Moses and Aaron Visit the Children of Israel

For more details, search Exodus 4.

In Exodus 4, God shows that when He wants a specific person to perform a task for Him it will be done by that person. The specific person God wants to deliver the children of Israel from oppressive living is Moses; however, Moses does not feel up to the task and comes up with various ways of trying to get out of it. Of course, when everything is done and said, God has built up Moses to go to Egypt to free the children.

Moses starts with telling God that the children of Israel will not believe that God has sent him. As proof to the people, God gives Moses the power to perform miracles. One miracle is to turn his rod into a snake and back into a rod again. Another miracle is for leprosy to appear upon his hand and then for it to be healed. If the people still do not believe, Moses is to take water from the river and it will turn to blood on the dry land.

Although Moses had the power to perform miracles to show the people, he still lacked confidence because of his speech. "And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou has spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue" (Exodus 4:10). God responds "...Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord" (Exodus 4:11)? "Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth and teach thee what thou shalt say" (Exodus 4:12).

Then, Moses seems to plea with the Lord to send someone else. "And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send" (Exodus 4:13). This statement by Moses makes God angry and God replies, "...Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart" (Exodus 4:14).

"And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth and will teach you what ye shall do" (Exodus 4:15).

"And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a month, and thou shalt be to him instead of God" (Exodus 4:16).

"And thou shalt take this rod in thine hand, wherewith thou shalt do signs" (Exodus 4:17).

Thus, Moses will be well-equipped to deliver the children of Israel.

Moses returned to his father-in-law, Jethro, and said, "...Let me go, I pray thee, and return unto my brethren which are in Egypt and see whether they be yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace" (Exodus 4:18).

"And the Lord said unto Moses in Midian, Go, return into Egypt: for all the men are dead which sought thy life" (Exodus 4:19).

Following God's command, Moses sets out for Egypt with his wife and sons and 'the rod of God in his hand' (Exodus 4:20).

"And the Lord said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go" (Exodus 4:21).

"And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the Lord, Israel is my son, even my firstborn (Exodus 4:22):

"And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn" (Exodus 4:23).

"And the Lord said to Aaron, Go into the wilderness to meet Moses. And he went, and met him in the mount of God, and kissed him" (Exodus 4:27).

"And Moses told Aaron all the words of the Lord who had sent him, and all the signs which he had commanded him" (Exodus 4:28).

"And Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel" (Exodus 4:29):

"And Aaron spake all the words which the Lord had spoken unto Moses, and did the signs in the sight of the people" (Exodus 4:30).

"And the people believed: and when they heard that the Lord had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped" (Exodus 4:31).

God's Hand in the Matter: God works to build up Moses' faith to deliver the children of Israel. God also works to bring Moses and Aaron together to speak the words of the Lord to the children of Israel and to perform miracles. The people believe Moses and Aaron. At the end of the chapter, the people bowed their head and worshipped God for looking upon their conditon.

Personal note: Today, if God wants you to perform a task, He will build your faith up through His Word in the bible and will teach you through the Holy Spirit.

"And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified" (Acts 20:32).

"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you" (John 14:26).

As with Moses, God will spend all the time it takes to accomplish His purpose through you.

I AM Sends Moses to Egypt

For more detail, search Exodus 2 and 3.

Exodus 2 ends with God looking upon the children of Israel with respect. In Exodus 3, God acts to deliver them from their oppressive living conditions in Egypt. He moves to bring the children of Israel to 'a land flowing with milk and honey' which is also home to the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and the Jebusites (Exodus 3:8).

Moses is tending to the sheep of his father-in-law, Jethro, when God calls to him from a burning bush and tells Moses to go to the Pharaoh to bring His people out of Egypt (Exodus 3:1-10). "And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt" (Exodus 3:11)?

God assures Moses that He will be with him and as a token that God has sent him, God says to Moses, "When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain" (Exodus 3:12). The mountain is known as Horeb which is the mountain of God (Exodus 3:1).

"And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, what is his name? what shall I say unto them" (Exodus 3:13)?

"And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you (Exodus 3:14).

"And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, the Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations" (Exodus 3:15).

"Go, and gather the elders of Israel together, and say unto them, The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared unto me, saying, I have surely visited you, and seen that which is done to you in Egypt" (Exodus 3:16):

"And I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt unto the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, unto a land flowing with milk and honey" (Exodus 3:17).

"And they shall hearken to thy voice: and thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt, and ye shall say unto him, The Lord God of the Hebrews hath met with us: and now let us go, we beseech thee, three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God" (Exodus 3:18)

"And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand" (Exodus 3:19).

"And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go" (Exodus 3:20).

"And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty" (Exodus 3:21):

"But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians" (Exodus 3:22).

God's Hand in Matters: This chapter clearly shows God's hand in matters. Working through Moses, God is acting to deliver the children of Israel from Pharaoh's bondage. The steps taken to deliver them will enentually come to fruition as God specifically says in verse 20, "And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go." More of the wonders of God's hand in matters are yet to be revealed.

Personal note: God works today to deliver us from bondage when we cry out to Him! We worship the same God today as they did then.

Moses is Born

For your reference, search Exodus 2.

A man of the house of Levi took a daughter of Levi as his wife (Exodus 2:1).

"And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months" (Exodus 2:2).

When it became too difficult for the woman to hide her son, she made an ark out of reeds; "...daubed it with slime and with pitch..."; placed the child inside and laid it in the river grasses (Exodus 2:3).

From a distance, the child's sister was watching to see what would happen to him (Exodus 2:4).

The ark was spotted by the Pharaoh's daughter who came to bathe herself at the river while her maidens walked along the side. Pharaoh's daughter sent her maid to get the ark (Exodus 2:5).

The remaining verses of 6 thru 25 in Exodus 2 are word for word from the King James Version of the Bible. The blog entry concludes with verses highlighting "God's Hand in the Matter."

6) And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of Hebrews' children.

7) Then said his sister to Pharaoh's daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee?

8) And Pharaoh's daughter said to her, Go. And the maid went and called the child's mother.

9) And Pharaoh's daughter said unto her, Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages. And the woman took the child, and nursed it.

10) And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water.

11) And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren.

12) And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and his him in the sand.

13) And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow?

14) And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known.

15) Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well.

16) Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock.

17) And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.

18) And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How is it that ye are come so soon to day?

19) And they said, An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and also drew water enough for us, and watered the flock.

20) And he said unto his daughters, And where is he? why is it that ye have left the man? call him, that he may eat bread.

21) And Moses was content to dwell with the man: and he gave Moses Zipporah his daughter.

22) And she bare him a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land.

23) And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.

24) And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.

25) And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them.

God's Hand in the Matter: As shown in verses 23 thru 25, God heard the cries of the children of Israel because of their bondage; God looked upon them; God respected them. God remembered the covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Conditions Change for the Children of Israel

For your reference, search Exodus 1.

The children of Israel increased abundantly in the land and grew mighty (Exodus 1:7). The children of Israel were so many in number and mighty that the new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph, said,

"Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land" (Exodus 1:8-10).

The new Pharaoh was afraid the children of Israel would join his enemies in wartime and fight against him.

"Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses" (Exodus 1:11).

"But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel" (Exodus 1:12).

"And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigour" (Exodus 1:14).

The Pharaoh told the Hebrew midwives, amongst whom were Shiphrah and Puah, to kill any Hebrew sons born and to let the daughters live (Exodus 1:16).

"But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive" (Exodus 1:17).

"And the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said unto them, Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the men children alive" (Exodus 1:18)?

**"And the midwives said to Pharaoh,"Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women; for they are lively and give birth before the midwives come to them" " (Exodus 1:19).

