Douglas Jacoby Podcast

For more notes and resources check out Douglas' website.

Hebrew words:

• Mosheh (mo-SHEH) -- Moses. Although this is an Egyptian name (as in Tutmoses or Tuthmosis), it sounds like the Hebrew mashah, meaning "draw out."
• Moses appears over 850x in the Bible, 80x in the N.T.
• Tevah (tay-VAH) -- the word for box or chest, found in Genesis 6:14 (Noah's "ark") and Exodus 2:3 (Moses' basket)

Further study:

• The passages in this podcast:
  • Read aloud:
    • Numbers 12:3
    • Deuteronomy 31:13-19, 34:1-12
    • Hebrews 11:23-29
  • Referred to:
    • Exodus 2:3 and Genesis 6:14
    • Acts 7:22 and Exodus 4:10
    • 1 Samuel 22:3-4 and Exodus 4:20
    • Exodus 32:21 and Galatians 2:11
    • Exodus 32:32 and Romans 9:3
    • Deuteronomy 9:20
• Advanced: .
  • If we take 1 Kings 6:1 literally, then the Exodus must have been in 1446 BC. Yet the archaeological evidence is stronger for a 13th century Exodus. The 480 years may well be a symbolic number (12 [as in the tribes of Israel] x 40 [representing a generation]), in which case Moses would have been born not in 1526 BC, but 150-200 years later.
  • Whereas 110 was the ideal age for a virtuous Egyptian, 120 was the ideal age for the virtuous Israelite. For more on the symbolism of biblical ages, consult the articles linked to the notes provided with OT Podcast 3 (Noah).
  • Read the well-known Jewish document called The Assumption of Moses.
  • A not improbable tradition on Moses and Pharaoh is found in Josephus, Antiquities, II, ix, 7.
  • Deuteronomy 18:15-18 -- Moses is a type of Christ. See Acts 3.
  • Muslims apply this prophecy to Muhammad (!). See my refutation in Jesus and Islam.
• For more on Egypt and Moses' background -- as well as for a bracing challenge to immerse yourself in the Old Testament, click here.
• For commentaries, check out:
  • The Word Biblical Commentary, Exodus (Durham). Based on the original Hebrew. Excellent, though advanced. A true commentary, considering all angles and copiously supported bibliographically.
  • The Daily Study Bible Series, Exodus (Ellison). Popular level, and more thorough than Barclay's original N.T. series. Shows considerable literary sensitivity.
  • Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, Exodus (Cole). Easy to read, though does not include the full text of Exodus, Well done, and only half the length of the DSB series. Highly recommended.

Some things we learn about God:

• Though most of us accomplish our life's work in our 40s and 50s, the Lord may be actually preparing us for far greater service in our old age.
• Even when we disobey, God may still give the blessing. Therefore we must be particularly wary of pragmatism.
• Even for "big leaders," sin always has consequences. No one is above God's moral law.
• If you are a leader, don't be a one-man show, or a one-woman show! Trust others to exercise their gifts, too.
• God wants us to see him. Yet we can no more see God directly, without being destroyed, than we can gaze at the sun without losing our eyesight! Because of our moral limitations (Habakkuk 1:13), we see God only indirectly -- his effects. We behold his glory not only through the Word, but especially through his Son, Jesus Christ (John 1:18, Colossians 2:9).
• The Word of God -- the Hebrew scriptures -- testify of the Christ to come.
• We need to learn to do things God's way, not take matters into our own hands (the flesh). Man's anger does not, after all, bring about the righteous life that God desires (James 1:20).
• Rather than allowing pragmatism to prevail, we need to follow in the footsteps of Moses, who preferred the maltreatment of persecution over the pleasures of privilege. Such are the people the Lord will reward.

For kids (devotional -- best for three or more children):

• Role-play. Dress up. Dramatize three or more of the plagues.
• Let father (or the oldest male) play Pharaoh.
• Emphasize:
  • It is useless opposing God.
  • The Lord hears the cries of his people.
  • He is a God who rescues us.
  • He works through people willing to speak up.
• Have some fun!

Key verses:

• Exodus 3:2 -- the burning bush
• Exodus 32:32 -- Moses' self-sacrificial Spirit
• Numbers 12:3 -- humility
• Numbers 20:11 -- anger
• Hebrews 11:25 -- correct spiritual priorities

Next lesson: Aaron

For more notes and resources check out Douglas' website.

