Genesis Bible Study

OT Keys and Connections
Devotional Bible Study

Introduction
Welcome to the Keys and Connections Devotional Bible Study. This is a
very simple Bible study. This is a daily Bible study in which a small
portion of Scripture (usually one or two chapters) is read and studied.
Each day there is:
1. A Biblical text to read.
2. An outline of the Biblical text. The outline summarizes what is
happening in the text. The outline also points out key verses
that will help us make a meaningful connection to the text.
3. A connection section. The Bible is relevant for us. This section
helps us see that relevance and make the connection to Christ
and the salvation he won.
This Bible study is designed primarily for the laymen. It is not a
detailed study, but more of a devotional study. The primary emphasis
is to point out what God is doing and how his plan of salvation is being
carried forward. It tries to take Biblical events of long ago and make
them meaningful for today. It tries to tie them to Christ.
The Bible and the Interpretation of It

This study views the Bible as Gods Word it is God breathed. He is
the primary author. The main purpose of the Bible is to make us wise
unto salvation, and we know that salvation is found in no one else
[than in Christ], for there is no other name under heaven given to men
whereby we must be saved. In other words, we have salvation when
we know Christ and all of the Scriptures tell us about Christ. When we
hold the Bible in our hands and read it, we are like Simeon, who held
the Christ Child in his arms in the temple and proclaimed, My eyes
have seen your salvation! So when we read the Bible we are looking
for Christ to be revealed to us.
When we interpret the Bible, we do it using the historical/grammatical
method. That means that the Bible stories are assumed to be actual
historical events unless there is something in the grammar that tells us
differently. God uses real historical events, real human beings, and
real human languages to communicate eternal truths to us.
When we interpret Scripture we pay special attention to the context of
the passage. Many people take passages out of context and twist it to
make it say what they want it to say.
When we interpret Scripture we actually let Scripture interpret itself.
When God is addressing the same issue in two different places in

Scripture, one passage can help us understand another passage.
Sometimes it is very clear as to what a passage is says. Other times
its not so clear. In those cases we always let the clear passages inform
us on the not as clear passages.
When we interpret Scripture we pay close attention to Law and Gospel.
If one does not distinguish between Law and Gospel, the Bible can be
very confusing and at times seem contradictory.
While studying Genesis, for each lesson ask yourself these questions:
1. What is God doing here?
2. What does this tell us about God?
3. What does this have to do about Gods plan of salvation?
4. How does this affect Gods plan of salvation?
5. What is the reaction by people to Gods promises and grace?
6. How does this connect us to Christ?
Gods Name
In the Bible Gods covenant name (which emphasizes Gods
faithfulness and acts of salvation for his people) in ancient Hebrew is
YHWH. With vowels added it is Yahweh. When reading Scripture pious
Jews would not pronounce Gods name. Normally when Gods name is
translated in the Bible, it is translated as LORD. I prefer using Gods
real name. Instead of referring to God like many other religions do, I
prefer using Gods personal name. You see when other religions refer
to god, this is not the same God that we know and worship. There is
no other God except Yahweh who Christians refer to as the Triune God.
All other religions outside Christianity are false religions with false
gods. By referring to God as Yahweh it helps make this distinction
clear.
So in this study I will sometimes refer to God as Yahweh depending on
the text for that day.
Sources
The following sources were used in preparing this study.
The Holy Bible
Concordia Self Study Bible
Concordia Self Study Commentary
Genesis, Peoples Bible Commentary

High Level View of Genesis
Genesis shows:
1. How God intended things to be (Gen. 1-2) a perfect
creation, a paradise for mans home, man is given authority over
the earth, man is made in the image of God, man has a perfect
relationship with the earth, with himself, with other people and
with God.
2. How creation got messed up (Gen. 3) Adam and Eve
brought sin into the world. Gods perfect creation was ruined and
fell under a curse. And yet, God made the first promise of a
Savior who would do away with sin and its effects.
3. That sin affects all people (Gen. 4-11) from Adam and Eve
to their children to all people. And yet, God creates a line of
people from which the Savior will come.
4. How God initiated his plan of salvation through the
patriarch Abraham (Gen. 12-25:18) he chose Abraham and
made promises to him. These promises outlined Gods plan of
salvation. From Abraham He would create a nation (the chosen
people), give that nation a land to live in (the promised land),
and bring forth from Abrahams descendants a Savior who would
bless the world. When and how God chose to fulfill these
promises is a major part of these chapters. In the end we find
that God always keeps his promises.
5. How Gods plan of salvation continued through Isaacs
family (Gen. 25:19-36:43). The promises given to Abraham
were passed down to Isaac. There is less about Isaac in Genesis
than there is about Abraham or Jacob. His story revolves around
his two sons and the struggle for who will be the one who
receives the inheritance, which includes Gods promises.
6. How Gods plan of salvation continued through
Jacob/Israels family (Gen. 37-50).
In these chapters God is beginning to form his chosen people
into a nation. From each of Jacobs sons will come a tribe. The
12 tribes will later make up the nation of Israel. Through the
events of these chapters the descendants of Jacob will end up in
Egypt. This is part of Gods plan. While in Egypt they will grow
into a nation without the influences of outside peoples and
cultures.

Section 1 - How God Intended Things To Be (Gen. 1-2)
Read Genesis 1 2: God creates the universe, the world, and man.
Outline of text:
1. God creates the universe (Gen. 1:1-2).
2. The first five days of creation (Gen. 1:3-23).
3. The sixth day of creation; the creation of man (Gen. 1:24-31).
o Key 1-Man is created in Gods image (Gen. 1:27-30).
o Key 2-Gods creation is very good (Gen. 1:31).
4. God rested on the seventh day (Gen. 2:1-3).
5. Yahweh creates man, putting him in a beautiful garden, giving
him authority over the earth (Gen. 2:4-20).
o Key 3-Yahweh places limits on man (2:15-17).
6. Yahweh creates a helper for the man and brings them together
(Gen. 2:21-25)
Salvation/Gods promises/faith/Christ
connections:
These chapters show us how God intended things to be. (Key 1)
People were created in Gods image (1:27-30); they were like God in
that they were without sin and wanted to do his will. When people
sinned (see Gen. 3) Gods image and their relationship with God was
ruined. Gods plan then was to restore his relationship with them as it
was in these first two chapters at the very beginning. At the end of
Revelation (Rev. 21-22) we see paradise restored because God had
completed his plan of salvation. In the End, (Key 2) Gods creation
will be very good again (1:31).
(Key 1) Man was created in Gods image (1:27-30), but man was not
God. (Key 3) God put limits on man (2:15-17). God warned Adam not
to eat from the tree of The Knowledge of Good and Evil. If he did, the
consequence would be death. Eating the forbidden fruit would show
unbelief in Gods word and rebellion against Gods command.

Section 2 - How Creation Got Messed Up (Gen. 3)
Read Genesis 3: Adam and Eve Rebel; the Fall into Sin.
Outline of text:
1. The temptation and sin of Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:1-7).
o Key 1 - The Fall into sin (Gen. 3:6).
2. The results of sin (3:8-13).
o Key 2 - Shame and blame, relationships ruined (3:8-13).
3. Yahweh judges Adam and Eves sin (Gen. 3:14-19).
o Key 3 Yahwehs promise of a Savior (Gen. 3:15).
4. Gods grace after judgment (3:20-24).
o Key 4 Yahweh is gracious (3:20-24).
Salvation/Gods promises/faith/Christ connections:

(Key 1) First Satan questioned Gods command (3:1). Then he
outright lied and questioned Gods motives (3:4-5). Trusting Satan
more than God and wanting to be like God, Adam and Eve both ate the
forbidden fruit (3:6); they sinned.
(Key 2) The results of sin become immediately apparent (3:8-13).
When Yahweh came to the garden, the man and his wife hid. They
were afraid. Their relationship with God had changed. They were
ashamed of their nakedness. Then the blame game started. The man
blamed the woman and the woman blamed the serpent. Peoples
relationship with each other changed.
Yahweh brought judgment on the rebellion. The serpent (Satan) was
cursed. There would be continuous enmity between Satan and his
demons and believers. (Key 3) Yahweh promised that one day Satans
head would be crushed by a deadly blow from the womans Seed. This
is the first promise of a Savior in the Scriptures (Gen. 3:15). Jesus
fulfilled this promise. He drove Satan out and, through what looked
like defeat on the cross, won the victory over and defeated the ancient
enemy of humankind (Heb. 2:14; John 12:31).
(Key 4) God graciously still allowed the woman to have children,
therefore Adam named her Eve, the mother of all the living. God also
graciously provided a garment to cover them. This hints at the
sacrificial system God would use to cover over mans sin. As an animal
had to die to provide Adam and Eve cover, so the promised Savior
would have to die to cover over mankinds sin. God also showed his
grace by banishing them from the garden. If they would have eaten

Section 2 - How Creation Got Messed Up (Gen. 3)
from the Tree of Life, they would have lived forever in their sinful
state.

Section 3 - How Sin Affects All People (Gen. 4-11)
Read Genesis 4: Cain and his line.

Outline of text:
1. Cain killed Abel (Gen. 4:1-16).
o Key 1 - Abel offered the first and best (Gen. 4:4)
2. The sinful descendants of Cain (Gen. 4:17-24).
o Key 2 - Lamech boasts of killing a man (Gen. 4:23-24).
3. Seth and his line worship Yahweh (Gen. 4:25-26).
o Key 3 - Seths family publicly worshipped Yahweh (Gen.
4:25).

(Key 1) Abel made his offerings in faith; he trusted Gods Word.
Therefore God looked upon him with favor and commended him as
righteous because faith receives Jesus righteousness (Heb. 11:4).
(Key 2) The sin of Adam and Eve is passed down to their children.
Cain and his descendants demonstrate it very clearly. Cains genealogy
leads to Lamech. Lamech was proud that he had killed a man who had
injured him. And he made fun of Yahwehs threat of vengeance on
anyone who killed Cain. They and the generations that follow need a
Savior.
To replace Abel, Adam and Eve had another son named Seth. (Key 3)
Seth and his line began publicly worshipping God. In the lines of Cain
and Seth, mankind set off in two directions, one with Yahweh and one
against him.

Read Genesis 5: Adams line.

Outline of text:
1. Genealogy from Adam to Noah (Gen. 5:1-32).
o Key 1- Gods likeness vs. Adams likeness (Gen. 5:1, 3).
o Key 2 - The refrain and then he died (Gen. 5:5, 8, , 31).
o Key 3 Enoch walked with God (Gen. 5:21-24).
o Key 4 The curse of sin is a burden to man (5:29).

(Summary) The genealogy starts with Adam and then Seth and
continues up to Noah. This is the line of those who called on the name
of Yahweh and walked with him. This is the line of the Savior, the
people who trust in Yahweh.
(Key 1) Adam and Eve were created in Gods image, but that image
was lost when Adam and Eve sinned. Now they pass on their own
sinful image. (Key 2) Each person in the genealogy died. This is what
God said would happen if they ate of the forbidden fruit. And now
starting with Adam and continuing with each of his descendants
(except Enoch), came the sad refrain: and then he died. Man had no
way of freeing himself from death. The only hope of regaining Gods
image was in the promised Savior. Jesus came so that one day we
might once again be made like God, be recreated in his image. Besides
the devastating results of the curse of sin (Key 4), there is hope in
this genealogy. For from this line the Savior would come (Lk 3) and
win the victory over death.
(Key 3) Without faith it is impossible to please God and Enoch pleased
God (Heb. 11:5-6). That is, Enoch believed in God and his promises.
In a special act of grace God took Enoch away to his himself without
experiencing death (see also Ps. 49:15; Ps. 74:24). As Enoch pleased
God by his faith, so can we.

Read Genesis 6-8:19: The Flood.

Outline of text:
1. Because of mans wickedness Yahweh decided to wipe out
mankind (6:1-7).
o Key 1- Mankind was evil all the time (6:5).
2. God told Noah of the coming flood and instructed him to build an
ark (6:8-7:5).
o Key 2 Yahweh looked on Noah with favor (6:8-9).
o Key 3 - Noah obeyed Gods commands (6:22; 7:5).
3. Every living thing on earth died in the flood (7:6-24).
o Key 4 All living creatures died except for Noah and those
with him in the ark (7:23).
4. God caused the flood waters to recede (8:1-14).
o Key 5 God remembered Noah (8:1).
5. Noah, his family, and the animals came out of the Ark onto dry
ground (8:15-19).

(Key 1) As the number of people grew and spread over the earth so
did their sin. The godly (and yet sinful) line of Seth married into the
ungodly line of Cain. The result was more wickedness. It became so
bad that Yahweh was sorry he made man. So he decided to wipe out
mankind. Unfortunately for people, Adams new image included not
only death (see Gen.5), but people were evil all the time. This is why
a Savior was needed, to restore people to Gods image.
(Key 2) The exception was Noah. Even though he was sinful, he found
favor with Yahweh. He, like Enoch, walked with God, which means he
put his faith and trust in Yahweh and his promises. And like all people
who believe in Yahweh, the one true God, he was considered righteous
and blameless by faith for Jesus sake (Heb. 11:7).
(Key 3) Because our sinful nature causes us to think, say, and do evil
all the time, we cannot obey God. We, by our very nature (which was
inherited from Adam), rebel against God and are his enemies (Col.
1:21). So how then did Noah obey Yahweh? Noah was able to obey
because of his faith, which is a gift from God that makes us right
with Yahweh. Because of Noahs faith, Yahweh considered Noah to be
righteous and blameless and he was able to walk with God.