**"Therefore God dealt well with the midwives, and the people multiplied and grew very mighty" (Exodus 1:20).

**"And so it was, because the midwives feared God, that He provided households for them" (Exodus 1:21).

"And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive" (Exodus 1:22).

In searching the scriptures to know and to learn of God, I am going to begin bringing special attention to God's hand in matters to help us along the way. When this is done, I shall include a section entitled "God's Hand in Matters" at the end of the blog entry as will be done following today's blog entry.

God's Hand in Matters: In today's verses, God's hand is specifically shown in verses 20 and 21. For not following Pharaoh's instructions, the midwives were 'dealt well with' by God through an increase in the number of a 'very mighty' people and the midwives were made houses.

**Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Learning and Teaching of God

Regular reference to the Old Testament for this blog began with the New Testament verse of John 6:45:

"It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me."

Upon reading this verse, I was moved toward a journey through the Bible to learn and to teach of God in hopes of leading you to Jesus through the Father.

To learn of God is to learn about His interaction in man's life from the past and to ultimately experience Him firsthand. As you hear or read to learn about the Father, you will be led to Jesus who is the way to life everlasting.

As you read your Bible or these blog entries, search to know God and all His ways. He is the same God today as He was then!

Israel Buried in the Land of Canaan

For more detail, search Genesis 50.


When Israel passed away, "...Joseph fell upon his...face, and wept upon him, and kissed him" (Genesis 50:1). The physicians followed Joseph's command and embalmed Israel (Genesis 50:2).

"And forty days were fulfilled for him; for so are fullfilled the days of those which are embalmed: and the Egyptians mourned for him threescore and ten days" (Genesis 50:3).

"And when the days of his mourning were past, Joseph spake unto the house of Pharaoh, saying, If now I have found grace in your eyes, speak, I pray you, in the ears of Pharaoh, saying, My father made me swear, saying, Lo, I die: in my grave which I have digged for me in the land of Canaan, there shalt thou bury me. Now therefore let me go up, I pray thee, and bury my father, and I will come again" (Genesis 50:4,5).

"And Pharaoh said, Go up, and bury thy father, according as he made thee swear" (Genesis 50:6).

Joseph along with Pharaoh's servants; 'the elders of his house'; 'all the elders of the land of Egypt' '[a]nd all the house of Joseph, and his brethren, and his father's house' went to bury Israel (Genesis 50:7,8).

"And there went up with him both chariots and horsemen: and it was a very great company" (Genesis 50:9). The little ones of Joseph's brothers along with their flocks and herds were left in Goshen (Genesis 50:8).

"And they came to the threshingfloor of Atad, which is beyond Jordan, and there they mourned with a great and very sore lamentation: and he made a mourning for his father seven days" (Genesis 50:10).

"And when the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, saw the mourning in the floor of Atad, they said, This is a grievous mourning to the Egyptians: wherefore the name of it was called Abelmizraim, which is beyond Jordan" (Genesis 50:11).

"And his sons did unto him according as he commanded them" (Genesis 50:12):

"For his sons carried him into the land of Canaan, and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah, which Abraham bought with the field for a possession of a burying place of Ephron the Hittite, before Mamre" (Genesis 50:13).

After Israel's burial, Joseph and all who went returned to Egypt (Genesis 50:14).

"And when Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him" (Genesis 50:15).

"And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying" (Genesis 50:16),

"So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him" (Genesis 50:17).

"And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants" (Genesis 50:18).

"And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God" (Genesis 50:19)?

"But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive" (Genesis 50:20).

"Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them" (Genesis 50:21).

"And Joseph dwelt in Egypt, he, and his father's house: and Joseph lived an hundred and ten years" (Genesis 50:22).

"And Joseph saw Ephraim's children of the third generation: the children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were brought up upon Joseph's knees" (Genesis 50:23).

"And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die: and God will surely visit you , and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob" (Genesis 50:24).

"And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence" (Genesis 50:25).

"So Joseph died, being an hundred and ten years old: and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt" (Genesis 50:26).

Israel's Prophecy for the Twelve Tribes

This blog entry is verbatim from Genesis 49:

1) And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days.

2) Gather yourselves together, and hear, ye sons of Jacob; and hearken unto Israel your father.

3) Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power:

4) Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father's bed; then defiledst thou it: he went up to my couch.

5) Simeon and Levi are brethren; instruments of cruelty are in their habitations.

6) O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their self-will they digged down a wall.

7) Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel: I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel.

8) Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow down before thee.

9) Judah is a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up?

10) The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.

11) Binding his foal unto the vine, and his ass's colt unto the choice vine; he washed his garments in wine, and his clothes in the blood of grapes:

12) His eyes shall be red with wine, and his teeth white with milk.

13) Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea; and he shall be for an haven of ships; and his border shall be unto Zidon.

14) Issachar is a strong ass couching down between two burdens:

15) And he saw that rest was good, and the land that it was pleasant; and bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant unto tribute.

16) Dan shall judge his people, as one of the tribes of Israel.

17) Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward.

18) I have waited for thy salvation, O Lord.

19) Gad, a troop shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last.

20) Out of Asher his bread shall be fat, and he shall yield royal dainties.

21) Naphtali is a hind let loose: he giveth goodly words.

22) Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall:

23) The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him:

24) But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)

25) Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb:

26) The blessings of thy father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills: they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren.

27) Benjamin shall ravin as a wolf: in the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil.

28) All these are the twelve tribes of Israel: and this is it that their father spake unto them, and blessed them; every one according to his blessing he blessed them.

29) And he charged them, and said unto them, I am to be gathered unto my people: bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite,

30) In the cave that is in the field of Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought with the field of Ephron the Hittite for a possession of a buryingplace.

31) There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife; there they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife; and there I buried Leah.

32) The purchase of the field and of the cave that is therein was from the children of Heth.

33) And when Jacob had made an end of commanding his sons, he gathered up his feet into the bed, and yielded up the ghost, and was gathered unto his people.

Israel Blesses Ephraim and Manasseh

This blog entry is verbatim from Genesis 48:

1) And it came to pass after these things, that one told Joseph, Behold, thy father is sick: and he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.

2) And one told Jacob, and said, Behold, thy son Joseph cometh unto thee: and Israel strengthened himself, and sat upon the bed.

3) And Jacob said unto Joseph, God Almighty appeared unto me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and blessed me,

4) And said unto me, Behold, I will make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, and I will make of thee a multitude of people; and will give this land to thy seed after thee for an everlasting possession.

5) And now thy two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, which were born unto thee in the land of Egypt before I came unto thee into Egypt, are mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine.

6) And thy issue, which thou begettest after them, shall be thine, and shall be called after the name of their brethren in their inheritance.

7) And as for me, when I came from Padan, Rachel died by me in the land of Canaan in the way, when yet there was but a little way to come unto Ephrath: and I buried her there in the way of Ephrath; the same is Bethlehem.

8) And Israel beheld Joseph's sons, and said, Who are these?

9) And Joseph said unto his father, They are my sons, whom God hath given me in this place. And he said, Bring them, I pray thee, unto me, and I will bless them.

10) Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he could not see. And he brought them near unto him; and he kissed them, and embraced them.

11) And Israel said unto Joseph, I had not thought to see thy face: and, lo, God hath shewed me also thy seed.

12) And Joseph brought them out from between his knees, and he bowed himself with his face to the earth.

13) And Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel's left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel's right hand, and brought them near unto him.

14) And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim's head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh's head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the firstborn.

15) And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day,

16) The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.

17) And when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it displeased him: and he held up his father's hand, to remove it from Ephraim's head unto Manasseh's head.

18) And Joseph said unto his father, Not so, my father: for this is the firstborn; put thy right hand upon his head.

