Genesis 27 Was Isaac not only blinded physically, but spiritually? Esau not only sold his birthright, he married outside of the covenant. It does not seem likely that the Lord intended for such a man to carry the mantle of the Priesthood. This is yet another example of why right and wrong can not always [...]

Genesis 26 It seems to me like Isaac was thinking about moving to Egypt because of the famine in the land. The Lord told him not to go to the rational place, the logical choice, and Isaac proved his faith bbt obeying the Lord. Thus he was tempted and tried like Abraham, and was given [...]

Genesis 25 Verse 16 Ishmael had 12 sons, 12 princes, 12 tribes. The phrase “and he was gathered unto his people” is really growing on me. I think I’d like something like that on my grave. It’s nice to think that we have people waiting for us on the other side. Family members and friends [...]

Genesis 24 I think what like most about this story is the idea that marriage works because you choose to make it good. Yes, Rebekah was beautiful, but that beauty wouldn’t last forever and I’m sure her husband knew that. Arranged marriage is so foreign to us, but I like what it can stand for [...]

Genesis 24 Verse 4 Abraham’s message? Marry within the covenant. 12-14 The institute manual points out that Abraham’s servant was likely a man of faith as well. This makes sense, as a man with responsibilities as great as Abraham would not only need someone dependable and trustworthy, but also a person that could understand his [...]

Genesis 23 Abraham went to great lengths to bury his wife in a beautiful place. This is how he meant to honor her. I spent this chapter thinking about how we honor the dead now, and and ways that I might be able to improve. I think one way would be for me to better [...]

Genesis 22 Abraham means “exalted father” and “father of a great multitude”. God did not tempt Abraham, He tested him. Although God does use temptation I think Didn’t he tempt Job? I think Abraham’s ready answer of “Here I am” tells us a few things. First, Abraham had a relationship with God, and so he [...]

Genesis 20 Verse 3 My first thought when reading this was “poor Abimelech”, since Abraham did lie to him about who Sarah was. But then I realized that he brought this upon himself by having policies that ended up forcing men to lie to him. He was greedy and took beautiful women to himself because [...]

Genesis 18 Abraham spares no expense as he attempts to welcome his special guests, but I’m trying to think abut these events as they must have happened in real time and I am struck by how long everything would have taken. These surprise guests would have had to be very patient (he ran to the [...]

Genesis 17 A note about Abraham falling on his face. The JST clarifies that Abraham fell on his face in order to call on the Lord. He was showing respect in order to communicate with Him. The law of circumcision was given to remind the people that children are innocent until they are 8 years [...]