as my own ?
Genesis 34
The events concerning Dinah and her brothers (the sons of Jacob).
Dinah is defiled 1-5. Jacob's sons use deception (13) to plot
revenge. It is interesting to note that circumcision, which for
them was a sacred rite (that reminded them of God's Covenant and
His relationship to them as His people), was used by them for
murder. The men of Shechem agree to this rite, not out of regard
for God or His covenant, because of the profit they could gain
21-23. Sad to say, that even today a person will agree to
'religious rites' in the name of Christ or the church, yet have no
reverence or regard for God. However God always takes note of our
actions and knows our hearts. He holds us accountable.
Genesis 35
God tells Jacob to, settle, and build an altar at Bethel. There are
still idols in their midst 1-4. Note: I have to rid myself of any
and all idols I have. God appears and gives Jacob the name Israel
and confers on him all the blessings of His Covenant. It was given
to Abraham, then passed to Isaac,and to Jacob (Israel).
Rachael dies as she gives birth to Benjamin 16-20. After burial
Israel moves on (21). Why is Jacob called Israel here and not
earlier 14-15,20,21 ? Jacob comes to His father Isaac who lived a
total of 180 years and then died. Both Jacob and Esau bury him.
27-29.
Genesis 36
Esau's descendants are listed here. Our knowing these facts help us
to understand some of the conflicts and enemies that are later
recorded in connection with the people and nation of Israel. Esau
is called Edom and lived in Seir (9). Amalek is seen in Exodus
17:8. It would appear that Esau's descendants were leaders - chiefs
15-19; one discovered hot springs 24, and then kings 31-39 long
before Israel had a king. What does it mean that Israel wanted a
king to be like the other nations, (ie. you mean the Edomites
43c)
Genesis 37
The focus from this point is connected with Joseph in characters
37-50. Joseph is one of several persons in the Old Testament who is
a type (foreshadowing) of Jesus Christ. Parallels can be seen and
these are ordained by God Himself. Jacob loved Joseph (his son) 3.
His brothers hated Joseph for this 4. Joseph had dreams and related
them to his brothers that cause them to hate him all the more 5-10.
They become jealous of him 11. They want to kill him 18-19. sold
him for silver 28, and then allow him to be taken off to Egypt.
Joseph ends up in Potiphar's house 36. (He has a connection to
Pharaoh). Jacob is again hurt by deception. While all this is
occurring God is at work accomplishing His plans. Note: How often
in my life is God doing something which I can not see in my
immediate circumstances ?
Genesis 38
Judah and Tamar shows the falleness of lives. God judges the
wickedness of Er and Onan by putting them to death 1-10. Record of
this account is not approving of the actions but shows the backdrop
of God's grace. Tamar becomes part of the ancestral line of the
Messiah (Jesus) through her son Perez (Ruth 4:12,18; Matthew 1:3)
Note: The pattern that the first is overtaken by the second is seen
again here and through the Scriptures. 38:27-29. (consider: First
Israel and then the Church)
Genesis 39
Joseph is in Potiphar's house 1-19. Repeatedly we read 'the Lord
was with Joseph' and he and others were blessed 2,5,21,23.
Joseph did not yield to temptation because of his fear of God above
all and everyone else (9). Do I have that same 'fear of God'
? Joseph ends up in prison and again the Lord was with him 21.
Note: It is not unusual to suffer for doing what is right in
obedience to Jesus Christ. (see: 1 Peter 2:18-25, 3:13-18,
4:12-16)
Genesis 40
God is working by bringing Joseph into contact with the cup bearer
and baker in prison 1-4. They were together for some time 4b. God
gives both of them dreams along with their interpretations
5-22. This is not to say that every dream we have is from God
and God is speaking in and through them. God chose to speak through
dreams that He gave. These were unique to the individual and
specific to a given circumstance. How did they know this was from
God ? It came to pass, just as God has said. Note: Be careful NOT
to 'find direction or insight' from dreams today. We now have a
clear, complete revelation of God and His will between the covers
of the Bible (in every word and on every page !)
Joseph is forgotten 23. Couldn't God have reminded the cup bearer ?
Yes, but is was not HIS time for Joseph to be released. God is at
work even in the 'apparent' times of silence and aloneness that we
all experience throughout life.
Genesis 41
Two full years later...(1) Pharaoh has dreams with cows 1-4 then
grain 5-7. The fact that he was so troubled and called for help
shows that these were no ordinary dreams or even a bad
nightmare.1-13. When Joseph answered "I can not (interpret
dreams)..." was there a 'gasp !' in the room ? He continued
"But God..." 16. God reveals what HE is about to do 28,28.
Note: God blesses so crops will grow and be abundant; He also sends
the drought and lean years, including famines 25, 28-29. This is
His doing ! One reason for this was to get His people into Egypt.
