Leviticus 1-4

An Overview of Chapter 1
Name of offering: Burnt Offering.

Purpose of offering: That you can be accepted before the Lord, to make atonement, a soothing aroma to the Lord.

Variations: From the herd, from the flock, or birds.

An Overview of Chapter 2
Name of offering: Grain Offering.

Purpose of offering: A soothing aroma to the Lord.

Variations: Baked in an oven, on the griddle, or in a pan.

An Overview of Chapter 3
Name of offering: Peace Offering.

Purpose of offering: A soothing aroma to the Lord.

Variations: From the herd or the flock.

An Overview of Chapter 4
Name of offering: Sin Offering.

Purpose of offering: Atonement and forgiveness for a single unintentional sin.

Variations: For an anointed priest, the whole congregation, a leader, or a common person.

Reflection
do you feel you are accepted by the Lord? Is your life a soothing aroma to the Lord? Do you have any sin that you need to ask forgiveness for?

For Further Study
Burnt Offering: Leviticus 6:8-13, 8:18-21, 16:24.
Grain Offering: Leviticus 6:14-23
Peace Offering: Leviticus 7:11-34
Sin Offering: Leviticus 5:1-13, 6:24-30, 8:14-17, 16:3-22

Exodus 39-40

An Overview of Chapter 39
After completing the tabernacle, its court, and all the holy objects, the craftsmen focused their attention on making Aaron and his sons new uniform. They carefully followed all the instructions given to Moses.

Finally, all the work was completed and everything was brought to Moses for his inspection and it received his stamp of approval.

An Overview of Chapter 40
Now, the Lord instructed Moses to set up the tabernacle on the 1st day of the 1st month of the second year. The Lord also instructed Moses to dress Aaron and his sons on that day.

Moses does as he is told and personally constructs the tabernacle. When it is completed the cloud covered the tent of meeting and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Throughout the rest of the 
Exodus the cloud and pillar of fire will guide the nation of Israel.

Reflection
When God inspects the work you have done in your life will it pass inspection? God used the cloud and fire to lead Israel, what does God use to lead you? The phrase “as the Lord has commanded” appears many times in this passage, would someone writing about your life apply the same phrase to you?

For Further Study
The glory of the Lord: Exodus 16:6-10, Leviticus 9:1-7, Psalm 29, Luke 2:8-14, 1Corinthians 2:6-9, 2Corinthians 3:18.

CONGRATULATIONS - YOU JUST COMPLETED THE BOOK OF Exodus!!!

Exodus 36-38

An Overview of Chapter 36
Moses called Bezalel, Oholiab and all the people God had gifted to do his work and they began building the tabernacle. All the contributions were given to them, and people continued to bring more each day. Eventually there were more contributions then were necessary and Moses asked the people not to bring anymore.

Items completed in Chapter 36:
- curtains of linen, blue, purple, and scarlet material
- gold clasps
- rams skin covering
- porpoise skin covering
- bronze clasps
- Gold plated boards for the walls
- silver sockets for the boards
- bars to hold the boards together
- veil of linen, blue, purple, and scarlet material
- pillars for the veil
- sockets for the pillars
- gold hooks for the veil
- a screen
- more pillars
- bronzes sockets

An Overview of Chapter 37
Construction continues:
- the ark
- the poles to carry the ark
- the mercy seat with the cherubim
- the table
- poles to carry the table
- utensils for the table
- the lampstand
- the utensils for the lampstand
- the altar of incense
- poles to carry the altar of incense
- oil for the lampstand
- incense for the altar of incense

An Overview of Chapter 38
Construction completed:
- altar of burnt offering
- utensils for the altar
- poles to carry the altar
- the bronze laver (this was made from the bronze mirrors of the women who served outside the tent of meeting)
- hangings for the walls of the court
- pillars for the walls of the court
- sockets for the walls of the court
- the screen for the gate of the court
- pegs for the court walls

Cost of the tabernacle:
- gold - 29 talents (2,192.4lbs.), 730 (292ozs/18lbs.) shekels
- silver - 100 talents (7,560lbs.), 1,775 (715ozs/44lbs.) shekels
- bronze - 70 talents (5,292lbs.), 2,400 shekels (967ozs/60lbs.)

conversion rates:
1 talent = 75.6lbs.
1 shekel = .403oz


Reflection
Does your heart stir to give to God’s work? Does your heart stir to do God’s work? Are you careful to do exactly as God has instructed?

For Further Study
Women serving: Exodus 15:20, 1Samuel 2:22-25, Matthew 27:55, Mark 15:41, Mark 16:1, Luke 2:36-38, Luke 10:38-42, John 12:1-8, Acts 2:15-18, Acts 18:18 , Acts 18:26, Romans 16:3-5, 1Corinthians 16:19, Titus 2:3-5.

Exodus 33-35

An Overview of Chapter 33
God tells Moses that He will keep His promise to the people by protecting them as they go to the promised land, but He will not go with them because they are obstinate.

Before the tabernacle was built Moses used to set up a tent of meeting outside of camp. This is where he would meet with God, and the people would line up to bring their problems before the Lord for judgement. When Moses would go to the tent the people would stand outside their tents and wait for the cloud to appear, and when it did they would worship God.

Moses speaks to God and asks Him to change his mind and go along with His people. Then God changes His mind and agrees to go along with the people. Moses sees that he is having success so he asks God for a personal favor; he wants to see God in all His glory.

God agrees to let Moses see his back, but not his face.

An Overview of Chapter 34
God instructs Moses to make two new stone tablets to replace the ones he broke, and bring them to Mount Sinai. Moses does so and God fulfills his promise to let Moses see His back. As the Lord is coming He describes His character, and Moses bows down to worship Him. Moses then repeats his earlier request that the Lord go along with the people to the promised land.

God decides this would be a good time to remind Moses of the rules. He tells Moses not to make any covenants with the people of the land, reminds Moses of the feast of unleavened bread, compares people to donkeys as He describes the redemption of the firstborn, reminds him of the feast of weeks, and first fruits.

Moses stays on the mountain another 40 days and rewrites the laws that were on the stone tablets.

When Moses returns his face is glowing so Moses covered his face with a veil so that the people will not see the glory of the Lord fading and freak out again.

An Overview of Chapter 35
Before beginning the work on the tabernacle Moses reminds the Israelites of the national labor laws that only allowed six days of work a week. Next the people are told to bring a contribution of materials to build the tabernacle with. In addition the skillful workers are put to work building, sewing, carving, and what ever else needs done. Only those who were moved by the Holy Spirit to give actually gave.

Reflection
Do you feel like the Lord has joined you on your journey to the promised land? Where do you meet one on one with God to get His view on the things going on in your life? Do you bring your requests to God? Would a reminder of how God expects you to act be useful to you? What skills do you have? How can they be used to honor God?

For Further Study
Skills - Pslams 33:3, Pslams 78:72, Proverbs 22:29, Matthew 25.

Exodus 30-32

An Overview of Chapter 30
Moses is still up on the mountain receiving detailed plans for building the holy articles for the tabernacle. First up is a golden altar to burn incense in front of the holy of holies. It is designed to be carried. Aaron is in charge of burning incense on this altar every morning. Detailed instructions are also given for how to make the incense, and the instruction that it is to only be made for God’s use.

God also institutes a flat tax system. Everybody pays 1/2 shekel, whether they are poor or rich.

The next instructions given are for a bronze wash basin that is placed between the altar of sacrifice and the entrance to the tent of meeting. When the priests enter to work in the tent of meeting they are first required to wash their hands and feet (I can visualize the sticker on the laver that would say “Employees, please wash hands and feet before returning to work”).

Instructions are also given for making the annointing oil that will be used to anoint Aaron and his sons as well as all the holy objects in the tabernacle. No one else is supposed to use this oil recipe for any other reason. The penalty for breaking this law is death.

An Overview of Chapter 31
Next the Lord names two guys by name who are to be the craftsmen to build all the items that God has told Moses must be built. Bezalel is gifted by the spirit to be wise, knowledgeable, and to work in craftsmanship (this is not a spiritual gift listed in 1Corinthians, or on my resume). In addition to these guys God tells us that everyone who has a skill was given that skill to do the work that God commanded to be done.

The instructions for the sabbath are repeated here, work six days then rest one. Those who don’t honor the sabbath are put to death. The sabbath is intended to be a sign between God and the sons of Israel so that the Israelites will know that God is the one who sanctifies them.

God then gives Moses two tablets that God has engraved with the testimony of what He and Moses had talked about.

An Overview of Chapter 32
Meanwhile back at camp...the people freak out when they see Moses disappear into the fire on the mountain and now 40 days later they decide it is time to look for a new religious leader. They approach Aaron and ask him to make them a new God, preferably one they can see. Aaron agrees to do this and makes a golden calf that the people promptly decide to offer sacrifices to.

God has the ability to do more than one thing at once and he notices the sinful party taking place back at camp. God is so angry He decides to destroy all the people. Moses intercedes for the people and asks God to spare them. God changes his mind and they are spared (yes God can change His mind, if He couldn’t we would have no reason to pray because what is done is done).

Moses heads done the mountain and as he does he and Joshua can hear the party going on downstairs. Moses shows up and throws a fit (actually he throws the stone tablets to the ground and breaks them). Then Moses melts down and grinds up the Israelites new “god” who is powerless to stop him. Moses confronts his brother about his poor leadership and Aaron trys to defend himself by saying I threw the gold into the flame, but then, abracadabra, this golden calf appeared.

Moses calls out the people to see who is really willing to stand with him. Only the Levites answered the call to action. Moses puts them to work right away killing the Israelites that were worshipping the calf. After this Moses leaves for the mountain again, this time to bargain for the Israelites lives with his soul as a bargaining chip.

Reflection
What skills or spiritual gifts has good given you? Do you use those gifts to fulfill God’s detailed plans for the future of our world? On days that you rest from work do you take time to remember God? Does your lack of patience ever lead you to a point of sin, where you do something because you just don’t see God getting things done as quickly as you liked? Does this remind you of the new testament concept of perseverance?

