Biblical Studies / Bible Figures

  • Jacob and Rachel

    Genesis 29:1–12

    Often we are unaware of how the Lord is working in our lives to produce good for His kingdom. In his commentary on today’s passage, John Calvin gives helpful counsel: “Whenever we may wander in uncertainty through intricate windings ...Read More

  • The House of God

    Genesis 28:18–22

    Calvin writes that in order for a vow to be lawful and pleasing to God, “it is first necessary that it should tend to a right end; and next, that men should devote nothing by a vow but what is ...Read More

  • Jacob’s Ladder

    Genesis 28:10–17

    Hebrews 13:5–8 makes it clear that the Lord who promised to be with Jacob is our Lord, and He will likewise never leave His people. Have you been faithfully serving God and yet feel as if He is ...Read More

  • Esau’s False Piety

    Genesis 28:6–9

    John Calvin writes: “Since it is a disease inherent in the human race, willingly to attempt to deceive God by some fictitious pretext, let us know that we do nothing effectually, until we tear up our sins by the roots ...Read More

  • Jacob Sets Out

    Genesis 27:46–28:5

    Matthew Henry says Jacob’s blessing in today’s passage “is more express and full than the former; it is an inheritance of the blessing of Abraham. It is gospel blessing.” Despite his sin and the transgressions of his parents ...Read More

  • A Mother’s Advice

    Genesis 27:41–45

    Though God’s grace was poured out lavishly despite His people’s wickedness, we must never sin so that grace may abound (Rom. 5:12–6:4). Are you guilty of using an “ends justify the means” theology to achieve ...Read More

  • A Lesser Benediction

    Genesis 27:39–40

    As we will see tomorrow, Esau does not humbly receive this word from Isaac but instead harbors hatred in his heart toward his brother. Sometimes we too can grow jealous of others that the Lord has apparently blessed more than ...Read More

  • Isaac and Esau

    Genesis 27:30–38

    Calvin further writes: “The wicked, when punishment overtakes them, bewail the salvation they have lost; but, meanwhile, do not cease to delight themselves in their vices; and instead of heartily seeking after the righteousness of God, they rather desire that ...Read More

  • The Patriarchal Blessing

    Genesis 17:26-29

    The Bible is clear that the patriarchal blessing finds its fullness in Christ, the truest son of Abraham. Moreover, in His grace, the Father has extended this blessing to all of those who believe in Him (Gal. 3:29). How ...Read More

  • Jacob Deceives Isaac

    Genesis 27:14–25

    In line with His promise in Romans 8:28, God worked through Jacob’s sin for the final good of His plan. Though Jacob grasped at spiritual benefits through unspiritual means, thereby getting himself into trouble, the Lord was pleased ...Read More

  • A Plot is Hatched

    Genesis 27:5–13

    Oftentimes the most zealous for the faith are new converts who lack knowledge and thus may promote an erroneous view of the Lord. Unfortunately, those with the most knowledge of biblical truth are sometimes the least zealous for the Gospel ...Read More

  • An Oblivious Father

    Genesis 27:1–4

    When we seek our satisfaction apart from God’s will and make our own happiness an end in itself, we can end up, consciously or not, plotting against Him. For example, we may consider marriage for purely selfish reasons, thereby ...Read More

  • The Promise to Isaac, Part 2

    Genesis 26:17–35

    Isaac’s quiet nature is one biblical example of the maxim: “Our greatest strength is also our greatest weakness.” Peter’s eagerness to make himself heard also manifests this principle (Matt. 16:13–23). Take time today to consider that ...Read More

  • The Lord Favors Isaac

    Genesis 26:6–16

    If you have made a foolish decision out of fear, know that God can redeem the situation for His glory if you repent and trust in Him. There is not one of us who will go through life without making ...Read More

  • The Promise to Isaac, Part 1

    Genesis 26:1–5

    As we have said repeatedly, our obedience does not earn us a place in the kingdom, it only shows that we possess the faith that lays hold of salvation (James 2:14–26). Redemption’s greatest blessing is the Lord ...Read More