Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all of Jacob’s sons lived in Canaan, the land that the Lord promised to give to Abraham’s descendants (Genesis 12:1-9; 15:1-21), and several of the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) and their wives were buried in the family burial cave that Abraham purchased in Hebron (Genesis 23:19; 25:9; 50:1-14). Abraham built […]
Category Archives: Old Testament
The Moabite Alliance Attacks Judah
2 Chronicles 20 During the reign of Jehoshaphat of Judah, the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites on the east side of the Dead Sea formed an alliance to attack Judah. By the time Jehoshaphat was informed of the situation, the alliance had already reached Hazazon-tamar (also called En-gedi). Jehoshaphat prayed to the Lord for help, and […]
Judges of Israel
Judges 2-16 Under Joshua’s leadership the Israelites conquered and occupied most of Canaan, but Canaanites continued to occupy many parts of the land, particularly the valleys and the coastal areas. From time to time these Canaanites oppressed the Israelites, and the Lord raised up local leaders to help the Israelites fight against them. Often these […]
Jacob Returns to Canaan
As Jacob returned to Canaan from Haran, he likely crossed the Jabbok River at the King’s Highway and headed west into the hills of Gilead (Genesis 31). He sent messengers to Seir (also called Edom) over 70 miles south to find his brother Esau and seek his favor. The messengers returned with news that Esau […]
The World of the Patriarchs
Abraham, the father of the Israelites, grew up in the ancient city of Ur in Babylon, but he moved to Haran with his father Terah, his wife Sarai, and his nephew Lot (Genesis 11:27-31). After his father died, Abraham completed his family’s original intention to move to Canaan (Genesis 12:1-5), and the Lord promised to […]