God commands Jacob to journey back to Bethel, where He had appeared to Jacob as he was fleeing to Laban’s house. In response, Jacob rids his family of their powerless idols. The LORD is powerful in protecting Jacob as he sojourns among the Canaanites, and He renews His blessing and renaming of Jacob as Israel. Sadness strikes Jacob’s family at the death of his beloved wife Rachel during childbirth, but the name given to her son points to the hope that Jacob’s family and all people have in the Son who sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.

Rev. Jeff Hemmer, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Fairview Heights, IL and Signal Hill Lutheran Church in Belleville, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 35:1-21.

To learn more about Bethany Lutheran, visit bethanylcms.org.

“In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected]

As Jacob’s family begins to sojourn in Canaan again, sin rears its ugly head. A prince of the land named Shechem violates Jacob’s daughter Dinah. Jacob’s muted reaction contrasts with the desire for vengeance from Dinah’s full brothers, Simeon and Levi. They deceitfully negotiate terms of marriage by using circumcision as a ruse. When Shechem and the residents of the city are recovering, Simeon and Levi slaughter the men and plunder the city. Even as sin piles up against and in the family of Jacob, the LORD’s faithfulness continues.

Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lawrence, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 34:1-31.

To learn more about Redeemer Lutheran, visit Redeemer-Lawrence.org.

“In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected]

Fresh off his wrestling match with God, Jacob looks up to see his brother and his four hundred men approaching. With wisdom, Jacob divides his household and goes in front of them all to meet his brother with humility. The joy of the reconciliation of these two brothers is evident from both men. Jacob confesses before Esau all the blessings that God has bestowed upon him, and Jacob freely shares these blessings with Esau. However, Jacob does not journey together with Esau, lest Jacob’s family grow tired or be tempted toward idolatry by Esau’s extended family.

Rev. Stephen Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 33:1-20.

To learn more about Trinity in Vinton, visit trinitylcmsvinton.org.

“In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected]

Prior to his reunion with Esau, Jacob spends the night alone near the Jabbok River. There, the pre-incarnate Son of God comes and engages in a wrestling match with Jacob. At the break of day, God’s wrestling maneuver puts Jacob’s hip out of joint, but Jacob holds fast to Him until He gives a blessing. God’s blessing is a new name for Jacob. The name Israel teaches Jacob and all the faithful that all who cling to God’s promises prevail, not through trickery, but according to His steadfast love.

Rev. Jared Nies, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and School in Lapeer, MI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 32:22-32.

To learn more about St. Paul Lutheran, visit stpaul-lapeer.org.

“In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected]

As Jacob continues toward the Promised Land, the LORD reassures him by sending His angels to meet Jacob. Unsure of how Esau will receive him, Jacob sends messengers to his brother. Those messengers tell Jacob that Esau is already on the move with four hundred men. In distress, Jacob divides his camp into two. In faith, Jacob cries out to the LORD in prayer, asking that the LORD would keep His promises. As Jacob further prepares to meet Esau, he sends gifts to his brother in waves in hopes of accomplishing reconciliation.

Rev. David Boisclair, pastor at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Overland, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 32:1-21.

To learn more about Our Redeemer, visit ourredeemerstl.org.

“In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected]

Laban heeds the LORD’s Word not to speak bad or good to Jacob, but he does question why Jacob stole his household gods. Laban’s unsuccessful search for these little statues hidden under his daughter’s uncleanness reveals the futility and foolishness of idolatry. Jacob’s temper flares, even as he confesses the LORD’s faithfulness in the midst of Laban’s deceit. Laban concedes that there is nothing else he can do, and so the two men make a covenant. Jacob takes the opportunity to worship in recognition of God’s faithfulness before the two parties go their separate ways.

Rev. Dr. Kevin Golden, Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology and Dean of Ministerial Formation at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 31:25-55.

“In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected]

Strife grows between the households of Jacob and Laban as Jacob’s wealth increases at the expense of Laban. The LORD assures Jacob that He will be with Jacob as Jacob returns to the Promised Land. Jacob’s wives faithfully agree to go with him, recognizing that their blessing will be found in the God of Jacob, not the false gods of Laban. Jacob stealthily leaves by night. When Laban overtakes Jacob, the LORD warns Laban not to offend Jacob at all, a reminder that the LORD will keep the promise He has made.

Rev. Sam Beltz, pastor at St. John Lutheran Church in Oskaloosa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 31:1-24.

To learn more about St. John in Oskaloosa, visit stjohnosky.org.

“In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected]

Jacob’s move to Paddan-Aram was never meant to be permanent, for the LORD had promised to bring Jacob back to the Promised Land. Joseph’s birth spurs Jacob to request leave of Laban, who continues his wily ways toward his nephew. Laban agrees to pay Jacob wages from his flocks, but Laban’s attempt to keep wealth for himself is futile. The LORD blesses Jacob’s strange breeding techniques and causes Jacob’s flocks to grow. Throughout the text, the LORD is faithful to the promise He made to Jacob, and He continues to sustain the line of the Promised Christ.

Rev. Dr. John Bombaro, pastor at St. James Lutheran Church and School in Lafayette, IN and Navy Chaplain with the United States Marine Corps, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 30:25-43.

To learn more about St. James, visit stjameslaf.org.

“In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected]

The LORD hears the cries of the poor and needy, and so he opens the womb of Leah, the wife whom Jacob does not love. The names of her first four sons reveal her growing faith in the LORD, particularly the name “Judah,” the son through whom the promised Christ will eventually come. The reality of the multiple women in Jacob’s life quickly leads to family turmoil, yet the LORD continues to keep His promise that the descendants of Abraham will become numerous, even in the midst of human sin. After years of bearing the reproach of barrenness, the LORD finally opens Rachel’s womb, and she gives birth to Joseph.

Rev. Jacob Dandy, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Atchison, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 29:31-30:24.

To learn more about Trinity Lutheran, visit trinityatchison.org.

“In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected]

When Jacob arrives in Paddan-Aram, he stops at a well, where he learns about his uncle’s family. Rachel, the younger daughter of Laban, comes to the well with her father’s sheep, and Jacob is immediately smitten. After Laban receives his nephew with Christian hospitality, the two come to an agreement that Jacob will work for Laban for seven years in exchange for marrying Rachel. However, at the appointed time, Laban tricks his nephew into marrying his older daughter Leah instead. Laban excuses his deception and offers Jacob to marry Rachel in exchange for another seven years of work. The resulting family dynamics often lead to trouble in the years to come, even as God continues to be faithful to His promises.

Rev. John Bussman, pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church and School in Cullman, AL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 29:1-30.

To learn more about St. Paul's in Cullman, visit stpaulscullman.com.

“In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected]