EverydayLifeBible Sample PDF

The
Everyday Life
Bible
Containing the
Amplified Old Testament
and the
Amplified New Testament
FEATURING NOTES and COMMENTARY

BY
joyce meyer
New York • Nashville
TELB 00_Front Matter.indd 3 10/5/17 8:39 PM

The Everyday Life Bible
Additional text copyright © 2006, 2018 by Joyce Meyer
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TELB 00_Front Matter.indd 4

IV 10/5/17 8:39 PM
FOREWORD
Scriptural Promise
“The grass withers, the flower fades,

But the word of our God stands forever.”
ISAIAH 40:8
T he Amplified Bible has been produced with the conviction

that the words of Scripture as originally penned in the He-
brew, Aramaic, and Greek were inspired by God. Since they are
the eternal Word of God, the Holy Scriptures speak with fresh
power to each generation, to give wisdom that leads to salva-
tion, that people may serve Christ to the glory of God.
The Fourfold Aim of The Lockman Foundation

1. The publications shall be true to the original Hebrew,
Aramaic, and Greek.
2. They shall be grammatically correct.
3. They shall be understandable to the people.
4. They shall give the Lord Jesus Christ His proper place, the
place which the Word gives Him; therefore, no translation
work will ever be personalized.

PREFACE
I n 1958 The Lockman Foundation and Zondervan Publishing
House issued the first edition of the Amplified New Testament.
In 1962 and 1964 the two-volume Amplified Old Testament was
released. In 1965 the complete Amplified Bible was published,
and in 1987 the Amplified Bible, Expanded Edition was completed.
Over fifty years have passed since the Amplified New Testament
was translated and during that time there have been changes in
both the style and usage of the English language; therefore, it
seemed appropriate for The Lockman Foundation to revisit this
well-loved translation of God’s Word. Accordingly, Dr. Robert G.
Lambeth, President of The Lockman Foundation, established
a translation team and under his leadership the project was
developed and completed.
The Lockman Foundation is now pleased to present the Amplified

Bible of 2015. The English has been updated based on contem-
porary usage, a substantial number of new amplifications have
been added to the Old Testament, and original amplifications
have been updated, expanded, refined, or clarified where need-
ed. The translation team has also added a significant number of
new footnotes and references.
The result is a translation that is contemporary and firmly based

on the foundation established by the Amplified Bible of 1965. That
original translation project was envisioned and led by Frances
Siewert (1881-1967), an amazing and gifted woman who devoted
her life to serving the Lord and to making His Word available
in an entirely new format. Her contribution to the spread of the
Gospel through the Amplified Bible is impossible to quantify and
her vision continues to speak to the hearts of people today.
The Amplified Bible of 2015 has been editorially recast so that a

verse may be read either with or without amplification. The basic
verse is the literal equivalent translation of the Hebrew, Aramaic,
or Greek text. The basic verse is then amplified in a way that
permits the reader to have a greater understanding of the rela-
tionship between the crispness of contemporary English and the
depth of meaning in the biblical languages.
VI

EXPLANATION OF
GENERAL FORMAT
Amplification is indicated within the English text by parenthe-
ses, brackets, and italicized conjunctions.
Parentheses in Roman type ( ) supply the definition in context

of the preceding name, place, or word. When the Amplified Bible
is read aloud the definition in context may be skipped over.
Parentheses in bold type ( ) indicate a parenthetical phrase

that is part of the original language and should be included when
Scripture is read aloud.
Brackets in Roman type [ ] contain justified words, phrases, or

brief commentary not fully expressed in the preceding English
text, but which are validated by the meaning of the original He-
brew, Aramaic, or Greek, or are validated elsewhere by Scripture.
The amplifications within brackets serve many purposes. They
may expand the depth of meaning in the underlying Hebrew,
Aramaic, or Greek word; they may clarify a theological word or
concept; they may expand a teaching or principle; they may sup-
ply information that helps the reader grasp the context of the
passage.
Brackets in bold type [ ] are footnoted and indicate text not

found in early mss or found only in some early mss.
Italicized conjunctions: and, or, nor are not in the original text,
but are used to connect additional English words indicated by
the original Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek.
Italicized words are not found in the original language, but im-
plied by it.
Proper names of persons, places, or things are often used to

replace pronouns. When pronouns are retained in the text they
may be followed by a name placed in parentheses.
Pronouns referring to God, the Father; Jesus, the Son; and the
Holy Spirit are always capitalized, so that the reader immediate-
ly recognizes Deity in the text.
VII

Paragraphs are identified by bold verse numbers or bold letters.
This allows paragraphs to be clearly identified without displaying
the verses in paragraph format. The text can still be read or stud-
ied by paragraphs, but individual verses are much easier to find
when each verse begins on a new line.
Small capital letters are used in the New Testament to indicate

Old Testament quotations or obvious references to Old Testa-
ment texts. Variations of Old Testament wording are found in
New Testament citations depending on whether the New Testa-
ment writer translated from a Hebrew text, used existing Greek
or Aramaic translations, or restated the material. It should be
noted that modern rules for the indication of direct quotations
were not used in biblical times; therefore, the ancient writer
would use exact quotations or references to quotations without
specific indication of such.
The proper name of God in the Old Testament is most signif-

icant and understandably so. The most common name for the
Deity is God, a translation of the Hebrew word, Elohim. One of
the titles for God is Lord, a translation of Adonai. There is yet an-
other name which is particularly assigned to God as His special
or proper name, that is, the four letters YHWH (Exodus 3:14 and
Isaiah 42:8). This name has not been pronounced by the Jews
because of reverence for the great sacredness of the divine name.
Therefore, it has been consistently translated LORD. The only
exception to this translation of YHWH is when it occurs in
immediate proximity to the word Lord, that is, Adonai. In that
case it is regularly translated GOD in order to avoid confusion.
When the name of God appears within parentheses or brackets,
the context of the verse determines which name and type style
is used.
Verse references are placed in brackets at the end of some vers-

es. If a verse contains more than one Scripture reference, the
references are listed in biblical order.
Section headings are included in the text, but are not part of the
original language.
VIII

ABBREVIATIONS
AND SPECIAL MARKINGS
Aram = Aramaic
c = about
DSS = Dead Sea Scrolls
etc. = and so on
e.g. = for example
Gr = Greek translation of O.T. (Septuagint or LXX)
or Greek text of N.T.
Heb = Hebrew text, usually Masoretic
i.e., = that is
Lat = Latin
MT = Masoretic text
Syr = Syriac
Lit = A literal translation
Or = An alternate translation justified by the Hebrew,
Aramaic, or Greek
ch, chs = chapter, chapters
cf = compare
f, ff = following verse or verses
mg = Refers to a marginal reading on another verse
ms, mss = manuscript, manuscripts
v, vv = verse, verses
IX

THE LOCKMAN FOUNDATION
T he Lockman Foundation wishes to express deepest

gratitude to all those who have contributed to the devel-
opment of the 2015 edition of the Amplified Bible. Through-
out these years of translation many people have shared their
time, talent, prayers and very best effort to bring this Bible
translation to completion.
It is our prayer that each participant—whether scholar or

staff, professor or proofreader, consultant or critical read-
er—will look at these pages of Scripture and know that
each one’s contribution is treasured . . . nothing is insig-
nificant when dealing with God’s Word.
To quote F. Dewey “Granddad” Lockman (1898–1974),

“This work is a symphony, not a solo!” May each of you
be specially blessed and always hold a special joy in your
heart whenever you read the new Amplified Bible 2015.
Thank you beloved.
Phoebe McAuley Lambeth

Coordinating Editor

A Personal Word from Joyce Meyer
F or more than forty years, I have enjoyed and greatly benefitted from the
Amplified Bible. It gives insights I have not found in other translations I
have used. Because God has used the Amplified Bible in my life to open up
many truths from His Word to me, I wanted to share the insight He has given
me to help others. I prayed for many years to get permission from the pub-
lisher to produce a specialty Bible using this version and was thrilled when
permission was finally granted.
God’s Word is very precious to me. I can truly say that I love God’s Word. It
has changed me, and it has changed my life. I have also witnessed transformation
in the lives of multitudes of people over the years through studying and believing
God’s Word. God’s words are not ordinary words, as the words of people are. His
words are filled with power. The power of God is actually inherent in His Word
and it heals, delivers, comforts, saves, corrects, and encourages us.
When people are very discouraged, they can actually take God’s Word as
medicine for their souls. It encourages the discouraged, lifts up the lowly and
downtrodden, heals the sick, saves the lost, fills the empty, and counsels those
who need to make a decision.
Jesus is the Word of God Who took on human flesh and dwelt for a while
among people (see John 1:14). When we read, study, meditate on, or confess
the Word of God, we are fellowshipping with Jesus. We are actually taking
Him as our nourishment and we find that only He can satisfy our souls. God’s
Word is our spiritual food and we need it regularly, just as we need natural
food. The prophet Jeremiah said, “Your words were found and I ate them, and
Your words became a joy to me and the delight of my heart” (Jeremiah 15:16).
God’s Word is very important to Him. The Bible says in Psalm 138:2 that
He has magnified together His name and His word. We should always respect
and honor God’s Word and give it a place of priority in our everyday lives. I
truly believe that God’s Word contains an answer to every problem and situ-
ation we encounter in life. It is certainly spiritual, but it is also very practical
and has been given for our everyday lives. This is why, when we first pro-
duced this Bible, using the Amplified Classic Bible, we called it The Everyday
Life Bible. This new edition uses the most current Amplified Bible translation
(2015). I believe that many people have connected the Bible only with church
or some other spiritual activity when it really is a life-giving Book we can
apply to our lives daily.
I also believe the Bible is largely a book about relationships. It offers
in-depth information about our relationships with God, ourselves, and our
fellow human beings. Much of the difficulty we face in life is the result of poor
relationships. I have learned through God’s Word how to receive His love,
love myself in a balanced way, and let His love flow through me to others. I
pray that this would be your goal because Jesus said that the thing we should
concentrate on is loving God and loving others as we love ourselves (see
Matthew 27:37–39).
Let me encourage you to be a “lifetime learner.” Apply God’s Word to situ-
ations in your life as you would apply medicine to an injury. If you are having
XI

a particular struggle such as anger, depression, or fear, go to God’s Word and
select passages that deal with these subjects (I have provided in the back of
this Bible a topical index called “The Word for Your Everyday Life,” which
makes finding these passages easy for you). As you read these verses, slowly
take them in, and roll them over and over in your mind. You will find a change
taking place in your heart and life. I encourage you to love God’s Word, for in
it you will find resurrection power and contentment far greater than anything
the world has to offer.
Now, I want to make sure you are aware of the special features The
Everyday Life Bible has to offer because I believe they will help tremendously
as you live your life by the Word of God.
Book Introductions: At the beginning of every book of the Bible, you will find
basic historical background information on that particular book, along with
my thoughts on why each book is important and how it relates to practical
living. You will also find “Everyday Life Principles,” which summarize the key
points and general themes of each book.
Everyday Life Articles: These articles are the longest, most thorough entries
in the Bible. They correspond to specific verses or passages, and provide great
insight and advice on a variety of topics. I wrote many of them especially for
The Everyday Life Bible, and I believe they will help you tremendously in your
everyday life.
Life Points: If you have followed my teaching ministry for long, you may
realize that I often use short, catchy, to-the-point phrases or “one-liners” to
emphasize certain principles or truths. Life Points include many of these well-
known phrases, as well and other nuggets of encouragement and exhortation.
Speak the Word: I believe that confessing God’s Word is vital to a success-
ful Christian life. Anywhere you see an entry entitled, “Speak the Word,” you
will find a Scripture verse or passage adapted as a first-person confession or
prayer. I encourage you to speak and pray these words as you come across
them in this Bible and use them to teach you how to pray and confess other
verses throughout God’s Word.
Putting the Word to Work: We all need to apply the truths of God’s Word to
our lives. The “Putting the Word to Work” feature takes biblical principles and
gives you opportunities to meditate on them, answer questions about them, and
think about how you can specifically apply them to the situations in your life.
The Word for Your Everyday Life: Located in the back of this Bible, “The Word
for Your Everyday Life” is a list of topics you are likely to face over the course
of your life—perhaps many times. Under each topic heading, you will find
Scripture references pertaining to that topic. Read those verses and passages,
and you will discover biblical answers and guidance to help you overcome
every challenge and live your life victoriously.
How To Receive Jesus as Your Personal Lord and Savior: The most important
relationship of your life is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. If you
would like to receive Him as your Lord and Savior, and enter into the greatest
relationship you have ever known, please pray the prayer at the back of the
Bible on the page entitled, “How To Receive Jesus as Your Personal Lord
and Savior.”
XII

Contents
The Books of the Old Testament
Genesis 1 Ecclesiastes 1045

Exodus 87 Song of Solomon 1062
Leviticus 155 Isaiah 1073
Numbers 203 Jeremiah 1182
Deuteronomy 268 Lamentations 1281
Joshua 332 Ezekiel 1293
Judges 372 Daniel 1370
Ruth 409 Hosea 1400
1 Samuel 418 Joel 1418
2 Samuel 469 Amos 1427
1 Kings 514 Obadiah 1441
2 Kings 565 Jonah 1445
1 Chronicles 612 Micah 1451
2 Chronicles 658 Nahum 1463
Ezra 710 Habakkuk 1469
Nehemiah 727 Zephaniah 1477
Esther 753 Haggai 1484
Job 768 Zechariah 1490
Psalms 822 Malachi 1508
Proverbs 981
The Books of the New Testament

Matthew 1519 1 Timothy 1989
Mark 1587 2 Timothy 2002
Luke 1631 Titus 2012
John 1699 Philemon 2019
Acts 1752 Hebrews 2023
Romans 1812 James 2051
1 Corinthians 1853 1 Peter 2064
2 Corinthians 1887 2 Peter 2077
Galatians 1912 1 John 2085
Ephesians 1929 2 John 2098
Philippians 1947 3 John 2101
Colossians 1960 Jude 2105
1 Thessalonians 1972 Revelation 2109
2 Thessalonians 1982
How To Receive Jesus as Your Personal Lord and Savior 2141

The Word for Your Everyday Life 2143
XIII

Page 2142 is a blank page
Old Testament

W e often hear the book of
Genesis described as a “book
of beginnings,” but I also like to
think of it as a book of opportuni-
ties. From its start to its finish, we
Genesis read stories of people who were

presented with opportunities.
First, we see Eve with the opportu-
nity to choose between good and
Author: evil—between God’s instruction
Moses and the serpent’s deception. We
Date: read about Noah and his opportu-
About 1440 BC nity to demonstrate his faith when
everyone around him thought he
Everyday Life Principles: was crazy. We see Abraham with
Beginnings are important and, an opportunity to believe God’s
thankfully, God continually gives us promise when it was naturally
opportunities for a fresh start. impossible and then to obey God
when obedience required a will-
Be watching for the opportunities ingness to sacrifice the promised
God brings your way. They will son for whom he waited so long.
present themselves in the situations We learn about Jacob’s opportu-
of your everyday life, such as your nity to deceive, which resulted in
relationships, your workplace, the all kinds of trouble—and later
way you choose to spend your time, with an opportunity to surrender
and issues of personal integrity. completely to God, which resulted
in great blessing. We see Joseph
Only as you take advantage of these with opportunities to forgive and
opportunities can you move forward to trust God.
in God’s plans for your life.
Throughout Genesis, people were
blessed when they took advantage
of opportunities to choose well—
to choose truth over deception,
faith over fear, peace over strife,
forgiveness over bitterness,
patience and waiting on God
over trying to force something to
happen. I hope the stories and
principles in this book will help
you recognize the opportunities
God gives you and help you make
wise choices that will lead to
greater blessings than you have
ever known.
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Genesis 1:1 2
1 IN THE beginning God (Elohim)

created [by forming from noth-
ing] the heavens and the earth.
[Heb 11:3]
2
The earth was formless and void or
seas; and God saw that this was good
(pleasing, useful) and He affirmed
and sustained it.
11
So God said, “Let the earth sprout
[tender] vegetation, plants yielding
a waste and emptiness, and darkness seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit ac-
was upon the face of the deep [prime- cording to (limited to, consistent with)
val ocean that covered the unformed their kind, whose seed is in them upon
earth]. The Spirit of God was moving the earth”; and it was so.
(hovering, brooding) over the face of 12
The earth sprouted and abun-
the waters. dantly produced vegetation, plants
3
And God said, “Let there be light”; yielding seed according to their kind,
and there was light. and trees bearing fruit with seed in
4
God saw that the light was good them, according to their kind; and God
(pleasing, useful) and He affirmed saw that it was good and He affirmed
and sustained it; and God separated and sustained it.
the light [distinguishing it] from the 13
And there was evening and there
darkness. [2 Cor 4:6] was morning, a third day.
5
And God called the light day, and 14
Then God said, “Let there be light-
the darkness He called night. And bearers (sun, moon, stars) in the ex-
there was evening and there was panse of the heavens to separate the
morning, one day. day from the night, and let them be
6
And God said, “Let there be an ex- useful for signs (tokens) [of God’s
panse [of the sky] in the midst of the provident care], and for marking sea-
waters, and let it separate the waters sons, days, and years; [Gen 8:22]
[below the expanse] from the waters 15
and let them be useful as lights in
[above the expanse].” the expanse of the heavens to provide
7
And God made the expanse [of sky] light on the earth”; and it was so, [just
and separated the waters which were as He commanded].
under the expanse from the waters 16
God made the two great lights—
which were above the expanse; and the greater light (the sun) to rule the
it was so [just as He commanded]. day, and the lesser light (the moon) to
8
God called the expanse [of sky] rule the night; He made the [galaxies
heaven. And there was evening and of] stars also [that is, all the amazing
there was morning, a second day. wonders in the heavens].
9
Then God said, “Let the waters be- 17
God placed them in the expanse
low the heavens be gathered into one of the heavens to provide light upon
place [of standing, pooling together], the earth,
and let the dry land appear”; and it 18
to rule over the day and the night,
was so. and to separate the light from the
10
God called the dry land earth, and darkness; and God saw that it was
the gathering of the waters He called good and He affirmed and sustained it.
speak the Word

Lord, I thank You that You have blessed me and called me to be fruitful in my
life. I pray that I will use the resources
You have created to serve You and to serve others.
–ADAPTED FROM GENESIS 1:28

3 Genesis 1:25
19
And there was evening and there fruitful, multiply, and fill the waters
was morning, a fourth day. in the seas, and let birds multiply on
20
Then God said, “Let the waters the earth.”
swarm and abundantly produce liv- 23
And there was evening and there
ing creatures, and let birds soar above was morning, a fifth day.
the earth in the open expanse of the 24
Then God said, “Let the earth
heavens.” bring forth living creatures according
21
God created the great sea monsters to (limited to, consistent with) their
and every living creature that moves, kind: livestock, crawling things, and
with which the waters swarmed ac- wild animals of the earth according to
cording to their kind, and every their kinds”; and it was so [because He
winged bird according to its kind; and had spoken them into creation].
God saw that it was good and He af- 25
So God made the wild animals of
firmed and sustained it. the earth according to their kind, and
22
And God blessed them, saying, “Be the cattle according to their kind, and
enjoy your life

When God had completed His six days of creation, He took time to look over every-
thing and He saw that “it was very good and He validated it completely” (Genesis
1:31). God took time to enjoy the work of His hands, and we should do the same.
In our passion to possess more and more, we often fall into the trap of working,
working, working—and we never enjoy the fruit of our labor. Sometimes we should
simply take time to relax and enjoy what we have accomplished.
The writer of Ecclesiastes said there is nothing better for a person than to see “good
in his labor” (Ecclesiastes 2:24). I have always been a hard worker. A few years ago,
I realized I was working hard but not taking time to enjoy what I was doing. I made
a decision to include enjoyment in my life. I no longer just “do” conferences; I enjoy
them. When my house is clean and pretty, I take time to look at it and enjoy it. At
the end of a year I go over my calendar and remember the various things I have
done, and I enjoy the sense of accomplishment it brings. I look at what God has
enabled me to do, and I say, “It is good.”
Many people feel worthless, insecure, and unacceptable, but God looked at
everything He had created, including man, and said, “It is very good.” He validated
it completely. God knows everything about each of us, and He loves us uncondition-
ally. God approves of us; He may not approve of everything we do, but He does
approve of us as His beloved children. I encourage you to make a decision to not
only enjoy the labor of your hands, but to approve of and enjoy yourself as well.
Choosing to enjoy and accept myself is one of the best decisions I have ever made.
God does not create anything worthless. He is good, and everything He does is
good. We cannot believe that God created us and also believe we are worthless.
Begin to accept and enjoy yourself where you are, and God will help you get to
where you need to be.

Genesis 1:26 4
everything that creeps and crawls on the earth, and subjugate it [putting
the earth according to its kind; and it under your power]; and rule over
God saw that it was good (pleasing, (dominate) the fish of the sea, the
useful) and He affirmed and sus- birds of the air, and every living thing
tained it. that moves upon the earth.”
26
Then God said, “Let Us (Father, 29
So God said, “Behold, I have given
Son, Holy Spirit) make man in Our you every plant yielding seed that is
image, according to Our likeness [not on the surface of the entire earth, and
physical, but a spiritual personality every tree which has fruit yielding
and moral likeness]; and let them have seed; it shall be food for you;
complete authority over the fish of the
30
and to all the animals on the earth
sea, the birds of the air, the cattle, and and to every bird of the air and to ev-
over the entire earth, and over every- erything that moves on the ground—to
thing that creeps and crawls on the everything in which there is the
earth.” [Ps 104:30; Heb 1:2; 11:3] breath of life—I have given every green
27
So God created man in His own im- plant for food”; and it was so [because
age, in the image and likeness of God He commanded it].
He created him; male and female He
31
God saw everything that He had
created them. [Col 3:9, 10; James 3:8, 9] made, and behold, it was very good
28
And God blessed them [granting and He validated it completely. And
there was evening and there was
them certain authority] and said to
morning, a sixth day.
them, “Be fruitful, multiply, and fill
2
SO THE heavens and the earth
life point were completed, and all their
hosts (inhabitants).
Here in the very first chapter of the Bible, 2
And by the seventh day God com-
God clearly communicates His desire for pleted His work which He had done,
our lives to be fruitful. Two of the things and He rested (ceased) on the seventh
necessary to live fruitful lives are balance day from all His work which He had
and pruning. To stay balanced we need done. [Heb 4:9, 10]
3
So God blessed the seventh day
to make sure we get the right amounts
and sanctified it [as His own, that is,
of healthy nourishment, rest, work, play, set it apart as holy from other days],
time alone with God, and time to enjoy because in it He rested from all His
godly relationships. work which He had created and done.
[Ex 20:11]
Pruning is not always pleasant, but it does 4
This is the history of [the origin of]
ensure that the situations, activities, or the heavens and of the earth when
relationships that are depleting us will they were created, in the day [that is,
not continue to do so. It means something days of creation] that the LORD God
must be cut off or removed from our made the earth and the heavens—
lives, but God promises great reward as a 5
no shrub or plant of the field was
result—more fruitfulness than ever! yet in the earth, and no herb of the
field had yet sprouted, for the LORD
Stay balanced by letting God, the wise God had not caused it to rain on the
Master Gardener, prune your life as He earth, and there was no man to culti-
sees fit, and you will enjoy years of vate the ground,
fruitfulness and fulfillment. 6
but a mist (fog, dew, vapor) used to

5 Genesis 2:9
rise from the land and water the entire complete in body and spirit]. [1 Cor
surface of the ground— 15:45– 49]
7
then the LORD God formed [that is, 8
And the LORD God planted a garden
created the body of] man from the dust (oasis) in the east, in Eden (delight,
of the ground, and breathed into his land of happiness); and He put the man
nostrils the breath of life; and the man whom He had formed (created) there.
became a living being [an individual 9
And [in that garden] the LORD God
a very creative God

I cannot imagine what a job it must have been for Adam to name all the birds and
animals. He certainly had to be creative to do that!
I could go on and on about how diverse and imaginative God was in creation, but I
am sure, if you think about it, you will agree that our God is awesome not only in His
power and His love, but also in His creativity.
Simply take a walk and look around. Watch something about nature on a video or on
television. Find out what is in the ocean, or learn about how bees and flowers work
together. Then realize that the same Holy Spirit present at Creation is living inside
you if you have truly accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
So much creativity lies within each one of us, and we need to learn to tap into it and
express it without fear. Often, instead of exercising creativity, we keep repeating
the same things, even when we are bored with them, simply because we are afraid
to step out and do something different. Even if we like the familiar, we all need
variety in our lives.
Some people keep the same job or live in the same geographic area all of their
lives because they feel those activities or environments are safe. Even if they feel
unfulfilled and unhappy at work, at least they know how to do their jobs (they’re
familiar) and are comfortable with them—and the thought of getting other jobs is
frightening to them! In other cases, people do want to make changes in their lives,
but they do not want to fail at something new, so they refuse to try and they stick
with the familiar.
I do not encourage people to pursue every whim that crosses their minds or to latch
onto every fad that comes their way. But there is a definite time to step out of the
ordinary—out of the comfort zone—and into new things.
God has created us to need diversity and variety. We are designed to require fresh-
ness and newness in our lives, and there is nothing wrong with feeling that you “just
need a change.” On the other hand, never being satisfied and always trying the next
new thing is another type of problem. Stay within reason, but do not be afraid of
something new. Embrace the fresh and different opportunities, experiences, and
environments God brings your way. He is a creative God; His creativity did not stop
in the Garden of Eden, but is still active today as He continues to shape and refine
the wonderful creation He is making in you!

Genesis 2:10 6
caused to grow from the ground every life point

tree that is desirable and pleasing to
the sight and good (suitable, pleasant)
God created Adam as a living being, in
for food; the tree of life was also in
the midst of the garden, and the tree His image (see Genesis 1:26–27), and
of the [experiential] knowledge (rec- gave him authority over everything else
ognition) of [the difference between] He had created (see Genesis 1:28). Man
good and evil. [Rev 2:7; 22:14, 19] was created to rule under God and to be
10
Now a river flowed out of Eden the physical carrier of God’s Spirit in the
to water the garden; and from there earth. Part of human nature is that we, as
it divided and became four [branch- living beings like Adam, have a free will.
ing] rivers. Why? Because God is too loving to force
11
The first [river] is named Pishon; submission from anyone. He wants us
it flows around the entire land of to freely choose to love and serve Him.
Havilah, where there is gold. I hope that today you will make a fresh
12
The gold of that land is good; bdel- and willful commitment to love and serve
lium (a fragrant, valuable resin) and Him with all your heart.
the onyx stone are found there.
13
The name of the second river is Gi- the day that you eat from it, you shall
hon; it flows around the entire land of most certainly die [because of your
Cush [in Mesopotamia]. disobedience].”
14
The third river is named Hiddekel 18
Now the LORD God said, “It is not
(Tigris); it flows east of Assyria. And good (beneficial) for the man to be
the fourth river is the Euphrates. alone; I will make him a helper [one
15
So the LORD God took the man who balances him—a counterpart
[He had made] and settled him in who is] suitable and complementary
the Garden of Eden to cultivate and for him.”
keep it. 19
So the LORD God formed out of the
16
And the LORD God commanded the ground every animal of the field and
man, saying, “You may freely (uncon- every bird of the air, and brought them
ditionally) eat [the fruit] from every to Adam to see what he would call
tree of the garden; them; and whatever the man called a
17
but [only] from the tree of the living creature, that was its name.
knowledge (recognition) of good and 20
And the man gave names to all
evil you shall not eat, otherwise on the livestock, and to the birds of the
air, and to every animal of the field;
life point but for Adam there was not found a
helper [that was] suitable (a compan-
ion) for him.
Adam did what God told him not to do 21
So the LORD God caused a deep
(see Genesis 3:1–6). As a result, Adam
sleep to fall upon Adam; and while
became a captive of Satan, who had lured he slept, He took one of his ribs and
him into going against what God had said. closed up the flesh at that place.
By listening to Satan instead of to God, 22
And the rib which the LORD God
Adam surrendered to Satan the authority had taken from the man He made
to rule the earth that God had originally (fashioned, formed) into a woman,
given to man. Always listen to God and and He brought her and presented her
obey His Word. to the man.

7 Genesis 3:3
3
23
Then Adam said, NOW THE serpent was more
“This is now bone of my bones, crafty (subtle, skilled in deceit)
And flesh of my flesh; than any living creature of the
She shall be called Woman, field which the LORD God had made.
Because she was taken out of Man.” And the serpent (Satan) said to the
woman, “Can it really be that God has
For this reason a man shall leave
24
said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree
his father and his mother, and shall
be joined to his wife; and they shall of the garden’?” [Rev 12:9–11]
become one flesh. [Matt 19:5; 1 Cor
2
And the woman said to the serpent,
6:16; Eph 5:31–33] “We may eat fruit from the trees of the
25
And the man and his wife were garden,
both naked and were not ashamed or 3
except the fruit from the tree which
embarrassed. is in the middle of the garden. God
becoming one
The minute two people marry, they are legally joined together. Experientially,
though, they do not immediately “become one” when they say, “I do”; they simply
begin the process of becoming one (see Genesis 2:24). As the process works itself
out, each partner should hold marriage in honor and esteem the relationship as
worthy and precious. They should treat each other as being very valuable.
Note in this passage a three-step progression that demonstrates how to become
one: (1) Leave. Sometimes a wife clings excessively to her mother and her mother’s
opinions about what she ought to do, or a husband runs to his father for advice,
when the couple should be trusting and leaning on each other. If two people are
married but have not left home (both physically and mentally), they need to do so.
(2) Be joined. In practical terms, this means to stick to each other like glue.
(3) Become one. Becoming one means the complete union of body, soul, and
spirit—and again, this takes time.
If both people in a marriage relationship are born again, then the spiritual union is in
place. The most difficult part of the “becoming one” process is usually the uniting of
two souls—the joining of two minds, wills, and sets of emotions. Most marital prob-
lems in the arena of the soul result from strife over lack of communication, sexual
misunderstanding, money, goals, and the disciplining of children. All of these things
need to be worked out in the soulish realm of the marriage union, and in order to
become one in that area, a husband and a wife need to give their issues to God and
say, “Father, change my mind, my will, or my feelings if I’m wrong.” God is the One
Who will bring them into agreement with His will and purpose. If each marriage
partner is willing to be brought into agreement with the other, they no longer try
to force each other to be someone they are not, but realize they need each other to
be exactly who God created them to be. They no longer pick on each other’s weak-
nesses. Instead, they partake of their strengths, they enjoy one another, and they
enjoy the process of becoming one.

