Genesis 40-42

What does it say?

Genesis 40 - While Joseph was in prison, Pharaoh became angry and placed his chief baker and his cup bearer in the same prison. These two men dreamed and Joseph interpreted their dreams for them by God. The cup bearer was restored to his office and the chief baker was hanged to his death. He had asked that the cup bearer remember him.

Genesis 41 - Two years later, Pharaoh had two dreams that disturbed him greatly. He dreamed that seven sleek and fat cows, were eaten by seven ugly and gaunt cows. He dreamed that seven plump ears of grain, were eaten by seven ears, scorched by the wind of the desert. The cup bearer told Pharaoh about Joseph. Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dream. He said that God was revealing to Pharaoh that seven abundant years would be followed by seven years of famine. The seven years of famine would be so divesting that no one would remember the seven abundant years. He also told Pharaoh that he should appoint a man to save one-fifth of all the produce during the seven abundant years, for food during the seven years of famine. Pharaoh appointed Joseph steward of Pharaoh’s house. Joseph became lord of the land, for his commands were second, only to Pharaoh’s. Joseph was given a wife and she bore him two sons: Manasseh the oldest and Ephraim the younger. 

Genesis 42 - Jacob sent his sons, except Benjamin, to the land of Egypt to by food for famine was in the land of Canaan. Jospeh recognized his brothers and told them that they could not return without their youngest brother Benjamin, he held Simeon hostage until they returned. This upset Jacob greatly, who cried out saying, “All of these things are against me.” Reuben offered his two sons for the life of Benjamin but Jacob refused him.

What does it mean?

Firstly, God is sovereign, not Pharaoh, nor any man. God is all powerful, all knowing and all good. Previously, what Joseph’s brothers meant for evil, God allowed for good. Joseph became lord of the land. If God wants man to know what he is going to do, he will reveal his plans to man but if not, it remains a mystery. Secondly, all that is produced during the abundant years of life should not be devoured. Years of famine come to everyone. We should save during the abundant years, so that we have during the years of famine. At some point, we will become old and sick; therefore, unable to work. We should save while we are young for substance when we are old, one-fifth is a good saving plan during our working years. Lastly, Jacob believed that all was against him but God was for him, for his son Joseph was being restored to him. 

What shall I do?

I shall trust that the Father God is all powerful, all knowing and all good. I may not understand God’s plan but I trust that he has a plan; his plan will work for good because he is good, his plan will be accomplished because he is all powerful, and he knows my thoughts because he is all knowing. Secondly, I shall save one-fifth of my income now because I know that I will reach a point in life when I am unable to work because of sickness or old age. I shall do this, not for myself only but also for my wife and family. Lastly, I shall remember that even though things might seem against me, the reality may be different than what I perceive.

Genesis 37-39

What does it say?

Genesis 37 - Joseph’s brothers were jealous of Israel’s love for him and even more so, when Israel gave him a special tunic. Jospeh related to them a dream in which their sheaves bowed down to their sheaves. This enraged his brothers. He also had a second dream in which the sun and the moon and the eleven stars bowed down to him. Joseph was sent by their father to his brothers. His brothers captured him and sold him to Ishmaelite traders who sold Joseph to Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh’s bodyguard. 

Genesis 38  - After this, there is an interluded, in which the story is hold of how Perez was born. (Perez and his mother Tamar are listed in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. [cf. Mt. 1:3]) Perez and Zerah were born to Judah from an elicit union. Judah had sex with his daughter in-law Tamar, who had disguised herself as a prostitute because Judah did not give her to his youngest son as wife, his eldest son, Tamar’s husband was dead and his middle son was dead as well. 

Genesis 39 - We return to Joseph and his story. Joseph became steward of the house of Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh’s bodyguard. By the hand of the Lord Joseph prospered in Potiphar’s house. He was put in charge of everything in the house. Potiphar’s wife was the only thing in the house that was withheld from Joseph. Potiphar’s wife attempted to seduce him and when he did not she lied and Potiphar put Jospeh in prison. The jailor favored Joseph because the Lord was with him.

What does it mean?

There is much typology in these three stories. In Joseph’s story he is a type of Christ. However, the antitype would eventually come from the union that Judah had with his daughter in-law Tamar. Like Jesus, Joseph, was sent by his father, to his brothers but they did not receive him. They sold him! In the story of Judah and Tamar we see how God will use evil for good. Through this union Perez is born, who is the descendant of David and Jesus Christ. Joseph’s story parallels Adam’s story in the garden; however, instead of eating the forbidden fruit, Jospeh is unjustly accused. Jesus would be unjustly accused and would be more than imprisoned; Jesus would suffer and die for the sins of Adam and all of mankind. 

What shall I do?

I shall realize that God’s will be done despite the wicked plans of men. Men do evil things all of the time but God is always working for good. God can use anything for good. At this point in Joseph’s story it does not seem for good but we will see that it will. To use a modern gospel phrase, which is often used incorrectly, God has a wonderful plan for Joseph’s life. The reason that I say, “the phrase is often used incorrectly.” God’s wonderful plan may not seem wonderful at the time. God had a wonderful plan to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world. All of Jesus’ apostles suffered and all but John were martyred. God had a wonderful plan for their lives. I work at the bedside in intensive care. I see a great deal of human suffering and death. I do not always see what God’s plan is for my life and for my patients but I shall trust the word of the Lord and know that God has a wonderful plan.

Genesis 34-36

What does it say?

Jacob’s sons were treacherous! Dinah the daughter of Leah laid with Schechem the son of Hamor the Hivite who coerced her. Hamor and Schechem came to Jacob to ask for Dinah’s hand in marriage, suggesting that the sons of Jacob take their daughters as wives. Jacob sons agreed but with treachery in their hearts because they suggested that Hamor, Schechem and all the men of the city be circumcised like Jacob’s sons. On the third day, while the Hivites were in pain, Jacob’s sons killed every male in the city, took back their sister, looted the city, the fields, the wealth, took their little ones and their wives. This worried Jacob because he could no longer have favor among the people of the land; therefore, he moved with his sons to Bethel, the place where he meet God when he fled from Esau’s anger. Jacob worshiped the God whom he meet at Bethel and walked with him during the time he was working for Laban. The Lord changed his name to Israel and told him that he would be a nation; and that a company of nations and kings would come from him. He also promised him and his descendants the land which he gave to Abraham and Isaac his fathers. Debrah the mother of two of his sons died on the journey to Bethel. Rachel also died while giving birth to his twelfth son Benjamin. After this, Isaac died and the two brothers, Jacob and Esau buried him; therefore , the sons of Jacob are named and the descendants of Esau are named. After the death of Isaac, Jacob and Esau separated. The descendants of Esau became the Edomites and the descendants of Jacob the Israelites. 

What does it mean?

Two wrongs do not make a right but God will use evil for good. What Schechem did was wrong but what the sons of Jacob did was even more wrong. They lied, murdered, pillaged and enslaved many for the wrong done to their sister. Was it wrong that Schechem forced Dinah to have sex with him? Absolutely! However, it was Schechem whom they needed to deal with and not an entire city and not the innocent. Murdering many men because of the wrong done by one man treacherous. Taking the wealth that belongs to those men and there children. Taking their children and their wives, likely as slaves, is just unspeakable treachery and I think that the law agrees. Exodus 22:16-17 (NASB) “If a man seduces a virgin who is not engaged, and lies with her, he must pay a dowry for her to be his wife. If her father absolutely refuses to give her to him, he shall pay money equal to the dowry for virgins.” God uses man’s evil to bring about good. This caused Jacob to depend on the Lord and move his family to Bethel where he worshiped the Lord and he taught his children to worship the Lord.

What Shall I do?

Jesus said in Luke 6:27-31 (NASB) “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either. Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back. Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.” Should men take the law into there own hands? Jesus Christ was marred more than any man. Jesus’ arrest, suffering and death by crucifixion was the worst wrong ever committed. While on the cross Jesus said, Luke 23:34 (NASB) “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” I shall not follow the sons of Jacob but I shall follow Jesus Christ. Anger is such an easy response but the noble way is to love ones enemies.

Genesis 31-33

What does it say?

Jacob no longer had favor with laban; therefore, he took all that he acquired while working for Laban and departed for the land of Canaan. Rachel, his wife, stole idols from Laban and hid them. Laban chased after Jacob but did not attack because he was warned by God in a dream; therefore, he made a covenant with Jacob. He made Jacob swear before God but did not do so from his own fear of the Lord but Jacob swore by the fear of his father Isaac. Jacob feared Esau, so he sent before him a gift of livestock and divided his positons and persons, so that all could not be attacked at once. Jacob wrestled with God all that night and God changed his name to Israel, for he wrestled with God and with men and prevailed; however, Jacob was injured and limped thereafter. Esau received Jacob and received Jacobs gift; therefore, Jacob entered the land and settled near the city of Shechem in the land of Canaan. 

What does it mean?