19) And his father refused, and said, I know it, my son, I know it; he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations.

20) And he blessed them that day, saying, In thee shall Israel bless, saying, God make thee as Ephraim and as Manasseh: and he set Ephraim before Manasseh.

21) And Israel said unto Joseph, Behold, I die: but God shall be with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers.

22) Moreover I have given to thee one portion above thy brethren, which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow.

Famine Grows Worse in the Land

For more detail, search Genesis 46 and 47.

Joseph told the Pharaoh about the arrival of his father and brothers with all their belongings including their livestock (Genesis 47:1).

Joseph brought some of his brothers before the Pharaoh. As Joseph had said, the Pharaoh asked them what their occupation is (Genesis 46:33; 47:3). They replied, "Thy servants are shepherds, both we and also our fathers" (Genesis 47:3).

Pharaoh let Joseph's family dwell in the land of Goshen which was the best of the land (Genesis 47:6). The Pharaoh also told Joseph that if he knew of "...any men of activity among them, then make them rulers over [his] cattle" (Genesis 47:6).

"And Joseph brought in Jacob his father, and set him before Pharaoh: and Jacob blessed Pharaoh" (Genesis 47:7).

"And Pharaoh said unto Jacob, How old art thou" (Genesis 47:8)?

"And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, The days of the years of my pilgrimage are an hundred and thirty years: few and evil have the days of the years of my life been, and have not attained unto the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage" (Genesis 47:9).

"And Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from before Pharaoh" (Genesis 47:10).

"And Joseph placed his father and his brethren, and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded" (Genesis 47:11).

"And Joseph nourished his father and his brethren, and all his father's household, with bread, according to their families" (Genesis 47:12).

Famine had stricken Egypt and Canaan leaving no food in these lands (Genesis 47:13). Money lost its value (Genesis 47:15); therefore, Joseph had the people to trade their livestock for food (Genesis 47:17).

Over time, the people spent all their money and traded all their livestock for food. The only thing the people had left were themselves and their land (Genesis 47:18). In order to live, they resorted to selling themselves as servants and their land to the Pharaoh (Genesis 47:19).

"Only the land of the priests bought he not; for the priests had a portion assigned them of Pharaoh, and did eat their portion which Pharaoh gave them: wherefore they sold not their lands" (Genesis 47:22).

"Then Joseph said unto the people, Behold, I have bought you this day and your land for Pharaoh: lo, here is seed for you, and ye shall sow the land" (Genesis 47:23).

"And it shall come to pass in the increase, that ye shall give the fifth part unto Pharaoh, and four parts shall be your own, for seed of the field, and for your food, and for them of your households, and for food for your little ones" (Genesis 47:24).

"And they said, Thou hast saved our lives: let us find grace in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh's servants" (Genesis 47:26).

"And Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the country of Goshen; and they had possessions therein, and grew, and multiplied exceedingly" (Genesis 47:27).

"And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years: so the whole age of Jacob was an hundred forty and seven years" (Genesis 47:28).

"And the time drew nigh that Israel must die: and he called his son Joseph, and said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me; bury me not, I pray thee, in Egypt" (Genesis 47:29):

"But I will lie with my fathers, and thou shalt carry me out of Egypt, and bury me in their buryingplace. And he said, I will do as thou hast said" (Genesis 47:30).

"And he said, Swear unto me, And he sware unto him. And Israel bowed himself upon the bed's head" (Genesis 47:31).

God Goes with Israel to Egypt

For more detail, search Genesis 46.

Israel travelled with his descendants and they took all their belongings to Egypt (Genesis 46:6). Search Genesis 46:7-27 for Israel's descendants who went to Egypt. Along the way, they came to Beersheba where Israel "...offered sacrifices unto the God of his father Isaac" (Genesis 46:1).

"And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I" (Genesis 46:2).

"And he said, I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation" (Genesis 46:3):

"I will go down with thee into Egypt; and I will also surely bring thee up again: and Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes" (Genesis 46:4).

"And he sent Judah before him unto Joseph, to direct his face unto Goshen; and they came into the land of Goshen; and they came into the land of Goshen" (Genesis 46:28).

"And Joseph made ready his chariot, and went up to meet Israel his father, to Goshen, and presented himself unto him; and he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while"(Genesis 46:29).

"And Israel said unto Joseph, Now let me die, since I have seen thy face, because thou art yet alive" (Genesis 46:30).

Joseph told his family that he would inform the Pharaoh of their arrival and let him know they are shepherds by trade (Genesis 46:31,32). Joseph explained to his family that the Pharaoh will come and ask them what their occupation is (Genesis 46:33).

"That ye shall say, Thy servants' trade hath been about cattle from our youth even until now, both we, and also our fathers: thay ye may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians" (Genesis 46:34).

Joseph Reveals Himself to His Brothers

For more detail, search Genesis 45.

Joseph could hold back no longer; hence, weeping aloud, he revealed himself to his brothers (Genesis 45:1,2).

"And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were trobuled at his presence" (Genesis 45:3).

Joseph had his brothers to come closer to him "[a]nd he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt" (Genesis 45:4).

Joseph went on to say for his brothers not to be grieved or angry with themselves for selling him because God sent him before them to preserve life (Genesis 45:5).

"And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance" (Genesis 45:7).

"So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt" (Genesis 45:8).

"Haste ye, and go up to my father, and say unto him, Thus saith thy son Joseph, God hath made me lord of all Egypt: come down unto me, tarry not" (Genesis 45:9):

"And thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be near unto me, thou, and thy children, and thy children'ts children, and thy flocks, and thy herds and all that thou hast" (Genesis 45:10):

"And there will I nourish thee; for yet there are five years of famine; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty" (Genesis 45:11).

"And, behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin, that it is my mouth that speaketh unto you" (Genesis 45:12).

"And ye shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that ye have seen; and ye shall haste and bring down my father hither" (Genesis 45:13).

"And he fell upon his brother Benjamin's neck, and wept; and Benjamin wept upon his neck" (Genesis 45:14).

"Moreover he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them: and after that his brethren talked with him" (Genesis 45:15).

"And the fame thereof was heard in Pharaoh's house, saying, Joseph's brethren are come: and it pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants" (Genesis 45:16).

The Pharaoh commanded the brothers to go to Canaan to bring back their father and their households to him and told them he will give them "...the good of the land of Egypt, and ye shall eat the fat of the land" (Genesis 45:18). The brothers were given wagons and provisions for their trip as well as goods for their father (Genesis 45:21-23).

The brothers made it to Canaan to tell their father. After a while, Israel was convinced to go to Egypt and said, "It is enough, Joseph my son is yet alive: I will go and see him before I die" (Genesis 45:28).

Problems Encountered Returning from Egypt

For reference, search Genesis 44.

Joseph sent the brothers away with their sacks full of food and with their money (Genesis 44:1). In addition to the corn money, Joseph had the steward to place his silver cup in Benjamin's sack (Genesis 44:2).

"And when they were gone out of the city, and not yet far off, Joseph said unto his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say unto them, Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good" (Genesis 44:4)?

"Is not this it in which my lord drinketh, and whereby indeed he divineth? ye have done evil in so doing" (Genesis 44:5).

The steward overtook the brothers and asked them what Joseph had instructed (Genesis 44:6).

"And they said unto him, Wherefore saith my lord these words? God forbid that thy servants should do according to this thing" (Genesis 44:7):

"Behold, the money, which we found in our sacks mouths, we brought again unto thee out of the land of Canaan: how then should we steal out of thy lord's house silver or gold" (Genesis 44:8)?

"With whomsoever of thy servants it be found, both let him die, and we also will be my lord's bondmen" (Genesis 44:9).

