Genesis 37:5-11 Joseph is a dreamer. He has two dreams which appear to be of great significance. How did Joseph view those dreams? What are two reasons why Joseph was given those dreams? What did the Psalmist mean when he said God's word was "testing" Joseph? Why might this have been Joseph's greatest test? Why did Joseph tell his dreams to his brothers? What was it like growing up in a home where none of your ten older brothers could speak to you on "friendly terms?” How might this have influenced Joseph's actions? (50 min.)

Keywords Joseph, Dreams

Genesis 37:1-11 At the end of Esau's brief toledot we find a marked contrast between him and Jacob. Why do the unbelievers prosper while the person who lives by faith seems often to do so in vain? As we begin the toledot of Jacob and the story of Joseph, we find that God communicates differently than he did with the patriarchs. What is that difference? Why did Joseph benefit from the elevation he encountered at the hand of his father? How was Jacob’s favoritism harmful to the son he loved? What was the significance of the "varicolored" tunic he was given? (44 min.)

Keywords Jacob, Joseph, Dreams

Genesis 36:9-43 An entire toledot of Genesis is devoted to the descendants of Esau. In this passage we look at the second part of that toledot. What were the Children of Israel supposed to learn from this genealogy, and how are we to learn from it? What are some of the key names which might have some importance to our understanding of the redemptive history? What is important to see about the structure of this genealogy, and how does the narrator use that structure to communicate something important to us? What great lesson can we learn from the Edomites that has a bearing on our lives and our future? (58 min.)

Keywords Esau, Seir, Amalekites, Edom, Edomites

Genesis 36:1-8 This lesson includes a review of the toledots of Genesis and how they provide a structure and plan for the book. The toledot of Esau amounts to a short diversion from the chief plan of the book, yet it provides us with important information. What is the importance of this account? Why does the narrator stress that Esau "is Edom?" How does the seed of the woman differ from the seed of the serpent? What's wrong with the saying that "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush?" What are the three wrong choices that Esau made? (56 min.)

Keywords Esau, Toledot, Seir, Birthright, Edom