Gen. 36-38
More random thoughts from me….I wonder at the significance of the random names of wives and daughters and such that make it into the genealogies. There is one in Esau’s genealogy mentioned in ch. 36 – “…his wife’s name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, daughter of Mezahab.” (Gen. 36:39b)
In ch. 37, I question the wisdom of Joseph, mentioning his dreams to his brothers who are already jealous of him. Also, I am curious about the mention of his mother, whom I thought was dead at this point. And, I chuckle at how the Bible doesn’t always state things exactly as they are – “Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his sons, because he was the son of his old age.” (Gen. 37:3a) Right. That’s the reason. Had nothing to do with Joseph’s being Rachel’s son. And perhaps he preferred Joseph over Benjamin because Rachel died at Benjamin’s birth?
Chapter 38 deals more specifically with Jesus’ lineage, as Jesus came through Judah. Jesus’ lineage fascinates me, and this segment is one of the reasons why. Jesus came through Tamar – a woman who played the prostitute to deceive her father-in-law into giving her what she was due. This was not a nice, clean, legitimate marriage with a woman from Abraham’s line. Also, the twins – the second, the one who should have been last but was instead first, is the one God chose. Perez – the “breach”. Tell me God’s Plan is not intricate and His Story is not intentional!!
Matt. 21:1-22
And one more time – “If you have faith and do not doubt…whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Lord, help my unbelief!!