"And he said, Now also let it be according unto your words: he with whom it is found shall be my servant; and ye shall be blameless" (Genesis 44:10).

The brothers' sacks were searched with the cup found in Benjamin's sack (Genesis 44:12). The brothers returned to the city to Joseph's house (Genesis 44:13,14).

"And Joseph said unto them, What deed is this that ye have done? wot ye not that such a man as I can certainly divine" (Genesis 44:15)?

"And Judah said, What shall we say unto my lord? what shall we speak? or how shall we clear ourselves? God hath found out the iniquity of thy servants: behold, we are my lord's servants, both we, and he also with whom the cup is found" (Genesis 44:16).

"And he said, God forbid that I should do so: but the man in whose hand the cup is found, he shall be my servant; and as for you, get you up in peace unto your father" (Genesis 44:17).

Judah approached Joseph with a request to speak and for Joseph not to be angry with him (Genesis 44:18). Judah told Joseph everything that had taken place from the brothers' original trip to Egypt until then (Genesis 44:19-32). Sharing concern for his father, Judah requested to be Joseph's bondman instead of Benjamin (Genesis 44:33). Judah did not want to return to Canaan without his brother, Benjamin, for fear that his father would go to the grave in sorrow (Genesis 44:22,29,34).

Israel's Sons Return to Egypt

For your reference, search Genesis 43.

Israel told his sons to go back and bring a little more food from Egypt because all the food they had brought from their previous trip had been eaten (Genesis 43:2). Judah assured Israel that unless he let Benjamin go with them they would not go because this time they would not be able to see the ruler to purchase from him without Benjamin (Genesis 43:3-5).

"And Judah said unto Israel his father, send the lad with me, and we will arise and go; that we may live, and not die, both we and thou, and also our little ones" (Genesis 43:8).

"I will be surety for him; of my hand shalt thou require him: if I bring him not unto thee, and set him before thee, then let me bear the blame for ever..." (Genesis 43:9)[.]

"And their father Israel said unto them, If it must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds" (Genesis 43:11):

"And take double money in your hand; and the money that was brought again in the mouth of your sacks, carry it again in your hand; peradventure it was an oversight" (Genesis 43:12):

"Take also your brother, and arise, go again unto the man" (Genesis 43:13).

"And God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin. If I bereaved of my children, I am bereaved" (Genesis 43:14).

The brothers did as their father said, travelled to Egypt and went before Joseph (Genesis 43:15). When Joseph saw that Benjamin was with them, he had the ruler of his house to make preparations for them to dine with him at noon (Genesis 43:16).

The brothers were afraid and wondered why Joseph had them to come into his house. They thought it might be used as an occasion against them to "...fall upon [them], and take [them] for bondmen, and [their] asses" (Genesis 43:18).

"And they came near to the steward of Joseph's house, and they communed with him at the door of the house" (Genesis 43:19),

"And said, O sir, we came indeed down at the first time to buy food" (Genesis 43:20):

"And it came to pass, when we came to the inn, that we opened our sacks, and, behold, every man's money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight: and we have brought it again in our hand" (Genesis 43:21).

"And other money have we brought down in our hands to buy food: we cannot tell who put our money in our sacks" (Genesis 43:22).

"And he said, Peace be to you, fear not: your God, and the God of your father, hath given you treasure in your sacks: I had your money. And he brought Simeon out unto them" (Genesis 43:23).

"And the man brought the men into Joseph's house, and gave them water, and they washed their feet; and he gave their asses provender" (Genesis 43:24).

"And they made ready the present against Joseph came at noon: for they heard that they should eat bread there" (Genesis 43:25).

"And when Joseph came home, they brought him the present which was in their hand into the house, and bowed themselves to him to the earth" (Genesis 43:26).

"And he asked them of their welfare, and said, Is your father well, the old man of whom ye spake? Is he yet alive" (Genesis 43:27)?

"And they answered, Thy servant our father is in good health, he is yet alive. And they bowed down their heads, and made obeisance" (Genesis 43:28).

"And he lifted up his eyes, and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother's son, and said, Is this your younger brother, of whom ye spake unto me? And he said, God be gracious unto thee, my son" (Genesis 43:29).

"And Joseph made haste; [for he yearned for his brother]: and he sought where to weep; and he entered into his chamber, and wept there" (Genesis 43:30).

"And he washed his face, and went out, and refrained himself, and said, Set on bread" (Genesis 43:31).

"And they set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themselves: because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that is an abomination unto the Egyptians" (Genesis 43:32).

"And they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his youth: and the men marvelled one at another" (Genesis 43:33).

"And he took and sent messes unto them from before him: but Benjamin's mess was five times so much as any of theirs. And the drank, and were merry with him" (Genesis 43:34).

Famine Strikes the Land

For more detail, search Genesis 42.

Jacob heard there was corn in Egypt and sent his sons there to buy some to keep them from dying because of the famine (Genesis 42:1,2).

Ten of the brothers were sent to Egypt, but Jacob kept Benjamin with him for fear that mischief might come upon him (Genesis 42:4).

The brothers made it to Egypt. Joseph recognized them when they "...bowed down themselves before him with their faces to the earth" (Genesis 49:6) [;] however, he made himself unrecognizable to them "...and spake roughly unto them; and he said unto them, whence come ye? And they said, From the land of Canaan to buy food" (Genesis 42:7).

Joseph remembered the dreams he had from when he lived with his brothers (Genesis 42:9). For your remembrance, search Genesis 37 for the account of the dreams.

Joseph said to them that they are spies "[a]nd they said unto him, Nay, my lord, but to buy food are thy servants come. We are all one man's sons; we are true men, thy servants are no spies" (Genesis 42:10,11).

"And they said, Thy servants are twelve brethren, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and, behold, the youngest is this day with our father, and one is not" (Genesis 42:13).

In order for the brothers to prove they were not spies, Joseph required all of them, except one, to travel back to Canaan with food for their families and to bring Benjamin back to him (Genesis 42:15, 19, 20).

Joseph bound Simeon in prison while the other brothers traveled to Canaan (Genesis 42:19, 24). "Then Joseph commanded to fill their sacks with corn, and to restore every man's money into his sack, and to give them provision for the way: and thus did he unto them" (Genesis 49:25).

The brothers made it back to Canaan to tell Jacob all that had happened (Genesis 42:29-34).

"And it came to pass as they emptied their sacks, that, behold, every man's bundle of money was in his sack: and when both they and their father saw the bundles of money, they were afraid" (Genesis 42:35).

"And Jacob their father said unto them, Me have ye bereaved of my children: Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and ye will take Benjamin away: all these things are against me" (Genesis 42:36).

"And Reuben spake unto his father, saying, Slay my two sons, if I bring him not to thee: deliver him into my hand, and I will bring him to thee again"(Genesis 42:37).

"And he said, My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he is left alone: if mischief befall him by the way in the which ye go, then shall ye bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave" (Genesis 42:38).

Joseph Set as Ruler of Egypt

For your reference, search Genesis 41.

Joseph was in prison and forgotten by the butler for two more full years. It was at the end of the two years the Pharaoh had a troubling dream that he sought to have interpreted; however, none of the magicians or wise men in Egypt could interpret the dream (Genesis 41:1,8).

The butler remembered back to when he and the baker were in prison and told the Pharaoh how Joseph interpreted their dreams that came true according to what Joseph said (Genesis 41:9-13).

The following verses of 14 thru 57 are verbatim from Genesis 41.

14) Then the Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh.

15) And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it.

16) And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.

