Chronological Reading plan for Jan 24

Today's reading is Gen 35-37. Tomorrow's are Gen 38-40. 

Rachel dies giving birth to Benjamin. The twelve sons, many from different mothers, none of whom are from Canaan, are now in place. Jacob (reminded of being Israel) has been faithful not to intermarry.

Meanwhile, Esau, who married descendant of Ishmael, has a lot of children as well. God has promised him that he will produce 12 "princes" and be the father of nations, as well as Jacob. If you look at the names of Esau's sons, you'll see the beginning of a number of tribes that will cause trouble for Jacob's 12 for many years. The promise that Ishmael would be a "wild ass of a man" is coming true for him and for his descendants. 

Then  we hear from Joseph, who relates some dreams he has had to his brothers. The dreams, which are truly prophetic, set in motion a series of events that only God could turn into blessings. The brothers sell Joseph and look who buys him...Ishmaelites! God is going to use these fallen, evil people to work out the details in His plan for Joseph's life!

Once again, we see that Jacob (Israel's) family is comprised of flawed human beings, rife with pride, jealousy, pettiness and fully capable of terrible and evil behavior.

Watch God's amazing grace through all this. Watch how He redeems even the worst of people, like Jacob and his sons. See the hope you and I have in knowing God has a plan for us and our children, just like He had for Jacob and his.