God answered Isaac’s prayer for Rebekah to have children and gave them twin boys—Esau and Jacob. God told Rebekah that the older brother would serve the younger. Esau was born first, but he despised his birthright and sold it to Jacob for a bowl of stew.

Isaac wanted to bless Esau, but Jacob and Rebekah deceived him into blessing Jacob instead. God’s will was accomplished in spite of the sinful methods used by Jacob and Rebekah. The consequences of their deception led to Esau wanting to kill Jacob and Jacob fleeing to Rebekah’s brother for safety.

Isaac and Rebekah sent Jacob to Rebekah’s brother Laban to find a wife. Laban tricked Jacob by giving him Leah to marry first, but Jacob worked another seven years to marry Rachel, too. God blessed Jacob with many children.

God blessed Jacob so that he left Laban with a large family and many possessions. To return to Canaan, Jacob knew he must reconcile with Esau. Jacob was afraid of his brother, but God protected him and Esau forgave him. God gave Jacob a new name, Israel, to symbolize his new beginning in the land of Canaan.

Jacob favored Joseph over his other sons, which made them jealous. Joseph’s dreams indicated that he would one day rule over his family. This made his brothers even angrier. So they sold Joseph into slavery, and he was taken to Egypt. In spite of the brothers’ sin, God used these events to bring Joseph to Egypt and accomplish his sovereign plan.

Joseph remained faithful even in difficult circumstances as a servant in Potiphar’s house and then in prison after he was falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife. God blessed Joseph wherever he went and had a plan for him.

God gave Pharaoh two disturbing dreams that his wise men couldn’t interpret. The cupbearer remembered Joseph from the prison and recommended him to Pharaoh. Giving God the credit for his gift, Joseph explained that Pharaoh’s dreams were a warning of seven years of famine after seven years of plenty. Pharaoh honored Joseph and gave him a powerful position to prepare Egypt for the famine.God gave Pharaoh two disturbing dreams that his wise men couldn’t interpret. The cupbearer remembered Joseph from the prison and recommended him to Pharaoh. Giving God the credit for his gift, Joseph explained that Pharaoh’s dreams were…