Read Genesis 50.15-26.
Joseph once again forgives his brothers.
In verse 18: The brothers's words are here as your slaves, unintentionally anticipates the slavery of the Israelites in Egypt in Ex 1.8-14.
In verses 19-21: Joseph's words sound the overriding theme of the Joseph story: the diven ability to guide events and to turn evil into good.
In verse 25: The book of Genesis ends with the promise to Joseph that his body would be buried in the land of Canaan.
The Israelites fulfill the promise in Ex 13.19 and Josh 24.32.
Comments and Questions..
Sunday, March 31, 2019
Friday, March 29, 2019
Reading for April 7th
Read Genesis 50.1-14.
Jacob is embalmed and buried.
in verse 2: To embalm the dead body of Jacob was an Egyptian custom of treating the corpse so that it would be preserved.
The preservation would allow Joseph to return the body to Canaan and bury it there as Jacob had requested.
Comments or questions..
Jacob is embalmed and buried.
in verse 2: To embalm the dead body of Jacob was an Egyptian custom of treating the corpse so that it would be preserved.
The preservation would allow Joseph to return the body to Canaan and bury it there as Jacob had requested.
Comments or questions..
Reading for April 6th
Read Genesis 49.1-33
Jacob's last words to his sons.
Jacob's deathbed blessing of his sons is ancient Hebrew poetry, although the varied blessings and condemnations may reflect later historical fortunes (v.28).
In verses 3-4: Reuben should be exalted as Jacob's firstborn son, but he will be demoted in status because he defiled his father's bed.
Reuben had sexual relations with one of Jacob's concubines (35.22).
In verses 5-7: Jacob's condemnation of Simeon and Levi stems from their leadership in the violent killing of the men of Shechem (34.25-26, 30).
Jacob's pledge to divide and scatter them points to Simeon's absorption into the tribe of Judah (Jos 19.9) and Levi's becoming a landless priestly tribe (Num 18.6-7, 20).
In verses 8-12 The name Judah puns on the phrase shall praise you ("yoduka").
These verses anticipate the preeminence and prosperity of the royal line of King David, who arose out of the tribe of Judah.
In verse 16: The name Dan plays on the verb judge ("yadin").
In verse 19: The name Gad plays on the words raided, raiders, and raid ("god").
In verses 22-26: This large section celebrates the future fertility and strength of the tribe of Joseph,
In verses 29-30: Abraham's purchase of the burial cave is recounted in 23.1-20.
Comments of Questions..
Jacob's last words to his sons.
Jacob's deathbed blessing of his sons is ancient Hebrew poetry, although the varied blessings and condemnations may reflect later historical fortunes (v.28).
In verses 3-4: Reuben should be exalted as Jacob's firstborn son, but he will be demoted in status because he defiled his father's bed.
Reuben had sexual relations with one of Jacob's concubines (35.22).
In verses 5-7: Jacob's condemnation of Simeon and Levi stems from their leadership in the violent killing of the men of Shechem (34.25-26, 30).
Jacob's pledge to divide and scatter them points to Simeon's absorption into the tribe of Judah (Jos 19.9) and Levi's becoming a landless priestly tribe (Num 18.6-7, 20).
In verses 8-12 The name Judah puns on the phrase shall praise you ("yoduka").
These verses anticipate the preeminence and prosperity of the royal line of King David, who arose out of the tribe of Judah.
In verse 16: The name Dan plays on the verb judge ("yadin").
In verse 19: The name Gad plays on the words raided, raiders, and raid ("god").
In verses 22-26: This large section celebrates the future fertility and strength of the tribe of Joseph,
In verses 29-30: Abraham's purchase of the burial cave is recounted in 23.1-20.
Comments of Questions..
Thursday, March 28, 2019
Reading for April 5th
Read Genesis 48.1-22
Jacob blesses Joseph's two sons.
In verse 3: Jacob refers to God's first blessing given to him at Bethel (also know as Luz) in 28.10-22.
In verses 5-6: Jacob adopts hos two grandsons, Ephraim and Manasseh, as his own sons on a par with the oldest sons, Reuben and Simeon.
This action explains why Manasseh and Ephraim will be listed in place of Joseph in later lists of the twelve tribes of Israel (Num 1.32-35; Josh 17.17).
These tribes were dominant in certain periods of Israel's history.
In verses 13-14: The blessing by Jacob (also known as Israel) with the right hand would imply a more favored status than a blessing with the left hand.
The firstborn son would normally receive the right hand blessing, but Jacob lays his right hand on Ephraim, who was the younger (v. 14).
In verse 19: Old blind Jacob (v. 10) refuses Joseph's request to give the favored right-hand blessing to the elder Manasseh.
The scene is a replay of the elderly and blind Isaac blessing the younger Jacob in place Esau (27.1-40).
In verse 22: Jacob gives to Joseph the portion I took from the Amorites in battle.
The word for portion ("shekem") is a wordplay on the Canaanite or Amorite town of Shechem, which Jacob and his sons captured in a violent raid (34.25-29).
Shechem was located on the border between Ephraim and Manasseh, the two Joseph tribes.
Comments or Questions...
Jacob blesses Joseph's two sons.
In verse 3: Jacob refers to God's first blessing given to him at Bethel (also know as Luz) in 28.10-22.
In verses 5-6: Jacob adopts hos two grandsons, Ephraim and Manasseh, as his own sons on a par with the oldest sons, Reuben and Simeon.
This action explains why Manasseh and Ephraim will be listed in place of Joseph in later lists of the twelve tribes of Israel (Num 1.32-35; Josh 17.17).
These tribes were dominant in certain periods of Israel's history.
In verses 13-14: The blessing by Jacob (also known as Israel) with the right hand would imply a more favored status than a blessing with the left hand.
The firstborn son would normally receive the right hand blessing, but Jacob lays his right hand on Ephraim, who was the younger (v. 14).
In verse 19: Old blind Jacob (v. 10) refuses Joseph's request to give the favored right-hand blessing to the elder Manasseh.
The scene is a replay of the elderly and blind Isaac blessing the younger Jacob in place Esau (27.1-40).
In verse 22: Jacob gives to Joseph the portion I took from the Amorites in battle.
The word for portion ("shekem") is a wordplay on the Canaanite or Amorite town of Shechem, which Jacob and his sons captured in a violent raid (34.25-29).
Shechem was located on the border between Ephraim and Manasseh, the two Joseph tribes.
