Genesis 37:1
Now Jacob lived in the land where his father had resided, the land of Canaan.
Now Jacob lived
Jacob, also known as Israel, is the patriarch of the twelve tribes of Israel. His life is a continuation of the covenantal promises given to his grandfather Abraham and his father Isaac. Jacob's dwelling in the land signifies the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that his descendants would inherit this land (Genesis 12:7). Jacob's life is marked by his struggles and triumphs, reflecting the journey of faith and obedience.

in the land where his father had resided
This phrase highlights the continuity of the patriarchal lineage. Isaac, Jacob's father, had also lived in Canaan, maintaining the family's presence in the land promised by God. This continuity underscores the faithfulness of God in preserving His covenant through generations. The patriarchs' residence in Canaan is a testament to their faith in God's promises, despite not seeing their complete fulfillment in their lifetimes (Hebrews 11:9-10).

the land of Canaan
Canaan is a significant geographical and theological location in the Bible. It is the land promised by God to Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 15:18-21). Canaan represents both a physical territory and a spiritual inheritance. The land is often associated with God's blessings and the fulfillment of His promises. Archaeological evidence supports the historical presence of various peoples in Canaan during the time of the patriarchs, providing a backdrop for the biblical narrative. Canaan's significance is further emphasized in the New Testament as a type of the eternal rest and inheritance promised to believers (Hebrews 4:1-11).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jacob
Also known as Israel, Jacob is the patriarch of the Israelite tribes. He is the son of Isaac and Rebekah and the grandson of Abraham. Jacob's life is marked by his struggles and eventual reconciliation with God, which is reflected in his new name, Israel.

2. Canaan
The land promised by God to Abraham and his descendants. It is a significant location in biblical history, representing both a physical territory and a spiritual inheritance for the Israelites.

3. Isaac
Jacob's father, who also resided in Canaan. Isaac is a key figure in the Abrahamic covenant, representing the continuation of God's promises to Abraham.
Teaching Points
Faithfulness in God's Promises
Jacob's residence in Canaan is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's promises, even when fulfillment seems distant.

Heritage and Legacy
Just as Jacob lived in the land of his father, Christians are called to honor their spiritual heritage and pass on a legacy of faith to future generations.

Living as Pilgrims
Like Jacob, who lived in Canaan as a sojourner, Christians are reminded that they are pilgrims on earth, with their ultimate home in heaven.

Obedience and Patience
Jacob's life in Canaan required patience and obedience to God's timing. Believers are encouraged to wait on the Lord and remain obedient to His guidance.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jacob's residence in Canaan reflect God's faithfulness to His promises, and how can this encourage us in our own faith journey?

2. In what ways can we honor our spiritual heritage and ensure that we pass on a legacy of faith to the next generation?

3. How does the concept of living as pilgrims on earth influence our daily decisions and priorities?

4. What are some areas in our lives where we need to exercise patience and obedience, trusting in God's perfect timing?

5. How can we draw strength from the examples of faith demonstrated by the patriarchs, such as Jacob, as we face challenges in our own lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 12:1-7
This passage details God's promise to Abraham to give his descendants the land of Canaan, establishing the significance of the land where Jacob now resides.

Hebrews 11:9
This verse highlights the faith of the patriarchs, including Jacob, as they lived in the land of promise as foreigners, looking forward to the fulfillment of God's promises.

Genesis 28:13-15
God's promise to Jacob at Bethel, reaffirming the covenant made with Abraham and Isaac, and promising the land of Canaan to Jacob and his descendants.
A Bloody MonsterGrenville KleiserGenesis 37:1
Joseph, the Prime MinisterAlexander MaclarenGenesis 37:1
The Trials and Visions of Devout YouthAlexander MaclarenGenesis 37:1
Jacob and JosephF. W. Robertson, M. A.Genesis 37:1-2
JosephM. Dods, D. D.Genesis 37:1-2
Joseph At HomeC. Overton.Genesis 37:1-2
Joseph Feeding His Father's FlockE. DaltonGenesis 37:1-2
Joseph the Favourite SonJ. S. Van Dyke.Genesis 37:1-2
Joseph's First Experience of LifeHomilistGenesis 37:1-2
LessonsG. Hughes, B. D.Genesis 37:1-2
The Commencement of Joseph's HistoryT. H. Leale.Genesis 37:1-2
The Father's Favourite, and the Brothers' CensorW. M. Taylor, D. D.Genesis 37:1-2
The History of JosephJ. Wells.Genesis 37:1-2
The Representative ManR.A. Redford Genesis 37
People
Bilhah, Ishmaelites, Jacob, Joseph, Medanites, Midianites, Pharaoh, Potiphar, Reuben, Zilpah
Places
Canaan, Chezib, Dothan, Egypt, Gilead, Shechem, Valley of Hebron
Topics
Canaan, Dwelleth, Dwelt, Father's, Jacob, Sojourned, Sojournings, Stayed, Stranger, Travels, Wherein
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 37:1-11

     8730   enemies, of believers

Genesis 37:1-35

     5738   sons

Library
Joseph, the Prime Minister
'And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is? And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Trials and visions of Devout Youth
'And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan. These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report. Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. And when his brethren saw that
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Man's Passions and God's Purpose
'And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him; And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it. And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt. And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Talmage -- a Bloody Monster
Thomas De Witt Talmage was born at Bound Brook, N.J., in 1832. For many years he preached to large and enthusiastic congregations at the Brooklyn Tabernacle. At one time six hundred newspapers regularly printed his sermons. He was a man of great vitality, optimistic by nature, and particularly popular with young people. His voice was rather high and unmusical, but his distinct enunciation and earnestness of manner gave a peculiar attraction to his pulpit oratory. His rhetoric has been criticized
Grenville Kleiser—The world's great sermons, Volume 8

The Crucifixion.
"He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth."--Isaiah liii. 7. St. Peter makes it almost a description of a Christian, that he loves Him whom he has not seen; speaking of Christ, he says, "whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory." Again he speaks of "tasting that the
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

The Sixth Commandment
Thou shalt not kill.' Exod 20: 13. In this commandment is a sin forbidden, which is murder, Thou shalt not kill,' and a duty implied, which is, to preserve our own life, and the life of others. The sin forbidden is murder: Thou shalt not kill.' Here two things are to be understood, the not injuring another, nor ourselves. I. The not injuring another. [1] We must not injure another in his name. A good name is a precious balsam.' It is a great cruelty to murder a man in his name. We injure others in
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
Massecheth Berachoth, or Tractate on Benedictions [76] Mishnah--From what time is the "Shema" said in the evening? From the hour that the priests entered to eat of their therumah [77] until the end of the first night watch. [78] These are the words of Rabbi Eliezer. But the sages say: Till midnight. Rabban Gamaliel says: Until the column of the morning (the dawn) rises. It happened, that his sons came back from a banquet. They said to him: "We have not said the Shema.'" He said to them, "If the column
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Genesis 37:1 NIV
Genesis 37:1 NLT
Genesis 37:1 ESV
Genesis 37:1 NASB
Genesis 37:1 KJV

Genesis 37:1 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Genesis 36:43
Top of Page
Top of Page