Village Schools of the Bible

Genesis: A Devotional Study
by Max Frazier, Jr

I would like for us to continue our study in Genesis this week. Chapter 36 focuses upon the family of Esau - a family that would continue harrassing the family of Jacob for centuries, even until the time of Christ. We know them in the Bible as the Edomites, and in the New Testament as the Idumeans - perhaps best represented by Herod and his family. Then, we begin our study in the life of Joseph in Genesis 37 - a study that we continue for the next several weeks. Enjoy the Word with me.

Genesis 36

Key Words: "the account of Esau"

Key Verse: Verses 1 and 9 state the theme of the chapter: the record of the family of Esau.

Purpose Statement: This chapter shares the history of Esau's family. We especially note that Amalek was one of his descendants.

Outline: Esau's Family

I. Introduction to Esau's family (vs. 1-8)
II. Esau's children and grandchildren (vs. 9-14)
III. Chiefs of the clan of Esau (vs. 15-19)
IV. Leaders of the Horite family (vs. 20-29)
V. Rulers of Edom (vs. 31-39)
VI. Settlement of Esau (vs. 40-43)

Thoughts to Ponder: God did indeed keep His promise to Esau and did cause him to become prosperous and blessed with many descendants. How unfortunate that the Scripture records for us that Esau's family always was antagonistic toward the family of Israel. Oh the pain caused by sibling rivalries.

I find it interesting that Esau moved after Jacob returned. One wonders if this was because of the blessings and birthright that now belonged to Jacob. But I think this shows a positive trait of Esau. He could have been very resentful of Jacob after his return, but he wasn't. His error was in living for the moment rather than the future.

Genesis 37

Key Words: "loved more than"; "hated"; "jealous"

Key Verse: Verse 20 shares that the dreams kept bother Joseph's brothers. They felt they understood the message but did not like it and sought ways to prevent it from happening.

Purpose Statement: This chapter shares the first step in the process of God's turning Israel from a little tribe of family members into one of the great nations on the earth.

Outline: Joseph's Dream and His Relations with His Brothers

I. Joseph's dreams and his brothers' reactions (vs. 1-11)
II. Joseph sold into slavery (vs. 12-36)
A. His trip to see his brothers (vs. 12-18)
B. Their plotting (vs. 19-20)
C. Reuben's request (vs. 21-22)
D. Joseph sold to the Ishmaelites (vs. 23-28)
E. The cover up (vs. 29-36)

Thoughts to Ponder: Joseph's brothers were consumed by hatred for him. It did not help that he was their father's favorite. Every time they saw the multi-colored robe they were reminded of it. When they had to sweat in the sun with the smelly sheep, Joseph remained at home with "dear old dad." Then there was this thing about the dreams. The implications of these dreams was about the last straw for them. The very audacity of Joseph to presume that they, his own brothers, would ever bow down to him. The end result of hatred was the selling of Joseph into slavery. (At least they could make some money that way - two shekels apiece). And they devised a plan to deceive their father into thinking that Joseph was dead. They had watched their father play the game of deceit well, and now it worked for them. I wonder if any of them had a touch of guilt as they watched their father mourn the supposed death of his son? Probably not! Hatred is such a cruel thing! Oh to guard our lives from it.

When Joseph told his father and brothers about his second dream, Jacob rebuked him for his teen-aged arrogance. Yet, verse 11 closes with these words, "His father kept the matter in mind." Perhaps Jacob had already realized that it was possible God's hand was upon his son in a very unusual way. So, as preposterous as Joseph's dream seemed, Jacob did not rule out the possibility of its coming to pass. Perhaps Jacob reflected back to his own dream and understood how God had brought that to pass.

Reuben's story is much like ours, filled with highs and lows. In Genesis 35:22 we read where he had sex with Bilhah, one of his father's wives. Now, in this chapter, we read that, although he participated in the plot against Joseph, he secretly desired to rescue him. Perhaps he thought such an act might get him back into his father's good graces, although the text does not declare his motives. And then, in Genesis 42:37, Reuben pledges his own sons to Jacob if Benjamin is not returned safely. His is an interesting story.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: When a person finds no peace within himself it is useless to seek it elsewhere.

Genesis 35 Return to Table of Contents Genesis 38