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James Bowers
Bible 410 B07

Abrahamic Covenant Chart


The covenant that God made with Abraham covers, in effect, three things: Land, descendants and blessing. We read in
Genesis 12:1-3, The Lord had said to Abram, Leave your country, your people and your fathers household and go to the
land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a
blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through
you. This is a theme that God reiterates to Abraham all through the course of Genesis, adding details and establishing the
same promise with Abrahams son Isaac, and grandson Jacob. The following pages detail the process by which this covenant
evolved.
Instructions for reading my chart are as follows. The Abrahamic Covenant Chart displays the references that I feel look at
the Abrahamic Covenant found in Genesis. The Scriptural References are found in the far left column. This is followed by who
it is addressed to, the circumstances under which it was reiterated, the ingredients which compose the Covenant, such as the
land, seed, or blessing, the development in the Book of Genesis, and any change in the content or emphasis. I would ask that
you not take my word for it, but would sit down with your own Bible and see for yourself. God speaks to us all we just need to
stop and listen to His still sweet voice.

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Reference
Addressed
to:
Circumstance(s) Under
Which it was Reiterated
Ingredients
Which
Compose the
Covenant
Development in the
Book of Genesis
Any Change in
Content or
Emphasis
Genesis 12:1 Abraham Gods call for Abraham to
move from Haran to Canaan.
Abraham moved
from Haran to
Canaan--land.
Started with a call from
God to Abraham.
There is emphasis
put on faith as
Gods call to
Abraham required
faith.
Genesis 12:2 Abraham Gods call for Abraham to
move by faith.
Gods promise
of blessing and
seed.
This is Abrahams call. I will bless thee.
Genesis 12:3

Abraham Again, Gods call for
Abrams move of faith.
Gods promise
of blessing.
It continues in the
beginning stages of
development from v. 1
and 2.
Gods emphasis on
who will be
blessed and who
cursed. This
indicates the
promise of the
Messiah. Abraham
will become a
great nation and
ALL families will
be blessed.
Gen. 12:7 Abraham
God appeared to Abraham to
let him know that this was the
land of Canaan.
Gods promise
of land.
Abraham, along with
Sarai, Lot, their
possession and those
who they acquired in
Haran went to Canaan
as told by God.
God revealed to
Abraham the land
that would be
given to his
descendants.
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Reference
Addressed
to:
Circumstance(s) Under
Which it was Reiterated
Ingredients
Which
Compose the
Covenant
Development in the
Book of Genesis
Any Change in
Content or
Emphasis
Gen. 12:17-20
Pharaoh, then
Pharaoh to
Abraham
Was not reiterated, but
development was important.
Gods promise
of land, seed and
blessing.
Abraham made a
mistake by allowing
Pharaoh access to his
sister. God acted by
plaguing Pharaoh so that
Pharaoh understood the
importance of letting
Sarah and Abraham go.
The Covenant was
in jeopardy and
God acted towards
Pharaoh to
preserve the
Covenant.
Gen. 13:14-17 Abraham
After Lot chose what he
thought was best for him, he
left Abraham. Afterwards,
God repeated His promise to
Abraham.
Gods promise
of land as far
as Abraham
could see; Gods
promise of seed
as the dust of
the earth which
could not be
numbered.
This occurs after
Abraham returns from
Egypt. He settles in the
land of Canaan.
There is emphasis
on the extent of the
land, as well as the
innumerable
blessing of
descendants.
Gen. 14:18-20
Abraham via
Melchizedek
This occurs immediately
following Abrahams rescue
of Lot. Melchizedek
recognizes the blessing of
God on Abram.
Gods promise
of blessing.
Though Lot was
captured, God protected
Abraham and allowed
him to prevail in
restoring Lot to
freedom.
The main
emphasis here is
on blessing.
Genesis 15:4-5

Abraham
Abraham was having a crisis
of belief because he had no
natural heir.
Gods promise
of seed as
innumerable as
the stars in
heaven.
Abraham is fearful and
impatient in waiting for
an heir, finding it
incredible that he would
have a child of his own.
The emphasis here
is for Abraham to
be patient and trust
in the Lord.
