A Summary of Genesis, Part 4
Beginning in chapter 36...
Using the English Standard Version
Check out Paul Holland's teaching on Genesis.
The genealogy of Esau, the brother of Jacob (also known as Israel) is listed. Scripture lists the descendants of Esau's wife, Adah, and his other wives, including the Horites who inhabited the land of Seir. The narrative shifts to Joseph, one of Jacob's twelve sons, who is favored by his father and receives a special coat. Joseph has dreams indicating that his family will bow down to him, which sparks jealousy among his brothers. Remember that Joseph was viewed by his brothers as the least among them: in like manner, Jesus was born to the least - humble, no earthly advantage.
The focus briefly shifts from Joseph to the story of Judah (the tribe Jesus is born from) and Tamar. Judah's sons marry Tamar, but they die childless. When Judah denies Tamar a rightful marriage to his remaining son, she disguises herself as a prostitute and becomes pregnant by Judah. Later, the story returns to Joseph, who is sold by his jealous brothers to traders heading to Egypt. Joseph finds himself in an Egyptian prison where he interprets the dreams of two fellow prisoners, the royal cupbearer and baker. Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, has troubling dreams that none of his advisors can interpret. The cupbearer remembers Joseph's ability to interpret dreams (parallel this to Daniel), and Joseph is brought before Pharaoh. Joseph accurately interprets the dreams as a prophecy of a upcoming famine and advises Pharaoh to appoint someone to oversee the food storage.
The famine reaches Canaan, where Joseph's brothers come seeking food. Unaware of Joseph's survival, they encounter him and bow before him, fulfilling his childhood dreams. Joseph tests his brothers' character before revealing his true identity, and eventually, he forgives them and reunites with his family. Did Christ have any justifiable reason to forgive us other than the Love, Grace, and Mercy of God? Jacob, with God's encouragement, decides to move his entire household and settle in Egypt. God assures him that He will make Jacob's descendants a great nation there. Joseph settles his family in the land of Goshen, and the famine continues. Under Joseph's guidance, Pharaoh exercises control over Egypt's resources, including livestock, land, and people. Jacob blesses Pharaoh and, eventually, his own twelve sons with unique blessings that foreshadow their future.
Jacob (Israel) passes away, and Joseph mourns his father's death. Joseph obtains Pharaoh's permission, together with his brothers, to bury Jacob in Canaan. Fearful of repercussions, Joseph reassures his brothers that he will care for them and their families. He lived to be 110 years old before his death, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promise to his forefathers. Of note, scholars generally agree that Jacob's name was often misspelled in the Hebrew until after him receiving the Promise and his resultant name change to Israel.
Up next, Exodus...
We at The Word hope this series helps with your journey with God, Christ and the Holy Spirit. We urge you to read the Scripture, praying for understanding and aid in application of what you study. May God bless you.
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