Hebrew words:

• Yosef (Joseph, pronounced "yo-SAFE") -- may He add / increase
• Ketoneth passim -- special tunic (outer garment), in Genesis 37:3
• Ha'arets (pronounced hah-AR-ets) -- the earth / land, as in Genesis 41:57.

Further study:

• Passages the podcast covered or referred to:
  • Genesis 11:27ff (Abraham cycle), 25:19ff (Isaac cycle), 37:2ff (Jacob cycle -- which focuses on Joseph)
  • Numbers 12, Acts 2 -- dreams/visions. This has nothing to do with self-fulfillment, as in the "American dream." Hebrews 11 in fact emphasizes the opposite. Faithfulness is the focus, not fulfillment.
  • 2 Samuel 13:18 illuminates Genesis 37:3 -- the special robe was probably a long-sleeved garment, suitable for those privileged not to be involved in manual labor.
  • Genesis 48:12 -- Joseph is the one who will bow before his father, not his father before him (as in 37:10). Moreover, his mother, by the time the family came to Egypt, had died. So his dreams are partially accurate. For a NT parallel, see the vision of Agabus concerning Paul's arrest. The vision of Acts 21:11 is only partially accurate. He was bound, but not with his own belt; and he was handed over, but to the Gentiles, not the Jews.
  • Genesis 37:3, 41:57, 42:21-22, 39:6 (see parallel in 29:17), 45:1-15, 50:14-26.
  • The theme of deception and non-recognition is also very common throughout Genesis (ch. 12, 18, 19, 20, 27, 38, etc).
• Messianic parallels:
  1. Both Joseph and Jesus were shepherds -- Joseph literally, and Jesus the "Good Shepherd."
  2. Both were rescued from death and taken into Egypt.
  3. Both lived the lives of servants.
  4. Both began their public ministries at about the age of 30. (And both spend about 20 years in relative obscurity before this time.)
  5. Both resisted temptation.
  6. Both were filled with the Spirit of God, and were given knowledge of the future.
  7. Both quickly gained the confidence of others.
  8. Each tested others in order to find out their true character.
  9. Each was sold for the price of a slave (30 pieces of silver).
  10. Each was falsely accused, and accepted his fate (silent before his accusers) without protest.
  11. Each was condemned along with two other prisoners.
  12. Each was "dead" to his father.
  13. Joseph was held for two years, and freed in the third; Jesus was "held" for two days, and freed (risen) on the third.
  14. They both gave bread to those who came to them.
  15. Both "arose" to new life.
  16. At first, neither was recognized by his brothers.
  17. Each saved his people, and in fact the world.
  18. Each was returned to his father.
  19. Each became "lord."
  20. Each was concerned for unity among his brothers.
  21. This does not exhaust the parallels. See the excerpt from the excellent piece by Andrew Wilson (scroll all the way down).
• Advanced: the age of Joseph.
  • 110 was the ideal age for a virtuous Egyptian. (Ancient societies often had actual ages and idealized ages.)
  • Abraham lived to 175 = 7 x 52; Isaac lived to 180 = 5 x 62; Jacob lived to 147 = 3 x 72. Joseph lived to 52 + 62 + 72 -- in a sense, "summing up" his predecessors' lives.
  • For more on the symbolism of biblical ages in Genesis, consult the articles linked to the notes provided with OT Podcast 3 (Noah).
• For more on Genesis as the introduction to the entire word of God, and for special analysis of chapters 1-11, please see my book, Origins, to be published in 2018.

Some things we learn about God:

• Providence often operates through unfair circumstances. We must strive to be open to there being a "bigger picture" and, like Joseph, not give in to bitterness.
• Often God lets us wait. With the Lord, we may be "inconvenienced" not just for minutes, hours, or days, but for years and even decades! In the meantime, he is working out his will.
• In the lives of the earlier patriarchs, God intervenes more directly, speaking to them, sending angels, etc. With Joseph we see a more subtle -- yet comprehensive -- view of God's working and providence. God controls but does not force events, permitting things to happen more than causing them to happen. This resonates much more with the experience of the majority in biblical history -- and with you and me!
• The Word of God -- the Hebrew scriptures -- testify of the Christ to come.

For kids (devotional -- best for three or more children):

• Dramatize the life of Joseph.
  • Read parts of chapter 37. Choose one child to be "Joseph." Be sure to dress him up in a special robe.
  • Act out the capture and sale of Joseph to the Midianites. One child plays Joseph; the others, his jealous brothers. Father and mother can play the parts of the slave traders. Make sure you have a good "pit" in which to hold Joseph as his fate is discussed.
  • Read parts of chapter 39 (age appropriate). Then act out his imprisonment at the hands of Potiphar.
  • Finally, read excerpts from the chapters 42 onward. Have all the brothers bow down to Joseph. Make sure Joseph has forgiven his siblings. Enjoy the drama!
• For less drama and more discussion, read about the lives of Joseph (Genesis 37+) and Daniel (Daniel 1 and 6). Compare and contrast. Ask which one's life you would rather have, and why.

Key verses:

• 37:3 -- Jacob's favoritism towards his son Joseph, compounding the resentment his brothers felt towards him.
• 37:18, 39:17 and 40:23 -- Life is often unfair; however, this does not mean that God is unfair.
• 39:10 -- Joseph's refusal to give in to sexual temptation.
• 50:20 -- God's providence operating even in our hardships (and others' evil plans).

Next lesson: Moses

For more notes and resources check out Douglas' website.

Hebrew words:

• Rakhel (Rachel)
  • Sounds like "ewe."
  • Appears 47x in the Bible (all but once in the O.T.).
  • She bore Jacob two sons, Joseph and Benjamin.
• Le'ah (Leah)
  • Sounds like "weary." It is less likely it means "dull" or "wild cow."
  • Interpreters often suggest her eyes lacked luster.
  • Appears 34x in the O.T.
  • She bore Jacob six sons and one daughter (Dinah).
• Yosef (Joseph, pronounced "yo-SAFE") -- may he add / increase

Further study:

• Genesis:
  • Excerpts used in the podcast: 29:23-24, 31; 30:1-3, 22-24; 31:14-20; 33:1-2; 35:16-19; 48:7.
  • Broader sections: Genesis 28-31, 33, 35, 48
  • 28 and 24 -- going back to the people of God when seeking a spouse.
• Other passages cited:
  • The Shulammite: Song of Songs 1:8, 6:13.
  • Leviticus 18:18: Mosaic law forbade (simultaneously) marrying sisters.

Some things we learn about God:

• God blesses those who marry within the faith.
• God's plan is monogamous marriage. Polygamy does not work, and only leads to great dysfunction.
• Superstitions are vain. God is the one in control. He cannot be controlled by magic.
• Those the Lord has chosen to bless do not always have the smoothest relationships -- even (especially?) within their own families.
• The objects of our prayers often have a high price tag. Be careful what you pray for!
• With the Lord, it isn't just quantity, but quality. Though Leah had seven children, and Rachel only two, these two gave rise to:
  • The first king of Israel and his N.T. namesake, Saul of Tarsus.
  • A man, Joseph, whose sons' descendants would not only constitute a plurality within Israel, but who himself would save his brothers, father, and in fact millions. Moreover, there are numerous parallels between Joseph and Christ.

For kids (devotional discussion):

• Share some selective readings, e.g. from chapters 28, 29, and 30.
• Talk about the two sisters. What were they like? How were they different? How was their relationship?
• Explain that they both wanted children, and jealously competed with each other. What do you want? Is there a toy, privilege, or anything else you very much want? How do your siblings compete with you (and vice-versa)?
• What makes us happier: sharing, or wanting it all for ourselves?
• Explain that mothers sometimes die in giving birth. Read 35:16-19. Ask how Jacob felt, and then read 48:7.
• In what ways should we want to be like Rachel? (This is a good question for girls, and even for boys.) Focus on her character.

Key verses:

• 29:20 -- Her husband loved her deeply. See also 48:7.
• 30:1 -- "Give me children, or I die!"

Next lesson: Joseph, our final character in Genesis.

For more check out Douglas's website.

