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Genesis 49b Commentary The blessing of Dan, being a snake by the roadside, is difficult to understand from the current context. We may look at Israel’s history and apply Dan’s blessing to the many times that Israel inflicted pain on herself. The nation tumbled backward. Dan would become a center for idol worship during theContinueContinue reading “Genesis 49b Commentary”

Genesis 49 Commentary The aged Jacob calls his sons together (like Isaac did) to bless them. It’s for the nation that he births. However, individual sons provide captions for each entry.Reuben is first. He is dislodged from his top slot as the firstborn because of sexual sin with his father’s wife, Bilhah. There is moreContinueContinue reading “Genesis 49 Commentary”

Genesis 48 Commentary Two events played out for Jacob and Esau: the birthright and the blessing. The same two events play out here. Chapter 48 is about the birthright, while chapter 49 is about the blessing.The birthright goes to Joseph. Ephraim is named first ahead of Manasseh – reflecting the unnatural flow of events. NoContinueContinue reading “Genesis 48 Commentary”

Genesis 47 Commentary Chapter 47 winds down a truly absorbing story. But in reality, we have the high points here, even as the notes and lights diminish. Jacob settles down in Goshen under the protection of Joseph and the goodwill of Pharaoh. They increase in number and prosper—the blessing of the LORD on Jacob. IsraelContinueContinue reading “Genesis 48 Commentary”

Genesis 46 Commentary Now the LORD speaks! The LORD had known all along (these many years) that Joseph was not dead but alive. Strange. This is itching information you want to quickly pass on to a friend but the LORD is long-suffering. Yes, long-suffering.The LORD speaks about the exodus. Again these are events arranged byContinueContinue reading “Genesis 46 Commentary”

Genesis 45 Commentary There are several very emotional points in Joseph’s story. Chapter 45 brings you tears, literally. The emotions climax here. Joseph makes himself known. The brothers are stunned! But Joseph knows far more than the immediate emotions of reunion or of even possible past recollections to be distracted.The LORD sent him (via theContinueContinue reading “Genesis 45 Commentary”

Genesis 44 Commentary We have a game being played on the brothers. But it’s not purposeless. These events are transforming lives. The brothers who easily dispensed of Joseph, all and in unison tear their clothes as they lament their predicament. How can they stand Benjamin’s imprisonment? They all return to Egypt even when only BenjaminContinueContinue reading “Genesis 44 Commentary”

Genesis 43 Commentary The food has run out and the brothers must make another trip to Egypt. Judah steps forward to try to convince his reluctant father to release Benjamin. The trip cannot be made without Benjamin. Simeon would not be released without Benjamin. “I myself will guarantee his safety; you can hold me personallyContinueContinue reading “Genesis 43 Commentary”

Genesis 42 Commentary The brothers arrive in Egypt – a food-buying mission. Jacob is starving. Israel needs food. Egypt is the solution. Jacob’s God will provide for him from Joseph’s base in Egypt, by Joseph’s hand.The blessing that the brothers would bow down to Joseph comes to fruition. The dream wasn’t silly, after all!“May nationsContinueContinue reading “Genesis 42 Commentary”

Genesis 41b Commentary Not all problems can be eliminated – especially the ones the LORD initiates! The famine stays. But how is the problem solved? Management. The issue will be managed. Seven = seven. The equation reminds the saint not to waste the seven years of plenty. One lost year means one full year ofContinueContinue reading “Genesis 41b Commentary”