Genesis 3:4 8
said, ‘You shall not eat from it nor were naked; and they fastened fig
touch it, otherwise you will die.’ ” leaves together and made themselves
4
But the serpent said to the woman, coverings.
“You certainly will not die! [2 Cor 11:3] 8
And they heard the sound of the
5
“For God knows that on the day LORD God walking in the garden in the
you eat from it your eyes will be cool [afternoon breeze] of the day, so
opened [that is, you will have greater the man and his wife hid and kept
awareness], and you will be like God, themselves hidden from the presence
knowing [the difference between] of the LORD God among the trees of
good and evil.” the garden.
6
And when the woman saw that the 9
But the LORD God called to Adam,
tree was good for food, and that it was and said to him, “Where are you?”
delightful to look at, and a tree to be 10
He said, “I heard the sound of You
desired in order to make one wise and [walking] in the garden, and I was afraid
insightful, she took some of its fruit because I was naked; so I hid myself.”
and ate it; and she also gave some to 11
God said, “Who told you that you
her husband with her, and he ate. were naked? Have you eaten [fruit]
7
Then the eyes of the two of them from the tree of which I commanded
were opened [that is, their awareness you not to eat?”
increased], and they knew that they 12
And the man said, “The woman
the devil’s doom
I believe that Adam was clothed with God’s glory before he sinned. As soon as
Adam and Eve sinned, they realized they were naked. We might say that they lost
their “covering.” As long as they obeyed God, they were protected from everything
the devil wanted to do to them—and, ultimately, through them. Upon seeing what
the devil had done, God immediately announced his doom and told him how it
would take place.
Satan did not really understand what God was saying; nevertheless, God said it,
and it had to come to pass: “And I will put enmity (open hostility) between you
and the woman, and between your seed (offspring) and her Seed; He shall [fatally]
bruise your head, and you shall [only] bruise His heel” (Genesis 3:15).
To “bruise the head” symbolizes a weakening of authority. God has said that the
woman’s offspring (Jesus) will take away Satan’s authority. Satan will bruise Jesus’
heel (afflict His body—both on the cross and by afflicting mankind).
Through Jesus’ death on the cross, God took Satan’s authority (which Adam had
given him) and gave it first to Jesus and then to every person who will believe—
not only that Jesus died for them, but also that Satan has lost authority over them.
We need to understand not only that Jesus died for us, but also that He has
redeemed us!
No matter what the devil tries to do to you, he is doomed to defeat, and you are
redeemed and victorious over him through Jesus Christ.

9 Genesis 4:3
whom You gave to be with me—she 18

“Both thorns and thistles it shall
gave me [fruit] from the tree, and I grow for you;
ate it.” And you shall eat the plants of
13
Then the LORD God said to the the field.
woman, “What is this that you have 19
“By the sweat of your face
done?” And the woman said, “The ser- You will eat bread
pent beguiled and deceived me, and I Until you return to the ground,
ate [from the forbidden tree].” [2 Cor For from it you were taken;
11:3; 1 Tim 2:14] For you are dust,
14
The LORD God said to the serpent, And to dust you shall return.”
“Because you have done this, The man named his wife Eve (life
20
You are cursed more than all spring, life giver), because she was the
the cattle, mother of all the living.
And more than any animal of 21
The LORD God made tunics of [ani-
the field; mal] skins for Adam and his wife and
On your belly you shall go, clothed them.
And dust you shall eat 22
And the LORD God said, “Behold,
All the days of your life. the man has become like one of Us
15
“And I will put enmity (open (Father, Son, Holy Spirit), knowing
hostility) [how to distinguish between] good
Between you and the woman, and evil; and now, he might stretch
And between your seed (offspring) out his hand, and take from the tree
and her Seed; of life as well, and eat [its fruit], and
He shall [fatally] bruise your head, live [in this fallen, sinful condition]
And you shall [only] bruise His forever”—
heel.” [Gal 4:4] 23
therefore the LORD God sent Adam
16
To the woman He said, away from the Garden of Eden, to till
“I will greatly multiply and cultivate the ground from which
Your pain in childbirth; he was taken.
In pain you will give birth to
24
So God drove the man out; and
children; at the east of the Garden of Eden He
Yet your desire and longing will [permanently] stationed the cherubim
be for your husband, and the sword with the flashing blade
And he will rule [with authority] which turned round and round [in ev-
over you and be responsible ery direction] to protect and guard the
for you.” way (entrance, access) to the tree of
life. [Rev 2:7; 22:2, 14, 19]
17
Then to Adam the LORD God said,
4
“Because you have listened [atten- NOW THE man Adam knew Eve
tively] to the voice of your wife, and as his wife, and she conceived
have eaten [fruit] from the tree about and gave birth to Cain, and she
which I commanded you, saying, ‘You said, “I have obtained a man (baby
shall not eat of it’; boy, son) with the help of the LORD.”
The ground is [now] under a curse 2
And [later] she gave birth to his
because of you; brother Abel. Now Abel kept the
In sorrow and toil you shall eat flocks [of sheep and goats], but Cain
[the fruit] of it cultivated the ground.
All the days of your life. 3
And in the course of time Cain

Genesis 4:4 10
brought to the LORD an offering of the this day from the face of the land;
fruit of the ground. and from Your face (presence) I will
4
But Abel brought [an offering of] be hidden, and I will be a fugitive and
the [finest] firstborn of his flock and an [aimless] vagabond on the earth,
the fat portions. And the LORD had and whoever finds me will kill me.”
respect (regard) for Abel and for his 15
And the LORD said to him, “There-
offering; [Heb 11:4] fore, whoever kills Cain, a sevenfold
5
but for Cain and his offering He had vengeance [that is, punishment seven
no respect. So Cain became extremely times worse] shall be taken on him
angry (indignant), and he looked an- [by Me].” And the LORD set a [protec-
noyed and hostile. tive] mark (sign) on Cain, so that no
6
And the LORD said to Cain, “Why one who found (met) him would kill
are you so angry? And why do you him. [Gen 4:24]
look annoyed? 16
So Cain went away from the [man-
7
“If you do well [believing Me and ifested] presence of the LORD, and
doing what is acceptable and pleasing lived in the land of Nod [wandering
to Me], will you not be accepted? And in exile], east of Eden.
if you do not do well [but ignore My in- 17
Cain knew his wife [one of Adam’s
struction], sin crouches at your door; descendants] and she conceived and
its desire is for you [to overpower gave birth to Enoch; and Cain built
you], but you must master it.” a city and named it Enoch, after the
8
Cain talked with Abel his brother name of his son.
[about what God had said]. And when
18
Now to Enoch was born Irad, and
they were [alone, working] in the Irad became the father of Mehujael,
field, Cain attacked Abel his brother and Mehujael became the father of
and killed him. [1 John 3:12] Methushael, and Methushael became
9
Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where the father of Lamech.
is Abel your brother?” And he [lied
19
And Lamech took for himself two
and] said, “I do not know. Am I my wives; the name of the one was Adah,
brother’s keeper?” and the name of the other, Zillah.
10
The LORD said, “What have you
20
Adah gave birth to Jabal; he be-
done? The voice of your brother’s [in- came the father of those [nomadic
nocent] blood is crying out to Me from
the ground [for justice]. [Num 35:33; putting the Word to work
Deut 21:1–9]
11
“And now you are cursed from the Cain did not relate well to his brother,
ground, which has opened its mouth
to receive your brother’s [shed] blood Abel. We know that their interests and
from your hand. [Deut 28:15–20] pursuits were different, because Abel was
12
“When you cultivate the ground, a shepherd and Cain tilled the ground. We
it shall no longer yield its strength [it do not know what their other differences
will resist producing good crops] for were, but Cain’s resentment of Abel even-
you; you shall be a fugitive and a vaga- tually led to murder (see Genesis 4:8).
bond [roaming aimlessly] on the earth How do you respond to those who are
[in perpetual exile without a home, a
degraded outcast].” close to you, yet have different personal-
13
Cain said to the LORD, “My punish- ities, gifts, or pursuits? Ask God to help
ment is greater than I can bear. you when you are tempted
14
“Behold, You have driven me out to resent them.

11 Genesis 5:22
herdsmen] who live in tents and have of a son in his own likeness, according
cattle and raise livestock. to his image, and named him Seth.
21
His brother’s name was Jubal; he 4
After he became the father of Seth,
became the father of all those [musi- Adam lived eight hundred years and
cians] who play the lyre and flute. had other sons and daughters.
22
Zillah gave birth to Tubal-cain, the 5
So Adam lived nine hundred and
smith (craftsman) and teacher of ev- thirty years in all, and he died.
ery artisan in instruments of bronze 6
When Seth was a hundred and
and iron. The sister of Tubal-cain was five years old, he became the father
Naamah. of Enosh.
23
Lamech said to his wives, 7
Seth lived eight hundred and seven
“Adah and Zillah, years after the birth of Enosh, and he
Hear my voice; had other sons and daughters.
You wives of Lamech,
8
So Seth lived nine hundred and
Listen to what I say; twelve years, and he died.
For I have killed a man [merely]
9
When Enosh was ninety years old,
for wounding me, he became the father of Kenan.
10
Enosh lived eight hundred and
And a boy [only] for striking
fifteen years after the birth of Kenan
(bruising) me.
and had other sons and daughters.
24
“If Cain is avenged sevenfold [as 11
So Enosh lived nine hundred and
the LORD said he would be],
five years, and he died.
Then Lamech [will be avenged] 12
When Kenan was seventy years old,
seventy-sevenfold.”
he became the father of Mahalalel.
25
Adam knew [Eve as] his wife again; 13
Kenan lived eight hundred and
and she gave birth to a son, and named forty years after the birth of Mahalalel
him Seth, for [she said], “God has and had other sons and daughters.
granted another child for me in place 14
So Kenan lived nine hundred and
of Abel, because Cain killed him.” ten years, and he died.
26
To Seth, also, a son was born, whom 15
When Mahalalel was sixty-five
he named Enosh (mortal man, man- years old, he became the father of Jared.
kind). At that [same] time men began to 16
Mahalalel lived eight hundred and
call on the name of the LORD [in worship thirty years after the birth of Jared
through prayer, praise, and thanksgiv- and had other sons and daughters.
ing]. [Joel 2:32; Luke 3:38; Acts 2:21] 17
So Mahalalel lived eight hundred
and ninety-five years, and he died.
5
THIS IS the book (the written 18
When Jared was a hundred and
record, the history) of the gen- sixty-two years old, he became the
erations of [the descendants of] father of Enoch.
Adam. When God created man, He 19
Jared lived eight hundred years af-
made him in the likeness of God [not ter the birth of Enoch and had other
physical, but a spiritual personality sons and daughters.
and moral likeness]. 20
So Jared lived nine hundred and
2
He created them male and female, sixty-two years, and he died.
and blessed them and named them 21
When Enoch was sixty-five years old,
*Mankind at the time they were created. he became the father of Methuselah.
3
When Adam had lived a hundred 22
Enoch walked [in habitual fellow-
and thirty years, he *became the father ship] with God three hundred years
5:2 Lit Adam. 5:3 Lit begot, and so throughout chapter.

Genesis 5:23 12
after the birth of Methuselah and had putting the Word to work
other sons and daughters.
23
So all the days of Enoch were three
hundred and sixty-five years. According to Genesis 6:12, the world around
24
And [in reverent fear and obedi- Noah was “debased and degenerate.”
ence] Enoch walked with God; and he People had “corrupted their way on the
was not [found among men], because earth and lost their true direction.” In the
God took him [away to be home with midst of corruption and evil around you
Him]. [Heb 11:5] today, how can you be like Noah and be
25
When Methuselah was a hundred righteous before God in
and eighty-seven years old, he be- your generation?
came the father of Lamech. themselves, whomever they chose
26
Methuselah lived seven hundred and desired.
and eighty-two years after the birth 3
Then the LORD said, “My Spirit shall
of Lamech and had other sons and not strive and remain with man for-
daughters. ever, because he is indeed flesh [sin-
27
So Methuselah lived nine hundred ful, corrupt—given over to sensual
and sixty-nine years, and he died. appetites]; nevertheless his days shall
28
When Lamech was a hundred and yet be a hundred and twenty years.”
eighty-two years old, he became the 4
There were Nephilim (men of stat-
father of a son. ure, notorious men) on the earth in
29
He named him Noah, saying, “This those days—and also afterward—when
one shall bring us rest and comfort the sons of God lived with the daugh-
from our work and from the [dreadful] ters of men, and they gave birth to
toil of our hands because of the ground their children. These were the mighty
which the LORD cursed.” men who were of old, men of renown
30
Lamech lived five hundred and (great reputation, fame). [Num 13:33]
ninety-five years after the birth of Noah 5
The LORD saw that the wickedness
and had other sons and daughters. (depravity) of man was great on the
31
So all the days of Lamech were earth, and that every imagination
seven hundred and seventy-seven or intent of the thoughts of his heart
years, and he died. were only evil continually.
32
After Noah was five hundred years 6
The LORD regretted that He had
old, he became the father of Shem, made mankind on the earth, and He
Ham, and Japheth. was [deeply] grieved in His heart.
7
So the LORD said, “I will destroy
6
NOW IT happened, when men (annihilate) mankind whom I have
began to multiply on the face of created from the surface of the earth—
the land, and daughters were not only man, but the animals and the
born to them, crawling things and the birds of the
2
that the sons of God saw that the air—because it [deeply] grieves Me [to
daughters of men were beautiful and see mankind’s sin] and I regret that I
desirable; and they took wives for have made them.”
speak the Word

Father, I thank You that I have found grace and favor in Your sight.

13 Genesis 6:11
8
But Noah found favor and grace in walked (lived) [in habitual fellowship]
the eyes of the LORD. with God.
9
These are the records of the gener- 10
Now Noah became the father of
ations (family history) of Noah. Noah three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
was a righteous man [one who was 11
The [population of the] earth
just and had right standing with God], was corrupt [absolutely depraved—
blameless in his [evil] generation; Noah spiritually and morally putrid] in
the importance of a right heart
Genesis 6:5–8 reveals two things that displease God: wickedness, and evil imagina-
tions and intentions of the heart. Because those things described the condition of
people’s hearts during Noah’s day, God decided to destroy all mankind—everyone,
that is, except Noah and his family. God spared Noah’s life because Noah had found
grace and favor in His eyes.
I can only surmise that Noah must have had a right heart; otherwise, he would have
been destroyed with all the other people who practiced wickedness, evil imagina-
tions, and evil intentions in their hearts.
One of the lessons we can learn from Noah’s story is that many people today are
being destroyed for the simple reason that their hearts are not right before God. In
their hearts they regard wickedness, they allow impure imaginations, and they think
bad thoughts.
We cannot imagine how many areas of our lives would be straightened out if we
would just get our hearts right with God! Our hearts may not be filled with the
blatant evil we read about in Noah’s time, but bad attitudes and wrong thinking
certainly qualify as evil imaginations and evil intentions. We need to have right
attitudes toward everything we do, because our attitudes basically determine
everything else about our situations. If our hearts are full of bad attitudes and
our minds are full of “stinking thinking,” we will not make much progress in life.
We need to have pure, tender hearts. We need to hear and heed the voice of con-
science so that the moment we realize we have a bad attitude about something
or someone, we can make the necessary adjustments. That is why Proverbs 4:23
instructs us: “Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs
of life.”
So often, we fail to guard our hearts as diligently as we should, and we allow too
many negative feelings into our hearts and too many negative thoughts into our
minds. We need to remember the familiar phrase “garbage in, garbage out,” and
realize that we cannot take in garbage and produce good things. We must be
attentive not only to our actions, but also to our thoughts, imaginations, motives,
intentions, and attitudes. God looks at these things because He is a God of hearts.
Whatever you do, make sure you have a right heart before the Lord, and you will
reap abundant life instead of destruction.

Genesis 6:12 14
God’s sight, and the land was filled into the ark, to keep them alive with
with violence [desecration, infringe- you; they shall be male and female.
ment, outrage, assault, and lust for 20
“Of fowls and birds according to
power]. their kind, of animals according to
12
God looked on the earth and saw their kind, of every crawling thing of
how debased and degenerate it was, the ground according to its kind—two
for all humanity had corrupted their of every kind shall come to you to keep
way on the earth and lost their true them alive.
direction. 21
“Also take with you every kind of
13
God said to Noah, “I intend to make food that is edible, and you shall col-
an end of all that lives, for through lect and store it; and it shall be food for
men the land is filled with violence; you and for them.”
and behold, I am about to destroy 22
So Noah did this; according to all
them together with the land. that God commanded him, that is
14
“Make yourself an ark of gopher what he did.
wood; make in it rooms (stalls, pens,
7
coops, nests, cages, compartments) THEN THE LORD said to Noah,
and coat it inside and out with pitch “Come into the ark, you with all
(bitumen). your household, for you [alone]
15
“This is the way you are to make I have seen as righteous (doing what
it: the length of the ark shall be three is right) before Me in this generation.
hundred cubits, its width fifty cubits, [Ps 27:5; 33:18, 19; 2 Pet 2:9]
and its height thirty cubits (450’ x 75’ 2
“Of every clean animal you shall
x 45’). take with you seven pair, the male
16
“You shall make a window [for and his female, and of animals that
light and ventilation] for the ark, and are not clean, two each the male and
finish it to at least a cubit (eighteen his female; [Lev 11:1–13]
inches) from the top—and set the [en- 3
also of the birds of the air, seven
try] door of the ark in its side; and you pair, the male and the female, to keep
shall make it with lower, second and the offspring alive on the surface of
third decks. the earth.
17
“For behold, I, even I, will bring a 4
“For in seven days I am going to
flood of waters on the earth, to destroy cause it to rain on the earth for forty
all life under the heavens in which days and forty nights; and I will de-
there is the breath and spirit of life; stroy (blot out, wipe away) every liv-
everything that is on the land shall die. ing thing that I have made from the
18
“But I will establish My covenant surface of the earth.”
(solemn promise, formal agreement) 5
So Noah did all that the LORD com-
with you; and you shall come into the manded him. [Heb 11:7]
ark—you and your [three] sons and your 6
Noah was six hundred years old
wife, and your sons’ wives with you. when the flood (deluge) of water came
19
“And of every living thing [found on on the earth [covering all of the land].
land], you shall bring two of every kind 7
Then Noah and his sons and his
speak the Word

God, I pray that I will be like Noah and do all that You have
commanded me to do.

15 Genesis 8:5
wife and his sons’ wives with him 19

The waters prevailed so greatly
entered the ark to escape the flood and were so mighty and overwhelm-
waters. [Matt 24:38; Luke 17:27] ing on the earth, so that all the high
8
Of clean animals and animals that mountains everywhere under the
are not clean and birds and fowls and heavens were covered.
everything that crawls on the ground, 20
[In fact] the waters became fifteen
9
they came [motivated by God] into cubits higher [than the highest ground],
the ark with Noah two by two, the and the mountains were covered.
male and the female, just as God had 21
All living beings that moved on
commanded Noah. the earth perished—birds and cattle
10
And after the seven days [God re- (domestic animals), [wild] animals, all
leased the rain and] the floodwaters things that swarm and crawl on the
came on the earth. earth, and all mankind.
11
In the six hundredth year of No- 22
Everything on the dry land, all
ah’s life, on the seventeenth day of the in whose nostrils was the breath and
second month, on that same day all spirit of life, died.
the fountains of the great deep [sub- 23
God destroyed (blotted out, wiped
terranean waters] burst open, and the away) every living thing that was on
windows and floodgates of the heav- the surface of the earth; man and an-
ens were opened. imals and the crawling things and the
12
It rained on the earth for forty days birds of the heavens were destroyed
and forty nights. from the land. Only Noah and those
13
On the very same day Noah and who were with him in the ark re-
Shem and Ham and Japheth, the sons mained alive. [Matt 24:37– 44]
of Noah, and Noah’s wife and the 24
The waters covered [all of] the
three wives of his sons with them, earth for a hundred and fifty days
entered the ark, (five months).
14
they and every animal according
8
to its kind, all the livestock accord- AND GOD remembered and
ing to their kinds, every moving thing thought kindly of Noah and ev-
that crawls on the earth according to ery living thing and all the an-
its kind, and every bird according to its imals that were with him in the ark;
kind, every winged thing of every sort. and God made a wind blow over the
15
So they went into the ark with land, and the waters receded.
Noah, two by two of all living beings 2
Also the fountains of the deep [sub-
in which there was the breath and terranean waters] and the windows of
spirit of life. the heavens were closed, the [pour-
16
Those which entered, male and fe- ing] rain from the sky was restrained,
male of all flesh (creatures), entered 3
and the waters receded steadily from
as God had commanded Noah; and the the earth. At the end of a hundred and
LORD closed the door behind him. fifty days the waters had diminished.
17
The flood [the great downpour of 4
On the seventeenth day of the sev-
rain] was forty days and nights on the enth month [five months after the
earth; and the waters increased and rain began], the ark came to rest on
lifted up the ark, and it floated [high] the mountains of Ararat [in Turkey].
above the land. 5
The waters continued to decrease
18
The waters became mighty and in- until the tenth month; on the first
creased greatly on the earth, and the day of the tenth month the tops of the
ark floated on the surface of the waters. mountains were seen.

Genesis 8:6 16
6
At the end of [another] forty days every bird—and whatever moves on
Noah opened the window of the ark the land—went out by families (types,
which he had made; groupings) from the ark.
7
and he sent out a raven, which flew 20
And Noah built an altar to the LORD,
here and there until the waters were and took of every [ceremonially] clean
dried up from the earth. animal and of every clean bird and of-
8
Then Noah sent out a dove to see fered burnt offerings on the altar.
if the water level had fallen below the 21
The LORD smelled the pleasing
surface of the land. aroma [a soothing, satisfying scent] and
9
But the dove found no place on the LORD said to Himself, “I will never
which to rest the sole of her foot, and again curse the ground because of man,
she returned to him to the ark, for the for the intent (strong inclination, desire)
waters were [still] on the face of the of man’s heart is wicked from his youth;
entire earth. So he reached out his and I will never again destroy every liv-
hand and took the dove, and brought ing thing, as I have done.
her into the ark.
10
He waited another seven days and
22
“While the earth remains,
again sent the dove out from the ark. Seedtime and harvest,
11
The dove came back to him in the Cold and heat,
evening, and there, in her beak, was a Winter and summer,
fresh olive leaf. So Noah knew that the And day and night
water level had subsided from the earth. Shall not cease.”
12
Then he waited another seven
9
days and sent out the dove, but she AND GOD blessed Noah and his
did not return to him again. sons and said to them, “Be fruitful
13
Now in the six hundred and first and multiply, and fill the earth.
year [of Noah’s life], on the first day 2
“The fear and the terror of you shall
of the first month, the waters were be [instinctive] in every animal of the
drying up from the earth. Then Noah land and in every bird of the air; and
removed the covering of the ark and together with everything that moves
looked, and the surface of the ground on the ground, and with all the fish of
was drying. the sea; they are given into your hand.
14
On the twenty-seventh day of 3
“Every moving thing that lives shall
the second month the land was [en- be food for you; I give you everything,
tirely] dry. as I gave you the green plants and veg-
15
And God spoke to Noah, saying, etables.
16
“Go out of the ark, you and your 4
“But you shall not eat meat along
wife and your sons and their wives with its life, that is, its blood. [Lev 7:26;
with you. Acts 15:20; 21:25]
17
“Bring out with you every living 5
“For your lifeblood I will most cer-
thing from all flesh—birds and ani- tainly require an accounting; from
mals and every crawling thing that
every animal [that kills a person] I
crawls on the earth—that they may
will require it. And from man, from
breed abundantly on the earth, and
every man’s brother [that is, anyone
be fruitful and multiply on the earth.”
who murders] I will require the life
18
So Noah went out, and his wife and
his sons and their wives with him [after of man. [Ex 21:28, 29]
being in the ark one year and ten days]. 6
“Whoever sheds man’s blood
19
Every animal, every crawling thing, [unlawfully],

17 Genesis 9:29
By man (judicial government) which I have established between Me

shall his blood be shed, and all living things on the earth.”
For in the image of God 18
The sons of Noah who came out
He made man. [Rom 13:4] of the ark were Shem and Ham and
7
“As for you, be fruitful and multiply; Japheth. Ham would become the fa-
Populate the earth abundantly and ther of Canaan.
multiply in it.” 19
These are the three sons of Noah,
8
Then God spoke to Noah and to his and from these [men] the whole earth
sons with him, saying, was populated and scattered with in-
9
“Now behold, I am establishing My habitants.
covenant (binding agreement, solemn
20
And Noah began to farm and cul-
promise) with you and with your de- tivate the ground and he planted a
scendants after you vineyard.
10
and with every living creature
21
He drank some of the wine and be-
that is with you—the birds, the live- came drunk, and he was uncovered
stock, and the wild animals of the and lay exposed inside his tent.
earth along with you, of everything
22
Ham, the father of Canaan, saw [by
that comes out of the ark—every living accident] the nakedness of his father,
creature of the earth. and [to his father’s shame] told his two
11
“I will establish My covenant with brothers outside.
you: Never again shall all flesh be cut 23
So Shem and Japheth took a robe
off by the water of a flood, nor shall and put it on both their shoulders, and
there ever again be a flood to destroy walked backwards and covered the
and ruin the earth.” nakedness of their father; their faces
12
And God said, “This is the token were turned away so that they did not
(visible symbol, memorial) of the [sol- see their father’s nakedness.
emn] covenant which I am making be- 24
When Noah awoke from his wine
tween Me and you and every living [induced stupor], he knew what his
creature that is with you, for all future younger son [Ham] had done to him.
generations; 25
So he said,
13
I set My rainbow in the clouds, and
“Cursed be Canaan [the son of Ham];
it shall be a sign of a covenant between
A servant of servants
Me and the earth.
He shall be to his brothers.”
14
“It shall come about, when I bring
[Deut 27:16]
clouds over the earth, that the rain-
bow shall be seen in the clouds, 26
He also said,
15
and I will [compassionately] remem- “Blessed be the LORD,
ber My covenant, which is between Me The God of Shem;
and you and every living creature of all
And let Canaan be his servant.
flesh; and never again will the water 27
“May God enlarge [the land of]
become a flood to destroy all flesh.
Japheth,
16
“When the rainbow is in the clouds
And let him dwell in the tents of
and I look at it, I will [solemnly] re-
Shem;
member the everlasting covenant be-
And let Canaan be his servant.”
tween God and every living creature
of all flesh that is on the earth.” 28
Noah lived three hundred and fifty
17
And God said to Noah, “This years after the flood.
[rainbow] is the sign of the covenant 29
So all the days of Noah were nine
(solemn pledge, binding agreement) hundred and fifty years, and he died.

Genesis 10:1 18
10
THESE ARE the records of 16
and the Jebusite and the Amorite
the generations (descen- and the Girgashite
dants) of Shem, Ham, and 17
and the Hivite and the Arkite and
Japheth, the sons of Noah; and the the Sinite
sons born to them after the flood: 18
and the Arvadite and the Zemarite
2
the sons of Japheth: Gomer, Ma- and the Hamathite. Afterward the
gog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, families of the Canaanite were spread
and Tiras; abroad.
3
the sons of Gomer: Ashkenaz, 19
The territory of the Canaanite
Riphath, and Togarmah; extended from Sidon as one goes to
4
the sons of Javan: Elishah, Tar- Gerar, as far as Gaza; and as one goes
shish, Kittim, and Dodanim. to Sodom and Gomorrah and Admah
5
From these, [the people of] the and Zeboiim, as far as Lasha.
coastlands of the nations were sepa- 20
These are the descendants of Ham
rated and spread into their lands, ev- according to their constituent groups,
ery one according to his own language, according to their languages, by their
according to their constituent groups lands, and by their nations.
(families), and into their nations: 21
Also to Shem, the father of all the
6
the sons of Ham: Cush, Mizraim children of Eber [including the He-
[from whom descended the Egyp- brews], the older brother of Japheth,
tians], Put, and Canaan; children were born.
7
the sons of Cush: Seba, Havilah, 22
The sons of Shem: Elam, Asshur,
Sabtah, Raamah, and Sabteca; and the Arpachshad, Lud and Aram;
sons of Raamah; Sheba and Dedan. 23
the sons of Aram [ancestor of the
8
Cush became the father of Nimrod; Syrians]: Uz, Hul, Gether and Mash.
he became a mighty one on the earth. 24
Arpachshad became the father of
9
He was a mighty hunter before the Shelah; and Shelah became the father
LORD; therefore it is said, “Like Nimrod of Eber.
a mighty hunter before the LORD.” 25
Two sons were born to Eber; the
10
The beginning of his kingdom name of one was Peleg (division), for
was *Babel and Erech and Accad [the inhabitants of] the earth were
and Calneh, in the land of Shinar [in divided in his days; and his brother’s
Babylonia]. name was Joktan.
11
From that land Nimrod went 26
Joktan became the father of Almo-
to Assyria, and built Nineveh, and dad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah,
Rehoboth-Ir, and Calah, 27
and Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah,
12
and [Nimrod built] Resen, which 28
and Obal, Abimael, Sheba,
is between Nineveh and Calah; all 29
and Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab; all
these [combined to form] the great these were the sons of Joktan.
city [Nineveh]. [Jon 1:2; 3:2] 30
Now their territory extended from
13
Mizraim [the ancestor of the Egyp- Mesha as one goes toward Sephar, to
tians] became the father of Ludim, the hill country of the east.
Anamim, Lehabim, Naphtuhim 31
These are Shem’s descendants
14
and Pathrusim and Casluhim— according to their constituent groups
from whom came the Philistines—and (families), according to their lan-
Caphtorim. guages, by their lands, according to
15
Canaan became the father of Sidon, their nations.
his firstborn, and Heth 32
These are the families of the sons
10:10 Or Babylon.

19 Genesis 11:26
of Noah, according to their descen- and dispersed them over the surface
dants, by their nations; and from these of all the earth.
[people] the nations were separated 10
These are the records of the gener-
and spread abroad on the earth after ations of Shem [from whom Abraham
the flood. [Acts 17:26] descended]. Shem was a hundred years
old when he became the father of Ar-
11
NOW THE whole earth spoke pachshad, two years after the flood.
one language and used the 11
And Shem lived five hundred
same words (vocabulary). years after Arpachshad was born, and
2
And as people journeyed eastward, he had other sons and daughters.
they found a plain in the land of Shi- 12
When Arpachshad had lived
nar and they settled there. [Gen 10:10] thirty-five years, he became the fa-
3
They said one to another, “Come, ther of Shelah.
let us make bricks and fire them 13
Arpachshad lived four hundred
thoroughly [in a kiln, to harden and and three years after Shelah was born,
strengthen them].” So they used brick and he had other sons and daughters.
for stone [as building material], and 14
When Shelah had lived thirty
they used tar (bitumen, asphalt) for years, he became the father of Eber.
mortar. 15
Shelah lived four hundred and
4
They said, “Come, let us build a city three years after Eber was born, and
for ourselves, and a tower whose top he had other sons and daughters.
will reach into the heavens, and let us 16
When Eber had lived thirty-four
make a [famous] name for ourselves, years, he became the father of Peleg.
so that we will not be scattered [into 17
And Eber lived four hundred and
separate groups] and be dispersed thirty years after Peleg was born, and
over the surface of the entire earth [as he had other sons and daughters.
the LORD instructed].” [Gen 9:1] 18
When Peleg had lived thirty years,
5
Now the LORD came down to see the he became the father of Reu.
city and the tower which the sons of 19
And Peleg lived two hundred and
men had built. nine years after Reu was born, and he
6
And the LORD said, “Behold, they had other sons and daughters.
are one [unified] people, and they all 20
When Reu had lived thirty-two
have the same language. This is only years, he became the father of Serug.
the beginning of what they will do [in 21
And Reu lived two hundred and
rebellion against Me], and now no evil seven years after Serug was born, and
thing they imagine they can do will be he had other sons and daughters.
impossible for them. 22
When Serug had lived thirty years,
7
“Come, let Us (Father, Son, Holy he became the father of Nahor.
Spirit) go down and there confuse and 23
And Serug lived two hundred
mix up their language, so that they will years after Nahor was born, and he
not understand one another’s speech.” had other sons and daughters.
8
So the LORD scattered them abroad 24
When Nahor had lived twenty-nine
from there over the surface of the en- years, he became the father of Terah.
tire earth; and they stopped building 25
And Nahor lived a hundred and
the city. nineteen years after Terah was born,
9
Therefore the name of the city was and he had other sons and daughters.
Babel—because there the LORD con- 26
After Terah had lived seventy
fused the language of the entire earth; years, he became the father of Abram
and from that place the LORD scattered and Nahor and Haran [his firstborn].