Hebrew words:

• Ya'aqov (Jacob) -- sounds like "he deceives/supplants."
  • Jacob appears 380x in the O.T.
  • Compare this to Isaac (133x) and Abraham (309x).
• Beth-el (Bethel) -- house of God
• Ye'abeq (Jabbok) -- he wrestles
• Yisr'ael (Israel) -- God strives
• Peni'el (Peniel) -- face of God

Further study:

• His life falls into four periods: Canaan, Aram, Canaan (again), and Egypt. Find the exact chapter numbers for each period.
• There are also four monuments/pillars/markers: 28:18, 31:45, 35:14, 35:20. What would be the "markers" in your own spiritual pilgrimage?
• Our study in Genesis: 25:26 (birth); 25 (deception of Esau); 27 (deception of Isaac); 28:10-15 (Bethel -- see John 1:51); 31:42, 53 ("Fear of Isaac"); 29:14-28 (marriage[s] in Aram); 32:22-32 (wrestling match at the Jabbok); but had Jacob profoundly changed? (33--fear of Esau, 33:14--deceit?, 34:1ff--lack of concern for Dinah, 35--lack of concern for Bilhah (cp. 49:2-3); 37 ("death" of Joseph); 46:2, 29-30 (reaffirmation of divine promise and reunion with Joseph); 48-49 (blessing Joseph's sons and his own sons); death (49:33) and burial (50:14).
• Sexual purity: compare and contrast Genesis 29 (Jacob and Rachel) with Genesis 34 (Shechem and Dinah).
• In summary, Jacob led a hard life:
  • Not so impressive as his father's and grandfather's lives (47:9).
  • Endured the loss of his beloved (favorite) wife and his special (favorite) son.
  • Ran away from his parents.
  • Still, he kept his eye on the promises, insisting that he be buried in Canaan (49:29-33).
• Other Old Testament books: Joshua 24:3, 4, 32; Psalm 105:10-23; Hosea 12:2-4, 12; Malachi 1:2ff.
• New Testament: John 4:5-6, 12; Acts 7:12, 14-16; Romans 9:10-13; Hebrews 11:9, 20ff.

Some things we learn about God:

• Even if God appears to us or works in our life in an intense way, our basic personality type will probably remain unaffected. He will not force us to change. We are all "under construction."
• God does not spare his chosen ones from tragedy.
• We can wrestle the Lord for his blessing, but if he has already given his word, this is wholly unnecessary -- exhausting, unproductive, and ultimately faithless.

For kids (devotional discussion):

• Read the story of Jacob at the Jabbok. For younger children, role-play: the angel, Jacob.
• If you were wrestling your daddy (mommy), who would win?
• Why do we fight (wrestle) God?
• Why does Jacob try to make God bless him, when God has already promised to be good to him?
• Why is Jacob so afraid?

Key verses:

• 28:12 -- sees the "stairway to heaven"
• 29:20 -- Jacob's profound (and pure) love for Rachel.
• 32:36 -- He demands God's blessing at the Jabbok.
• 49:26 -- tearful reunion with Joseph, whom he believed to be dead.

Next lesson: Rachel and Leah

For more notes and resources check out Douglas' website.

Hebrew words:

• 'Esaw (Esau) -- 98x in the OT (vs. 3x in the N.T.)
• Se'ar -- hair
• 'Edhom -- Edom, similar to the word for "red" ('adhmoni), "to be red" ('adham), and "to be died red" ('adhammu). The words "Edom" and "Edomites" appear 120 in the O.T.
• Se'ir -- Seir, a mountain range in Edom

Further study:

• Old Testament:
  • Genesis 25:24-34. (Scriptures in this podcast are from the [Holman] Christian Standard Bible.)
  • Re: 24:34 -- Proverbs 30:20, Isaiah 22:13, 1 Corinthians 15:32b, Ecclesiastes 8:15. See also 1 John 2:15-17, 1 Peter 1:18, and Hebrews 11:25.
  • Genesis 27:1-4, 29-41.
  • Esau is potential to be a "second Cain" (cp. Genesis 4).
  • Obadiah (about the vengeance of Edom -- the descendants of Esau -- on Judah in 587/586 BC, when God punished Judah through the Babylonians). See also Jeremiah 49.
  • Genesis 33:1-17
  • Genesis 35:29 -- see 25:9.
  • Genesis 36:1-9, 43
  • Esau is also mentioned in Deuteronomy 2, Joshua 24, 1 Chronicles 1, and Malachi 1.
• The New Testament:
  • Romans 9:13 and Hebrews 11:20 (no commendation)
  • Hebrews 12:16-17

Some things we learn about God:

• When we choose pleasure over principle, the people of the world over the people of God, impulse over rationalist, we forfeit God's blessings.
• Godlessness separates us from God and his goodness.
• Sometimes God's people are not as nice as those who are not his people. (Esau seems the more fun, relatable, happy-go-lucky of the two brothers; Jacob was more uptight, driven by fear, and calculating.) This shows us that God's grace isn't based on works, personality, character, or merit.

For kids:

• Read part of Genesis 25. Talk about the differences between the twins. How were Jacob and Esau similar? How were they different -- physically and spiritually?
• Read the story of Genesis 27. How did Esau react when his brother tricked him out of his father's blessing? How would you have reacted? (Have you ever been bitterly disappointed?)
• Was what Jacob did fair?  Was Esau right to plan revenge? Have you ever wanted to hurt your brother / sister?
• What is the difference between making decisions based on pleasure and based on principle?

Key verses:

• 25:33 -- sells birthright
• 27:34 -- forfeits blessing
• 27:41 -- contemplates fratricide
• 33:4 -- brothers reunited
• 35:6 -- lives away from the land of promise
• Hebrews 12:16 -- godlessness / worldliness separates us from God and his goodness

Next lesson: Jacob

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For more notes and resources check out Douglas' website.

Hebrew words:

• Rivqah (Rebekah). In the OT Greek Bible (the Septuagint [LXX]), her name is rendered Rebekka.
• Berekhah (blessing) -- a near anagram of Rebekah's name.

Further study:

• Genesis:
  • 22:23; 24 (all)
  • 25:21-23; 25:20,26; 26:7 (see  Genesis 12 and 20)
  • 26:35
  • 27:1-28:3; cp. 27:44 and 29:20
  • 35:8; 49:31
• Study the character of Laban, Rebekah's older brother (Genesis 24-25, 27-32).
• Extrabiblical: Archaeologists have discovered documents from the period (2nd millennium BC) directing that if a girl's father is deceased and another male relative is doing the negotiating, she must give her own consent before being married off. (Yet Bethuel is still alive -- 24:50 -- even though Rebekah's brother Laban seems to be doing the negotiating.)
• The New Testament:
  • Romans 9:10ff -- God's choice is not made on merit, but by grace.
  • Note: She is not mentioned in Hebrews 11, the "Hall of Fame of Faith."

Some things we learn about God:

• While we ought not to grow lazy (giving up industriousness and responsibility), we do need to leave the outcomes to God. When we hold on to things too tightly, or scramble to reach what the Lord has promised us anyway, we are likely to lose them.
• As we age, we tend to revert to patterns of thinking and interaction that characterized our families of origin. Rebekah started out vibrant, giving, and faithful; as she got older, though not relinquishing her faith, she did succumb to temptations to take matters into her own hands. To stay close to the Lord, we need to resist the temptation to give in to fear; we must be more like Sarah in this regard (1 Peter 3).
• He will often bless us even though we are not acting in full faith -- even when we give in to fear.

For kids:

• Read excerpts from the story in Genesis 24 and comment on the character of the girl Rebekah.
  • Was she quiet and selfish, or lively and giving?
  • How could she have "done the minimum" when she met Abraham's servant?
  • How much does a camel drink? (There were 10 camels [v.10], each able to drink up to 100 liters [over 26 US gallons or 21 imperial gallons!)
  • How strong do you think her arms (and back) were in order to water all the animals?
• Grown-ups do wrong things, too.
  • Later in life, Rebekah deliberately deceived her husband (and one of her sons).
  • Even people of faith do wrong things.
  • The point is to stay close to God, and not to do things because we are afraid we will not be happy.

Key verses:

• 24:20 -- Rebekah waters the camels, too. She goes way beyond the call of duty!
• 27:45 -- Fear prompts her to try to control others (children, husband).

Next lesson: Esau

For more notes and resources check out Douglas' website.

Hebrew words:

• Yishma'el (Ishmael) -- God hears.
• The point: God hears, and cares for, and works in the lives of all human beings -- not just the covenant people.
• Note: the translations used in this podcast are the CSB and NASB.

