Biblical Studies / Bible Figures

  • Dreams of the Future

    Genesis 37:5–11

    John Calvin writes: “It often happens that they who are ill-disposed, quickly perceive what is the will of God: but, because they feel no reverence, they despise it.” Not surprisingly, Joseph’s brothers, blinded by sin, reject the Lord’s ...Read More

  • Joseph’s Colorful Coat

    Genesis 37:1–4

    John Chrysostom comments: “Envy is a terrible passion, you see, and when it affects the soul, it does not leave it before bringing it to an extremely sorry state” (Homilies on Genesis, 61.4). In due time the jealousy Joseph ...Read More

  • Blessings for Esau

    Genesis 36

    Paul admonishes us to examine ourselves to see whether we have true faith (2 Cor. 13:5). The blessings we see in our lives are by themselves not sufficient proof that we belong to God. After all, Esau was blessed ...Read More

  • Isaac’s Final Breath

    Genesis 35:27–29

    Genesis 35 shows us how each generation of God’s people must trust Him to do what He says even if the full realization of His promises remains in the future. Jacob affirmed his trust in the Lord when he ...Read More

  • One Sin, Twelve Sons

    Genesis 35:22–26

    Reuben’s jealousy of Rachel and her sons motivated him to commit the heinous act of incest so that he and his mother might be the beloved ones of Jacob. Such envy provokes evil in a multitude of ways. Adam ...Read More

  • Rachel’s Last Son

    Genesis 35:16–21

    God in His providence brings the greatest good out of the darkest time. Benjamin provided tangible evidence to Jacob of the Lord’s unwavering commitment to make him a great nation (Gen. 35:11). We should be looking for and ...Read More

  • Jacob’s Vow Fulfilled

    Genesis 35:13–15

    Jacob’s life was repetitive. He worshiped again and again at Bethel. He faithfully did the same tasks every day for twenty years in service to his crooked father-in-law (Gen. 31:36–41). Yet, the word God gives to Jacob ...Read More

  • The Promise Confirmed

    Genesis 35:9–12

    Secular psychology has rightly caused many believers to be wary of the emphasis on “self-esteem” found in many areas of life today. However, while secular attempts to improve one’s self-image are questionable at best, there is in Scripture a ...Read More

  • Divine Terror

    Genesis 35:5–8

    When we consider the Lord’s blessing, there are two errors we can make. Either we can expect too much in this age (perfect health, wealth, and so on) or we can think God does not reward His people at ...Read More

  • A Purified Household

    Genesis 35:2–4

    Whom do you love above all else? Is it a child or a spouse? Maybe it is not a person but a job or a hobby? We must never think ourselves immune to the temptation to love something else more ...Read More

  • Jacob’s True Calling

    Genesis 35:1

    Matthew Henry also comments: “As many as God loves he will remind of neglected duties, one way or another, by conscience or by providences.” The Holy Spirit will not let us forget the vows we have made to serve Him ...Read More

  • Two Different Responses

    Genesis 34:30–31

    We are greatly encouraged that the Lord is true to His word even when His people sin. If His blessings were based ultimately on our faithfulness, we would be totally lost. Still, while God was faithful despite Jacob’s unfaithfulness ...Read More

  • Simeon and Levi Attack

    Genesis 34:25–29

    The Lord’s use of Israel to pour out His wrath on the inhabitants of Canaan was a case unique to that particular time in the history of God’s people. As Paul tells us in Romans 12:19, God ...Read More

  • A City Is Circumcised

    Genesis 34:18–24

    First John 2:15b warns us: “If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” Dinah’s friendliness with the ways of the Canaanite women and widespread intermarriage, had it happened, both warn us against ...Read More

  • Profaning a Holy Sign

    Genesis 34:13–17

    The Lord does not take the misuse of His signs and seals lightly. In fact, Paul says those who misuse the sacraments, especially the Lord’s Supper, may end up dead (1 Cor. 11:29–30). Therefore, let us not ...Read More