The Patriarchs and Matriarchs
God’s judgment is never careless, uninformed, or unjust. The LORD knows the true condition of Sodom, yet the narrative deliberately portrays His judgment as righteous and considered. Abraham may boldly intercede while humbly acknowledging that he is dust and ashes, because the justice of God is dependable: the Judge of all the earth does right.
God’s covenant purpose rests upon His own faithfulness. Human circumstances, advancing age, and previous attempts to accomplish the promise another way do not overturn what God has determined. Genesis 17 makes clear that the covenant line will continue through Isaac, the son whom Sarah will bear, while God also hears Abraham concerning Ishmael and promises to bless him.
Human attempts to accomplish God’s promise in their own way bring painful consequences, but human failure does not overturn God’s purpose. In the wilderness, the LORD sees Hagar, hears her affliction, speaks to her, and demonstrates His sovereign care for someone who is suffering and alone.
EDITORIAL PREFACE The account of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil has often been discussed, questioned, and misunderstood. Some readers focus upon the fruit. Others focus upon the serpent. Others wonder why God placed the tree in the garden at all. These are understandable questions. Yet the greatest question is not about … Read more
No better starting point than the basics. The missing years of Jesus, sometimes called the “silent years,” are the period between his childhood and the start of his public ministry. Here’s the wild part: the Bible goes almost completely quiet about Jesus from age 12 (when he’s last spotted in the Temple) until about age … Read more
When I think about the backbone of many faith traditions, the patriarchs—figures like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—always come to mind. Their stories aren’t just ancient legends; they actually shape the way lots of people understand faith, family, and trust in the divine, even today. The legacy of these early leaders stretches far beyond history books … Read more
Starting with who Rachel and Leah were, the story begins with two sisters at the heart of a family saga in Genesis. Rachel was the younger and widely described as beautiful, while Leah was the older, often noted for her gentle eyes. These two women played a big part in shaping the nation of Israel. … Read more
Starting with the basics, the story of God’s covenant with Abraham is found in the Book of Genesis, and it’s a major moment in the Hebrew Bible. This covenant marks the start of a long relationship between God and Abraham’s descendants. At its core, it’s about God promising land, offspring, and blessing to Abraham, with … Read more
When I’m reading about the patriarchs in the Old Testament, people like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, what grabs me every time is just how their faith powered their choices. Their lives weren’t perfect, but they really modeled what it means to trust and walk with God day by day. The stories about these early figures … Read more
Joseph’s Story: A Tale of Hope, Setbacks, and Next-Level Cool Resilience Joseph’s story is one of those narratives in the book of Genesis that packs in drama, hope, and a big payoff. From his early days as a favorite son with a fancy coat, to a string of setbacks that landed him in prison, Joseph’s … Read more