Angels of God Meet Jacob (Genesis 32:1-2) Genesis 32 opens with a reminder of God’s presence and protection. As Jacob continues his journey toward Canaan, “the angels of God met him.” (Genesis 32:1) Jacob recognizes this encounter as significant and names the place Mahanaim, meaning two camps (Genesis 32:2). The name likely reflects the idea … Read more
Jacob Hears of Laban’s Sons’ Complaints and Sees Laban’s Changing Attitude (Genesis 31:1-3) Genesis 31 begins with rising tension. Jacob hears that Laban’s sons are grumbling: “Jacob hath taken away all that was our father’s; and of that which was our father’s hath he gotten all this glory.” (Genesis 31:1) This shows envy and resentment … Read more
Rachel’s Barrenness and Her Proposal to Jacob (Genesis 30:1-4) Genesis 30 opens with Rachel deeply envious of her sister Leah, who has already borne four sons to Jacob (Genesis 29:31-35). The text says: “And when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister; and said unto Jacob, Give me children, or … Read more
Jacob Arrives in the Land of the Eastern Peoples (Genesis 29:1-8) Genesis 29 opens with Jacob continuing his journey from Bethel toward Haran after his divine encounter with God (Genesis 28:10-22). The text says: “Then Jacob went on his journey, and came into the land of the people of the east.” (Genesis 29:1) Upon arrival, … Read more
Isaac Sends Jacob to Find a Wife (Genesis 28:1-5) Genesis 28 begins with Isaac formally blessing Jacob again before sending him to Padan-aram to find a wife from Rebekah’s family. This action follows Rebekah’s concern about the grief caused by Esau’s marriages to Hittite women (Genesis 27:46). Isaac charges Jacob not to take a wife … Read more
Isaac’s Intention to Bless Esau (Genesis 27:1-4) Genesis 27 opens with Isaac in his old age, his eyesight failing: “And it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called Esau his eldest son…” (Genesis 27:1). Believing his death was near, Isaac desired … Read more
Isaac’s Sojourn in Gerar During Famine (Genesis 26:1-6) Genesis 26 begins with a famine striking the land, reminiscent of the famine in Abraham’s time (Genesis 12:10). Isaac, like his father, moves to Gerar, a Philistine territory ruled by King Abimelech. This journey mirrors Abraham’s earlier migration to Egypt and Gerar, showing a pattern of God’s … Read more
Abraham’s Later Life and Death (Genesis 25:1-11) Genesis 25 begins by detailing Abraham’s later years. After the death of Sarah, Abraham took another wife, Keturah, who bore him six sons (Genesis 25:1-2). This section highlights that while Isaac remained the child of promise and heir of the covenant, Abraham’s lineage through Keturah also multiplied and … Read more
Abraham’s Concern for Isaac’s Marriage (Genesis 24:1-4) As Genesis 24 begins, Abraham is now an old man, and he expresses concern about securing a proper wife for his son Isaac: “And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things. And Abraham said unto his eldest servant … Read more
The Death of Sarah and Abraham’s Mourning (Genesis 23:1-2) Genesis 23 begins with the solemn account of Sarah’s death: “And Sarah was an hundred and seven and twenty years old: these were the years of the life of Sarah. And Sarah died in Kirjatharba; the same is Hebron in the land of Canaan: and Abraham … Read more