Author Archives: Jefferson Vann
Joseph: the prisoners’ dreams
Genesis 40. Day after day, Joseph did his duty, attending to the other prisoners in “the pit” (15). He waited for some clue that God was not through with him – that he still had a destiny. That clue came … Continue reading
Joseph: Potiphar’s wife
Genesis 39. The ironies of Joseph’s story are many. Here is a man that God has destined for greatness – yet he winds up exiled from his people in a foreign land. He is “handsome in form and appearance” yet … Continue reading
Judah: for adults only
Genesis 38. This chapter interrupts the story of Joseph in Egypt, and is not likely to be made into a children’s cartoon. There is a clear picture of God’s judgment upon those who do evil (supposedly) in secret (Er, Onan, … Continue reading
Israel: losing the favorite son
Genesis 37. Israel had many sons, but Joseph was his favorite. Imagine the sorrow he must have felt when his other sons brought him the coat that he had given Joseph – battered and bloodied. No wonder he put on … Continue reading
Esau: blessed, but not the blessed
Genesis 36. This chapter contains mostly genealogical information about Esau and his descendants. It explains how his family became prominent in the land of Seir, and eventually possessed all the land. The Israelites in Moses’ day would call them the … Continue reading
Israel: assuming the mantle
Genesis 35. The ESV Study Bible writes that “Jacob moves by stages from Shechem to Bethel… During this journey a number of incidents occur” (including the deaths of Deborah and Rachel). At the end of his journey, he is “in … Continue reading
Jacob: tragedy at Shechem
Genesis 34. Two wrongs do not make a right. The rape of Dinah by Shechem was inexcusable. But the treachery of Jacob’s sons in insisting that the men of the town be circumcised – only to weaken them so that … Continue reading
Jacob: El-Elohe-Israel
Genesis 33. Jacob limps away from Peniel, where he had seen the face of God, and his life was delivered. He now meets up with his brother Esau – whom he hadn’t seen for 20 years. God has been at … Continue reading
Jacob: Peniel
Genesis 32. Jacob is at a crisis point in his life. He has left his father-in-law behind and responded to God’s call to go back to Canaan. He learns that Esau is preparing to meet him with a band of … Continue reading
Posted in deliverance, dependence upon God, Jacob, relationship with God
Tagged Genesis 32
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Jacob: Mizpah
Genesis 31. After 20 years of service to Laban, God had blessed Jacob with a large family and many possessions. In fact, his wealth had increased so much that he was now seen as a threat to Laban. Jacob leaves … Continue reading