Comments or Questions...
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
Reading for April 3rd
Read Genesis 46.1-34
In 46.1-47.31: Jacob moves his family to live with Joseph in Egypt.
In verses 1-4: Jacob had once received a vision at night in which God spoke words of assurance and blessing when he left Canaan (28.10-22).
Then as now, God promised Jacob, "I myself will go down with you and bring you up again" (v.4; 28.15).
In verse 27: The seventy members of the house of Jacob are a partial fulfillment of the promise of many descendants repeated throughout Genesis (15.5; 28.14).
In verse 34: Goshen is a pasture land in the Nile River delta isolated from the rest of Egypt.
Shepherds are abhorrent to the Egyptians.
Egyptian agriculture was based more on crops and field agriculture that would be endangered by wandering herds of grazing animals.
Comments or Questions..
In 46.1-47.31: Jacob moves his family to live with Joseph in Egypt.
In verses 1-4: Jacob had once received a vision at night in which God spoke words of assurance and blessing when he left Canaan (28.10-22).
Then as now, God promised Jacob, "I myself will go down with you and bring you up again" (v.4; 28.15).
In verse 27: The seventy members of the house of Jacob are a partial fulfillment of the promise of many descendants repeated throughout Genesis (15.5; 28.14).
In verse 34: Goshen is a pasture land in the Nile River delta isolated from the rest of Egypt.
Shepherds are abhorrent to the Egyptians.
Egyptian agriculture was based more on crops and field agriculture that would be endangered by wandering herds of grazing animals.
Comments or Questions..
Monday, March 25, 2019
Reading for April 2nd
Read Genesis 45.1-28
Joseph reveals his true identity to his brothers.
In verse 5: Joseph recognizes that his slavery and coming to Egypt was part of a larger plan to preserve life for both his own family and "all the families of the earth" (12.3).
In verse 10: Goshen is a fertile pasture land in the delta region of the nile River in Northeast Egypt (47.1-16.
Comments of Questions..
Joseph reveals his true identity to his brothers.
In verse 5: Joseph recognizes that his slavery and coming to Egypt was part of a larger plan to preserve life for both his own family and "all the families of the earth" (12.3).
In verse 10: Goshen is a fertile pasture land in the delta region of the nile River in Northeast Egypt (47.1-16.
Comments of Questions..
Sunday, March 24, 2019
Reading for April 1st
Read Genesis 44.1-34
Joseph puts his brothers to the text.
In verse 4: Why have you returned evil for good?
This question sounds like a theme central to the Joseph story as a whole.
Joseph's words to his brothers in 50.20 summarize the theme of the interplay of good and evil.
In verse 5: Divination is the skill of determining the divine will or plan for the future.
This was apparently done by observing the effects created by certain objects placed in the water contained in the sacred cup (v. 4).
In verse 9: The brother's words unknowingly put Benjamin under the threat of death since the silver cup was planted in his sack (vv. 2, 12).
In verse 13: They tore their clothes a sign of intense anguish and grief.
In verse 14: The story places Judah in the foreground as the leader of his bothers.
He is about to play a key role as the hero in this scene.
Joseph's earlier dreams in 37.5-11 are again fulfilled as the brothers feel to the ground before him.
In verse 16: here we then, my lord's slaves: Those who once sold Joseph as a salve (37.28) offer themselves as slaves to Joseph.
In verse 17 Joseph offers the other brothers the temptation to save themselves by sacrificing Benjamin.
The test is a replay of the brothers' earlier decision to sacrifice their brother Joseph for their own benefit (37.28).
In verses 29, 31: Sheol is the place of the dead.
In verses 33-34: Judah offer himself in place of the boy, Benjamin.
Judah's willingness to sacrifice himself to save Benjamin redeems his earlier involvement in the plot to sell Joseph as a slave (37.26)
Comments or Questions..
Joseph puts his brothers to the text.
In verse 4: Why have you returned evil for good?
This question sounds like a theme central to the Joseph story as a whole.
Joseph's words to his brothers in 50.20 summarize the theme of the interplay of good and evil.
In verse 5: Divination is the skill of determining the divine will or plan for the future.
This was apparently done by observing the effects created by certain objects placed in the water contained in the sacred cup (v. 4).
In verse 9: The brother's words unknowingly put Benjamin under the threat of death since the silver cup was planted in his sack (vv. 2, 12).
In verse 13: They tore their clothes a sign of intense anguish and grief.
In verse 14: The story places Judah in the foreground as the leader of his bothers.
He is about to play a key role as the hero in this scene.
Joseph's earlier dreams in 37.5-11 are again fulfilled as the brothers feel to the ground before him.
In verse 16: here we then, my lord's slaves: Those who once sold Joseph as a salve (37.28) offer themselves as slaves to Joseph.
In verse 17 Joseph offers the other brothers the temptation to save themselves by sacrificing Benjamin.
The test is a replay of the brothers' earlier decision to sacrifice their brother Joseph for their own benefit (37.28).
In verses 29, 31: Sheol is the place of the dead.
In verses 33-34: Judah offer himself in place of the boy, Benjamin.
Judah's willingness to sacrifice himself to save Benjamin redeems his earlier involvement in the plot to sell Joseph as a slave (37.26)
Comments or Questions..
Friday, March 22, 2019
Reading for March 31st
Read Genesis 43.1-34.
Joseph's brothers return to Egypt with Benjamin.
In verses 8-9: Judah puts himself on the line and reassures his father Jacob concerning Benjamin's safe return.
Judah's words prepare the reader for his later actions in 44.18-34.
In verse 23: Their brother Simeon had been detained in their first journey to Egypt (42.19, 24).
He is now freed to return to his brothers.
In verse 26: The prediction of Joseph's earlier dreams is fulfilled a second time when Joseph's brothers bowed to the ground before him (37.5-11;2.6).
In verse 29: Joseph and Benjamin were the only son's of their mother, Rachel.
Thus, they are full brothers.
In verses 33-34: The order of honor is typically the firstborn as most honored and the youngest as least honored.
But Benjamin as the youngest of the twelve brothers receives preferential treatment.
This continues the important theme throughout Genesis of the favored younger son (20.10; 25.23; 37.3,8).
Comments or Questions..
Joseph's brothers return to Egypt with Benjamin.
In verses 8-9: Judah puts himself on the line and reassures his father Jacob concerning Benjamin's safe return.
