Provident 360

Genesis 1:31 - The Wonderful Works of God

2009-04-06T13:19:00.019-04:00

And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

Consider the wonderful works of God! Everything He makes is good (1 Timothy 4:4); for He reviews His work to make sure it's good. In a world so vast and well furnished as this, His wisdom shines forth far beyond our understanding (Psalm 104:24).

Genesis 1:29 - God Provideth

2009-04-06T08:49:00.026-04:00

Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.

God provides food, at the proper time, for all flesh (Psalm 136:25; Psalm 145:15). He makes the grass grow for the cattle, and plants for man to cultivate (Psalm 104:14). For in the beginning, man was not allowed to eat animals until after the flood (Genesis 9:3).

In the news: Lifestyle Rx: Fanatics of yesterday are today's trendsetters; Top 10 Bible Passages for the Holistically Inclined; Your mood is in the food.

Genesis 1:20 - From Sea to SKy

2009-04-05T20:23:00.017-04:00

And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.

How manifold are God's works! Earth has been richly supplied with life in abundance. From the great and wide sea, where thing that creep and swim are innumerable (Psalm 104:24-25), to the open firmament, where the tiny insect to the king of birds spread their wings and soar above the earth in the open firmament of heaven. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament proves his handiwork (Psalm 19:1).

Genesis 1:14 - Earth's Heavenly Lights

2009-04-05T12:53:00.013-04:00

And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:

God established the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, for the benefit of all the nations under the whole heaven (Deuteronomy 4:19). These lights form the day and night (Psalm 74:16), and are used for signs (of the time) and for seasons (of sowing, planting and reaping), and for days, and years; and this is just a short list of the benefits these heavenly lights provide.

In the news: Blessing the Sun: Jewish ceremony comes around once every 28 years; World of the Sages: The sun's new cycle; Birkat haChammah: An Evocative Blessing.

Genesis 1:11 - The Yielding Seed

2009-04-04T22:15:00.012-04:00

And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.

God created the seed within itself to grow and multiple. So the farmer tills the ground and plants the seed, the rains fall and feeds the ground; however, the amount of fruit the seed yields, is ultimately determined by God's blessing (Hebrews 6:7).

Genesis 1:9 - Setting Boundaries

2009-04-04T14:53:00.014-04:00

And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.

God assigned a boundary upon the face of the waters, low enough to let dry land appear. The oceans were locked into vast reservoirs so the waters would not overstep God's command. The sand along the seashore mark the boundary line that the sea cannot cross, an everlasting barrier (Job 26:10; Psalm 33:7; Proverbs 8:29; Jeremiah 5:22).

Genesis 1:6 - When The Skies Were Created

2009-04-04T12:33:00.019-04:00

And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.

Through the power of God's word and wisdom, the skies were spread out to divide the waters from the waters. (Job 37:18; Psalm 33:6; 136:5; Jeremiah 10:12).

Genesis 1:2 - Taking Measure

2009-04-04T10:51:00.013-04:00

And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

The earth was barren, with no form of life. There was no sun, moon or stars (Jeremiah 4:23). Then, like a surveyor, God took measure of the waters and heaven; and calculated the amount of dust, mountains and hill necessary to keep everything in balance (Isaiah 40:12).

In the news: TheSunNews.com; ZENIT.

Genesis 1:1 - In The Begininning

2009-04-03T21:00:00.013-04:00

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

All things were made and came into existence through God; and without God was not even one thing made that has come into being (John 1:3). God laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the works of His hands (Hebrews 1:10).

Genesis 44:29 - Abandoned, Helpless & Condemned

2009-04-02T08:42:00.011-04:00

And if ye take this also from me, and mischief befall him, ye shall bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave.

Judah uses the exact words of his father in describing how devastated Jacob would become if Benjamin were taken away from him (Genesis 42:38). mischief befall him: gives the impression that Jacob believes Joseph's disappearance may have been the result of some mischievous act. ye shall bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave: is like becoming an old helpless man abandoned by God and condemned to the grave in sorrow. This is very similar to how Naomi felt after losing her husband and two sons (Ruth 1:13, 21).