(Key 4) The destruction of the wicked in the flood is a picture of what

will come on the Last Day (Mt. 24:37-39; 2 Pet. 3:5-7). As God judged
the wicked in the flood, so Jesus will execute Gods judgment on the
wicked.
(Key 4) By water wickedness and evil were destroyed. By water a few
people were saved from a worldwide flood. The Flood was a type of
Baptism, where the sinful nature is destroyed, like the wicked, and the
Christian is saved by grace, like Noah (1 Pet. 3:21). This is possible
because Baptism connects people to Jesus (the Saviors) death and
resurrection (Rom. 6).
(Key 5) God does not forget. When he remembered Noah, he took
action to fulfill his promise. He caused the rain to stop, the water to
recede and the ground to dry up so that Noah and the rest of the arks
inhabitants could leave the ark and start anew. Likewise in the NT, God
remembered his covenant with Abraham (Lk. 1:72). Through
Abraham God had promised to bless all nations. The action Yahweh
took to fulfill (remember) his promise to Abraham was to send Jesus
to be the horn of salvation who would redeem his people through the
forgiveness of sins.

Read Genesis 8:20-9:17 Gods covenant with Noah and all living things.
Outline of text:
1. Noahs sacrifice; Yahwehs promises (8:20-22).
o Key 1 - Noah responds to his salvation with sacrifices (8:20).
o Key 2 - Yahweh says he will never destroy all living creatures
again (8:21).
2. God blesses his new creation (9:1-7).
o Key 3 Be fruitful and multiply (9:7).
3. Gods covenant with Noah and all life (9:8-17).
o Key 4 - Never again will God destroy the earth with a flood
(9:11).

(Key 1) Not only does faith respond to Gods grace with obedience to
Gods Word, but it also responds with worship. In fact, thats what
worship is. First God is gracious to people and then Gods people
respond by acknowledging Gods grace and thanking and praising God
for it. In Noahs case, he was graciously saved from the flood by God
and then he responded with sacrifices.
(Key 3) The wording of this section (9:1-7) is very similar to the first
creation (Gen. 1-2, God blessed, be fruitful and multiply, I give
you, but you must not). In his grace, God started a new creation
(Keys 2, 4) Even though man is still evil (see Gen. 8:21), Yahweh
promised to never again deal with sin in this way. He had a plan to
deal with sin in another way, by sending a Savior. In this plan sin and
its consequences would be completely destroyed and Gods people
would be reconciled to God.
(Key 4) God made several covenants with man throughout history. In
these covenants, man had nothing to offer. All he could do was accept
it (by faith) or reject it. This covenant, to never again destroy all life
on earth through a flood (Gen. 9:9), and all others in the OT are
covenants of redemption. They all look forward to the New Covenant in
Jesus blood through which redemption is made for all people through
the forgiveness of sins (Mt. 26:28).

Read Genesis 9:20 29 Noahs sons.

Outline of text:
1. Noahs and Hams sin (9:20-23).
o Key 1 - People are still sinful (9:21-22).
2. Noahs curse and blessing (9:24-27).
o Key 2 - Canaan cursed (9:25, 26, 27).
o Key 3 Shem blessed (9:26, 27).
3. After a long life, Noah died (9:28-29).
o Key 4 Results of sin still evident (9:29).

(Key 1) If there is any question as to whether sin was completely
washed away in the flood, this episode and those following it give a
clear answer of No! In this episode both Noah and his son Ham
sinned. (Key 4) And in the end Noah died. Death too is a result of sin.
There is still a need for a Savior.
(Key 2) Canaan is first mentioned here. He is mentioned because it is
from him that the Canaanite nations would come from. They were evil
like Canaan and later on (Key 3) Gods chosen people, the
descendants of Shem, would have to deal with them.

Read Genesis 10-11:9 The origin of the nations. The Tower of Babel.
Outline of text:
1. The sons of and nations that descended from Japheth (10:1-5).
2. The sons of and nations that descended from Ham (10:6-20).
o Key 1 - Nations and cities Israel would encounter later (9:1012, 15-19).
3. The sons of and nations that descended from Shem (10:21-32).
o Key 2 the line of Gods chosen people (10:21-32).
4. The tower of Babel (11:1-9).
o Key 3 the people refuse to scatter (11:4).
o Key 4 Yahweh scatters the people by confusing their
language (11:8-9).

(Key 1) There are many names in the descendants of Ham that will
sound familiar to Bible students. Many of the nations in this list are
nations and peoples that Israel would have contact and trouble with
later. They lived in and around the promised land.
(Key 2) The people of Israel came from the line of Shem. Soon God
would choose one person from these descendants of Shem whom he
would use in his plan of salvation. From this line the Savior will come.
(Key 3) If any more evidence is needed that people are still evil and a
Savior is still needed, this story provides it, as people deliberately
disobey God, as they deliberately refused to fill the earth (see Gen.
9:1) and sought to elevate themselves to replace Yahweh.
(Key 4) Because of their rebellion, their language was confused and
they did scatter across the earth as Yahweh had commanded. Many
years later representatives from these nations would gather in
Jerusalem (see Acts 2, Pentecost) and hear the Good News of the
Savior in their own language, showing that Jesus will reunite what sin
and rebellion has separated.

Read Genesis 11:10-32 From Shem to Abram.

Outline of text:
1. From Shem to Terah (11:10-26).
o Key 1 - Begins with Shem and ends with Terah (11:10, 26).
2. Terah, Abram, Sarai and Lot move from Ur to Haran (11:27-32).
o Key 2 - Abram, Sarai and Lot settled in Haran (11:31).

(Key 1) From the nations that emerged from Noahs sons, would
come one line of people that God would choose to use for his saving
purposes. This genealogy follows that line. The line leads from Shem
down to Terah, the father of Abram. From this line will eventually come
the promised Savior.
(Key 2) These verses prepare us for the next chapters of Genesis.
They introduce the main characters and tell us how they got to be in
Haran. God had brought them to Haran and it is from there that God
would begin implementing the first phase of his plan of salvation.

Section 4 - How God initiated his plan of salvation through the patriarch Abraham and his
family (Gen. 12:1-25:18)
Read Genesis 12:1-9 The Call of Abram.

Outline of text:
1. Yahweh told Abram to leave Haran and promised to bless him
(12:1-3).
o Key 1 -Yahweh promises to bless Abram (12:1-3).
2. Abram left and arrived at and traveled through Canaan (12:4-6).
o Key 2 Abram left as Yahweh told him (12:4).
o Key 3 The land that Yahweh would show them was Canaan
(12:5-6).
3. Yahwehs promise of land and Abrams response (12:7-9).
o Key 4 Yahweh promised to give the land of Canaan to
Abrams descendants (12:7).
o Key 5 Abram offered sacrifices to Yahweh (12:7-8).

(Key 1) Yahweh begins to reveal his plan of salvation in and to
Abram. Yahweh chose Abram and promised to bless him and the world
through him. He promised to make Abram into a great nation and to
bless all the peoples of the earth through him.
How would all people be blessed through Abram? Jesus would be the
promised Descendant of Abram. His coming would be a blessing to the
Jews (Acts 3:26-26). And his coming would be a blessing to the
Gentiles, to all people who have faith in him (Gal. 3:6-9).
(Key 2) Yahweh told Abram to leave Haran, but he did not tell him
where he was to go to. All Abram knew was that it was a place that
Yahweh would show him (12:1; see also Heb. 11:8)). In faith, Abram
obeyed Yahweh and went.
Faith trusts Yahweh and his word of promise and it obeys his
commands. Abram obeyed but as we will soon see, he was not perfect.
Jesus is the only one who has perfectly obeyed. In fact, Jesus became
obedient unto death, even death on the cross (Phil. 2:8).
(Keys 3 & 4) The place where Yahweh led Abram and his family to
was the land of Canaan. So to the seven-fold promise, Yahweh added
another promise, To your offspring I will give this land. The nation

family (Gen. 12:1-25:18)
(Abrams offspring) that Yahweh would create (12:2) would live in the
land of Canaan, the promised land.
(Key 5) By faith and in response to Yahwehs promises, Abram
publicly offered sacrifices to Yahweh. In a land filled with worship of
other gods, Abram brings the worship of the one, true God.

family (Gen. 12:1-25:18)
Read Genesis 12:10 13:4 Abram goes to Egypt and returns.

Outline of text:
1. Abram plans to pass Sarai off as his sister (12:10-13).
2. The plan carried out in Egypt (12:14-20).
o Key 1 - Sarai is taken in Pharaohs palace (12:15).
o Key 2 - Abram is blessed by Yahweh (12:16).
3. Abram returns to the promised land (13:1-4).
o Key 3 - Abram very wealthy (13:2).
o Key 4 - Abram worships Yahweh (13:4).

(Key 1) When Abram went down to Egypt and pretended that Sarai
was his sister, he put Yahwehs entire plan of salvation into jeopardy.
Pharaoh took Sarai into his harem. Had Sarai remained a wife to the
Pharaoh and remained in Egypt, how would Yahwehs promises of a
nation from Abram and Sarai in the promised land come true?
(Keys 2 & 3) Yahweh had promised to bless Abram (12:2). And now
Yahweh graciously does bless him in spite of his lie. Abram became
very wealthy in flocks, herds, servants, gold and silver. Yahwehs
promise of blessing was not conditioned; it was not dependent on
anything that Abram did.
(Key 4) Because of all that Yahweh had done for him (saved Sarai and
blessed him with wealth) when Abram returned to the promised land,
he worshipped Yahweh at Bethel. Faith responds to Yahwehs grace by
worshipping him.

family (Gen. 12:1-25:18)
Read Genesis 13:5-14:24 Abram and Lot.

Outline of text:
1. Abram and Lot separate (13:5-18).
o Key 1 - Yahweh reiterates his promises to Abram (13:14-16,
18).
2. Kings of the Jordan plain rebel and are defeated (14:1-12).
o Key 2 - Lot and all his possessions are taken captive (14:12).
3. Abram defeated Kedorlaomer and the kings aligned with him
(14:13-16).
o Key 3 - Lot is rescued by Abram (14:16).
4. Abram greeted by the kings of Sodom and Salem (14:17-24).
o Key 4 - Abram is blessed by Melchizedek, the king/priest of
Salem (14:18-20).

(Key 1) As Abram and Lot split up, Yahweh reassured Abrams faith.
Yahweh told Abram to look up to see all the land. Again Yahweh
promised to give Abram and his descendants the entire land. And
again Yahweh promised countless offspring for Abram.
(Keys 2 & 3) Yahweh had promised to make Abram a blessing to
others. Here we have an example of Yahweh fulfilling that promise, as
Abram rescued Lot from the army that had taken him away.
(Key 4) Melchizedek was an OT picture of the promised Savior in
several ways (see Heb. 7). 1) He held the double office of king and
priest. 2) He is without beginning or end; he is a priest forever. 3) He
is not a descendant of Levi. The Levitical priest could not reconcile a
guilty sinner with God. A better priest and a better sacrifice were
needed. Jesus, the Savior, was that priest and sacrifice; he was
perfect; he reconciles sinners. Jesus was a descendant of Judah. 4)
Jesus, the Savior, is the Bringer of righteousness and peace (which
is the meaning of name Melchizedek and his city, Salem).

family (Gen. 12:1-25:18)
Read Genesis 15 Gods covenant with Abram.

Outline of text:
1. Yahweh reassured Abram that he would have a son from his own
body (15:1-6).
o Key 1 - Yahweh promised a son and descendants to Abram
(15:4-5).
o Key 2 Abrams response of faith (15:6).
2. Yahwehs covenant with Abram (15:7-21).
o Key 3 Yahweh covenants with Abram to give his
descendants the promised land (15:13, 18).

(Key 1) Abram believed that Yahweh would bring from him a great
nation. But since he and Sarai could not have children, he reasoned
that he would have to adopt Eliezer his servant and that the nation
would come from his adopted son (15:2-3). This was not Yahwehs
plan. Yahweh told Abram, a son coming from your own body will be
your heir (Gen. 15:4). The nation would come from Abram himself,
not from his servant.
(Key 1) The promise of descendants has a physical aspect to it. The
nation of Israel would come from Abram (fulfilled in Ex. 1 and Deut.
1:10). And the promise has a spiritual aspect to it. All who believe in
Jesus Christ as the LORD and Savior (Ro. 4:11) are spiritual
descendants of Abram.
(Key 2) Because Yahweh promised Abram a son and numerous
descendants, Abram responded by believing and trusting Gods Word
of promise (faith). He was declared to be right with God because by
faith he believed Gods promises and by faith he cast himself fully into
Gods grace.
(Key 3) In the matter of receiving the land, Abram did not respond
with such strong faith. In order that Abram would know for certain
(15:13) that his descendants would receive the land, Yahweh made a
covenant with Abram. In this covenant Yahweh said 1) who he was, 2)
what he had done for Abram, and 3) what he intended to do for him in
the future (Gen. 15:7). He also said 4) when the land would be given
to Abrams descendants (after 400 years in slavery and after the sin of
the Amorites reached its full measure) (Gen. 15:13-16). Yahweh cut

family (Gen. 12:1-25:18)
the covenant by passing between the cut up animals, meaning, May

this happen to me if I dont keep my promise to give you the land
(Gen. 15:17). In this covenant, Abram had nothing to contribute.
Yahweh gave all. Abram and his descendants received all. He could
sign the contract simply by accepting what it offered them, by having
faith in Gods Word of promise.

family (Gen. 12:1-25:18)
Read Genesis 16 Hagar and Ishmael.

Outline of text:
1. Hagar becomes Abrams wife and becomes pregnant (16:1-4a).
o Key 1 - Sarai tries to build a family through her servant
(16:1-4a).
2. Hagar despised Sarai and Sarai mistreated Hagar (16:4b-6).
3. Hagar encountered the Angel of Yahweh (16:7-14).
4. Hagar bore Abram a son, Ishmael (16:15-16).

(Key 1) Some time had passed and still no child (from which a nation
could come). Perhaps Abram and Sarai believed Gods promise that
Abram would have a son, but not through the normal way with Sarai.
Sarais idea, which was an accepted practice in that day, was to have
Abram marry her servant Hagar, have a child with her, and then they
would adopt him. She planned to build a family in that way. But they
would find out that this too was not Yahwehs plan.

family (Gen. 12:1-25:18)
Read Genesis 17 The covenant with Abram confirmed and expanded.

