Tag: scripture
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Genesis 32: Jacob’s Final Blessing
Jacob, after fleeing his uncle who wants to kill him, now finds out that his brother is headed this way who Jacob believes also wants to kill him. After making preparations to meet his brother, Jacob finds himself completely alone in the dead of night when a mysterious stranger approaches him and punches him right…
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Genesis 31: Jacob Departs From Laban
God told Jacob to return to his home so Jacob deceived Laban one last time and left without telling him. Laban found out and pursued Jacob with the intention of killing him. Now Jacob is stuck between an uncle who wants to kill him and a brother who wants to kill him. Sources: Wiersbe, W.…
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Genesis 30: A Nation Is Born
In the first half the chapter, the feud between Rachel and Leah escalates and their weapons are their children. But the author clearly shows preference for one sister over the other. In the second half, we’re treated to a strange story about a shepherd using sticks to make white sheep produce spotted offspring. Did Jacob…
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Genesis 29: A Deceived Deceiver
Jacob flees from his home and travels east to his uncle Laban where he meets Laban’s daughter Rachel. Jacob is immediately smitten so he negotiates a deal with Laban to work for seven years to marry his daughter. After the seven years are up Jacob takes his new wife into his tent but in the…
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Genesis 28: Stairway To Heaven
After Jacob flees from his home, he stops in Bethel and has a dream. A stairway and heaven are involved. Also, Jacob tries to bargain with God after He appeared to Jacob in the dream and gave him the covenant promise of his grandfather Abraham. Sources: Armstrong, S. (2012, June 24). Genesis 2011 – Lesson…
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Genesis 27: Family Conspiracy
Isaac conspires with Esau to give him the birthright behind Jacob’s back. Rebekah conspires with Jacob to pretend he is Esau and get his father’s blessing before Esau returns. No one is innocent here. Sources: Armstrong, S. (2012, May 29). Genesis 2011 – Lesson 27A. Verse By Verse Ministry International. https://versebyverseministry.org/lessons/genesis_2011_lesson_27a Guzik, D. (2018). Genesis…
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Genesis 26: God’s Grace On Isaac
Isaac embarks on his own faith journey when he encounters a famine just like Abraham did. How will he respond when he faces opposition in the wilderness? Sources: Sauter, M. (2023, April 16). Who Were The Philistines, And Where Did They Come From?. Biblical Archaeology Society. https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/people-cultures-in-the-bible/who-were-philistines-where-did-they-come-from/ Guzik, D. (2018c). Study Guide for Genesis 26.…
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Genesis 25: The Next Generation
After wrapping up Abraham’s legacy, Isaac and Rebekah give birth to twins. God tells Rebekah that the younger son will be the chosen son to carry the promised Seed. But we have a problem: he just seems so… snake-y. Sources: American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise. (1998). Edom. Jewish Virtual Library. https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/edom Armstrong, S. (2012, April 23). Genesis…
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Genesis 24: The Search For A Bride
A relatively straightforward story about a man looking for a bride for his son reveals much more about God’s long term plan when examined closely in this episode. Sources: Guzik, D. (2018). Study Guide for Genesis 24. Blue Letter Bible. https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/genesis/genesis-24.cfm Gonzalez, N. (2017, June 23). Do Camels Store Water in Their Humps?. Encyclopedia Britannica.…
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Genesis 23: A Field Purchased In Faith
Sarah is dead so Abraham needs to find a place to bury her. He purchases a field from the Hittites but there’s much more going on here than meets the eye. Abraham is looking toward a greater future through the simple act of burying his dead. Sources: Guzik, D. (2018). Study Guide for Genesis 23.…
Beyond The Basics 