Genesis 44:28 - Convicted to Tell The Truth

2009-03-26T23:31:00.006-04:00

And the one went out from me, and I said, Surely he is torn in pieces; and I saw him not since:

During their first visit, the brothers account of Joseph was "one is not" giving the impression that he was dead (Genesis 42:13); and, this also agreed to what Jacob said when he heard that Benjamin had to go to Egypt (Genesis 42:36, 38). Although Judah withholds the part about Joseph's bloody coat of many colors (Genesis 37:33), he does not say his brother is dead, only that he had not seen him since and that his father assumes that he is dead.

Genesis 44:27 - Rachel, Joseph and Benjamin

2009-03-26T21:11:00.005-04:00

And thy servant my father said unto us, Ye know that my wife bare me two sons:

my wife bare me two sons: Rachel, Jacob's second wife, bare him his two youngest sons, Joseph and Benjamin. Jacob had twelve sons in all, listed by wife in order of their birth (Genesis 35:23 - 26):

The sons of Leah were Reuben (the first born), Simeon (2nd), Levi (3rd), Judah (4th), Issachar (9th), and Zebulun (10th).
The sons of Rachel were Joseph (11th ) and Benjamin (the youngest).
The sons of Bilhah, Rachel’s servant, were Dan (5th) and Naphtali (6th).
The sons of Zilpah, Leah’s servant, were Gad (7th) and Asher (8th).

Genesis 44:26 - Judah Sticking to his Story

2009-03-26T15:14:00.013-04:00

And we said, We cannot go down: if our youngest brother be with us, then will we go down: for we may not see the man's face, except our youngest brother be with us.

Totally ignoring his obligation of settling his espionage case in Egypt (Genesis 42:20), Judah told his father we may not see the man's face, except our youngest brother be with us (Genesis 43:3). Apparently, Judah has convinced himself of this lie because he was so determined not to return to Egypt, unless he returned with his youngest brother, that he has forgotten all about the espionage charges.

Genesis 44:21 - What About the Espionage Charges?

2009-03-25T22:25:00.006-04:00

And thou saidst unto thy servants, Bring him down unto me, that I may set mine eyes upon him.

Joseph did not say bring Bejamin that I may set mine eyes upon him. This gives the impression that Joseph desired nothing more but to just see Benjamin for no other reason than to show him favor. Apparently, Judah had forgotten all about the espionage charges (Genesis 42.15); as far as he was concerned, he was not returning to Egypt unless he returned with Benjamin (Genesis 44:23).

Genesis 44:15 - Can Joseph Certianly Divine?

2009-03-24T12:37:00.005-04:00

And Joseph said unto them, What deed is this that ye have done? wot ye not that such a man as I can certainly divine?

Like Daniel, Joseph was appointed chief diviners; for he was found to have the Spirit of God (Daniel 4:9, 5:11; Genesis 41:38), not because he could find things out with using a cup. Joseph gaves the impression that he uses the cup found in Benjamin's sack as a cup of divination (Genesis 44:5) to enhance the cups value and, more importantly, to prompt the question: wot ye not that such a man as I can certainly divine? If they couldn't believe Joseph's dreams, then how could they believe an Egyptian could use a cup to tell the future?

Genesis 44:9 - Judah's Lofty Rhetoric

2009-03-24T07:54:00.012-04:00

With whomsoever of thy servants it be found, both let him die, and we also will be my lord's bondmen.

Like father, like son. Jacob also offered the same death sentence when Laban accused him of stealing his gods; however, Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen them (Genesis 31:32). Be realistic about the promises you make, along with it's consequences, and do not enter into agreements that you are not prepared to honor.

Genesis 44:8 - Judah's Pride and Arrogancy

2009-03-23T19:29:00.008-04:00

Behold, the money, which we found in our sacks' mouths, we brought again unto thee out of the land of Canaan: how then should we steal out of thy lord's house silver or gold?

Judah is not hesitant or fearful to boldly boast their innocence in the face of danger. the money, which we found in our sacks' mouths: Joseph's brothers went to Egypt one other time to buy food. On their way home, they opened their bags and found the exact amount of money that they had paid for their corn. This money was returned in full during their last visit to buy food (Genesis 43:21).

Genesis 43:34 - Five Representing Grace

2009-03-23T16:13:00.011-04:00

And he took and sent messes unto them from before him: but Benjamin's mess was five times so much as any of their's. And they drank, and were merry with him.