For Further Study
Spiritual gifts: Luke 11:13, 1Corinthians 12, 14, 1Timothy 4:14, Hebrews 2:3-4

Exodus 28-29

An Overview of Chapter 28
God gives Moses detailed instructions for making priestly outfits for Aaron and his sons. These uniforms will be for glory and beauty. They will be made by very skilled craftsmen who God gave the gift of wisdom.

Aaron’s holy clothes will consist of a breastplate, ephod, a tunic, a turban, a sash, and shoulder pieces. The outfit will be made with gold, blue, purple, scarlet material as well as linen. The shoulder pieces will have the names of the sons of Israel on them so Aaron can bear them before God. The breast-piece will also bear the name of the 12 sons of Israel (on multiple gems) and be over his heart as he passes judgment. The breast-piece will also hold the mystic Urim and Thumim. The hem of his tunic will have bells and pomegranates so God and the Israelites can hear him coming and going in the tent of meeting. His turban will have a gold plate on it that says “Holy to the Lord.”

Aaron’s sons work clothes will be a tunics, sashes and caps.

Aaron and his sons will need to be anointed, ordained, and consecrated.

They will also get a set of linen boxers that they have to wear when working. If they don’t wear them under their uniform God will kill them.

An Overview of Chapter 29
The instructions for the consecration of Aaron and his sons consisted of bathing, anointing and some burnt offerings. The process begins with all of them getting a bath in front of the tent of meeting. Then they got dressed in their new uniforms and anointed with oil.

After slaughtering the animals some of the blood is sprinkled on the priests and the altar. A portion of the meat offering is for Aaron and his sons to eat. The whole process took seven days with sacrifices on each day.

Reflection
The following links contain pictures of the priestly garments that will help you visualize how these looked.

Aaron’s garments
His sons garments

For Further Study
Priests: Genesis 14:18, Exodus 3:1, Psalm 132:9, Matthew 8:1-4, Matthew 16:21, Hebrews 4:14-15, 1Peter 2:4-10.

Exodus 25-27

An Overview of Chapter 25
While Moses is still up on the mountain God give him instructions for building a sanctuary for which the sole purpose is for God to dwell among his people. The materials for the sanctuary will all be donated by the Israelites whose heart moves within them to give. It is important to point out that all the gold, silver, and bronze they Israelites have, was given to them as they left Egypt.

Chapter 25 includes instructions for building an ark with a mercy seat lid as well as a table and a lampstand.

The ark and mercy seat are where God will meet with Moses. The table will have the bread of the Presence on it and the lampstand will give light to the tent of meeting.

The ark and table will be built with rings and poles so they can be easily carried. Each of these items will be gold.

The lampstand will look like a tree branch with six fruitful vines that have a light at the top of each, including one on top of the branch to make 7 lights.

An Overview of Chapter 26
Chapter 26 describes the detailed plans for building the walls of the tabernacle. It will be U-shaped, with the open end facing east. The walls will be wooden boards, and the top will be draped in fabric, rams skins, and porpoise skins. The interior will be divided in half by a veil making two rooms the holy of holies that will contain the ark and the mercy seat. The next room will be called the holy place and it will house the table and the lampstand. A veil will make the doorway of into the holy place.

An Overview of Chapter 27
Detailed instructions are given for building a bronze altar and the utensils necessary for its use. It is built with rings and poles so it can be easily carried.

The tabernacle is to have a courtyard built around it. It will be 100 cubits by 50 cubits. The walls of the court will be linen stretched between pillars.

The Israelites are to bring olive oil for the lampstand so it can burn continually.

Aaron and his sons are responsible for the tent of meeting and the holy place.

Reflection
The following website contains great information, pictures and a video that will be useful to help you visualize the tabernacle.

Tabernacle Model

For Further Study
Tabernacle: Psalms 27:5, Hebrews 8-9, Revelation 21:3-4

Exodus 22-24

An Overview of Chapter 22
This chapter contains various laws. The first 15 verses cover property rights mainly concerning stolen or damaged goods and animals. The general rule is if you are guilty of theft you will pay restitution. If it is not known whether you are guilty then the case comes before judges.

Verses 16-31 contain sundry or miscellaneous laws:
vs. 16-17 - sex equals marriage.
vs. 18 - sorceresses should be killed.
vs. 19 - bestiality is punishable by death.
vs. 20 - sacrificing to other gods is punishable by death.
vs. 21 - do not wrong or oppress strangers.
vs. 22-24 - God will deal with those who afflict widows and orphans.
vs. 25 - lending money to brothers should come with no interest.
vs. 26-27 - don’t hold for surety what is needed by the borrower for provision.
vs. 28 - don’t curse God or leaders.
vs. 29 - do not delay your offering.
vs. 29-30 - firstborn sons and animals belong to God on the 8th day.
vs. 31 - don’t eat road kill.

An Overview of Chapter 23
Verses 1-9 contain more sundry or miscellaneous laws:
vs. 1-3 - don’t lie to pervert justice.
vs. 4-5 - help even your enemies in times of need.
vs. 6 - don’t pervert justice.
vs. 7 - don’t kill the innocent or righteous.
vs. 8 - no bribes.
vs. 9 - repeated law to not oppress strangers.

Verses 10-12 contain the instructions for resting land and people.

According to verse 13, they were not even to mention the name of other Gods.

Verses 14-19 lists the three yearly feasts to celebrate God. Unleavened Bread, First Fruits and Ingathering.

Verses 20-33 tell the Israelites that God will send an angel before them to protect them and destroy their enemies. The point is made that this will not be immediate destruction, but God will slowly destroy all the inhabitants of the land as the Israelites can handle the take over of the land. The boundaries of the promised land are described, and they contain portions of modern day Iraq, Syria, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt as well as all of Israel, Jordan and Lebanon.

An Overview of Chapter 24
God calls Moses, Aaron and his sons Nadab and Abihu, as well as seventy elders onto the mountain to worship. Following this, Moses writes tells all the people these new ordinances and he writes them down. After hearing them the people agreed to do all of the things included in this law. They brought burnt and peace offerings to be sacrificed to God. Moses then reads all the laws and the people again agree to the terms as a covenant with God.

Moses, Aaron and his sons Nadab and Abihu, as well as seventy elders again ascend the mountain and they see God and eat and drink before Him.

God asks Moses to come the rest of the way up the mountain and pick up the stone tablets that God wrote the commandments on. Moses brings his servant Joshua with him and leaves Aaron and Hur in charge while he is gone. On the seventh day the glory of the Lord appears on the mountain and to the people it looks like a consuming fire. Moses is on the mountain with the fire for forty days.

Reflection
How does the Biblical view of marriage differ with societies? How does your view of marriage differ with the Bible? Do these new laws apply to believers today? Can you prove your view Biblically? If they don’t apply then what value are they to us? Do you ever envision God as a consuming fire? Why or why not?

For Further Study
Law: Psalm 19:7, 78:5-11, Proverbs 28:9, 29:18, Matthew 22:35-40, Romans 2:12-23, 1Corinthians 15:56-57, Galatians 2:15-3:29, 1Timothy 1:7-11

Exodus 19-21

An Overview of Chapter 19
During the third month of the exodus God promises to make a holy nation out of the Israelites if they are willing to obey Him. All the people agree to these terms and Moses brings that message back to God. The Lord then tells Moses that He will allow the people to hear Him speak three days later. Meanwhile, the people are to consecrate themselves, clean their clothes and abstain from sex. They will know that it is time to go hear God when they hear a long blast on a ram’s horn.

When the third day arrives, the people heard a loud trumpet and thunder and saw a lightning, and a thick cloud surrounded the mountain. The people all stood at the base of the mountain, and they were trembling with fear. God arrives in a column of fire, the mountain quaked and the sound of the trumpet grew louder.

Moses goes to the top of the mountain and is told by God to make sure the people stay back, and then he and Aaron should come back together.

An Overview of Chapter 20
God speaks in the hearing of the people and gives Moses the Ten Commandments.
1. No other Gods.
2. No idols.
3. Do not take the Lords name in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath.
5. Honor your father and mother.
6. No murdering.
7. No stealing.
8. No adultery.
9. No lying.
10. No coveting.
When the people heard this they got very scared and requested that God only speak with Moses and then Moses relay the messages to them.

Moses approached God and is given a reminder of the first two commandments and instructions for building altars for the Lord.

An Overview of Chapter 21
Moses is still on the mountain and God gives him several other ordinances dealing with slavery and personal injury. Punishment for most of the personal injury laws is summed up with “life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.” Also note that vs. 22-25 can be applied to abortion?

Reflection
Do you consecrate yourself when you meet with the Lord? Are you listening for a horn blast that will call you to the mountain of the Lord? Do you fear God? When you look at the Ten Commandments, which are the most convicting to you? What are your feelings on the death penalty?

For Further Study
Commandments: Psalm 19:8, 71:3, 112:1, 119; Proverbs 2:1-5, 6:20-24, 19:16; Matthew 22:35-40, Romans 7:8-13, Ephesians 2:14-16

Exodus 16-18

An Overview of Chapter 16
A month and a half after being miraculously delivered from Egypt the Israelites begin to complain about not having enough food. It is so bad that they long for the days of slavery. The Lord hears their complaints and decides to provide quail and bread for them, but He will use this as a test to see whether the people will do what He tells them.

The Lord appears in the cloud before the people and gives instructions to Moses concerning the provision He is about to make. Each person is supposed to gather an equal amount, no more than they can eat in a day, and on the sixth day of the week they will gather twice as much. Some of the people do not listen and try to save some of the manna for morning, but it rots and is filled with worms. The Lord reminds them of the Sabbath given to their forefathers and provides extra food for the people on the sixth day so they can honor the sabbath.

The Lord instructs Moses to keep one jar as a souvenir to remember this trip.

An Overview of Chapter 17
As the Israelites continue their journey they complain again, this time about not having enough water, testing to see whether God is with them (vs. 7). Moses, as he was instructed by God, gathers the elders of the land before a rock. The Lord appears to the elders of Israel and Moses hits the rock with his staff and water flows from the rock.

Following this the Amalekites wage war with the Israelites. Moses instructs his servant Joshua to form an army and fight them Amalekites. Moses watches from the top of a mountain with his brother and a friend. When Moses holds his staff up the Israelites have the advantage, but if he lowers his staff the Amalekites take the advantage. Aaron and Hur set Moses on a rock and hold his hands up for him all day long. The Israelites are victorious.

