In this chapter, Joseph finally sees his brothers again as they arrive in Egypt to get food. But he's not just going to go all Esau on them and forgive them immediately with a hug, he dicks them around in an effort to scare them AND get to see his full brother Benjamin. Of course, the brothers think they're being punished for Josephs blood that they forgot they didn't spill...

In this chapter, Pharoah has some disturbing dreams and tries to have them interpreted by all the wrong kinds of people. Luckily, his cup bearer remembers Joseph's particular skills and, after hitting the salon, he is sent in to see Pharoah. A quick call to God later and Joseph becomes the second most powerful man in Egypt.

In this chapter, Joseph uses his old skills as a dream interpreter to make new friends!

In this chapter, Joseph runs is accosted by Potifar's wife because he's just so beautiful. This happens after he's put in charge of everything (but they're really putting God in charge because he's the guy that's doing everything). Joseph is a slave and then a prisoner, yet, he's trusted and given all responsibility. Egyptians, like Christians, don't understand the definition of the word "slave". My links: http://www.joelvanvliet.com

In this chapter, I think we're going to continue the story of Joseph, but I'm pleasantly surprised by a wild tale of pulling out and prostitution! Judah is having a hard time keeping his son's alive because they're generally wicked or can't seem to aim their semen correctly. This results in his daughter-in-law tricking him into being her baby daddy by posing as a woman of the night. Since he just got over his late wife, he can't resist her charms. But hey, the best way to get over your wife is to get on top of your daughter-in-law! This highlights a ridiculous double standard.

In this chapter, we get the account of Jacob which is really all about Joseph. This is the beginning of the Joseph in Egypt saga we all know and love. Joseph is a spoiled brat who tattle-tails and thinks he's better than everyone else. After a couple dreams, his brothers get fed up and sell him into slavery (instead of killing him as is their original plan). Killing people is just a thing these folks consider haphazardly out of jealousy, I guess.

In this chapter, there's just a bunch of names and a few rants out of sheer frustration. Watch at your own risk.

In this chapter, Israel/Jacob is sent to do a sacrifice so we can have a quick and boring recap of the same old promise. Dotted in there is a non-payoff of the gods Rachel stole and a short, but dramatic scene of Rachel's death. Jacob then shows his true love for her by disregarding her dying wish. But, to be fair, she's just a woman. Then Rueben sleeps with his dad's property (concubine) and nothing comes of it. Then Israel dies, but they don't make a big deal about it.

In this chapter, you can see me wrestle, almost in real time, with a very difficult story. Someone is wronged, but it's hard to know whom or why. Either way, the retaliation is swift and brutal with a healthy dose of trickery. Stay tuned for my recap where I get into verse 29 a bit more than I do here.

In this chapter, Jacob braces himself for Esau's arrival, building up the suspense really well until... he gets a big ole bear hug! How sweet! Then 5 seconds later, Jacob tells Esau to leave. They don't need to spend SO much time together! Then Jacob buys some land and calls it Israel to, I assume, establish a nation. And that's it! Short and sweet! :)