Judah's words prepare the reader for his later actions in 44.18-34.
In verse 23: Their brother Simeon had been detained in their first journey to Egypt (42.19, 24).
He is now freed to return to his brothers.
In verse 26: The prediction of Joseph's earlier dreams is fulfilled a second time when Joseph's brothers bowed to the ground before him (37.5-11;2.6).
In verse 29: Joseph and Benjamin were the only son's of their mother, Rachel.
Thus, they are full brothers.
In verses 33-34: The order of honor is typically the firstborn as most honored and the youngest as least honored.
But Benjamin as the youngest of the twelve brothers receives preferential treatment.
This continues the important theme throughout Genesis of the favored younger son (20.10; 25.23; 37.3,8).
Comments or Questions..
Reading for March 30th
Read Genesis 42.26-38
In verse 38: Sheol is a dusty pit under the earth where all the dead go.
Jacob does not want to die and old man (mt gray hairs) consumed by sorow.
Comments or Questions..
In verse 38: Sheol is a dusty pit under the earth where all the dead go.
Jacob does not want to die and old man (mt gray hairs) consumed by sorow.
Comments or Questions..
Thursday, March 21, 2019
Reading for March 29th
Read Genesis 42.1-25
Joseph's brothers seek food in Egypt
In verse 4: Benjamin is the youngest of Jacob's sons.
He is the one full brother that Joseph has since Benjamin and Joseph are the only children of Jacob's favored wife, Rachel.
In verse 6: Joseph's brothers unknowingly fulfill the prediction in Joseph's earlier two dreams in
37.5-11.
They bowed themselves before him.
In verse 22: A reckoning for his blood assumes a moral order in which murder or other wrongful actions will bring inevitable punishment (4.10; 9.5)
Comments or Questions..
Joseph's brothers seek food in Egypt
In verse 4: Benjamin is the youngest of Jacob's sons.
He is the one full brother that Joseph has since Benjamin and Joseph are the only children of Jacob's favored wife, Rachel.
In verse 6: Joseph's brothers unknowingly fulfill the prediction in Joseph's earlier two dreams in
37.5-11.
They bowed themselves before him.
In verse 22: A reckoning for his blood assumes a moral order in which murder or other wrongful actions will bring inevitable punishment (4.10; 9.5)
Comments or Questions..
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Reading for March 28th
Read Genesis 41.25-57
In verse 42: Pharaoh's signet ring has Pharaoh's official stamp or "signature."
He gives it to Joseph as a sign of his elevation to power as Pharaoh's representative.
Joseph's new garments of fine linen mark yet another transition in his life (see v.14).
In verses 51-52: The two names of Joseph's sons, Manasseh ("making to forget") and Ephraim ("to be fruitful"), celebrate Joseph's elevation out of slavery and prison.
In verse 57: The material benefit of providing food in the midst of famine throughout the world is another example of the fulfillment of the promise to Abraham that his family would be a blessing "to all the families of the earth" ((12.3).
The verse also provides a transition to the famine in Canaan and explains why Joseph's brothers will come to Egypt seeking food.
Comments or Question..
In verse 42: Pharaoh's signet ring has Pharaoh's official stamp or "signature."
He gives it to Joseph as a sign of his elevation to power as Pharaoh's representative.
Joseph's new garments of fine linen mark yet another transition in his life (see v.14).
In verses 51-52: The two names of Joseph's sons, Manasseh ("making to forget") and Ephraim ("to be fruitful"), celebrate Joseph's elevation out of slavery and prison.
In verse 57: The material benefit of providing food in the midst of famine throughout the world is another example of the fulfillment of the promise to Abraham that his family would be a blessing "to all the families of the earth" ((12.3).
The verse also provides a transition to the famine in Canaan and explains why Joseph's brothers will come to Egypt seeking food.
Comments or Question..
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
Reading for March 27th
Read Genesis 41.1-24
41.1-57 Joseph interprets the dreams of Pharaoh.
This story marks the key turning point in the Joseph's fortunes: His ability as a dream interpreter elevates him to the second in command of all Egypt.
In verses 1-7: This is the third of the three dream sequences in the Joseph story.
The dreams again appear as a pair, one about cows (vv. 2-4) and one about grain (vv. 5-7).
The Nile River that runs through the otherwise dry landscape is Egypt's primary source of water, fertility, and life (vv. 1-4).
In verse 14: Joseph's change of clothes marks major transition in his life throughout the story (37.23; 39.12; 41.42).
The doubling demonstrates that God has predetermined the events that are soon to happen.
Comments or Questions..
41.1-57 Joseph interprets the dreams of Pharaoh.
This story marks the key turning point in the Joseph's fortunes: His ability as a dream interpreter elevates him to the second in command of all Egypt.
In verses 1-7: This is the third of the three dream sequences in the Joseph story.
The dreams again appear as a pair, one about cows (vv. 2-4) and one about grain (vv. 5-7).
The Nile River that runs through the otherwise dry landscape is Egypt's primary source of water, fertility, and life (vv. 1-4).
In verse 14: Joseph's change of clothes marks major transition in his life throughout the story (37.23; 39.12; 41.42).
The doubling demonstrates that God has predetermined the events that are soon to happen.
Comments or Questions..
Monday, March 18, 2019
Reading for March 26th
Read Genesis 40.1-23
Joseph interprets the dreams of two prisoners.
In verse 5: This is the second of three dream sequences in the Joseph narrative (37.11; 40.5-23; 41.1-36).
The dreams always occur in pairs, here with quite different futures predicted.
Joseph shifts his role from the dreamer of dreams to an interpreter of other's dreams.
In verse 13: The phrase the Pharaoh will lift up your head has a positive meaning of exhalation for the cupbearer.
The same phrase in v.19 has a very negative meaning of execution by hanging for the baker (vv. 20-22).
Comments or Questions..
Joseph interprets the dreams of two prisoners.
In verse 5: This is the second of three dream sequences in the Joseph narrative (37.11; 40.5-23; 41.1-36).
The dreams always occur in pairs, here with quite different futures predicted.
Joseph shifts his role from the dreamer of dreams to an interpreter of other's dreams.
In verse 13: The phrase the Pharaoh will lift up your head has a positive meaning of exhalation for the cupbearer.
The same phrase in v.19 has a very negative meaning of execution by hanging for the baker (vv. 20-22).
Comments or Questions..
Sunday, March 17, 2019
Reading for March 25th
Read Genesis 39.1-23
Joseph and Potiphar's wife.