Outline of text:
1. Yahweh announces that he will confirm his covenant with Abram
(17:1-2).
2. Gods covenant obligations- to give descendants and land to
Abraham (17:3-8).
o Key1 God will be the God of Abraham and his descendants
(17:7).
3. Abrahams covenant obligation-circumcision of males (17:9-14).
o Key 2 Every male must be circumcised (17:10b).
o Key 3 The uncircumcised would be cut off (17:14).
4. God promised a son for Abraham and Sarah (17:15-22).
o Key 4 - God promised to covenant with the son of promise,
Isaac (17:19, 21)
5. Abraham kept the covenant of circumcision (17:23-27).
o Key 5 Abraham obeyed God, all males circumcised (17:23).

(Summary) Earlier in chapter 15 Yahweh cut a covenant with Abram.
In it he guaranteed his promise that the land of Canaan would be
given to Abrams descendants. Now Yahweh expands the covenant to
include the nation (the promised descendants). And he makes it very
clear that the nation will originate with Abram and Sarai.
(Key 1) The covenant Yahweh made with Abram stated that because
Yahweh had chosen and made them his people, therefore they would
worship him as the one true God. The descendants of Abram who
would be Gods people would not only be the nation of Israel, but it
would include all who believe in Yahweh and his words of promise
(especially the promise of a Savior) - Christians.
(Keys 2, 3, 5) The only requirement of Abraham and his descendants
in this covenant was that every male had to be circumcised. This was a
faith response that showed that Yahweh was the only God that they
trusted and served. Circumcision was similar to the oath Yahweh
submitted to with the animals cut in half in chapter 15. What Abraham
and his descendants were saying by being circumcised was, If I am
not loyal in faith and obedience to Yahweh alone, may I be cut off from
Yahweh and his people as my foreskin was cut off.

family (Gen. 12:1-25:18)
(Key 4) Yahweh promised that Abraham and Sarah would have a son.
Abraham, at first, responded to the promise by laughing. This either
was a response of temporary unbelief or a response of overwhelming
joy. Their son would be called Isaac, which means he laughs, a
continuous reminder of the joy Yahweh brought when he did the
impossible and gave them a son.
(Key 4) God told Abraham that the covenant he made, which
confirmed the promises of a nation, a land, and a blessing to all
people, would be made with Isaac. To Isaac, the child of promise,
Gods plan of salvation will be passed down to.

family (Gen. 12:1-25:18)
Read Genesis 18-19 Sodom and Gomorrah destroyed.

Outline of text:
1. Abraham prepared a meal for three visitors (18:1-8).
2. Sarah laughed at the idea that she would have a son (18:9-15).
o Key 1 - Yahweh announced that Sarah would have a son in
one year (18:9-15).
3. Yahweh decided to tell Abraham what he came to do: to see how
evil Sodom and Gomorrah were (18:16-21).
o Key 2 Abraham had a close relationship with Yahweh
(18:18-19).
o Key 3 Grievous sin in Sodom and Gomorrah (18:20).
4. Abraham pleaded for the righteous. (Lot lived there) (18:22-33).
o Key 4 Will the righteous be killed with the wicked (18:25)?
5. The two angels found out how wicked the men of Sodom were
(19:1-11).
o Key 5 The men of Sodom are pure evil (19:5, 7).
6. The angels warned and led Lot and his family out of Sodom
immediately (19:12-22).
o Key 6 The righteous saved; the wicked punished by
Yahweh (19:12-13).
7. Yahweh destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah (19:23-29).
o Key 7 Abrahams intercession saved Lot (19:29).
8. Lots daughters sordid affair with their father (19:30-38).
o Key 8 Where the Moabites and Ammonites came from
(19:37-38).

(Key 2) Because of his promises to Abraham (18:18) and his special
relationship with Abraham (18:19 Abraham was chosen or known
by Yahweh. To know someone is to have a close relationship with
them, like a husband knows his wife), Yahweh shared his plans with
Abraham. His plans included Good News (Gospel) and bad news (Law).
(Key 1) First he shared the Good News that Abraham would have a
son and would become a great and powerful nation (18:10, 18). (Key
3) Then he shared the bad news that he was going to destroy Sodom
and Gomorrah because of their grievous sin (18:20-21). Yahweh does
the same today with Christians. Through the Scriptures, Christians
learn the Law and Gospel. There is Good News for those who believe in
Jesus (eternal life in heaven) and there is bad news for those who do
not believe (eternal death in hell).

family (Gen. 12:1-25:18)
(Keys 2, 4) Also, because of Abrahams close relationship with

Yahweh, he was allowed to intercede with Yahweh for Sodom (the
home of Lot and his family) (18:26). In prayer Gods people approach
Yahweh with confidence and persistence with their concerns for others.
(Key 4) Abraham pleaded for the righteous. Who are the righteous?
How do you become righteous in Gods eyes? First of all, people have
no righteousness of their own. Their righteousness is like filthy rags.
The only way people can become righteous (that is, have a right
relationship with God) is by acquiring Jesus righteousness. Jesus
righteousness is a free gift offered to us by God. It cannot be earned;
it can only be received by faith.
(Key 3, 5) This is another clear example that the Flood had not
washed away all sin. The cry against the evil in Sodom and Gomorrah
was so great that Yahweh came down to see it for himself and he
found that it was true. These people were like the people just before
the Flood. Their hearts are evil all the time. A Savior is definitely still
needed.
(Keys 2, 7) Also because Yahweh knew Abraham (18:19), Yahweh
remembered or took action in answering Abrahams intercession for
the righteous (18:22-33). Yahweh provided a way out for Lot and his
family, as he destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. (Keys 5, 6) He did not
and he does not sweep away the righteous with the wicked. On the
Last Day those who have Jesus righteousness by faith will escape
Gods judgment while the wicked will be sent to the torments of hell.
(Key 8) One might ask why the episode of Lots daughters with their
father is included. What purpose does it serve? This episode provides
the background of where the Moabites and Ammonites came from.
These were nations that the chosen nation, Israel, would deal with
later.
In these chapters we see the two sides of Yahweh. He is at the same
time gracious and just. (Keys 4, 7) He was gracious in allowing
Abraham to plead for the righteous and in providing a way out for the
righteous. (Key 6) He was just in his punishment of the wicked. He
cannot and will not tolerate sin.

family (Gen. 12:1-25:18)
Read Genesis 20 Abraham and Abimelech

Outline of text:
1. Sarah, Abrahams sister, is taken by Abimelech (20:1-2).
o Key 1 - Sarah taken into the royal harem (20:2b).
2. Abimelech encounters God in a dream (20:3-7).
o Key 2 God kept Abimelech from touching Sarah (20:6b).
3. Abimelech confronts Abraham about his sister (20:8-13).
4. Abimelech pays for his wrong and Abraham prays for healing
for the royal family (20:14-18).
o Key 3 Sarah is returned to Abraham (20:14b).

Abraham once again put Yahwehs promise of a son in jeopardy by
trying to pass Sarah off as his sister and not his wife. (Key 1) Because
of this Sarah was taken into Abimelechs royal harem. This came at a
time when she was or would become pregnant according to Yahwehs
promise (see 18:9-15). Had Abimelech slept with her, there would
have been a question as to whose child it was. Or Sarah could have
been permanently absorbed into Abimelechs harem. In any case,
Yahweh made sure that nothing got in the way of his promise of a son.
(Key 2) He made sure that Abimelech did not even touch her and
(Key 3) that he returned her to Abraham.

family (Gen. 12:1-25:18)
Read Genesis 21 The birth of Isaac, the promised son.

Outline of text:
1. Isaac was born (21:1-7).
o Key 1 - The son of promise was born, named, and
circumcised (21:1-5).
2. Hagar and Ishmael were sent away (21:8-14).
o Key 2 The son of promise takes precedence over the son of
the slave (21:10b, 12).
3. The angel of God spoke to Hagar in the desert (21:15-21).
4. Abraham made a treaty with Abimelech (21:22-34).
o Key 3 It is evident that God has blessed Abraham (21:22).
o Key 4 Recognition that Abraham has rights to the well he
dug (21:30).
o Key 5 Abraham called on Yahweh, the Eternal God (21:33).

(Key 1) In the birth of Isaac, Yahwehs promise of a son to Abraham
and Sarah in their old age was fulfilled. In this birth, Yahwehs promise
of a nation had begun to be fulfilled. Abraham named him Isaac, which
means he laughs, to be a continual reminder of how in Gods grace
he kept his promise and gave them a son in their old age, which
caused the laughter of joy. With God nothing is impossible. In
response to Yahwehs grace, Abraham kept the covenant by
circumcising Isaac on the eighth day.
(Key 2) Who will be the heir to Yahwehs promise of a great nation,
Isaac or Ishmael? Legally it would have been Ishmael. But when he
was sent away, he was legally disinherited. Yahweh had chosen Isaac,
the son of promise to be the heir of His promises (nation, land,
Savior).
(Key 1, 2) In his letter to the Galatians, Paul used this story to
illustrate the difference between being under the Law and under the
promise (Gal. 4:21-31). Hagar, who was a slave, had a son who was
also a slave. Hagar represents the covenant given at Mt. Sinai--the
Law. Those born under the Law are slaves to the Law. On the other
hand, Sarah, a free woman, had Isaac. Isaac was not born in an
ordinary way. He was the son of Yahwehs promise and he was born
through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Jews of Pauls day demanded
the Law be kept. So when Paul preached the freedom of the Gospel,

family (Gen. 12:1-25:18)
they persecuted him and other Christians, the people of promise. In

this way they acted like Ishmael when he, the slave, persecuted Isaac,
the son of promise. In the end, Abraham, following Sarahs and Gods
advice, sent off Hagar and Ishmael. The result of this was that they
would not share in the inheritance. And so it is the same today, all
those who do believe in Jesus are children of promise who will share
in the eternal inheritance. All those who do not believe are children of
the slave woman, the Law, and will not share in the inheritance of
heaven.
Does Yahweh keep his promises? Based on what we see in this story
we must say yes. (Key 1) Yahweh had promised Abraham and Sarah
a son and now he has kept that promise; they have a son. (Key 3)
Yahweh promised to bless Abraham and in this story it is clear even to
the Philistine king Abimelech that God is with Abraham. Yahweh had
blessed him so much that the Philistine king was afraid of Abraham
and insisted on making a treaty. Yahweh always keeps his promises.
(Key 4) Abrahams treaty with Abimelech for water rights is a token of
and is the first tangible evidence of Abrahams and his descendants
right to the whole promised land.
(Key 5) When Abraham called upon the name of Yahweh, the Eternal
God, he publicly worshiped Yahweh and declared that he was the
Eternal God. When he did this he was basically saying to those around
him, You worship your phony gods, but I worship the one, true God.
He is Yahweh, the Eternal God. Indeed, all gods but Yahweh are false
gods. Christians know Yahweh as the Triune God, Father, Son and Holy
Spirit. He is the only God. He is the Eternal God. Other religions talk
about God, but the God they talk about, pray to, worship, etc. is a
figment of their imagination or is a part of creation and not the
Creator. In our multi-cultural society, many believe the God of the
Christians is the same as the God of the Muslims, which is the same as
the God of ___ (you fill in the blank), etc. They believe there is one
God, but that different religions know him in different ways and call
him by different names. This patently false! There is but one God and
he is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We, like Abraham, publicly
proclaim Yahweh, the Eternal God.

family (Gen. 12:1-25:18)
Read Genesis 22 Abraham Tested

Outline of text:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
1. God tested Abraham by telling him to sacrifice Isaac (22:1-2).

Key 1 Abraham was commanded to sacrifice his only son, the
promised son (22:2).
2. Abraham and Isaac travel to make the sacrifice (22:3-8).
Key 2 Abraham promptly obeyed God (22:3a).
Key 3 Abraham tells his servants that he and Isaac would come
back after worshiping (22:5b).
3. Abraham offers a sacrifice a ram takes Isaacs place (22:9-14).
Key 4 As Abraham is about to sacrifice Isaac, the angel of
Yahweh stopped him (22:10-12).
Key 5 Yahweh provides a substitute sacrifice (22:13-14).
4. The angel of Yahweh blessed Abraham by reiterating Yahwehs
promises (22:15-19).
Key 6 The promises to Abraham are reiterated (22:15-18).
5. Nahors children (22:20-24).
Key 7 Yahweh has been preparing for Isaacs future (22:23).

(Key 1) Yahweh had promised to make Abrahams descendants into a
great nation. So far Abraham had only one son. And now God
commanded him to sacrifice that one and only son. (Key 2) Abraham,
remarkably, wastes no time in obeying. Early the next morning he set
out to make the sacrifice of his only son. If he does sacrifice him, what
will happen to Gods promises?
(Key 3) Abraham told his servants that he and Isaac would be back
after offering a sacrifice. What was Abraham thinking? How could he
sacrifice Isaac and then have Isaac come back with him? Hebrews
11:17-19 helps us understand. Abraham, believing Gods promise that
his offspring would be reckoned through Isaac, believed that God
would raise Isaac from the dead. And, as it says in Hebrews,
figuratively he did.
(Key 4, 5) As Abraham is about to slay his one and only son of the
promise, the angel of Yahweh (the second person of the Trinity) stops
him and provides a ram as a substitute. Here Yahweh provides a
picture of what he would later do to keep his promise to bless all
mankind. He, the heavenly Father, would sacrifice his one and only

family (Gen. 12:1-25:18)
Son. But He did not provide a substitute for his Son like he did for
Isaac. In reality the Son was the substitute for mankind. He gave his
life in their place and for their sake.
In the covenant made with Abraham, Abraham was to worship Yahweh
as the one and only true God (Ch. 17) and Abraham and his
descendants were to be Yahwehs people. In this lesson we see that
Yahweh was indeed the God Abraham put his full trust in and (Key 6)
Yahweh once again reiterated his promises (22:15-18) to bless him, to
give him numerous descendants (promised nation), to give them the
promised land, and to bless all the nations of the world through them
(promised Savior).
Seemingly, completely out of nowhere, there are five verses about
Abrahams brother, Nahor, and his descendants (22:20-24). Why is this
here? (Key 7) It is included because it shows that Yahweh never
intended for Isaac to be sacrificed. He had in fact been working for two
generations to prepare a wife (Rebekah) for the son of promise, Isaac.

family (Gen. 12:1-25:18)
Read Genesis 23 The Death of Sarah

Outline of text:
1. Sarah died (23:1-2).
2. Abraham bargained for and bought some land as a burial plot
(23:3-20).
o Key 1 - Abraham bought a field in Canaan as a burial site
(23:17-20).