17) And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, In my dream, behold, I stood upon the bank of the river:

18) And, behold, there came up out of the river seven kine, fatfleshed and well favoured; and they fed in a meadow:

19) And, behold, seven other kine came up after them, poor and very ill favoured and leanfleshed, such as I never saw in all the land of Egypt for badness:

20) And the lean and the ill favoured kine did eat up the first seven fat kine:

21) And when they had eaten them up, it could not be known that they had eaten them; but they were still ill favoured, as at the beginning. So I awoke.

22) And I saw in my dream, and, behold, seven ears came up in one stalk, full and good:

23) And, behold, seven ears, withered, thin, and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them:

24) And the thin ears devoured the seven good ears: and I told this unto the magicians; but there was none that could declare it to me.

25) And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one: God hath shewed Pharaoh what he is about to do.

26) The seven good kine are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years: the dream is one.

27) And the seven thin and ill favoured kine that came up after them are seven years; and the seven empty ears blasted with the east wind shall be seven years of famine.

28) This is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh: What God is about to do he sheweth unto Pharaoh.

29) Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt:

30) And there shall arise after them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine shall consume the land;

31) And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following; for it shall be very grievous.

32) And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.

33) Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.

34) Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years.

35) And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities.

36) And that food shall be for store to the land against the seven years of famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land perish not through the famine.

37) And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants.

38) And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?

39) And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art:

40) Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.

41) And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.

42) And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;

43) And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt.

44) And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.

45) And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphnathpaaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt.

46) And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughtout all the land of Egypt.

47) And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls.

48) And he gathered up all the food of the seven years, which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities: the food of the field, which was round about every city, laid he up in the same.

49) And Joseph gathered corn as the sand of the sea, very much, until he left numbering; for it was without number.

50) And unto Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came, which Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On bare unto him.

51) And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house.

52) And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.

53) And the seven years of plenteousness, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended.

54) And the seven years of dearth began to come, according as Joseph had said: and the dearth was in all lands; but in all the land of Egypt there was bread.

55) And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread: and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians, Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you, do.

56) And the famine was over all the face of the earth: And Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt.

57) And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because that the famine was so sore in all lands.

Interpreted Dreams Come True

Search Genesis 40.

The chief of the butlers and the chief of the bakers offended the Pharaoh and were placed in prison with Joseph in the house of the captain guard (Genesis 40:1-3).

As time passed, the butler and baker had dreams which left them saddened because they did not know the interpretation of them. "And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you" (Genesis 40:5-8).

"And the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, In my dream, behold, a vine was before me" (Genesis 40:9);

"And in the vine were three branches: and it was as though it budded, and her blossoms shot forth; and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes" (Genesis 40:10):

"And Pharaoh's cup was in my hand: and I took the grapes, and pressed them into Pharaoh's cup, and I gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand" (Genesis 40:11).

"And Joseph said unto him, This is the interpretation of it: The three branches are three days" (Genesis 40:12):

"Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thine head, and restore thee unto thy place: and thou shalt deliver Pharaoh's cup into his hand, after the former manner when thou wast his butler" (Genesis 40:13).

Joseph said for the butler to remember him in showing kindness by mentioning him to the Pharaoh for release from prison. Joseph explained, indeed, how he had done nothing to be placed into prison (Genesis 40:14,15).

"When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said unto Joseph, I also was in my dream, and, behold, I had three white baskets on my head" (Genesis 40:16):

"And in the uppermost basket there was of all manner of bakemeats for Pharaoh; and the birds did eat them out of the basket upon my head" (Genesis 40:17).

"And Joseph answered and said, This is the interpretation thereof: The three baskets are three days" (Genesis 40:18):

"Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thy head from off thee, and shall hang thee on a tree; and the birds shall eat thy flesh from off thee (Genesis 40:19).

"And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants" (Genesis 40:20).

The dreams came true as Joseph interpreted--the butler resumed his duties and the baker was hanged (Genesis 40:21,22).

Joseph was left in prison, though, forgotten by the butler (Genesis 40:23).

'The Lord Was With Joseph'

For your reference, search Genesis 39.

The Ishmeelites sold Joseph to an Egyptian named Potiphar who was the Pharaoh's captain of the guard (Genesis 39:1).

"And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian" (Genesis 39:2).

"And his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand" (Genesis 39:3).

"And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand" (Genesis 39:4).

"And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the Lord was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field" (Genesis 39:5).

"And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured" (Genesis 39:6).

As time passed, Joseph's master's wife had her eye on Joseph. She wanted Joseph to sleep with her, but Joseph refused and said to her, "Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand" (Genesis 39:8);

"There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God" (Genesis 39:9)?

Joseph's master's wife approached him day by day to sleep with her, but Joseph would not give in to her (Genesis 39:10).

One day Joseph was alone in the house doing his work when the wife "...caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled..." (Genesis 39:12)[.]

The wife claimed to the men in her house that Joseph came in to sleep with her and she cried out (Genesis 39:14). According to the wife, Joseph fled and left his garment with her when she cried out (Genesis 39:15).

The wife told her story to the lord when he came home. As a result of her lies, the lord was mad and put Joseph in prison (Genesis 39:19,20).

"But the Lord was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prisoner" (Genesis 39:21).

"And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it" (Genesis 39:22).

"The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the Lord was with him, and that which he did, the Lord made it to prosper" (Genesis 39:23).

Joseph's Coat of Many Colours and His Dreams

For your reference, search the scriptures in Genesis 32 and 37.

Jacob, who came to be called Israel (Genesis 32:28), dwelled in Canaan which was strange land to his father (Genesis 37:1).

Israel had a son named Joseph who he loved "...more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age (Genesis 37:2)[.] Israel made Joseph a colorful coat, more specifically known as, 'a coat of many colours' (Genesis 37:3).

Joseph was hated by his brothers because of Israel's love (Genesis 37:4). Joseph's brothers "...could not speak peaceably unto him" (Genesis 37:4).

Joseph had a dream he told to his brothers:

"And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed" (Genesis 37:6):

"For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf" (Genesis 37:7).

"And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words" (Genesis 37:8).

"And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me" (Genesis 37:9).

"And he told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth" (Genesis 37:10)?

Joseph's dreams made his brothers envy him and their hatred grew even more toward him; however, his father observed what he had to say (Genesis 37:5,11).

Israel had a flock in Shechem that all his sons went to feed except Joseph (Genesis 37:12). "And Israel said unto Joseph, Do not thy brethren feed the flock in Shechem? come, and I will send thee unto them. And he said to him, Here am I" (Genesis 37:13).

"And he said to him, Go, I pray thee, see whether it be well with thy brethren, and well with the flocks; and bring me word again. So he sent him out of the vale of Hebron, and he came to Shechem" (Genesis 37:14).

A 'certain man' found Joseph wandering in a field and asked him what he sought (Genesis 37:15). Joseph told the man he was looking for where his brothers were feeding their flocks (Genesis 37:16). The man had heard Joseph's brothers say they were going to Dothan; therefore, Joseph went to Dothan and found his brothers there (Genesis 37:17).

All the brothers saw Joseph in the distance and conspired to kill him (Genesis 37:18).

"And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh" (Genesis 37:19).

"Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams" (Genesis 37:20).

"And Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him" (Genesis 37:21).

"And Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him; that he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again" (Genesis 37:22).

"And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Jospeh out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him" (Genesis 37:23);

"And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it" (Genesis 37:24).

While Joseph was in the pit, his brothers decided to profit from selling him to Ishmeelites instead of killing him (Genesis 37:26,27). The only thing, though, the Midianites merchantmen beat them by pulling Joseph out of the pit and selling him to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver. The Ishmeelites took Joseph to Egypt (Genesis 37:28).

Reuben, Joseph's brother, went to the pit and reported back to the other brothers that Joseph was not there (Genesis 37:29,30).