Further study:

• Biblical:
  • Genesis 16:9-16: Ishmael is born as a result of human attempts to receive (accelerate) God's promises, after Sarah and Abraham had waited 11 years. In contrast, Isaac, born 14 years later -- 25 years after the promise was given -- was clearly the work of God. His birth was possible only because of the Lord.
  • Genesis 17:20, 23-26; 21:8-21; 25:7-17 (35:29).
  • Galatians 4:21-5:1; Revelation 3:12; 21:2, 10.
  • Ishmael and the Ishmaelites are mentioned in Genesis 16, 17, 25, 28, 36, 37; Judges 8:24; Psalm 83.
• Study Paul's use of flesh and spirit and law in Galatians and Romans. Flesh is the human tendency to take matters into our own hands, rather than trusting God to work in our lives. In connection with this, read the interesting articles on Human Nature and Driven Men.
• Extrabiblical:
  • Read about the Qur'anic view of Ishmael, 'Isma'il in Arabic. Seeking legitimacy, the Muslims eventually chose Ishmael as an "ancestor," although in fact many of the Arab peoples have no Ishmaelite blood in their veins at all.
  • If you want to learn more about Islam, Jesus and Islam (2009) has lots of material.

Some things we learn about God:

• God often reverses the natural order of things. In the Bible, and especially in Genesis, the younger supplants the older, receiving the blessing that would otherwise be his.
• God hears the prayers of sinners (with the exceptions of Psalm 66:18, Isaiah 59:1ff, John 9:31). Otherwise, Matthew 7:7 would not make sense.
• God cares for those who are outside his covenant people.
  • Genesis 14 -- Melchizedek.
  • Amos 9:7, Jonah 4:11, etc.
• If God kept his promises to Ishmael, who was not a son of promise or child of the covenant, how much more will he keep his promises to those of his chosen line?

For kids:

• Read portions of Genesis 21. Tell the basic story: Abraham had two sons. One was 13 years older than the other! Abraham loved Ishmael very much.
• Explain that Sarah, Ishmael's stepmother, was not very nice to him. Even though it was hard for Ishmael and his mother, they did okay.
• God's plan for Ishmael was not the same as his plan for Isaac. Through Isaac all the world would be blessed -- he would be the ancestor of Jesus. Ishmael went on to become the father of twelve triibes (just like Jacob later on).
• Like Abraham, God loves all his children. He will accomplish different things through different people. We should not be jealous, or doubt God's love or us, even if we can't understand his plans.

Key verses:

• 17:20 and 21:18 -- God cares for Ishmael; he did not write off him and his descendants.
• 25:9 -- Ishmael comes together with his younger brother Isaac to bury their father, Abraham.
• Galatians 4:29 -- This passage is not referring to the Muslims, but to the religious establishment. In the first century, this was Second Temple Judaism. While many Jews embraced Christ and the gospel, others dismissed Christ; they were no longer the covenant people of God.

Next lesson: Rebekah

For more notes and resources check out Douglas' website.

Hebrew words:

• Yitskhaq (Isaac) -- He laughs.
• Rivqah (Rebekah)
• 'Esaw (Esau)
• Ya'aqov (Jacob) -- Sounds like "he deceives," or "he grasps the heel."

Main thoughts:

• Isaac tends to value comfort and cuisine over principle. He is willing to compromise in order to avoid conflict.
• He is led more by his senses than by his mind; by impulses more than the Spirit.
• Although his father Abraham had conviction about marrying within the people of God, Isaac's conviction in this area (like his son Esau's) is weak.
• He is surrounded by relational conflict.
• In the end, he finally acknowledges God's sovereign choice, relinquishing hisright to determine who received the blessing. Hence the favorable verdict in Hebrews 11:20.

Further study:

• Passages used or referred to:
  • Genesis 17, 21, 22; 2 Chronicles 3:1 and 2 Samuel 24:16.
  • Genesis 24; 25:6; 25:20-21, 23, 26; 26:12-13; 27:1ff; 27:46; 28:1ff, 6-9
  • Hebrews 11:20
• Old Testament:
  • Genesis 17, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 28, 31, 32, 35, 46, 48, 49, 50
  • Exodus 2, 3, 4, 6, 32, 33; Leviticus 26; Numbers 32; Deuteronomy 1, 6, 9, 29, 30, 34; Joshua 24; 1 Kings 18; 2 Kings 13; 1 Chronicles 1, 16, 29; 2 Chronicles 30; Psalm 105; Jeremiah 33; Amos 7.
• New Testament:
  • Matthew 1, 8, 22; Mark 12; Luke 3, 13, 20; Acts 3, 7; Romans 9; Galatians 4; Hebrews 11; James 2.

Some things we learn about God:

• God's marriage plan is based on spirituality, not Hollywood-style fantasy or romance.
• God expects us to wait patiently for his blessings -- even if it takes 20 years!
• God may improve us husbands' judgment through our wives. Sometimes a man will act more spiritually because of his wife!
• His purposes will prevail! It is not necessary to resort to short-cuts or compromises in order to receive God's promises. Let him work things out; we need not take matters into our own hands.