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Reference
Addressed
to:
Circumstance(s) Under
Which it was Reiterated
Ingredients
Which
Compose the
Covenant
Development in the
Book of Genesis
Any Change in
Content or
Emphasis
Gen. 15:7 Abraham
Again, a crisis of faith for
Abraham, this time regarding
the land.
Gods promise
of land.
God tells Abraham what
He has done to make it
so.
The emphasis here
is that God is
faithful to give
Abraham the land.
Gen. 15: 17-21 Abraham The covenant was reiterated
with more details of the extent
of the blessing.
Gods promise
of land and seed.
This is in response to
Abrahams question,
how will I know? The
Lord demonstrates
through a dream and
through the ceremony of
splitting the carcasses
for the Lord to pass
through.
This emphasized
the covenant
between the Lord
and Abraham in a
memorable event.
Genesis 16: 9-10 Hagar Hagar had fled from Sarah
when the Angel appears to
reassure her. Though this will
be Abrahams descendent and
they will be multiplied, her
child was not meant for the
Covenant promise.
Gods promise
of seed, though
not the promised
seed yet.
Abraham and Hagars
child will be blessed
with many descendants,
which would be
expected from
Abrahams seed.
Though the seed
will be blessed
through Ishmael,
Ishmael was not
the seed promised
though with the
Covenant will
pass.
Genesis 17:1-2 Abraham Thirteen years had passed
since Ishmael was born. God
speaks again to Abraham in
order to reiterate His covenant
with Abraham.
Gods promise
of seed.
Abraham took Sarahs
advice to try to fulfill
Gods promise with
Hagar, producing
Ishmael. God comes to
Abraham to let him
understand the promise.
God wasnt
finished with
Abraham and His
Covenant promise.
Abrahams plan
was no good, so
now God explains.
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Reference
Addressed
to:
Circumstance(s) Under
Which it was Reiterated
Ingredients
Which
Compose the
Covenant
Development in the
Book of Genesis
Any Change in
Content or
Emphasis
Genesis 17:4-6 Abraham Same as previous: Note: I
have and I will.
Gods promise
of seed.
Same as previous.
However, there is a
distinction here with I
have made you a father
of many nations and I
will make you
exceedingly fruitful...
Abram is now
Abraham. The
covenant is still
with Abraham and
has not been
passed onto
Ishmael. Abraham
is told that he will
still be fruitful.
Genesis 17: 7-8 Abraham Same as previous. God
explains that Abrahams
descendents (future) will
receive the covenant.
Gods promise
of seed and land.
Same as previous. Not
only will God establish
his covenant, but He
will also be their God.
The emphasis here
is on the
establishment of
the Covenant
promise with his
future descendents.
Genesis 17: 9-11 Abraham

Same as previous. A new part
of the Covenant is revealed.
Gods promise
of entire
Covenant: land,
seed and
blessing.
For the first time, God
requires something
besides faith from
Abraham and all his
descendants
circumcision.
God has given
Abraham the
Covenantal
promise before,
but now adds a
requirement, all
must be
circumcised as a
sign of the
Covenant. This
will set apart those
who participate
from those who
dont.
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Reference
Addressed
to:
Circumstance(s) Under
Which it was Reiterated
Ingredients
Which
Compose the
Covenant
Development in the
Book of Genesis
Any Change in
Content or
Emphasis
Genesis 17:15-16 Abraham Same as previous. Here God
is clarifying that Sarai, now
Sarah, will be the mother of
Abrahams descendents.
Gods promise
of seed.
This shifts the focus of
Abraham from Ishmael,
his son through Hagar,
to a promised son from
Sarah.
The emphasis here
is that God is
clarifying for
Abraham what it is
He is going to do
and who He will
use to accomplish
it, Sarah.
Genesis 17: 19 Abraham Same as previous. Abraham
offers Ishmael as his son for
the Covenant, but God says
no.
Gods promise
of seed.
Abraham objects and
wants Ishmael to be the
son of promise, but God
clears up any ideas on
this matter, giving
Abraham his sons
name, Isaac.
Again, God is
clarifying this for
Abraham, he will
have a son through
Sarah, but now He
tells Abraham his
name will be Isaac.