There is no obligation to obtaining grace; it is totally dependent on the generosity of the grantor (Exodus 33:19). Benjamin obtained grace and favor so that he received five times so much as any of their's. I believe this was no test, because after Joseph made himself known to his brothers, he again favored Benjamin with five times so much (Genesis 45:22).

Genesis 43:31 - Time to Break Bread

2009-03-22T11:13:00.008-04:00

And he washed his face, and went out, and refrained himself, and said, Set on bread.

Set on bread: After inquiring about Jacob and Benjamin (Genesis 43:28-29), Joseph is now ready to eat. He said nothing about the gifts he received (Genesis 43:25), because he is content with the news about his father and seeing his brother, Benjamin.

Genesis 43:30 - The Tears of Joseph

2009-03-21T17:14:00.009-04:00

And Joseph made haste; for his bowels did yearn upon his brother: and he sought where to weep; and he entered into his chamber, and wept there.

Joseph's reunification produced many emotional tears of deep affection and compassion he had for his family. Tears of sorrow for sympathizing the suffering his family had to endure (Genesis 42:24; Genesis 45:2). And tears of joy for the blessing of having another chance to reunite with his family, especially with his brother Benjamin (Genesis 45:14), and his Father Jacob (Genesis 46:29).

Genesis 43:29 - Joseph's first time seeing Benjamin?

2009-03-21T11:09:00.015-04:00

And he lifted up his eyes, and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother's son, and said, Is this your younger brother, of whom ye spake unto me? And he said, God be gracious unto thee, my son.

Benjamin is Joseph's only full brother (Genesis 35:24). Some biblical scholars insist that Benjamin was born after Joseph was sold into Egypt. However, I believe that opinion is easily refuted with Genesis 35:22. In the end, it does not make a big difference.

Genesis 43:28 - The Evil Bow Before the Good

2009-03-20T20:46:00.006-04:00

And they answered, Thy servant our father is in good health, he is yet alive. And they bowed down their heads, and made obeisance.

The sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance (Genesis 37:9) because the upright shall have dominion (Psalm 49:14). God loves justice and will never forsake the righteous; eventually, evil will pay tribute to good (Proverbs 14:19).

Genesis 43:26 - Deja vu All Over Again

2009-03-19T22:31:00.010-04:00

And when Joseph came home, they brought him the present which was in their hand into the house, and bowed themselves to him to the earth.

Here, we see the dream about the sheaves come true (Genesis 37:7). The first deja vu was triggered when Joseph's brother bowed themselves down before him on their first visit (Genesis 42:6). However, this time all eleven brothers are bowed down just as his dream predicted.

Genesis 43:23 - Was Simeon in on the secret?

2009-03-19T12:49:00.007-04:00

And he said, Peace be to you, fear not: your God, and the God of your father, hath given you treasure in your sacks: I had your money. And he brought Simeon out unto them.

And he brought Simeon out unto them: Did Joseph let Simeon in on the secret while his brothers were at home worrying about the espionage case? I don't think so, Simeon was the second oldest and did nothing to prevent Joseph from being sold into slavery.

Genesis 43:21 - Judah Shows his Courage

2009-03-19T00:54:00.006-04:00

And it came to pass, when we came to the inn, that we opened our sacks, and, behold, every man's money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight: and we have brought it again in our hand.

In the face of adversity, Judah told the story just as it happened; even admitting to finding the money at the Inn (Genesis 42:27) which ran the risk of having to justify why they didn't return at that point. I believe Judah is speaking here on behalf of his brothers, because he is the leader of this expedition and the one responsible for Benjamin (Genesis 43:3-14).

Genesis 43:9 - A Better Covenant

2009-03-18T16:04:00.004-04:00

I will be surety for him; of my hand shalt thou require him: if I bring him not unto thee, and set him before thee, then let me bear the blame for ever:

Judah's offer to take responsibility for the welfare of Benjamin was more convincing than Reuben's. Judah made an agreement that he was ready to honor (Genesis 44:32); whereas, being confident that nothing would happen to Benjamin, Reuben made an offer that was too lofty to be taken seriously (Genesis 42:37). Here, Judah is proving himself to be more of a leader, while Reuben is proving himself to be more untrustworthy.

Genesis 43:3 - Proof of Their Cowardliness

2009-03-17T23:50:00.006-04:00

And Judah spake unto him, saying, The man did solemnly protest unto us, saying, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you.

