Thursday, September 11, 2014

Genesis, Day 4 Readings

Jacob and Esau, the Tricked Blessing, and Wrestling by the Jabbok

Today's first reading tells how the younger of Isaac's twin sons, Jacob, tricks his aging father out of a blessing that was intended for the eldest, Esau.  The sibling rivalry boils over, forcing Jacob to flee from his brother's threat to kill him.

Read Genesis 27:1-45  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second selection describes the eventual reconciliation of the two brothers, after both have married, raised families, and found financial success.  The night before the reunion, though, a fearful Jacob spends a sleepless night wrestling with a heavenly being (an angel? God?), who blesses him with a new identity, Israel -- meaning one who has striven or fought with God and won.

Read Genesis 32:1-33:11   (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Genesis 31-40 today.