Then 400 years of slavery and bondage so He could deliver them and
make His great name known. Hum mm...God's ways are certainly not
our ways. Note: The God of the Scriptures is Sovereign. He rules in
and over all things for His own supreme honor and glory. Pharaoh
promotes Joseph to 2nd in command over all Egypt. Only GOD could
have brought this to pass and He did 33-34. Joseph marries, has
children, and rules in Egypt preparing wisely, thus many lives were
spared 46-57. There are many lessons for us here. No matter were
you are today, trust the Lord to mold you into the person He
desires you to be. In the process and in the goal He will use you
in great and small ways.
Genesis 42
The brothers of Joseph come to Egypt to but grain, but hey do not
recognize him 1-8. His dreams of twenty years ago come true (6b,9).
Does Joseph treat his brothers as he did to cause them to fear and
make them guilty 21-23 ? Note: When things get difficult they
'blame' God 27-28. Does that sound familiar ? Jacob is hurt again
by deception 36-38.
Genesis 43
Joseph's brothers come a second time to buy grain. God is mentioned
several times in this passage (14,23,29). They bow to Joseph;
something they said they would not do 26,28. They feast together
31-34. Joseph is setting them up to reveal his identity as the
account continues in the next chapters.
Genesis 44
The hidden cup in Benjamin's sack 1-13, becomes the 'spring board'
for Judah's 'confession' as he tells all 14-34.
Genesis 45
Joseph makes himself known to his brothers this 2nd time. As a type
of Christ, Jesus makes Himself known to the Jewish nation alive at
His 2nd coming 1-7 (Romans 11:25-32, Rev 1:7) Joseph declares the
sovereign rule and working of God who sent him to Egypt 5,7,8,9.
Note: This account reveals, in part, the mystery of God's sovereign
rule that includes the choices and actions we make. This is beyond
my ability to understand; I accept this as true, by faith ! By way
of application these truths comfort me to know I can trust a
sovereign God, at all times, for He is working all things for His
glory and my good. (Romans 8:28,29; 1Peter 4:19)
Genesis 46
Jacob comes to Egypt. God appears to him with the reassurance that
God will be with him and continue to bless him 1-4. We have the
same promise in Christ that He will never leave us nor forsake us.
(Hebrews 13:5) Verses 8-27 is a record of all who came to Egypt.
Jacob and Joseph reunite 28-30 Note: Can this be an insight into
the Father and the Son reunited ?? Joseph gives instruction as they
prepare to meet Pharaoh. 31-34.
Genesis 47
Jacob and his sons settle in the land of Goshen at the command of
Pharaoh. Jacob blesses Pharaoh 7, 10. Note: Those who know the true
and living God should seek to bless others - 1 Peter
3:9.
Throughout the years of famine the people of Egypt exchange their
money, livestock, and and even their very selves for food. 13-22.
The Egyptians are in bondage to Pharaoh owing him 1/5 of all their
crops. The Hebrews however are increased by God 27. Jacob asks to
be buried with his fathers. Joseph pledges to do this 28-31. Note:
"Israel worshiped as he leaned on top of his staff" (31b) Even a
physically weak, failing, fail man worships God and shows us how to
finish well in this life.
Genesis 48
Jacob makes Joseph's son Ephraim and Manasseh as his own 1-12. He
blesses them and places the younger above the elder in honor (at
his right hand) and blessing 12-20. Note: Jacob states God was his
Shepherd and the Angel who delivered him 15-16. Is the Lord your
shepherd as well ? (see: Psalm 23). Jacob gives Joseph a special
piece of land as an inheritance 21. Will Joseph enjoy this in the
kingdom yet to come ?
Genesis 49
Jacob blesses and prophecies over each of his sons. He gives
insight into their unique character and indicates certain details
concerning their descendants. They would be known for these things
and for the way God would use them. Note: This is a rich portion
worth studying to see how God brought these things to pass.Two
highlights-Judah means praise. A Ruler comes from him 'The Lion of
the tribe of Judah' 49:10, Revelation 5:5 (Jesus). Joseph is given
an extensive blessing 22-26. Being a type of Christ, we can see how
HE (Jesus) is blessed above His brothers - Phil 2:5-11.
Genesis 50
Joseph returns to the land of Canaan to bury his father as he
promised 1-6., 12-14. Jacob had a 'state funeral' 7-11. Note: Every
funeral has a solemn reminder that we are all subject to death
having descended from Adam, being sinners. However, this is not the
end of the story for Jacob or any of us who know The Lord Jesus
Christ as our savior. There is life beyond the grave and a
resurrection to come promised by the One who experienced both. (1
Corinthians15:3-4, 20-28).
Joseph's brothers ask for forgiveness. He forgives them and
reassures them that God used even this for good 15-21. Joseph lives
to be 110 years old. He wants his bones taken back to the 'Promised
Land' 25. One day, he will also be raised to everlasting life
through Jesus Christ (Daniel 12:1-3)