Pharaoh did not say: Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you. Egypt was awaiting their return to settle their espionage case (Genesis 42:20). However, the brothers were ready to abandon Simeon and become fugitives of Egypt if Jacob refused to let Benjamin return.

Genesis 42:38 - Inconsolable Sorrow

2009-03-17T12:12:00.005-04:00

And he said, My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he is left alone: if mischief befall him by the way in the which ye go, then shall ye bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave.

then shall ye bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave: Returning home without Benjamin would break Jacob's tender heart. He would become as one dead (Genesis 44:31); living out the rest of his days without a remedy to rekindle his zeal for life, mourning for his sons until the day he dies (Genesis 37:35).

Genesis 42:20 - Joseph's Do-or-Die Ultimatum

2009-03-16T19:50:00.007-04:00

But bring your youngest brother unto me; so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die. And they did so.

Knowing that his brothers would soon need corn again, Joseph demanded to see Benjamin on their next visit. If they do not bring him, Joseph makes it clear that they shall not see his face and live (Genesis 43:5, Genesis 44:23), for they will be considered guilty of espionage.

Genesis 42:13 - An Inaccurate Account of Joseph

2009-03-16T00:12:00.009-04:00

And they said, Thy servants are twelve brethren, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and, behold, the youngest is this day with our father, and one is not.

The best lie contains some truth but not the whole truth. and one is not: It's true that Joseph was missing ( Genesis 37:30); but he was not presumed dead, as his brother tried to make it sound (Genesis 44:20).

Genesis 42:10 - Paying Homage to Joseph

2009-03-15T22:11:00.008-04:00

And they said unto him, Nay, my lord, but to buy food are thy servants come.

Does Joseph indeed reign over his brothers (Genesis 37:8)? my lord: Is an expression of respect and reverence to one who has dominion over the affairs of state. thy servants: Is an expression of submission to one in authority. Therefore the answer to the question is yes; for Joseph has the absolute dominion over all who are in need of corn, including his brothers.

Genesis 42:8 - Their Long Lost Brother

2009-03-15T17:05:00.014-04:00

And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him.

but they knew not him: Joseph was just a teenager when his brothers sold him into slavery (Genesis 37:2). Now, 22 years later (Genesis 41:46; Genesis 45:6), Joseph is a full grown man and unrecognizable by his brothers.

Genesis 42:1 - The Wake-up Call

2009-03-14T11:39:00.017-04:00

Now when Jacob saw that there was corn in Egypt, Jacob said unto his sons, Why do ye look one upon another?

Why do ye look one upon another? Overwhelmed and sinking into despondency, Jacob's sons were looking to each other for answers, even upon hearing the good news that there was corn in Egypt. However, Jacob's faith remained grounded in the truth that God would not abandon His people in the midst of despair. So upon hearing the good news, Jacob knew immediately what to do; he sent his 10 sons to Egypt (Acts 7:12), for they were unable to act on their own accord.

Genesis 41:56 - Reaching Out During Hard Times

2009-03-13T21:49:00.007-04:00

And the famine was over all the face of the earth: and Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt.

Joseph was wise to opened all the storehouses to sell corn. During hard times, people are extra sensitive and will curse those that store up excess for themselves. However, blessed are those the are willing to barter at a fair exchange rate to help those that are in need (Proverbs 11:26).

Genesis 41:46 - From the Pit to the Palace

2009-03-11T21:31:00.006-04:00

And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.

After 13 years of bondage Joseph stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt just as David stood before King Saul; they were liked immediately and made to be the king's right-hand man (Genesis 37:2; 1 Samuel 16:21).

Genesis 41:44 - Egypt's Stamp of Approval

2009-03-11T12:03:00.013-04:00

And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.

Joseph was the head honcho in charge of everything in Egypt, it's government and possessions. Nothing in Egypt could be done without his consent. He had a firm command over of it's top officials and was responsible for training it's advisors in wisdom (Psalm 105:21-22).

Genesis 41:38 - Where is the wise?

2009-03-10T15:53:00.008-04:00

And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?

Where shall wisdom be found? Like Joseph, Daniel was commended for his understanding in all visions and dreams according to the Spirit of God that dwelt within him (Daniel 4:8); for the wisdom of man could not comprehend the hidden wisdom of the Spirit (Daniel 5:8).