The story of Joseph returns after the interlude with Tamar and Judah.
In verse 1: Pharaoh is the title for the king of Egypt.
In verse 2: the refrain the Lord was with Joseph begins and concludes the episode (vv. 21, 23).
In verses 7-20: Some parallels exist between this scene and the ancient Egyptian story entitled "A Tale of Two Brothers."
A man resists the sexual invitations of his brother's wife bit then falsely accused.
Comments or Questions..
Joseph and Potiphar's wife.
The story of Joseph returns after the interlude with Tamar and Judah.
In verse 1: Pharaoh is the title for the king of Egypt.
In verse 2: the refrain the Lord was with Joseph begins and concludes the episode (vv. 21, 23).
In verses 7-20: Some parallels exist between this scene and the ancient Egyptian story entitled "A Tale of Two Brothers."
A man resists the sexual invitations of his brother's wife bit then falsely accused.
Comments or Questions..
Friday, March 15, 2019
Reading for March 24th
Read Genesis 38.16-30.
In verse 16: Let me come in to you is a request to have sexual intercourse.
In verse 18: The signet ring with a distinctive design or stamp which could be used as a personal signature on official or commercial documents.
It was often tied to a cord and worn around the neck.
The staff was a walking stick, often with a distinctive family emblem carved on it.
The modern day equivalent of your signet, cord, staff would be your diver's license and all your credit cards.
In verses 21-22: Judah's messenger asks for the temple prostitute ("kedeshah," literally "holy woman," v. 21).
The story assumes the presence of prostitutes associated with fertility rituals at Canaanite temples.
The term temple prostitute is more dignified than the term for an ordinary prostitute ("zonah," v. 22).
In verse 28-30: The twin boys repeat the experience of the twins Jacob and Esau.
The second-born son comes out ahead of the first-born son (25.22-24).
The name Perez means "breach" or "breaking forth" out of the womb ahead of his older brother.
Zerah means "brightness," perhaps in reference to the bright red or crimson thread.
Perez is an ancestor of the great King David (Ruth 4.18-22).
Like Perez, David was also the youngest among his brothers (1 Sam 16.1-13).
Comments or Questions..
In verse 16: Let me come in to you is a request to have sexual intercourse.
In verse 18: The signet ring with a distinctive design or stamp which could be used as a personal signature on official or commercial documents.
It was often tied to a cord and worn around the neck.
The staff was a walking stick, often with a distinctive family emblem carved on it.
The modern day equivalent of your signet, cord, staff would be your diver's license and all your credit cards.
In verses 21-22: Judah's messenger asks for the temple prostitute ("kedeshah," literally "holy woman," v. 21).
The story assumes the presence of prostitutes associated with fertility rituals at Canaanite temples.
The term temple prostitute is more dignified than the term for an ordinary prostitute ("zonah," v. 22).
In verse 28-30: The twin boys repeat the experience of the twins Jacob and Esau.
The second-born son comes out ahead of the first-born son (25.22-24).
The name Perez means "breach" or "breaking forth" out of the womb ahead of his older brother.
Zerah means "brightness," perhaps in reference to the bright red or crimson thread.
Perez is an ancestor of the great King David (Ruth 4.18-22).
Like Perez, David was also the youngest among his brothers (1 Sam 16.1-13).
Comments or Questions..
Reading for March 23rd
Read Genesis 38.1-15
38.1-30 Tamar and Judah
This story interrupts the Joseph narrative which runs from ch. 37 to ch. 50.
However, some of its themes and images are related to images and themes of the larger Joseph narrative.
Examples include the function of the goat (37.31 and 38.17,20), recognizing and deceiving with clothes (37.31-33 and 38.13-17, 26), and irregular sexual activity ( 38.14-18 and 39.7-18)..
The climax of the Tamar-Judah story is the birth of Perez and Zerah.
Perez becomes an ancestor of Israel's great king David (Ruth 4.18-22).
The long road of the divine promise to David included this irregular detour through Tamar and Judah.
This irregular ties in with the larger theme of the Joseph story as a whole: God manages to bless Joseph and his brothers in spite of and through the many detours of sibling rivalry, deception, slavery, imprisonment, and famine.
In verse 7: The story does not explain the way in which Er was wicked nor precisely how the Lord put him to death.
The details of the plot are not necessary.
In verse 8: The duty of a brother-in-law involves the custom of a levirate marriage.
The levirate obligation requires the brother of the married man who has died childless to have sexual intercourse with the dead man's wife.
The brother must do so until she becomes pregnant and has a child who will carry on the dead man's name (Deut 25.5-10).
In verses 9-10: Onan spilled his semen on the ground... What he did was displeasing.
This is not meant as a generalized judgment against masturbation or birth control.
It involves only a specialized case of failure to fulfill the levirate obligation.
In verse 11: Judah has no intention of allowing Shelah to perform the levirate duty of a brother-in-law with Tamar.
He apparently assumes association with Tamar somehow caused the death of his other sons.
He does not want the same to happen to his on remaining son, Shelah (v.14).
In verse 14: In light of Tamar's deception and Judah's blindness to what is actually going on, the meanings of the place names are significant.
Entrance to Enaim means opening of the eyes.
Timnah means conceal.
Comments and Questions...
38.1-30 Tamar and Judah
This story interrupts the Joseph narrative which runs from ch. 37 to ch. 50.
However, some of its themes and images are related to images and themes of the larger Joseph narrative.
Examples include the function of the goat (37.31 and 38.17,20), recognizing and deceiving with clothes (37.31-33 and 38.13-17, 26), and irregular sexual activity ( 38.14-18 and 39.7-18)..
The climax of the Tamar-Judah story is the birth of Perez and Zerah.
Perez becomes an ancestor of Israel's great king David (Ruth 4.18-22).
The long road of the divine promise to David included this irregular detour through Tamar and Judah.
This irregular ties in with the larger theme of the Joseph story as a whole: God manages to bless Joseph and his brothers in spite of and through the many detours of sibling rivalry, deception, slavery, imprisonment, and famine.
In verse 7: The story does not explain the way in which Er was wicked nor precisely how the Lord put him to death.
The details of the plot are not necessary.
In verse 8: The duty of a brother-in-law involves the custom of a levirate marriage.
The levirate obligation requires the brother of the married man who has died childless to have sexual intercourse with the dead man's wife.
