Friday, June 3, 2011

Reading the Bible, Day 3: Genesis 29-39

The print is really small in the Bible I'm reading.  Or am I getting old?

Impressions after reading these chapters of Genesis:

Baby wars between two more strong women, sisters Rachel and Leah.
Jacob becoming prosperous despite his uncle Laban's treachery.
And I have to ask, regarding Rachel stealing Laban's household gods:  why does she want the household gods anyway?  Don't they worship Yahweh?  What's the appeal of the household gods?  I ask you 
Jacob wrestling with the stranger, er, God, on his way back to meet his brother.
The stranger = God.  It does give one pause.

The name of Jacob changed to Israel, which means "one who wrestles with God."

The one chapter devoted to Dinah, the one daughter among the many sons of Jacob.  She is silent. 
Unlike Eve, Sarah, Hagar, Rebekah, Rachel and Leah.  She is silent.
What gives?

Maybe that's the problem. 

Then there's Tamar, Judah's daughter-in-law.  She is not silent, she is not passive, and she fares much better.  Girls!  Don't let the men fight your battles for you!

So now we are on to the story of Joseph, the dreamer. 
At the end of chapter 39, Joseph is in prision, although it seems where-ever Joseph goes, "all things work together for good" for him.

to be continued....

2 comments:

Robin said...

As I recall, The Red Tent provides a really good depiction of the household gods issue. One fictional interpretation, anyway.

Diane M. Roth said...

it's been about 10 years since I read The Red Tent. will have to check it out again.