Genesis 11:27 20
27
Now these are the records of the And in you all the families
descendants of Terah. Terah was the (nations) of the earth will be
father of Abram (Abraham), Nahor, and blessed.” [Gal 3:8]
Haran; and Haran was the father of Lot. 4
So Abram departed [in faithful
28
Haran died before his father Terah
obedience] as the LORD had directed
in the land of his birth, in Ur of the
him; and Lot [his nephew] left with
Chaldeans.
him. Abram was seventy-five years
29
Abram and Nahor took wives for
old when he left Haran.
themselves. The name of Abram’s wife 5
Abram took Sarai his wife and Lot
was Sarai (later called Sarah), and
his nephew, and all their possessions
the name of Nahor’s wife was Milcah,
which they had acquired, and the
the daughter of Haran, the father of people (servants) which they had ac-
Milcah and Iscah. quired in Haran, and they set out to
30
But Sarai was barren; she did not go to the land of Canaan. When they
have a child. came to the land of Canaan,
31
Terah took Abram his son, and 6
Abram passed through the land
Lot the son of Haran, his grandson, as far as the site of Shechem, to the
and Sarai his daughter-in-law, his son [great] terebinth (oak) tree of Moreh.
Abram’s wife; and they went out to- Now the Canaanites were in the land
gether to go from Ur of the Chaldeans at that time.
into the land of Canaan; but when they 7
Then the LORD appeared to Abram
came to Haran [about five hundred and said, “I will give this land to your
and fifty miles northwest of Ur], they descendants.” So Abram built an altar
settled there. there to [honor] the LORD who had ap-
32
Terah lived two hundred and five peared to him.
years; and Terah died in Haran. 8
Then he moved on from there to the
mountain on the east of Bethel, and
12
NOW [in Haran] the LORD pitched his tent, with Bethel on the
had said to Abram, west and Ai on the east; and there he
built an altar to the LORD and called
“Go away from your country,
And from your relatives life point
And from your father’s house,
To the land which I will show you;
[Heb 11:8–10] We can read God’s promise to Abraham
2
And I will make you a great nation, in Genesis 12:2 and think, Oh, hallelujah!
And I will bless you [abundantly], That applies to me, too! But we cannot
And make your name great forget that God required a sacrifice of
(exalted, distinguished); obedience before Abraham could receive
And you shall be a blessing [a the promise. Abraham had to be willing
source of great good to others]; to leave the place where he was comfort-
3
And I will bless (do good for, able; he had to leave his father and all of
benefit) those who bless you, his relatives. And he did; he simply moved
And I will curse [that is, subject to in faith to the place God said He would
My wrath and judgment] the one show him. If you are willing to have Abra-
who curses (despises, dishonors, ham’s kind of obedience, you can have
has contempt for) you. Abraham’s kind of blessing.

21 Genesis 12:17
on the name of the LORD [in worship 13

“Please tell them that you are my
through prayer, praise, and thanks- sister so that things will go well for
giving]. me for your sake, and my life will be
9
Then Abram journeyed on, con- spared because of you.”
tinuing toward the Negev (the South 14
And when Abram entered Egypt,
country of Judah). the Egyptians saw that Sarai was very
10
Now there was a famine in the land; beautiful.
and Abram went down into Egypt to 15
Pharaoh’s princes (officials) also
live temporarily, for the famine in the saw her and praised her to Pharaoh;
land was oppressive and severe. and the woman was taken [for the
11
And when he was about to enter purpose of marriage] into Pharaoh’s
Egypt, he said to Sarai his wife, “Listen: house (harem).
I know that you are a beautiful woman; 16
Therefore Pharaoh treated Abram
12
so when the Egyptians see you, well for her sake; he acquired sheep,
they will say, ‘This is his wife’; and oxen, male and female donkeys, male
they will kill me [to acquire you], but and female servants, and camels.
they will let you live. 17
But the LORD punished Pharaoh
one step at a time
Abraham learned to trust God to lead him one step at a time. God essentially told
him, “Trust Me with this first step, because it is best for you to go where I lead you.”
At that time, Abraham might have wondered whether or not packing up his tent and
leaving his family and his country would be to his advantage, but God told him to go
to the place that He would show him, and Abraham simply obeyed.
When God gave Abraham this instruction, He gave him only step one, not step two.
Abraham would not get to step two until he had accomplished step one. This is so
simple, but so profound: God gives us direction one step at a time.
You may be like many people who refuse to take step one until they think they
understand steps two, three, four, and five. If so, I hope you will be inspired to go
forward in God’s plan for your life by trusting Him with the first step. Understanding
that His will for you is revealed a step at a time should build your confidence to do
at least what you already know to do. After the first few steps, your faith will grow
because you will realize there is always sure footing beneath each step God instructs
you to take.
Know that God has a good plan for your life and that you will be blessed when you
obey Him. You can miss out on blessings by not obeying what God clearly tells you
to do. He shows you the way to go, and you are to walk in that direction. Sometimes
God may be gracious enough to carry you part of the way, but there comes a time
when the carrying is over, and He says, “Now walk.”
God wants you to obey Him quickly. He does not want you to argue with Him for
three or four weeks before you will do a simple little thing. He wants you to trust
Him and, like Abraham, take in faith the first step He calls you to take.

Genesis 12:18 22
13
and his household with severe plagues SO ABRAM went up out of
because of Sarai, Abram’s wife. Egypt, he and his wife and
18
Then Pharaoh called Abram and all that he had, and Lot [his
said, “What is this that you have done nephew] with him, into the Negev (the
to me? Why did you not tell me that South country of Judah).
she was your wife? 2
Now Abram was extremely rich in
19
“Why did you say, ‘She is my sis- livestock and in silver and in gold.
ter,’ so that I took her as my wife? 3
He journeyed on from the Negev as
Now then, here is your wife; take her far as Bethel, to the place where his
and go!” tent had been at the beginning, be-
20
So Pharaoh commanded his men tween Bethel and Ai,
concerning him; and they escorted 4
where he had first built an altar;
him on his way, with his wife and all and there Abram called on the name
that he had. of the LORD [in prayer]. [Gal 3:6–9]
lift up your eyes
In Genesis 13, we read that the herdsmen of Abraham and his nephew, Lot, argued
because there was not enough space for both their flocks and herds to graze.
Abraham suggested that Lot go one way and said that he would go the other way
so there would be room enough for both of their animals and households. Lot chose
the best land for himself and left Abraham with an inferior portion
(see Genesis 13:10, 11).
At that point, the Lord said to Abraham, “Now lift up your eyes and look from
the place where you are standing, northward and southward and eastward and
westward; for all the land which you see I will give to you and to your descendants
forever” (Genesis 13:14, 15).
We would do well to remember this story today. Instead of becoming discouraged,
depressed, or angry when people disappoint us, God wants us to lift up our eyes,
look around us, and trust Him to lead us into an even better situation. He wants us
to look around and count our blessings instead of focusing on what we do not have.
He wants us to fix our eyes on Him, not on the work of the enemy, because He has
plans to bless us and bring us increase.
No matter how your life has turned out to this point, you have two options. One is to
give up and quit; the other is to keep going. If you decide to keep going, you again
have two choices. One is to live in misery and depression; the other is to live in faith,
hope, and joy.
Choosing to live in faith, hope, and joy does not mean you will no longer have
disappointments, but it does mean you have decided that your disappointments will
not defeat you. Instead, you can lift up your eyes, your head, your hands, and your
heart, not focusing on your problems, but looking at the Lord, Who has promised to
see you through to abundance and victory.

23 Genesis 14:7
5
But Lot, who went with Abram, also give to you and to your descendants
had flocks and herds and tents. forever. [Acts 7:5]
6
Now the land was not able to sup- 16
“I will make your descendants [as
port them [that is, sustain all their numerous] as the dust of the earth, so
grazing and water needs] while they that if a man could count the [grains
lived near one another, for their pos- of] dust of the earth, then your de-
sessions were too great for them to scendants could also be counted.
stay together. [Gen 28:14]
7
And there was strife and quarrel- 17
“Arise, walk (make a thorough
ing between the herdsmen of Abram’s reconnaissance) around in the land,
cattle and the herdsmen of Lot’s cattle. through its length and its width, for I
Now the Canaanite and the Perizzite will give it to you.”
were living in the land at that same 18
Then Abram broke camp and
time [making grazing of the livestock moved his tent, and came and settled
difficult]. by the [grove of the great] terebinths
8
So Abram said to Lot, “Please let (oak trees) of Mamre [the Amorite],
there be no strife and disagreement which are in Hebron, and there he
between you and me, nor between built an altar to [honor] the LORD.
your herdsmen and my herdsmen,
14
because we are relatives. IN THE days of the [Eastern]
9
“Is not the entire land before you? kings Amraphel of Shinar,
Please separate [yourself] from me. If Arioch of Ellasar, Chedor-
you take the left, then I will go to the laomer of Elam, and Tidal of Goiim,
right; or if you choose the right, then 2
they [invaded the Jordan Valley
I will go to the left.” near the Dead Sea, and] made war
10
So Lot looked and saw that the with Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king
valley of the Jordan was well watered of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah,
everywhere—this was before the LORD Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the
destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah; [it king of Bela (that is, Zoar).
was all] like the garden of the LORD, 3
All of these [kings] joined together
like the land of Egypt, as you go to Zoar [as allies] in the Valley of Siddim (that
[at the south end of the Dead Sea]. is, the Sea of Salt).
11
Then Lot chose for himself all the 4
Twelve years they had served Ched-
valley of the Jordan, and he traveled orlaomer [the most powerful king in
east. So they separated from each other. the invading confederacy], but in the
12
Abram settled in the land of Ca- thirteenth year they rebelled.
naan, and Lot settled in the cities of 5
In the fourteenth year Chedorlao-
the valley and camped as far as Sodom mer and the [three] kings who were
and lived there. with him attacked and subdued the
13
But the men of Sodom were ex- Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim, the
tremely wicked and sinful against Zuzim in Ham, and the Emim in
the LORD [unashamed in their open Shaveh-kiriathaim,
sin before Him]. 6
and the Horites in their moun-
14
The LORD said to Abram, after Lot tainous country of Seir, as far as El-
had left him, “Now lift up your eyes paran, which is on the border of the
and look from the place where you are wilderness.
standing, northward and southward 7
Then they turned back and came to
and eastward and westward; En-mishpat (that is, Kadesh), and sub-
15
for all the land which you see I will dued all the country of the Amalekites,

Genesis 14:8 24
and also the Amorites who lived in king of Sodom went out to meet him
Hazazon-tamar. at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the
8
Then the kings of Sodom, Gomor- King’s Valley).
rah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela (that 18
Melchizedek king of Salem (an-
is, Zoar) came out; and they joined cient Jerusalem) brought out bread
together for battle with the invading and wine [for them]; he was the priest
kings in the Valley of Siddim, of God Most High.
9
against Chedorlaomer king of Elam 19
And Melchizedek blessed Abram
and Tidal king of Goiim and Am- and said,
raphel king of Shinar and Arioch king “Blessed (joyful, favored) be
of Ellasar—four kings against five. Abram by God Most High,
10
Now the Valley of Siddim was full of Creator and Possessor of heaven
tar (bitumen) pits; and as the kings of and earth;
Sodom and Gomorrah fled, they fell into 20
And blessed, praised, and glorified
them. But the remainder [of the kings] be God Most High,
who survived fled to the hill country. Who has given your enemies into
11
Then the victors took all the pos- your hand.”
sessions of Sodom and Gomorrah and
all their food supply and provisions And Abram gave him a tenth of all
and left. [the treasure he had taken in battle].
12
And they also took [captive] Lot, [Heb 7:1–10]
Abram’s nephew, and his possessions
21
The king of Sodom said to Abram,
and left, for he was living in Sodom. “Give me the people and keep the
13
Then a survivor who had escaped goods (spoils of battle) for yourself.”
[from the invading forces on the other
22
But Abram said to the king of
side of the Jordan] came and told Sodom, “I have raised my hand and
Abram the Hebrew. Now he was living sworn an oath to the LORD God Most
by the terebinths (oaks) of Mamre the High, the Creator and Possessor of
Amorite, brother of Eshcol and brother heaven and earth,
of Aner—they were allies of Abram.
23
that I would not take anything that
14
When Abram heard that his is yours, from a thread to a sandal
nephew [Lot] had been captured, he strap, so you could not say, ‘I [the King
of Sodom] have made Abram rich.’
armed and led out his trained men, 24
“I will take nothing except what
born in his own house, [numbering]
my young men have eaten, and the
three hundred and eighteen, and went
share of the spoils belonging to the
in pursuit as far [north] as Dan.
men [my allies] who went with me—
15
He divided his forces against them
Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them
by night, he and his servants, and at-
take their share of the spoils.”
tacked and defeated them, and pur-
sued them as far as Hobah, which is life point
north of Damascus.
16
And he brought back all the goods,
and also brought back his nephew If Abraham had bowed his knee to fear,
Lot and his possessions, and also the the rest of the story would never have
women, and the people. come to pass. He would never have
17
Then after Abram’s return from experienced God as his shield, and he
the defeat (slaughter) of Chedorlaomer would never have received his very
and the kings who were with him, the great reward (see Genesis 15:1).

25 Genesis 15:18
15
AFTER THESE things the 10
So Abram brought all these to Him
word of the LORD came to and cut them down the middle, and
Abram in a vision, saying, laid each half opposite the other; but
“Do not be afraid, Abram, he did not cut the birds.
I am your shield;
11
The birds of prey swooped down
Your reward [for obedience] shall on the carcasses, but Abram drove
be very great.” them away.
12
When the sun was setting, a deep
2
Abram said, “Lord GOD, what reward sleep overcame Abram; and a horror
will You give me, since I am [leaving (terror, shuddering fear, nightmare)
this world] childless, and he who will of great darkness overcame him.
be the owner and heir of my house is 13
God said to Abram, “Know for sure
this [servant] Eliezer from Damascus?” that your descendants will be strang-
3
And Abram continued, “Since You ers [living temporarily] in a land
have given no child to me, one (a ser- (Egypt) that is not theirs, where they
vant) born in my house is my heir.” will be enslaved and oppressed for
4
Then behold, the word of the LORD four hundred years. [Ex 12:40]
came to him, saying, “This man 14
“But on that nation whom your de-
[Eliezer] will not be your heir but he scendants will serve I will bring judg-
who shall come from your own body ment, and afterward they will come
shall be your heir.” out [of that land] with great posses-
5
And the LORD brought Abram outside sions. [Ex 12:35, 36; Acts 7:6, 7]
[his tent into the night] and said, “Look 15
“As for you, you shall [die and] go
now toward the heavens and count the to your fathers in peace; you shall be
stars—if you are able to count them.” buried at a good old age.
Then He said to him, “So [numerous] 16
“Then in the fourth generation your
shall your descendants be.” [Heb 11:12] descendants shall return here [to Ca-
6
Then Abram believed in (affirmed, naan, the land of promise], for the wick-
trusted in, relied on, remained stead- edness and guilt of the Amorites is not
fast to) the LORD; and He counted (cred- yet complete (finished).” [Josh 24:15]
ited) it to him as righteousness (doing 17
When the sun had gone down and
right in regard to God and man). [Rom a [deep] darkness had come, there ap-
4:3, 18–22; Gal 3:6; James 2:23] peared a smoking brazier and a flam-
7
And He said to him, “I am the
ing torch which passed between the
[same] LORD who brought you out of
[divided] pieces [of the animals]. [Jer
Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this
34:18, 19]
land as an inheritance.” 18
On the same day the LORD made
8
But Abram said, “Lord GOD, by
a covenant (promise, pledge) with
what [proof] will I know that I will
Abram, saying,
inherit it?”
9
So God said to him, “Bring Me a “To your descendants I have given
three-year-old heifer, a three-year- this land,
old female goat, a three-year-old ram, From the river of Egypt to the
a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” great river Euphrates—
speak the Word

God, I will not fear, because You are my shield. In You my reward shall be very great.

Genesis 15:19 26
19
[the land of] the Kenites and the took Hagar the Egyptian [maid], and
Kenizzites and the Kadmonites gave her to her husband Abram to be
20
and the Hittites and the Perizzites his [secondary] wife.
and the Rephaim, 4
He went in to [the bed of] Hagar,
21
the Amorites and the Canaanites and she conceived; and when she
and the Girgashites and the Jebusites.” realized that she had conceived, she
looked with contempt on her mistress
16
NOW SARAI, Abram’s wife, [regarding Sarai as insignificant be-
had not borne him any chil- cause of her infertility].
dren, and she had an Egyp- 5
Then Sarai said to Abram, “May
tian maid whose name was Hagar. [the responsibility for] the wrong
2
So Sarai said to Abram, “See here, done to me [by the arrogant behavior
the LORD has prevented me from bear- of Hagar] be upon you. I gave my maid
ing children. I am asking you to go in to into your arms, and when she realized
[the bed of] my maid [so that she may that she had conceived, I was despised
bear you a child]; perhaps I will obtain and looked on with disrespect. May
children by her.” And Abram listened the LORD judge [who has done right]
to Sarai and did as she said. between you and me.”
3
After Abram had lived in the land of 6
But Abram said to Sarai, “Look,
Canaan ten years, Abram’s wife Sarai your maid is entirely in your hands
give God time

Abraham had a definite word from God about his future. He knew what God had
promised, but he had no indication about when the promise would be fulfilled.
The same is often true for us. While we are waiting for our manifestation to come
forth—waiting for a breakthrough—we may grow frustrated or impatient. Sitting
in the waiting room of life is not always easy!
Once God speaks to us or shows us something, we tend to be excited and focus on
that revelation. It is as though we are “pregnant” with what God has said. He has
planted a seed in us—and then we have to enter a time of preparation before that
seed can bear fruit. These seasons of preparation equip us to handle whatever God
has promised to give to us or do for us.
This process parallels the development and birth of a child. First, a seed is planted in
the mother’s womb, then a time of preparation (nine months of waiting) is required,
and then, finally, the baby is born. During the nine months, so much happens in
the mother and in the child. The seed grows to maturity, while the mother’s body
prepares to give birth, and the family prepares everything necessary for a new baby
in the house.
Just as so much development takes place in the hidden place of the mother’s womb,
there is also much activity taking place in the spiritual realm concerning God’s
promises in our lives—and we cannot see this, any more than we can watch cells
multiply in an unborn baby. The fact that we cannot see or feel any progress does
not mean nothing is happening. God does some of His best work in secret; He de-
lights in surprising His children; and whether you know it or not, He is busy bringing
good things to pass for you, right this minute! Just give Him time—and you will see.

27 Genesis 16:14
and subject to your authority; do as And you will bear a son;

you please with her.” So Sarai treated And you shall name him Ishmael
her harshly and humiliated her, and (God hears),
Hagar fled from her. Because the LORD has heard
7
But the Angel of the LORD found her and paid attention to your
by a spring of water in the wilderness, persecution (suffering).
on the road to [Egypt by way of] Shur. 12
“He (Ishmael) will be a wild
8
And He said, “Hagar, Sarai’s maid, donkey of a man;
where did you come from and where His hand will be against every man
are you going?” And she said, “I am [continually fighting]
running away from my mistress And every man’s hand against
Sarai.” him;
9
The Angel of the LORD said to her, And he will dwell in defiance of all
“Go back to your mistress, and submit his brothers.”
humbly to her authority.”
Then she called the name of the LORD
13
10
Then the Angel of the LORD said
who spoke to her, “You are God Who
to her, “I will greatly multiply your
Sees”; for she said, “Have I not even
descendants so that they will be too
here [in the wilderness] remained alive
many to count.”
after seeing Him [who sees me with
11
The Angel of the LORD continued,
understanding and compassion]?”
“Behold, you are with child, 14
Therefore the well was called
don’t have an Ishmael

Abram and Sarai got tired of waiting. They were weary as they watched for God’s
promise to come to pass, and they wondered if they might do something to help
move things along. Sarai decided to see if her handmaid, Hagar, would conceive a
child by Abram (see Genesis 16:2). She thought that could be God’s way of giving
her and Abram the child He had promised. God had promised Abram a son by Sarai
(see Genesis 17:16), but since it appeared God was not doing anything, she must
have reasoned that she knew how to help!
Does that sound familiar? Have you ever tried or wanted to “help” God in your life?
In Sarai’s case, Abram heeded her advice and Hagar conceived. The child, named
Ishmael, was indeed a son, as God had spoken, but he was not the child of the
promise. Abram and Sarai waited another fourteen years before Isaac, the true
promised son, arrived. I wonder if it took so long because once we give birth to the
“Ishmaels” in our lives, we must deal with the consequences. In other words, once
an Ishmael is born, we have to change his diapers and take care of him!
We would like to carry out our own plans and then have God bless them, but He
taught me years ago that He is not obligated to bless or care for the things I give
birth to out of the strength of my flesh. The psalmist affirms this point: “Unless the
LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it” (Psalm 127:1).
God has great things in store for you, and He will bring them to pass in His perfect
timing. Let me encourage you to wait on Him. An Ishmael will be a burden in your
life, but God’s “Isaacs” will bring blessing and delight.

Genesis 16:15 28
Beer-lahai-roi (Well of the Living One an everlasting covenant, to be God to

Who Sees Me); it is between Kadesh you and to your descendants after you.
and Bered. [Gal 3:16]
15
So Hagar gave birth to Abram’s son; 8
“I will give to you and to your de-
and Abram named his son, to whom scendants after you the land in which
Hagar gave birth, Ishmael (God hears). you are a stranger [moving from place
16
Abram was eighty-six years old to place], all the land of Canaan, as an
when Hagar gave birth to Ishmael. everlasting possession [of property];
and I will be their God.” [Acts 7:5]
17
WHEN ABRAM was ninety- 9
Further, God said to Abraham, “As
nine years old, the LORD ap- for you [your part of the agreement],
peared to him and said, you shall keep and faithfully obey [the
“I am God Almighty; terms of] My covenant, you and your
Walk [habitually] before Me [with descendants after you throughout
integrity, knowing that you are their generations.
always in My presence], and 10
“This is [the sign of] My covenant,
be blameless and complete [in which you shall keep and faithfully
obedience to Me]. obey, between Me and you and your
2
“I will establish My covenant descendants after you: Every male
(everlasting promise) between among you shall be circumcised.
Me and you, 11
“And you shall be circumcised in
And I will multiply you the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall
exceedingly [through your
descendants].”
life point
3
Then Abram fell on his face [in wor-
ship], and God spoke with him, saying, When God entered into covenant with
Abraham, He told him to circumcise him-
4
“As for Me, behold, My covenant is self and all the males eight days old and
with you,
older (see Genesis 17:10–12). Blood was
And [as a result] you shall be the
shed at what we might refer to as “the
father of many nations.
5
“No longer shall your name be fountain of life”—the place from which
Abram (exalted father), the seed for future generations would
But your name shall be Abraham come—and circumcision was a sign of
(father of a multitude); the covenant between God and Abraham.
For I will make you the father of Blood is a powerful entity, and that is
many nations. because life is in the blood (see Leviti-
6
“I will make you exceedingly fruitful, cus 17:11). When anything is covered by
and I will make nations of you, and blood, in God’s way of looking at it, it
kings will come from you. is covered with life and thus cleansed.
7
“I will establish My covenant between Therefore, when we receive Jesus as our
Me and you and your descendants after Savior, we are covered by His blood, and
you throughout their generations for God sees us as clean and pure before Him.
speak the Word
Thank You, God Almighty, for helping me to walk habitually before You with
integrity, knowing that I am always in Your presence, and for helping me to be
blameless and complete in obedience to You.

29 Genesis 17:15
be the sign (symbol, memorial) of the your money must be circumcised; and
covenant between Me and you. [the sign of] My covenant shall be in
12
“Every male among you who is your flesh for an everlasting covenant.
eight days old shall be circumcised 14
“And the male who is not circum-
throughout your generations, [in- cised in the flesh of his foreskin, that
cluding] a servant whether born in the person shall be cut off from his peo-
house or one who is purchased with ple; he has broken My covenant.”
[your] money from any foreigner, who 15
Then God said to Abraham, “As
is not of your descendants. for Sarai your wife, you shall not call
13
“A servant who is born in your her name Sarai (my princess), but her
house or one who is purchased with name will be Sarah (Princess).
what’s in a name?
Names meant so much more to people during Bible times than they do to many of
us today. Even here in the early chapters of the Bible, we see that names were
tremendously important, because they described a person’s character.
In Genesis 17, we read that God gave new names to Abram and Sarai (see Genesis
17:4, 5, 15, 16). He was changing things in their lives, and He wanted to give them
new names to declare what He was doing in and through them. Abram and Sarai
knew well the importance of names, so they understood the profound significance
of God’s changing their names. When He gave them new names, He was beginning
to speak of “nonexistent things” as though they already existed (see Romans 4:17).
The name changes indicated to Abram and Sarai that God was beginning to fulfill
His promise when He said to Abram: “‘Look now toward the heavens and count the
stars—if you are able to count them.’ Then He said to him, ‘So [numerous] shall your
descendants be’” (Genesis 15:5).
So what’s in a name? A lot more than many of us realize. Think about Sarai, for
instance. She was a barren woman, who probably had a poor self-image because,
in biblical societies, so much of a woman’s worth depended on her ability to bear
children. She was an old woman, and, biologically, she had no hope of ever being
able to conceive and deliver a baby. But God changed her name.
Sarah means “princess.” So when Abraham or anyone else called Sarai by her new
name, Sarah, they were helping her change her image of herself. They were calling
her beautiful and valuable, a king’s daughter—and they were speaking forth the
image of the mother God had destined her to be. As a result, she must have begun
to see herself differently. She must have felt faith rising in her heart. She must have
begun to be sure God would keep His word to her.
Similarly, Abram must have undergone his own transformation and had his own
faith bolstered when God changed his name to Abraham, meaning “father of a
multitude.”
Following this idea through to the New Testament and to our lives today, I encour-
age you to remember the significance of a name when you speak the name of Jesus.
Remember, His is not just a name; it is a word loaded with meaning and filled with
life. It declares His character; it proclaims all that He is, all He has done, and all He
will do in your life.

Genesis 17:16 30
16
“I will bless her, and indeed I will 27
All the men [servants] of his
also give you a son by her. Yes, I will household, both those born in the
bless her, and she shall be a mother house and those purchased with
of nations; kings of peoples will come money from a foreigner, were circum-
from her.” cised along with him [as the sign of
17
Then Abraham fell on his face and God’s covenant with Abraham].
laughed, and said in his heart, “Shall a
18
child be born to a man who is a hun- NOW THE LORD appeared to
dred years old? And shall Sarah, who Abraham by the terebinth
is ninety years old, bear a child?” trees of Mamre [in Hebron],
18
And Abraham said to God, “Oh, while he was sitting at the tent door in
that Ishmael [my firstborn] might live the heat of the day.
before You!” 2
When he raised his eyes and looked
19
But God said, “No, Sarah your wife up, behold, three men were standing
shall bear you a son indeed, and you [a little distance] from him. When he
shall name him Isaac (laughter); and saw them, he ran from the tent door
I will establish My covenant with him to meet them and bowed down [with
for an everlasting covenant and with his face] to the ground,
his descendants after him. 3
and Abraham said, “My lord, if now
20
“As for Ishmael, I have heard and I have found favor in your sight, please
listened to you; behold, I will bless do not pass by your servant [without
him, and will make him fruitful and stopping to visit].
will greatly multiply him [through his 4
“Please let a little water be brought
descendants]. He will be the father of [by one of my servants] and [you may]
twelve princes (chieftains, sheiks), wash your feet, and recline and rest
and I will make him a great nation. comfortably under the tree.
[Gen 25:12–18] 5
And I will bring a piece of bread
21
“But My covenant [My promise, My to refresh and sustain you; after that
solemn pledge], I will establish with you may go on, since you have come to
Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you at your servant.” And they replied, “Do
this time next year.” as you have said.”
22
And God finished speaking with 6
So Abraham hurried into the tent
him and went up from Abraham. to Sarah, and said, “Quickly, get ready
23
Then Abraham took Ishmael his three measures of fine meal, knead it
son, and all the servants who were and bake cakes.”
born in his house and all who were 7
Abraham also ran to the herd and
purchased with his money, every male brought a calf, tender and choice, and
among the men of Abraham’s house- he gave it to the servant [to butcher],
hold, and circumcised the flesh of and he hurried to prepare it.
their foreskin the very same day, as 8
Then he took curds and milk and
God had said to him. the calf which he had prepared, and set
24
So Abraham was ninety-nine it before the men; and he stood beside
years old when he was circumcised. them under the tree while they ate.
25
And Ishmael his son was thirteen 9
Then they said to him, “Where
years old when he was circumcised. is Sarah your wife?” And he said,
26
On the very same day Abraham “There, in the tent.”
was circumcised, as well as Ishmael 10
He said, “I will surely return to you
his son. at this *time next year; and behold,
18:10 Lit when the time revives.

31 Genesis 18:29
Sarah your wife will have a son.” And 20

And the LORD said, “The outcry [of
Sarah was listening at the tent door, the sin] of Sodom and Gomorrah is
which was behind him. [Rom 9:9–12] indeed great, and their sin is exceed-
11
Now Abraham and Sarah were old, ingly grave.
well advanced in years; she was past 21
“I will go down now, and see
[the age of] childbearing. whether they have acted [as vilely
12
So Sarah laughed to herself [when and wickedly] as the outcry which has
she heard the LORD’s words], saying, come to Me [indicates]; and if not, I
“After I have become old, shall I have will know.”
pleasure and delight, my lord (hus- 22
Now the [two] men (angelic be-
band) being also old?” [1 Pet 3:6] ings) turned away from there and
13
And the LORD asked Abraham, went toward Sodom, but Abraham
“Why did Sarah laugh [to herself], remained standing before the LORD.
saying, ‘Shall I really give birth [to a 23
Abraham approached [the LORD]
child] when I am so old?’ and said, “Will You really sweep away
14
“Is anything too difficult or too the righteous (those who do right)
wonderful for the LORD? At the ap- with the wicked (those who do evil)?
pointed time, when the season [for 24
“Suppose there are fifty righteous
her delivery] comes, I will return to [people] within the city; will You
you and Sarah will have a son.” [Matt really sweep it away and not spare it
19:26] for the sake of the fifty righteous who
15
Then Sarah denied it, saying, “I did are in it?
not laugh”; because she was afraid. 25
“Far be it from You to do such a
And He (the LORD) said, “No, but you thing—to strike the righteous with
did laugh.” the wicked, so that the righteous and
16
Then the men got up from there, the wicked are treated alike. Far be it
and looked toward Sodom; and Abra- from You! Shall not the Judge of all the
ham walked with them to send them earth do right [by executing just and
on the way. righteous judgment]?”
17
The LORD said, “Shall I keep secret 26
So the LORD said, “If I find within
from Abraham [My friend and ser- the city of Sodom fifty righteous [peo-
vant] what I am going to do, [Gal 3:8] ple], then I will spare the entire place
18
since Abraham is destined to be- for their sake.”
come a great and mighty nation, and 27
Abraham answered, “Now behold,
all the nations of the earth will be I who am but dust [in origin] and
blessed through him? [Gen 12:2, 3] ashes have decided to speak to the
19
“For I have known (chosen, ac- Lord. [Gen 3:19; Job 30:19]
knowledged) him [as My own], so 28
“If five of the fifty righteous are
that he may teach and command his lacking, will You destroy the entire city
children and [the sons of] his house- for lack of five?” And He said, “If I find
hold after him to keep the way of the [at least] forty-five [righteous people]
LORD by doing what is righteous and there, I will not destroy it.”
just, so that the LORD may bring upon 29
Abraham spoke to Him yet again
Abraham what He has promised him.” and said, “Suppose [only] forty are
speak the Word

Father, I thank You that there is nothing too difficult for You!