Children's devotional idea:

• Read the story of Genesis 27.
• Blindfold "Isaac" (the parent might play this role).
• One child pretends to be another's sibling, using his/her clothes or other belongings in order to fool "Isaac."
• Take turns with the role-play.
• Talk about deception (trying to trick parents, brothers, or sisters). Emphasize that God will take care of us, and we don't need any tricks to receive his blessings.

Key verses:

• 24:67 -- A sound marriage is based on inward spiritual principles, not outward appearance.
• 27:4 -- In effect, Isaac attempts to bypass God's plan.
• 27:20 -- He (finally) accepts God's plan.

Next lesson: Ishmael

For more notes and resources check out Douglas' website.

For further study:

• Passages highlighted or mentioned in this podcast:
  • Genesis 11:31; 12:4; 13:1-2,6,10-13; 14:12,14-16; 19:1-37.
  • Hebrews 13:2; Judges 19; Ezekiel 16:48-49; Matthew 16:25 (Mark 8:35; Luke 9:24); Genesis 9:20ff; Leviticus 18:21; 1 Kings 11:4-8; Numbers 25.
  • Luke 17:28-29, 32-33; 2 Peter 2:7.
• Miscellaneous:
  • Lot is considered a prophet in Islam (Qur'an suras 7 and 11). Here his name is Lut.
  • For more on the short verse Luke 17:32, click here.

Key verses:

• Genesis 13:12 -- Lot makes an unspiritual, suboptimal choice.
• Genesis 19:26 -- His wife looks back (physically); he had been looking back too (emotionally, mentally).
• Luke 17:32 -- Jesus underscores this last warning.

Some things we learn about God:

• We may start out with genuine faith, yet gradual compromise gradually erodes conviction. When our lives are "disintegrating," it may be a sign that the Lord wants our attention -- and our hearts!
• He will bless us as we act out of faith (not fear).
• He wants us to invest ourselves in his promises, not in the allure of the world.
• Final judgment and judgment of motives belong to him. Don't be too hasty to analyze Bible characters (1 Corinthians 4:3-5) -- or other people we know.

For children (simplified lesson):

• Be careful about bad people (the men of Sodom).
  • They do not listen to God's word.
  • They make fun of your faith.
  • One day they will answer to God.
  • "Bad company corrupts good character" (1 Corinthians 15:33).
• Be one of the good guys (like Abraham).
  • They make good choices.
  • They care about others and pray for them.
  • They don't look back.
  • Be brave. Don't be afraid to stand up.

The Next lesson: Isaac.

For more notes and resources check out Douglas' website.

Hebrew names:

• Sarai (my princess)
• Sarah (princess)
• By these two forms of her name, she is mentioned 79x in the Bible
• Hagar -- mentioned 15x, in Genesis 16, 21, 25; Galatians 4
• Yishma'el (Ishmael) -- God hears
• Yitskhaq (Isaac) (variant form: Yiskhaq) -- He laughs

Further study:

• Passages mentioned in this study:
  • 1 Peter 3:1-6, 13-15
  • 1 Samuel 15
  • Galatians 3:7
  • Genesis 30:1-2; 1 Samuel 1:5; Genesis 21:6-7
  • Genesis 13:2
  • Exodus 15:22
  • Genesis 18:9; 3:9; 4:9
  • Psalms 113:9; 126:2
  • Hebrews 11:11
• Other:
  • Podcast 4 (Abraham) -- contains much background information and related material
  • Genesis 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 49
  • Isaiah 51:2
  • Romans 4:19, 9:9

Key verses:

• Hebrews 11:11
• 1 Peter 3:6

Some things we learn about God:

• Sometimes his plans just happen to coincide with our selfish preferences.
• He showers his grace even on those fickle in their faith, who occasionally take matters into their own hands.

A basic lesson (suitable for a discussion with children or a family devotional):

1. Sarah was willing to move (Genesis 12). See also notes on Abraham (Podcast 4). Are we willing to do what God says, even if we don't fully understand?
2. Sarah was willing to wait. She waited all the way from Genesis 12, when God made his promise, to Genesis 21, when it came true, about 25 years later! Do we wait patiently for things, or do we insist on having what we want right now?

The next study: Lot.