God instructs Moses to write down that the Amalekites will be destroyed and make sure Joshua knows this. Moses builds an altar to God here.

An Overview of Chapter 18
The news of the Israelites escape from Egypt and victory over the Amalekites spreads through the region and Moses father-in-law hears. Jethro gathers Moses wife and two kids and reunites them in the wilderness. After exchanging pleasantries Moses rejoice over what the Lord has been doing and Jethro offers a sacrifice that they eat in front of God.

Jethro follows Moses to work and realizes he is overdoing it. He suggests that Moses hire some Godly men to help him judge the disputes of the people. He also suggests the Moses teach the people the law so they can judge themselves on the simple matters. Then all Moses will have to do is judge those matters that cannot be decided without God’s help. Moses follows Jethro’s advice.

After a nice visit, Jethro goes home.

Reflection
Do you ever look at your past and wish you could go back? Do you have a tendency to take more than you need, even if it will go to waste? Do you believe that God tests your obedience using the circumstances of your life? Does God provide food for you every day? Do you ever test God just to see whether He is their? Do you support those whom God has entrusted to lead you? Do you spend time to rejoice over the things God has done for you recently? Do you have a tendency to do everything yourself? Do you spend time learning about God and what He wants you to do so you only need to take big problems to Him in prayer?

For Further Study
Manna: Deuteronomy 8:3-16, Joshua 5:12, John 6:31-58, Revelation 2:17
Sabbath: Genesis 2:2, Psalm 92, Luke 6:1-9, Colossians 2:16-17, Hebrews 3:17-4:11

Exodus 13-15

An Overview of Chapter 13
The memorial feast of the unleavened bread is described and contained the following elements: in the month of Abib for seven days the Israelites are not to eat bread made with yeast, but on the seventh day they will have a party for the Lord. This is to teach their children what God did to free them from slavery in Egypt.

The Lord repeats his instructions to hand over (or sacrifice) all the firstborn of the land to him, both human and animal. Further, instructions are given that the donkey and the human must be redeemed by the sacrifice of a lamb. God seems to be comparing humans (maybe just Pharaoh - vs. 15) to stubborn donkeys! This is to teach the Israelite children that the Lord brought their fathers out of the slavery of Egypt by killing the firstborn children of the Egyptians.

The path God chooses to lead the newly liberated Israelites on takes them away from the land of the Philistines so they will not be afraid. Moses brings the bones of Joseph along with them on this journey. The Lord himself is leading the way in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.

An Overview of Chapter 14
As the Israelites camp by the sea, the Lord continues to work on the heart of Pharaoh. Because God had hardened his heart, Pharaoh changes his mind about letting the Israelites go and chases after them with a large army and catches up with them as they are camping by the sea.

When the Israelites see Pharaoh coming, they freak out and begin to whine to Moses. Moses responds in faith and tells them to wait and watch what God will do to defend them. Meanwhile, Moses is crying to God
!
God tells Moses to stop whining, pack up, and march toward the sea. The pillars of fire and smoke move from in front of the Israelites and position themselves between the Egyptians and the Israelites separating the two.

When Moses holds the staff God gave him over the sea a strong wind blows through the sea separating it so the Israelites can walk through. The Egyptian army follows, but gets scared and starts to run away. Before they can make it to the other shore, the water comes crashing down on them, and the whole army is defeated. After seeing God’s power the Israelites fear God, and believe in him and his servant Moses.

An Overview of Chapter 15
The Israelites break into song after witnessing God's defeat of the Egyptians. This song is a reminder of what God had just done to overcome the Egyptians and lists many of his attributes. The Lord is exalted, their strength, their salvation, He is a warrior, powerful, great, majestic, holy, awesome, wonder working, loving-kind, a redeemer, a guide, and the purchaser of the Israelites. After the singing the women begin to dance following the lead of Moses sister Miriam.

Three days later all these celebrations are forgotten as the people are thirsty, and they have no fresh water to drink. They complain about this to Moses. He brings their complaint to God, and the Lord miraculously provides water for them.

God makes a promise to the Israelites; if they listen to God and do what He tells them, then He will prevent them from suffering through the plagues they had just witnessed.

The next camping spot the Lord provides has plenty of food and water.

Reflection
What traditions or celebrations do you have to remember the things God has done in your family? Do you use religious holidays to teach your children about God? Do you consider yourself stubborn when it comes to doing what God asks you? When in times of crisis do you trust God enough to not be fearful and wait to see how God will provide for you? Do you sing and dance to God about both the great things He has done and the great God He is? Do you listen to God and do what He says?

For Further Study
Sanctify: Leviticus 20:8, Matthew 23:19, John 17:17-19, Acts 20:32, Romans 6:19-22, 1Thessalonians 4:3-7
Redeem: Job 33:28, Psalm 19:14, Psalm 34:22, Luke 21:28, Romans 3:21-25, Galatians 3:13-14, Ephesians 1:7-14, Colossians 1:13-14, 1Peter 1:17-19

Exodus 10-12

An Overview of Chapter 10
The Lord reminds Moses that this is being done so that everyone would know that the God of the Hebrews was real. The next plague promised to Pharaoh was a plague of locusts. At this point, even Pharaoh’s servants are hoping the Pharaoh will let the people go.

Pharaoh decides that he will bargain with Moses and offers to let just the men go. Unhappy with this answer the Lord sends in the Locusts. Pharaoh feigns repentance and as soon as the locusts are gone Pharaoh changes his mind again and will not let the people of Israel go.

Following this deception the Lord brings darkness into the land. For three days only the Israelites had light. Pharaoh changes his compromise and this time he offers to let the men, women and children go, in exchange there would be light in the land. Moses says no deal, we need the animals for sacrifices.

An Overview of Chapter 11
The Lord now instructs the Israelites to go to their Egyptian neighbors house and beg for silver and gold. They do, and the Egyptians just give it to them. God then promises that there will be another plague - the death of all the firstborn.

An Overview of Chapter 12
God begins to establish Israel as their own nation. He gives them a national calendar, and a national holiday that will get them out of work.

The Lord, speaking through Aaron and Moses, sets the rules for celebrating the passover, and the celebration of unleavened bread. One important aspect of this original passover celebration is taking some of the blood from the lamb and marking the doorposts of their houses. This is used as a mark of their faith which will cause the destroyer to “Passover” their house. God also reminds them to continue celebrating these feasts after they enter the promised land.

God does in fact kill all the firstborn children of Egypt. This causes Pharaoh to beg the Israelites to leave town. Instead of this being a solemn occasion, it is more like a parade as the Israelites carry out all the gold and silver they wanted. Finally, Pharaoh keeps his word and the people are allowed to leave.

Reflection
Do you ever wonder why God has not made Himself as known as he did in his word? Would you, like Moses, be unwilling to ignore portions of God’s instructions for the protection of others or yourself? Do you ever take the time to “celebrate” the things God has done in your life?

For Further Study
Passover: Matthew 26:2, 1Corinthians 5:7

Exodus 7-9

An Overview of Chapter 7
At the end of chapter 6, the 80 year old Moses asks God how Pharaoh will listen to an unskilled speaker such as himself. Gods answer is given here - Aaron, Moses older brother, will speak for you in the same way that prophets speak for God.

When Moses and Aaron go to Pharaoh and ask him to let the Israelites go, he asks them for a miracle to prove they work for God. Aaron throws down his staff as God had instructed, and it becomes a snake. Pharaoh is unimpressed since his wise guys can do the same with their staffs. Off course Pharaoh must ignore the fact that their snakes are all swallowed by Aaron's. Pharaoh does not let the people go.

Next Moses and Aaron turn the Nile into blood. The Pharaoh’s wise guys can do the same so Pharaoh again refuses to let the people go.

An Overview of Chapter 8
A week later Moses and Aaron repeat the request to Pharaoh and to prove God’s power they infest the land with frogs. Pharaoh’s wise guys do the same, but this time Pharaoh jumps up and says he will let the Israelites go if the frogs leave. God makes the frogs leave, but Pharaoh did not keep his end of the bargain.

Next God used Moses and Aaron to bring gnats into the land. Pharaoh’s wise guys could not repeat this miracle so they determined that God must be at work. Pharaoh ignored his advisors and did not let the people go.

Next God sends insects to infest the Egyptians, but adds the twist that the insects leave the Israelites alone. Pharaoh proposes a compromise - the people can sacrifice to God, but they cannot leave Egypt to do it. Moses says no way, so Pharaoh relents and tells Moses the people can go as soon as the insects leave. When the insects leave Pharaoh goes back on his word and refuses to let the people go.

An Overview of Chapter 9
The Lord sends a plague into the land that kills the Egyptian horses, donkeys, camels, goats, and sheep. Pharaoh is still not convinced to let the people of Israel go.

God then sends boils and sores on all the Egyptians. The wise guys called in sick that day. Pharaoh is still not willing to let the people go. God lets Pharaoh know that He will keep this up until His power is respected.

Next God sends fire and hail stones, but he gives this warning first - if you believe in Him take your livestock and servants and get them inside where it is safe. Even some of Pharaoh’s servants believe God at this point and follow his instructions. Those who did not do what God said lost all their livestock and their servants. Of course, the Israelites were saved from this. After seeing this destruction Pharaoh agrees to let the people go if the hail is stopped. God stops the hail as promised, but Pharaoh refuses to let the people go.

Reflection
Do you overlook God’s everyday miracles because science can recreate them? Do you ever wonder if God is trying to get you to do something when things start going badly in your life? When you come across people whose hearts are hardened how do you respond? As a believer, do you sense God’s favor or protection in your life? Has your stubbornness ever caused you or your family problems?

For Further Study
Hard Hearts: Proverbs 28:14, Mark 3:1-5, Ephesians 4:17-19, 2Thessalonians 2:11-12,
Purpose of Plagues: Genesis 12:17, Exodus 9:14, Isaiah 45:22-25, Romans 1:18, Ephesians 5:3-6

Exodus 4-6

An Overview of Chapter 4
Moses tells God he is still not sure the people will believe him when he tells them that God has spoken with him. God gives Moses three cool tricks to show the people: a staff that turns into a snake, the ability to cause and cure leprosy, and turning water into blood. Moses is not comforted by this and tries to lie to God by saying he is a poor speaker, to which God responds "I made your mouth." Moses says God can send anyone he wants, but implies anyone but himself.