Genesis 17:20-21 Abraham


Same as previous. God is
responding to Abrahams
suggestion that Ishmael
receive the promise.
Gods promise
of seed.
A reiteration to
Abraham that Ishmael
will be blessed but Isaac
is son to receive the
Covenant.
The emphasis here
changes just from
a broad promise to
an actually specific
time for Isaac to be
born.
Genesis 18:10 Abraham The Lord and men (or angels)
have appeared to Abraham in
human form.
Gods promise
of seed.
Sarah laughs at the idea
that she will have a child
at her age, since she is
past the time of bearing
children.
This conversation
was not only for
Abrahams benefit,
for the Lord knew
that Sarah would
be listening also.
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Reference
Addressed
to:
Circumstance(s) Under
Which it was Reiterated
Ingredients
Which
Compose the
Covenant
Development in the
Book of Genesis
Any Change in
Content or
Emphasis
Genesis 18:14 Abraham Same as previous. The Lord
knows that Sarah was
listening and laughed.
Gods promise
of seed.
Because Sarah laughed,
the Lord is reiterating
that she will have a son.
Again, the
conversation was
for Sarahs benefit
as much as
Abrahams.
Genesis 18: 17-19 Abraham Same as previous. After the
events of the meal, Abraham
walks for a while with his
guests. The Lord queries and
reasons whether or not to tell
Abraham what is about to
occur in Sodom and
Gomorrah; because of the
promise, He does.
Gods promise
of seed and
blessing. Note,
the blessing here
is extended
beyond Israel,
which was done
many years later
through the
Messiah.
Sodom and Gomorrah
are about to be judged
and it is here that the
Lord decides to inform
Abraham of the cities
impending doom. Lot
and his family are there.
This conversation
speaks to the special and
intimate relationship
that Abraham has with
God.
What is said in vs.
18 indicates the
promise of the
Messiah. Abraham
will become a
great nation and
ALL the nations
shall be blessed in
him. This is
fulfilled through
Jesus Christ.
Genesis 21:12-13 Abraham Sarah desires for Ishmael and
Hagar to leave. The Lord tells
Abraham to let them go
because the promise is with
Isaac.
Gods promise
of seed.
Abrahams seed
is blessed for
both Isaac and
Ishmael as
nations, but Isaac
is the called
Sarah does not want
Ishmael and Hagar to
remain. Abraham is
grieved but the Lord
tells him to let them go.
The blessing is with
Isaac, however, Ishmael
is also blessed.
It is time for
Ishmael and Hagar
to separate from
Abraham, Sarah
and Isaac. The
emphasis here is
Isaac as the
called one, not
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Reference
Addressed
to:
Circumstance(s) Under
Which it was Reiterated
Ingredients
Which
Compose the
Covenant
Development in the
Book of Genesis
Any Change in
Content or
Emphasis
seed. Ishmael. Ishmael
is blessed as a
nation.
Genesis 21:22-24 Abimelech and
Phichol to
Abraham
Abimelech is desirous of
Abraham living in peace with
them because he knows that
Abraham has a God that is
blessing everything he does.
Gods promise
of blessing.
Abraham was
apparently still living in
the region of Gerar. It is
unknown whether or not
there we issues between
Abraham and
Abimelech, but
Abimelech here comes
with Phichol, his
commander of the army,
to work out a peace
treaty of sorts.
This is a
reaffirmation of
the blessing on
Abraham, affirmed
by someone other
than God. The
emphasis is that
Abraham is
blessing in all that
he does.
Genesis 22: 15-18 Abraham This conversation occurs
when Abraham takes Isaac
obediently to be sacrificed as
required by the Lord. As
Abraham lifted his hand to
sacrifice Isaac, he was
stopped by the Lord and
sacrificed a ram instead. This
conversation takes place
following that sacrifice.
Gods promise
of the seed,
blessing and
land.
Abraham was being
tested by God. No better
test would there be than
to see if Abraham would
be obedient enough to
sacrifice his only son
and the son of the
promise! But Abraham
was obedient right up to
the moment of killing
Isaac. This sheds light
on the character of
Abraham.