"And they took Joseph's coat, and killed a kid of the goats and dipped the coat in the blood" (Genesis 37:31);

"And they sent the coat of many colours, and they brought it to their father; and said, This have we found: know now whether it be thy son's coat or no" (Genesis 37:32).

"And he knew it, and said, It is my son's coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces" (Genesis 37:33).

"And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days" (Genesis 37:34).

"And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him" (Genesis 37:35).

"And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's and captain of the guard" (Genesis 37:36).

Esau and Jacob Meet Again

For your reference, search the scriptures in Genesis chapters 25-36.

After years apart, Esau and Jacob came back together with their family multiplied and their wealth increased (Genesis 33:9,11; Genesis 35:22-29; Genesis 36). Esau came to be called Edom before they parted ways (Genesis 25:30; 36:1). Jacob came to be called Israel (Genesis 35:10).

At one time, Esau had hatred in his heart for Jacob because he had taken away his blessing from Isaac (Genesis 27:41). The brothers came back together with Jacob seeking Esau's grace with gifts (Genesis 33:10). Esau took the gifts after Jacob urged him (Genesis 33:11).

Years earlier, on his way to Padanaram, Jacob vowed a vow in a place he called Beth-el and said, "If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, [s]o that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the Lord be my God..." (Genesis 28:20-21)[.]

God was with Jacob the entire time. Jacob was provided food and clothing and he returned to his father's house in peace:

"And Jacob came unto Isaac his father unto Mamre, unto the city of Arbah, which is Hebron, where Abraham and Isaac sojourned" (Genesis 35:27).

"And the days of Isaac were an hundred and fourscore years" (Genesis 35:28).

"And Isaac gave up the ghost, and died, and was gathered unto his people, being old and full of days: and his sons Esau and Jacob buried him" (Genesis 35:29).

Jacob's Dream

For your reference, search the scriptures in Genesis 28.

Isaac blessed his son, Jacob and told him not to take a wife from the daughters of Canaan, but to travel to Padanaram and take a wife from the daughters of Laban who was the brother of Jacob's mother, Rebekah (Genesis 28:1,2).

"And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people" (Genesis 28:3);

"And give thee the blessing of Abraham, to thee, and to thy seed with thee; that thou mayest inherit the land wherein thou art a stranger, which God gave unto Abraham" (Genesis 28:4).

Isaac sent Jacob away to Padanaram (Genesis 28:5).

Esau, Jacob's brother, saw all that had taken place and how Jacob obeyed his father (Genesis 28:6). Esau also saw how Isaac was not pleased with the daughters of Canaan (Genesis 28:8). "Then went Esau unto Ishmael, and took unto the wives which he had Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael Abraham's son, the sister of Nebajoth, to be his wife" (Genesis 28:9).

Jacob traveled from Beersheba toward Haran until sunset when he stopped at a 'certain place' for the night (Genesis 28:10,11). He took stones from the place to use as pillows for his sleep (Genesis 28:11).

"And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it" (Genesis 28:12).

"And, behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed" (Genesis 28:13);

"And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed" (Genesis 28:14).

"And behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of" (Genesis 28:15).

"And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not" (Genesis 28:16).

"And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven" (Genesis 28:17).

"And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it" (Genesis 28:18).

"And he called the name of that place Beth-el: but the name of that city was called Luz at the first" (Genesis 28:19).

"And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in his way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on" (Genesis 28:20).

"So that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the Lord be my God" (Genesis 28:21):

"And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee" (Genesis 28:22).

Isaac Blesses Esau and Jacob

For your reference, search the scriptures in Genesis 27, John 1 and Galatians 3.

Isaac was old with poor eyesight when he talked to his son, Esau, and said for him to hunt and prepare savoury meat for him so that he could bless Esau (Genesis 27:4).

Rebekah overheard Isaac talking to Esau and worked deceptively to have her son, Jacob, receive the blessing instead of Esau. In order to do this, Rebekah commanded Jacob to bring two goats from their flock and she prepared savoury meat for Jacob to take to Isaac. Jacob also had to go disguised as Esau (Genesis 27:5-16).

Rebekah provided Jacob with some of Esau's clothes that were in her house (Genesis 27:15). Since Esau was a hairy man, Rebekah placed "...the skins of the kids of the goats upon [Jacob's] hands, and upon the smooth of his neck (Genesis 27:16)[.] This was done in case Isaac sensed the switch and requested to feel for the hair (Genesis 27:12).

Jacob took the meal to Isaac, saying, "...I have done according as thou badest me: arise, I pray thee, sit and eat of my venison, that thy soul may bless me" (Genesis 27:19). Isaac wondered how Esau had found the venison so quickly. Jacob replied, "Because the Lord thy God brought it to me" (Genesis 27:20).

Isaac had Jacob to come near him so he could feel whether he was Esau or not (Genesis 27:21). Noticing a difference, Isaac said, "The voice is Jacob's voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau" (Genesis 27:22). Since the hands were hairy, Isaac discerned it to be Esau and blessed Jacob (Genesis 27:23). Thus, bestowing Esau's blessing upon Jacob.

Isaac even asked Jacob, "Art thou my very son Esau? And he said, I am" (Genesis 27:24). Isaac then ate and drank wine that Jacob brought to him (Genesis 27:25).

"And his father Isaac said unto him, Come near now, and kiss me, my son" (Genesis 27:26).

"And he came near, and kissed him: and he smelled the smell of his raiment, and blessed him, and said, See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the Lord hath blessed" (Genesis 27:27):

"Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine" (Genesis 27:28).

"Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother's sons bow down to thee: cursed be every one that curseth thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee" (Genesis 27:29).

Jacob had barely left Isaac's presence after the blessing when Esau made it back from hunting (Genesis 27:30). Isaac brought the savoury food for his father to bless him (Genesis 27:31). Isaac said to him, "Who art thou? And he said, I am thy son, thy firstborn Esau" (Genesis 27:32). Isaac asked who and where was he that had already brought him venison. Isaac stated, "...he shall be blessed" (Genesis 27:33).

"And when Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry, and said unto his father, Bless me, even me also, O my father" (Genesis 27:34).

"And he said, Thy brother came with subtilty, and hath taken away thy blessing" (Genesis 27:35).

"And he said, Is not he rightly named Jacob? for he hath supplanted me these two times: he took away my birthright; and, behold, now he hath taken away my blessing. And he said, Hast thou not reserved a blessing for me" (Genesis 27:36)?

"And Isaac answered and said unto Esau, Behold, I have made him thy lord, and all his brethren have I given to him for servants; and with corn and wine have I sustained him: and what shall I do now unto thee, my son (Genesis 27:37)?

"And Esau said unto his father, Hast thou but one blessing, my father? bless me, even me also, O my father. And Esau lifted up his voice, and wept" (Genesis 27:38).

"And Isaac his father answered and said unto him, Behold, thy dwelling shall be the fatness of the earth, and of the dew of heaven from above" (Genesis 27:39);

"And by the sword shalt thou live, and shalt serve thy brother; and it shall come to pass when thou shalt have the dominion, that thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck" (Genesis 27:40).

The deceptive behavior of Rebekah and Jacob led to Esau having hatred in his heart toward Jacob. Esau's hatred was so strong that he said in his heart he would slay Jacob (Genesis 27:41).

Rebekah was told of Esau's intentions to kill Jacob; therefore, she told Jacob to flee to Haran where her brother, Laban, lived and stay there until Esau's fury goes away (Genesis 27:43,44).

The chapter ends with Rebekah making a comment to Isaac, "I am weary of my life because of the daughters of Heth: if Jacob take a wife of the daughters of Heth, such as these which are of the daughters of the land, what good shall my life do me" (Genesis 27:46)?