Moses’ answer angers God, but God does establish another plan. God will tell Moses what to say, and Moses will tell his long lost brother Aaron what to say, who will in turn tell the people and Pharaoh what God has said. God also gets to the heart of what is really bugging Moses by telling him that the people who want to kill him are all dead. Finally, Moses agrees to go and he takes his wife and child with him.

God tells Moses what will ultimately happen on - Pharaoh will not let the people go so God will kill Pharaoh’s first born son.

As Moses journey’s on the Lord appears and tries to kill him! Zipporah realizes what the Lord is angry about and circumcises their son.

The Lord tells Aaron to go and meet his brother Moses, and the two are so happy they cry. The two brothers go and speak with the elders of Israel and perform the signs. The elders believe Moses and bow and worship God.

An Overview of Chapter 5
After speaking with the elders of Israel Moses and Aaron go and present the Lord’s request that the pharaoh let the Israelites take a short vacation. Pharaoh tells them he doesn’t know their God. Moses and Aaron ask again, and this time Pharaoh says the can’t let them have the time off work. Pharaoh decides to increase the labor of the Israelites since they apparently don’t have enough work to keep them from complaining.

When the Israelites cannot keep up with the workload, the foremen are beaten for their lack of achievement. The Israelites are upset with Moses for bringing all this trouble on them, and then Moses brings these complaints to God.

An Overview of Chapter 6
God responds to Israel and Moses’ complaints. He reminds Moses that even Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were not told the name of God. God tells Moses to pass a message on to the people. God promises to bring the Israelites out of slavery and to make them His people in the land promised to Abraham. Moses relays the message but the Israelites refused to listen to him because they were focused on the current problems. God again repeats his instructions to Moses concerning telling Pharaoh that the Israelites must leave the Egypt.

A partial genealogy is given that shows the families of Aaron and Moses through the line of Levi’s son Kohath.

Reflection
Do you question God’s word? When you see God working do you worship him? Have you ever bowed low to worship God? When you find yourself in difficult situations do you blame God?

For Further Study
Moses: Psalm 77:20, Psalm 90, Matthew 17:3, Hebrews 11:23-26

Exodus 1-3

An Overview of Chapter 1
After the death of Joseph the descendants of Israel continue to multiply, so much that they fill the land. A new king rises up in Egypt who does not know about that Joseph saved the Egyptians from starvation. He fears the descendants of Israel so he enslaves them and put them to work building the great cities Pithom and Raamses. No matter how hard he worked the Israelites they continued to multiply.

Then the king gets a new idea. He will tell the midwives to kill all the male babies they deliver. The midwives refuse this order because they feared God more than the king of Egypt. They lie to the king so they can save their own lives. God blesses the midwives for assisting the Israelites.

The king then requires that all male children be thrown into the river.

An Overview of Chapter 2
A Levite man and woman marry and have a son. They disobey the pharaoh’s law and try to keep their son. After three months they realize that it is too difficult to hide him. They decide to follow the letter of the law, and they build a wicker life raft for the boy and “cast” him into the Nile.

The babies older sister is concerned, and she watches the basket to see what happens. When she sees that the pharaoh’s daughter had pity on the baby she speaks up and offers to find a nurse to raise the baby. Pharaoh’s daughter agrees and even offers to pay for this service, so the girl goes and gets her mom. Talk about a child tax credit - she gets paid by the government to raise her own son! The boy is named Moses.

Fast forward a couple of decades, Moses has grown up and realizes the Hebrews are his family. Moses sees an Egyptian beating a Hebrew slave. He intervenes and kills the Egyptian. Then he sees two Hebrews fighting and when he tries to step in they tell him that they know he killed the Egyptian.

Moses is scared, and for good reason, his grandfather wants him dead for his crime. Moses leaves Egypt and heads to Midian.

When he gets there, he meets some ladies at the local watering hole and defends their honor. They tell their father, the priest, and he invites Moses to stay with them. Moses marries one of the priest’s daughters named Zipporah and they have a son.

The pharaoh dies. The Israelites cry out to God and ask Him to remember the covenant that he had made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God hears them, and of course he remembered the covenant.

An Overview of Chapter 3
Moses now works as a shepherd for his father-in-law Jethro. While out with the flock at Horeb, God appears to Moses in a burning bush.

God informs Moses that He has come to deliver the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt. In addition, Moses has been selected to lead the people out of the land of Egypt. Moses wants to know what name he should give God when he speaks with the Israelites. God responds “I AM (YHWH).”

God wants Moses to tell the Elders of Israel He is concerned about them. Then Moses is to take all the Elders of Israel with him and speak with Pharaoh (Moses’ brother by adoption), asking that the people of Israel may be able to take a vacation from slavery so they can sacrifice to the Lord God. Just to make things interesting God also tells Moses it will be a miracle (in fact several) if pharaoh allows the people to go. But, in case Moses was wondering what was in it for him he is told that when the Israelites leave Egypt they will be given gold, silver, and fancy clothes by the Egyptians.

Reflection
Do you fear God more than anyone else? Would you be willing to lie so that your life may be saved? When is it all right to disobey the laws of the land? Do you attempt to make peace when Christians are fighting? Are you hospitable to strangers? When you are in times of desperation do you call out to God? Do you “remind” God of the promises He has given us in scripture? Do you ever meet with God as you are busy with your daily work?

For Further Study
Fearing of God: Psalm 36:1, Psalm 76:11, Proverbs 2:1-5, Luke 23:40, Acts 10:34-35, 2Corinthians 7:1, 1Peter 2:17, Revelation 14:6-7
Hospitality: Romans 12:10-13, Hebrews 13:2, 1Peter 4:9
I AM: John 8:57-59

Genesis 46-47

Overview of Chapter 46
Israel sets out to see his son in Egypt. On the way he stops at Beersheba to offer sacrifices to God, a place where both his father and grandfather worshipped God. God speaks to him and tells him to go to Egypt and tells him that he will become a great nation there.

Israel makes make the trip and takes all that he has, 66 children and grandchildren, and all of his livestock.

At long last Israel is reunited with his favorite son and they have a good cry. Joseph arranges a meeting with Pharaoh and his family. He coaches them so they don't say something that will change Pharaoh's mind about them staying in his land.

Overview of Chapter 47
When Pharaoh meets hand selected members of Joseph's family he asks them to take over the care of his livestock. Pharaoh gives Joseph's family the best of the land and Israel blesses Pharaoh.

Meanwhile, the famine continues and Joseph has collected all the money in Egypt and Canaan in exchange for the food he stored in the years of abundance. Next Joseph collects all the livestock in Egypt and Canaan in exchange for food. When all the livestock is gone the people sell their land and themselves to Joseph so that they can eat and live. Because Joseph acted wisely based on the information God had provided him Pharaoh now owns all the land and the people in Egypt with the exception of Joseph's family and the priests of the land.

Joseph moves all the new slaves into cities and then employs them in the farming industry. The people are supposed to give Pharaoh 20 percent of all the produce that they grow.

Israel and his family increase in numbers and wealth. As he gets closer to his death Israel makes Joseph promise to bury him in the same place as his father and grandfather. Joseph promises, which prompts the 147 year old man to bow down and worship God.

Reflection
Do you occasionally stop what you are doing so you can worship God? Who in your family do you need to be reunited with? Notice the relationship between provision and freedom, are you more willing to give up your personal freedoms provision for yourself and your family? Which is harder for you to give up, money, stuff, or freedom? When you think about your death does it cause you to worship God?

For Further Study
Bowing in worship: Genesis 24:26, 48; Psalm 95:6
Shepherd: Genesis 29:9, Psalm 78:70-72, Matthew 9:36, 1Peter 5:1-4

Genesis 43-45

Overview of Chapter 43
Eventually Israel has no choice but to send his sons back to Egypt for food. Judah promises that if anything happens to Benjamin he will bear the guilt. Israel decides to send gifts with his sons to Egypt in hopes that things go well.

When Joseph's brothers return to Egypt they are invited to lunch. Simeon is released from jail for the meal. When Joseph arrives his half brothers and full brother Benjamin bow down to him. When Joseph sees his full brother he begins to cry and leaves the room. After cleaning himself up he returns and they eat a meal together, and Joseph gives them food from his table - giving Benjamin the most.

Overview of Chapter 44
When the brothers return home they are given food and money. In addition Joseph's cup is hidden in Benjamin's sack so that Joseph can test his brother's again. Joseph sends his servants after his brothers and when they catch up they accuse them of stealing.

The brothers tell the servants that if they find the cup they can kill whoever has it and the rest of them will become slaves. When they search the bags they find the cup in Benjamin's bag. Joseph tells them that he will not kill Benjamin, but will keep him as a slave and the rest are free to go. Judah requests that he be enslaved instead of Benjamin after he explains the promise he made to his father.

Overview of Chapter 45
After hearing Judah's devotion to his father and brother Joseph cannot keep up the deception. He reveals himself to his brothers through tears. He explains to them that they do not need worry about what they did to him because God arranged for him to be in Egypt to save their lives.

Joseph instructs his brothers to return to their father and bring him back to live in Egypt. Pharaoh hears about the family reunion and offers to provide a very comfortable life for his friends family.

When Israel hears his son is alive his spirits pick up and he is agrees to go see him.

Reflection
Would you endanger one of your children in order to provide for all of your family? How is this similar to God's willingness to sacrifice his son? How is it different? When is it appropriate and inappropriate to show your emotions? Do you think Joseph was trying to make his brothers jealous by giving more food to Benjamin? What is the danger of making promises, even when you believe you are right? Are you willing to sacrifice your freedom for the sake of anyone else? Who? How has God preordained events of your life for your good or protection? Do you plan to take care of your parents in their old age?

For Further Study
Sacrificial love: Exodus 32:31-32, Romans 9:1-4, John 13:34
Jealousy: Proverbs 27:4, 1Corinthians 13:4-7

Genesis 41-42

Overview of Chapter 41
Two years have passed since God helped Joseph interpret the dreams of the cupbearer. Pharaoh has two troubling dreams and wants to understand what they mean. After his magicians and wise guys couldn't decipher the dream the cupbearer speaks up and tells the Pharaoh about Joseph.