The Messianic
prophecy here is
clear, all nations
shall be blessed,
not just the
Covenant
promised nation
and it will be
accomplished
through Gods son,
His only Son, just
as Isaac was
Abrahams only
son.
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Reference
Addressed
to:
Circumstance(s) Under
Which it was Reiterated
Ingredients
Which
Compose the
Covenant
Development in the
Book of Genesis
Any Change in
Content or
Emphasis
Genesis 24: 6-8 The oldest
servant,
possibly
Eliezer, by
Abraham.
Abraham does not wish for
Isaac to marry a woman from
Canaan, but wishes for him to
marry from Abrahams
fathers house. So, Abraham
is sending his servant to
acquire a wife for Isaac.
Gods promise
of seed and land.
Isaac needed a wife and
Abraham was seeing to
it that he got an
acceptable one. He
relates to the servant
that God spoke to him
and that God said that
He would give the land
to Abrahams
descendents.
The emphasis here
is twofold: first,
Abraham didnt
want Isaac to
choose from the
local women, but
to have a wife
from his family.
Second, Isaac was
not to go back into
the land that God
had called
Abraham from.
The land they were
to possess was
where they were to
stay.
Genesis 24: 59-60 Rebekah, by
her family.
Because of a previous
conversation between
Rebekahs family and the
servant, the family came to an
understanding that Abraham
was blessed and Isaac was the
son of the promise.
Gods promise
of seed and land.
This is the blessing that
Rebekahs family gives
to her as she goes to be
the wife of Isaac. They
must have had
knowledge of the
Covenant because the
blessing follows this line
of thinking.
Rebekahs family
recognizes Gods
hand in choosing a
wife for Isaac. The
family here echoes
what was earlier
was said to
Abraham in Gen.
17:16.
Genesis 25: 23 Rebekah Rebekah had been barren,
Isaac prayed, she conceived
and the babies struggled
Gods promise
of seed.
Isaacs seed and
firstborn should be next
to receive the Covenant
It is emphasized
that the older will
serve the younger.
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Reference
Addressed
to:
Circumstance(s) Under
Which it was Reiterated
Ingredients
Which
Compose the
Covenant
Development in the
Book of Genesis
Any Change in
Content or
Emphasis
within her. This brought on
her prayer to God and His
answer.
promise. However, there
are twins (which will be
nations) and Rebekah is
told that the older shall
serve the younger.
This sets up
favoritism for the
younger from
Rebekah, though
the elder is favored
by Jacob.
Genesis 26:2-5 Isaac There was another famine and
Isaac went to Abimelech in
Gerar as Abraham had.
Gods promise
of seed, land,
and blessing.
Once again, as Abraham
did, Isaac goes to
Abimelech during a time
of famine. Though it
may not be the same
Abimelech (perhaps a
title), the situation is
much the same.
God reiterates the
promise given to
Abraham, to his
son, Isaac.
Although Isaac
received the
blessing of the
Covenant promise
after Abrahams
death (25.11), this
is the first
occasion for God
to speak to Isaac
directly about His
promise.
Genesis 26:24 Isaac Because of the Gods blessing
on Isaac, Abimelech sent him
away because Isaac was
becoming mightier than he.
Gods promise
of seed and
blessing.
Isaac had followed in
Abrahams footsteps
with Abimelech by
telling him that his wife
was his sister. They are
driven away, but God
tells him here to not
fear.
This is similar to
Abrahams
dealings with
Abimelech. Isaac
leaves as asked
and seeks to find
water. The Lord
speaks to Isaac
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Reference
Addressed
to:
Circumstance(s) Under
Which it was Reiterated
Ingredients
Which
Compose the
Covenant
Development in the
Book of Genesis
Any Change in
Content or
Emphasis
right before
Abimelech comes
after him, seeking
peace.
Genesis 26:28-29 Isaac, by
Abimelech,
Ahuzzath, and
Phichol
After sending Isaac away,
Abimelech reasons that he
should go after him in order to
make peace with him. Isaac is
becoming mightier than he;
therefore, he wants to make
peace with him.
Gods promise
of blessing.
Abimelech has become
wise enough to realize
that God has blessed
Isaac and that Isaac
would make a
formidable foe should
he not make peace.
The emphasis here
is not that Isaac
will be blessed, but
that you are now
blessed.
Abimelech
recognized this
and was taking
action to safeguard
his own nation.
Genesis 27: 27-29 Jacob, by Isaac Isaac is old and blind and
desires to give his blessing to
Esau. However, he is
deceived by Jacob and Jacob
instead receives the blessing.
Gods promise
of land and
blessing. The
promise of seed
is implied.
Jacob, as Rebekahs
favorite, was foretold by
God to be the one to
receive the blessing
the elder shall serve the
younger (25:23). Just
as foretold the events of
deceit play out for Isaac
to settle his blessing on
Jacob.
This is the first
blessing of Isaac
given to Jacob.
However, Isaac is
unaware that he is
giving his blessing
to Jacob, thinking
that he is giving
his blessing to
Esau.
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Reference
Addressed
to:
Circumstance(s) Under
Which it was Reiterated
Ingredients
Which
Compose the
Covenant
Development in the
Book of Genesis
Any Change in
Content or
Emphasis
Genesis 28:1-4 Jacob, by Isaac Again, Isaac blesses Jacob,
this time knowing who he is.
This is similar to the occasion
when Abraham sent his old
servant to secure a wife for
Isaac from his family.
Because of Esaus hatred for
Jacob and the need for a wife,
Isaac and Rebekah sent Jacob
to her brother to seek a wife.
Gods promise
of blessing, seed
and land.
Abraham did not allow
Isaac to go out of the
land to look for a wife,
but Isaac thought it best
to send Jacob directly
since his deceit with
Esau had kindled Esaus
anger.
This is the second
blessing of Isaac
given to Jacob,
with much more
detail than the
initial blessing.
Jacob is being sent
away, but the idea
here is that he will
return to inherit
the land of his
grandfather,
Abraham.
Genesis 28: 13-15 Jacob Jacob was on his way to
Haran when he stopped for
the night to sleep. He has a
dream of a ladder reaching to
heaven and angels ascending
and descending from it. The
Lord, from above speaks to
him.
Gods promise
of land, seed and
blessing.
Jacob has fled from
Esaus wrath and is on
his way to choose a
bride. In so doing, he
must leave the land of
the promise. God tells
him that He is with him
and will bring him back
to the land of promise.
This is the first
time that God has
spoken directly to
Jacob. God lets
Jacob know that he
will be the one to
carry on the
Covenantal
promise. Jacob is
to leave for a time,
but God will be
with him to return
to the land of the
promise.
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Reference
Addressed
to:
Circumstance(s) Under
Which it was Reiterated
Ingredients
Which
Compose the
Covenant
Development in the
Book of Genesis
Any Change in
Content or
Emphasis
Genesis 32: 10-12 God, by Jacob Jacob is praying for Gods
provision as he goes up to
meet Esau. He is in fear for
his life and the lives of his
family.
Gods promise
of seed and
blessing.
Jacob is returning from
Laban when he sends
word to Esau that he is
returning home. Jacob is
fearful, but wants to
make it right with Esau.
Jacob is crying out
to God to save him
from the hand of
Esau. He is afraid.
He feels it
necessary to
remind God that
He has promised
him good
treatment
(blessing) and
descendants which
cannot be
numbered.
Genesis 32: 26-29 This is a
discussion
between Jacob
and a Man,
Who may be
Jesus or an
Angel.
Jacob had sent everyone
ahead. This struggle of
Jacobs becomes a wrestling
match between him and the
Lord.
Gods promise
of blessing.
Jacob has struggled his
entire life and now he
struggles with the Lord.
It is not that the Lord
couldnt win, but it was
a test for determination
on the part of Jacob,
with a generous dose of
mercy on Gods part.
During the
struggle, Jacob is
adamant that he
will not let go until
he is blessed. This
is the point where
Jacobs name is
changed by God to
Israel. He holds
onto his struggle
prevails, not wins
and in return
Israel receives the
blessing of God.