(Key 1) Normally people were buried with their relatives in their
native land. By buying the burial plot for Sarah in the land of Canaan,
the promised land, Abraham was making a statement of faith. Even
though Abraham was a stranger and alien in the land, based on
Yahwehs promises, Canaan was the new homeland of Abraham and
his descendants. The future of this family is in the promised land.

family (Gen. 12:1-25:18)
Read Genesis 24 A Wife for Isaac

Outline of text:
1. Abraham charges his chief servant to find a wife for Isaac from
his relatives in Aram (24:1-9).
o Key 1 Yahweh had blessed Abraham (24:1).
o Key 2 - Isaacs wife is not to be a Canaanite and Isaac is not
to leave the promised land (24:3-4, 6-7).
2. Yahweh led Abrahams servant to Rebekah (24:10-27).
o Key 3 The servant prayed, Yahweh answered, and the
servant worshiped (24:12, 15, 26).
3. Abrahams servant recounts his story to Rebekahs relatives
(24:28-54a).
o Key 4 Rebekahs family knew Yahweh (24:31, 50-51).
o Key 5 Yahweh had blessed Abraham with wealth and a son
(24:35-36).
o Key 6 Yahweh led the servant to Rebekah (24:48).
4. The servant and Rebekah are quickly on their way back to
Canaan (24:54b-61).
5. Isaac and Rebekah meet and are married (24:62-67).
o Key 7 Isaac married Rebekah (24:67).

(Key 1, 5) We continue to see confirmation that Yahweh kept his
promises. Yahweh had promised to bless Abraham and indeed he did.
Abraham had become rich in livestock and he had a son in his old age.
Yahweh always keeps his promises. He promised to send One who
would crush the serpent and he did. He promised to bless the whole
world through Abrahams Descendant and he did. All of his promises
find their Yes in the person of Jesus Christ.
(Key 2) Abraham arranges for his servant to find a wife for Isaac. His
specifications to the servant are that wife not be a Canaanite but one
of their relatives in Aram and that Isaac not leave the promised land.
Why couldnt Isaacs wife be a Canaanite (Abraham is emphatic about
this (24:3-4))? Probably because the Canaanites did not believe in
Yahweh and they were exceedingly wicked. (Key 4) On the other
hand, Abrahams family knew Yahweh (see 24:30, 50-51). Why
couldnt Isaac leave Canaan? He couldnt leave because this is the land
that Yahweh had promised to give to Abrahams offspring (24:6-7).

family (Gen. 12:1-25:18)
The Biblical story continues to revolve around Yahwehs promises of

the land and offspring.
(Key 3) The servant put his trust in Yahweh that he would lead him to
the woman Yahweh had chosen for Isaac, for it was through Isaac and
his wife that Yahweh would advance the fulfillment of his promises.
The servants faith was rewarded. Yahweh led him straight to the
woman he long ago had chosen to be Isaacs wife (22:23). In response
to Yahwehs grace, the servant worshiped. This describes the Christian
life. Yahweh calls us to be his own; he makes promises to us in
complete grace; he gives us faith to trust his word of promise; he
keeps his promises; we respond to his grace by worshiping him.
(Key 4) After being told by Abrahams servant of his trust in Yahweh
and how his prayers were answered, Laban and Bethuel react by
saying, This is from Yahweh (24:50) and Yahweh has directed [this
to happen] (24:51). In other words, they were saying that if Yahweh
directed it, then it will happen. They show knowledge of Yahweh and
his great power. Isaacs wife is coming from a family that knows
Yahweh and (Key 2) not from an idolatrous Canaanite family.
(Keys 6, 7) Through Yahwehs providence the servant is led to
Rebekah who was from his family. And so Isaac married the one
(Rebekah) that Yahweh had chosen for him. Gods plan of salvation is
now ready for the next step. Isaac is ready to take over as the family
patriarch.

family (Gen. 12:1-25:18)
Read Genesis 25:1-18 Yahweh keeps his promises in the death of

Abraham and in Ishmaels sons
Outline of text:
1. Abrahams last years and his death (25:1-11).
o Key 1 - Isaac continues to receive precedence over
Abrahams other children (25:5-6).
o Key 2 Abraham died at a good old age (25:8).
2. Ishmaels account (25:12-18).
o Key 3 Ishmaels children became twelve nations (25:16).
o Key 4 Ishmaels children lived in hostility toward others
(25:18).

(Key 1) While Abraham remarried and had other children, Isaac
remained the son of the promise and held the favored position.
(Key 2) Earlier Yahweh promised Abraham, You will go to your
fathers in peace and be buried at a good old age (15:15). Again we
see that Yahwehs promise is fulfilled.
(Key 3) God blessed Ishmael as he promised earlier (17:20; 21:13,
18). He had 12 sons each of whom became a nation. But Ishmaels
account is short (just seven verses) because his line was not the
chosen line of the promised Savior. And yet Gods plan of salvation
includes them and all nations. The promised Savior will be a blessing
to people of all nations.
(Key 4) Earlier the angel of Yahweh had told Hagar that her son
(Ishmael) would be a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against
everyone and everyone's hand against him, and he will live in hostility
toward [b] all his brothers" (16:12). Here we see the fulfillment of that
prophecy. Yahwehs word is always good; it can always be trusted.

Section 5 - How Gods plan of salvation continued through the patriarch Isaacs family
(Gen. 25:19-36:43)
Read Genesis 25:19-34 Jacob and Esau

Outline of text:
1. Yahweh answers Isaacs prayer as Rebekah became pregnant
with two boys (25:19-23).
o Key 1 In times of need, Isaac and Rebekah go to Yahweh
(25:21-23).
o Key 2 - While the twins were in the womb, Yahweh told
Rebekah that the older will serve the younger (25:23b).
2. The twins are named Esau and Jacob; they are very different
from each other; and the parents had their favorites (25:24-28).
o Key 3 Parental favoritism (25:28).
3. Esau sold the birthright to Jacob for a pot of stew (25:29-34).
o Key 4 Esau despised his birthright (25:34).

(Summary) The account of Isaac (25:19-35:29) is one in which the
recipient of the promise becomes the transmitter of the promise.
(Key 1) When Rebekah could have no children, Isaac went to Yahweh
in prayer and Yahweh answered his prayer by giving Rebekah twins.
When the twins jostled within her, Rebekah inquired of Yahweh about
what was happening and Yahweh answered her. Yahweh always hears
and answers the prayers of his chosen ones. His answers are not
always Yes, but his answers are always what is best for us and/or for
others.
(Key 2) In that culture at that time, the oldest son was given special
privileges (such as a double inheritance). But before Rebekahs twins
were born, before they had done good or bad (Ro. 9:11), Yahweh had
determined that he would use the younger son in his plan of salvation,
the older will serve the younger.
(Key 3) The parental favoritism of Isaac and Rebekah would cause all
kinds of troubles within the family. This was especially true concerning
the blessing of the firstborn.
(Key 4) With the birthright came the inheritance rights. At the heart
of the birthright was Yahwehs covenant promises that Isaac inherited
from Abraham. In this case, against human tradition, the younger son

(Gen. 25:19-36:43)
would inherit Yahwehs promises. In selling the birthright for a bowl of

stew, Esau showed that he had no regard for Yahwehs promises.
(Keys 4, 2) Even though Jacob was a deceiver (thats what his name
means), it actually was not by his deception (the birthright for a bowl
of stew) that he received the birthright and covenant promises. Rather,
he received them by Divine election. He had been chosen before they
were even born. Had he not deceived Esau, Yahwehs providence still
would have caused Jacob to receive the covenant promises.

(Gen. 25:19-36:43)
Read Genesis 26: Isaac and Abimelech

Outline of text:
1. During a famine Yahweh commanded Isaac to stay in the
promised land and promised that he would bless him (26:1-6).
o Key 1 - Yahweh confirmed his covenant with Isaac (26:3-4).
2. Isaac pretended that Rebekah was his sister (26:7-11).
o Key 2 Abimelech realized that Rebekah was Isaacs wife
and issued a decree to protect them (26:8, 11).
3. Yahweh blessed Isaac with flocks and herds but his wealth
caused friction with the Philistines (26:12-25).
o Key 3 Yahweh blessed Isaac during the famine (26:12-14).
o Key 4 Yahweh reiterated his promises and Isaac responded
with worship (26:24-25).
4. Isaac made a treaty with the Philistines (26:26-35).
o Key 5 The Philistines could see clearly that Yahweh was
with Isaac and wanted to make a treaty with Isaac (26:28,
29b).

Why is this chapter here? It appears to out of order chronologically
because this chapter probably occurred before the birth of the twins.
(Key 1, 4) It was specifically place here to show that the birthright
and blessing that Jacob struggled so hard to obtain (see 25:22, 31-33;
27:5-29) included the promises that Yahweh made to Abraham and
now is making to Isaac. Thats why the birthright and blessing are so
important.
(Key 1) Having just heard Yahwehs promises reiterated, Isaac put
them into jeopardy by passing Rebekah his wife off as his sister. What
would have happened if she had become part of Abimelechs harem or
if a Philistine had slept with her (26:10)? The Philistines were not a
part of Gods plan of salvation. (Key 2) Thankfully, Yahweh caused
Abimelech to see Isaac caressing his wife. He then ordered that no
Philistine bother Isaac and Rebekah. So Yahweh used this incident to
protect the chosen family. He can use any incident, whether good or
bad, and use it to serve his purposes.
(Key 1, 3) Yahweh continued to promise blessings and to keep his
promises. He promised that he would be with Isaac and bless him. And

(Gen. 25:19-36:43)
so in the midst of a famine, crops planted by Isaac yielded 100-fold.

(Key 5) Even the Philistines could see that Yahweh has blessed Isaac.

(Gen. 25:19-36:43)
Read Genesis 27:1-40: Jacob got Isaacs blessing instead of Esau.

Outline of text:
1. Isaac instructed Esau to hunt and prepare some tasty food for
him before he gave him his blessing (27:1-4).
o Key 1 Contrary to Gods will, Isaac planned to give the
blessing to Esau (27:4).
2. Rebekah plotted to trick Isaac into giving Jacob the blessing
(27:5-17).
3. Jacob carried out the plot and tricked Isaac (27:18-26).
4. Isaac blessed Jacob (27:27-29).
o Key 2 Jacob received the blessing (27:27-29).
5. Isaac and Esau figured out what happened (27:30-40).
o Key 3 When Jacob was blessed, Gods will was done
(27:33).
o Key 4 Esau received a blessing too (27:39-40).

(Key 1) Isaac knew that God had said that the older would serve the
younger. So Isaac purposely sought to circumvent it and give it to the
older son, who was his favorite, Esau. Rather than follow Gods word,
he instead chose to follow human tradition. But Yahweh had chosen
Jacob and not Esau to play a part in his plan of salvation. So Yahweh
had to overrule Isaac. In doing so, he was able to use the evil of
Rebekah and Jacob to serve his saving purposes.
Similarly, Yahweh took the deception of Jesus by Judas, which sent
Jesus to the cross, and used it to accomplish his purposes, the
salvation of the world.
(Key 2) Through trickery Jacob received the blessing. In passing on
the blessing, Isaac was Yahwehs spokesman or prophet; he was
pronouncing Gods word. (Key 3) Nothing could stop Gods word from
hitting its intended mark (Jacob). If God said Jacob would be blessed,
then, indeed he will be blessed.
(Key 4) Later on Yahweh described the promised land as a land
flowing with milk and honey, that is, as a land of abundance. In the
blessing Jacob received, he was promised an abundance [i.e., the
promised land]. But Esau would live away from the abundance. He
would live outside the promised land. God would work out his plan of

(Gen. 25:19-36:43)
salvation through Jacob and not Esau as he had said while they were
still in the womb.

(Gen. 25:19-36:43)
Read Genesis 27:41 28:22 Jacob fled to Laban in Haran.

Outline of text:
1. Rebekah devised a plan to save Jacob from Esaus fury (27:4146).
2. Isaac blessed Jacob and sent him off to find a wife in Haran
(28:1-5).
o Key 1 Isaac willingly blessed Jacob (28:1, 3-4).
3. Esau married an Ishmaelite (28:6-9).
4. Jacob had a dream at Bethel (28:10-22).
o Key 2 a stairway connected earth and heaven; it had
angels ascending and descending on it; and Yahweh stood
above it (28:12-13a).
o Key 3 The promises Yahweh made to Abraham and Isaac,
he makes to Jacob (28:13b-14).
o Key 4 Yahweh made additional promises to Jacob (28:15).

(Key 1) Before Jacob left, Isaac willingly blessed him, giving him the
promises that God gave to Abraham and himself. Isaacs attitude
toward blessing Jacob changed. He must have remembered that
Yahweh said the older would serve the younger and so by faith he
blessed Jacob (Heb. 11:20).
The blessing given to Abraham (28:4) included the gift of faith in
God Almightys promise of a Savior. It is only by faith that people are
justified before God because faith appropriates Jesus righteousness
(Gal. 3:14; Ro. 4:1-5).
(Key 2) In Jacobs dream a stairway reached from earth to heaven
with angels ascending and descending on it and Yahweh standing at
the top. The angels were ready to take his needs before Yahweh and
were being sent by Yahweh to minister to Jacob. Jesus once told a
disciple that he would see angels ascending and descending on the
Son of Man (Jn. 1:51). Jesus himself is the stairway that connects
earth and heaven. He is necessary because sin has created a great
chasm between heaven and earth. Jesus work of redemption bridges
the gap, making it possible once again for man to be with God.
(Key 3) From on top of the stairway Yahweh spoke to Jacob. Yahweh
identified himself as the God of Abraham and Isaac. And the promises

(Gen. 25:19-36:43)
he made to them, he now made to Jacob. His three-fold promise to

Jacob and his descendants was to: 1) give them the land of Canaan, 2)
multiply them into a nation, and 3) bless all peoples on earth through
them (this he did through Jesus).
(Key 4) To these promises Yahweh added that he would be with
Jacob, watch over him and bring him back to the promised land. Isnt
this also Yahwehs promise to us in our Baptism? In Baptism he makes
us his own, promises to be with us wherever we go and whatever we
do in life, to watch over us, and to bring us safely to the eternal
promised land.
(Key 4) In that day and time it was believed that each country had
their own gods. When countries went to battle, it was not only the
armies of two countries fighting, but it was also the gods of the two
countries fighting. Yahweh states that this is not true for him. He
promised to go with Jacob to watch over him and protect him. In fact,
it was Yahweh who created the world and therefore owns the world
and had authority over it. He is not a local god, but the universal God.

