Genesis 35:8-15 Why does our narrator bring up the death and burial of Deborah, of whom we know virtually nothing? A striking and important aspect of today's passage is the number of things which occur which have occurred before. What is the significance of all of the repetitions? Among these are Jacob's return to Bethel, even as Abraham returned to Bethel, God's second appearance to Jacob at Bethel, God's renaming of Jacob, and God’s restating again, for the twelfth time, the covenant promises. What are the lessons we can learn from Bethel that have application in our own experiences? (50 min.)

Keywords Jacob, Bethel, Covenant

Genesis 31:43-55 Two key themes in Genesis resurface in this passage: The two lines of mankind, and the idea of covenant. What are all the sets of twos we see in these verses, and what are they intended to show us? How is this passage crucial to the unfolding drama of God's people? What is the significance of Laban asking for a covenant with his own relative? What are some characteristics of the seed of the serpent? Why does Jacob erect a pillar, and what does it mean to himself or to Laban? How did Jacob come to to call his God the Fear of Isaac? What are the contrasting destinies of these two men? (59 min.)

Keywords Jacob, Laban, Covenant

Genesis 21:22-34 Abraham has another encounter with Abimelech, the King of Gerar. How does this account advance the narrative of Abraham's life? Once again we see the importance of the idea of covenant. By the end of this passage Abraham has two tangible seals of God's promises to him, a small child and a hole in the ground. We reflect on the crucial places in Abraham's walk with God, and on the importance of place in his and our stories. What of the places in your life?

Keywords Abraham, Abimelech, Beersheba, Covenant

Genesis 17:4-14 Four elements of God’s covenant promise to Abram, and their significance in God’s purpose. God gives to Abram a new name. Why? What is God really doing in this Covenant? What is this circumcision thing really all about?

Keywords Abraham, Covenant, Circumcision

Genesis 17:1-3 Three new names, signifying God’s faithfulness and abiliity to carry out His covenant with Abraham. Why does God restate here the covenant which He has already made with Abram? (Audio interference for the first 18 minutes of this recording.)

Keywords Abraham, Elohim, Covenant

Genesis 8 Waiting to move until God says to move. What makes a sacrifice a sacrifice? What did God think about Noah’s sacrifice? God says, “Never again.” Noah comforts God in His grief.

Keywords Noah, Remembering, Covenant, Ark, Sacrifice

Genesis 9:8-28 God establishes a covenant with Noah and all living creatures. The purpose of the rainbow. Who is reminded by this sign in the sky? The sign of Communion. Noah’s failure and its affect on his son Ham.

Keywords Noah, Ham, Covenant, Rainbow, Sensuality

Genesis 14:1-16 Four kings of Mesopotamia go to war against the five kings of the Pentapolis. Abram mobilizes his men to rescue his nephew Lot and his family. This is a battle in the ongoing war between the Seed of the Woman and the Seed of the Serpent. What is the real issue of this story?

Keywords Abraham, Covenant, Sodom, Mesopotamia, Transjordan

Genesis 14:17-24 Who is this man Melchizedek and why does Abram pay a tithe to him? From what did Abram pay that tithe, and what did the King of Sodom think about that? A vasal always pays tribute to his suzerain lord. The tithe’s foundation in covenant faithfulness.

Keywords Abraham, Covenant, Melchizedek, Sodom, Tithe, Priesthood

Genesis 15:7-21 How can Abram know that God’s long delayed promise will ever be fulfilled? In answer to Abram’s questioning God provides a stunning answer. Abram will become a child of the Almighty by covenant. But first must come the Bloody Alley.

Keywords Abraham, Covenant