Joseph is cleaned up and brought to Pharaoh who gives Joseph the details of his dreams. Joseph explains that he has no special power, but that God will do the interpretation. According to God the dreams are a warning that Egypt will have seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine.

Joseph then offers the Pharaoh some counsel - in the good years save some food for the bad years. Pharaoh thinks it is a great idea and he puts Joseph in charge of the task. Joseph is given all the power he needs to carry out this responsibility. Joseph gets a nice benefit package for his new career: Pharaoh's signet ring, fancy clothes, a gold necklace, a nice ride, everyone bows down to him, a new name (God speaks), and a wife. Not bad for a 30 year old ex-con.

Joseph and his wife have a couple of kids, Manasseh and Ephraim.

Everything happens just as God had said, and all the world is coming to Egypt to buy food during the seven years of famine.

Overview of Chapter 42
Jacob and his boys are starving like the rest of the world. When Jacob hears there is food in Egypt for sell he tells his boys to stop staring at each other and get to Egypt to buy some food. All the brothers go except Benjamin (the youngest). When they get to Egypt they bow down to Joseph (not knowing it was him) and fulfill the dreams that Joseph had a few years back that caused them so much jealousy.

Instead of announcing who he is Joseph devises a test to see if their hearts have changed. He challenges their story and even calls them spies. He takes Simeon captive an tells the rest of the brothers that he will be held until they return with their youngest brother. The brothers are sure that this misfortune is a result of their actions against Joseph and they say so in front of their brother not realizing it. Joseph is moved by this and has to hide his tears.

All the brothers except Simeon return home to tell dad what happened and pick up Benjamin. Dad is hesitant to let him go. Reuben stands up and says if they don't bring Benjamin back then he will kill his own sons (not a very effective argument since his sons are Jacob's grandsons). Jacob still refuses to let his youngest son go with them.

Reflection
What can you learn from Joseph's example of patience and faith while he is in prison? How does your character compare to Joseph? What can Joseph's advice to Pharaoh teach us about how to handle our finances? Do you often give God credit for the talents you have and what you accomplish with them? What can you learn from how Joseph deals with his brothers? Do you test people to check their motives? Should you? Are you generous to those who have wronged you? As a parent do you play favorites with your children?

For Further Study
God's plans for you: Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 8:28-31
Hope: Psalm 43:5, Psalm 62:5, Proverbs 10:28, Romans 5:1-5, 12:10-13, 15:3

Genesis 38-40

Overview of Chapter 38
Judah marries a Canaanite woman and has several children with her. After his kids grow up Judah arranges a marriage for his oldest boy, but his oldest boy was evil and God killed him leaving his wife Tamar a widow. Judah then tells his next oldest boy to marry her, but he does not fulfill his duty and God kills him. After seeing his two oldest sons die Judah tells Tamar that she can live with them as a widow, but is afraid to tell another son to marry her.

Judah hires Tamar thinking she is a prostitute and he gets her pregnant with twins. When he finds out what really happened he declares that it was his fault this happened because he was acting unrighteous.

Overview of Chapter 39
Meanwhile in Egypt Joseph the slave gets promoted to overseer of Potiphar's house. The Lord blessed Joseph and Potiphar. Everyone was impressed with Joseph, especially Potiphar's wife and she asks him to sleep with her. She repeats her request every time she sees him, until one day the two of them are alone in the house and she grabs ahold of him. Joseph streaks out of house leaving his clothes behind. Potiphar's wife accuses him of attempting to sleep with her, so Joseph gets put in jail.

Joseph is also very successful in jail and the Lord blesses him. Soon Joseph the prisoner became the jail house manager.

Overview of Chapter 40
While Joseph is in jail two of the Pharaoh's officials were put in jail with him. Joseph recognizes that they are sad (sadder then a normal prisoner) and asks them what is wrong. They both have bad dreams and Joseph interprets them for him. The cupbearer is told that he will be restored to his position in three days and the baker is told he will be killed in three days. When these things happen Joseph hopes that the cupbearer will tell Pharaoh about his talent.

Reflection
Are there any sins you have hidden in hopes that you will not be publicly humiliated? Have you repented of them? What past examples of unrighteousness have come back to haunt you later? What can Joseph's example teach you about success? Contentment? Happiness? Do you recognize the needs of others and try to help?

For Further Study
Marrying your brothers widow: Deuteronomy 25:5-11, Matthew 22:23-33
Fleeing sin: 1Corinthians 6:18, 10:13-14, 1Timothy 6:11, 2Timothy 2:22

Genesis 35-37

Overview of Chapter 35
God instructs Jacob to move to Bethel and build an altar there. Jacob instructs his family and all their servants to get rid of all their foreign gods and purify themselves. He then hides all the gods in a tree (how thankful I am that my God cannot be hidden in a tree).

After the journey to Bethel Jacob builds an altar as he had been told. God appears to Jacob and reminds him of a few things. First, God had changed his name to Israel and yet he was still going by Jacob. God then promises to multiply and prosper Israel and give him and his descendants the land promised to Abraham and Isaac.

Rachel gives birth again, but this time dies in labor. As she is dying she names her son Ben-oni (son of sorrow), but Jacob/Israel renames him Benjamin (son of the right hand). Not only did he lose the wife he loved, but his son sleeps with one of his other wives (but Jacob/Israel only thought of her as a concubine).

After a quick reminder of Jacob/Israel's twisted family tree we see Jacob/Israel return to the root - his father Isaac. At the ripe old age of 185 Isaac died and the two brothers bury their father.

Overview of Chapter 36
Following the funeral Esau moves away from his brother Jacob/Israel, because they both had grown to prosperous to live together. Had Esau not sold his birthright, then it would have been Jacob/Israel who would have to move.

The rest of this chapter is a list of Esau's descendants, as well as the kings and chiefs that ruled in the lands they populated. We are also told that Esau is the father of the Edomites.

Overview of Chapter 37
Jacob/Israel's son Joseph at the age of 17 tells his dad that his older brothers are doing a bad job in the shepherding business. This makes his brothers mad, and it doesn't help that dad always liked him best anyway. In fact dear old dad made a special coat for Joseph to wear. Joseph continues to anger his brothers as he tells them about some dreams he has had, both of which seem to point to his brothers bowing down to him.

One day while Joseph's brothers are out shepherding Jacob/Israel sends him out to check on them. As they see him coming they decide to prevent his dreams from coming true by killing him. The oldest brother, Rueben, is not on board with this idea and convinces them to just through him in a pit, with the hopes that he will be able to return and rescue his little bro. They agree and strip Joseph him into a pit. While Rueben is out doing who knows what the rest of the brothers under Judah's guidance decide to sell Joseph to some traveling sales men, who take him to Egypt and sell him into slavery. When Rueben returns and sees his brother is gone and he is all tore up about it so they devise a plan to make it look like little brother was eaten by a wild beast.

When they give the news to dad he takes it pretty hard and will not let his children comfort him, in fact he decides to be altogether uncomfortable and puts on some scratchy clothes.

Reflection
Where has God instructed you to go? Did you go? What did God tell you to do when you got there? Did you do it? Are you a tattle-tale? Do you often tell of your great circumstances to boost your pride or ego? Do you stand up to sin wholeheartedly, or do you allow some smaller sins to happen around you in hopes of not drawing the anger of others?

For Further Study
Sheol: Psalm 49:15, Psalm 139:8, Proverbs 30:15-16, Ecclesiastes 9:10.
Edom: Numbers 20-21, Deuteronomy 23:7, Psalm 83

Genesis 32-34

Overview of Chapter 32
After a brief encounter with angels Jacob begins his journey home. Jacob sends word to his brother Esau that he will be coming home. When Jacob hears that Esau is coming with 400 men to meet him, he gets a little scared (remember that Esau had threatened to kill him). Jacob divides his group into 2 companies, if the first company is attacked then Jacob and the rest will run away.

Jacob reminds God of His promised protection and prosperity.

Jacob prepares gifts to send ahead to his brother in hopes of appeasing him.

Jacob sent his wives, kids and maids across the stream ahead of him. While he was still on the other side a man began to wrestle with him. They wrestled all night long, and the man dislocated Jacob's hip. Even after suffering a dislocated hip Jacob refused to let go of the man. It turns out that Jacob was wrestling with God (actually a Christophony - Christ appearing before his physical birth). God changes Jacob's name to Israel, but it doesn't seem to stick initially.

After his wrestling match Jacob limps across the stream and meets up with his family.

Overview of Chapter 33
Jacob sees his brother Esau coming and quickly divides his family according to importance. He puts the Bilhah, Zilpah, and their boys first, then Leah and her kids, and lastly Rachel and her son Joseph. Then Jacob goes to the front and bows down to his brother. When he and Esau meet they hug, kiss, and cry.

After a little complimentary bickering Esau accepts the gifts that Jacob offers.

When Jacob finally arrives at the city of Shechem he buys some land and builds an altar. It is here that he now sees God as his God and not just the God of his fathers (El-Elohe-Israel).

Overview of Chapter 34
Leah's daughter Dinah decides to get to know her neighbors. Unfortunately while she is out she gets raped by a prince. The prince's father tries to smooth things over by suggesting that the two get married, in fact he proposes that his people and Jacob's people should intermarry.

Jacob's sons are upset about what happened to Rachel so they work out a plan to get revenge. They convince all the men of the land to be circumcised. Three days later when all the men are in pain two of the brothers (Simeon and Levi) come in and kill all the men of the city while they cannot defend themselves. In addition to killing the men they loot the city and steal the women and children.

Jacob is worried by this because he believes the neighbors will think this deal stinks.

Reflection
Is there anyone in your family you need to reconcile with? Is there anyone in the family of the Body of Christ? What gifts can you give to those who you have offended. Do you often wrestle with God? Are you capable of as much forgiveness as Esau was?

For Further Study
Reconciliation: Matthew 5:23-24, Ephesians 2:14-16
Forgiveness: Matthew 6:14-15, 2Corinthians 2, Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:12-13

Genesis 30-31

Overview of Chapter 30
Rachel is jealous that her sister was able to give Jacob children and she was not. Following in the footsteps of Abraham and Sarah she convinces Jacob to give her children through her maid Bilhah. Jacob agrees and thus begins the offspring wars of Genesis 30.