(Gen. 25:19-36:43)
Read Genesis 29:1 30:43 Jacob and Laban

Outline of text:
1. Jacob talked to the shepherds of Haran about Laban (29:1-8).
o Key 1 Jacob happens to come across Rachel, the
daughter of Laban, his uncle (29:5-6).
2. Jacob met Rebekah and Laban (29:9-14a).
3. Jacob married both Leah and Rachel (29:14b-30).
o Key 2 Jacob paid the bride-price for Rachel (29:18-20).
o Key 3 Jacob accused Laban of deception (29:25).
4. Jacob had eleven sons and one daughter (29:31-30:24).
o Key 4 Leah bore Jacob four sons (29:31-35).
5. Jacobs flock increase greatly (30:25-43).
o Key 5 It is clear to Laban and Jacob that Yahweh had
blessed Laban because of Jacob (30:27b, 30).
o Key 6 Yahweh made Jacob become exceedingly prosperous
(30:43).

(Key 1) The fact that Jacob happened to come across the well that
Rachel used to water her sheep and the fact that Rachel happened to
come by while he was there at a time when sheep were not normally
watered is no coincidence. Yahweh made it happen. Yahweh was
keeping his promise to be with Jacob and watch over him.
(Key 2) At that time it was common to pay a bride price when one got
married. But Jacob had no wealth or possessions. So the agreement
was that Jacob would work for Laban for seven years for no wages.
This would be the price he would pay to marry Rachel. When he
finished working the seven years, it sealed the marriage and made it
legal. In the OT Yahweh frequently used marriage imagery to describe
his relationship with his chosen people. The bride price which sealed
Yahwehs betrothal to Israel was righteousness and justice, love and
compassion, and faithfulness (Hos. 2:19-20). He paid the price. We
simply accept His proposal.
(Key 3) How ironic that the one who deceived in order to get the
rights of the firstborn (Jacob-birthright, blessing) is deceived by
another firstborn, Leah. Yahweh is training/disciplining Jacob. Here he
sees how it feels to be deceived.

(Gen. 25:19-36:43)
(Key 4) Leah became the mother of the first four children of Jacob.
These four included Levi, ancestor of the Aaronic priestly line, and
Judah, ancestor of the royal line of David and ultimately Jesus.
(Key 4) In his plan of salvation, God uses the weak instead of the
strong, the younger instead of the older, and the have-nots instead of
the haves, that it might be evident that it is His doing. He did that with
Jacob, who was morally weak as a deceiver and the younger, and
Leah, who was unpopular and became Jacobs wife by trickery.
Together they became the parents of Judah, the ancestor of the Christ.
(Keys 5, 6) God had promised to go with Jacob and watch over him.
When Jacob wanted to leave with his family, Laban urged him to stay
because it was abundantly clear to him and to Jacob that Yahweh had
blessed Laban (increased flocks) through his blessing of Jacob. And so
Yahweh blessed Jacob in spite of all his scheming. Over the years
Jacob went from having no flocks or animals to being exceedingly
prosperous, with large numbers of flocks, servants, camels and
donkeys. Yahweh kept his promises.

(Gen. 25:19-36:43)
Read Genesis 31: Jacob and his family leave Laban for Canaan.
Outline of text:
1. Jacob and family leave Laban (31:1-21).
o Key 1 Yahweh instructed Jacob to go back to the land of
your fathers (31:3, 13).
o Key 2 -God had been with Jacob, giving him Labans flocks
(31:5, 7, 9, 16).
o Key 3 Jacob, Leah, and Rachel deceived Laban by not
telling him they were leaving (31:19-20).
2. Laban tracked down and confronted Jacob (31:22-30).
o Key 4 Laban accused Jacob of deception (31:26-27).
3. Jacob defended his flight from Laban (31:31-42).
o Key 5 Rachel lied to Laban (31:35).
o Key 6 God had seen what Laban was doing to Jacob and he
turned the tables, blessing Jacob (31:42).
4. Laban made a covenant with Jacob (31:43-55).
o Key 7 The covenant: God as a witness, the oath, a
sacrifice, and a meal (31:53-54).

In the last chapter Laban urged Jacob to stay because Yahweh had
blessed him through Jacob. Had Jacob stayed and never returned,
Yahwehs plan to give the promised land to Abraham and Isaacs
offspring would have been frustrated. (Key 1) But Yahweh made his
will known to Jacob. His will was that after being in Aram for 20 years
Jacob should return.
(Key 3, 4, 5) Jacob, Leah, and Rachel deceived Laban by sneaking
away. Rachel stole Labans idols and then lied by denying she had. But
God caused all the lying, cheating, and stealing to serve his purposes.
(Key 1) He had instructed Jacob to go back home. And now Jacob was
on his way. He had come with nothing. But he returns with a family
and many possessions. But more importantly, he returns to the
promised land having learned many valuable lessons about God. (Key
2, 6) He learned that God is faithful, that he keeps his promises, that
God was with him, that God protected him, that God blessed him and
guided him. And God does the same for Christians as well.
(Key 7) Laban and Jacob made a covenant. Jacob sealed the covenant
in the name of the Fear of Isaac (Yahweh), in the blood of a sacrifice,

(Gen. 25:19-36:43)
and in a covenant meal. And the result of the covenant was that Jacob
was free to return to his homeland, the promised land. This was like
another covenant made many years later. That future covenant was an
eternal covenant that was sealed in the name of the Father, Son, and
Holy Spirit. It was sealed in the blood of Christ who was sacrificed for
mankind. It was sealed in a covenant meal which consisted of the
crucified and risen body and blood of Christ. The result of this new
covenant is that Christians are heirs of a celestial homeland, the
heavenly promised land.
(Summary) For two generations weve heard about Abrahams
relatives in Aram (Rebekah and Rachel). They were important because
they played a part in Gods plan of salvation. But this will be the last
generation we will hear of because future generations will not be a part
of Gods plan in bringing forth the Savior. Instead our focus will turn
away from Aram and back to Jacobs family in the promised land.

(Gen. 25:19-36:43)
Read Genesis 32: Jacob prepared to meet Esau.

Outline of text:
1. Jacob planned to win Esaus favor (32:1-8).
o Key 1 - Jacob named the place Mahanaim (32:1-2).
2. Jacob prayed to Yahweh to save him from Esau (32:9-12).
o Key 2 Jacob prayed a model prayer (32:9-12).
3. Jacob sent presents ahead to appease Esau (32:13-21).
4. Jacob wrestled with God and was given a new name (32:22-32).
o Key 3 Jacob held on until Yahweh blessed him (32:26b,
29b).
o Key 4 God changed Jacobs name to Israel (32:28).

(Key 1) Mahanaim mean two camps. Two camps had just met in
hostility and left in peace (Laban and Jacob). Two camps were again
about to meet in hostility (so Jacob thought) and separate in peace.
But Jacob called this place two camps only after seeing the angelic
encampment that was protecting and escorting his encampment into
Canaan. In spite of this protection, he feared meeting Esau, so he
divided his household into two camps. In seeing the angels, Jacob
should have been reminded of Bethel where he first saw the angels in
a dream. There he was assured that God was with him and would care
for him. He now had the same assurance that God was with him and
would care for him. The presence of the angels verified that. Though
unseen, the angel of Yahweh encamps around those who fear him and
he delivers them (Ps. 34:8).
(Key 2) Jacob humbly confessed that he was not worthy of the
kindness and faithfulness Yahweh had shown him. As long as Jacob
had been successful he had been self reliant. Now in the face of his
helplessness he found it necessary to call upon Yahweh. This is a
model prayer. 1) He first confessed his unworthiness. 2) He
acknowledged Gods kindness and faithfulness. 3) He acknowledged
his inability to handle the problem. 4) He declared total dependence on
God. 5) And finally, he reminded Yahweh of his promises and held him
to them.
(Keys 3, 4) Jacob had wrestled all his life to prevail, first against
Esau and then against Laban. Now he would learn that it is God that
he must wrestle with. It is God who controlled Jacobs destiny. In

(Gen. 25:19-36:43)
persistence Jacob held on until he was blessed. This showed that he

understood that all blessing come from God. And God rewarded
Jacobs persistence by blessing him. Over time God had changed
Jacob, hence the name change. He went from being a deceiver (a
Jacob) to one who struggles with God (an Israel). This is what God
encourages us to do in prayer. Be a persistent fighter who clings to
God and his promises and receives Gods blessing by faith.

(Gen. 25:19-36:43)
Read Genesis 33: Jacobs meeting with Esau.

Outline of text:
1. Jacob reconciled with Esau (33:1-11).
o Key 1 Jacob insisted Esau take his present (33:11).
2. Jacob refused Esaus escort (33:12-17).
3. Jacob arrived at Shechem and bought some land (33:18-20).
o Key 2 Jacob bought a piece of property in Shechem
(33:18-19).
o Key 3 Israel worshipped at El Elohe Israel (33:20).

(Key 1) Moses, the human author of Genesis, sometimes plays word
games. In an ironic twist, Jacob, who once did all he could to get the
blessing (the gift from God) from Esau (27:35), now insists on giving
Esau a present (33:11, or gift) which came from God out of grace.
So before he wanted Gods blessing for himself and now he insists that
he share Gods blessing with Esau.
Several times God had reiterated his promises to Jacob. Did Jacob
believe them? Even though Jacob did not own a bit of land in Canaan,
he considered it his homeland (30:25). Yahweh certainly considered
it to be the land of Jacobs fathers, Jacobs native land (31:3, 13b).
Jacob obeyed Gods command and went back. (Key 2) After he
arrived safely, as God had promised, he bought a piece of property at
Shechem. He now owned a little piece of the promised land. Later,
when Israel was in Egypt and about to die, he requested that his sons
bury him in the promised land in the same cave that Abraham, Sarah,
Isaac and Rebekah were buried in. This was indeed, Jacobs homeland.
One day it would belong to his descendants as Yahweh had promised.
(Key 2) Having arrived safely and purchased a plot of ground in the
promised land, (Key 3) Jacob built an altar and worshipped God. In
calling God the God of Israel, Jacob was recognizing that God had
kept his promise to be with him and care for him on his trip to Aram
and back. So in this act, he was recalling and keeping his vow to
worship Yahweh alone as his God (28:21). So Jacob is now Israel and
Yahweh is the God of Israel.

(Gen. 25:19-36:43)
Read Genesis 34: Family tragedy number one for Jacob

Outline of text:
1. Dinah was raped (34:1-4).
2. Hamor and Shechem proposed to Jacob intermarriage between
their families (34:5-12).
o Key 1 Hamor proposed to Jacob intermarriage of the two
families (34:9).
3. Jacobs sons agree to the proposal but only after circumcision
(34:13-17).
o Key 2 Jacobs sons act deceitfully (34:13).
o Key 3 Jacobs sons pretended to use circumcision as a
bargaining chip for intermarriage (34:15).
4. Hamors real motives were to get Jacobs wealth and offspring
(34:18-23).
o Key 4 Hamors true motives for intermarriage are revealed
(34:21-23).
5. Surprise revenge attack by Jacobs sons (34:24-31).
o Key 5 Every male in the city was circumcised (34:4).

(Keys 1, 4) The real reason the Canaanites wanted to intermarry with
Jacobs family was to obtain their wealth. They had become very
wealthy because Yahweh had blessed them. Had this intermarriage
taken place, the seed of Abraham from which a nation was to arise
would have been Canaanized (Canaanites were known for their
wickedness and baal worship) and baalized (the false god the
Canaanites worshiped). They would have been absorbed into a wicked
people who worshiped false gods. This was not part of Gods plan of
salvation. In fact it threatened his plan.
(Key 2) This episode, with its deception, along with others to follow
was Yahwehs discipline of Israel in order that he might not lapse back
into Jacob (deceiver). The deceit of his children would be a reminder of
what he used to be like. At times God places a cross on believers,
especially after a high moment of faith. In this case it came after Jacob
had wrestled with God and had seen God face to face.
(Keys 3, 4, 5) Circumcision was the act that brought one into Gods
chosen people. Circumcision was a seal of the righteousness that
comes through faith. To receive the badge of the covenant in their

(Gen. 25:19-36:43)
bodies without faith would make a mockery of Gods covenant and the
covenant sign. Dinahs brothers took this sacred act and used it for evil
purposes, to get revenge on the Shechemites.

(Gen. 25:19-36:43)
Read Genesis 35: Jacob returned to Bethel and Benjamin is born.

Outline of text:
1. Jacob returned to Bethel and worshiped God (35:1-8).
o Key 1 God called Jacob to repentance (35:1-2, 7).
o Key 2 No one pursued Jacob; God protected them (35:5).
2. God appeared to Jacob and confirmed his covenant promises of a
nation and the land (35:9-15).
o Key 3 God reiterated his promises to Jacob (35:10-13).
3. Benjamin was born (35:16-18).
o Key 4 Rachel died giving birth to Benjamin (35:18).
4. Rachel died; Rueben died (35:19-22).
o Key 5 Rachel was buried (35:19-20).
o Key 6 - Rueben slept with his fathers concubine (35:22).
5. Jacobs twelve sons (35:23-26).
o Key 7 A list of Jacobs twelve sons (35:23-26).
6. Isaac died (35:27-29).