Life is a struggle and it is impossible to live in this world without some contention. If you work hard and prosper, someone will be jealous. If you live obedient to the word of the Lord, someone will call you pious or self-righteous. If you proclaim the word of God, you may be called judgmental. It is impossible to live in this world without contention. The best that we can do is live according to the Word of the Lord, observing all that Jesus commanded. Christian children are taught to observe the Word of the Lord and they may do so, from our fear of the Lord and not their own. Every believer must meet the Lord. Jacob saw the Lord as the God of his fathers. He first meet the Lord at Bethel and saw that the Lord caused him to prevail while working for Laban. Jacob still struggled with unbelief. He wrestled with the Lord and came face to face with God. A child may observe the Word of the Lord because of his/her parents fear but at some point they will need to wrestle with the Lord face to face. 

What shall I do?

There are two things that the early church did: They told people about a man and a gift. The man is Jesus and the gift is eternal life in the kingdom of God. I shall not worry about the struggles in this life and all who might contend with me. I shall tell people about the free gift of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. I cannot make anyone believe. Everyone must come face to face with God. Everyone struggles with God and with man. Belief in Jesus Christ means piece with God but it will cause difficulties with the flesh. The flesh and the spirit never get along. However, I shall wrestle with the flesh but only in Jesus Christ shall I prevail. 

Genesis 29-30

There are two main ideas in this text: Man is sinful and God is righteous. One cannot read the things that either Jacob or Laban did and be proud of either. Scripture is amazing because here is a story that paints the nation of Israel in a bad light. The law prohibits marrying two sisters, yet the nation of Israel began this way. Jacob desired Rachel but he was given Leah as a wife first. Leah would bare six of the twelve tribes of Israel, namely Levi and Judah; Levi would become the priestly line and Judah the royal line through whom David and Jesus came. Because of the rivalry of two sisters having the same husband, each used her maid, which Jacob took as wives also, and each maid bore him two children a piece. Rachel remained barren but eventually she gave birth to Joseph, Joseph would become two tribes in the northern kingdom and be divided from his brother Judah in the southern kingdom. We would hear no more of Joseph after the exile but Judah, Leah’s son. would become prominent. Children can be born from fornication, adultery and many other sinful unions but marriage is between one woman and on man for life. Though Jacob desired Rachel, it was God’s will that he should marry Leah and he used Laban’s deception to bring this about. It was also God’s will to prosper Jacob and the Lord used Laban’s greed to prosper Jacob by turning Laban’s plan to Jacobs favor.

I understand that the Lord works in mysterious ways. God is sovereign over all things, which includes the affairs of the heart and the economy of man. I do not understand what is happening in our world today. There is a global pandemic that has spread from a single place in China to the entire world. It has been somewhat squelched by the government’s influence but now another situation has occurred where large numbers of people are rioting together in the city against the police. Will this cause the virus to spread wildly? How will the Lord use the anger of these people to bring about his will? I do not know the answer to these questions but I do know that I shall trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28, NASB) 

Much in the story of Jacob, Laban, Leah and Rachel are so very strange to us. However, relationships are still strange and men are still greedy. These things are just played out today, in differing ways, in a different culture. The main idea that we should glean from this text: Though man is by nature sinful, God is Sovereign over all and His will, will be done.

Genesis 26-28

What does it say?

Isaac had it in his mind to go to Egypt because a famine struck the land of Canaan but God commanded that he stay in the land and He reaffirmed the promise that He made to Abraham with Isaac and his descendants. Isaac lived among the Philistines in Gerar, and lied, saying that Rebekah was his sister but Abimelech saw Isaac caressing his wife; Abimelech rebuked Isaac because one of his people might have sinned and brought guilt upon the community. The Lord made Isaac prosperous and the Philistines became jealous. They quarreled over the wells that Isaac dug and he moved each time, untll he came to a well that no one quarreled over. Isaac went to Beersheba and the Lord appeared to him, and spoke to him, and said that He would bless Isaac for Abraham’s sake; therefore, Isaac worshiped the Lord. Abimelech of the Philistines came and made a covenant with Isaac at Beersheba because he saw that God was blessing Isaac. Esau married two Hittite women, and this brought grief to his parents. When Isaac became old he set it in his mind to bless his older son Esau. Rebekah wanting Jacob to receive the blessing, disguised him to smell and feel as Esau. Jacob deceived his father Isaac, and lied, saying that he was Esau; Isaac believed that he was Esau and gave Jacob his blessing. When the deception was found out, Esau wept because his father had made his brother Jacob master. Isaac prophesied that Esau will serve Jacob but will become restless and break away from Jacob’s rule. Esau hated Jacob, so his mother sent Jacob to her brother Laban until Esau’s anger subsides. Isaac blessed Jacob and sent him away to live with Laban, Jacob’s uncle and obtain a wife from his cousins. When Esau saw that his wives displeased Isaac and Rebekah he took a third wife but this time from the daughters of Ismael. Jacob stopped at a crossroads and slept, there he dreamed and saw a ladder between earth and heaven; the angles ascended and descended on the ladder with God at the top who spoke and affirmed the covenant that he made to Abraham and Isaac with Jacob. Jacob anointed the stone that he had rested his head on with oil and called it the house of God. He vowed that if the Lord kept him on his journey, then the Lord would be his God and he vowed to give a tenth back to the Lord. 