Remember that in Genesis 29 Leah had given Jacob four sons: Rueben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah.

Here in Chapter 30 Rachel's maid gives Jacob two sons on behalf of Rachel: Dan (vindicated) and Naphtali (wrestlings).

Leah sees what Rachel is doing so she copies her and gives Jacob her maid Zilpah as a wife who gives him two more sons on Leah's behalf: Gad (fortunate) and Asher (happy).

Now Rachel could not help but be jealous about anything that Leah has, so when Leah's oldest son is seen giving his dear old mom some mandrakes (a plant that was thought to have an aphrodisiac effect) Rachel wants some for herself. Leah will not give them to her, but a deal is struck. Rachel pimps Jacob out for the night to Leah in return for some of the mandrakes. Jacob goes along with the deal and the end result is a fifth child from Leah, Issachar (wages). Apparently this wasn't a one time deal because Leah later gives birth to a sixth son, Zebulun (to dwell), and a daughter, Dinah (judge).

Rachel finally has a child of her own, Joseph (add), but is still hoping for more, and she will get one more (Benjamin) in a later chapter.

Final score in the offspring wars:
Leah: 8 boys (6 from her and 1 from Zilpah) and 1 girl
Rachel: 4 boys (2 from her and 2 from Bilhah)

Jacob's been busy with his wives and has a lot to show for it, but he has also been working hard for his father-in-law Laban. Jacob decides that he has paid his seven years service and wants to leave. Laban realizes that he will be losing a great worker so he makes him a deal to keep him around. Laban gives Jacob all the imperfect sheep and goats in return for his work. Jacob then raises his imperfect flocks and they make him rich.

Overview of Chapter 31
The fact that Jacob is getting rich off of Laban's undesirable livestock makes Laban cop an attitude with Jacob. Jacob is instructed by God to leave town. With the agreement of his wives he and his family take all their stuff and sneak out of town, but not before Rachel shoplifts daddy's gods (how sad that his gods could be stolen).

When Laban finds out they have left he is in hot pursuit. When he finds them he wonders why Jacob and company would leave without saying bye. He also accuses them of stealing his gods. Jacob gives him permission to look through all their stuff and if he finds his gods then Jacob will make sure the thief dies. Laban searches everywhere except under Rachel who continues her cycle of deception.

When Laban comes up empty handed he and Jacob have an argument about who is mistreating who. In the end the two make a covenant that they will stay away from each other, with God being the witness between them they set up a border and agree not to cross it to do each other harm.

After the family squabble is somewhat patched up the two of them have a BBQ and then Laban goes home.

Reflection
Does your jealousy often cause you to lead others to sin? Do you think that following God will make you successful? Do you run away from your problems, or confront them before you proceed?

For Further Study
12 tribes of Israel: Genesis 49
Jealousy: Proverbs 6:34, Proverbs 27:4
Idols: Psalm 96:5, Psalm 1151-8

Genesis 27-29

Overview of Chapter 27
Isaac is old and nearly blind. Before he dies he wants one last good meal. He asks his favorite son, Esau, to bring him a yummy dish to eat. Isaac plans to eat his last supper then bless his son Esau. Rebekah overhears this and while Esau is out hunting she convinces her favorite son, Jacob, to bring the meal to Isaac. Because Esau is hairy she has Jacob wear animal skins so he will feel and smell like his brother Esau.

Jacob brings the meal to his father and makes him think that he is Esau. Isaac falls for this deception and blesses Jacob.

Right after Jacob leaves the room Esau returns and prepares a meal for his father. When he brings the meal to dear old dad they both see that Isaac was deceived. Esau cries and weeps and asks his father to bless him as well. Isaac cannot take back Jacob's blessing, but he does pray hat Esau will break away from Jacob's leadership some day. Because of Jacob's deception he promises to kill his brother after their father dies.

When Rachel hears that Jacob's life is in danger she asks him to go visit his uncle Laban in Haran.

Overview of Chapter 28
Before Jacob leaves to live with his uncle Laban in Haran his father warns him not to marry a Canaanite. In addition to the blessing that Jacob stole, Isaac also passes the promise given to Abraham on to Jacob. When Esau finds out that his parents didn't like his wives then he marries Ishmael's daughter Mahalath in hopes of gaining his parents favor.

As Jacob flees to Haran he stops to nap. His pillow was rock hard and he has a weird dream. In this dream he sees a ladder that is a stairway to heaven for angels. At the top of the ladder he sees the Lord, and the Lord speaks to him. God repeats the promise to Jacob that he had promised to Abraham. Jacob sets up a pillar and names the place Bethel (the house of God). Jacob makes a conditional confession of God as his Lord. If God takes care of him during this journey then Jacob will accept Him as his God and will give him a tenth of all that he has.

Overview of Chapter 29
When Jacob arrives in Haran he goes to the local watering hole where his father's wife Rebekah was found. While he is there he meets his cousin Rachel, and after introducing himself she tells her father, Laban. Laban invites Jacob to stay with them, and offers to pay him for working while he lives with him. Jacob asks to marry Rachel in return for serving Laban for seven years.

At the end of the seven years Laban throws a party and gives his daughter to Jacob, unfortunately it is not Rachel - it is her older, less attractive sister Leah. Jacob does not realize this until after the marriage has been consummated. When he approaches Laban about this "bait and switch" deception he is told that the older sister must be married before the younger. Laban offers to give Rachel to Jacob as well, after he has completed the first week of marriage with Leah. There is a catch of course, after Jacob and Rachel are married Jacob will owe Laban an additional seven years of service.

The Lord sees that Jacob loves Rachel and not Leah so God blesses Leah with children while Rachel is barren. Leah has Reuben (the Lord sees), then she has Simeon (the Lord hears), next is Levi (to bring together), and lastly Judah (praise the Lord).

Reflection
Do you favor one of your children over the other? Do you think favoring one child over the other will cause your children to fight? Would you be willing to deceive your family in order get ahead in this world? Is your confession of Christ contingent on God blessing you? Are you hospitable to your family when they are in need?

For Further Study
Jacob: Genesis 32:28, Hebrews 11:20
Esau: Genesis 36:1, Hebrews 12:15-16

Genesis 25-26

Overview of Chapter 25
After the death of his wife Abraham gets married again and has several other children. In fact we find out that he had multiple concubines and had children with them. In order to set his son Isaac apart he gives these children gifts and sends them away. The rest of what he has he gives to his son Isaac.

Abraham died at the age of 175, and he was satisfied with his life. Two of his sons Isaac and Ishmael bury him in the same cave his wife Sarah was buried in.

Ishmael settles East of Egypt in “defiance of his relatives,” and has 12 sons who become princes.

Isaac’s wife Rebekah was barren, but Isaac prays for her and the Lord helps them conceive twins. The pregnancy was difficult so Rebekah asks God why this blessing was so painful. He tells her that the two sons in her womb will become two nations and the older will serve the younger (the earliest known case of sibling rivalry).

Rebekah gives birth to Esau (red) and Jacob (heel snatcher). Esau becomes a skillful hunter and is the favorite of his father Isaac. Jacob is a mammas boy and the favorite of Rebekah.

One day Jacob makes some stew. When Esau returns from his hunt he is starving and trades his birthright as the firstborn to his brother for some of the stew. It turns out he was a bad stew-ard of his birthright.

Overview of Chapter 26
A famine came upon the land that Isaac and his family were living so he moves them, as his father had during an earlier famine, to the land of Gerar. The Lord appeared to Isaac and warned him to stay in the land of Gerar and not go further to the land of Egypt.

Isaac repeats the sins of his father by telling the men of the land the Rebekah is his sister. The king sees that they are closer than that and confronts Isaac, who confesses to his lie. Abimelech then warns the people of the land to not touch Isaac or his wife.

As God had promised, Isaac is blessed and prosperous in the land of Gerar. His success causes the Philistines to envy him and they fill his wells full of dirt. Isaac digs these wells again, and digs several others. When the herdsmen see these new wells they fight with Isaac about them, so he moves on and keeps digging wells until he gets one that nobody quarrels with him over, where this well is becomes his families home.

Abimelech sees the success of Isaac and decides that he needs to make a peace covenant with him as he had with his father.

Isaac’s oldest son Esau marries two women, both of which are Hittites. This upsets both Isaac and Jacob because they wanted him to marry within the family.

Reflection
If you died today would you be satisfied with your life? When you find yourself sick to you pray for God to bring you healing? When God answers your prayers do you question the way that he answers them? What would you be willing to trade to fulfill the desires of your flesh? Do you often find yourself repeating the mistakes of your parents? How can you help your children not repeat your mistakes? Are you willing to give up something that is yours so that you can avoid a quarrel? Is it important to you that your children marry within the “family” of God? Do they know that?

For Further Study
Satisfaction: Psalm 63:1-5, Proverbs 12:14, Proverbs 19:23
Peacemakers: Proverbs 12:20, Matthew 5:9, Romans 12:18

Genesis 22-24

Overview of Chapter 22
God devises a test to see if Abraham has reverence for Him. This test is tough, Abraham is supposed to take his son and offer him as a burnt offering. Abraham shows up for the test, he travels to the place that God instructed him, Mount Moriah - some people believe this place will later be named Golgotha.

Father and son move closer to the place of sacrifice Isaac notices they have everything necessary for a burnt offering, a knife, fire, wood, oops where is the lamb? He questions his faithful father on this matter and is told that God will provide the sacrifice. Imagine Isaac’s surprise when his father ties him up and lays him on the newly made altar!

Abraham prepares to slit his sons throat and drain out all of his blood, but before he can accomplish this task the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and tells him not to slay his son. Abraham has passed the test - he has shown reverence for God above all, even his own son. Then God foreshadows Jesus as He provides a ram with a crown of thorns to die in Isaac’s place. Because of Abraham’s obedience God promises once again to bless Abraham, multiply his descendants, give them victory over their enemies and bless the entire earth through them.

This chapter ends with a short genealogy of Abraham’s brother Nahor that leads to a granddaughter named Rebekah.