(Key 1) In Gods directive to go to Bethel, Jacob sensed a call to
repentance. It was at Bethel that Jacob pledged full allegiance to God
if he would be with him and bring him back safely. God had kept his
promises, but Jacob had not. In allowing idols in his family, he
tolerated divided loyalty. The removal of the idols, the purification of
themselves, and the change clothes represented an inner purification
of true repentance. Having repented, they then worshiped the one true
God at Bethel where Yahweh revealed himself to Jacob.
We as Christians are called to do the same. We daily repent of our
divided allegiance and daily worship the one true God, offering the
sacrifice of ourselves. This is the Baptismal life, a life of continuous
repentance.
(Key 2) They were now a stench to the Canaanites because of what
happed at Shechem. The trip up to Bethel was one that would leave
Jacobs family exposed to attack. But God intervened to protect Jacob
by causing the terror of God to fall upon the towns. What would have
happened to Gods a plan had they been attacked and wiped out? Well
never know, since God intervened and kept the Canaanites away from
Israels family. The people of promise remained intact.

(Gen. 25:19-36:43)
(Key 3) Why did God reiterate Jacobs name change to Israel and his
promises of descendants and land? He did so because mans faith
needs to be constantly reminded that God is faithful and always keeps
his promises. (We are constantly reminded of this as well in worship
each week.) In reminding Jacob of his faithfulness, God used language
reminiscent of the beginning and the flood: be fruitful and increase in
number. Gods blessing on mankind, which God intended from the
beginning and as he started over after the flood, would be fulfilled and
through Jacob and his offspring in the promised land.
(Key 3, 4, 5, 6) Again after a high point in Israels faith life (Gods
words of reassurance concerning his promises, 35:11-12), came more
trials. As his beloved wife Rachel gave birth to Benjamin she died. And
in arrogance Rueben, the firstborn, slept with Israels concubine,
Bilnah. This was a premature claim on the rights of the firstborn (to
inherit his fathers concubine). Israel said nothing at the time but later
Rueben would lose the rights of the firstborn (see Gen. 49:2-4; 1 Ch.
5:1). Anyone who says that believers will have life on easy street, with
no troubles is wrong. In fact, its usually the opposite, as God refines
us, burning off the dross in order to have pure metal.
(Key 7) The birth of Benjamin concludes the sons of Jacob. Jacobs
twelve sons would be the foundation of the promised nation. From this
nation the promised Savior would come. But the Savior would not
come from Rueben, Simeon or Levi, the three oldest sons. Instead he
would come from Judah, the fourth son (see 49:12). God does things
in his own way and in his own time.

(Gen. 25:19-36:43)
Read Genesis 36: The account of Esau.

Outline of text:
1. Esau, his wives, and children moved to Seir (Edom) (36:1-8).
o Key 1 Esau and Jacob have so much livestock that the land
will not support them and Esau moves his family to Seir
(36:7-8).
2. Esaus family grew (36:9-19).
o Key 2 Esaus descendants grow in the land of Seir (36:9,
15, 19).
3. Seir the Horite and his relatives already lived in Seir (36:20-29).
4. Esaus descendants became chiefs and kings in Edom (Seir)
(36:30-43).
o Key 3 Esaus family took control of the land of Seir (36:40,
42b).

(Key 1) Here Moses records why Esau moved away from the promised
land. He had become very wealthy, like Jacob, and the land could not
support them both. This was a fulfillment of the prophecy given about
Jacob and Esau earlier (in 25:28, 39). It was said that Jacob would
remain in the promised land (heavens dew, earths richness and
abundance) and Esau would live away from the earths richness, away
from the dew of heaven (25:39), the promised land.
(Key 2, 3) The descendants moved to Seir. After moving there they
grew in size and strength. At that time the Horites lived in the land.
The leader of the Horites was Seir. When Esaus family moved in and
grew, they kicked the Horites out (Deut. 2:12). The Horite chief and
kings were replaced by the chiefs and kings of the descendants of
Edom.
(Summary) Why do we care about Esau and his descendants? Gods
promises would not be carried out through them. But years later the
Israelites would encounter the Edomites. (When the Israelites had
been freed from Egyptian slavery and they were approaching the
promised land, they requested permission from the king of Edom to
pass through his country. The request was refused (Num. 20:14-21)).
So when we hear of them later, we know who they are and where they
came from. They are indirectly involved in Gods plan of salvation

(Gen. 25:19-36:43)
when they negatively affect the Israelites. They always remained

hostile to Gods people.

Section 6 - How Gods plan of salvation continued through the patriarch Jacob/Israels
family (Gen. 37-50)
Read Genesis 37:1-11: Josephs Dreams.

Outline of text:
1. Joseph had two dreams (37:1-11).
o Key 1 - Jacob lived in Canaan, the promised land (37:1).
o Key 2 Joseph is introduced (37:2).
o Key 3 Josephs dreams-one day he would rule (37:5-10).
o Key 4 Jacob kept Josephs dreams in mind (37:11).

(Key 1) Jacob lived in Canaan, the land that Yahweh promised to
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacobs descendants. All of the patriarchs
believed in Gods promise that one day he would give them this land.
(Joseph also believed it. See 50:24-25). The Jacob-Joseph cycle
(chapters 37-50) begins and ends with a reference to the land of
promise.
(Key 2) Joseph is introduced here and is the central figure in the last
section of Genesis (chs. 37-50). Joseph represented the future nation
of Israel as he: 1) struggled with God and with men and overcame
(which is the meaning of Israel, (32:8) and 2) was a source of
blessing to the nations (12:2-3). The story of Israel in Genesis began
with Abram being called out of the post-Babel nations. The story of
Israel in Genesis ends with Israel (as represented by Joseph) in Egypt
preserving the life of the nations (41:57; 50:20). In a similar way, God
would call out (when he delivered) Israel from the nations (the
exodus) eventually to send them out on a mission of life to the nations
(Mt. 28:18-20; Acts 1:8).
(Key 3) The dreams that Joseph had were special dreams, for in them
God revealed the future: Joseph was to become a ruler. Later on they
came true when Joseph became second in command over all of Egypt
and his brothers bowed down to him when they came to get some
grain during the famine (42:6; 43:26).
Sometimes God chose to communicate through dreams. We remember
Jacobs dream at Bethel (Gen. 28) and Gods warning to Abimelech
(Gen. 20). Soon we will read that God communicated to Pharaoh
through a dream that a severe famine was coming (Gen. 41). Many
years later in the NT another Joseph would learn in a dream that the
child that Mary was carrying was from the Holy Spirit (Mt. 1:20). Not

family (Gen. 37-50)
long after that, the Magi were warned in a dream not to return to
Herod (Mt. 2:12). Joseph was warned in another dream that Herod
wanted to kill baby Jesus (Mt. 2:13). And after Herod had died, Joseph
was told in a dream to return to Israel (Mt. 2:19). In these and other
instances, God used dreams to advance his plan of salvation.
(Key 4) Even though Israel rebuked Joseph for sharing his second
dream and provoking his brothers, Israel knew that these were no
ordinary dreams. He kept the matter in mind and later on would
recall Josephs dreams when they were brought to fulfillment.
Years later, Mary too would treasure up in her heart the special
events of the shepherds visiting the baby in the manger (Lk. 2:19) and
of the time twelve year old Jesus was lost and they found him in the
temple amazing everyone (Lk. 2:51). These were no ordinary events
either. In both cases Gods plan of salvation was moved forward.

family (Gen. 37-50)
Read Genesis 37:12-36: Joseph is sold by his brothers.

Outline of text:
1. Israel sent Joseph to check on his brothers (37:12-17a).
2. Josephs brothers plotted against him (37:17b-22).
o Key 1 The brothers plot to kill Joseph (37:18-20).
o Key 2 Reuben tried to rescue Joseph (37:21).
3. Josephs brothers abduct him and sell him to the Ishmaelites
(37:23-28).
o Key 3 Joseph was stripped of his robe (37:23).
o Key 4 The brothers sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites (37:25,
28).
4. Josephs brothers cover up what they did (37:29-35).
o Key 5 The brothers put goat blood on Josephs robe to
deceive Israel into thinking Joseph was dead (37:31-33).
o Key 6 Israel mourned for Joseph (37:34-35).
5. Joseph was sold as a slave to Potiphar in Egypt (37:36).
o Key 7 Joseph was sold in Egypt (37:36).

(Key 1) James warns that evil thoughts give birth to evil actions
(James 1:15). This story is an example of that. The brothers plot evil
against Joseph and then carry it out when they sell Joseph-their own
brother. In their plotting they said, well see what comes of his
dreams [now]. The dreams, little did they know, came from God and
revealed a part of his plan of salvation. No matter what they do, they
will not stop God and his plans. God will once again use the evil of
others to accomplish his good purposes.
(Key 2, 3) Joseph was Israels favorite son. His robe signified his
exalted position over his brothers in his fathers eyes. Already angry
over his favored status, the robe only fueled his brothers rage. When
Joseph arrived, the brothers stripped him of his robe, through him in a
cistern, and sold him. He was not only stripped of his robe, but he was
also stripped of his favored position. Unbelievably a similar event
happened to Joseph in Egypt (ch. 39).Jesus too was stripped of his
robe. He willingly and knowingly gave up his position of glory in
heaven in order to save men from their sin. Reuben was able to
rescue Joseph from death, but Jesus was not rescued. He died in our
place, ironically, so that we might be rescued.

family (Gen. 37-50)
(Key 4) Joseph was sold to the Ishmaelites and Midianites by his own
flesh-and-blood brothers. The Ishmaelites and Midianites were
descendants of Abraham (see 16:11 and 25:2). This is why we learned
of them earlier and this will not be the last time we hear from them
(see Judges 6-8).
(Key 5) When Jacob and Rebekah fooled Isaac so that Jacob would
receive the blessing, a slaughtered lamb figured prominently in their
deception (27:5-13). How ironic it is that Jacob is now deceived by the
blood from a slaughtered goat. Deception seems to be a family trait.
How amazing it is that God chose and used these people to accomplish
his purposes. All honor and glory must go to God, for they are
certainly not worthy of it (and neither are we)!
(Key 6) Moses is a good storyteller. Chapter 37 ends with Jacob in
mourning for Joseph. This part of the story is not picked up again for
20 years. He leaves to the imagination how Jacob over the years coped
with the loss of his favorite son.
(Key 7) We hear that Joseph was sold to Potiphar in Egpyt. But then
Moses temporarily drops the story of Joseph and tells us about Judah
(ch. 38). This is not the end of Josephs story. In fact, its just
beginning.

family (Gen. 37-50)
Read Genesis 38: Judah and Tamar.

Outline of text:
1. Judah married a Canaanite and had three sons (38:1-5).
o Key 1 - Judah married a Canaanite (38:2).
2. Er married Tamar, but then died leaving her childless (38:6-7).
3. Onan did not want to provide children for Tamar. Tamar waited
for Shelah to grow up (3:8-11).
o Key 2 Tamar tried to keep the family line of Er going (38:8,
11).
4. Tamar tricked Judah into fathering her a child (38:12-23).
5. Judah pronounced judgment on Tamar for prostitution, but then
found out he was the father (38:24-26).
6. Tamar gave birth to twins (38:27-30).
o Key 3 In an unusual birth, Tamar had twin boys (38:2730).

(Key 1) The Canaanites were under Gods curse because of their vile
religion in which they mixed idolatry and adultery. This was the reason
that Yahweh would later bring a famine forcing Israels family to move
to and settle in Egypt. While there they remained separate from the
Egyptians. Yahweh would not allow anymore Canaanizing of the
chosen people.
(Key 2) A common custom among the nations at that time would later
become know to the Israelites as the levirate marriage. This is where
a close relative keeps the family name alive of his deceased brother
by fathering children for him. Onan refused the obligation, probably
because he would lose his status as the first born.
(Key 3) The result of all this was the unusual birth of twin boys. For
another unusual account of the birth of twins, see Gen. 25:24-26. The
twin that was not going to be born first (Perez) ended up being the
firstborn. In Gods kingdom the last become first (Mt. 20:16).
Ultimately, Perez, the son of an incestuous relationship with a
Canaanite, became the ancestor of David (see Ruth 4:18-22) and
Christ (see Mt. 1:1-6). If Christ did not disdain to have ancestors of
this kind, his grace is big enough to make even me his heir, chief of
sinners though I be.

family (Gen. 37-50)
(Summary) We also learn from this chapter that your family tree
neither saves you nor excludes you from Gods family. Gods chosen
people were capable of yielding to the sins of the Canaanites and
losing the Messianic blessing. And Tamar who was a Canaanite was not
excluded from Gods blessing as she became a part of the line of the
Savior.
(Summary) Why is this story included at this point? It seems to break
up the Joseph story. It is included here because it is another one in a
series of trials for Israel caused by his children. First Dinah was raped;
then her brothers masterminded a savage revenge of killing; and
Josephs jealous brothers sold him as a slave. Now Judah took a
Canaanite wife and committed adultery and incest with his sister-inlaw. Yahweh had turned the heat up on the Israels refining fire. So
Israels struggle with God and with men wasnt over; it continued. He
would need to continue to wrestle with Yahweh in faith.

family (Gen. 37-50)
Read Genesis 39: Joseph and Potiphars wife.

Outline of text:
1. Joseph serves Potiphar in Egypt (39:1-6a).
o Key 1 Yahweh was with Joseph (39:2,3).
2. Potiphars wife made advances toward Joseph (39:6b-10).
o Key 2 Joseph will not sin against God (39:9b).
o Key 3 Joseph resisted temptation (39:10).
3. Joseph was unjustly accused by Potiphars wife (39:11-19).
o Key 4 Joseph fled from temptation (39:12b).
o Key 5 Josephs garment used as false evidence against him
(39:15).
4. Joseph was thrown in prison (39:20-23).
o Key 6 Yahweh was with Joseph (39:21, 23).

Overview: There are parallels between
nation.
1. Because of Gods blessing
Joseph attained a position
of honor in Potiphars
house in Egypt.
2. Joseph was unjustly
thrown in prison in Egypt.
3. Joseph was raised up to a
position where he could
be a blessing to the
nations by providing food
for survival.
Joseph and the future Israelite

1. Because of Gods blessing
Israel attained a position
of honor in Egypt.
2. Israel was unjustly thrown
into bondage in Egypt.
3. Israel was raised up to a
position where they could
be a blessing to the
nations by providing food
for spiritual survival
(Jesus the Bread from
heaven.)
As God moved his plan of salvation forward through Joseph, so he

moved his plan forward through the Israelites in Egypt. Josephs story
foreshadowed what would happen to Israel.
(Key 1, 6) Yahweh is Immanuel God with us. Yahweh was with
Jacob and blessed him as he promised. And several times it said that
Yahweh was with Joseph and blessed him. Yahweh was not just a local
or national god. He is the one true God that created the heavens and
the earth. He is not limited by time or place. His very presence
produces results (as even Potiphar could see). As he was with Joseph
in slavery and prison, so he is with all his children in whatever slavery
or prison they find themselves in. He is with them in the person of
Jesus who is God in the flesh.
(Key 2) Sin is always against God. Sin is missing the mark (the bulls
eye) that God requires in his law. While many times sin affects and is
against people, it is first and foremost against God.
(Key 3, 4) When confronted by temptation, Joseph resisted it,
avoided it, and fled from it. When Jesus was tempted, he resisted it
and countered Satan by using the Word of God. With God with us, we
can do the same.
(Key 5) Earlier Josephs bloody garment was presented by Josephs
brothers to his father as proof of his death (37:33). Here his
abandoned garment was presented by Potiphars wife as proof of his
guilt. The conclusion drawn from the evidence in both cases was false.
And yet, God was able to use the deception in both cases to further his
plans to create the promised nation.
(Summary) To remain faithful under temptation, to remain trusting
under tragedy, we must be convinced that the Savior has a good plan
for us and is committed to carry it out. The story of Joseph, a
representative of Israel (those who believe and trust in God), assures
us of it.
Read Genesis 40: Joseph interprets dreams.

Outline of text:
1. Pharaohs cupbearer and baker were put in prison (40:1-4a).
o Key 1 Joseph remained in prison for a while (40:1a).
2. Joseph interprets the dreams (prophecy) of the cupbearer and
baker (40:4b-19).
o Key 2 God interpreted the dreams through Joseph (40:8b,
12a, 18a)
3. Josephs interpretations came true (40:20-23).
o Key 3 Events happened just like Joseph said they would
(40:22b).
o Key 4 The cupbearer forgot Joseph (40:23b).

(Key 1, 4) For some time, Joseph continued to wait in prison and
when he finally had a glimmer of hope of getting out, the cupbearer
forgot about him. Eventually he would get out, but not right now. It
must be remembered that it is God who determines when to make
things happen. When the time comes, he will use the circumstances to
serve his good and gracious will.
(Key 2, 3) Israel was Gods prophetic people. It was through them
that Gods revelation (in the form of the Scriptures and Christ) came to
the nations. In interpreting the dreams, God revealed through Joseph
what would happen to the cupbearer and the baker. In revealing what
would happen, Joseph foreshadowed the nation of Israel, as the
revealer of Gods will and plan.
(Key 4) Gods timing also caused the cupbearer to not remember
Joseph. Had he left prison now, Joseph would not have been in
position to save his family and many others from the coming drought.
Gods plan called for Joseph to wait awhile longer.
Read Genesis 41: Joseph interprets Pharaohs dreams.

Outline of text:
1. Pharaoh had two disturbing dreams (41:1-8).
o Key 1 Joseph remained in prison for two more years
(41:1).
2. The cupbearer remembered Josephs ability to interpret dreams
(41:9-13).
o Key 2 Things had turned out exactly as Joseph interpreted
them (41:13).
3. Pharaoh told his dreams to Joseph (41:14-24).
o Key 3 Joseph was quickly brought from prison to Pharaoh
(41:14).
o Key 4 God can interpret dreams (41:16).
4. Joseph explained Pharaohs dreams (41:25-32).
o Key 5 God used Joseph to interpret Pharaohs dreams and
tell him what He was about to do (41: 25, 28, 32).
5. Joseph gave Pharaoh advice on how to handle the drought
(41:33-38).
6. Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of Egypt (41:39-45).
7. There were seven years of abundance excess grain was stored
(41:46-49).
o Key 6 Seven years of abundance came just as Joseph had
predicted (41:47).
8. Joseph had two sons (41:50-52).
9. There were seven years of famine stored grain was made
available (41:53-57).
o Key 7 Seven years of famine came just as Joseph said
(41:54).

(Key 1, 3) As Gods plan slowly ripened, time in prison for Joseph
drug on. Even though he was innocent, he spent two more years in
prison. But then, when the time was right, Joseph was quickly
brought from the dungeon to Pharaoh. Many years later people were
stuck in the dungeon of sin (though not innocently), waiting for God to
send a Savior. When the time was just right (in the fullness of time)
God did send the promised Savior. He freed people by taking their
place in prison and by dying the death they deserved. But that was not
the end because he rose from the dead showing his power over sin
and death.
(Key 2) The chief cupbearer told Pharaoh about the dreams that he
and the chief baker had in prison and of how Joseph interpreted them.
He said, things turned out exactly as he interpreted them. There is
an obvious reason for this. It was because Yahweh was speaking
through Joseph. Yahweh is sovereign; he is in complete control,
working out his purposes.
(Key 4, 5) Pharaoh was regarded as a god in Egypt and yet he was
not in control. It took a lowly slave who was imprisoned to reveal to
him that only the one true God knows and reveals the meaning of
dreams. The fact that both dreams had the same meaning meant that
God had firmly decided that this is what he would do. Therefore, no
one can change it. So he could count it happening.
(Key 6, 7) What Joseph said was going to happen came true just like
he said it would. Once again this is true because the interpretation and
the power behind the seven good years and the seven bad years was
the one true God. Through this he demonstrated his complete control.
(Summary) As Joseph sat in prison, he must asked himself the
question, Why me? Why would God let this happen to me? I havent
done anything to deserve this. He might not have understood it at the
time, but later on he did. Sometimes we dont understand why God
allows evil to invade our lives either. Sometimes we might not
understand it while on this earth, but will have to wait until we get to
heaven. But we can rest assured that all things work for the good of
those who love God.
(Summary) Joseph is a type of Jesus. In him we get a glimpse of
what the Savior would do. Just as God brought good from evil through
Joseph, so he did through Jesus. As Joseph suffered injustice so did
Jesus. As Joseph was released from prison, so Jesus was released from
the prison of death by his rising from the dead. As Joseph saved many
people from dying, so Jesus saved many from dying an eternal death.
Read Genesis 42: Josephs brothers go to Egypt to buy grain.

Outline of text:
1. Jacob sent 10 of his sons to Egypt to buy grain (42:1-5).
2. Joseph treated his brothers like they were spies (42:6-17).
o Key 1 The brothers fulfilled Josephs dreams (42:6, 9, 10).
o Key 2 The brothers have a guilty conscience (42:13, 2122).
3. Joseph implemented a plan to test his brothers (42:19-26).
4. The brothers and Jacob were concerned about the returned silver
and their brother Simeon (42:27-38).
o Key 3 Brothers feel God is punishing them (42:28).

(Key 1) By their actions (bowing down to Joseph) and their words
(calling themselves servants and Joseph lord) the brothers fulfilled
Josephs dreams (see Gen. 37:5-9). What God had determined to
happen had indeed happened.
(Key 2, 3) Because of the questions and threats of Joseph, the
brothers had a guilty conscience. They thought that God was punishing
them for what they did to Joseph. The first step in repentance is
sorrow for sin. Gods law was working on the brothers (even after 20
years) to create sorrow for their sin. When the law finished its work,
then they would be ready for the second phase of repentance, faith in
the Gospel (this will come in a little while).
Joseph tested his brothers by basically putting them in the same
situation that they had put him in. This gave them a different
perspective. Note the parallels between the two events.
When Josephs brothers sold him:
1. The brothers considered Joseph a spy.
2. The brothers had the upper hand on Joseph.
3. The brothers refused to listen to Joseph.
4. Joseph must have wondered what would happen to him.
5. The brothers were not honest when they presented Josephs
robe with blood on it.
When the brothers came before Joseph in Egypt:
1. Joseph accused his brothers of being spies.
2. Joseph had the upper hand on his brothers.
3. Joseph refused to listen to his brothers pleas.
4. The brothers wondered what would happen to them.

5. Joseph questioned his brothers honesty.
Read Genesis 43-44: Josephs brothers made a second trip to Egypt

and Josephs brothers face their final test.
Outline of text:
1. Israel sent all 10 of his sons to Egypt (43:1-15).
o Key 1 Israel sends his sons to Egypt (43:6a, 11).
o Key 2 Israel trusted God (43:14).
2. The brothers spoke to Josephs steward (43:16-25).
3. Joseph threw a banquet for his brothers (43:26-34).
o Key 3 Josephs brothers bow down to Joseph (43:26-28).
o Key 4 Benjamin is given preferential treatment (42:34).
4. The final test devised for Josephs brothers (44:1-6).
5. The final test carried out (44:7-13).
6. Judah pleas for Benjamin and offers himself instead (44:14-34).
o Key 5 Josephs accusation; Judahs guilt (44:15-16).

(Key 1, 2) Jacobs new name, Israel, is used here. This is significant
because he was now involved in another situation where he had to
struggle with God and men. In his struggles he realized that he had to
risk losing another son or they would all die. He put it into Gods
hands. God Almighty was more than capable of resolving the situation.
(Key 3) Josephs brothers bowed down to him again, fulfilling Josephs
dreams. As expected, things are happening just as God had planned
them.
(Key 4) At one time Joseph received preferential treatment from
Jacob and his brothers sold him as a slave. Joseph wanted to see if his
brothers had changed, if they had repented. He wanted to see how
they would react if Benjamin received preferential treatment. Would
they be jealous and treat Benjamin badly like they did to him? When
Benjamin received 5 times as much food as the rest, they did not say
or think a word. Instead they feasted and drank freely. But he is
planning a much bigger test for them (see chapter 44).
(Key 5) Years earlier the brothers resented the preferential treatment
of Joseph and did not care about the feelings of Joseph or Jacob. If
presented with a similar situation with Benjamin, would they react in
the same way? When Judah heard Josephs accusation, he was actually
hearing another voice accuse him. He was hearing the voice of God
accusing them of their sins against Joseph. Judah was the one who
suggested they sell their brother as a slave. He now pleaded for
Benjamin by offering himself as a slave. Their reaction was 180

degrees different than their reaction years earlier to Joseph. When God
turns us away from our sin and back to himself, it is called repentance.
Joseph could now be certain that his brothers had repented.
Read Genesis 45: Joseph made himself known to his brothers.

Outline of text:
1. Joseph revealed to his brothers who he was (45:1-15).
o Key 1 God had used the brothers evil to accomplish his
purposes (45:5).
o Key 2 God had used Joseph to save the lives of the
chosen family (45:7).
o Key 3 Joseph embraced his brothers (45:15).
2. Pharaoh ordered that all of Josephs family be brought from
Canaan to Egypt (45:16-20).
3. The brothers returned to Canaan and told Jacob what had
happened (45:21-28).
o Key 4 The brothers are sent home with provisions to
bring back their father and families (45:21-24).

(Key 1) God had sent Joseph ahead of them to save their lives. So
God is even able to use the evil of men to accomplish his purposes.
God overruled the hatred and spite of Josephs brothers in order to
save his chosen people and bring them to a land where they could
grow into a nation and not be assimilated into the surrounding
community.
(Key 2) Josephs story is not a feel-good story of rags to riches. It is
not a story with a moral. The real theme of Josephs story is Gods
direction of history for his purposes. The designs of wicked men, the
weakness of faltering saints, the plots of individuals, the barriers
between foreign countries none of these things were able to frustrate
the execution of Yahwehs plan of salvation. This plan was to keep alive
this small group of people, a remnant, Joseph, his brothers and their
families, in order to make them into Israel. This remnant would never
be permitted to perish. It later survived (by Gods grace) catastrophic
judgments from God. And it continues to live on today. Not in the
nation of Israel, but in the church. For it is to the church (the little
flock) that God has given the kingdom.
(Key 3) The brothers deserved to be punished for their unjust act
against Joseph 20 years earlier. Joseph was in a position to that. But
instead he embraced them and kissed them. As Joseph did for his
brothers, so Christ, our Brother, does for us. He forgives us.
(Key 4) Ironically, the brothers had sent Joseph away without his
richly ornamented robe, but now Joseph sent them away with a new
wardrobe. Gods children seek reconciliation and repay evil with good.
Read Genesis 46: The entire family of Israel went to Egypt.

Outline of text:
1. With confirmation from God, Israel went to Egypt (46:1-7).
o
Key 1 At Beersheba Israel offered sacrifices and God
reassured him that it was ok to go to Egypt (46:1-4).
2. A list of Israels descendants that went to Egypt (46:8-27).
o
Key 2 Israels genealogy of his sons that went to Egypt
(46:8, 26-27)
3. Israels family arrived in Egypt (46:28-34).
o
Key 3 Having seen Joseph, Israel was ready to die in
peace (46:30).
o
Key 4 The Israelites will be separated from the
Egyptians because the were shepherds (46:34).