The brother must do so until she becomes pregnant and has a child who will carry on the dead man's name (Deut 25.5-10).
In verses 9-10: Onan spilled his semen on the ground... What he did was displeasing.
This is not meant as a generalized judgment against masturbation or birth control.
It involves only a specialized case of failure to fulfill the levirate obligation.
In verse 11: Judah has no intention of allowing Shelah to perform the levirate duty of a brother-in-law with Tamar.
He apparently assumes association with Tamar somehow caused the death of his other sons.
He does not want the same to happen to his on remaining son, Shelah (v.14).
In verse 14: In light of Tamar's deception and Judah's blindness to what is actually going on, the meanings of the place names are significant.
Entrance to Enaim means opening of the eyes.
Timnah means conceal.
Comments and Questions...
Thursday, March 14, 2019
Reading for March 22nd
Read Genesis 37.15-36
The changing of Joseph's clothes, here the stripping of his robe, will mark major transitions in his life throughout the story.
Joseph moves from from being a favored son to a hired slave.
Joseph's brothers first plot to kill him, but Reuben (v. 21) and Judah (vv. 26-27) intervene to restrain them.
Instead they sell Joseph as a slave to some passing Midianite traders and Ismaelites.
Both of these groups were descended from Abraham and one of two woman slaves, Hagar (16.15) and Keturah (25.1-4).
Those whom Israel had formerly enslaved turn around and enslave an Israelite, Joseph.
In verse 33: The brothers show the bloodied robe to their father Jacob without explanation.
Jacob himself draws the conclusion that a wild animal has devoured Joseph.
In verse 34: Jacob tore his garments and wore coarse sackcloth, both traditional acts of anguish and mourning the dead (v.29),
In verse 35: Sheol is a dry, dusty pit under the earth where the dead go at the end of their earthly existence.
Comments or Questions..
The changing of Joseph's clothes, here the stripping of his robe, will mark major transitions in his life throughout the story.
Joseph moves from from being a favored son to a hired slave.
Joseph's brothers first plot to kill him, but Reuben (v. 21) and Judah (vv. 26-27) intervene to restrain them.
Instead they sell Joseph as a slave to some passing Midianite traders and Ismaelites.
Both of these groups were descended from Abraham and one of two woman slaves, Hagar (16.15) and Keturah (25.1-4).
Those whom Israel had formerly enslaved turn around and enslave an Israelite, Joseph.
In verse 33: The brothers show the bloodied robe to their father Jacob without explanation.
Jacob himself draws the conclusion that a wild animal has devoured Joseph.
In verse 34: Jacob tore his garments and wore coarse sackcloth, both traditional acts of anguish and mourning the dead (v.29),
In verse 35: Sheol is a dry, dusty pit under the earth where the dead go at the end of their earthly existence.
Comments or Questions..
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
Reading for March 21st
THE STORY OF JOSEPH
Chs. 37-50:The story about Jacob's son Joseph, is the longest continuous narrative in Genesis.
The story runs from ch 37 to ch. 50.
It is interrupted by an inserted story about Judah and Tamar in ch. 38, although even this story has thematic connections to the Joseph narrative.
The Joseph story provides a fitting conclusion to the Genesis ancestor stories as the family grows larger to become the people or nation of Israel.
The story also functions as a literary bridge to the events in Egypt in the book of Exodus.
Joseph will be the first of the Israelites to be enslaved in Egypt and then rescued, a fate all Israel will eventually share.
Read Genesis 37.1-14.
Joseph's dream and his brother's schemes.
In verse 2: This is the story of the family of is a formula that literal in Hebrews reads, "These are the generations of."
This formula occurs throughout Genesis as a heading for major new sections; examples include Gen 2.4;6.9; 10.1; 11.27; 25.19.
In verse 3-4: The favoring of one child over another and the conflict that results is an important theme in Genesis (Gen. 4,4-5; 21.10; 25.28).
A long robe with sleeves, since it is impossible to do manual labor while wearing it, suggests a life of leisure for Joseph, who seems prone to sleep and dreams (vv. 5, 9).
In verses 5-11: Dreams will play a role throughout the Joseph story.
Each of the three dream sequences (37.5-11; 40.5-23; 41.1-36) contains two paired dreams.
The story assumes that these dreams allow one to know the future, which is in part of a divine plan.
Jacob had some experience with dreams and divine plans in the episode at Bethel (28.10-22), so he kept the matter in mind (v. 11).
Binding sheaves refers to tying newly cut stalks of grain into bundles; these stand in the field for a time to dry.
Comments or Questions..
Tuesday, March 12, 2019
Reading for March 20th
Read Genesis 36.1-43
Esau's descendants.
The list here of Esau's descendants and list of Jacob's twelve sons in 35.22-26 represent a partial fulfillment of the promises of many descendants made to Abraham (15.5), Isaac (26.4), and Jacob (28.14).
In verse 1: Jacob's brother Esau is the ancestor of the nation of Edom.
Edom lies just south and east of Canaan.
The land of Canaan will later become the nation of Israel, whose ancestor is Jacob (25.23, 30).
In verse 31 This list of Kings who reigned in the land of Edom precedes the time of Israel's King David, who conquered and ruled over Edom (2 Sam 8.13-14).
Comments or Questions..
Esau's descendants.
The list here of Esau's descendants and list of Jacob's twelve sons in 35.22-26 represent a partial fulfillment of the promises of many descendants made to Abraham (15.5), Isaac (26.4), and Jacob (28.14).
In verse 1: Jacob's brother Esau is the ancestor of the nation of Edom.
Edom lies just south and east of Canaan.
The land of Canaan will later become the nation of Israel, whose ancestor is Jacob (25.23, 30).
In verse 31 This list of Kings who reigned in the land of Edom precedes the time of Israel's King David, who conquered and ruled over Edom (2 Sam 8.13-14).
Comments or Questions..
Monday, March 11, 2019
Reading for March 19th
Read Genesis 35.16-29
Benjamin is born and Rachel dies.
In verse 18: Ben-oni/ means "son of my sorrows," reflecting Rachel's suffering in childbirth.
Jacob changes the name slightly to Benjamin, "son of the right hand."
Sitting at the right hand of a ruler or elder is a position of honor.
Benjamin is the son of Jacob's favorite wife (29.30) and thus Jacob's favored son (see 42.36-38).