Overview of Chapter 23
At the age of 127 years Abraham’s wife Sarah dies, having seen the promise of God fulfilled in her own son Isaac. Abraham mourns and weeps for his wife, then purchases a place to bury her. This is Abraham’s first deed to any of the promised land.

Overview of Chapter 24
The widower Abraham wants to find a wife for his son before he dies. He asks one of his servants to find a wife for him, but it cannot be a local girl (a Canaanite) it must be a relative. The servant agrees and tells his master “thigh will be done.”

The servant travels to Mesopotamia the city of Abraham’s brother Nahor. When he arrives he decides the local watering whole is the best place to pick up women and it is apparently happy hour because the ladies are all coming to get a drink. Then the servant prays for his Lord to help him be successful in this task. He works out a sign with the Lord so he will know that it is the right woman for Isaac. The sign is simple, if he asks a lady to get him a drink she will offer to water his camels as well.

As soon as he finished his prayer a beautiful young woman named Rebekah shows up. He pops the question and she offers to get him a drink as well as his camels - SHE WAS THE ONE! He gives her a ring (a nose ring) and some bracelets and then asks if he can stay at her fathers house. She agrees and then tells him her father is Bethuel and her grandfather is Nahor.

When the servant hears this he begins to worship God because he realizes that she is a relative of Abraham - Isaac’s niece - just as Abraham had requested.

When they get to Rebekah’s house the servant refuses to eat until he can tell Rebekah’s brother Laban the whole story. After finishing the story the servant asks if he is going to be able to take Rebekah back to Isaac to be married, and he sweetens the deal with presents for both Rebekah and Laban. Laban agrees because “the matter comes from the Lord.” After some hesitation and consulting with Rebekah they allow her to leave after they bless her.

While Isaac is out meditating in the field he sees the camels approaching and Rebekah sees him. It is love at first sight and they consummate the wedding in Sarah’s tent.

Reflection
What tests has God put you through in your life? What would you be willing to sacrifice for God? Does your life prove to God that you revere Him? Have you allowed Jesus to be a substitute offering to make atonement for you? What promises of God have you seen fulfilled in your life? If you are looking for a spouse have you asked God to show you specifically which person it should be? Do you see the importance for believers today to marry only a close relative (a brother or sister in Christ)? Are you quick about fulfilling promises you have made to others, especially your Master?

For Further Study
Testing: Exodus 6:4-7, Deuteronomy 8:16, Psalm 26:1-7, Proverbs 17:3, John 6:1-14, 1Corinthians 3:12-13
Reverence/fear: Psalm 2:10-12, Proverbs 1:7, 10:27, 2Corinthians 7:1
Burnt offerings: Leviticus 1, Psalm 51
God’s Promises: Deuteronomy 27:2-3, Acts 2:37-41, James 1:12, 2Peter 3:3-9

Genesis 19-21

Overview of Chapter 19
As the Lord and Abraham finished up their conversation the two angels who came with the Lord traveled to Sodom. When they arrive they run into Lot and he begs them to come to dinner and stay the night.

Shortly after eating the perverted men of the town surround the house and begin shouting for Lot to send the two visitors out so they could rape them. Lot does the unthinkable - he offers his daughters to the men. The men refuse the deal and move in to overtake Lot when the angels pull him back in the house and struck the men of the city with blindness.

The two angels tell Lot that they are going to destroy the town and that he and his family need to live. Lot tells his daughters fiances’ but they thought he was joking. The next morning Lot, his wife, and his two daughters are reminded to leave town. The angels tell Lot that they cannot destroy the towns until Lot leaves and instructs Lot and his family to not look back.

Lot’s wife looks back and is turned into a pillar of salt. The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah are destroyed.

While Lot and his daughters are hiding in a cave the two girls believe that the whole world has been destroyed. They hatch a plan to repopulate the world - they get their dad drunk and have sex with him. Both daughters have children from this event and they will lead to the nations of Moab and Ammon.

Overview of Chapter 20
Abraham travels to Gerar and then returns to his old reliable lie, that Sarah is not his wife. As happened before the king sees how beautiful she is and brings her to his home as his wife.

Before they can consummate the marriage the Lord visits Abimelech and tells him the truth about Sarah, and warns him send her back to her husband. We also find out that Abimelech’s house hold are all made barren. The king agrees and as happened before Abraham benefits financially from this lie when the king gives him sheep, oxen, servants and money. In return Abraham prays for Abimelech and the wombs of his people are healed.

Overview of Chapter 21
As promised God opens Sarah’s womb and she has a child. Abraham follows the instructions previously given, he name the boy Isaac and has him circumcised on the eighth day.

Sarah does not want Isaac to share his inheritance with Ishmael, so she complains to her husband. Abraham is not too happy with the idea of chasing off the only son he has known for the last 14 years. The Lord tells Abraham to send Ishmael and Hagar away and promises to keep them safe and bless Ishmael. Abraham does as the Lord and Sarah tell him and sends Hagar and Ishmael away.

Hagar and Ishmael run out of water and Hagar is afraid her child is going to die. God hears Ishmael crying and speaks to Hagar from heaven. God promises to make a great nation out of Ishmael and shows Hagar where a well is for them to drink from.

Abraham’s neighbor Abimelech decides it would be a good idea to make a covenant with Abraham since God has blessed Abraham so much. Abraham agrees, but adds that Abimelech’s servants borrowed his well and never returned it. Abraham gives Abimelech seven lambs as a gift and Abimelech acknowledges that the well belongs to Abraham.

Reflection
Are you hospitable to strangers? How far are you willing to go to protect those who are under your care? Do you look back to your pre-Christian life instead of looking forward to where God is leading you? Would you lie, or endanger your spouse to protect yourself? Do you call out to God when your outlook on life is bleak? Are you willing to pay for something that is already yours if it brings peace?

For Further Study
Hospitality: Hebrews 13:2, 1Peter 4:9
Peacemakers: Psalm 34:13, Proverbs 16:7, Matthew 5:9, Romans 12:18, 1Thessalonians 5:13, Hebrews 12:14

Genesis 16-18

Overview of Chapter 16
Sarai decides she wants some children and is willing to go to any length to get them. She asks Abram to have sex with her servant Hagar. Abram does what his wife tells him and has sex with Hagar. The encounter was successful and Hagar gets pregnant.

As often happens when one man is sleeping with two women, the women don’t like each other. Abram sides with his wife rather than his mistress. Sarai begins treating Hagar harshly. Hagar decides she is not going to put up with this mistreatment and runs away.

The Lord sees Hagar by a spring of water in the wilderness and tells her to go back and submit to Sarai. The Lord also promises Hagar she will have many descendants and instructs her to name her son Ishmael, meaning “God hears.” Hagar calls God Elroi, “God sees,” because God saw her in her distress.

Hagar returns to Sarai and has a son whom she calls Ishmael as God had instructed her. Abram is 86 at this point.

Overview of Chapter 17
When Abram is 99 years old the Lord appears to him and Abram falls on his face in respect. God reminds Abram of the promised descendants and tells Abram (“exalted father”) that his name will be changed to Abraham (“father of a multitude”). God also informs Abraham that the land promised to Abraham (Canaan) will also be promised to his descendants.

God instructs Abraham in a new covenant: circumcision. All of the males born in Abraham’s house are to be circumcised eight days after they are born and all the current uncircumcised men are to be circumcised now.

God gives Sarai a new name as well; she is now Sarah (“princess”). God also tells Abraham the Sarah will have a child of her own. When Abraham hears this he falls on his face again, this time laughing. Abraham pulls himself together and asks if Ishmael might be the one that God chooses as his descendant. God says no, Sarah will give birth in one year and instructs Abraham to name the child Isaac (“he laughs”).

Abraham then has the painful task of making all the men of his household get circumcised as well as himself and his 13 year old son Ishmael.

Overview of Chapter 18
Abraham sees the Lord and two other fellas out walking and Abraham invites them to stop in for a foot bath and some dinner. They agree and Abraham treats them to bread, veal, cheese and milk. As they are talking over dinner the Lord reminds Abraham that he will have a son next year. Sarah overhears this and laughs. Hearing her laugh the Lord asks her if anything is too hard for the Lord.

The Lord and the men with him are getting ready to leave when the Lord asks a rhetorical question, ”Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?” Then the Lord answers Himself and has decided to use this as an opportunity to teach Abraham about justice and righteousness.

The Lord tells Abraham that He has heard an outcry (possibly from Lot?) that Sodom and Gomorrah is full of great sin. Abraham, knowing that his nephew Lot is in Sodom, asks if the righteous will be destroyed with the wicked. Abraham bargains with the Lord, “Will You indeed sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of 50 righteous ... 45 ... 40 ... 30 ... 20 ... ten righteous?” The Lord says, “I will not destroy it on account of the ten.” Abraham learns the lesson that God will not destroy the righteous with the wicked, just as God had not destroyed righteous Noah with the wicked world, and later God will rapture His righteous church before he destroys the wicked world.

Reflection
Do you ever try to fulfill God’s promises for him, rather than wait for His timing? Are there people who are harsh to you that God is asking you to be submissive to? Do you try to run away from your problems? Are you willing to do the will of God even if it is painful to you? Do you cry out to God when you see wickedness? Do you trust God to judge righteously?

For Further Study
Submission: Hebrews 13:17, James 4:7, 1Peter 2:13-25, 1Peter 3:1-6
Circumcision: Leviticus 12:3, Deuteronomy 30:6, Jeremiah 9:25, Romans 2:25-29, Galatians 5:2-12, Philippians 3:2-3
Righteousness: Genesis 15:6, Psalm 1:5-6, Proverbs 10, Romans 1:17, Galatians 2:21
Justice: Psalm 37:28, Proverbs 29:26, Luke 11:42

Genesis 12-15

Overview of Chapter 12
The Lord speaks to Abram and instructs him to leave his family and go to a land the will be shown to him. In addition the Lord makes Abram a few promises:
1. make Abram a great nation
2. bless Abram
3. make a great name for Abram
4. bless those who bless Abram
5. curse those who curse Abram
6. bless all the families of the earth from Abram

Abram goes on this journey and his nephew Lot tags along. Abram leave from Haran and goes to Shechem where the Lord appears to him and Abram builds an altar. Then Abram goes to a mountain between Bethel and Ai where he builds another altar. From there Abram travels to the Negev and discovers there is a famine in the land.