Genesis 18:30 32
found there.” And He said, “I will not to you tonight? Bring them out to us so
do it for the sake of the forty [who are that we may know them [intimately].”
righteous].” 6
But Lot went out of the doorway to
30
Then Abraham said [to Him], “Oh, the men, and shut the door after him,
may the Lord not be angry, and I will 7
and said, “Please, my brothers, do
speak; suppose thirty [righteous peo- not do something so wicked.
ple] are found there?” And He said, 8
“See here, I have two daughters
“I will not do it if I find thirty there.” who have not known a man [inti-
31
And he said, “Now behold, I have mately]; please let me bring them out
decided to speak to the Lord [again]. to you [instead], and you can do as you
Suppose [only] twenty [righteous peo- please with them; only do nothing to
ple] are found there?” And the Lord these men, because they have in fact
said, “I will not destroy it for the sake come under the shelter of my roof [for
of the twenty.” protection].”
32
Then Abraham said, “Oh may the 9
But they said, “Get out of the way!”
Lord not be angry [with me], and I And they said, “This man (Lot) came
will speak only this once; suppose ten [as an outsider] to live here temporar-
[righteous people] are found there?” ily, and now he is acting like a judge.
And He said, “I will not destroy it for Now we will treat you worse than your
the sake of the ten.” visitors!” So they rushed forward and
33
As soon as He had finished pressed violently against Lot and
speaking with Abraham the LORD came close to breaking down the door
departed, and Abraham returned to [of his house].
his own place. 10
But the men (angels) reached out
with their hands and pulled Lot into
19
IT WAS evening when the the house with them, and shut the
two angels came to Sodom. door [after him].
Lot was sitting at Sodom’s 11
They struck (punished) the men
[city] gate. Seeing them, Lot got up to who were at the doorway of the house
meet them and bowed down with his with blindness, from the young men
face to the ground. to the old men, so that they exhausted
2
And he said, “See here, my lords, themselves trying to find the doorway.
please turn aside and come into your 12
And the [two] men (angels) asked
servant’s house, and spend the night, Lot, “Have you any others here [in
and wash your feet; then you may get
up early and go on your way.” But they
said, “No, we shall spend the night in putting the Word to work
the open plaza [of the city].”
3
However, Lot strongly urged them, Lot and his wife had to leave the city
so they turned aside and entered his where they lived in order to escape the
house; and he prepared a feast for
destruction God would bring upon that
them [with wine], and baked unleav-
city because of the sin of the people who
ened bread, and they ate.
4
But before they lay down [to sleep], lived there. They were instructed not to
the men of the city, the men of Sodom, look back as they left the city. In what
both young and old, surrounded the situations in your life do you need to heed
house, all the men from every quarter; God’s instruction not to look back?
5
and they called out to Lot and said How can you look ahead instead of
to him, “Where are the men who came behind you in those areas?

33 Genesis 19:32
Sodom]—a son-in-law, and your sons, destroy this town of which you have
and your daughters? Whomever you spoken.
have in the city, take them out of here; 22
“Hurry and take refuge there, for I
13
for we are destroying this place, cannot do anything [to punish Sodom]
because the outcry [for judgment] until you arrive there.” For this reason
against them has grown so great be- the town was named Zoar (few, small).
fore the LORD that the LORD has sent us 23
The sun had risen over the earth
to destroy and ruin it.” when Lot came to Zoar.
14
So Lot went out and spoke to his 24
Then the LORD rained down brim-
sons-in-law, who were [betrothed, and stone (flaming sulfur) and fire on
legally promised] to marry his daugh- Sodom and on Gomorrah from the
ters, and said, “Get up, get out of this LORD out of heaven,
place, for the LORD is about to destroy 25
and He overthrew (demolished,
this city!” But to his sons-in-law he ended) those cities, and the entire val-
appeared to be joking. ley, and all the inhabitants of the cit-
15
When morning dawned, the angels ies, and whatever grew on the ground.
urged Lot [to hurry], saying, “Get up! 26
But Lot’s wife, from behind him,
Take your wife and two daughters who [foolishly, longingly] looked [back
are here [and go], or you will be swept toward Sodom in an act of disobedi-
away in the punishment of the city.” ence], and she became a pillar of salt.
16
But Lot hesitated and lingered. The [Luke 17:32]
men took hold of his hand and the 27
Abraham started out early the next
hand of his wife and the hands of his morning to the place where he [only the
two daughters, because the LORD was day before] had stood before the LORD;
merciful to him [for Abraham’s sake]; 28
and he looked down toward Sodom
and they brought him out, and left him and Gomorrah, and toward all the
outside the city [with his family]. land of the valley [of the Dead Sea];
17
When they had brought them out- and he saw, and behold, the smoke of
side, one [of the angels] said, “Escape the land went up like the smoke of a
for your life! Do not look behind you, kiln (pottery furnace).
or stop anywhere in the entire valley; 29
Now when God ravaged and de-
escape to the mountains [of Moab], or stroyed the cities of the plain [of Sid-
you will be consumed and swept away.” dim], He remembered Abraham [and
18
But Lot said to them, “Oh no, [not for that reason], and He sent [Abra-
that place] my lords! ham’s nephew] Lot out of the midst of
19
“Please listen, your servant has the destruction, when He destroyed
found favor in your sight, and you the cities in which Lot had lived.
have magnified your lovingkindness 30
Now Lot went up from Zoar, and
(mercy) to me by saving my life; but I lived in the mountain together with
cannot escape to the mountains, be- his two daughters, for he was afraid
cause the disaster will overtake me to stay [any longer] in Zoar; and he
and I will be killed. lived in a cave with his two daughters.
20
“Now look, this town [in the dis- 31
The firstborn said to the younger,
tance] is near enough for us to flee to, “Our father is aging, and there is not
and it is small [with only a few people]. a man on earth [available] to be inti-
Please, let me escape there (is it not mate with us in the customary way [so
small?) so that my life will be saved.” that we may have children].
21
And the angel said to him, “Behold, 32
“Come, let us make our father
I grant you this request also; I will not drunk with wine, and we will lie with

Genesis 19:33 34
him so that we may preserve our fam- my sister?’ And she herself said, ‘He
ily through our father.” is my brother.’ In the integrity of my
33
So they gave their father wine that heart and innocence of my hands I
night, and the firstborn went in and have done this.”
lay with her father; and he did not 6
Then God said to him in the dream,
know when she lay down or when she “Yes, I know you did this in the integ-
got up [because he was completely in- rity of your heart, for it was I who kept
toxicated]. you back and spared you from sinning
34
Then the next day, the firstborn against Me; therefore I did not give
said to the younger, “Behold, I lay you an opportunity to touch her.
with my father last night; let us make 7
“So now return the man’s wife, for
him drunk with wine tonight also, and he is a prophet, and he will pray for
then you go in and lie with him, so that you and you will live. But if you do
we may preserve our family through not return her [to him], know that you
our father.” shall die, you and all who are yours
35
So they gave their father wine (your household).”
that night also, and the younger got 8
So Abimelech got up early in the
up and lay with him; and again he did morning and called all his servants
not know when she lay down or when and told them all these things; and the
she got up. men were terrified.
36
Thus both the daughters of Lot 9
Then Abimelech called Abraham
conceived by their father. and said to him, “What have you done
37
The firstborn gave birth to a son, to us? And how have I offended you that
and named him Moab (from father); he you have brought on me and my king-
is the father of the Moabites to this day. dom a great sin? You have done to me
38
The younger also gave birth to a what ought not to be done [to anyone].”
son and named him Ben-ammi (son 10
And Abimelech said to Abraham,
of my people); he is the father of the “What have you encountered or seen
Ammonites to this day. [in us or our customs], that you have
done this [unjust] thing?”
20
NOW ABRAHAM journeyed 11
Abraham said, “Because I thought,
from there toward the Ne- ‘Surely there is no fear or reverence of
gev (the South country), and God in this place, and they will kill me
settled between Kadesh and Shur; then because of my wife.’
he lived temporarily in Gerar. 12
“Besides, she actually is my [half]
2
Abraham said [again] of Sarah his sister; she is the daughter of my father
wife, “She is my sister.” So Abimelech [Terah], but not of my mother; and she
king of Gerar sent and took Sarah became my wife.
[into his harem]. 13
“When God caused me to wander
3
But God came to Abimelech in a from my father’s house, I said to her,
dream during the night, and said, “Be- ‘This kindness and loyalty you can
hold, you are a dead man because of the show me: at every place we stop, say
woman whom you have taken [as your of me, “He is my brother.” ’ ”
wife], for she is another man’s wife.” 14
Then Abimelech took sheep and
4
Now Abimelech had not yet come oxen and male and female slaves, and
near her; so he said, “Lord, will you kill gave them to Abraham, and returned
a people who are righteous and inno- Sarah his wife to him [as God com-
cent and blameless [regarding Sarah]? manded].
5
“Did Abraham not tell me, ‘She is 15
So Abimelech said, “Behold, my

35 Genesis 21:18
land is before you; settle wherever to Abraham that Sarah would nurse
you please.” children? For I have given birth to a
16
Then to Sarah he said, “Look, I son by him in his old age.” [Heb 11:12]
have given this brother of yours a 8
The child [Isaac] grew and was
thousand pieces of silver; it is to com- weaned, and Abraham held a great
pensate you [for all that has happened] feast on the day that Isaac was weaned.
and to vindicate your honor before all 9
Now [as time went on] Sarah saw
who are with you; before all men you [Ishmael] the son of Hagar the Egyp-
are cleared and compensated.” tian, whom she had borne to Abra-
17
So Abraham prayed to God, and ham, mocking [Isaac]. [Gal 4:29]
God healed Abimelech and his wife 10
Therefore she said to Abraham,
and his maids, and they again gave “Drive out this maid and her son, for
birth to children, the son of this maid shall not be an
18
for the LORD had securely closed heir with my son Isaac.” [Gal 4:28–31]
the wombs of all [the women] in Abim- 11
The situation distressed Abraham
elech’s household because of Sarah, greatly because of his son [Ishmael].
Abraham’s wife. [1 Pet 3:1– 6] 12
God said to Abraham, “Do not let
it distress you because of Ishmael and
21
THE LORD graciously re- your maid; whatever Sarah tells you,
membered and visited Sarah listen to her and do what she asks,
as He had said, and the LORD for your descendants will be named
did for her as He had promised. through Isaac. [Rom 9:7]
2
So Sarah conceived and gave birth 13
“And I will also make a nation of
to a son for Abraham in his old age, at [Ishmael] the son of the maid, because
the appointed time of which God had he is your descendant.”
spoken to him. 14
So Abraham got up early in the
3
Abraham named his son Isaac morning and took bread and a skin of
(laughter), the son to whom Sarah gave water and gave them to Hagar, putting
birth. them on her shoulder, and gave her the
4
So Abraham circumcised his son boy, and sent her away. And she left
Isaac when he was eight days old, just [but lost her way] and wandered [aim-
as God had commanded him. lessly] in the Wilderness of Beersheba.
5
Abraham was a hundred years old 15
When the water in the skin was all
when his son Isaac was born. gone, Hagar abandoned the boy under
6
Sarah said, “God has made me one of the bushes.
laugh; all who hear [about our good 16
Then she went and sat down op-
news] will laugh with me.” posite him, about a bowshot away, for
7
And she said, “Who would have said she said, “Do not let me see the boy
die.” And as she sat down opposite
putting the Word to work him, she raised her voice and wept.
17
God heard the voice of the boy, and
the angel of God called to Hagar from
Abraham and Sarah had to wait a long
heaven and said to her, “What troubles
time before God’s promise came to pass, you, Hagar? Do not be afraid, for God
but it finally did, as we read in Genesis has heard the voice of the boy from
21:1–3. What promises of God are you where he is [resting].
waiting to have fulfilled in your life? How 18
“Get up, help the boy up, and hold
can you be like Abraham and wait with him by the hand, for I will make him a
a heart full of faith? great nation.”

Genesis 21:19 36
19
Then God opened her eyes and she commander of his army, got up and
saw a well of water; and she went and returned to the land of the Philistines.
filled the [empty] skin with water and 33
Abraham planted a tamarisk tree
gave the boy a drink. at Beersheba, and there he called on
20
God was with Ishmael, and he the name of the LORD [in prayer], the
grew and developed; and he lived in Eternal God.
the wilderness and became an [ex- 34
And Abraham lived [as a resident
pert] archer. alien] in the land of the Philistines
21
He lived in the wilderness of for many days.
Paran; and his mother took a wife for
22
him from the land of Egypt. NOW AFTER these things,
22
Now at that time Abimelech and God tested [the faith and
Phicol, the commander of his army, commitment of] Abraham
said to Abraham, “God is with you in and said to him, “Abraham!” And he
everything you do; answered, “Here I am.”
23
so now, swear to me here by God 2
God said, “Take now your son, your
that you will not deal unfairly with only son [of promise], whom you love,
me [by breaking any agreements we Isaac, and go to the region of Moriah,
have] or with my son or with my de- and offer him there as a burnt offering
scendants, but as I have treated you on one of the mountains of which I
with kindness, you shall do the same shall tell you.”
to me and to the land in which you 3
So Abraham got up early in the
have sojourned (temporarily lived).” morning, saddled his donkey, and took
24
And Abraham said, “I will swear.” two of his young men with him and
25
Then Abraham complained to his son Isaac; and he split the wood
Abimelech about a well of water which for the burnt offering, and then he got
the servants of Abimelech had [vio- up and went to the place of which God
lently] seized [from him], had told him.
26
Abimelech said, “I do not know who 4
On the third day [of travel] Abra-
did this thing. Indeed, you did not tell ham looked up and saw the place in
me, and I did not hear of it until today.” the distance.
27
So Abraham took sheep and oxen 5
Abraham said to his servants, “Set-
and gave them to Abimelech, and the tle down and stay here with the don-
two men made a covenant (binding key; the young man and I will go over
agreement). there and worship [God], and we will
28
Then Abraham set apart seven come back to you.” [Heb 11:17–19]
ewe lambs of the flock, 6
Then Abraham took the wood for
29
and Abimelech said to Abraham, the burnt offering and laid it on [the
“What is the meaning of these seven shoulders of] Isaac his son, and he
ewe lambs which you have set apart?” took the fire (firepot) in his own hand
30
Abraham said, “You are to accept and the [sacrificial] knife; and the two
these seven ewe lambs from me as a of them walked on together.
witness for me, that I dug this well.” 7
And Isaac said to Abraham, “My
31
Therefore that place was called father!” And he said, “Here I am, my
Beersheba (Well of the Oath or Well son.” Isaac said, “Look, the fire and the
of the Seven), because there the two wood, but where is the lamb for the
of them swore an oath. burnt offering?”
32
So they made a covenant at Beer- 8
Abraham said, “My son, God will
sheba; then Abimelech and Phicol, the provide for Himself a lamb for the

37 Genesis 23:8
burnt offering.” So the two walked on [Gen 12:2, 3; 13:16; 22:18; 26:4; 28:14;
together. Acts 3:25, 26; Gal 3:16]
9
When they came to the place of 19
So Abraham returned to his ser-
which God had told him, Abraham vants, and they got up and went with
built an altar there and arranged the him to Beersheba; and Abraham set-
wood, and bound Isaac his son and tled in Beersheba.
placed him on the altar, on top of the 20
Now after these things Abraham
wood. [Matt 10:37] was told, “Milcah has borne children
10
Abraham reached out his hand to your brother Nahor:
and took the knife to kill his son. [Heb 21
Uz the firstborn and Buz his brother
11:17–19] and Kemuel the father of Aram,
11
But the Angel of the LORD called to 22
Chesed and Hazo and Pildash and
him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Jidlaph and Bethuel.”
Abraham!” He answered, “Here I am.” 23
Bethuel became the father of Re-
12
The LORD said, “Do not reach out bekah. These eight [children] Milcah
[with the knife in] your hand against bore to Nahor, Abraham’s brother.
the boy, and do nothing to [harm] him; 24
Nahor’s concubine, whose name
for now I know that you fear God [with was Reumah, gave birth to Tebah and
reverence and profound respect], since Gaham and Tahash and Maacah.
you have not withheld from Me your
23
son, your only son [of promise].” SARAH LIVED a hundred
13
Then Abraham looked up and and twenty-seven years;
glanced around, and behold, behind this was the length of the
him was a ram caught in a thicket by life of Sarah.
his horns. And Abraham went and 2
Sarah died in Kiriath-arba (that
took the ram and offered it up for a is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan,
burnt offering (ascending sacrifice) and Abraham went to mourn for
instead of his son. Sarah and to weep for her.
14
So Abraham named that place The 3
Then Abraham stood up before his
LORD Will Provide. And it is said to this dead [wife’s body], and spoke to the
day, “On the mountain of the LORD it sons of Heth (Hittites), saying,
will be seen and provided.” 4
“I am a stranger and a sojourner
15
The Angel of the LORD called to (resident alien) among you; give (sell)
Abraham from heaven a second time me property for a burial place among
16
and said, “By Myself (on the basis you so that I may bury my dead [in the
of Who I Am) I have sworn [an oath], proper manner].”
declares the LORD, that since you have 5
The Hittites replied to Abraham,
done this thing and have not withheld 6
“Listen to us, my lord; you are a
[from Me] your son, your only son [of prince of God [a mighty prince] among
promise], us; bury your dead in the choicest of
17
indeed I will greatly bless you, and I our graves; none of us will refuse you
will greatly multiply your descendants his grave or hinder you from burying
like the stars of the heavens and like your dead [wife].”
the sand on the seashore; and your seed 7
So Abraham stood up and bowed
shall possess the gate of their enemies to the people of the land, the Hittites.
[as conquerors]. [Heb 6:13, 14; 11:12] 8
And Abraham said to them, “If you
18
“Through your seed all the nations are willing to grant my dead a [proper]
of the earth shall be blessed, because burial, listen to me, and plead with
you have heard and obeyed My voice.” Ephron the son of Zohar for me,

Genesis 23:9 38
9
so that he may give (sell) me the Machpelah to the east of Mamre (that
cave of Machpelah which he owns—it is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan.
is at the end of his field; let him give 20
The field and the cave in it were
it to me here in your presence for the deeded over to Abraham by the Hit-
full price as a burial site [which I may tites as a [permanent] possession and
keep forever among you].” burial place.
10
Now Ephron was present there
24
among the sons of Heth; so within NOW ABRAHAM was old,
the hearing of all the sons of Heth [well] advanced in age; and
and all who were entering the gate of the LORD had blessed Abra-
his city, Ephron the Hittite answered ham in all things.
Abraham, saying, 2
Abraham said to his servant [Eliezer
11
“No, my lord, hear me; I give you of Damascus], the oldest of his house-
the [entire] field, and I also give you hold, who had charge over all that
the cave that is in it. In the presence Abraham owned, “Please, put your
of the men of my people I give (sell) it hand under my thigh [as is customary
to you; bury your dead [there].” for affirming a solemn oath], [Gen 15:2]
12
Then Abraham bowed down be- 3
and I will make you swear by the
fore the people of the land. LORD, the God of heaven and the God
13
He said to Ephron in the presence of earth, that you will not take a wife
of the people of the land, “If you will for my son from the daughters of the
only please listen to me and accept my Canaanites, among whom I live,
offer. I will give you the price of the 4
but you will [instead] go to my [for-
field; accept it from me and I will bury mer] country (Mesopotamia) and to my
my dead there.” relatives, and take a wife for my son
14
Ephron replied to Abraham, Isaac [the heir of the covenant promise].”
15
“My lord, listen to me. The land 5
The servant said to him, “Suppose
[you seek] is worth four hundred the woman will not be willing to fol-
shekels of silver; what is that between low me back to this country; should I
you and me? So bury your dead.” take your son back to the country from
16
So Abraham listened to Ephron which you came?”
[and agreed to his terms]; and he 6
Abraham said to him, “See to it that
weighed out for Ephron the [amount you do not take my son back there!
of] silver which he had named in the 7
“The LORD, the God of heaven, who
hearing of the Hittites: four hundred took me from my father’s house, from
shekels of silver, according to the the land of my family and my birth,
weights current among the merchants. who spoke to me and swore to me, say-
17
So the field of Ephron in Mach- ing, ‘To your descendants I will give
pelah, which was to the east of Mamre this land’—He will send His angel be-
(Hebron)—the field and the cave fore you [to guide you], and you will
which was in it, and all the trees that take a wife from there for my son [and
were in the field and in all its borders bring her here].
around it—were deeded over [legally] 8
“If the woman is not willing to follow
18
to Abraham as his possession in you [to this land], then you will be free
the presence of the Hittites, before from this my oath and blameless; only
all who were entering at the gate of you must never take my son back there.”
his city. 9
So the servant put his hand under
19
After this, Abraham buried Sarah the thigh of Abraham his master, and
his wife in the cave of the field of swore to him concerning this matter.

39 Genesis 24:30
10
Then the servant took ten of his 19
When she had given Eliezer a
master’s camels, and set out, taking drink, she said, “I will also draw water
some of his master’s good things with for your camels until they have fin-
him; so he got up and journeyed to ished drinking.”
Mesopotamia [between the Tigris and 20
So she quickly emptied her jar into
the Euphrates Rivers], to the city of Na- the trough, and ran again to the well
hor [the home of Abraham’s brother]. and drew water for all his camels.
11
He made the camels kneel down 21
Meanwhile, the man stood gaz-
outside the city by the well of water at ing at Rebekah in [reverent] silence,
the time of the evening when women [waiting] to know if the LORD had
go out to draw water. made his trip successful or not.
12
And he said, “O LORD, God of my 22
When the camels had finished
master Abraham, please grant me suc- drinking, Eliezer took a gold ring weigh-
cess today, and show lovingkindness ing a half-shekel and two bracelets for
(faithfulness) to my master Abraham. her hands weighing ten shekels in gold,
13
“Behold, I stand here at the spring 23
and said, “Whose daughter are
of water, and the daughters of the men you? Please tell me, is there room in
of the city are coming out to draw water; your father’s house for us to lodge?”
14
now let it be that the girl to whom 24
And she said to him, “I am the
I say, ‘Please, let down your jar so that daughter of Bethuel, Milcah’s son,
I may [have a] drink,’ and she replies, whom she bore to [her husband] Nahor.”
‘Drink, and I will also give your cam- 25
Again she said to him, “We have
els water to drink’—may she be the one plenty of both straw and feed, and also
whom You have selected [as a wife] for room to lodge.”
Your servant Isaac; and by this I will 26
The man bowed his head and wor-
know that You have shown loving- shiped the LORD.
kindness (faithfulness) to my master.” 27
He said, “Blessed be the LORD, the
15
Before Eliezer had finished speak- God of my master Abraham, who has
ing (praying), Rebekah came out with not denied His lovingkindness and
her [water] jar on her shoulder. Re- His truth to my master. As for me, the
bekah was the daughter of Bethuel LORD led me to the house of my mas-
the son of Milcah, who was the wife ter’s brothers.”
of Abraham’s brother Nahor. 28
Then the girl ran and told her moth-
16
The girl was very beautiful, a vir- er’s household what had happened.
gin and unmarried; and she went 29
Now Rebekah had a brother whose
down to the spring and filled her jar name was Laban; and Laban ran out
and came up. to the man at the well.
17
Then the servant ran to meet her, 30
When he saw the ring and the
and said, “Please let me drink a little bracelets on his sister’s arms, and
water from your jar.” when he heard Rebekah his sister,
18
And she said, “Drink, my lord”; saying, “The man said this to me,” he
and she quickly lowered her jar to her went to Eliezer and found him stand-
hand, and gave him a drink. ing by the camels at the spring.
speak the Word

God, I pray that I will walk before You habitually and obediently, that You
will send Your angel with me to make my journey successful.

Genesis 24:31 40
31
And Laban said, “Come in, blessed 43
please look, I am standing by the
of the LORD! Why do you stand outside spring of water; now let it be that when
since I have made the house ready and the maiden [whom You have chosen
have prepared a place for the camels?” for Isaac] comes out to draw [water],
32
So the man came into the house, and to whom I say, “Please, give me
and Laban unloaded his camels and a little water to drink from your jar”;
gave them straw and feed, and [he 44
and if she says to me, “You drink,
gave] water to [Eliezer to] wash his and I will also draw [water] for your
feet and the feet of the men who were camels”; let that woman be the one
with him. whom the LORD has selected and cho-
33
But when food was set before him, sen [as a wife] for my master’s son.’
he said, “I will not eat until I have 45
“Before I had finished praying in
stated my business.” And Laban said, my heart, behold, Rebekah came out
“Speak on.” with her [water] jar on her shoulder,
34
So he said, “I am Abraham’s servant. and she went down to the spring and
35
“The LORD has greatly blessed drew water. And I said to her, ‘Please,
my master, and he has become great let me have a drink.’
(wealthy, powerful); He has given him 46
“And she quickly let down her jar
flocks and herds, and silver and gold, from her shoulder, and said, ‘Drink,
and servants and maids, and camels and I will also water your camels’; so I
and donkeys. drank, and she also watered the camels.
36
“Now Sarah my master’s wife bore a 47
“Then I asked her, ‘Whose daugh-
son to my master when she was in her ter are you?’ She said, ‘The daughter
old age, and he has given everything of Bethuel, Nahor’s son, whom Milcah
that he has to him. bore to him’; and I put the ring in her
37
“My master made me swear [an nose, and the bracelets on her arms.
oath], saying, ‘You must not take a 48
“And I bowed down my head and
wife for my son from the daughters of worshiped the LORD, and blessed the
the Canaanites, in whose land I live; LORD, the God of my master Abra-
38
but you shall [instead] go to my fa- ham, who had led me in the right way
ther’s house and to my family and take to take the daughter of my master’s
a wife for my son [Isaac].’ brother to his son [as a wife].
39
“Then I said to my master, ‘But 49
“So now if you are going to show
suppose the woman will not follow kindness and truth to my master [be-
me [back to this land].’ ing faithful to him], tell me; and if not,
40
“He said to me, ‘The LORD, before tell me, that I may turn to the right or
whom I walk [habitually and obedi- to the left [and go on my way].”
ently], will send His angel with you to 50
Then Laban and Bethuel an-
make your journey successful, and you swered, “The matter has come from
will take a wife for my son from my the LORD; so we dare not speak bad
relatives and from my father’s house; or good [to you about it—we cannot
41
then you will be free of my oath, interfere].
when you come to my relatives; and if 51
“Rebekah is before you; take her
they do not give her to you, you will and go, and let her be the wife of
[also] be free of my oath.’ your master’s son, as the LORD has
42
“I came today to the spring, and spoken.”
said, ‘O LORD, God of my master Abra- 52
When Abraham’s servant heard
ham, if now You will make my journey their words, he bowed himself to the
on which I go successful; ground [in worship] before the LORD.

41 Genesis 25:10
53
Then the servant brought out looked, and when she saw Isaac, she
jewelry of silver, jewelry of gold, and dismounted from her camel.
articles of clothing, and gave them to 65
She said to the servant, “Who is that
Rebekah; he also gave precious things man there walking across the field to
to her brother and her mother. meet us?” And the servant said, “He is
54
Then he and the men who were my master [Isaac].” So she took a veil
with him ate and drank and spent the and covered herself [as was customary].
night [there]. In the morning when 66
The servant told Isaac everything
they got up, he said, “Now send me that he had done.
back to my master.” 67
Then Isaac brought her into his
55
But Rebekah’s brother and mother mother Sarah’s tent, and he took Re-
said, “Let the girl stay with us a few bekah [in marriage], and she became
days—at least ten; then she may go.” his wife, and he loved her; therefore
56
But Eliezer said to them, “Do not Isaac was comforted after his moth-
delay me, since the LORD has pros- er’s death.
pered my way. Send me away, so that
25
I may go back to my master.” ABRAHAM TOOK another
57
And they said, “We will call the girl wife, whose name was
and ask her what she prefers.” Keturah.
58
So they called Rebekah and said, 2
She gave birth to Zimran, Jokshan,
“Will you go with this man?” And she Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah.
answered, “I will go.” 3
Jokshan was the father of Sheba
59
So they sent off their sister Re- and Dedan. The sons of Dedan were
bekah and her nurse [Deborah, as Asshurim, Letushim, and Leummim.
her attendant] and Abraham’s servant 4
The sons of Midian were Ephah,
[Eliezer] and his men. Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah.
60
They blessed Rebekah and said to All these were the sons of Keturah.
her, 5
Now Abraham gave everything that
he had to Isaac;
“May you, our sister, 6
but to the sons of his concubines
Become [the mother of] thousands
[Hagar and Keturah], Abraham gave
of ten thousands,
gifts while he was still living and he
And may your descendants
sent them to the east country, away
possess (conquer)
from Isaac his son [of promise].
The [city] gate of those who hate 7
The days of Abraham’s life were a
them.”
hundred and seventy-five years.
61
Then Rebekah and her attendants 8
Then Abraham breathed his last
stood, and they mounted camels and and he died at a good old age, an old
followed the man. So the servant took man who was satisfied [with life]; and
Rebekah and went on his way. he was gathered to his people [who
62
Now Isaac had returned from had preceded him in death]. [Gen
going to Beer-lahai-roi (Well of the 15:15; Heb 11:13–16]
Living One Who Sees Me), for he was 9
So his sons Isaac and Ishmael bur-
living in the Negev. [Gen 16:14] ied him in the cave of Machpelah, in
63
Isaac went out to bow down [in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar
prayer] in the field in the [early] eve- the Hittite, which is east of Mamre,
ning; he raised his eyes and looked, 10
the field which Abraham purchased
and camels were coming. from the sons of Heth; there Abraham
64
Rebekah also raised her eyes and was buried with Sarah his wife.

Genesis 25:11 42
11
Now after the death of Abraham, inquire of the LORD [praying for an
God blessed his son Isaac; and Isaac answer].
lived at Beer-lahai-roi. 23
The LORD said to her,
12
Now these are the records of the
“[The founders of] two nations are
descendants of Ishmael, Abraham’s
in your womb;
son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sar-
And the separation of two nations
ah’s maid, bore to Abraham;
has begun in your body;
13
and these are the names of the
The one people shall be stronger
[twelve] sons of Ishmael, named in
than the other;
the order of their births: Nebaioth,
And the older shall serve the
the firstborn of Ishmael, and Kedar,
younger.”
Adbeel, Mibsam,
14
Mishma, Dumah, Massa, 24
When her days to be delivered were
15
Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and fulfilled, behold, there were twins in
Kedemah. her womb.
16
These are the sons of Ishmael and 25
The first came out reddish all over
these are their names, by their set- like a hairy garment; and they named
tlements, and by their encampments him Esau (hairy).
(sheepfolds); twelve princes (sheiks) 26
Afterward his brother came out,
according to their tribes. [Foretold in and his hand grasped Esau’s heel, so
Gen 17:20] he was named Jacob (one who grabs
17
Ishmael lived a hundred and by the heel, supplanter). Isaac was
thirty-seven years; then he breathed sixty years old when Rebekah gave
his last and died, and was gathered birth to them.
to his people [who had preceded him 27
When the boys grew up, Esau was
in death]. an able and skilled hunter, a man of
18
Ishmael’s sons (descendants) set- the outdoors, but Jacob was a quiet and
tled from Havilah to Shur which is peaceful man, living in tents.
east of Egypt as one goes toward As- 28
Now Isaac loved [and favored]
syria; he settled opposite (east) of all Esau, because he enjoyed eating his
his relatives. game, but Rebekah loved [and fa-
19
Now these are the records of the vored] Jacob.
descendants of Isaac, Abraham’s son: 29
Jacob had cooked [reddish-brown
Abraham was the father of Isaac. lentil] stew [one day], when Esau
20
Isaac was forty years old when came from the field and was famished;
he married Rebekah, the daughter 30
and Esau said to Jacob, “Please, let
of Bethuel the Aramean (Syrian) of me have a quick swallow of that red
Paddan-aram, the sister of Laban the stuff there, because I am exhausted
Aramean. and famished.” For that reason Esau
21
Isaac prayed to the LORD for his was [also] called Edom (Red).
wife, because she was unable to con- 31
Jacob answered, “First sell me your
ceive children; and the LORD granted birthright (the rights of a firstborn).”
his prayer and Rebekah his wife con- 32
Esau said, “Look, I am about to die
ceived [twins]. [if I do not eat soon]; so of what use is
22
But the children struggled together this birthright to me?”
within her [kicking and shoving one 33
Jacob said, “Swear [an oath] to me
another]; and she said, “If it is so [that today [that you are selling it to me for
the LORD has heard our prayer], why this food]”; so he swore [an oath] to
then am I this way?” So she went to him, and sold him his birthright.

