God Calls Jacob to Bethel (Genesis 35:1) After the violent events of Genesis 34, God speaks to Jacob, telling him to go to Bethel, dwell there, and build an altar to the God who appeared to him when he fled from Esau (Genesis 35:1; cf. Genesis 28:10-22). This command recalls Jacob’s vow at Bethel years […]

Dinah Visits the Women of the Land (Genesis 34:1) Genesis 34 opens with Dinah, the daughter of Leah and Jacob, going out to visit the women of the land. This seems like an innocent act, but it places her in a vulnerable position among the Canaanites—people with very different moral and spiritual values (Genesis 34:1).

Jacob Sees Esau Approaching (Genesis 33:1-3) Genesis 33 opens with Jacob lifting his eyes and seeing Esau coming—with four hundred men (Genesis 33:1). The sight must have stirred intense fear in Jacob, given their history (Genesis 27:41). Jacob immediately arranges his family into groups: This arrangement shows both his protective instincts and the special place

Angels of God Meet Jacob (Genesis 32:1-2) Genesis 32 opens with a reminder of God’s presence and protection. As Jacob continues his journey toward Canaan, “the angels of God met him.” (Genesis 32:1) Jacob recognizes this encounter as significant and names the place Mahanaim, meaning two camps (Genesis 32:2). The name likely reflects the idea

Jacob Hears of Laban’s Sons’ Complaints and Sees Laban’s Changing Attitude (Genesis 31:1-3) Genesis 31 begins with rising tension. Jacob hears that Laban’s sons are grumbling: “Jacob hath taken away all that was our father’s; and of that which was our father’s hath he gotten all this glory.” (Genesis 31:1) This shows envy and resentment

Rachel’s Barrenness and Her Proposal to Jacob (Genesis 30:1-4) Genesis 30 opens with Rachel deeply envious of her sister Leah, who has already borne four sons to Jacob (Genesis 29:31-35). The text says: “And when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister; and said unto Jacob, Give me children, or

Jacob Arrives in the Land of the Eastern Peoples (Genesis 29:1-8) Genesis 29 opens with Jacob continuing his journey from Bethel toward Haran after his divine encounter with God (Genesis 28:10-22). The text says: “Then Jacob went on his journey, and came into the land of the people of the east.” (Genesis 29:1) Upon arrival,

Isaac Sends Jacob to Find a Wife (Genesis 28:1-5) Genesis 28 begins with Isaac formally blessing Jacob again before sending him to Padan-aram to find a wife from Rebekah’s family. This action follows Rebekah’s concern about the grief caused by Esau’s marriages to Hittite women (Genesis 27:46). Isaac charges Jacob not to take a wife

Isaac’s Intention to Bless Esau (Genesis 27:1-4) Genesis 27 opens with Isaac in his old age, his eyesight failing: “And it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called Esau his eldest son…” (Genesis 27:1). Believing his death was near, Isaac desired

Isaac’s Sojourn in Gerar During Famine (Genesis 26:1-6) Genesis 26 begins with a famine striking the land, reminiscent of the famine in Abraham’s time (Genesis 12:10). Isaac, like his father, moves to Gerar, a Philistine territory ruled by King Abimelech. This journey mirrors Abraham’s earlier migration to Egypt and Gerar, showing a pattern of God’s