In verse 22: Jacob's first born son Reuben had sexual relations with Bilhah his father's concubine, a grievous offense. This incident is the reason Reuben's status as firstborn son will blessing of his twelve sons be diminished in Jacob's (49.3-4).
In verses 27-29: The last days of Isaac provide an occasion for reconciliation between Jacob and his father (v. 27, see 27.35).
The two sons, Esau and Jacob, join together in burying their father Isaac (v. 29), just as earlier the brothers Isaac and Ishmael had joined together to bury their father Abraham (25.9).
Comments or Questions..
Benjamin is born and Rachel dies.
In verse 18: Ben-oni/ means "son of my sorrows," reflecting Rachel's suffering in childbirth.
Jacob changes the name slightly to Benjamin, "son of the right hand."
Sitting at the right hand of a ruler or elder is a position of honor.
Benjamin is the son of Jacob's favorite wife (29.30) and thus Jacob's favored son (see 42.36-38).
In verse 22: Jacob's first born son Reuben had sexual relations with Bilhah his father's concubine, a grievous offense. This incident is the reason Reuben's status as firstborn son will blessing of his twelve sons be diminished in Jacob's (49.3-4).
In verses 27-29: The last days of Isaac provide an occasion for reconciliation between Jacob and his father (v. 27, see 27.35).
The two sons, Esau and Jacob, join together in burying their father Isaac (v. 29), just as earlier the brothers Isaac and Ishmael had joined together to bury their father Abraham (25.9).
Comments or Questions..
Friday, March 8, 2019
Reading for March 17th
Read Genesis 33.18-34.41
The rape of Jacob's daughter, Dinah.
The story of rape and revenge is the first example of violence in the interaction of Israelites and Canaanites.
Their relationship up to this point in Genesis have been cordial and peaceful.
In 33.18-19 Shechem is both the name of a city and the name of the son of Hamor, the prince of the region (34.2).
In verse 20: El-Elohe-Isarel means "God, the God of Israel."
The ancient divine name "El" appears elsewear in genesis, usually combined with another word: El Elyon (14.49), El Shaddai (17.1), El Olam (21.33), and El-bethel (35.7).
In 34.2-3 : The story reports that Shechem raped Dinah and then loved and spoke tenderly to her.
Dinah's response or feelings are not given.
In verse 15: to be circumcised involves cutting off the foreskin of the male penis.
Circumcision (17.9-14).n was a physical sign of a male's belonging to the covenant of Israel.
In verses 25-29 The violence of the revenge (killing all males, taking all possessions, and capturing their wives and children) seems excessive.
This is especially true if the self-interests of the brothers rather than the interests of Dinah are being served.
The story seems intentionally ambiguous at key points in order to draw the reader into wrestling with the moral dilemmas and is sues raised by the narrative.
In verse 26: The reader is suddenly aware that Dinah has been staying in Shechem's house.
Was she there because she wanted to be?
Or was she held there by force?
Again we don't know Dinah's feelings.
In verses 30-3: the ethical debate between Jacob (concerned for pragmatic realities) and his sons (concern with moral principles) ends without resolution.
Comments or Questions..
The rape of Jacob's daughter, Dinah.
The story of rape and revenge is the first example of violence in the interaction of Israelites and Canaanites.
Their relationship up to this point in Genesis have been cordial and peaceful.
In 33.18-19 Shechem is both the name of a city and the name of the son of Hamor, the prince of the region (34.2).
In verse 20: El-Elohe-Isarel means "God, the God of Israel."
The ancient divine name "El" appears elsewear in genesis, usually combined with another word: El Elyon (14.49), El Shaddai (17.1), El Olam (21.33), and El-bethel (35.7).
In 34.2-3 : The story reports that Shechem raped Dinah and then loved and spoke tenderly to her.
Dinah's response or feelings are not given.
In verse 15: to be circumcised involves cutting off the foreskin of the male penis.
Circumcision (17.9-14).n was a physical sign of a male's belonging to the covenant of Israel.
In verses 25-29 The violence of the revenge (killing all males, taking all possessions, and capturing their wives and children) seems excessive.
This is especially true if the self-interests of the brothers rather than the interests of Dinah are being served.
The story seems intentionally ambiguous at key points in order to draw the reader into wrestling with the moral dilemmas and is sues raised by the narrative.
In verse 26: The reader is suddenly aware that Dinah has been staying in Shechem's house.
Was she there because she wanted to be?
Or was she held there by force?
Again we don't know Dinah's feelings.
In verses 30-3: the ethical debate between Jacob (concerned for pragmatic realities) and his sons (concern with moral principles) ends without resolution.
Comments or Questions..
Reading for March 16th
Read Genesis 33.1-17
Jacob reconciles with Esau
In verse 10: Jacob's words link his encounter with God in ch. 32 with his encounter with Esau: To see your face is like seeing the face of God (see 32.30).
In verse 11: Jacob's offer of a gift ("berakah") to Esau in effect returns the "blessing" ("berakah") which Jacob had stolen from Esau twenty years earlier (27.36).
In verses 12-16: Although Jacob and Esau reconcile with one another, Jacob is still wary of his brother.
Jacob tries diplomatically to keep his distance between himself and Esau, although Esau wants them to stay together.
In verse 17 Succoth means "booths" and is a name of a town just across the Jordan River and east of Canaan (Josh 13.27).
Comments or Questions..
Jacob reconciles with Esau
In verse 10: Jacob's words link his encounter with God in ch. 32 with his encounter with Esau: To see your face is like seeing the face of God (see 32.30).
In verse 11: Jacob's offer of a gift ("berakah") to Esau in effect returns the "blessing" ("berakah") which Jacob had stolen from Esau twenty years earlier (27.36).
In verses 12-16: Although Jacob and Esau reconcile with one another, Jacob is still wary of his brother.
Jacob tries diplomatically to keep his distance between himself and Esau, although Esau wants them to stay together.
In verse 17 Succoth means "booths" and is a name of a town just across the Jordan River and east of Canaan (Josh 13.27).
Comments or Questions..
Thursday, March 7, 2019
Reading for March 15th
Read Genesis 32.22-32
Jacob wrestles with God.
This is an ancient story that has played different roles in its long history.
The story explained the reason for the place name, Peniel ("Face of God," v. 30).
It also explained the reason for the dietary law that Israelites do not eat the thigh muscle of an animal (v. 32) and the reason for the change of Jacob's name to Israel (v. 28).
Jacob's life as an individual becomes a portrait of Israel's life as a nation.