The need for Jesus' grace and truth becomes more and more clear as events unfold in the Old Testament (John 1:17). Before faith in Christ, though, the law of Moses will come to serve as 'schoolmaster' until Christ comes (Galatians 3:24).

Knowing God, Knowing Jesus; Knowing Jesus, Knowing God

Hopefully this blog has helped you to accept Jesus as your personal Savior or helped you to grow in your walk with God. As Jesus said in John 14:1, "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me."

Jesus is the only way to God. He expresses this in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh to the Father, but by me." To know God is to know Jesus. To know Jesus is to know God (John 14:7).

God bless you on your walk with the Lord. Maybe you will find this prayer helpful in beginning your walk:

Father God, thank You so much for showing Your love for me by sending Your Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for my sins. I believe in You God. I believe in You Jesus. I want to know You better. I accept You into my heart, Jesus, as my personal Savior. Please mold me into the person you want me to be. In Your glorious name, Jesus, I pray. Amen!

Isaac Blessed by the Lord

For your reference, turn to Genesis 12 and 26

As in Abraham's day, there was a famine in the land. Isaac travelled to Gerar where Abimelech was king of the Philistines (Genesis 26:1).

The Lord appeared unto Isaac and told him not to go down into Egypt, but to dwell in the land where the Lord will tell him (Genesis 26:2).

The Lord said, "Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and I will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father" (Genesis 26:3);

"And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed" (Genesis 26:4);

"Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws" (Genesis 26:5).

"And Isaac dwelt in Gerar" (Genesis 26:6)[.]

Isaac claimed that his wife, Rebekah, was his sister for fear that the Philistines would kill him for her (Genesis 26:7).

Abimelech discovered that Rebekah was Isaac's wife and confronted Isaac to find out why he made the claim that she was his sister. Isaac's claim could have brought guiltiness upon Abimelech's people from God had one of them slept with Rebekah (Genesis 26:10). In Abraham's day, there was a plague brought upon the Pharoah because of Sarai (Genesis 12:17). Isaac's explanation to Abimelech was his fear for his life (Genesis 26:9). "And Abimelech charged all his people, saying, He that toucheth this man or his wife shall surely be put to death" (Genesis 26:11).

Isaac was blessed by the Lord the same year (Genesis 26:12). He prospered with flocks, herds and servants to become the envy of the Philistines (Genesis 26:14). The Philistines were so envious they stopped the wells, that were dug by Abraham's servants, by filling them with earth (Genesis 26:15).

Because he had grown mightier than the Philistines, Isaac was sent away by Abimelech (Genesis 26:16). Isaac moved and lived in the Valley of Gerar where he dug more water wells and kept the same names for them as Abraham's wells (Genesis 26:17,18).

Conflict developed between Isaac's herdmen and the herdmen of Gerar because each group claimed the water as theirs of two of the wells (Genesis 26:28). Because of the conflict the wells were named Esek and Sitnah (Genesis 26:20,21). Rehoboth was the name given to the well dug which caused no conflict (Genesis 26:22).

From the Valley of Gerar, Isaac went to Beersheba (Genesis 26:23). "And the Lord appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham's sake" (Genesis 26:24).

Isaac built an altar there and "...called upon the name of the Lord..." (Genesis 26:25). He pitched his tent in the same place and his servants dug a well (Genesis 26:25).

Abimelech went to visit Isaac in Beersheba with his friend, Ahuzzath and his chief army captain, Phicol (Genesis 26:26). Isaac asked them why they came to him since they hate him and sent him away (Genesis26:27). They had seen how the Lord was with Isaac and came to make a covenant with him--"That thou wilt do us no hurt, as we have not touched thee, and as we have done unto thee nothing but good, and have sent away in peace: thou art now the blessed of the Lord" (Genesis 26:28,29).

"And he made them a feast, and they did eat and drink" (Genesis 26:30).

"And they rose up betimes in the morning, and sware one to another: and Isaac sent them away, and they departed from him in peace" (Genesis 26:31).

"And it came to pass the same day, that Isaac's servants came, and told him concerning the well which they had digged, and said unto him, We have found water (Genesis 26:32).

"And he called it Shebah: therefore the name of the city is Beersheba unto this day" (Genesis 26:33).

"And Esau was forty years old when he took to wife Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Bashemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite" (Genesis 26:34):

"Which were a grief of mind unto Isaac and to Rebekah" (Genesis 26:35).

Seeds of Abraham

For your reference and more detail, turn to Genesis 25.

Abraham expanded his family tree by having six children with his wife, Keturah. Their names were Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak and Shuah (Genesis 25:1,2).

"And Jokshan begat Sheba, and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were Asshurim, and Letushim and Leummim" (Genesis 25:3).

"And the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abidah, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah" (Genesis 25:4).

While he lived, Abraham gave everything he had to Isaac and gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them to the east country away from Isaac (Genesis 25:5,6).

Abraham was "...a good old age, an old man, and full of years..." when he died (Genesis 25:8). "And his sons Isaac and Ismael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is before Mamre" (Genesis 25:29);

"The field which Abraham purchased of the sons of Heth: there was Abraham buried, and Sarah his wife" (Genesis 25:10).

Ishmael was Abraham's son with Sarah's handmaid, Hagar the Egyptian (Genesis 25:12). Ishmael's twelve sons were: Nebajoth, Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadar, Tema, Jetur, Naphish and Kedemah (Genesis 25:13-15). The sons were named "...by their towns, and by their castles; twelve princes according to their nations" (Genesis 25:16).

Ishmael lived to be one hundred thirty-seven years old "...and died in the presence of all his brethren..." who dwelled "...from Havilah unto Shur, that is before Egypt, as thou goest toward Assyria..." (Genesis 25:18).

God blessed Abraham's son, Isaac, who lived by the well Lahairoi (Genesis 25:11). Isaac's wife, Rebekah, was barren until Isaac asked the Lord for her and then she conceived (Genesis 25:21).

The children inside Rebekah struggled and she asked the Lord, why? (Genesis 25:22). "And the Lord said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from [thee]; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger" (Genesis 25:23). Rebekah delivered twins named Esau and Jacob (Genesis 25:24-26). "And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man dwelling in tents" (Genesis 25:27).

"And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob" (Genesis 25:28).

"And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint" (Genesis 25:29):

"And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom" (Genesis 25:30).

"And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright" (Genesis 25:31).

"And Esau said, Behold, Iam at the point to die; and what profit shall this birthright do to me" (Genesis 25:32)?

"And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob" (Genesis 25:33).

"Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright" (Genesis 25:34).

Isaac Takes Rebekah to be His Wife

For your reference, turn to Genesis 24.

Abraham was old, 'well-stricken in age' and blessed by the Lord (Genesis 24:1). The time came when he wanted a wife for his son, Isaac. Abraham did not want a wife for Isaac from the Canaanites where he lived, but from within his family from where they lived; therefore, he made an oath with his servant by having him place his hand under Abraham's thigh and swearing "...by the Lord, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell:
But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac" (Genesis 24:3,4).

Isaac lived in the south country (Genesis 24:62). Thus, the servant inquired of Abraham what to do if there was not a woman willing to travel to where Isaac lived. The servant asked Abraham, must I take Isaac to the "...land from whence thou camest" (Genesis 24:5)? Abraham warned his servant not to take Isaac there again; however, he said, if there was no woman willing to follow him to Isaac's land, he would be clear of the oath (Genesis 24:6,8).

The servant took ten of Abraham's camels and left for Mesopotamia where Abraham's brother, Nahor, lived (Genesis 24:10). He arrived at a well outside the city during the time that women draw water (Genesis 24:11).