What shall I do?

Abraham, Isaac and Jacob all lied to protect themselves and to gain for themselves. Should I emulate their behavior because God did bless these three men? God blessed them despite of their deceptive ways. The Lord had a plan to bless all of the nations of the earth (cf. Gn.26:4) and that plan went through Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. God’s plan would not be detoured by their lying ways. In fact, the Lord used their lying to bring about His greater good. The question remains, should I be a liar like Abraham, Isaac and Jacob? The answer is no! God is truth and Jesus Christ is the image of the invisible God. I am a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ and not a follower of these men. Jesus, through Mary, his mother, descended from Jacob but He is not like Jacob, He is like the Father God. Why did God go about blessing the entire world in this way? I do not know; however, I trust that He did, and I shall follow, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who is God in human flesh. I shall give my body as a living and holy sacrifice to God, which is my spiritual service of worship. I shall not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the Word and Spirit of God. 

Genesis 24-25

What does it say?

Abraham sent his oldest and most trusted servant to take a wife for Abraham’s son Isaac from among Abraham’s relatives but not from the Canaanites. Abraham believed that the Lord would guide his servant to the woman whom Isaac would marry. Abraham’s servant took 10 camels and a variety of goods to the city of Nahor, Abraham’s brother; when he arrived at the well, he asked the Lord to reveal the woman when she showed him kindness by offering him and his camels water from the well. Rebekah was Isaac’s second cousin and she came to draw water which she offered to Abraham’s servant and she watered his camels. He gave her jewelry and asked if he might lodge with her family and she gladly agreed. Laban, Rebekah’s brother took care of the man’s needs, feeding and bedding his camels, and when they all sat down to eat a meal together, the man revealed his purpose for coming. He also revealed his prayer by the fountain of water regarding the woman who would show him kindness by giving him a drink of water from her jar, also drawing water for his camels. He told them while he was yet praying these things to the Lord Rebekah arrived and did as he asked the Lord; therefore, he worshiped the Lord on the spot. Laban, Rebekah’s brother and Bethuel, her mother saw Rebekah’s calling as from the Lord; therefore, they would not question it. The servant of Abraham feasted with Rebekah’s brother and mother along with the men who came with him. He also gave to Rebekah, Laban and Bethuel gifts. Rebekah willingly departed her family to become the wife of Isaac and her family gave their blessing that she might prosper in the marriage. The servant brought Rebekah to Isaac and he loved her and took her as his wife. Abraham took a wife named Keturah after Sarah’s death; she bore him six sons but only Isaac, the son of Sarah received the inheritance. Abraham died at the age of one hundred and seventy-five; Ishmael and Isaac together buried him in the cave with Sarah. Ishmael settled east of Egypt and lived one hundred and thirty-seven years, his settling was in defiance of his relatives. Rebekah gave birth to twin boys after a difficult pregnancy and the Lord told her that two nations would come forth from her womb. Esau was a hunter and Jacob stayed near the tents; Esau was Isaac’s favorite and Jacob was Rebekah’s favorite; Esau sold Jacob his birth rite for a bite of stew. 

What shall I do?

Abraham’s servant was given a great responsibility and did what he was assigned to do, for which he received no glory because he is unnamed in the story. Though Abraham had a son from Hagar, Sarah’s maid, and took another wife, Keturah after Sarah’s death, he was buried with Sarah, his one true bride. Marriage is between one man and one woman for life. Children might come from fornication, adultery, or multiple marriages but only one marriage is from the Lord. I have been studying how the gospel spread during the first three centuries of the church. It was not spread by the apostolic writers that followed after the apostles, but was spread by men and women unnamed in the historical record. They received no glory, for the glory belongs solely to the Lord. First, I shall serve the Lord, expecting nothing in return. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:5, “For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake.” I have already been given what I do not deserve. I have the promise of eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Second, I shall love Darlene, the wife of my youth, all the days of my life on earth. She was given to me as a wife from the Lord. She is my one true bride and there will never be another. I shall love her always, as I love myself.