(Key 1) Once they went past Beersheba, they would be beyond the
promised land. This was an important event in Israels life, so, like in
other important events (31:54; 26:23-25; 28:10), Israel offered
sacrifices and sought to do Gods will. Earlier his father Isaac was
forbidden to leave the promised land during a drought (26:1-2). But
God, who had made his promises to his father Isaac, told Israel not to
be afraid to go to Egypt. For, as Exodus shows, it was in Egypt that
Yahweh would make his people grow into a nation.
(Key 2) We have another genealogy of Gods people. God continues to
work through human history to bring about salvation history. He is
working his plan of salvation out through these people. These 70
people form the nucleus from which the promised nation will come.
Some believe that the number 70 is symbolic. The number 7 is a
number of completeness (7 days make up a complete week) and may
represent the relationship between Yahweh and the chosen family. The
number 10 is a number of completeness. So, now at this point, Israels
family is complete. From this completed family God will create a
nation.
(Key 3) Once Jacob thought he would die in grief because of the loss
of his children, Joseph, Simeon and possibly Benjamin. But now he is
ready to die in peace because he has seen Joseph alive himself. He
and we can die in peace because we are at peace with God.
(Key 4) God would use the fact that the Egyptians detested shepherds
to create the promised nation. Because of this, the Israelites would not
be assimilated into the Egyptian community. They would retain their
identity.
(Summary) The short term reason Israel and his family went to Egypt
was to escape the famine. But the more important reason was the long
term reason, which was to grow into a nation. Why did God choose to
make Egypt the place where Israel would grow into a nation instead of
Canaan? The people of Canaan were evil and wicked. That was not a
good environment in which to grow. The culture in Egypt was different.
Since the Egyptians detested shepherds, there would not be
intermarriage between the Egyptians and the Israelites. Also, Egypt
had an advanced culture and government and this would be helpful in
creating a new nation.
God had promised to make them into a great nation, but he also
promised to give them the land of Canaan. In bringing them to Egypt,
he would fulfill his promise to build them into a nation. But in doing
that, they had to leave the promised land. Rest assured that God
would not break one promise in order to fulfill another promise. He
told Jacob that after a period of 400 years they would return and he
would give them the land. He will keep both of his promises and from
this nation in this land he will bring forth the promised Savior.
Read Genesis 47: Israel and his sons settle in Egypt.

Outline of text:
The brothers and Israel appeared before Pharaoh, were assigned
the area of Goshen to live in, and settled in Egypt (47:1-12).
o Key 1 Israel was assigned land in Goshen (47:6).
o Key 2 Israel blessed Pharaoh (47:7b).
o Key 3 Israel told Pharaoh he had had a hard life (47:9).
Joseph administered the grain during the famine (47:13-26).
o Key 4 Israel blessed Pharaoh (47:10a).
Even through a terrible famine, the Israelites prospered (47:27).
o Key 5 Israel was fruitful and increased greatly in number
(47:27).
Jacob requested and Joseph swore that he would bury Jacob in
Canaan, their homeland, the promised land (47:28-31).
o Key 6 Israel requested to be buried in the promised land
(47:29-31).

(Key 1) God was in control. He used Egypt, their culture, and the land
they assigned to for the benefit of his chosen people Israel. The land
they were assigned to was a land that would accommodate their
flocks. They could continue being shepherds. The area they lived in
was separate from the major population centers of Egypt. Plus the
Egyptians dislike for shepherds kept them separate as well. Goshen
would also work well for the Israelite exodus 400 years later. Goshen
also turned out to be fertile ground for Israels growth into a nation.
(Key 5) We see even before the drought had ended that Israel
prospered and grew greatly in number.
(Key 2, 4) When Jacob went before Pharaoh and when he left
Pharaoh he blessed him. As a patriarch who was the bearer of Gods
promises, Jacobs blessing was more than just a pious wish. He
conferred Gods blessing on Pharaoh. Shortly we will see the result of
that blessing, as Pharaoh came to own almost all the livestock and
land in Egypt. Gods word creates what it promises.
(Key 3) Jacob described his life to Pharaoh as difficult. We can easily
recall some of Jacobs difficulties. He had a bad relationship with his
brother which caused him to leave home. He had a father-in-law that
cheated him for 20 years. He had a family that was torn apart by
jealousy, deception, immorality, and revenge. Faced with starvation, he
now had to leave his homeland and live as an alien in a foreign
country. But for Gods people, many times life is difficult. It is through
these kinds of trials that faith is strengthened and shaped.
(Key 6) In Hebrews (11:13-16) it says the patriarchs were still living
in faith when they died. That is, they believed Gods promises of a
nation, the land, and the Savior. We see that this is true for Israel as
he prepared for his death. His request was to be buried in Canaan with
his fathers, Abraham and Isaac. Canaan was now the homeland for
this family, but more importantly, it was the promised land. By
insisting on being buried in the promised land, Israel was showing his
faith that one day God would give this land to his descendants as he
had promised many times.
Read Genesis 48: Jacob adopted and blessed Josephs sons.

Outline of text:
1. Jacob told Joseph that he intended to adopt Josephs two sons
(48:1-7).
o Key 1 Jacob recalled Gods promises of a nation and a land
(48:3-4).
o Key 2 Because Rachels life was cut short, Jacob intended to
adopt Josephs two sons (48:5-7).
2. Israel blessed Josephs sons and put Ephraim over Manasseh
(48:8-22).
o Key 3 Jacob blessed and adopted Josephs two sons,
favoring the younger over the older (48:14, 19).
o Key 4 Jacobs blessing is Gods blessing (48:15-16a).
o Key 5 As promised, God will give the land to the Israelites
(48: 21-22).

(Key 1) Years earlier, when Jacob was a lonely wanderer at Bethel,
God promised to make him into a great nation and give the land of the
Canaanites to that nation. No one could make this happen except for
El Shaddai, God Almighty. He alone is able to compel people and
nature to do his will.
Because of the persistent wickedness of the Canaanites, God Almighty
would take their land and, in grace, give it to the Israelites. When they
would eventually receive the land, Joseph would be represented by
two tribes. (Key 3) Joseph would receive the double share of the
firstborn. This would happen because Jacob would adopt Josephs two
oldest sons. (Key 2) They would be like the two sons that Rachel
never had because her life was cut short. Reuben forfeited his firstborn status and Joseph would receive it instead. Gods ways
superseded mans ways. God does things that in ways that man never
expects (such as sending a Savior who delivers and wins victory by
dying).
(Key 4) When Jacob blessed Josephs sons, he invoked Gods names.
The God who made his covenant promises to Abraham and Isaac also
made those promises to Jacob. He has been Jacobs God who has been
his shepherd and his angel, guiding, protecting, assuring and
redeeming him from all evil. So now he is saying, may he who is the
one true God bless these boys.
(Key 5) Being very close to death, Jacob either speaks prophetically

or in faith. Either way God will keep his promise of giving the land to
Jacobs descendants. There is no doubt that this will happen. As God
has been with Jacob, so he will be with Jacobs descendants.
Read Genesis 49: Jacobs sons were blessed.

Outline of text:
1. Jacob blessed his sons before he died (49:1-27).
o Key 1 Simeon and Levi will receive no land (49: 5, 7).
o Key 2 From Judah will come kings and The King (49:10).
o Key 3 Josephs blessing will be backed up by God (49:2226).
2. Jacobs final instructions for his burial (49:28-33).
o Key 4 Jacob instructs his sons to bury him in Canaan
(49:29-30).
o Key 5 Jacob was gathered to his people (49:29, 33).

(Summary) The words Jacob spoke about his sons were at the same
time blessing and prophetic predictions. What would happen to the 12
tribes of Israel would not be a result of chance. The God who created
his people would guide the history of this people so that his promises
would come true and his plan of salvation would be carried out through
them.
(Key 1) As an example of predictive prophecy, look at the blessing of
Simeon and Levi. Jacob said they would inherit no land and would be
scattered amongst the other tribes. This indeed what happened.
Simeon was scattered in and absorbed by Judah. The people of Levi
were scattered among the tribes and received no land. (They would
serve God in the temple.)
(Key 2) The covenant blessings given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
would be passed on and carried forward through Judah. From Judah
would come kings (scepter, rulers staff). Later, when there was a
divided kingdom and when the northern kingdom ceased to exist, all
the kings of the southern kingdom came from Judah. More
importantly, The King came from Judah. Jesus Christ is Judahs great
Descendant who would be The King who would rule forever and ever
(Rev. 11:15).
(Key 3) Not only would Joseph receive the double share of the
firstborn (Ephraim and Manasseh), but his descendants would hold
dominant positions. This and all of the prophecies would come true
because of him who back them up. Yahweh is the Mighty One of Jacob,
the Shepherd and Rock of Israel. He is their fathers God and the
Almighty. If he says it will happen, he has the ability to back it up and

make it happen.
(Key 4) God had promised a nation, a land, and a Savior. Jacob
believed Gods promises. Jacob believed that God would build them
into a nation and that God would give them Canaan as their land to
live in. Jacobs request to be buried in Canaan conveyed his faith to his
sons and to future generations.
(Key 5) Jacob described death as being gathered to my people.
Death is not the end, but a transfer to another mode of existence. Whe
he died, he was indeed gathered to his people.
Read Genesis 50: .Joseph forgiveness was genuine and so was his
belief in Gods promises
Outline of text:
1. Mourning for and burial of Jacob in Canaan (50:1-14).
o Key 1 Jacob was buried in Canaan (50:5, 13).
o Key 2 Joseph and his brothers returned to Egypt (50:14).
2. Joseph reassured his brothers that he had forgiven them (50:1521).
o Key 3 Josephs brothers beg for forgiveness (50:17-18).
o Key 4 Joseph reassured his brothers of his forgiveness
(50:20).
3. Joseph expressed belief in Gods promises before his death
(50:22-26).
o Key 5 Joseph believed Gods promises (50:24-25).

(Key 1) As Jacob requested, Joseph and his brothers buried him in
Canaan, in the field of Machpelah that Abraham bought as a burial
place. Even though the Israelites would be in Egypt for many years
(about 400 years), Canaan was their homeland and the land that God
had promised them. And Jacob showed faith in that promise through
his request to be buried there.
(Key2) Joseph and his brothers returned to Egypt where they would
stay for about 400 years. There God would grow them into a nation
(see Ex. 1) as he had promised.
(Key 3) Joseph had forgiven his brothers earlier (see ch. 45). But his
brothers were afraid Joseph had delayed his revenge until after their
father died (see Esaus plan of revenge in 27:41). So they threw
themselves down before Joseph and said, We are your slaves. This is
the final fulfillment of Josephs dreams (37:5-11). (Key 4) Joseph
once again reassured his brothers of his forgiveness. He knew that
God had turned their evil intentions into good to save the lives of the
Israelites, Egyptians, and others. This is true for all of Gods people.
Whenever they suffer injustice, God intends it for good.
(Key 5) When Yahweh originally made his covenant with Abram, he
told Abram that his descendants would be strangers in a foreign
country and be enslaved for 400 years. But then, Yahweh would punish
that nation and bring them out (Gen. 15:12-16). In Josephs final
words, he showed the he believed Yahwehs word. He believed that
God would come to their aid and take them out of Egypt and take
them to Canaan, the promised land (Heb 11:22). Like Abraham, Isaac,
and Jacob, Joseph too wanted to be buried in the promised land. Later
his wishes were carried out as Moses carried his bones out of Egypt
during the exodus (Ex 13:19) and Joshua buried them in the heart of
the promised land (Jos 24:32). Josephs faith in Gods word of promise
would provide inspiration for future generations.
(Summary of Gen 12-50) Yahweh had promised Abram a nation, a
land and a Savior who would bless the world. At the end of Genesis,
Yahweh has brought about the circumstances to begin to fulfill those
promises. 1) The Israelites are in a position where they can grow into
a nation. 2) After growing into a numerous people, Yahweh will lead
them out of Egypt to the promised land. He will help Joshua and the
Israelites defeat the Canaanites and they will take over the land
promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 3) Then many years later, he
would bring the Savior from his chosen people. At just the right time,
he would send his Son Jesus Christ as the Savior for the world. As the
scriptures bear out, God kept these promises and he keeps all his
promises. We look forward to the promise of eternal life for those who
believe in Jesus. To him be glory forever and ever.

Genesis Bible Study

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OT Keys and Connections

Devotional Bible Study

The Bible and the Interpretation of It

OT Keys and Connections

OT Keys and Connections

OT Keys and Connections

OT Keys and Connections

Salvation/Gods promises/faith/Christ connections:

OT Keys and Connections

OT Keys and Connections

Read Genesis 4: Cain and his line.

Salvation/Gods promises/faith/Christ connections:

OT Keys and Connections

Read Genesis 5: Adams line.

Salvation/Gods promises/faith/Christ connections:

OT Keys and Connections

Read Genesis 6-8:19: The Flood.

Salvation/Gods promises/faith/Christ connections:

OT Keys and Connections

(Key 4) The destruction of the wicked in the flood is a picture of what

OT Keys and Connections

Salvation/Gods promises/faith/Christ connections:

OT Keys and Connections

Read Genesis 9:20 29 Noahs sons.

Salvation/Gods promises/faith/Christ connections:

OT Keys and Connections

Salvation/Gods promises/faith/Christ connections:

OT Keys and Connections

Read Genesis 11:10-32 From Shem to Abram.

Salvation/Gods promises/faith/Christ connections:

OT Keys and Connections

Read Genesis 12:1-9 The Call of Abram.

Salvation/Gods promises/faith/Christ connections:

OT Keys and Connections

OT Keys and Connections

Read Genesis 12:10 13:4 Abram goes to Egypt and returns.

Salvation/Gods promises/faith/Christ connections:

OT Keys and Connections

Read Genesis 13:5-14:24 Abram and Lot.

Salvation/Gods promises/faith/Christ connections:

OT Keys and Connections

Read Genesis 15 Gods covenant with Abram.

Salvation/Gods promises/faith/Christ connections:

OT Keys and Connections

the covenant by passing between the cut up animals, meaning, May

OT Keys and Connections

Read Genesis 16 Hagar and Ishmael.

Salvation/Gods promises/faith/Christ connections:

OT Keys and Connections

Read Genesis 17 The covenant with Abram confirmed and expanded.

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OT Keys and Connections

OT Keys and Connections

Read Genesis 18-19 Sodom and Gomorrah destroyed.

Salvation/Gods promises/faith/Christ connections:

OT Keys and Connections

(Keys 2, 4) Also, because of Abrahams close relationship with

OT Keys and Connections

Read Genesis 20 Abraham and Abimelech

Salvation/Gods promises/faith/Christ connections:

OT Keys and Connections

Read Genesis 21 The birth of Isaac, the promised son.