43 Genesis 26:21
34
Then Jacob gave Esau bread and 10
Abimelech said, “What is this that
lentil stew; and he ate and drank, and you have done to us? One of the men
got up and went on his way. In this [among our people] might easily have
way Esau scorned his birthright. [Heb been intimate with your wife, and you
12:15–17] would have brought guilt on us [be-
fore God].”
26
NOW THERE was a fam- 11
Then Abimelech commanded all
ine in the land [of Canaan], his people, “Whoever touches this man
besides the previous fam- [Isaac] or his wife [Rebekah] shall
ine that had occurred in the days of without exception be put to death.”
Abraham. So Isaac went to Gerar, to 12
Then Isaac planted [seed] in that
Abimelech king of the Philistines. land [as a farmer] and reaped in the
2
The LORD appeared to him and said, same year a hundred times [as much
“Do not go down to Egypt; stay in the as he had planted], and the LORD
land of which I will tell you. blessed and favored him.
3
“Live temporarily [as a resident] in 13
And the man [Isaac] became great
this land and I will be with you and will and gained more and more until he
bless and favor you, for I will give all became very wealthy and extremely
these lands to you and to your descen- distinguished;
dants, and I will establish and carry 14
he owned flocks and herds and a
out the oath which I swore to Abraham great household [with a number of ser-
your father. [Gen 22:16–18; Ps 105:9] vants], and the Philistines envied him.
4
“I will make your descendants mul- 15
Now all the wells which his fa-
tiply as the stars of the heavens, and ther’s servants had dug in the days of
will give to your descendants all these Abraham his father, the Philistines
lands; and by your descendants shall stopped up by filling them with dirt.
all the nations of the earth be blessed, 16
Then Abimelech said to Isaac, “Go
[Gen 22:18; Acts 3:25, 26; Gal 3:16] away from here, because you are far
5
because Abraham listened to and too powerful for us.”
obeyed My voice and [consistently] 17
So Isaac left that region and
kept My charge, My commandments, camped in the Valley of Gerar, and
My statutes, and My laws.” settled there.
6
So Isaac stayed in Gerar. 18
Now Isaac again dug [and re-
7
The men of the place asked him opened] the wells of water which had
about his wife, and he said, “She is my been dug in the days of Abraham his
sister,” for he was afraid to say, “my father, because the Philistines had
wife”—thinking, “the men of the place filled them up [with dirt] after the
might kill me on account of Rebekah, death of Abraham; and he gave the
since she is very beautiful.” wells the same names that his father
8
It happened when he had been there had given them.
a long time, that Abimelech king of the 19
But when Isaac’s servants dug in
Philistines looked out of a window and the valley and found there a well of
saw Isaac caressing Rebekah his wife. flowing [spring] water,
9
Then Abimelech called Isaac and 20
the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled
said, “See here, Rebekah is in fact your with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, “The
wife! How did you [dare to] say to me, water is ours!” So Isaac named the
‘She is my sister’?” And Isaac said to well Esek (quarreling), because they
him, “Because I thought I might be quarreled with him.
killed because of her [desirability].” 21
Then his servants dug another

Genesis 26:22 44
well, and they quarreled over that also, sent them on their way and they left
so Isaac named it Sitnah (enmity). him in peace.
22
He moved away from there and dug 32
Now on the same day, Isaac’s ser-
another well, and they did not quarrel vants came and told him about the
over that one; so he named it Rehoboth well they had dug, saying, “We have
(broad places), saying, “For now the found water.”
LORD has made room for us, and we 33
So he named the well Shibah;
shall be prosperous in the land.” therefore the name of the city is Beer-
23
Then he went up from there to sheba to this day. [Gen 21:31]
Beersheba. 34
When Esau was forty years old he
24
The LORD appeared to him the married Judith the daughter of Beeri
same night and said, the Hittite, and Basemath the daugh-
“I am the God of Abraham your ter of Elon the Hittite as his wives;
father; 35
and they were a source of grief to
Do not be afraid, for I am with you. [Esau’s parents] Isaac and Rebekah.
I will bless and favor you, and
27
multiply your descendants, NOW WHEN Isaac was old
For the sake of My servant and his eyes were too dim
Abraham.” to see, he called his elder
[and favorite] son Esau and said to
25
So Isaac built an altar there and
called on the name of the LORD [in him, “My son.” And Esau answered
prayer]. He pitched his tent there; and him, “Here I am.”
there Isaac’s servants dug a well.
2
Isaac said, “See here, I am old; I do
26
Then Abimelech came to him from not know when I may die.
Gerar with Ahuzzath, his [close friend
3
“So now, please take your [hunting]
and confidential] adviser, and Phicol, gear, your quiver [of arrows] and your
the commander of his army. bow, and go out into the open country
27
Isaac said to them, “Why have you and hunt game for me;
[people] come to me, since you hate
4
and make me a savory and delicious
me and have sent me away from you?”
28
They said, “We see clearly that the
LORD has been with you; so we said, life point
‘There should now be an oath be-
tween us [with a curse for the one who One of the things Isaac did when he grew
breaks it], that is, between you and us, to adulthood was to open the wells of
and let us make a covenant (binding his father, Abraham, wells that had been
agreement, solemn promise) with you, stopped up by their enemies (see Genesis
29
that you will not harm us, just as 26:18). The very name Isaac, the one who
we have not touched you and have caused the wells to flow again, means
done nothing but good to you and have “laughter.” I think we may draw from this
sent you away in peace. You are now
story the idea that laughter and joy in the
the blessed and favored of the LORD!’ ”
30
Then Isaac held a [formal] banquet Holy Spirit will open the deep wells of
(covenant feast) for them, and they ate life inside us—wells that may have been
and drank. stopped up by the enemy through depres-
31
They got up early in the morning sion, discouragement, or disappointment.
and swore oaths [pledging to do noth- Go ahead and laugh; and let God’s joy
ing but good to each other]; and Isaac bubble up in you right now!

45 Genesis 27:28
dish [of meat], the kind I love, and 16

And she put the skins of the young
bring it to me to eat, so that my soul goats on his hands and on the smooth
may bless you [as my firstborn son] part of his neck.
before I die.” 17
Then she gave her son Jacob the
5
But Rebekah overheard what Isaac delicious meat and the bread which
said to Esau his son; and when Esau she had prepared.
had gone to the open country to hunt 18
So he went to his father and said,
for game that he might bring back, “My father.” And Isaac said, “Here I
6
Rebekah said to Jacob her [younger am. Who are you, my son?”
and favorite] son, “Listen carefully: I 19
Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau
heard your father saying to Esau your your firstborn; I have done what you
brother, told me to do. Now please, sit up and
7
‘Bring me some game and make me eat some of my game, so that you may
a savory and delicious dish [of meat], bless me.”
so that I may eat it, and declare my 20
Isaac said to his son, “How is it that
blessing on you in the presence of the you have found the game so quickly,
LORD before my death.’
my son?” And he said, “Because the
8
“So now, my son, listen [carefully] to
LORD your God caused it to come to me.”
me [and do exactly] as I command you. 21
But Isaac [wondered and] said to Ja-
9
“Go now to the flock and bring me
two good and suitable young goats, cob, “Please come close [to me] so that I
and I will make them into a savory may touch you, my son, and determine
dish [of meat] for your father, the kind if you are really my son Esau or not.”
he loves [to eat].
22
So Jacob approached Isaac, and
10
“Then you shall bring it to your fa- his father touched him and said, “The
ther to eat, so that he may bless you voice is Jacob’s voice, but the hands
before his death.” are the hands of Esau.”
11
Jacob said to Rebekah his mother,
23
He could not recognize him [as
“Listen, Esau my brother is a hairy Jacob], because his hands were hairy
man and I am a smooth [skinned] man. like his brother Esau’s hands; so he
12
“Suppose my father touches me blessed him.
and feels my skin; then I will be seen 24
But he said, “Are you really my son
by him as a cheat (imposter), and I Esau?” Jacob answered, “I am.”
will bring his curse on me and not a 25
Then Isaac said, “Bring the food
blessing.” to me, and I will eat some of my son’s
13
But his mother said to him, “May game, so that I may bless you.” He
your curse be on me, my son; only brought it to him, and he ate; and he
listen and obey me, and go, bring the brought him wine and he drank.
young goats to me.” 26
Then his father Isaac said to him,
14
So Jacob went and got the two “Please come, my son, and kiss me.”
young goats, and brought them to his 27
So he came and kissed him; and
mother; and his mother prepared a Isaac smelled his clothing and blessed
delicious dish of food [with a delight- him and said,
ful aroma], the kind his father loved
[to eat]. “The scent of my son [Esau]
15
Then Rebekah took her elder son Is like the aroma of a field which
Esau’s best clothes, which were with the LORD has blessed;
her in her house, and put them on Jacob 28
Now may God give you of the dew
her younger son. of heaven [to water your land],

Genesis 27:29 46
And of the fatness (fertility) of the 37

But Isaac replied to Esau, “Listen
earth, carefully: I have made Jacob your lord
And an abundance of grain and and master; I have given him all his
new wine; [Gen 27:39; Deut brothers and relatives as servants; and
33:13, 28] I have sustained him with grain and
29
May peoples serve you, new wine. What then, can I do for you,
And nations bow down to you; my son?”
Be lord and master over your 38
Esau said to his father, “Have you
brothers, only one blessing, my father? Bless me,
And may your mother’s sons bow even me also, O my father.” Then Esau
down to you. [no longer able to restrain himself]
May those who curse you be raised his voice and wept [loudly].
cursed, 39
Then Isaac his father answered
And may those who bless you be and [prophesied and] said to him,
blessed.”
“Your dwelling shall be away from
30
Now as soon as Isaac had finished the fertility of the earth
blessing Jacob, and Jacob had scarcely And away from the dew of heaven
left the presence of Isaac his father, above;
Esau his brother came in from his 40
But you shall live by your sword,
hunting. And serve your brother;
31
Esau also made a delicious dish [of However it shall come to pass
meat] and brought it to his father and when you break loose [from your
said to him, “Let my father get up and anger and hatred],
eat some of his son’s game, so that you That you will tear his yoke off your
may bless me.” neck [and you will be free of
32
Isaac his father said to him, “Who him].”
are you?” And he replied, “I am your 41
So Esau hated Jacob because of the
son, your firstborn, Esau.” blessing with which his father blessed
33
Then Isaac trembled violently, and him; and Esau said in his heart, “The
he said, “Then who was the one [who days of mourning for my father are very
was just here] who hunted game and
near; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”
brought it to me? I ate all of it before you 42
When these words of her elder son
came, and I blessed him. Yes, and he [in
Esau were repeated to Rebekah, she
fact] shall be (shall remain) blessed.”
sent for Jacob her younger son, and
34
When Esau heard the words of his
said to him, “Listen carefully, your
father, he cried out with a great and
extremely bitter cry and said to his
father, “Bless me, even me also, O my putting the Word to work
father!” [Heb 12:16, 17]
35
Isaac said, “Your brother came de-
When Isaac was old and sick, his son
ceitfully and has [fraudulently] taken
away your blessing [for himself].” Jacob deceived him into thinking that he
36
Esau replied, “Is he not rightly (Jacob) was his brother Esau (see Genesis
named Jacob (the supplanter)? For he 27:30–32). That way, Jacob tricked Isaac
has supplanted me these two times: into giving him the birthright that should
he took away my birthright, and now haven gone to Esau. Have you, like Isaac,
he has taken away my blessing. Have ever been deceived by someone? Have
you not reserved a blessing for me?” you forgiven that person?

47 Genesis 28:15
brother Esau is comforting himself shall not take a wife from the daugh-
concerning you by planning to kill you. ters of Canaan,”
43
“So now, my son, listen and do what 7
and that Jacob obeyed his father
I say; go, escape to my brother Laban and his mother and had gone to
in Haran! Paddan-aram.
44
“Stay with him for a while, until 8
So Esau realized that [his two
your brother’s anger subsides. wives] the daughters of Canaan dis-
45
“When your brother’s anger toward pleased Isaac his father;
you subsides and he forgets what you 9
and [to appease his parents] Esau
did to him, then I will send and bring went to [the family of] Ishmael and took
you back from there. Why should I be as his wife, in addition to the wives he
deprived of you both in a single day?” [already] had, Mahalath the daughter
46
Then Rebekah said to Isaac, “I am of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, the sister
tired of living because of the daugh- of Nebaioth [Ishmael’s firstborn son].
ters of Heth [these insolent wives of 10
Now Jacob left Beersheba [never
Esau]. If Jacob takes a wife from the to see his mother again] and traveled
daughters of Heth, like these daugh- toward Haran.
ters of the land, what good will my life 11
And he came to a certain place and
be to me?” [Gen 26:34] stayed overnight there because the sun
had set. Taking one of the stones of the
28
SO ISAAC called Jacob and place, he put it under his head and lay
blessed him and charged down there [to sleep].
him, and said to him, “You 12
He dreamed that there was a ladder
shall not marry one of the women of (stairway) placed on the earth, and the
Canaan. top of it reached [out of sight] toward
2
“Arise, go to Paddan-aram, to the heaven; and [he saw] the angels of God
house of Bethuel your mother’s fa- ascending and descending on it [going
ther; and take from there as a wife for to and from heaven]. [John 1:51]
yourself one of the daughters of Laban 13
And behold, the LORD stood above
your mother’s brother. and around him and said, “I am the
3
“May God Almighty bless you and LORD, the God of Abraham your [fa-
make you fruitful and multiply you, so ther’s] father and the God of Isaac; I
that you may become a [great] com- will give to you and to your descen-
pany of peoples. dants the land [of promise] on which
4
“May He also give the blessing of you are lying.
Abraham to you and your descendants 14
“Your descendants shall be as
with you, that you may inherit the [countless as] the dust of the earth, and
[promised] land of your sojournings, you shall spread abroad to the west and
which He gave to Abraham.” the east and the north and the south;
5
Then Isaac sent Jacob away, and he and all the families (nations) of the
went to Paddan-aram, to Laban, son earth shall be blessed through you and
of Bethuel the Aramean, the brother your descendants. [Gen 12:2, 3; 13:16;
of Rebekah, the mother of Jacob and 22:18; 26:4; Acts 3:25, 26; Gal 3:8, 16]
Esau. 15
“Behold, I am with you and will
6
Now Esau noticed that Isaac had keep [careful watch over you and
blessed Jacob and sent him to Paddan- guard] you wherever you may go, and
aram to take a wife for himself from I will bring you back to this [promised]
there, and that as he blessed him he land; for I will not leave you until I
gave him a prohibition, saying, “You have done what I have promised you.”

Genesis 28:16 48
16
Then Jacob awoke from his sleep flocks were watered from that well.
and he said, “Without any doubt the Now the stone on the mouth of the
LORD is in this place, and I did not re- well [that covered and protected it]
alize it.” was large,
17
So he was afraid and said, “How 3
and when all the flocks were gath-
fearful and awesome is this place! ered there, the shepherds would roll the
This is none other than the house stone from the mouth of the well, water
of God, and this is the gateway to the sheep, and [afterward] replace the
heaven.” stone on the mouth of the well.
18
So Jacob got up early in the morn- 4
Jacob said to them, “My brothers,
ing, and took the stone he had put un- where are you from?” And they said,
der his head and he set it up as a pillar “We are from Haran.”
[that is, a monument to the vision in 5
So he said to them, “Do you know
his dream], and he poured [olive] oil Laban the grandson of Nahor [Abra-
on the top of it [to consecrate it]. ham’s brother]?” And they replied,
19
He named that place Bethel (the “We know him.”
house of God); the previous name of 6
And he asked them, “Is it well with
that city was Luz (Almond Tree). him?” And they said, “He is doing
20
Then Jacob made a vow (promise), well; look, here comes his daughter
saying, “If God will be with me and Rachel with the sheep!”
will keep me on this journey that I 7
Jacob said, “Look, the sun is still
take, and will give me food to eat and high [overhead]; it is a long time be-
clothing to wear, fore the flocks need to be gathered
21
and if [He grants that] I return to [in their folds for the night]. Water
my father’s house in safety, then the the sheep, and go, and return them to
LORD will be my God. their pasture.”
22
“This stone which I have set up 8
But they said, “We cannot [leave]
as a pillar (monument, memorial) until all the flocks are gathered to-
will be God’s house [a sacred place to gether, and the shepherds roll the
me], and of everything that You give stone from the mouth of the well; then
me I will give the tenth to You [as an we will water the sheep.”
offering to signify my gratitude and 9
While he was still speaking with
dependence on You].” [Deut 12:8–11; them, Rachel came with her father’s
14:22–26; 26:1–11] sheep, for she was a shepherdess.
10
When Jacob saw [his cousin] Ra-
29
THEN JACOB went on his chel, the daughter of Laban, his moth-
way and came to the land of er’s brother, and Laban’s sheep, he
the people of the East [near came up and rolled the stone away
Haran]. from the mouth of the well and wa-
2
As he looked, he saw a well in the tered the flock of Laban, his uncle.
field, and three flocks of sheep lying 11
Then Jacob kissed Rachel [in greet-
there [resting] beside it because the ing], and he raised his voice and wept.
speak the Word

Father, I thank You that You are with me and that You are keeping careful
watch over me and guarding me wherever I go.

49 Genesis 29:34
12
Jacob told Rachel he was her fa- putting the Word to work
ther’s relative, Rebekah’s son; and she
ran and told her father.
13
When Laban heard of the arrival of The Bible indicates that Leah was not
Jacob, his sister’s son, he ran to meet nearly as beautiful or desirable as Rachel
him, and embraced and kissed him and (see Genesis 29:17). Have you ever felt
brought him to his house. Then he told rejected, as she must have? Remember
Laban all these things. that God loves you; He wants you, and He
14
Then Laban said to him, “You are has an awesome plan for your life!
my bone and my flesh.” And Jacob
stayed with him a month. this that you have done to me? Did I
15
Then Laban said to Jacob, “Just be- not work for you [for seven years] for
cause you are my relative, should you Rachel? Why have you deceived and
work for me for nothing? Tell me, what betrayed me [like this]?”
should your wages be?” 26
But Laban only said, “It is not the
16
Now Laban had two daughters; the tradition here to give the younger
name of the older was Leah, and the [daughter in marriage] before the older.
name of the younger was Rachel. 27
“Finish the week [of the wedding
17
Leah’s eyes were weak, but Rachel feast] for Leah; then we will give you
was beautiful in form and appearance. Rachel also, and in return you shall
18
Jacob loved Rachel, so he said, “I work for me for seven more years.”
will serve you [as a hired workman] 28
So Jacob complied and fulfilled Le-
for seven years [in return] for [the ah’s week [of celebration]; then Laban
privilege of marrying] Rachel your gave him his daughter Rachel as his
younger daughter.” [second] wife.
19
Laban said, “It is better that I give 29
Laban also gave Bilhah his maid to
her [in marriage] to you than give her his daughter Rachel as a maid.
to another man. Stay and work with 30
So Jacob consummated his mar-
me.” riage and lived with Rachel [as his
20
So Jacob served [Laban] for seven wife], and he loved Rachel more than
years for [the right to marry] Rachel, Leah, and he served with Laban for
but they seemed like only a few days another seven years.
to him because of his love for her. 31
Now when the LORD saw that Leah
21
Finally, Jacob said to Laban, “Give was unloved, He made her able to bear
me my wife, for my time [of service] children, but Rachel was barren.
is completed, so that I may take her to 32
Leah conceived and gave birth to
me [as my wife].” a son and named him Reuben (See, a
22
So Laban gathered together all the son!), for she said, “Because the LORD
men of the place and prepared a [wed- has seen my humiliation and suffer-
ding] feast [with wine]. ing; now my husband will love me
23
But in the evening he took Leah [since I have given him a son].”
his daughter and brought her to Jacob, 33
Then she conceived again and gave
and Jacob went in to [consummate the birth to a son and said, “Because the
marriage with] her. LORD heard that I am unloved, He has
24
Laban also gave Zilpah his maid to given me this son also.” So she named
his daughter Leah as a maid. him Simeon (God hears).
25
But in the morning [when Jacob 34
She conceived again and gave birth
awoke], it was Leah [who was with to a son and said, “Now this time my hus-
him]! And he said to Laban, “What is band will become attached to me [as a

Genesis 29:35 50
companion], for I have given him three 13

Then Leah said, “I am happy! For
sons.” Therefore he was named Levi. women will call me happy.” So she
35
Again she conceived and gave named him Asher (happy).
birth to a [fourth] son, and she said, 14
Now at the time of wheat harvest
“Now I will praise the LORD.” So she Reuben [the eldest child] went and
named him Judah; then [for a time] found some mandrakes in the field,
she stopped bearing [children]. and brought them to his mother Leah.
Then Rachel said to Leah, “Please give
30
WHEN RACHEL saw that me some of your son’s mandrakes.”
she conceived no children 15
But Leah answered, “Is it a small
for Jacob, she envied her thing that you have taken my hus-
sister, and said to Jacob, “Give me chil- band? Would you take away my son’s
dren, or else I will die.” mandrakes also?” So Rachel said,
2
Then Jacob became furious with “Jacob shall sleep with you tonight in
Rachel, and he said, “Am I in the place exchange for your son’s mandrakes.”
of God, who has denied you children?” 16
When Jacob came in from the field
3
She said, “Here, take my maid Bilhah in the evening, Leah went out to meet
and go in to her; and [when the baby him and said, “You must sleep with me
comes] she shall deliver it [while sitting] [tonight], for I have in fact hired you
on my knees, so that by her I may also with my son’s mandrakes.” So he slept
have children [to count as my own].” with her that night.
4
So she gave him Bilhah her maid 17
God listened and answered [the
as a [secondary] wife, and Jacob went prayer of] Leah, and she conceived
in to her. and gave birth to a fifth son for Jacob.
5
Bilhah conceived and gave birth to 18
Then Leah said, “God has given me
a son for Jacob. my reward because I have given my
6
Then Rachel said, “God has judged maid to my husband.” So she named
and vindicated me, and has heard my him Issachar.
plea and has given me a son [through 19
Leah conceived again and gave
my maid].” So she named him Dan (He birth to a sixth son for Jacob.
judged). 20
Then Leah said, “God has endowed
7
Bilhah, Rachel’s maid, conceived me with a good [marriage] gift [for my
again and gave birth to a second son husband]; now he will live with me
for Jacob. [regarding me with honor as his wife],
8
So Rachel said, “With mighty because I have given birth to six sons.”
wrestlings [in prayer to God] I have So she named him Zebulun.
struggled with my sister and have pre- 21
Afterward she gave birth to a
vailed.” So she named him Naphtali daughter and named her Dinah.
(my wrestlings). 22
Then God remembered [the
9
When Leah saw that she had prayers of] Rachel, and God thought
stopped bearing [children], she took of her and opened her womb [so that
Zilpah her maid and gave her to Jacob she would conceive].
as a [secondary] wife. 23
So she conceived and gave birth to
10
Zilpah, Leah’s maid, gave birth to a son; and she said, “God has taken
a son for Jacob. away my disgrace and humiliation.”
11
Then Leah said, “How fortunate!” 24
She named him Joseph (may He
So she named him Gad (good fortune). add) and said, “May the LORD add to
12
Zilpah, Leah’s maid, gave birth to me another son.”
a second son for Jacob. 25
Now when Rachel had given birth

51 Genesis 31:1
to Joseph, Jacob said to Laban, “Send spotted, every one with white on it,
me away, that I may go back to my own and all the dark ones among the sheep,
place and to my own country. and put them in the care of his sons.
26
“Give me my wives and my chil- 36
And he put [a distance of] three
dren for whom I have served you, days’ journey between himself and
and let me go; for you know the work Jacob, and Jacob was then left in care
which I have done for you.” of the rest of Laban’s flock.
27
But Laban said to him, “If I have 37
Then Jacob took branches of fresh
found favor in your sight, stay with me; poplar and almond and plane trees,
for I have learned [from the omens in and peeled white stripes in them, ex-
divination and by experience] that the posing the white in the branches.
LORD has blessed me because of you.” 38
Then he set the branches which
28
He said, “Name your wages, and I he had peeled in front of the flocks in
will give it [to you].” the watering troughs, where the flocks
29
Jacob answered him, “You know came to drink; and they mated and
how I have served you and how your conceived when they came to drink.
possessions, your cattle and sheep and 39
So the flocks mated and conceived
goats, have fared with me. by the branches, and the flocks gave
30
“For you had little before I came birth to streaked, speckled, and spot-
and it has increased and multiplied ted offspring.
abundantly, and the LORD has favored 40
Jacob separated the lambs, and
you with blessings wherever I turned. [as he had done with the peeled
But now, when shall I provide for my branches] he made the flocks face to-
own household?” ward the streaked and all the dark or
31
Laban asked, “What shall I give black in the [new] flock of Laban; and
you?” Jacob replied, “You shall not he put his own herds apart by them-
give me anything. But if you will do selves and did not put them [where
this one thing for me [which I now they could breed] with Laban’s flock.
propose], I will again pasture and 41
Furthermore, whenever the stron-
keep your flock: ger [animals] of the flocks were breed-
32
Let me pass through your entire ing, Jacob would place the branches in
flock today, removing from it every the sight of the flock in the watering
speckled and spotted sheep and ev- troughs, so that they would mate and
ery dark or black one among the lambs conceive among the branches;
and the spotted and speckled among 42
but when the flock was sickly, he
the goats; and those shall be my wages. did not put the branches there; so the
33
“So my honesty will be evident sicker [animals] were Laban’s and the
for me later, when you come [for an stronger Jacob’s.
accounting] concerning my wages. 43
So Jacob became exceedingly pros-
Every one that is not speckled and perous, and had large flocks [of sheep
spotted among the goats and dark and goats], and female and male ser-
among the young lambs, if found with vants, and camels and donkeys.
me, shall be considered stolen.”
31
34
And Laban said, “Good! Let it be JACOB HEARD that Laban’s
done as you say.” sons were saying: “Jacob
35
So on that same day Laban [se- has taken away everything
cretly] removed the male goats that that was our father’s, and from what
were streaked and spotted and all the belonged to our father he has acquired
female goats that were speckled and all this wealth and honor.”

Genesis 31:2 52
2
Jacob noticed [a change in] the atti- 15
“Are we not counted by him as
tude of Laban, and saw that it was not foreigners? For he sold us [to you in
friendly toward him as before. marriage], and has also entirely used
3
Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Re- up our purchase price.
turn to the land of your fathers and to 16
“Surely all the riches which God
your people, and I will be with you.” has taken from our father are ours and
4
So Jacob sent and called Rachel and our children’s. Now then, whatever
Leah to his flock in the field, God has told you to do, do it.”
5
and he said to them, “I see [a change 17
Then Jacob stood [and took action]
in] your father’s attitude, that he is not and put his children and his wives on
friendly toward me as [he was] before; camels;
but the God of my father [Isaac] has 18
and he drove away all his live-
been with me. stock and [took along] all his property
6
“You know that I have served your which he had acquired, the livestock
father with all my strength. he had obtained and accumulated in
7
“Yet your father has cheated me Paddan-aram, to go to his father Isaac
[as often as possible] and changed in the land of Canaan.
my wages ten times; but God did not 19
When Laban had gone to shear his
allow him to hurt me. sheep, Rachel [went inside the house
8
“If he said, ‘The speckled shall and] stole her father’s household gods.
be your wages,’ then the entire flock 20
And Jacob deceived Laban the Ar-
gave birth to speckled [young]; and if amean (Syrian) by not telling him that
he said, ‘The streaked shall be your he intended to leave and he slipped
wages,’ then the entire flock gave away secretly.
birth to streaked [young]. 21
So he fled with everything that he
9
“Thus God has taken away the had, and got up and crossed the river
flocks of your father and given them [Euphrates], and set his face toward
to me. the hill country of Gilead [east of the
10
“And it happened at the time when Jordan River].
the flock conceived that I looked up 22
On the third day [after his depar-
and saw in a dream that the rams ture] Laban was told that Jacob had fled.
which mated [with the female goats] 23
So he took his relatives with him
were streaked, speckled, and spotted. and pursued him for seven days, and
11
“And the Angel of God said to me they overtook him in the hill country
in the dream, ‘Jacob.’ And I said, ‘Here of Gilead.
I am.’ 24
God came to Laban the Aramean
12
“He said, ‘Look up and see, all in a dream at night and said to him,
the rams which are mating [with the “Be careful that you do not speak to
flock] are streaked, speckled, and Jacob, either good or bad.”
spotted; for I have seen all that Laban 25
Then Laban overtook Jacob. Now
has been doing to you. Jacob had pitched his tent on the hill,
13
‘I am the God of Bethel, where and Laban with his relatives camped
you anointed the pillar, and where on the same hill of Gilead.
you made a vow to Me; now stand up, 26
Then Laban said to Jacob, “What
leave this land, and return to the land do you mean by deceiving me and
of your birth.’ ” leaving without my knowledge, and
14
Rachel and Leah answered him, carrying off my daughters as if [they
“Is there still any portion or inheri- were] captives of the sword?
tance for us in our father’s house? 27
“Why did you run away secretly

53 Genesis 31:46
and deceive me and not tell me, so you found of your household goods?
that [otherwise] I might have sent you Put it here before my relatives and
away with joy and with songs, with your relatives, so that they may de-
[music on the] tambourine and lyre? cide [who has done right] between the
28
“And why did you not allow me to two of us.
kiss my grandchildren and my daugh- 38
“These twenty years I have been
ters [goodbye]? Now you have done a with you; your ewes and your female
foolish thing [in behaving like this]. goats have not lost their young, nor
29
“It is in my power to harm you, but have I eaten the rams of your flocks.
the God of your father spoke to me last 39
“I did not bring you the torn car-
night, saying, ‘Be careful not to speak casses [of the animals attacked by
to Jacob, either good or bad.’ predators]; I [personally] took the loss.
30
“Now [I suppose] you felt you must You required of me [to make good] ev-
go because you were homesick for your erything that was stolen, whether it
father’s house and family; but why did occurred by day or night.
you steal my [household] gods?” 40
“This was my situation: by day the
31
Jacob answered Laban, “[I left heat consumed me and by night the
secretly] because I was afraid, for I cold, and I could not sleep.
thought you would take your daugh- 41
“These twenty years I have been
ters away from me by force. in your house; I served you fourteen
32
“The one with whom you find your years for your two daughters and six
gods shall not live; in the presence of years for [my share of] your flocks, and
our relatives [search my possessions you have changed my wages ten times.
and] point out whatever you find that 42
“If the God of my father, the God
belongs to you and take it.” For Jacob of Abraham, and [the Feared One] of
did not know that Rachel had stolen Isaac, had not been with me, most cer-
the idols. tainly you would have sent me away now
33
So Laban went into Jacob’s tent and empty-handed. God has seen my afflic-
into Leah’s tent and the tent of the two tion and humiliation and the [exhaust-
maids, but he did not find them. Then ing] labor of my hands, so He rendered
he came out of Leah’s tent and entered judgment and rebuked you last night.”
Rachel’s tent. 43
Laban answered Jacob, “These
34
Now Rachel had taken the house- women [that you married] are my
hold idols and put them in the cam- daughters, these children are my
el’s saddlebag and sat on them. Laban grandchildren, these flocks are [from]
searched through all her tent, but did my flocks, and all that you see [here]
not find them. is mine. But what can I do today to
35
So Rachel said to her father, “Do these my daughters or to their chil-
not be displeased, my lord, that I can- dren to whom they have given birth?
not rise before you, for the manner of 44
“So come now, let us make a cov-
women is on me and I am unwell.” He enant, you and I, and let it serve as a
searched [further] but did not find the witness between you and me.”
household idols. 45
So Jacob took a stone and set it up
36
Then Jacob became angry and ar- as a [memorial] pillar.
gued with Laban. And he said to La- 46
Jacob said to his relatives, “Gather
ban, “What is my fault? What is my sin stones.” And they took stones and
that you pursued me like this? made a mound [of stones], and they
37
“Although you have searched ate [a ceremonial meal together] there
through all my possessions, what have on the mound [of stones]. [Prov 16:7]

Genesis 31:47 54
32
47
Laban called it Jegar-sahadutha THEN AS Jacob went on his
(stone monument of testimony in Ar- way, the angels of God met
amaic), but Jacob called it Galeed. him [to reassure and pro-
48
Laban said, “This mound [of tect him].
stones] is a witness [a reminder of the 2
When Jacob saw them, he said,
oath taken] today between you and “This is God’s camp.” So he named that
me.” Therefore he [also] called the place Mahanaim (double camps). [Gen
name Galeed, 32:7, 10]
49
and Mizpah (watchtower), for La- 3
Then Jacob sent messengers ahead
ban said, “May the LORD watch be- of him to his brother Esau in the land
tween you and me when we are absent of Seir, the country of Edom.
from one another. 4
He commanded them, saying, “This
50
“If you should mistreat (humili- is what to say to my lord Esau: ‘Your
ate, oppress) my daughters, or if you servant Jacob says this, “I have been
should take other wives besides my living temporarily with Laban, and
daughters, although no one is with us have stayed there until now;
[as a witness], see and remember, God 5
I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, male
is witness between you and me.” servants, and female servants; and
51
Laban said to Jacob, “Look at this I have sent [this message] to tell my
mound [of stones] and look at this pil- lord, so that I may find grace and kind-
lar which I have set up between you ness in your sight.” ’ ”
and me. 6
The messengers returned to Ja-
52
“This mound is a witness, and this cob, saying, “We went to your brother
pillar is a witness, that I will not pass Esau, and now he is coming to meet
by this mound to harm you, and that you, and there are four hundred men
you will not pass by this mound and with him.”
this pillar to harm me. 7
Jacob was greatly afraid and dis-
53
“The God of Abraham [your father] tressed; and he divided the people
and the God of Nahor [my father], and who were with him, and the flocks
the god [the image of worship] of their and herds and camels, into two camps;
father [Terah, an idolater], judge be- 8
and he said, “If Esau comes to the
tween us.” But Jacob swore [only] by one camp and attacks it, then the other
[the one true God] the Fear of his fa- camp which is left will escape.”
ther Isaac. [Josh 24:2] 9
Jacob said, “O God of my father
54
Then Jacob offered a sacrifice [to the Abraham and God of my father Isaac,
LORD] on the mountain, and called his the LORD, who said to me, ‘Return to
relatives to the meal; and they ate food your country and to your people, and
and spent the night on the mountain. I will make you prosper,’
55
Early in the morning Laban got up 10
I am unworthy of all the loving-
and kissed his grandchildren and his kindness and compassion and of all
daughters [goodbye] and pronounced a the faithfulness which You have
blessing [asking God’s favor] on them. shown to Your servant. With only
Then Laban left and returned home. my staff [long ago] I crossed over
speak the Word

Father, thank You for all the loving-kindness, compassion, and faithfulness
You show to me, even though I am unworthy.

