Genesis

Although Jacob had returned to Canaan at the express command of the Lord, it almost seemed like he had jumped from the frying pan into the fire. And also the possibility of retreat had been effectively cut off by an angry uncle “–thou shalt not pass over this heap and this pillar unto me, for harm.” So […]

After an absence of 20 years, Jacob’s introduction to Canaan had been rather daunting. First of all, his uncle had pursued him over the border, and had it not been for God’s intervention, probably would have finished him off. Now he faced the prospect of a very angry brother whom he knew he had greatly wronged, a

Even though Laban had changed his bargain 10 times, God made sure that Jacob came out on top every time. Genesis 30:43 “And the man increased exceedingly, and had much cattle, and maidservants, and menservants, and camels, and asses.“ Under the new contract, he was making up for lost time, but Laban didn’t see it

Jacob had arrived in Haran with everything on his side. In spite of his schemes, he had left home in honour, his father’s blessing ringing in his ears, and being now the possessor of the Abrahamic Covenant. And if that were not enough, God had spoken to him in a dream, and assured him of His care. Genesis 28:15

It had been years since Laban heard from Rebekah.  Indeed, it almost seemed that he had never had a sister. Then one day his daughter burst through the door with the exciting news that Rebekah’s son was down at the well!  Genesis 29:13-14  “And it came to pass, when Laban heard the tidings of Jacob his sister’s

Fearing that her scheme would end in disaster, Rebekah resorted to deception once again. Genesis 27:46 “And Rebekah said to Isaac, I am weary of my life because of the daughters of Heth: if Jacob take a wife of the daughters of Heth, such as these which are of the daughters of the land, what

The moment Esau cried “Let my father arise, and eat of his son’s venison,” Isaac was shaken out of his spiritual lethargy. The lights came on, and he suddenly realized  that God had overruled him. To be sure, God had never sanctioned Rebekah’s little scheme, but the bottom line was, God’s blessing had been bestowed upon God’s man. You

Genesis 26 ended with good news and bad news. Jacob was back in Beersheba and enjoying fellowship with the Lord. However, his eldest son, Esau, had married two daughters of the land, “Which were a grief of mind unto Isaac and to Rebekah.” ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Chapter 27 jumps ahead in time, and we

With the spectre of famine dogging his steps, Isaac made a bad decision. Yes, he was probably on his way to Egypt when God stopped him. Genesis 26:2  “And the LORD appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt ; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of.” Isaac obeyed God’s command and forsook Egypt , which in

In last week’s lesson, Rebekah inquired of the Lord concerning the struggle going on within her. Genesis 25:23  “And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall