Genesis 42:9 “Joseph remembered the dreams which he had about them.” Observation:  Famine had spread throughout Canaan, so Jacob sent his ten oldest sons to Egypt to purchase grain. The brothers’ quest brought them before Egypt’s governor, whom they failed to...

Genesis 30:2 “Am I in the place of God, who has kept you from having children?” (NIV).     Observation: Jacob had set off on the task of siring twelve sons, each of whom would become head of one of the tribes of Israel. Although Rachel was the favored wife, it was...

Genesis 27:13 “His mother said to him, ‘My son, let the curse fall on me. Just do what I say’” (NIV). Observation: Isaac had grown old, feeble, and blind. Knowing death was near, he told his oldest son Esau that he would grant him the traditional eldest’ blessing as...

Genesis 39:5 “From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the Lord blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph” (NIV). Observation:  Joseph had been sold into slavery by jealous brothers, beginning a journey that brought...

Genesis 25:34 “So Esau despised his birthright” (NIV). Observation: Esau and his brother Jacob were the twin sons of Isaac and Rebekah. As the first-born, Esau had a natural birthright to receive Isaac’s estate, but Esau one day returned home famished and agreed to...

Genesis 24:12 “Then he prayed, ‘O Lord, God of my master Abraham, give me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham.’ ” Observation: Sarah had died, and Abraham was nearing the end of his life. The one thing he had yet to do was to secure a wife for his...

Genesis 20:7 “Now return the man’s wife, for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you” (NIV). Observation: Twice, Abraham had lied about his relationship with Sarah, this time to Abimelech, the pagan king of Gerar. Sarah was technically Abraham’s half-sister, having...

Genesis 19:8 “Don’t do anything to these men, for they have come under the protection of my roof” (NIV). Observation: By these words, Lot was trying to protect two male houseguests from marauding homosexuals who had the place surrounded, demanding to have their way...

Genesis 15:8 “But Abram said, ‘O Sovereign Lord, how can I know that I will gain possession of it?’ ” (NIV). Observation: Abram and God were in the midst of a conversation that would be astonishing were it not so commonplace with them. God had just promised him “great...

Genesis 13:8–9 “So Abram said to Lot, ‘Please let there be no strife between you and me … for we are brothers. Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me; if to the left, then I will go to the right, or if to the right, then I will go to the left.’ ”...