55 Genesis 32:19
this Jordan, and now I have become 15

thirty milking camels with their
[blessed and increased into these] colts, forty cows, ten bulls, twenty fe-
two groups [of people]. male donkeys, and ten [donkey] colts.
11
“Save me, please, from the hand of 16
He put them into the care of his
my brother, from the hand of Esau; for servants, every herd by itself, and said
I fear him, that he will come and attack to his servants, “Go on ahead of me,
me and the mothers with the children. and put an interval [of space] between
12
“And You [LORD] said, ‘I will cer- the individual herds.”
tainly make you prosper and make 17
Then he commanded the one in
your descendants as [numerous as] front, saying, “When Esau my brother
the sand of the sea, which is too great meets you and asks to whom you be-
to be counted.’ ” long, and where you are going, and
13
So Jacob spent the night there. whose are the animals in front of you?
Then he selected a present for his 18
then you shall say, ‘They are your
brother Esau from the livestock he servant Jacob’s; they are a gift sent to my
had acquired: lord Esau. And he also is behind us.’ ”
14
two hundred female goats, twenty 19
And so Jacob commanded the sec-
male goats, two hundred ewes, twenty ond and the third as well, and all that
rams, followed the herds, saying, “This is
everybody limps
Jacob was a man with many weaknesses, yet he pressed on with God and was
determined to receive God’s blessing. God likes that kind of determination. He
actually told Jacob in Genesis 32:28 that he (Jacob) had struggled with God and
men and had prevailed. Because of that struggle, God would be glorified in him.
God can always be glorified through people who do not allow their personal weak-
nesses to stop Him from flowing through them.
In order for God to flow through us, we must first come face-to-face with the fact
that we have weaknesses—and then we must determine not to let them bother us.
Our imperfections will not stop God from working through us unless we let them.
We need to accept ourselves completely—weaknesses and all—because God does.
I am going to ask you to do something very important. Right now, stop and wrap
your arms around yourself. Give yourself a great big hug and say aloud: “I accept
myself. I love myself. I know I have weaknesses and imperfections, but I will not let
them stop me, and I will not allow them to stop God from working through me.” Try
doing that several times per day, and you will soon develop a new attitude toward
yourself, a new outlook on life, and a greater level of confidence in God.
Jacob wrestled with the angel of the Lord, who touched the hollow of his thigh. As
a result of that encounter, he developed a limp (see Genesis 32:24–32). I like to say
that Jacob limped away from the fight, but he took his blessing with him! God will
bless all of us even though we limp, even though we are not perfect. Remember,
God looks at our hearts. If we have faith in Him and hearts that long to obey
Him and bring Him glory, then He will work wonders through us in spite of our
weaknesses.

Genesis 32:20 56
what you shall say to Esau when you which is on the socket of the thigh,
meet him; because He touched the socket of Ja-
20
and you shall say, ‘Look, your ser- cob’s thigh by the tendon of the hip.
vant Jacob is behind us.’ ” For he said
33
[to himself], “I will try to appease him THEN JACOB looked up,
with the gift that is going ahead of me. and saw Esau coming with
Then afterward I will see him; per- four hundred men. So he di-
haps he will accept and forgive me.” vided the children among Leah and
21
So the gift [of the herds of livestock] Rachel and the two maids.
went on ahead of him, and he himself 2
He put the maids and their children
spent that night back in the camp. in front, Leah and her children after
22
But he got up that same night and them, and Rachel and Joseph last of all.
took his two wives, his two female 3
Then Jacob crossed over [the
servants, and his eleven children, and stream] ahead of them and bowed
waded over the ford of the Jabbok. himself to the ground seven times
23
Then he took them and sent them [bowing and moving forward each
across the brook. And he also sent time], until he approached his brother.
across whatever he had. 4
But Esau ran to meet him and em-
24
So Jacob was left alone, and a Man braced him, and hugged his neck and
[came and] wrestled with him until kissed him, and they wept [for joy].
daybreak. [Luke 15:20]
25
When the Man saw that He had not 5
Esau looked up and saw the women
prevailed against Jacob, He touched and the children, and said, “Who are
his hip joint; and Jacob’s hip was dis- these with you?” So Jacob replied,
located as he wrestled with Him. “They are the children whom God has
26
Then He said, “Let Me go, for day is graciously given your servant.”
breaking.” But Jacob said, “I will not let 6
Then the maids approached with
You go unless You declare a blessing their children, and they bowed down.
on me.” 7
Leah also approached with her chil-
27
So He asked him, “What is your dren, and they bowed down. After-
name?” And he said, “Jacob.” ward Joseph and Rachel approached,
28
And He said, “Your name shall and they bowed down.
no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you 8
Esau asked, “What do you mean by
have struggled with God and with all this company which I have met?”
men and have prevailed.” [Hos 12:3, 4] And he answered, “[These are] to find
29
Then Jacob asked Him, “Please tell favor in the sight of my lord.”
me Your name.” But He said, “Why is 9
But Esau said, “I have plenty, my
it that you ask My name?” And He brother; keep what you have for your-
declared a blessing [of the covenant self.”
promises] on Jacob there. 10
Jacob replied, “No, please, if now I
30
So Jacob named the place Peniel have found favor in your sight, then
(the face of God), saying, “For I have accept my gift [as a blessing] from my
seen God face to face, yet my life has hand, for I see your face as if I had
not been snatched away.” seen the face of God, and you have
31
Now the sun rose on him as he received me favorably.
passed Penuel (Peniel), and he was 11
“Please accept my blessing (gift)
limping because of his hip. which has been brought to you, for
32
Therefore, to this day the Israel- God has dealt graciously with me and I
ites do not eat the tendon of the hip have everything [that I could possibly

57 Genesis 34:11
want].” So Jacob kept urging him and [intimately] with her by force [hum-
Esau accepted it. bling and offending her].
12
Then Esau said, “Let us get started 3
But his soul longed for and clung to
on our journey and I will go in front of Dinah daughter of Jacob, and he loved
you [to lead the way].” the girl and spoke comfortingly to her
13
But Jacob replied, “You know, my young heart’s wishes.
lord, that the children are frail and 4
So Shechem said to his father
need gentle care, and the nursing Hamor, “Get me this young woman
flocks and herds [with young] are of as a wife.”
concern to me; for if the men should 5
Now Jacob heard that Shechem had
drive them hard for a single day, all defiled (violated) Dinah his daughter;
the flocks will die. but his sons were in the field with his
14
“Please let my lord go on ahead of livestock, so Jacob said nothing until
his servant, and I will move on slowly, they came in.
governed by the pace of the livestock 6
But Shechem’s father Hamor went
that are in front of me and according to Jacob to talk with him.
to the endurance of the children, until 7
Now when Jacob’s sons heard of it
I come to my lord in Seir [in Edom].” they came in from the field; they were
15
Then Esau said, “Please let me deeply grieved, and they were very
leave with you some of the people who angry, for Shechem had done a dis-
are with me.” But Jacob said, “What graceful thing to Israel by lying with
need is there [for it]? Let me find favor Jacob’s daughter, for such a thing is
in the sight of my lord.” not to be done.
16
So Esau turned back [toward the 8
But Hamor conferred with them,
south] that day on his way to Seir. saying, “The soul of my son Shechem
17
But Jacob journeyed [north] to [deeply] longs for your daughter [and
Succoth, and built himself a house sister]. Please give her to him as his
and made shelters for his livestock; wife.
so the name of the place is Succoth 9
“And [beyond that] intermarry with
(huts, shelters). us; give your daughters to us [as wives]
18
When Jacob came from Paddan- and take our daughters for yourselves.
aram, he arrived safely and in peace [Ex 34:15, 16; Deut 7:3; Josh 23:12, 13]
at the city of Shechem, in the land of 10
“In this way you shall live with
Canaan, and camped in front of the us; the country will be open to you;
[walled] city. live and do business in it and acquire
19
Then he bought the piece of land property and possessions in it.”
on which he had pitched his tents 11
Shechem also said to Dinah’s fa-
from the sons of Hamor, Shechem’s ther and to her brothers, “Let me find
father, for a hundred pieces of money. favor in your sight, and I will give you
20
There he erected an altar and whatever you ask of me.
called it El-Elohe-Israel.
putting the Word to work
34
NOW DINAH the daugh-
ter of Leah, whom she had
borne to Jacob, went out [un- Have you, like Dinah, ever been an
escorted] to visit the girls of the land. innocent victim? I can assure you that
2
When Shechem the son of Hamor even in the worst circumstances, God
the Hivite, prince (sheik) of the land, gives us grace to forgive so that we can
saw her, he kidnapped her and lay go on with our lives.

Genesis 34:12 58
12
“Demand of me a very large bridal that every male among us become cir-
payment and gift [as compensation for cumcised just as they are circumcised.
giving up your daughter and sister], 23
“Will not their cattle and their pos-
and I will give you whatever you tell sessions and all their animals be ours
me; only give me the girl to be my [if we do this]? Let us consent [to do
wife.” as they ask], and they will live here
13
Jacob’s sons answered Shechem with us.”
and Hamor his father deceitfully, be- 24
And every [Canaanite] man who
cause Shechem had defiled and dis- went out of the city gate listened and
graced their sister Dinah. considered what Hamor and Shechem
14
They said to them, “We cannot do said; and every male who was a resi-
this thing and give our sister [in mar-
dent of that city was circumcised.
riage] to one who is not circumcised, 25
Now on the third day [after the
because that would be a disgrace to us.
15
“But we will consent to you only circumcision], when all the men were
on this condition: if you will become [terribly] sore and in pain, two of Ja-
like us, in that every male among you cob’s sons, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s
consents to be circumcised, [full] brothers, took their swords,
16
then we will give our daughters to boldly entered the city [without any-
you [in marriage], and we will take one suspecting them of evil intent],
your daughters for ourselves, and we and they killed every male.
will live with you and become one 26
They killed Hamor and his son
people. Shechem with the edge of the sword,
17
“But if you do not listen to us and and took Dinah out of Shechem’s
refuse to be circumcised, then we will house [where she was staying], and
take our daughter [Dinah] and go.” left.
18
Their words seemed reasonable to 27
Then Jacob’s [other] sons came
Hamor and his son Shechem, upon those who were killed and looted
19
and the young man did not hesitate the town, because their sister had
to do the [required] thing, for he was been defiled and disgraced.
delighted with Jacob’s daughter. Now 28
They took the Canaanites’ flocks
he was more respected and honored and their herds and their donkeys,
than all [others] in the household of and whatever was in the city and in
his father. the field;
20
Then Hamor and Shechem his son 29
they looted all their wealth, and
came to the gate of their [walled] city
[took captive] all their children and
[where the leading men would meet]
their wives, even everything that was
and spoke with the men of the city,
saying, in the houses.
21
“These men are peaceful and
30
Then Jacob said to Simeon and
friendly with us; so let them live in the Levi, “You have ruined me, making
land and do business in it, for the land me a stench to the inhabitants of the
is large enough [for us and] for them; land, the Canaanites and the Periz-
let us take their daughters for wives zites! My men are few in number, and
and let us give them our daughters [in the men of the land will band together
marriage]. against me and attack me; I shall be
22
“But only on this condition will the destroyed, I and my household.”
men consent to our request that they 31
But they said, “Should he [be permit-
live among us and become one people: ted to] treat our sister as a prostitute?”

59 Genesis 35:21
35
THEN GOD said to Jacob, “Your name is Jacob;
“Go up to Bethel and live You shall no longer be called Jacob,
there, and make an altar But Israel shall be your name.”
there to God, who appeared to you So he was called Israel.
[in a distinct manifestation] when 11
And God said to him,
you fled [years ago] from Esau your
brother.” [Gen 28:11–22] “I am God Almighty.
2
Then Jacob said to his household Be fruitful and multiply;
and to all who were with him, “Get A nation and a company of nations
rid of the [idols and images of] for- shall come from you,
eign gods that are among you, and And kings shall be born of your
ceremonially purify yourselves and loins.
change [into fresh] clothes;
12
“The land which I gave Abraham
3
then let us get up and go up to and Isaac
Bethel, and I will make an altar there I will give to you,
to God, who answered me in the day and to your descendants after you
of my distress and has been with me I will give the land.”
wherever I have gone.” Then God ascended from Jacob in the
13
4
So they gave Jacob all the [idols and place where He had spoken with him.
images of the] foreign gods they had 14
Jacob set up a pillar (memorial,
and the rings which were in their ears monument) in the place where he had
[worn as charms against evil], and Ja- talked with God, a pillar of stone, and
cob buried them under the oak tree he poured a drink offering [of wine]
near Shechem. on it; he also poured oil on it [to de-
5
As they journeyed, there was a clare it sacred for God’s purpose].
great [supernatural] terror [sent from 15
So Jacob named the place where
God] on the cities around them, and God had spoken with him, Bethel (the
[for that reason] the Canaanites did House of God).
not pursue the sons of Jacob. 16
Then they journeyed from Bethel;
6
So Jacob came to Luz (that is, and when there was still some dis-
Bethel), which is in the land of Ca- tance to go to Ephrath (Bethlehem),
naan, he and all the people who were Rachel began to give birth and had
with him. difficulty and suffered severely.
7
There he built an altar [to wor- 17
When she was in hard labor the
ship the LORD], and called the place midwife said to her, “Do not be afraid;
El-bethel (God of the House of God), you now have another son.”
because there God had revealed Him- 18
And as her soul was departing, (for
self to him when he escaped from his she died), she named him Ben-oni (son
brother. of my sorrow); but his father called him
8
Now Deborah, [who once was] Re- Benjamin (son of the right hand).
bekah’s nurse, died and was buried 19
So Rachel died and was buried on
below Bethel under the oak; and the the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).
name of it was called Allon-bacuth 20
Jacob set a pillar (memorial, mon-
(Oak of Weeping). ument) on her grave; that is the pillar
9
Then God [in a visible manifesta- of Rachel’s grave to this day.
tion] appeared to Jacob again when 21
Then Israel (Jacob) journeyed on
he came out of Paddan-aram, and de- and pitched his tent on the other side
clared a blessing on him. [Gen 32:28] of the tower of Eder [the lookout point
10
Again God said to him, used by shepherds].

Genesis 35:22 60
22
While Israel was living in that the land of Canaan, and he went to a
land, Reuben [his eldest son] went land away from his brother Jacob.
and lay with Bilhah his father’s con- 7
For their [great flocks and herds
cubine, and Israel heard about it. and] possessions made it impossible
Now Jacob had twelve sons— for them to live together [in the same
23
The sons of Leah: Reuben, Jacob’s region]; the land in which they lived
firstborn, then Simeon, Levi, Judah, temporarily could not support them
Issachar, and Zebulun; because of their livestock.
24
and the sons of Rachel: Joseph and 8
So Esau lived in the hill country of
Benjamin; Seir; Esau is Edom.
25
and the sons of Bilhah, Rachel’s 9
These are the records of the gen-
maid: Dan and Naphtali; erations of Esau the father of the
26
and the sons of Zilpah, Leah’s maid: Edomites in the hill country of Seir.
Gad and Asher. These are the sons of 10
These are the names of Esau’s
Jacob born to him in Paddan-aram. sons: Eliphaz, the son of Adah, Esau’s
27
Jacob came to Isaac his father at wife, and Reuel, the son of Basemath,
Mamre of Kiriath-arba (that is, He- Esau’s wife.
bron), where Abraham and Isaac had 11
And the sons of Eliphaz were Teman,
lived temporarily. Omar, Zepho, Gatam, and Kenaz.
28
Now the days of Isaac were a hun- 12
And Timna was a concubine of
dred and eighty years. Eliphaz, Esau’s son; and she bore
29
Isaac’s spirit departed and he died Amalek to Eliphaz. These are the sons
and was gathered to his people [who of Adah, Esau’s wife.
had preceded him in death], an old 13
These are the sons of Reuel: Nahath,
man full of days (satisfied, fulfilled); Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. These
his sons Esau and Jacob buried him are the sons of Basemath, Esau’s wife.
[in the cave of Machpelah with his 14
And these are the sons of Oholi-
parents Abraham and Sarah]. bamah, Esau’s wife, the daughter of
Anah, the son of Zibeon. She bore to
36
NOW THESE are the rec- Esau: Jeush, Jalam, and Korah.
ords of the descendants of 15
These are the tribal chiefs of the
Esau, (that is, Edom). sons of Esau: The sons of Eliphaz,
2
Esau took his [three] wives from the firstborn of Esau: Chiefs Teman,
the daughters of Canaan: Adah the Omar, Zepho, Kenaz,
daughter of Elon the Hittite, and Ohol- 16
Korah, Gatam, and Amalek. These
ibamah the daughter of Anah, the son are the chiefs of Eliphaz in the land of
of Zibeon the Hivite, Edom; they are the sons of Adah.
3
and Basemath, Ishmael’s daughter, 17
These are the sons of Reuel, Esau’s
sister of Nebaioth. son: Chiefs Nahath, Zerah, Shammah,
4
Adah bore Eliphaz to Esau, and Mizzah. These are the chiefs of Reuel
Basemath bore Reuel, in the land of Edom; they are the sons
5
and Oholibamah bore Jeush, Jalam, of Basemath, Esau’s wife.
and Korah. These are the sons of Esau 18
These are the sons of Oholibamah,
born to him in Canaan. Esau’s wife: Chiefs Jeush, Jalam, and
6
Now Esau took his wives and his Korah. These are the chiefs born of
sons and his daughters and all the Oholibamah, daughter of Anah, Esau’s
members of his household, and his wife.
livestock and all his cattle and all his 19
These are the sons of Esau, (that
possessions which he had acquired in is, Edom), and these are their chiefs.

61 Genesis 37:6
20
These are the sons of Seir the Rehoboth on the river [Euphrates]
Horite, the inhabitants of the land: reigned as his successor.
Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, 38
And Shaul died, and Baal-hanan
21
Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan. These son of Achbor reigned as his successor.
are the chiefs of the Horites, the sons 39
Baal-hanan the son of Achbor died,
of Seir in the land of Edom. and then Hadar reigned [as his suc-
22
The sons of Lotan are Hori and cessor]. His [walled] city was Pau; his
Hemam; and Lotan’s sister is Timna. wife’s name was Mehetabel the daugh-
23
The sons of Shobal are these: Alvan, ter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab.
Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, and Onam. 40
And these are the names of the tribal
24
These are the sons of Zibeon: Aiah chiefs of Esau, according to their fam-
and Anah. This is the Anah who found ilies and places of residence, by their
the hot springs in the wilderness as names: Chiefs Timna, Alvah, Jetheth,
he pastured the donkeys of Zibeon his 41
Oholibamah, Elah, Pinon,
father. 42
Kenaz, Teman, Mibzar,
25
The children of Anah are these: 43
Magdiel, and Iram. These are the
Dishon and Oholibamah [Esau’s wife], tribal chiefs of Edom (that is, of Esau
the daughter of Anah. the father of the Edomites), according
26
These are the sons of Dishon: to their dwelling places in the land of
Hemdan, Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran. their possession.
27
Ezer’s sons are these: Bilhan, Zaa-
37
van, and Akan. SO JACOB (Israel) lived in
28
The sons of Dishan are these: Uz the land where his father
and Aran. [Isaac] had been a stranger
29
The Horite chiefs are these: Chiefs (sojourner, resident alien), in the land
Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, of Canaan.
30
Dishon, Ezer, Dishan. These are 2
These are the generations of Jacob.
the Horite chiefs, according to their Joseph, when he was seventeen years
various clans in the land of Seir. old, was shepherding the flock with
31
And these are the kings who his brothers [Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and
reigned in the land of Edom before Asher]; the boy was with the sons of
any king reigned over the Israelites: Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s [second-
32
Bela the son of Beor reigned in ary] wives; and Joseph brought back a
Edom, and the name of his city was bad report about them to their father.
Dinhabah. 3
Now Israel (Jacob) loved Joseph
33
Now Bela died, and Jobab the son more than all his children, because he
of Zerah of Bozrah reigned as his suc- was the son of his old age; and he made
cessor. him a [distinctive] multicolored tunic.
34
Then Jobab died, and Husham of 4
His brothers saw that their father
the land of the Temanites reigned as loved Joseph more than all of his
his successor. brothers; so they hated him and could
35
And Husham died, and Hadad the not [find it within themselves to] speak
son of Bedad, who defeated Midian in to him on friendly terms.
the country of Moab, reigned as his 5
Now Joseph dreamed a dream, and
successor. The name of his [walled] he told it to his brothers, and they
city was Avith. hated him even more.
36
Hadad died, and Samlah of Mas- 6
He said to them, “Please listen to
rekah succeeded him. [the details of] this dream which I
37
Then Samlah died, and Shaul of have dreamed;

Genesis 37:7 62
7
we [brothers] were binding sheaves 12
Then his brothers went to pasture
[of grain stalks] in the field, and lo, my their father’s flock near Shechem.
sheaf [suddenly] got up and stood up- 13
Israel (Jacob) said to Joseph, “Are
right and remained standing; and be- not your brothers pasturing [the
hold, your sheaves stood all around my flock] at Shechem? Come, and I will
sheaf and bowed down [in respect].” send you to them.” And he said, “Here
8
His brothers said to him, “Are you I am [ready to obey you].”
actually going to reign over us? Are
14
Then Jacob said to him, “Please
you really going to rule and govern us go and see whether everything is all
as your subjects?” So they hated him right with your brothers and all right
even more for [telling them about] his with the flock; then bring word [back]
dreams and for his [arrogant] words. to me.” So he sent him from the He-
9
But Joseph dreamed still another bron Valley, and he went to Shechem.
dream, and told it to his brothers [as
15
Now a certain man found Jo-
well]. He said, “See here, I have again seph, and saw that he was wandering
dreamed a dream, and lo, [this time I around and had lost his way in the
saw] eleven stars and the sun and the field; so the man asked him, “What
moon bowed down [in respect] to me!” are you looking for?”
10
He told it to his father as well as to
16
He said, “I am looking for my
his brothers; but his father rebuked brothers. Please tell me where they
are pasturing our flocks.”
him and said to him [in disbelief], 17
Then the man said, “[They were
“What is [the meaning of] this dream
here, but] they have moved on from
that you have dreamed? Shall I and
this place. I heard them say, ‘Let us go
your mother and your brothers actu-
to Dothan.’ ” So Joseph went after his
ally come to bow down to the ground brothers and found them at Dothan.
[in respect] before you?” 18
And when they saw him from a
11
Joseph’s brothers were envious distance, even before he came close
and jealous of him, but his father kept to them, they plotted to kill him.
the words [of Joseph] in mind [won- 19
They said to one another, “Look,
dering about their meaning]. here comes this dreamer.
20
“Now then, come and let us kill
him and throw him into one of the pits
life point (cisterns, underground water storage);
then we will say [to our father], ‘A wild
God gave Joseph dreams of greatness, animal killed and devoured him’; and
but in his zeal and excitement, Joseph we shall see what will become of his
unwisely told his dreams to his brothers, dreams!”
who did not share his enthusiasm (see
21
Now Reuben [the eldest] heard this
Genesis 37:5). As a result, they sold him and rescued him from their hands and
as a slave, and he had to endure some said, “Let us not take his life.”
22
Reuben said to them, “Do not shed
hard years and difficult experiences.
his blood, but [instead] throw him
During those years, though, God [alive] into the pit that is here in the
developed wisdom in Joseph and thereby wilderness, and do not lay a hand on
prepared him for his life’s call. Just as He him [to kill him]”—[he said this so]
did for Joseph, God is able to develop in that he could rescue him from them
you whatever you may lack today so that and return him [safely] to his father.
you can fulfill His purpose for your life. 23
Now when Joseph reached his

63 Genesis 38:11
brothers, they stripped him of his put on sackcloth and mourned many
tunic, the [distinctive] multicolored days for his son.
tunic which he was wearing; 35
Then all his sons and daughters
24
then they took him and threw him attempted to console him, but he re-
into the pit. Now the pit was empty; fused to be comforted and said, “I will
there was no water in it. go down to Sheol (the place of the
25
Then they sat down to eat their meal. dead) in mourning for my son.” And
When they looked up, they saw a cara- his father wept for him.
van of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead 36
Meanwhile, in Egypt the Midian-
[east of the Jordan], with their camels ites sold Joseph [as a slave] to Poti-
bearing ladanum resin [for perfume] phar, an officer of Pharaoh and the
and balm and myrrh, going on their way captain of the [royal] guard.
to carry the cargo down to Egypt.
38
26
Judah said to his brothers, “What NOW AT that time, Judah
do we gain if we kill our brother and left his brothers and went
cover up his blood (murder)? down to [stay with] a cer-
27
“Come, let us [instead] sell him to tain Adullamite named Hirah.
these Ishmaelites [and Midianites] 2
There Judah saw a daughter of
and not lay our hands on him, because Shua, a Canaanite, and he took her
he is our brother and our flesh.” So his [as his wife] and lived with her.
brothers listened to him and agreed. 3
So she conceived and gave birth to
[Gen 22:24; 25:2] a son and Judah named him Er.
28
Then as the Midianite [and Ish- 4
Then she conceived again and gave
maelite] traders were passing by, the birth to a son and named him Onan.
brothers pulled Joseph up and lifted 5
Again she conceived and gave birth
him out of the pit, and they sold him to still another son and named him
to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels Shelah. It was at Chezib that she gave
of silver. And so they took Joseph [as birth to him.
a captive] into Egypt. 6
Now Judah took a wife for Er his
29
Now Reuben [unaware of what had firstborn; her name was Tamar.
happened] returned to the pit, and [to 7
But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was evil
his great alarm found that] Joseph was in the sight of the LORD, and the LORD
not in the pit; so he tore his clothes [in killed him [in judgment].
deep sorrow]. 8
Then Judah told Onan, “Go in to
30
He rejoined his brothers and said, your brother’s widow, and perform
“The boy is not there; as for me, where your duty as a brother-in-law [under
shall I go [to hide from my father]?” the levirate marriage custom]; [be her
31
Then they took Joseph’s tunic, husband and] raise children for [the
slaughtered a male goat and dipped name of] your brother.” [Deut 25:5–10]
the tunic in the blood; 9
Onan knew that the child (heir)
32
and they brought the multicolored would not be his [but his dead broth-
tunic to their father, saying, “We have er’s]; so whenever he lay with his broth-
found this; please examine it and decide er’s widow, he spilled his seed on the
whether or not it is your son’s tunic.” ground [to prevent conception], so that
33
He recognized it and said, “It is he would not give a child to his brother.
my son’s tunic. A wild animal has de- 10
But what he did was displeasing
voured him; Joseph is without doubt in the sight of the LORD; therefore He
torn in pieces!” killed him also [in judgment].
34
So Jacob tore his clothes [in grief], 11
Then Judah said to Tamar, his

Genesis 38:12 64
daughter-in-law, “Remain a widow at 21

He asked the men of that place,
your father’s house until Shelah my “Where is the temple prostitute who
[youngest] son is grown”; [but he was was by the roadside at Enaim?” They
deceiving her] for he thought that [if said, “There was no prostitute here.”
Shelah should marry her] he too might 22
So he returned to Judah, and said, “I
die like his brothers did. So Tamar cannot find her; also the local men said,
went and lived in her father’s house. ‘There was no prostitute around here.’ ”
12
But quite a while later, Judah’s 23
Then Judah said, “Let her keep the
wife, the daughter of Shua, died; things (pledge articles) for herself,
and when the time of mourning was otherwise we will be a laughingstock
ended, he went up to his sheepshear- [searching everywhere for her]. After
ers at Timnah with his friend Hirah all, I sent this young goat, but you did
the Adullamite. not find her.”
13
Tamar was told, “Listen, your 24
About three months later Judah
father-in-law is going up to Timnah was told, “Tamar your daughter-in-
to shear his sheep.” law has played the [role of a] prosti-
14
So she removed her widow’s clothes tute, and she is with child because of
and covered herself with a veil, and her immorality.” So Judah said, “Bring
wrapped herself up [in disguise], and her out and let her be burned [to death
sat in the gateway of Enaim, which is as punishment]!”
on the road to Timnah; for she saw 25
While she was being brought out,
that Shelah had grown up, and she she [took the things Judah had given
had not been given to him as a wife her and] sent [them along with a mes-
[as Judah had promised]. sage] to her father-in-law, saying, “I
15
When Judah saw her, he thought she am with child by the man to whom
was a [temple] prostitute, for she had these articles belong.” And she added,
covered her face [as such women did]. “Please examine [them carefully] and
16
He turned to her by the road, and see [clearly] to whom these things be-
said, “Please come, let me lie with long, the seal and the cord and staff.”
you”; for he did not know that she was 26
Judah recognized the articles, and
his daughter-in-law. And she said, said, “She has been more righteous [in
“What will you give me, that you may this matter] than I, because I did not
lie with me?” give her to my son Shelah [as I had
17
He answered, “I will send you a promised].” And Judah did not have
young goat from the flock.” And she [intimate] relations with her again.
said, “Will you give me a pledge [as a 27
Now when the time came for her
deposit] until you send it?” to give birth, there were twins in her
18
He said, “What pledge shall I give womb.
you?” She said, “Your seal and your 28
And when she was in labor, one
cord, and the staff that is in your hand.” [baby] put out his hand, and the mid-
So he gave them to her and was intimate wife took his hand and tied a scarlet
with her, and she conceived by him. thread on it, saying, “This one was
19
Then she got up and left, and re- born first.”
moved her veil and put on her widow’s 29
But he pulled back his hand, and
clothing. his brother was born first. And she
20
When Judah sent the young goat said, “What a breach you have made
by his friend the Adullamite, to get his for yourself [to be the firstborn]!” So
pledge [back] from the woman, he was he was named Perez (breach, break
unable to find her. forth). [Matt 1:3]

65 Genesis 39:19
30
Afterward his brother who had the Now Joseph was handsome and
scarlet [thread] on his hand was born attractive in form and appearance.
and was named Zerah (brightness). [Gen 43:32]
7
Then after a time his master’s wife
39
NOW JOSEPH had been looked at Joseph with desire, and she
taken down to Egypt; and said, “Lie with me.”
Potiphar, an Egyptian officer 8
But he refused and said to his mas-
of Pharaoh, the captain of the [royal] ter’s wife, “Look, with me in the house,
guard, bought him from the Ishmael- my master does not concern himself
ites, who had taken him down there. with anything; he has put everything
2
The LORD was with Joseph, and he that he owns in my charge.
[even though a slave] became a suc- 9
“He is not greater in this house than
cessful and prosperous man; and he I am, nor has he kept anything from me
was in the house of his master, the except you, because you are his wife.
Egyptian. How then could I do this great evil and
3
Now his master saw that the LORD sin against God [and your husband]?”
was with him and that the LORD caused
10
And so it was that she spoke to Jo-
all that he did to prosper (succeed) in seph [persistently] day after day, but
his hand. [Gen 21:22; 26:27, 28; 41:38, 39] he did not listen to her [plea] to lie be-
4
So Joseph pleased Potiphar and side her or be with her.
found favor in his sight and he served
11
Then it happened one day that Jo-
him as his personal servant. He made seph went into the house to attend to
Joseph overseer over his house, and his duties, and none of the men of the
he put all that he owned in Joseph’s household was there in the house.
charge.
12
She caught Joseph by his [outer]
5
It happened that from the time that robe, saying, “Lie with me!” But he left
he made Joseph overseer in his house his robe in her hand and ran, and got
and [put him in charge] over all that outside [the house].
he owned, that the LORD blessed the
13
When she saw that he had left his
Egyptian’s house because of Joseph; robe in her hand and had run outside,
so the LORD’s blessing was on every-
14
she called to the men of her house-
thing that Potiphar owned, in the hold and said to them, “Look at this,
house and in the field. your master has brought a Hebrew
6
So Potiphar left all that he owned in [into the household] to mock and in-
sult us; he came to me to lie with me,
Joseph’s charge; and with Joseph there
and I screamed.
he did not [need to] pay attention to 15
“When he heard me screaming, he
anything except the food he ate.
left his robe with me and ran outside
[the house].”
life point 16
So she left Joseph’s [outer] robe be-
side her until his master came home.
17
Then she told her husband the
While we are waiting on God, it is
same story, saying, “The Hebrew
important for us to take our positions servant, whom you brought among
and stay faithful. Then, like Joseph, God us, came to me to mock and insult me;
will raise us up in His timing (see Genesis 18
then as soon as I raised my voice
39:2–5). Be faithful as you wait on God, and screamed, he left his robe with me
do your work well, and people will see and ran outside [the house].”
that God’s hand is upon you for good. 19
And when Joseph’s master heard

Genesis 39:20 66
40
the words of his wife, saying, “This is NOW SOME time later, the
the way your servant treated me,” his cupbearer (butler) and the
anger burned. baker for the king of Egypt
20
So Joseph’s master took him and offended their lord, Egypt’s king.
put him in the prison, a place where
2
Pharaoh (Sesostris II) was ex-
the king’s prisoners were confined; so tremely angry with his two officials,
he was there in the prison. the chief of the cupbearers and the
21
But the LORD was with Joseph and chief of the bakers.
3
He put them in confinement in the
extended lovingkindness to him, and
house of the captain of the guard, in
gave him favor in the sight of the warden.
the same prison where Joseph was
22
The warden committed to Joseph’s confined.
care (management) all the prisoners 4
The captain of the guard put Joseph
who were in the prison; so that what- in charge of them, and he served them;
ever was done there, he was in charge and they continued to be in custody for
of it. some time.
23
The warden paid no attention to 5
Then the cupbearer and the baker
anything that was in Joseph’s care be- of the king of Egypt, who were con-
cause the LORD was with him; whatever fined in the prison, both dreamed a
Joseph did, the LORD made to prosper. dream in the same night, each man
receive God’s favor
Joseph had been unjustly accused and imprisoned, but the Lord was with him and
showed him mercy and grace. In Genesis 39:20–23, we see that God gave him favor
in the eyes of the prison warden, who basically put Joseph in charge of running the
prison. Even in the dismal circumstances of incarceration, the Lord caused Joseph to
prosper.
God’s favor is also available to us, His children. But like many other good things
in life, the fact that something is available to us does not mean that we will ever
partake of it. The Lord offers us many things that we never enjoy because we do
not activate our faith to receive what He has provided.
Favor is actually a part of grace. In the English New Testament, the word grace and
the word favor are both translated from the same Greek word charis. So the grace
of God is the favor of God. And the favor of God is the grace of God—that which
causes things to happen in our lives through the channel of our faith. It is the power
of God doing something for us that we do not earn or deserve. For example, if you
ask someone, “Can you do me a favor?” you are asking that person to do something
for you that you have not earned or paid for. You are depending on that individu-
al’s goodness to manifest in the form of a blessing, even though there is no natural
reason for that person to extend it to you.
God wants to give you favor, just as He did Joseph. But in order to receive that favor,
it’s necessary to follow Joseph’s example and believe God for it. Joseph maintained
a good attitude in a bad situation, and his “faith attitude” led to God’s favor. Expect
God’s favor and keep your attitude of faith in every situation you face.

67 Genesis 41:5
with his [own significant] dream and dreamed, and [in my dream] there
each dream with its [personal] inter- were three cake baskets on my head;
pretation. 17
and in the top basket there were
6
When Joseph came to them in the some of all sorts of baked food for
morning and looked at them, [he saw Pharaoh, but the birds [of prey] were
that] they were sad and depressed. eating [these foods] out of the basket
7
So he asked Pharaoh’s officials who on my head.”
were in confinement with him in his 18
Joseph answered, “This is the in-
master’s house, “Why do you look so terpretation of it: the three baskets
down-hearted today?” represent three days;
8
And they said to him, “We have 19
within three more days Pharaoh
[each] dreamed [distinct] dreams and will lift up your head and will hang
there is no one to interpret them.” So you on a tree (gallows, pole), and [you
Joseph said to them, “Do not interpre- will not so much as be given a burial,
tations belong to God? Please tell me but] the birds will eat your flesh.”
[your dreams].” 20
Now on the third day, [which was]
9
So the chief cupbearer told his the Pharaoh’s birthday, he [released the
dream to Joseph, and said to him, “In two men from prison and] made a feast
my dream there was a grapevine in for all his servants; and he lifted up the
front of me; head of the chief cupbearer and the head
10
and on the vine were three branches. of the chief baker [that is, presented
Then as soon as it budded, its blossoms them in public] among his servants.
burst open, and its clusters produced 21
He restored the chief cupbearer
ripe grapes [in rapid succession]. to his office, and the cupbearer [once
11
“Now Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand, again] put the cup into Pharaoh’s hand;
and I took the grapes and squeezed 22
but Pharaoh hanged the chief
them into Pharaoh’s cup; then I placed baker, just as Joseph had interpreted
the cup into Pharaoh’s hand.” [the meaning of the dreams] to them.
12
Then Joseph said to him, “This 23
Yet [even after all that] the chief
is the interpretation of it: the three cupbearer did not remember Joseph,
branches represent three days; but forgot [all about] him.
13
within three more days Pharaoh
41
will lift up your head (present you in NOW IT happened at the
public) and restore you to your posi- end of two full years that
tion; and you will [again] put Pha- Pharaoh dreamed that he
raoh’s cup into his hand just as [you was standing by the Nile.
did] when you were his cupbearer. 2
And lo, there came up out of the
14
“Only think of me when it goes well Nile seven [healthy] cows, sleek and
with you, and please show me kind- handsome and fat; and they grazed in
ness by mentioning me to Pharaoh the reed grass [in a marshy pasture].
and get me out of this house. 3
Then behold, seven other cows came
15
“For in fact I was taken (stolen) up after them out of the Nile, ugly and
from the land of the Hebrews by [un- gaunt and raw-boned, and stood by the
lawful] force, and even here I have fat cows on the bank of the Nile.
done nothing for which they should 4
Then the ugly and gaunt and raw-
put me in the dungeon.” boned cows ate up the seven sleek and
16
When the chief baker saw that fat cows. Then Pharaoh awoke.
the interpretation [of the dream] 5
Then he fell asleep and dreamed a
was good, he said to Joseph, “I also second time; and behold, seven ears of

Genesis 41:6 68
grain came up on a single stalk, plump life point

and good.
6
Then behold, seven ears [of grain],
God can speak to us today through
thin and dried up by the east wind,
sprouted after them. dreams, just as He did in Joseph’s time
7
Then the thin ears swallowed the (see Genesis 41). But we need to be
seven plump and full ears. And Phar- balanced in our approach because
aoh awoke, and it was a dream. many of our dreams are not spiritual.
8
So when morning came his spirit If God is trying to show you something
was troubled and disturbed and he sent or speak to you through a dream, I believe
and called for all the magicians and all He will confirm it in your heart if you ask
the wise men of Egypt. And Pharaoh Him for wisdom, use discernment, and
told them his dreams, but no one could stay in balance with His Word.
interpret them to him.
9
Then the chief cupbearer spoke to
Pharaoh, saying, “I would mention my 15
Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have
faults today. dreamed a dream, and there is no one
10
“[Two years ago] Pharaoh was who can interpret it; and I have heard
angry with his servants, and he put
it said about you that you can under-
me in confinement in the house of the
stand a dream and interpret it.”
captain of the guard, both me and the 16
Joseph answered Pharaoh, “It is not
chief baker.
in me [to interpret the dream]; God
11
“We dreamed a dream on the same
night, he and I; each of us dreamed [not I] will give Pharaoh a favorable
according to [the significance of] the answer [through me].”
interpretation of his own dream.
17
So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “In my
12
“Now there was with us [in the dream, I was standing on the bank of
prison] a young man, a Hebrew, ser- the Nile;
vant to the captain of the guard; and
18
and seven fat, sleek and hand-
we told him, and he interpreted our some cows came up out of the river,
dreams for us, to each man according and they grazed in the reed grass [of
to the significance of his own dream. a marshy pasture].
13
“And just as he interpreted [the
19
“Lo, seven other cows came up
dreams] for us, so it happened; I was after them, very ugly and gaunt [just
restored to my office [as chief cup- skin and bones]; such emaciated an-
bearer], and the baker was hanged.” imals as I have never seen in all the
14
Then Pharaoh sent and called for land of Egypt.
Joseph, and they hurriedly brought 20
“And the lean and ugly cows ate up
him out of the dungeon; and when Jo- the first seven fat cows.
seph shaved himself and changed his 21
“Yet when they had devoured
clothes [making himself presentable], them, it could not be detected that
he came to Pharaoh. they had eaten them, because they
speak the Word

God, I thank You for causing me to be fruitful and very successful
even when I am suffering.

69 Genesis 41:27
were still as thin and emaciated as 25

Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, “The
before. Then I awoke [but again I fell [two] dreams are one [and the same
asleep and dreamed]. and have one interpretation]; God has
22
“I saw in my [second] dream, seven shown Pharaoh what He is about to do.
ears [of grain], plump and good, grow- 26
“The seven good cows are seven
ing on a single stalk; years, and the seven good ears are
23
and lo, seven [other] ears, with- seven years; the [two] dreams are one
ered, thin, and scorched by the east [and the same].
wind, sprouted after them; 27
“The seven thin and ugly cows that
24
and the thin ears devoured the seven came up after them are seven years;
good ears. Now I told this to the magi- and also the seven thin ears, dried up
cians and soothsayers, but there was no and scorched by the east wind, they
one who could explain it [to me].” are seven years of famine and hunger.
from the pit to the palace
Because his brothers hated him, Joseph was thrown into a pit and left there to die
(see Genesis 37:23–24). But God had other plans! As it turned out, Joseph was sold
as a slave in Egypt, became a servant to a wealthy ruler, and then was thrown into
a pit again for a crime he did not commit (see Genesis 39). Ultimately, Joseph was
freed from prison and ended up in the palace, second in command to Pharaoh, the
ruler over all Egypt.
How did Joseph get from the pit to the palace? I believe he made that journey by
staying positive, refusing to be bitter, being confident in God, and trusting Him.
Even though Joseph was labeled a “slave,” he refused to have a slave mentality.
Even though he appeared to be defeated on many occasions, he kept standing up
on the inside. In other words, Joseph had a right attitude. Without a right attitude,
we can start in the palace and end up in the pit. This happens to a lot of people.
Some people have great opportunities given to them, and they do nothing with
their lives. Others may get a very bad start in life, but then overcome all obstacles
and succeed.
I also believe Joseph believed in the dreams God had given him. Joseph was a
dreamer; he made big plans and refused to give them up (see Genesis 37:5–10).
The devil does not want us to have dreams and visions of better things. He wants
us to stay in the pit and be “do-nothings.”
I challenge you to make up your mind right now to do something great for God.
No matter where you started, you can have a great finish. If people have mistreated
and abused you, do not waste your time trying to get revenge—leave them in God’s
hands and trust Him to bring justice into your life. Know what you want out of life
and what you want to do. Don’t be vague; be confident! To be confident means
to be bold, open, plain, and straightforward—that does not sound like a vague,
sheepish, fearful individual who is uncertain about everything. Decide to leave
your mark in this world. When you depart from this earth, people should know that
you have been here. Even if you are in a “pit” today, God can still raise you up and
do great things in you and through you!

Genesis 41:28 70
28
“This is the message just as I have “Can we find a man like this [a man
told Pharaoh: God has shown Pharaoh equal to Joseph], in whom is the divine
what He is about to do. spirit [of God]?”
29
“Listen very carefully: seven 39
Then Pharaoh said to Joseph,
years of great abundance will come “Since [your] God has shown you all
throughout all the land of Egypt; this, there is no one as discerning and
30
but afterward seven years of fam- clear-headed and wise as you are.
ine and hunger will come, and [there 40
“You shall have charge over my
will be such desperate need that] all house, and all my people shall be gov-
the great abundance [of the previous erned according to your word and pay
years] will be forgotten in the land of respect [to you with reverence, sub-
Egypt [as if it never happened], and mission, and obedience]; only in [mat-
famine and destitution will ravage and ters of] the throne will I be greater
destroy the land. than you [in Egypt].”
31
“So the great abundance will be- 41
Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See,
come forgotten in the land because of I have set you [in charge] over all the
that subsequent famine, for it will be land of Egypt.”
very severe. 42
Then Pharaoh took off his signet
32
“That the dream was repeated ring from his hand and put it on Jo-
twice to Pharaoh [and in two differ- seph’s hand, and dressed him in [of-
ent ways] indicates that this matter is ficial] vestments of fine linen and put
fully determined and established by a gold chain around his neck.
God, and God will bring it to pass very 43
He had him ride in his second char-
quickly. iot; and runners proclaimed before
33
“So now let Pharaoh [prepare him, “[Attention,] bow the knee!” And
ahead and] look for a man discern- he set him over all the land of Egypt.
ing and clear-headed and wise, and 44
Moreover, Pharaoh said to Joseph,
set him [in charge] over the land of “Though I am Pharaoh, yet without
Egypt [as governor under Pharaoh]. your permission shall no man raise
34
“Let Pharaoh take action to appoint his hand [to do anything] or set his
overseers and officials over the land, foot [to go anywhere] in all the land
and set aside one-fifth [of the proof Egypt [all classes of people shall
duce] of the [entire] land of Egypt in submit to your authority].”
the seven years of abundance. 45
Then Pharaoh named Joseph
35
“Let them gather [as a tax] all [of the Zaphenath-paneah; and he gave him
fifth of] the food of these good years Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera,
that are coming, and store up grain priest of On (Heliopolis in Egypt), as his
under the direction and authority of wife. And Joseph went out over all the
Pharaoh, and let them guard the food land of Egypt [to inspect and govern it].
[in fortified granaries] in the cities. 46
Now Joseph [had been in Egypt
36
“That food shall be put [in stor- thirteen years and] was thirty years
age] as a reserve for the land against old when he stood before Pharaoh,
the seven years of famine and hunger king of Egypt. Joseph departed from
which will occur in the land of Egypt, the presence of Pharaoh and went
so that the land (people) will not be through all the land of Egypt [per-
ravaged during the famine.” forming his duties].
37
Now the plan seemed good to Phar- 47
In the seven abundant years the
aoh and to all of his servants. earth produced handfuls [for each
38
So Pharaoh said to his servants, seed planted].

71 Genesis 42:12
42
48
And Joseph gathered all the [sur- NOW WHEN Jacob (Israel)
plus] food of the seven [good] years learned that there was
in the land of Egypt and stored [enor- grain in Egypt, he said to
mous quantities of] the food in the his sons, “Why are you staring at one
cities. He stored away in every city another [in bewilderment and not tak-
the food [collected] from its own sur- ing action]?”
rounding fields. 2
He said, “I have heard that there is
49
Thus Joseph gathered and stored grain in Egypt; go down there and buy
up grain in great abundance like [some] grain for us, so that we may
the sand of the sea, until he stopped live and not die [of starvation].”
counting it, for it could not be mea-
3
So ten of Joseph’s brothers went
sured. down to buy grain in Egypt.
50
Now two sons were born to Jo-
4
But Jacob did not send Benjamin,
seph before the years of famine came, Joseph’s [younger] brother, with his
whom Asenath, the daughter of Poti- brothers, for he said, “I am afraid that
phera, priest of On, bore to him. some harm or injury may come to him.”
51
Joseph named the firstborn
5
So the sons of Israel came [to Egypt]
Manasseh (causing to forget), for he to buy grain along with the others who
said, “God has made me forget all my were coming, for famine was in the
trouble and hardship and all [the sor- land of Canaan also.
row of the loss of] my father’s house-
6
Now Joseph was the ruler over the
hold.” land, and he was the one who sold
[grain] to all the people of the land;
52
He named the second [son]
and Joseph’s [half] brothers came and
Ephraim (fruitfulness), for “God has
bowed down before him with their
caused me to be fruitful and very suc-
faces to the ground.
cessful in the land of my suffering.” 7
When Joseph saw his brothers
53
When the seven years of plenty he recognized them, but [hiding his
came to an end in the land of Egypt, identity] he treated them as strangers
54
the seven years of famine began and spoke harshly to them. He said to
to come, just as Joseph had said [they them, “Where have you come from?”
would]; the famine was in all the [sur- And they said, “From the land of Ca-
rounding] lands, but in the land of naan, to buy food.”
Egypt there was bread (food). 8
Joseph recognized his brothers, but
55
So when all the land of Egypt was they did not recognize him.
famished, the people cried out to 9
Joseph remembered the dreams he
Pharaoh for food; and Pharaoh said had dreamed about them, and said to
to all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph; do them, “You are spies; you have come
whatever he says to you.” [with a malicious purpose] to observe
56
When the famine was spread over the undefended parts of our land.”
all the land, Joseph opened all the 10
But they said to him, “No, my lord,
storehouses, and sold [surplus grain] for your servants have [only] come to
to the Egyptians; and the famine buy food.
grew [extremely] severe in the land 11
“We are all the sons of one man;
of Egypt. we are honest men, your servants are
57
And [the people of] all countries not spies.”
came to Egypt to Joseph to buy grain, 12
Yet he said to them, “No, you have
because the famine was severe over come to see the undefended parts of
all the [known] earth. our land.”

Genesis 42:13 72
13
But they said, “Your servants are returned and talked with them, and
twelve brothers [in all], the sons of took Simeon from them and bound
one man in the land of Canaan; please him in front of them [to be kept as a
listen: the youngest is with our father hostage in Egypt].
today, and one is no longer alive.” 25
Then Joseph gave orders [pri-
14
Joseph said to them, “It is as I said vately] that their bags be filled with
to you, you are spies. grain, and that every man’s money
15
“In this way you shall be tested: [used to pay for the grain] be put
by the life of Pharaoh, you shall not back in his sack, and that provisions
leave this place unless your youngest be given to them for the journey. And
brother comes here! so this was done for them.
16
“Send one of you [back home], and 26
They loaded their donkeys with
let him bring your brother [here], while grain and left from there.
[the rest of] you remain confined, so 27
And at the lodging place, as one of
that your words may be tested, [to see] them opened his sack to feed his don-
whether there is any truth in you [and key, he saw his money in the opening
your story]; or else, by the life of Phar- of his sack.
aoh, certainly you are spies.” 28
And he said to his brothers, “My
17
Then Joseph put them all in prison money has been returned! Here it is in
for three days. my sack!” And their hearts sank, and
18
Now Joseph said to them on the they were afraid and turned trembling
third day, “Do this and [you may] live, to one another, saying, “What is this
for I fear God: that God has done to us?”
19
if you are honest men, let one of 29
When they came to Jacob their fa-
your brothers be confined in your ther in the land of Canaan, they told
[place here in] prison; but as for the him everything that had happened to
rest of you, go, carry grain for the fam- them, saying,
ine in your households, 30
“The man who is the lord of the
20
but bring your youngest brother to land spoke harshly to us, and took us
me, so your words will be verified and for spies of the land.
you will not die.” And they did so. 31
“But we told him, ‘We are honest
21
And they said to one another, men; we are not spies.
“Truly we are guilty regarding our 32
‘We are twelve brothers, sons of
brother [Joseph], because we saw the our father; one is no longer alive, and
distress and anguish of his soul when the youngest is with our father today
he pleaded with us [to let him go], yet in the land of Canaan.’
we would not listen [to his cry]; so this 33
“And the man, the lord of the
distress and anguish has come on us.” country, said to us, ‘By this [test] I
22
Reuben answered them, “Did I not will know that you are honest men:
tell you, ‘Do not sin against the boy’; leave one of your brothers here with
and you would not listen? Now the me and take grain for your starving
accounting for his blood is required households and go.
[of us for we are guilty of his death].” 34
‘Bring your youngest brother to
23
They did not know that Joseph un- me; then I will know that you are not
derstood [their conversation], because spies, but that you are honest men.
he spoke to them through an inter- Then I will return your [imprisoned]
preter. brother [back] to you, and you may
24
He turned away from his brothers trade and do business in the land.’ ”
and [left the room and] wept; then he 35
Now when they emptied their

73 Genesis 43:16
sacks, every man’s bundle of money ourselves and our relatives. He said,
[paid to buy grain] was in his sack. ‘Is your father still alive? Have you
When they and their father saw the another brother?’ And we answered
bundles of money, they were afraid. him accordingly. How could we pos-
36
Jacob their father said to them, “You sibly know that he would say, ‘Bring
have bereaved me [by causing the loss] your brother down [here to Egypt]’? ”
of my children. Joseph is no more, and 8
Judah said to Israel his father, “Send
Simeon is no more, and you would take the young man with me and we will
Benjamin [from me]. All these things get up and go [buy food], so that we
are [working] against me.” may live and not die [of starvation],
37
Then Reuben spoke to his father, we as well as you and our little ones.
“You may put my two sons to death if 9
“I will be security (a guarantee) for
I do not bring Benjamin back to you; him; you may hold me [personally] re-
put him in my care, and I will return sponsible for him. If I do not bring him
him to you.” [back] to you and place him [safely]
38
But Jacob said, “My son shall not before you, then let me bear the blame
go down [to Egypt] with you; for his before you forever.
brother is dead, and he alone is left 10
“For if we had not delayed like
[of Rachel’s children]. If any harm or this, surely by now we would have
accident should happen to him on the returned the second time.”
journey you are taking, then you will 11
Then their father Israel said to
bring my gray hair down to Sheol (the them, “If it must be so, then do this;
place of the dead) in sorrow.” take some of the choicest products of
the land in your sacks, and carry it as
43
NOW THE famine was very a present [of tribute] to the man [rep-
severe in the land [of Ca- resenting Pharaoh], a little balm and
naan]. a little honey, aromatic spices or gum,
2
And it happened that when the fam- resin, pistachio nuts, and almonds.
ilies of Jacob’s sons had finished eat- 12
“Take double the [amount of]
ing [all of] the grain which they had money with you, and take back the
brought from Egypt, their father said money that was returned in the open-
to them, “Go again, buy us a little food.” ing of your sacks; perhaps it was an
3
But Judah said to him, “The man oversight.
[representing Pharaoh] solemnly and 13
“Take your brother [Benjamin]
sternly warned us, saying, ‘You will also, and get up, and go to the man;
not see my face [again] unless your 14
and may God Almighty grant you
brother is with you.’ compassion and favor before the man,
4
“If you will send our brother with so that he will release to you your
us, we will go down [to Egypt] and buy other brother [Simeon] and Benja-
you food. min. And as for me, if I am bereaved
5
“But if you will not send him, we of my children [Joseph, Simeon, and
will not go down there; for the man Benjamin], I am bereaved.”
said to us, ‘You will not see my face 15
Then the men took the present,
unless your brother is with you.’ ” and they took double the [amount of]
6
And Israel (Jacob) said, “Why did money with them, and Benjamin; then
you treat me so badly by telling the they left and went down to Egypt and
man that you had another brother?” stood before Joseph.
7
And they said, “The man asked 16
When Joseph saw Benjamin with
us straightforward questions about them, he said to the steward of his

Genesis 43:17 74
house, “Bring the men into the house, present [of tribute] which they had
and kill an animal and make [a meal] with them and bowed to the ground
ready; for the men will dine with me before him.
at noon.” 27
He asked them about their well-
17
So the man did as Joseph said, and being, and said, “Is your old father
brought the men to Joseph’s house. well, of whom you spoke? Is he still
18
The men were afraid, because they alive?”
were brought to Joseph’s house; and 28
And they answered, “Your servant
[expecting the worst] they said, “It our father is in good health; he is still
is because of the money that was re- alive.” And they bowed down [their
turned in our sacks the first time [we heads before Joseph] in respect.
came] that we are being brought in, 29
And he looked up and saw his
so that he may find a reason to accuse
brother Benjamin, his mother’s [only
us and assail us, and take us as slaves,
and seize our donkeys.” other] son, and said, “Is this your
19
So they approached the steward of youngest brother, of whom you spoke
Joseph’s house, and talked with him at to me?” And Joseph said, “God be
the entrance of the house, gracious to you and show you favor,
20
and said, “Oh, my lord, we indeed my son.”
came down here the first time to buy
30
Then Joseph hurried out [of the
food; room] because his heart was deeply
21
and when we arrived at the inn [af- touched over his brother, and he
ter leaving here], we opened our sacks sought privacy to weep; so he entered
and there was each man’s money [with his chamber and wept there.
which he had paid for grain], in full, 31
Then he washed his face and came
returned in the mouth of his sack. So out, and, restraining himself, said,
we have brought it back [this time]. “Let the meal be served.”
22
“We have also brought down with 32
So the servants served Joseph by
us additional money to buy food; we do himself [in honor of his rank], and
not know who put our money [back] in his brothers by themselves, and the
our sacks [last time].” Egyptians who ate with him by them-
23
But the steward [encouraged them selves, because [according to custom]
and] said, “Peace be to you, do not be the Egyptians could not eat food with
afraid; your God and the God of your the Hebrews, for that is loathsome to
father has [miraculously] given you the Egyptians.
treasure in your sacks. I [already] had 33
Now Joseph’s brothers were seated
your money [which you paid to us].”
[by the steward] before him [in the
Then he brought Simeon out to them.
24
Then the steward brought the men order of their birth]—the firstborn
into Joseph’s house and gave them according to his birthright and the
water, and they washed [the dust off] youngest according to his youth; and
their feet; and he gave their donkeys the men looked at one another in as-
feed. tonishment [because so much was
25
So they prepared the present [of known about them].
tribute] for Joseph before his arrival
34
Joseph selected and sent portions
at noon; for they had heard that they to them from his own table, but Benja-
were to eat a meal there. min’s portion was five times as much
26
When Joseph came home, they as any of theirs. So they feasted and
brought into the house to him the drank freely and celebrated with him.

75 Genesis 44:22
44
AND HE commanded the youngest, and the cup was found in
steward of his house, say- Benjamin’s sack.
ing, “Fill the men’s sacks 13
Then they tore their clothes [in
with food, as much as they can carry, grief]; and after each man had loaded
and put every man’s [grain] money in his donkey again, they returned to
the mouth of the sack. the city.
2
“Put my [personal] cup, the sil- 14
When Judah and his brothers came
ver cup, in the mouth of the sack of to Joseph’s house, he was still there;
the youngest, with his grain money.” and they fell to the ground before him.
And the steward did as Joseph had 15
Joseph spoke harshly to them,
told him. “What is this thing that you have
3
As soon as the morning was light, done? Do you not realize that such a
the men were sent away, they and man as I can indeed practice divina-
their donkeys. tion and foretell [everything you do
4
When they had left the city, and without outside knowledge of it]?”
were not yet far away, Joseph said to 16
So Judah said, “What can we say to
his steward, “Get up, follow after the my lord? What can we reply? Or how
men; and when you overtake them, can we clear ourselves, since God has
say to them, ‘Why have you repaid evil exposed the sin and guilt of your ser-
[to us] for good [paid to you]? vants? Behold, we are my lord’s slaves,
5
‘Is this not my lord’s drinking cup the rest of us as well as he with whom
and the one which he uses for divi- the cup is found.”
nation? You have done [a great and 17
But Joseph said, “Far be it from me
unforgivable] wrong in doing this.’ ” that I should do that; but the man in
6
So the steward overtook them and whose hand the cup has been found,
he said these words to them. he will be my servant; and as for [the
7
They said to him, “Why does my rest of] you, get up and go in peace to
lord speak these things? Far be it from your father.”
your servants to do such a thing! 18
Then Judah approached him, and
8
“Please remember, the money said, “O my lord, please let your servant
which we found in the mouths of our say a word to you in private, and do
sacks we have brought back to you not let your anger blaze against your
from the land of Canaan. Is it likely servant, for you are equal to Pharaoh
then that we would steal silver or gold [so I speak as if directly to him].
from your master’s house? 19
“My lord asked his servants, say-
9
“With whomever of your servants ing, ‘Have you a father or a brother?’
your master’s cup is found, let him 20
“We said to my lord, ‘We have an
die, and the rest of us will be my lord’s old father and a young [brother, Ben-
slaves.” jamin, the] child of his old age. Now
10
And the steward said, “Now let it his brother [Joseph] is dead, and he
be as you say; he with whom the cup alone is left of [the two sons born of]
is found will be my slave, but the rest his mother, and his father loves him.’
of you shall be blameless.” 21
“Then you said to your servants,
11
Then every man quickly lowered ‘Bring him down to me that I may ac-
his sack to the ground and each man tually see him.’
opened his sack [confident the cup 22
“But we said to my lord, ‘The young
would not be found among them]. man cannot leave his father, for if he
12
The steward searched, beginning should leave his father, his father
with the eldest and ending with the would die.’

Genesis 44:23 76
45
23
“You said to your servants, ‘Unless THEN JOSEPH could not
your youngest brother comes with control himself [any longer]
you, you shall not see my face again.’ in front of all those who at-
24
“So when we went back to your tended him, and he called out, “Have
servant my father, we told him what everyone leave me.” So no man stood
my lord had said. there when Joseph revealed himself
25
“Our father said, ‘Go back [to Egypt], to his brothers.
and buy us a little food.’
2
Joseph wept aloud, and the Egyp-
26
“But we said, ‘We cannot go down tians [who had just left him] heard it,
[to Egypt]. If our youngest brother is and the household of Pharaoh heard
with us, then we will go down [there]; of it.
for we [were sternly told that we]
3
Then Joseph said to his brothers,
cannot see the man’s face unless our “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?”
youngest brother is with us.’ But his brothers were speechless, for
27
“Your servant my father said to us, they were stunned and dismayed by
‘You know that my wife [Rachel] bore [the fact that they were in] Joseph’s
me [only] two sons. presence.
28
‘And one [son] went out from me,
4
And Joseph said to his brothers,
and I said, “Surely he is torn to pieces,” “Please come closer to me.” And they
and I have not seen him since. approached him. And he said, “I am
29
‘If you take this one also from me, Joseph your brother, whom you sold
and harm or an accident happens to into Egypt.
5
“Now do not be distressed or angry
him, you will bring my gray hair down
with yourselves because you sold me
to Sheol in sorrow.’
here, for God sent me ahead of you to
30
“Now, therefore, when I come to
save life and preserve our family.
your servant my father, and the young 6
“For the famine has been in the
man is not with us, since his life is land these two years, and there are
bound up in the young man’s life, still five more years in which there
31
when he sees that the young man is will be no plowing and harvesting.
not with us, he will die; and your ser- 7
“God sent me [to Egypt] ahead of
vants will bring the gray hair of your you to preserve for you a remnant on
servant our father down to Sheol in the earth, and to keep you alive by a
[great] sorrow. great escape.
32
“For your servant became security 8
“So now it was not you who sent me
for the young man to my father, say- here, but God; and He has made me a
ing, ‘If I do not bring him back to you, father to Pharaoh and lord of all his
then let me bear the blame before my household and ruler over all the land
father forever.’ of Egypt.
33
“Now, therefore, please let your 9
“Hurry and go up to my father, and
servant (Judah) remain here instead tell him, ‘Your son Joseph says this
of the youth [to be] a slave to my lord, to you: “God has made me lord of all
and let the young man go home with Egypt; come down to me, do not delay.
his brothers. 10
“You shall live in the land of Go-
34
“How can I go up to my father if shen [the best pasture land of Egypt],
the young man is not with me—for and you shall be close to me—you and
fear that I would see the tragedy that your children and your grandchil-
would overtake my [elderly] father [if dren, your flocks and your herds and
Benjamin does not return]?” all you have.

77 Genesis 46:5
11
“There I will provide for you and 23
To his father he sent the following:
sustain you, so that you and your ten male donkeys loaded with the good
household and all that are yours may things of Egypt, and ten female don-
not become impoverished, for there keys loaded with grain and bread and
are still five years of famine to come.” ’ provision for his father [to supply all
12
“Look! Your eyes see, and the eyes who were with him] on the journey.
of my brother Benjamin see, that I am 24
So he sent his brothers away, and as
speaking to you [personally in your lan- they departed, he said to them, “See that
guage and not through an interpreter]. you do not quarrel on the journey [about
13
“Now you must tell my father of all how to explain this to our father].”
my splendor and power in Egypt, and 25
So they went up from Egypt, and
of everything that you have seen; and came to the land of Canaan to Jacob
you must hurry and bring my father their father,
down here.” 26
and they said to him, “Joseph is still
14
Then he embraced his brother alive, and indeed he is ruler over all the
Benjamin’s neck and wept, and Ben- land of Egypt.” But Jacob was stunned
jamin wept on his neck. and his heart almost stopped beating,
15
He kissed all his brothers and wept because he did not believe them.
on them, and afterward his brothers 27
When they told him everything
talked with him. that Joseph had said to them, and
16
When the news was heard in when he saw the wagons which Jo-
Pharaoh’s house that Joseph’s broth- seph had sent to carry him, the spirit
ers had come, it pleased Pharaoh and of their father Jacob revived.
his servants. 28
And Israel (Jacob) said, “It is
17
Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Tell enough! Joseph my son is still alive. I
your brothers, ‘Do this: load your ani- will go and see him before I die.”
mals and return to the land of Canaan
46
[without delay], SO ISRAEL set out with
18
and get your father and your all that he had, and came
households and come to me. I will give to Beersheba [where both
you the best of the land of Egypt and his father and grandfather had wor-
you will eat the fat (the finest produce) shiped God], and offered sacrifices to
of the land.’ the God of his father Isaac. [Gen 21:33;
19
“Now you [brothers of Joseph] are 26:23–25]
ordered [by Pharaoh], ‘Do this: take 2
And God spoke to Israel in visions
wagons from the land of Egypt for of the night and said, “Jacob, Jacob!”
your little ones and for your wives, And he said, “Here I am.”
and bring your father and come. 3
And He said, “I am God, the God of
20
‘Do not be concerned with your your father; do not be afraid to go down
goods, for the best of all the land of to Egypt, for I will make you (your de-
Egypt is yours.’ ” scendants) a great nation there.
21
Then the sons of Israel did so; and 4
“I will go down with you to Egypt,
Joseph gave them wagons according and I will also surely bring you (your
to the command of Pharaoh, and gave people) up again; and Joseph will put
them provisions for the journey. his hand on your eyes [to close them
22
To each of them Joseph gave at the time of your death].”
changes of clothing, but to Benjamin 5
So Jacob set out from Beersheba;
he gave three hundred pieces of silver and the sons of Israel carried their fa-
and five changes of clothing. ther Jacob and their children and their

Genesis 46:6 78
wives in the wagons that Pharaoh had were born Manasseh and Ephraim,
sent to carry him. whom Asenath, the daughter of Po-
6
And they took their livestock and tiphera, priest of On (Heliopolis in
the possessions which they had ac- Egypt), bore to him.
quired in the land of Canaan and 21
And the sons of Benjamin: Bela,
came to Egypt, Jacob and all his de- Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi,
scendants with him. Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard.
7
His sons and his grandsons, his 22
These are the sons of Rachel,
daughters and his granddaughters, who were born to Jacob; [there were]
and all his descendants he brought fourteen persons in all [two sons and
with him to Egypt. twelve grandchildren].
8
Now these are the names of the 23
The son of Dan: Hushim.
sons of Israel, Jacob and his sons, 24
The sons of Naphtali: Jahzeel,
who went to Egypt: Reuben, Jacob’s Guni, Jezer, and Shillem.
firstborn. 25
These are the sons of Bilhah, [the
9
The sons of Reuben: Hanoch, Pallu, maid] whom Laban gave to Rachel his
Hezron, and Carmi. daughter [when she married Jacob].
10
The sons of Simeon: Jemuel, Ja- And she bore these to Jacob; [there
min, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul were] seven persons in all [two sons
the son of a Canaanite woman. and five grandchildren].
11
The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, 26
All the persons who came with Ja-
and Merari. cob into Egypt—who were his direct
12
The sons of Judah: Er, Onan, Shelah, descendants, not counting the wives
Perez, and Zerah—but Er and Onan of [Jacob or] Jacob’s sons, were sixty-
died in the land of Canaan. And the six persons in all,
sons of Perez were Hezron and Hamul. 27
and the sons of Joseph, who were
13
The sons of Issachar: Tola, Puvah, born to him in Egypt, were two. All the
Job, and Shimron. persons of the house of Jacob [includ-
14
The sons of Zebulun: Sered, Elon, ing Jacob, and Joseph and his sons],
and Jahleel. who came into Egypt, were seventy.
15
These are the sons of Leah, whom 28
Now Jacob (Israel) sent Judah
she bore to Jacob in Paddan-aram, with ahead of him to Joseph, to direct him
his daughter Dinah; all of his sons and to Goshen; and they came into the
daughters numbered thirty-three. land of Goshen.
16
The sons of Gad: Ziphion, Haggi, 29
Then Joseph prepared his chariot
Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli. and went up to meet Israel his father
17
The sons of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, in Goshen; as soon as he presented
Ishvi, Beriah, and Serah their sister. himself before him (authenticating his
And the sons of Beriah: Heber and identity), he fell on his [father’s] neck
Malchiel. and wept on his neck a [very] long time.
18
These are the sons of Zilpah, [the 30
And Israel said to Joseph, “Now let
maid] whom Laban gave to Leah his me die [in peace], since I have seen
daughter [when she married Jacob]; your face [and know] that you are still
and she bore to Jacob these sixteen alive.”
persons [two sons and fourteen 31
Joseph said to his brothers and to his
grandchildren]. father’s household, “I will go up and tell
19
The sons of Rachel, Jacob’s wife: Pharaoh, and say to him, ‘My brothers
Joseph and Benjamin. and my father’s household, who were in
20
Now to Joseph in the land of Egypt the land of Canaan, have come to me;

79 Genesis 47:18
32
and the men are shepherds, for 8
And Pharaoh asked Jacob, “How old
they have been keepers of livestock; are you?”
and they have brought their flocks 9
Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The years
and their herds and all that they have.’ of my pilgrimage are a hundred and
33
“And it shall be that when Pharaoh thirty. Few and unpleasant have been
calls you and says, ‘What is your oc- the years of my life, and they have not
cupation?’ reached the years that my fathers lived
34
you shall say, ‘Your servants have during the days of their pilgrimage.”
been keepers of livestock from our 10
And Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and
youth until now, both we and our fa- departed from his presence.
thers [before us],’ in order that you 11
So Joseph settled his father and
may live [separately and securely] in brothers and gave them a possession
the land of Goshen; for every shep- in Egypt, in the best of the land, in the
herd is repulsive to the Egyptians.” land of Rameses (Goshen), as Pharaoh
commanded.
47
THEN JOSEPH came and 12
Joseph provided and supplied his
told Pharaoh, “My father father and his brothers and all his fa-
and my brothers, with their ther’s household with food, according
flocks and their herds and all that to [the needs of] their children.
they own, have come from the land 13
Now [in the course of time] there
of Canaan, and they are in the land was no food in all the land, for the
of Goshen.” famine was distressingly severe, so
2
He took five men from among his that the land of Egypt and all the land
brothers and presented them to Phar- of Canaan languished [in destitution
aoh. and starvation] because of the famine.
3
And Pharaoh said to his brothers 14
Joseph gathered all the money that
[as Joseph expected], “What is your was found in the land of Egypt and
occupation?” And they said to Phar- in the land of Canaan [in payment]
aoh, “Your servants are shepherds, for the grain which they bought, and
both we and our fathers [before us].” Joseph brought the money into Phar-
4
Moreover, they said to Pharaoh, “We aoh’s house.
have come to live temporarily (sojourn) 15
And when the money was ex-
in the land [of Egypt], for there is no hausted in the land of Egypt and in
pasture for the flocks of your servants the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians
[in our land], for the famine is very se- came to Joseph and said, “Give us
vere in Canaan. So now, please let your food! Why should we die before your
servants live in the land of Goshen.” very eyes? For our money is gone.”
5
Then Pharaoh spoke to Joseph, say- 16
Joseph said, “Give up your live-
ing, “Your father and your brothers stock, and I will give you food in ex-
have come to you. change for your livestock, since the
6
“The land of Egypt is before you; money is gone.”
settle your father and your brothers in 17
So they brought their livestock to
the best of the land. Let them live in Joseph, and he gave them food in ex-
the land of Goshen; and if you know change for the horses and the flocks
of any men of ability among them, put and the herds and the donkeys; and he
them in charge of my livestock.” supplied them with food in exchange
7
Then Joseph brought Jacob (Israel) for all their livestock that year.
his father and presented him before 18
When that year was ended, they
Pharaoh; and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. came to him the next year and said to

Genesis 47:19 80
him, “We will not hide from my lord 28

And Jacob lived in the land of
[the fact] that our money is spent; my Egypt seventeen years; so the length
lord also has our herds of livestock; of Jacob’s life was a hundred and
there is nothing left in the sight of my forty-seven years.
lord but our bodies and our lands. 29
And when the time drew near for
19
“Why should we die before your Israel to die, he called his son Joseph
eyes, both we and our land? Buy us and said to him, “If now I have found
and our land in exchange for food, and favor in your sight, please put your
we and our land will be servants to hand under my thigh and [promise
Pharaoh. And give us seed [to plant], to] deal loyally and faithfully with me.
that we may live and not die, and that Please do not bury me in Egypt,
the land may not be desolate.” 30
but when I lie down with my fa-
20
So Joseph bought all the land of thers [in death], you will carry me out
Egypt for Pharaoh; for every Egyptian of Egypt and bury me in their burial
sold his field because the famine was place [at Hebron in the cave of Mach-
severe upon them. So the land became pelah].” And Joseph said, “I will do as
Pharaoh’s. you have directed.”
21
And as for the people, he relocated 31
Then he said, “Swear to me [that
them [temporarily] to cities from one you will do it].” So he swore to him.
end of Egypt’s border to the other. Then Israel (Jacob) bowed in worship
22
Only the land of the priests he did at the head of the bed.
not buy, for the priests had an allot-
48
ment from Pharaoh, and they lived on NOW SOME time after
the amount which Pharaoh gave them, these things happened,
so they did not sell their land. Joseph was told, “Your fa-
23
Then Joseph said to the people, ther is sick.” So he took his two sons
“Look, today I have bought you and your Manasseh and Ephraim with him [to
land for Pharaoh; now, here is seed for go to Goshen].
you, and you shall plant the land. 2
And when Jacob (Israel) was told,
24
“At harvest time [when you reap “Look now, your son Joseph has come
the increase] you shall give one-fifth to you,” Israel strengthened himself
of it to Pharaoh, and four-fifths will be and sat up on the bed.
your own to use for seed for the field 3
Then Jacob said to Joseph, “God Al-
and as food for you and those of your mighty appeared to me at Luz (Bethel)
households and for your little ones.” in the land of Canaan and blessed me,
25
And they said, “You have saved our 4
and said to me, ‘Behold, I will make
lives! Let us find favor in the sight of you fruitful and numerous, and I will
my lord, and we will be Pharaoh’s ser- make you a great company of people,
vants.” and will give this land to your descen-
26
And Joseph made it a law over the dants after you as an everlasting pos-
land of Egypt—valid to this day—that session.’ [Gen 28:13–22; 35:6–15]
Pharaoh should have the fifth part [of 5
“Now your two sons [Ephraim and
the crops]; only the land of the priests Manasseh], who were born to you
did not become Pharaoh’s. in the land of Egypt before I came to
27
Now [the people of] Israel lived in you in Egypt, are mine; Ephraim and
the country of Egypt, in [the land of] Manasseh shall be mine [that is, adopted
Goshen, and they gained possessions as my heirs and sons as surely], as Reu-
and acquired property there and were ben and Simeon are my sons.
fruitful and multiplied greatly. 6
“But other sons who were born to

81 Genesis 48:22
you after them shall be your own; they 16

The Angel [that is, the LORD
shall be called by the names of their Himself] who has redeemed me
[two] brothers in their inheritance. [continually] from all evil,
7
“Now as for me, when I came from Bless the boys;
Paddan [in Mesopotamia], Rachel And may my name live on in them
died beside me in the land of Ca- [may they be worthy of having
naan on the journey, when there was their names linked with mine],
still some distance to go to Ephrath; And the names of my fathers
and I buried her there on the way to Abraham and Isaac;
Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).” And may they grow into a [great]
8
When Israel [who was almost blind] multitude in the midst of the
saw Joseph’s sons, he said, “Who are earth.”
these?”
When Joseph saw that his father
17
9
Joseph said to his father, “They are
laid his right hand on Ephraim’s head,
my sons, whom God has given me here
it displeased him [because he was not
[in Egypt].” So he said, “Please bring
the firstborn]; and he grasped his fa-
them to me, so that I may bless them.”
ther’s hand to move it from Ephraim’s
10
Now Israel’s eyes were so dim from
head to Manasseh’s head.
age that he could not see [clearly]. Then 18
Joseph said to his father, “Not so, my
Joseph brought them close to him, and
father, for this is the firstborn; place
he kissed and embraced them.
your right hand on Manasseh’s head.”
11
Israel said to Joseph, “I never ex- 19
But his father refused and said, “I
pected to see your face, but see, God
know, my son, I know; Manasseh also
has shown me your children as well.”
will become a people and he will be
12
Then Joseph took the boys [from his
great; but his younger brother shall be
father’s embrace], and he bowed [be-
greater than he, and his descendants
fore him] with his face to the ground.
shall become a multitude of nations.”
13
Then Joseph took them both, 20
Then Jacob blessed them that day,
Ephraim with his right hand toward
saying,
Israel’s left, and Manasseh with his
left hand toward Israel’s right, and “By you Israel will pronounce a
brought them close to him. blessing, saying,
14
But Israel reached out his right hand ‘May God make you like Ephraim
and laid it on the head of Ephraim, who and Manasseh.’ ”
was the younger, and his left hand on And he put Ephraim before Manasseh.
Manasseh’s head, crossing his hands 21
Then Israel said to Joseph, “Behold,
[intentionally], even though Manasseh I am about to die, but God will be with
was the firstborn. you, and bring you back to [Canaan]
15
Then Jacob (Israel) blessed Joseph, the land of your fathers.
and said, 22
“Moreover, I have given you [the
“The God before whom my fathers birthright,] one portion [Shechem,
Abraham and Isaac walked [in one mountain ridge] more than any of
faithful obedience], your brothers, which I took [reclaim-
The God who has been my ing it] from the hand of the Amorites
Shepherd [leading and caring for with my sword and with my bow.”
me] all my life to this day, [Gen 33:18, 19; Josh 24:32, 33; John 4:5]

Genesis 49:1 82
49
THEN JACOB called for And scatter them in [the midst of
his sons and said, “Assem- the land of] Israel.
ble yourselves [around me] 8
“Judah, you are the one whom your
that I may tell you what will happen to brothers shall praise;
you and your descendants in the days Your hand will be on the neck of
to come. your enemies;
2
“Gather together and hear, O sons Your father’s sons shall bow down
of Jacob; to you.
And listen to Israel (Jacob) your
9
“Judah, a lion’s cub;
father. With the prey, my son, you have
3
“Reuben, you are my firstborn; gone high up [the mountain].
My might, the beginning of my He stooped down, he crouched like
strength and vigor, a lion,
Preeminent in dignity and And like a lion—who dares rouse
preeminent in power [that him? [Rev 5:5]
should have been your
10
“The scepter [of royalty] shall not
depart from Judah,
birthright].
Nor the ruler’s staff from between
4
“But unstable and reckless and
his feet,
boiling over like water [in sinful
Until Shiloh [the Messiah, the
lust], you shall not excel or Peaceful One] comes,
have the preeminence [of the And to Him shall be the obedience
firstborn], of the peoples. [Num 24:17; Ps
Because you went up to your 60:7; Ezek 21:27]
father’s bed [with Bilhah]; 11
“Tying his foal to the [strong] vine
You defiled it—he went up to my And his donkey’s colt to the
couch. [Gen 35:22] choice vine,
5
“Simeon and Levi are brothers He washes his clothing in wine
[equally headstrong, deceitful, [because the grapevine produces
vindictive, and cruel]; abundantly],
Their swords are weapons of And his robes in the blood of
violence and revenge. [Gen grapes.
34:25–30] [Is 63:1–3; Zech 9:9; Rev 19:11–16]
6
“O my soul, do not come into their
12
“His eyes are darker and sparkle
more than wine,
secret council;
And his teeth whiter than milk.
Let not my glory (honor) be united
with their assembly [for I knew 13
“Zebulun shall dwell at the
nothing of their plot]; seashore;
Because in their anger they killed And he shall be a haven (landing
men [an honored man, Shechem, place) for ships,
and the Shechemites], And his flank shall be toward
And in their self-will they lamed Sidon.
oxen. 14
“Issachar is [like] a strong-boned
7
“Cursed be their anger, for it was donkey,
fierce; Crouching down between the
And their wrath, for it was cruel. sheepfolds.
I will divide and disperse them 15
“When he saw that the resting
in Jacob, place was good

83 Genesis 49:33
And that the land was pleasant, And by the Almighty who
He bowed his shoulder to bear blesses you
[burdens], With blessings of the heavens
And became a servant at forced above,
labor. Blessings lying in the deep that
16
“Dan shall judge his people, couches beneath,
As one of the tribes of Israel. Blessings of the [nursing] breasts
17
“Dan shall be a [venomous] and of the [fertile] womb.
serpent in the way,
26
“The blessings of your father
A fanged snake in the path, Are greater than the blessings
That bites the horse’s heels, of my ancestors [Abraham and
So that his rider falls backward. Isaac]
18
“I wait for Your salvation, O LORD. Up to the utmost bound of the
everlasting hills;
19
“As for Gad—a raiding troop shall They shall be on the head of Joseph,
raid him, Even on the crown of the head of
But he shall raid at their heels and him who was the distinguished
assault them [victoriously]. one and the one who is prince
20
“Asher’s food [supply] shall be rich among (separate from) his
and bountiful, brothers.
And he shall yield and deliver 27
“Benjamin is a ravenous wolf;
royal delights. In the morning he devours the prey,
21
“Naphtali is a doe let loose, [a swift And at night he divides the spoil.”
warrior,] All these are the [beginnings of the]
28
Which yields branched antlers twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what
(eloquent words). their father said to them as he blessed
22
“Joseph is a fruitful bough (a main them, blessing each one according to
branch of the vine), the blessing appropriate to him.
A fruitful bough by a spring (a 29
He charged them and said to them,
well, a fountain); “I am to be gathered to my people; bury
Its branches run over the wall me with my fathers in the cave that is
[influencing others]. in the field of Ephron the Hittite,
23
“The [skilled] archers have bitterly 30
in the cave in the field at Machpelah,
attacked and provoked him; east of Mamre, in the land of Canaan,
They have shot [at him] and that Abraham bought, along with the
harassed him. field from Ephron the Hittite, to possess
24
“But his bow remained firm and as a burial site. [Gen 23:17–20]
steady [in the Strength that does 31
“There they buried Abraham and
not fail], Sarah his wife, there they buried Isaac
For his arms were made strong and Rebekah his wife, and there I
and agile buried Leah—
By the hands of the Mighty One of 32
the field and the cave that is in it
Jacob, was purchased from the sons of Heth.”
(By the name of the Shepherd, the 33
When Jacob (Israel) had finished
Stone of Israel), [Gen 48:15; Deut commanding his sons, he drew his feet
32:4; Is 9:6; 49:26] into the bed and breathed his last, and
25
By the God of your father who will was gathered to his people [who had
help you, preceded him in death].

Genesis 50:1 84
50
THEN JOSEPH fell upon 4
When the days of weeping and
his father’s face, and wept public mourning for him were past,
over him and kissed him Joseph spoke to [the nobles of] the
[tenderly]. house of Pharaoh, saying, “If now I
2
Then Joseph ordered his servants have found favor in your sight, please
the physicians to embalm (mum- speak to Pharaoh, saying,
mify) his father. So the physicians 5
‘My father made me swear [an
embalmed Israel (Jacob). oath], saying, “Hear me, I am about
3
Now forty days were required for to die; bury me in my tomb which I
this, for that is the customary num- prepared for myself in the land of
ber of days [of preparation] required Canaan.” So now let me go up [to Ca-
for embalming. And the Egyptians naan], please, and bury my father;
wept and grieved for him [in public then I will return.’ ”
mourning as they would for royalty] 6
And Pharaoh said, “Go up and bury
for seventy days. your father, as he made you swear.”
turn your mess into your message
Joseph’s brothers were afraid he would never forgive them for wanting him dead
and for selling him into slavery. In Genesis 50:20, we see that Joseph had a good
and loving attitude as he gave his brothers the assurance that he had forgiven their
wrongdoing. They may have meant to do evil against him, but God meant it for good.
It is amazing how many times Satan will set a trap for us, meaning it for our harm
and destruction. But when God gets involved, He takes what Satan meant to destroy
us and turns it so that it works for our good instead. Nobody else can make things
work out that way, but God can. He can take any negative situation, and through His
miracle-working power use it to make us stronger and more dangerous to the enemy
than we would have been without it.
My own situation bears this out. I was sexually, mentally, and emotionally abused
for many years during my childhood. This was certainly a terrible thing to happen
to a child, and it was definitely a work of Satan, but God has worked it out for good.
My mess has become my message; my misery has become my ministry, and I am
using the experience I gained from my pain to help multitudes of others who are
hurting.
I encourage you not to waste your pain. God will use it if you give it to Him. He has
given me beauty for ashes, just as He promised in Isaiah 61:3 (see the Amplified
Classic or KJV, NKJV, or NIV translations of this verse), but I had to let go of the
ashes. I had to learn to have a good attitude, as Joseph did. I had to learn to let go of
the bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness I felt toward the people who hurt me.
When we have been hurt, it is important not to let the pain go on and on by having
a bitter attitude. We hurt only ourselves when we hate people. We would not waste
our time hating people if we realized that they are probably enjoying their lives and
are not the least concerned with how we feel about them. Remember, God is our
Vindicator, and He will bring good out of what the enemy intended for evil.

85 Genesis 50:21
7
So Joseph went up [to Canaan] to their father was dead, they said, “What
bury his father, and with him went if Joseph carries a grudge against us
all the officials of Pharaoh, [the no- and pays us back in full for all the
bles of his court and] the elders of his wrong which we did to him?”
household and all [the nobles and] the 16
So they sent word to Joseph, say-
elders of the land of Egypt— ing, “Your father commanded us be-
8
and all the household of Joseph and fore he died, saying,
his brothers and his father’s house- 17
‘You are to say to Joseph, “I beg
hold. They left only their little ones you, please forgive the transgression
and their flocks and herds in the land of your brothers and their sin, for they
of Goshen. did you wrong.” ’ Now, please forgive
9
Both chariots and horsemen also the transgression of the servants of
went up [to Canaan] with Joseph; and the God of your father.” And Joseph
it was a very great company. wept when they spoke to him.
10
When they came to the threshing
floor of Atad, which is beyond the Jor- life point
dan, they mourned there with a great
lamentation (expressions of mourn- So often in our lives, Satan thinks he is
ing for the deceased) and [extreme
doing some terrible thing to bring about
demonstrations of] sorrow [accord-
ing to Egyptian custom]; and Joseph our destruction, and yet God has another
observed a seven-day mourning for plan entirely (see Genesis 50:20). He
his father. intends to take what Satan means for
11
When the inhabitants of the land, our harm and work it out not only for our
the Canaanites, saw the mourning at good, but for the good of the many to
the threshing floor of Atad, they said, whom we will minister.
“This is a grievous mourning for the
Egyptians.” Therefore the place was 18
Then his brothers went and fell
named Abel-mizraim (mourning of down before him [in confession]; then
Egypt); it is west of the Jordan. they said, “Behold, we are your ser-
12
So Jacob’s sons did for him as he vants (slaves).”
had commanded them; 19
But Joseph said to them, “Do not be
13
for his sons carried him to the afraid, for am I in the place of God?
land of Canaan and buried him in the [Vengeance is His, not mine.]
cave of the field of Machpelah, east 20
“As for you, you meant evil against
of Mamre, which Abraham bought me, but God meant it for good in order
along with the field as a burial site to bring about this present outcome,
from Ephron the Hittite. that many people would be kept alive
14
After he had buried his father, Jo- [as they are this day].
seph returned to Egypt, he and his 21
“So now, do not be afraid; I will
brothers, and all who had gone up provide for you and support you and
with him. your little ones.” So he comforted
15
When Joseph’s brothers saw that them [giving them encouragement
speak the Word

Father, I thank You that when others mean evil against me, You mean it for good.

Genesis 50:22 86
and hope] and spoke [with kindness] this land to the land which He prom-
to their hearts. ised to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob
22
Now Joseph lived in Egypt, he and [to give you].”
his father’s household, and Joseph 25
Then Joseph made the sons of Is-
lived a hundred and ten years. rael (Jacob) swear [an oath], saying,
23
Joseph saw the third generation of “God will surely visit you and take care
Ephraim’s children; also the children of you [returning you to Canaan], and
of Machir, the son of Manasseh, were [when that happens] you shall carry
born and raised on Joseph’s knees. my bones up from here.”
24
Joseph said to his brothers, “I am 26
So Joseph died, being a hundred
about to die, but God will surely take and ten years old; and they embalmed
care of you and bring you up out of him and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.

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The

Amplified Old Testament

Amplified New Testament

FEATURING NOTES and COMMENTARY

New York • Nashville

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The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book without permission

Originally published in hardcover by FaithWords in October 2006

FaithWords is a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc. The FaithWords

TELB 00_Front Matter.indd 4

“The grass withers, the flower fades,

T he Amplified Bible has been produced with the conviction

The Fourfold Aim of The Lockman Foundation

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The Lockman Foundation is now pleased to present the Amplified

The result is a translation that is contemporary and firmly based

The Amplified Bible of 2015 has been editorially recast so that a

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Parentheses in Roman type ( ) supply the definition in context

Parentheses in bold type ( ) indicate a parenthetical phrase

Brackets in Roman type [ ] contain justified words, phrases, or

Brackets in bold type [ ] are footnoted and indicate text not

Proper names of persons, places, or things are often used to

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Small capital letters are used in the New Testament to indicate

The proper name of God in the Old Testament is most signif-

Verse references are placed in brackets at the end of some vers-

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T he Lockman Foundation wishes to express deepest

It is our prayer that each participant—whether scholar or

To quote F. Dewey “Granddad” Lockman (1898–1974),

Phoebe McAuley Lambeth

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The Books of the Old Testament

Genesis 1 Ecclesiastes 1045

The Books of the New Testament

How To Receive Jesus as Your Personal Lord and Savior 2141

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Genesis read stories of people who were

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1 IN THE beginning God (Elohim)

speak the Word

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enjoy your life

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a very creative God

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caused to grow from the ground every life point

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the devil’s doom

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whom You gave to be with me—she 18

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speak the Word

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