Israel as a people will struggle with God and limp away with a blessing.
In verse 24: the sudden and unexplained appearance of a man in the night suggests a mysterious or supernatural figure.
In verse 25: Jacob was winning the wrestling match until he is crippled by a wrestler"s trick the dislocated his hip.
In verse 28: The identity of the man is now revealed: Jacob has striven with God.
In verse 30: Jacob's experience is remarkable in light of prevailing Old Testament tradition that no human can see God face to face and live (Ex 33.11-23; Judg 6.22-23).
Comments or Questions..
Jacob wrestles with God.
This is an ancient story that has played different roles in its long history.
The story explained the reason for the place name, Peniel ("Face of God," v. 30).
It also explained the reason for the dietary law that Israelites do not eat the thigh muscle of an animal (v. 32) and the reason for the change of Jacob's name to Israel (v. 28).
Jacob's life as an individual becomes a portrait of Israel's life as a nation.
Israel as a people will struggle with God and limp away with a blessing.
In verse 24: the sudden and unexplained appearance of a man in the night suggests a mysterious or supernatural figure.
In verse 25: Jacob was winning the wrestling match until he is crippled by a wrestler"s trick the dislocated his hip.
In verse 28: The identity of the man is now revealed: Jacob has striven with God.
In verse 30: Jacob's experience is remarkable in light of prevailing Old Testament tradition that no human can see God face to face and live (Ex 33.11-23; Judg 6.22-23).
Comments or Questions..
Tuesday, March 5, 2019
Reading for March 13th
Read Genesis 31.1-55 Jacob flees from Laban with his family and flocks.
In verses 1-2 Envy and conflict within the extended families of Jacob and Laban
increase as Jacob's wealth and flocks increase.
In verses 14-16 after having experienced conflict between themselves (30.1, 15),
Leah and Rachel are now united in their negative feelings toward their father Laban.
In verse 19 the household gods were idols that were believed to carry with them power,
prosperity, and the legal claim to the family's property.
In verse 32 Jacob unknowingly predicts what will happen to Rachel.
She will soon die prematurely in childbirth (35.16-20).
In verse 35 the way of women refers to her menstrual period.
In verses 47-48 the site for the boundary covenant or agreement between
Jacob and Laban has two names.
One name, Jegar-sahadutha, means "the heap of witness" in the Aramaic language
spoken by Laban the Aramean (25.20).
The other name for the same site, Galeed, also means "the heap of witness,"
but in the Hebrew language spoken by Jacob.
The names refer to the heap of stones that mark the boundary between
Laban's Arameans and Jacob's Israelites.
In verse 49 Laban names the pillar Mizpah, meaning "watchpost."
Comments or Questions...
In verses 1-2 Envy and conflict within the extended families of Jacob and Laban
increase as Jacob's wealth and flocks increase.
In verses 14-16 after having experienced conflict between themselves (30.1, 15),
Leah and Rachel are now united in their negative feelings toward their father Laban.
In verse 19 the household gods were idols that were believed to carry with them power,
prosperity, and the legal claim to the family's property.
In verse 32 Jacob unknowingly predicts what will happen to Rachel.
She will soon die prematurely in childbirth (35.16-20).
In verse 35 the way of women refers to her menstrual period.
In verses 47-48 the site for the boundary covenant or agreement between
Jacob and Laban has two names.
One name, Jegar-sahadutha, means "the heap of witness" in the Aramaic language
spoken by Laban the Aramean (25.20).
The other name for the same site, Galeed, also means "the heap of witness,"
but in the Hebrew language spoken by Jacob.
The names refer to the heap of stones that mark the boundary between
Laban's Arameans and Jacob's Israelites.
In verse 49 Laban names the pillar Mizpah, meaning "watchpost."
Comments or Questions...
Monday, March 4, 2019
Reading for March 12th
Read Genesis 30:25-43 Jacob prospers and Laban loses.
Laban promises to give Jacob all the sheep and goats that are spotted or black (vv. 32-34).
But then Laban secretly removes all the spotted and black animals from the herd
and sends them away so nothing is left for Jacob (vv. 35-36).
Jacob places striped or spotted almond or poplar branches in front of the strong
sheep and goats as they mate.
The assumption was that whatever the animals saw while they mated would
determine whether their offspring would be a solid or a spotted color.
An underlying biological fact is that even though the parent animals were both all white,
they could carry the recessive gene for black or a spotted color.
As a result of his genetic engineering, Jacob grew exceedingly rich (v. 43).
Comments or Questions...
Laban promises to give Jacob all the sheep and goats that are spotted or black (vv. 32-34).
But then Laban secretly removes all the spotted and black animals from the herd
and sends them away so nothing is left for Jacob (vv. 35-36).
Jacob places striped or spotted almond or poplar branches in front of the strong
sheep and goats as they mate.
The assumption was that whatever the animals saw while they mated would
determine whether their offspring would be a solid or a spotted color.
An underlying biological fact is that even though the parent animals were both all white,
they could carry the recessive gene for black or a spotted color.
As a result of his genetic engineering, Jacob grew exceedingly rich (v. 43).
Comments or Questions...
Sunday, March 3, 2019
Reading for March 11th
Read Genesis 29.31-30.24 The birth of Jacob's eleven sons and one daughter.
The sons born to Jacob will become the ancestors of the twelve tribes of Israel.
The birth of the twelfth and last son, Benjamin, is described in ch. 35.
The relative status of the mother of each of the sons reflected the relative status
of the corresponding tribe at some point in Israel's history.
For example, the Joseph tribe was once one of the most powerful tribes,
a status reflected by his mother, the most favored wife (vv. 22-24; 29.30).
Leah's children and the children of the maid would have been less favored or influential.
Each child's name has some meaning attached to it.
In verses 30-14-16 as the favored wife, Rachel has the first rights of sleeping with Jacob.
However, she barters that right away to Leah for a night in exchange for some mandrakes.
Mandrakes are herbs thought to aid in fertility.
The childless Rachel is apparently anxious to do what she can to have children with Jacob.
Rachel eventually succeeds with God's help (30.22-24).
Comments or Questions...
The sons born to Jacob will become the ancestors of the twelve tribes of Israel.
The birth of the twelfth and last son, Benjamin, is described in ch. 35.
The relative status of the mother of each of the sons reflected the relative status
of the corresponding tribe at some point in Israel's history.
For example, the Joseph tribe was once one of the most powerful tribes,
a status reflected by his mother, the most favored wife (vv. 22-24; 29.30).
Leah's children and the children of the maid would have been less favored or influential.
Each child's name has some meaning attached to it.
In verses 30-14-16 as the favored wife, Rachel has the first rights of sleeping with Jacob.
However, she barters that right away to Leah for a night in exchange for some mandrakes.
Mandrakes are herbs thought to aid in fertility.
The childless Rachel is apparently anxious to do what she can to have children with Jacob.
Rachel eventually succeeds with God's help (30.22-24).
Comments or Questions...
Reading for March 18th
Read Genesis 35.1-15
Jacob returns to Bethel
After many years , Jacob returns to Bethel where God had first encountered and blessed Jacob when he was fleeing from his brother Esau (28.10-22).
In verse 2: The foreign gods that are among you probably included the household gods or idols that Rachel had stolen from her father Laban when they fled from him (31.19).
In verse 7: El-bethel means "God of Bethel" or "God of the house of God."
God had revealed himself to Jacob there at Bethel in 28.10-22.
In verse 14: As elsewhere in Genesis (28.18), setting up a pillar of stone and pouring oil on it marks the location as a holy site at which the deity was worshiped.
In verse 15: Bethel means "house of God."
Comments or Questions..
Jacob returns to Bethel
After many years , Jacob returns to Bethel where God had first encountered and blessed Jacob when he was fleeing from his brother Esau (28.10-22).
In verse 2: The foreign gods that are among you probably included the household gods or idols that Rachel had stolen from her father Laban when they fled from him (31.19).
In verse 7: El-bethel means "God of Bethel" or "God of the house of God."
God had revealed himself to Jacob there at Bethel in 28.10-22.
In verse 14: As elsewhere in Genesis (28.18), setting up a pillar of stone and pouring oil on it marks the location as a holy site at which the deity was worshiped.
In verse 15: Bethel means "house of God."
Comments or Questions..
Friday, March 1, 2019
Reading for March 10th
Read Genesis 29.1-30 Jacob marries Leah and Rachel.
Jacob the deceiver (ch. 27) meets his match in his uncle Laban, who deceives Jacob (v. 25).
Jacob agrees to work seven years in order to marry Rachel.
Laban tricks Jacob into working for him for twice as many years (14 years).
Jacob also ends up marrying both of Laban's daughters instead of only Rachel,
the wife he truly wanted.
In verse 17 the Hebrew word for lovely is unclear and may also mean weak or unattractive.
This may partly explain why Jacob preferred Rachel over Leah (v. 30).
Comments or Questions...
Jacob the deceiver (ch. 27) meets his match in his uncle Laban, who deceives Jacob (v. 25).
Jacob agrees to work seven years in order to marry Rachel.
Laban tricks Jacob into working for him for twice as many years (14 years).
Jacob also ends up marrying both of Laban's daughters instead of only Rachel,
the wife he truly wanted.
In verse 17 the Hebrew word for lovely is unclear and may also mean weak or unattractive.
This may partly explain why Jacob preferred Rachel over Leah (v. 30).
Comments or Questions...
Reading for March 9th
Read Genesis 28.10-22
This story of Jacob's encounter wit God and God's blessing as he leaves Canaan
is the first of two such encounters.
When Jacob returns to Canaan twenty years later, he will encounter angels or
divine messengers a second time (32.1-2).
He will also wrestle with God and receive a blessing (32.22-32).
In verses 13-15 God reaffirms the promises made to Abraham and Isaac as belonging
also to Jacob (12.1-3; 26.2-5).
In verse 17 the house of God ("beth'el") becomes the basis for the name of the place, Bethel (v. 19).
In verse 18 Jacob's act of pouring oil on top of the stone pillar marked the location as a holy place.
In verses 20-21 Jacob is always a tough negotiator for his own self-interest (25.29-34).
True to his nature, Jacob vows to let God be my God on the condition that God cares for all his needs.
Comments or Questions...
This story of Jacob's encounter wit God and God's blessing as he leaves Canaan
is the first of two such encounters.
When Jacob returns to Canaan twenty years later, he will encounter angels or
divine messengers a second time (32.1-2).
He will also wrestle with God and receive a blessing (32.22-32).
In verses 13-15 God reaffirms the promises made to Abraham and Isaac as belonging
also to Jacob (12.1-3; 26.2-5).
In verse 17 the house of God ("beth'el") becomes the basis for the name of the place, Bethel (v. 19).
In verse 18 Jacob's act of pouring oil on top of the stone pillar marked the location as a holy place.
In verses 20-21 Jacob is always a tough negotiator for his own self-interest (25.29-34).
True to his nature, Jacob vows to let God be my God on the condition that God cares for all his needs.
Comments or Questions...
Reading for March 14th
Read Genesis 32.1-21
Jacob prepares to meet his brother Esau.
After twenty years of separation, the reader recalls that the last words we heard from Esau were false, "I will kill my brother Jacob (27.41).
Jacob's preparations to meet Esau exhibit great anxiety about whether Esau still carries this threat with him (v. 11).
In vv. 1-2 Angels of God again meet Jacob as he enters Canaan, just as the angels visited him when he left Canaan (28.12).
Jacob names the place Mahanaim, "two camps." because it is God's camp.
Bethel, "house of God," was the place name of the previous encounter with angels (28.19).
In vv. 3-8 Jacob sends gifts to appease his brother his brother Esau.
Jacob hears the ominous news that Esau is coming to meet him with an army of four hundred men
(v. 6).
Jacob has good reason to be greatly afraid and distressed (v. 7).
Comments or Questions
Jacob prepares to meet his brother Esau.
After twenty years of separation, the reader recalls that the last words we heard from Esau were false, "I will kill my brother Jacob (27.41).
Jacob's preparations to meet Esau exhibit great anxiety about whether Esau still carries this threat with him (v. 11).
In vv. 1-2 Angels of God again meet Jacob as he enters Canaan, just as the angels visited him when he left Canaan (28.12).
Jacob names the place Mahanaim, "two camps." because it is God's camp.
Bethel, "house of God," was the place name of the previous encounter with angels (28.19).
In vv. 3-8 Jacob sends gifts to appease his brother his brother Esau.
Jacob hears the ominous news that Esau is coming to meet him with an army of four hundred men
(v. 6).
Jacob has good reason to be greatly afraid and distressed (v. 7).
Comments or Questions
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