The Listener’s Commentary

Genesis 34-36   This section transitions from Isaac to Jacob. It narrates: -the tragic treatment of Jacob's daughter Dinah and the horrendous revenge by her brothers.  -God's reaffirmation of his promise to Jacob and Jacob's complete loyalty to Yahweh  -the death of Isaac  -the family line of Esau   BIBLE READING GUIDE - FREE EBOOK - Get the free eBook, Bible in Life, to help you learn how to read and apply the Bible well: https://www.listenerscommentary.com     GIVE -  The Listener’s Commentary is a listener supported Bible teaching ministry made possible by the generosity of people like you. Thank you! Give here:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com/give     STUDY HUB - Want more than the audio? Join the study hub to access articles, maps, charts, pictures, and links to other resources to help you study the Bible for yourself. https://www.listenerscommentary.com/members-sign-up   MORE TEACHING - For more resources and Bible teaching from John visit https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Genesis 32-33  These chapters record the climactic scene in Jacob's story. Jacob leaves Haran to return to the land of promise Jacob wrestles with God Jacob reunites with Esau after 20 years away.   BIBLE READING GUIDE - FREE EBOOK - Get the free eBook, Bible in Life, to help you learn how to read and apply the Bible well: https://www.listenerscommentary.com     GIVE -  The Listener’s Commentary is a listener supported Bible teaching ministry made possible by the generosity of people like you. Thank you! Give here:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com/give     STUDY HUB - Want more than the audio? Join the study hub to access articles, maps, charts, pictures, and links to other resources to help you study the Bible for yourself. https://www.listenerscommentary.com/members-sign-up   MORE TEACHING - For more resources and Bible teaching from John visit https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Genesis 29-31   These chapters including the stories of: Jacob's marriage to Leah and Rachel after being tricked by his uncle Laban Rivalry between Leah and Rachel and the birth of Jacob's sons Jacob growing his own flocks and leaving Laban   BIBLE READING GUIDE - FREE EBOOK - Get the free eBook, Bible in Life, to help you learn how to read and apply the Bible well: https://www.listenerscommentary.com     GIVE -  The Listener’s Commentary is a listener supported Bible teaching ministry made possible by the generosity of people like you. Thank you! Give here:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com/give     STUDY HUB - Want more than the audio? Join the study hub to access articles, maps, charts, pictures, and links to other resources to help you study the Bible for yourself. https://www.listenerscommentary.com/members-sign-up   MORE TEACHING - For more resources and Bible teaching from John visit https://www.johnwhittaker.net

The tension between Isaac, Esau, and Jacob unfolds dramatically as Rebekah masterminds Jacob's deception to secure the blessing meant for Esau. Isaac's frailty leads to a poignant moment where mistaken identity alters their fates forever. Esau's rage ignites a deadly vow, forcing Jacob to flee to Haran. Along the way, Jacob experiences a divine dream at Bethel, receiving God's promise of numerous descendants. John highlights how God's plans are executed through imperfect characters, culminating in a broader gospel narrative.

Discover the fascinating transition from Abraham to Isaac, including Abraham's final years and burial alongside Sarah. Delve into Ishmael's lineage and the implications of his twelve sons. Witness Isaac's marriage to the very determined Rebekah, who faces challenges of barrenness but is granted twins. Explore the drama of Jacob acquiring Esau's birthright and Isaac's own trials during a famine that lead to divine confirmation and unsettling encounters with Abimelech. Unravel how family dynamics play out with Esau's controversial marriages.

In this discussion, Abraham's final moments and the beginning of Isaac's journey unfold. The podcast explores the depth of relationships and cultural norms as Sarah's death leads to the search for Isaac's bride. The servant's heartfelt prayer for guidance at the well showcases faith in action. Rebekah's kindness not only reveals her character but also sets the stage for a meaningful marriage. Throughout, the theme of God's faithfulness shines through ordinary life's events, illuminating how divine plans often intertwine with our daily choices.

Genesis 22.1-19   Now it came about after these things, that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 2 Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you.” 3 So Abraham got up early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him and his son Isaac; and he split wood for the burnt offering, and set out and went to the place of which God had told him. 4 On the third day Abraham raised his eyes and saw the place from a distance. 5 Then Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey, and I and the boy will go over there; and we will worship and return to you.” 6 And Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and laid it on his son Isaac, and he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So the two of them walked on together. 7 Isaac spoke to his father Abraham and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” And he said, “Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” 8 Abraham said, “God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” So the two of them walked on together. 9 Then they came to the place of which God had told him; and Abraham built the altar there and arranged the wood, and bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 And Abraham reached out with his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son. 11 But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 12 He said, “Do not reach out your hand against the boy, and do not do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” 13 Then Abraham raised his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram caught in the thicket by its horns; and Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering in the place of his son. 14 And Abraham named that place The Lord Will Provide, as it is said to this day, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.” 15 Then the angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven, 16 and said, “By Myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this thing and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 indeed I will greatly bless you, and I will greatly multiply your seed as the stars of the heavens and as the sand, which is on the seashore; and your seed shall possess the gate of their enemies. 18 And in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” 19 So Abraham returned to his young men, and they got up and went together to Beersheba; and Abraham lived in Beersheba.     BIBLE READING GUIDE - FREE EBOOK - Get the free eBook, Bible in Life, to help you learn how to read and apply the Bible well: https://www.listenerscommentary.com     GIVE -  The Listener’s Commentary is a listener supported Bible teaching ministry made possible by the generosity of people like you. Thank you! Give here:  https://www.listenerscommentary.com/give     STUDY HUB - Want more than the audio? Join the study hub to access articles, maps, charts, pictures, and links to other resources to help you study the Bible for yourself. https://www.listenerscommentary.com/members-sign-up   MORE TEACHING - For more resources and Bible teaching from John visit https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Abraham's journey to Gerar leads to a tense situation when he claims Sarah is his sister, prompting divine intervention. Abimelech, the king, faces a moral dilemma after a dream reveals the truth, highlighting his innocence and commitment to integrity. The promise is fulfilled with the birth of Isaac, but tensions rise in Abraham's household as conflict arises between Sarah and Hagar over their sons. Ultimately, God's care extends to all, proving that even in chaos, His promises remain steadfast.

Explore the poignant themes of righteousness and mercy as Abraham negotiates with God to save Sodom. Discover the significance of God's covenant with Abraham and how it shapes his household's future. Delve into the harrowing fate of Lot and the dire consequences of Sodom's corruption. Witness the dramatic moments of hospitality and violence as angels visit, leading to a desperate escape. Reflect on the complexities of justice, human failure, and the profound lessons about faith and divine grace.

This discussion dives into the intriguing dynamics between Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar, revealing the cultural norms of surrogate motherhood. It highlights God's promise to bless Sarah with Isaac, even in the face of disbelief, showcased through Sarah’s laughter. Listeners learn about the covenant sign of circumcision and how it marks a commitment to God. Tension arises as Hagar bears Ishmael, prompting divine encounters that emphasize God's unwavering faithfulness despite human imperfections.