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Reference
Addressed
to:
Circumstance(s) Under
Which it was Reiterated
Ingredients
Which
Compose the
Covenant
Development in the
Book of Genesis
Any Change in
Content or
Emphasis
Genesis 35: 11-12

Jacob/Israel The events that occurred after
the rape of Dinah are
worrisome for Jacob. God
instructs Jacob to go to
Bethel.
Gods promise
of seed and land.
Jacob travels back to
Bethel after having his
entire family and their
servants get rid of all
gods and idols, which
would include the
teraphim that Rachel
stole from Laban
(31:19).
Jacobs name has
been changed to
Israel and this is
reiterated. The
great I Am
instructs Israel to
be fruitful and
multiply nations
and kings will
come from his
own body.
Genesis 45:5-7 Joseph is
speaking to his
brothers
Jacobs son, Joseph, had been
sold into slavery by his
brothers. After much
hardship, Joseph rose in
power in Egypt with the
power to save his family from
famine.
Gods promise
of blessing.
Jacob (Israel) had 12
sons. Joseph, being his
favorite, was sold into
slavery by his brothers
to Egypt. Because
Joseph could interpret
Pharaohs dreams, he
was given a position of
high power in Egypt.
This would put Joseph
in a position to save his
family when famine
struck the land.
Although
blessing is not
used here, Joseph
is telling his
brothers that if
they hadnt sold
him into slavery
then he wouldnt
be in a position to
save them now.
Israels family
must be saved in
order for the
Covenantal
promise to come to
pass.
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Reference
Addressed
to:
Circumstance(s) Under
Which it was Reiterated
Ingredients
Which
Compose the
Covenant
Development in the
Book of Genesis
Any Change in
Content or
Emphasis
Genesis 46: 3-4 Jacob God is reassuring Jacob that
going to Egypt is the right
thing to do. He tells him not
to fear, that he will be a great
nation and will return to the
land of blessing.
Gods promise
of seed.
Reassurance of
returning to the
land, also.
Blessing is
implied as God
will go with
them.
Jacob was en route to
Egypt when he stopped
in Beersheba to sacrifice
to God. Apparently he
feared this move, but
God sought to allay his
fears.
They obviously
will be in Egypt
for a long time, as
they will be made
a great nation
while there. Note
the foretelling that
Jacob will be with
Joseph upon his
death.
Genesis 48: 3-4 Joseph, by
Jacob
Jacob is recalling his
experiences with God and the
promises that God has made
to his family.
Gods promise
of seed, land and
blessing.
Jacob is sick and is
drawing near death and
Joseph has come to him
with his two sons to
receive Jacobs blessing.
The covenant is
reiterated here for
Joseph.
Genesis 48: 15-16 Joseph, by
Jacob
Joseph is receiving Jacobs
blessing.
Gods promise
of seed.
Jacob now has a mature
faith that he lacked
earlier in life and in his
blessing, reaffirms his
great faith in God.
Jacob is nearing
the end of his life
and is about the
struggle no more.
However, he has
grown over the
years to have a
mature faith in the
living God. He
desires such a
blessing to be
passed on to
Joseph and his
sons.
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Reference
Addressed
to:
Circumstance(s) Under
Which it was Reiterated
Ingredients
Which
Compose the
Covenant
Development in the
Book of Genesis
Any Change in
Content or
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Genesis 48:20 Ephraim and
Manasseh, by
Jacob
Manasseh and Ephraim are
brought to Jacob for blessing.
Manasseh is the eldest. Joseph
tries to no avail to correct the
situation Jacob knows what
he is doing.
Gods promise
of blessing.
Jacob intentionally
blesses Ephraim, the
youngest over
Manasseh, the eldest.
This is another
example of when
the youngest
receives the
blessing over the
eldest. Jacob took
it by deceit but
now gives his
blessing that way
to Josephs
children.
Genesis 50: 24 Joseph to his
brothers
Joseph is on his deathbed and
asks that his brothers will see
to it that he is buried in the
land of promise.
Gods promise
of land.
Joseph knew that God
would take them back to
their land and wanted
assurance that he
wouldnt be left behind.
This brings
Genesis to an end,
reaffirming that
Gods Covenant
will be fulfilled
as He swore to
Abraham, to Isaac,
and to Jacob.