In order to avoid the famine Abram travels to Egypt. Abram fears that he will be killed when the Egyptians realize his wife is drop dead gorgeous. He instructs her to lie and say she is his sister. She does this and Pharaoh decides he want Abram’s beautiful “sister” to be his wife. Pharaoh gives Abram many gifts as a dowry of sorts and Abram decides to let this charade continue.

The Lord does not like this game and causes great plagues to strike the house of Pharaoh. Pharaoh realizes this is because of Abram and tells him to get his wife and get out of town.

Overview of Chapter 13
Abram, richer now, goes back through the Negev on to the mountain between Bethel and the Negev. At the alter that Abram had previously made there he calls on the name of the Lord.

The wealth of Abram and Lot is great and their herds were too great to live in the same land, so much so that their herdsmen begin to fight. Abram offers a compromise - Lot can choose where he wants to live an Abram will go away. Lot chooses the well watered valley of the Jordan to the east and settles in sodom which is inhabited by very wicked men. Abram goes west to Canaan.

The Lord repeats his promise to Abram that this will be his land, and tells Abram to go for a walk and see all the land that has been given to him. Abram settles in Hebron and builds another alter to the Lord.

Overview of Chapter 14
A war of kings breaks out. Four kings versus five fighting for dominance. The kings of Sodom and Gomorrah tell their armies to run away and many of them fall in tar pits as they flee. The kings and those who survived hide in the mountains.

The winning kings take all the food and possessions of Sodom and Gomorrah and Lot who ends up being taken captive.

When Abram finds out his nephew is taken captive he gathers a small army and defeats the four kings and drives them to the north. He brings back all the goods and people of Sodom and Gomorrah.

As the king of Sodom leaves his hiding place to thank Abram he is cut off by a mysterious king named Melchizedek who is also a priest. This priest brings bread and wine and blesses Abram. He also reminds Abram that God “delivered your enemies into your hands.” After hearing this Abram gives this kingly priest a tenth of all the spoils of war.

Sodom tells Abram that he can keep all the money for himself, but he needs his people back so he can keep his job as king. Abram refuses these financial gifts because he does not want anyone to say his blessed life is a result of anyone other then the Lord providing for him.

Overview of Chapter 15
God appears to Abram in a vision and again promises him many offspring. Abram reminds God that his wife is barren and they have no children. God tells Abram not to worry about, he will take care of it.

A key turning point happens in the life of Abram at this point, he believed in the Lord and it was credited to him as righteousness.

In order to ease Abram’s fears God makes a covenant with Abram. He has Abram cut some sacrificial animals in half and then the Lord gives Abram a bit of prophecy. God tells Abram that his descendants will be enslaved for 400 years and then they will return to this land. This promise can only be fulfilled if God makes good on his promise to give Abram a child.

As darkness sets in a smoking oven and a flaming torch appear and pass between the pieces of the sacrificial animals.

God then tells Abram specifically which lands his descendants will be given as a fulfillment of this covenant.

Reflection
What promises has God given to Christians? What promises has God given to you? Do you go where God leads you? Do you ever try to justify lying by saying the end result is better for you? Are you willing to allow others to have their way in order to maintain peace? When you have great financial gains in your life do you give a portion back to God? What promised land awaits believers today?

For Further Study
Promised Land: Deuteronomy 6:3, Joshua 23:5, Hebrews 11:9-10
Melchizedek: Psalm 110:1-4, Hebrews 5, Hebrews 7
Faith and Righteousness: Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 4, Hebrews 11, James 2:22-23

Genesis 8-11

Overview of Chapter 8
Noah, his family, and the animals are all still stuck on the ark. The rains stop and the water begins to subside, but no land is in sight. Noah begins sending doves out each week to see if the land is uncovered yet. The first week the dove returns to the ark with nothing, the second week the dove returns with a leaf, and finally the dove does not return at all giving the sailors hope that they will see land again soon.

God finally tells Noah it is ok to leave the ark. When Noah sets his feet on the ground he decides to build an altar and worship God. Thank the Lord that there were seven of every clean animal so a few could be sacrificed without ending that animals existence in history! This pleased God and soothed Him so much that He decides He will never again curse the ground, but He makes it clear that "man's heart is evil."

Overview of Chapter 9
Now that God has Noah and his families attention He gives them some instructions for how to proceed. They are to have lots of babies and fill the earth. They can now eat animals, but to make it fair God gives the animals the instinct to run away when they see humans coming their way.

A new law is instituted, if man is killed by another person then the killer should be killed.

God also establishes a one sided covenant with humanity. He promises to never destroy the earth again with a flood. As a reminder to Himself He puts a rainbow in the clouds that He will see as He looks down at His creation.

Noah goes right to work farming and planting a vineyard. Unfortunately he gets liquored up and strips naked, not exactly something that is good for a guy his age to be doing. Noah's youngest son, Ham, sees his naked dad and tells his two brothers, Shem and Japheth. The two brothers show their father more respect then the younger brother and cover their father so his shame would not be known by any others.

When Noah wakes up He curses Canaan, the offspring of his youngest son Ham.

Noah died.

Overview of Chapter 10
This chapter is primarily a genealogy of Noah's family tree. There are a few things that are important to point out.

As you follow this family tree you will see that it will be divided into separate lands and languages. More detail about this will be given in chapter 11 of Genesis.

You will see some people and city names that will play a prominent role in history. Nimrod, a descendant of Ham, will become the first dictator, and he will build the infamous cities of Babel and Nineveh. We also read that during the time of Peleg "the earth was divided."

Overview of Chapter 11
This does not pick up at the end of the genealogy given in chapter 10, but instead it is about three generations after Noah. At this time everyone in the world was in one place and had one language. They begin to make bricks and build cities. They ignored God's instruction given in chapter 9 to fill the earth and instead decide to stay together so they won't be "scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth."

The Lord comes down to see the tall tower the people are building and decides that all this working together is causing humans to ignore what they had been told to do by God. The decision is made to confuse their language and scatter them over the face of the earth.

This chapter ends with an extended genealogy of Shem that focuses on one line. This line leads to two people who will play a prominent role in what is going to happen next in history - Abram and his nephew Lot.

Reflection
Do the flood waters and worries of this world make you grow impatient while waiting for God's timing? After God leads you through important events in your life do you take the time to worship Him? Do you allow your sin to leave you "naked" or ashamed before your children? When you catch someone else in sin do you quickly go and tell others or do you "cover" their sin with love (Proverbs 10:12 and 1Peter 4:8)? Have you ever considered praying a blessing over your children in the same way that Noah did for his two oldest sons? Do the group of people around you; friends, family and coworkers; make it easier for you to ignore what God is telling you to do? If so, should you consider "dividing" yourself from them? (Note: this is not advice for teenagers to leave home or spouses to get a divorce - neither of which I would ever try to justify.)

For Further Study
Offerings: Genesis 4:3-4, Psalm 51:16-17, Matthew 5:23-24
Death Penalty: Exodus 21:23-26, Leviticus 23:10-16, Matthew 5:21-22, Romans 6:23
Blessings: Genesis 27, Psalm 109:17, Proverbs 11:11, 1Corinthians 4:12, Hebrews 11:20-21,

Genesis 4-7

Overview of Chapter 4
Adam and Eve have two children, and as a result of Eve's sin the birth was painful. The two sons grow up to be different, Cain is a farmer and Abel is a rancher. Both brothers bring and offering to the Lord, but only Abel and his offering are acceptable. God shows his love to Cain by consoling and advising him personally. In verse 7 the Lord gives Cain two pieces of advice: if you do well then you will be happy, but if you do not do well then sin is waiting for you and you will need to overcome it.

Cain does not take God's advice and allows his jealousy to build to the point that he kills his own brother. The Lord speaks to Cain again, but this time it is to punish him. Cain will be a wanderer and the land will no longer yield much produce to him. When Cain complains that the punishment is too severe God shows some grace to him. Cain then leaves the presence of the Lord.

Cain has a family and Adam and Eve have another child whom they name Seth.

Overview of Chapter 5
The first 28 verses of this chapter is a genealogy. One of the most important parts of this genealogy is the phrase "and he died." Adam dies showing God's word to be true, and this pattern continues for each generation after that. One exception is found in verse 24 where it says "Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him."

We are introduced to Noah about whom we are told, "This one will give us rest from our work and from the toil of our hands arising from the ground which the Lord has cursed."

Overview of Chapter 6
God ordained the marriage relationship in chapter 2 to be between a man and a woman, but that is deviated from here as the angels begin to marry females. Their offspring are called Nephilim, and they are mighty people.

"The wickedness of man was great on the earth." Because of this wickedness the Lord says he is sorry and grieved that He made man. The Lord decides that 120 years from now He is going to destroy man by sending a flood over the entire earth.

Noah was different then the rest of the people on earth, he walked with God, was blameless, and righteous. God decides to save him from the worlds destruction and start the world over with him. God gives him the instructions for building an ark and tells him to bring two of every kind of animal on to the ark.

This chapter ends with a phrase that hopefully could be said about each of us someday, "Thus Noah did; according to all that God had commanded him."

Overview of Chapter 7
Now that the ark is built the Lord gives further instruction to Noah that he is supposed to bring seven of the clean animals in addition to the 2 of all the other animals. Noah completes this task and enters the ark and the Lord closes the door behind him.

For the first time it rains on the earth and it lasts for 40 days, and there was so much water that all the mountains were covered. All human and animal life was destroyed except Noah and his family. The water remained for 150 days.

Reflection
When you bring an offering to God do you understand that God looks at you. If you are struggling with happiness are you "doing well." When the Lord instructs you to do something do you do it? Do you walk with the Lord and live a righteous and blameless life?

For Further Study
Cain and Abel: Hebrews 11:4, Hebrews 12:22-24, 1John 3:11-12
Death: Psalm 23:4, Romans 5:12-21, Romans 6:23, 1Corinthians 15:26, 54-57
Nephilim: Numbers 13:33
Noah: Matthew 24:37-39, Hebrews 11:7, 1Peter 3:18-20, 2Peter 2:4-10,