"And he said, O Lord God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham. Behold, I stand here by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water:
And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou has appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master" (Genesis 24:12-14).

Before the servant finished communing with the Lord, a woman named Rebekah walked up with a pitcher on her shoulder (Genesis 24:15). The events that followed depicted the servant's answered prayer:

"And the damsel...went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up" (Genesis 24:16).

"And the servant ran to meet her, and said, Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher" (Genesis 24:17).

"And she said, Drink, my lord: and she hasted, and let down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him drink" (Genesis 24:18).

"And when she had done giving him drink, she said, I will draw water for thy camels also, until they have done drinking (Genesis 24:19).

"And she hasted, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again unto the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels" (Genesis 24:20).

"And the man wondering at her held his peace, to wit whether the Lord made his journey prosperous or not" (Genesis 24:21).

"And it came to pass, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold" (Genesis 24:22)[.]

It turned out that Rebekah was the daughter of Bethuel, Abraham's nephew (Genesis 24:24). The servant asked Rebekah "...[I]s there room in thy father's house for us to lodge in" (Genesis 24:23)? Rebekah replied that they have enough straw, provisions and lodging for them (Genesis 24:25). "And the man bowed down his head, and worshipped the Lord" (Genesis 24:26). The Lord had led him to his master's brethren (Genesis 24:27).

Rebekah went to her mother's house to tell of the events (Genesis 24:28). Laban, Rebekah's brother, greeted the man; prepared the home for him; prepared room for the camels and provided water for the man and his traveling companions to wash their feet (Genesis 24:31,32).

There was also food prepared for the man "...but he said, I will not eat until I have told mine errand..." (Genesis 24:33). The man continued in telling that he was Abraham's servant and what had occurred from the time of making an oath with Abraham until then. The servant did not go without worshipping and blessing the Lord. He let them know of God's hand in the matter. He told of his answered prayer when Rebekah showed up at the well to give him and his camel's water. God was with the servant the whole time. God's angel was also involved (Genesis 24:34-48; 24:7,40).

Bethuel and Laban could see the work of the Lord in the situation and said, "Behold, Rebekah is before thee, take her, and go, and let her be thy master's son's wife as the Lord hath spoken" (Genesis 24:51). Upon hearing these words, the servant '[bowed] himself to the earth' in worship to the Lord (Genesis 24:52).

"And the servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment, and gave them to Rebekah: he gave also to her brother and her mother precious things" (Genesis 24:53).

The servant and the men with him ate and drank all night. When morning came, the servant sought to be sent off to his master (Genesis 23:54). Laban and his mother wanted Rebekah to stay with them for at least ten days and then she could go (Genesis 24:55). The servant did not want them to hinder him. He wanted to make haste with the Lord prospering his way and wanted to be sent away to his master (Genesis 24:56).

Rebekah's mother and Laban turned to Rebekah to hear from her whether she would go with the servant or not (Genesis 24:57). They asked her "...Wilt thou go with this man?..." Rebekah answered, "...I will go" (Genesis 24:58).

"And they sent away Rebekah their sister, and her nurse, and Abraham's servant, and his men" (Genesis 24:59).

"And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them" (Genesis 24:60).

The travelers headed for the south country where Isaac lived. "And Isaac came from the way of the well Lahairoi; for he dwelt in the south country" (Genesis 24:62).

"And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and behold, the camels were coming" (Genesis 24:63).

Rebekah dismounted the camel when she saw Isaac. She asked the servant, "...What man is this that walketh in the field to meet us?..." The servant answered, "...It is my master...". Rebekah covered herself with a veil (Genesis 24:64,65).

The servant told Isaac everything that had taken place (Genesis 24:66). "And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother's death" (Genesis 24:67).

Burial of Sarah

For your reference, turn to Genesis 23.

Abraham mourned and weeped for Sarah when she passed away at one hundred twenty-seven years old in the land of Canaan (Genesis 23:1,2). It was a strange land for Abraham and he sought a burial site for Sarah from the sons of Heth who dwelled in the area (Genesis 23:3,4).

The children of Heth viewed Abraham as a mighty prince among them and offered Abraham his choice of tombs (Genesis 23:6). "And Abraham stood up and bowed himself to the people of the land, even to the children of Heth" (Genesis 23:7).

Abraham requested to purchase the cave of Machpelah, located in the end of the field, owned by the Hittite, Ephron, son of Zohar (Genesis 23:8,9,10).

Ephron was in the audience with the children of Heth and said to Abraham, "Nay, my lord, hear me: the field give I thee, and the cave that is therein, I give it thee; in the presence of the sons of my people give I it thee: bury thy dead" (Genesis 23:10,11).

"And Abraham bowed down himself before the people of the land" (Genesis 23:12).

"And he spake unto Ephron in the audience of the people of the land, saying, But if thou wilt give it, I pray thee, hear me: I will give thee money for the field; take it of me, and I will bury my dead there" (Genesis 23:13).

"And Ephron answered Abraham, saying unto him,
My lord, hearken unto me; the land is worth four hundred shekels of silver; what is that betwixt me and thee? bury therefore thy dead" (Genesis 23:14,15).

"And Abraham hearkened unto Ephron; and Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver, which he had named in the audience of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, current money with the merchant" (Genesis 23:16).

"And the field of Ephron, which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field, and the cave which was therein, and all the trees that were in the field, that were in all the borders round about, were made sure [u]nto Abraham for a possession in the presence of the children of Heth, before all that went in at the gate of his city" (Genesis 23:17,18).

"And after this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah before Mamre: the same is Hebron in the land of Canaan" (Genesis 23:19).

"And the field, and the cave that is therein, were made sure unto Abraham for a possession of a buryingplace by the sons of Heth" (Genesis 23:20).

God Tests Abraham

For your reference, turn to Genesis 22.

God tested Abraham by having him to take Isaac, his son who he loved, to the land of Moriah and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on a mountain which God will tell him (Genesis 22:1,2).

Abraham, Isaac and two young men left for Moriah. On the third day of their travels, Abraham saw, in the distance, the place where God had told him to go (Genesis 22:3,4). Abraham had the two traveling with them to stay at a location while he and Isaac go off into the distance to worship and will return (Genesis 22:5).

Abraham and Isaac parted from the traveling companions "[a]nd Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife;..." (Genesis 22:6). Isaac noticed they had everything for a burnt offering except the lamb and he asked Abraham where the lamb is (Genesis 22:7). Abraham told him that "...God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering..." so the two continued on their journey (Genesis 22:8).

When they arrived at the place where God had them to go "...Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood" (Genesis 22:9). Just as Abraham was going to slay his son, the angel of the Lord called unto him and stopped him from going forth with the sacrifice (Genesis 22:10,12). Abraham had passed God's test by demonstrating his respect for God and not withholding his son (Genesis 22:12).

Abraham saw a ram caught in a thicket by his horns and sacrificed it for a burnt offering instead of his son (Genesis 22:13). "And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen" (Genesis 22:14).

The angel of the Lord spoke for the Lord and called out to Abraham again "[a]nd said, By myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son:
That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice" (Genesis 22:16,17,18).

Abraham returned to the young men who were traveling with him. All of them journeyed to Beersheba. Abraham dwelled in Beersheba (Genesis 22:19).

The time came when Abraham was told that Nahor, his brother, and Milcah, his sister-in-law, had eight children. The children were Huz who was their firstborn, Buz, Kemuel, Chesed, Hazo, Pildash, Jidlaph and Bethuel. Kemuel was the father of Aram and Bethuel begat Rebekah (Genesis 22:20-23).
"And his concubine, whose name was Reumah, she bare also Tebah, and Gaham and Thahash, and Maachah (Genesis 22:24).