Genesis 41:30 - God's Purpose for Joseph in Egypt

2009-03-10T11:32:00.012-04:00

And there shall arise after them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine shall consume the land

and the famine shall consume the land:This famine was not only very severe in Egypt, it also devastated the land of his father's household in Canaan (Genesis 47:13). For this reason, God placed Joseph in Egypt to be a savior to his people.

Genesis 41:28 - The Universal Communication of God

2009-03-09T17:35:00.012-04:00

This is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh: What God is about to do he sheweth unto Pharaoh.

There is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries in the dreams of man. Just as God showed unto Pharaoh the future in a dream, God also showed King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the future (Daniel 2:28). God speaks to whomever he wishes, to both the believer as well as the non-believer.

Gensis 41:18 & 22 - Paraoh's Two Dreams

2009-03-09T11:33:00.007-04:00

My Bible references Genesis 41:18 to verse 3, and Genesis 41:22 to verse 6.

I believe the connection lies somewhere in between the subtle differences noted in Pharaoh's reiteration of his dreams to Joseph; however, I am struggling in making the connection.

Commentators suggest that some of the changes noted in Pharaoh's reiteration are due to the fact that Pharaoh did not grasp the implications of the symbolism. While other commentators suggest that Pharaoh purposely disguised these essential points, to test Joseph's ability to interpret.

Genesis 41:15 - The Secret of Dreams

2008-10-23T19:41:00.010-04:00

And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it.

Joseph can understand a dream to interpret it because God shares his secrets with those that have respect for Him and are accounted righteous (Proverbs 3:32, Psalm 25:14).

Genesis 41:11 - Anytime, Anywhere Communication

2008-10-22T18:49:00.006-04:00

And we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; we dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream.

God's communication is always present, even while in confinement. God gave the baker and butler each a dream with a meaning of its own while they were in prison (Genesis 40:5), and likewise, God heard Jonah's prayer from within the belly of a fish (Jonah g2:2).

Genesis 41:10 - The Chief Butler remembers Joseph.

2008-10-22T12:32:00.010-04:00

Pharaoh was wroth with his servants, and put me in ward in the captain of the guard's house, both me and the chief baker:

The ward in the captain of the guard's house was a prison, the same place where Joseph was imprisoned (Genesis 40:3).

Genesis 40:23 - The Sin of Forgetting

2008-10-21T19:09:00.008-04:00

Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him.

This was a case of "out of sight, out of mind" in the face of good times. The butler had good intentions on helping Joseph but he forgot him as though he were dead (Psalm 31:12). When times are good we have a bad habit of forgetting those that helped us succeed (Amos 6:6, Hosea 13:6). This sin of forgetfulness happens when we become overly preoccupied with our own affairs which overshadows the interest of others.

Genesis 40:14 - It's a two-way street.

2008-10-16T12:48:00.010-04:00

But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house:

There is a marked resemblance between Joseph's request in consideration for his kindness and that of Rahab's. They both asked for help to be rescued and did not expect to be paid for their services. Their expectation was an act of kindness for a act of kindness in return (Joshua 2:12). I scratch your back; you scratch my back.

Genesis 40:8 - As a Instrument in God's Hands.

2008-10-16T11:22:00.009-04:00

And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you.

Joseph knew he could interpret the dream but only as a medium by which God would give them the answer they desired (Genesis 41:16 NIV).

Genesis 39:21 - Peace of Mind in Troubling Times

2008-10-12T16:16:00.009-04:00

But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.

God granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden because God was please with the way Joseph lived his life (Proverbs 16:7).

Genesis 39:10 - Avoid falling under the spell of passion.

2008-10-11T19:06:00.015-04:00

And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.

she spake to Joseph day by day - Potiphar's wife's intense desire to have sex with Joseph was relentless. Not only did Joseph continually refuse her illicit sex offers, he also took care not to be with her. By avoiding her, she couldn't entice him with her smooth offers of how having sex with her would be harmless and something to be enjoyed (Proverbs 7:18). Don't believe the lie, sexual immorality is harmful and something not to be enjoyed.

Genesis 39:9 - For Righteousness Sake

2008-10-11T12:54:00.013-04:00

There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?

How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? There is a marked resemblance between Joseph's reason for not sleeping with Potiphar's wife and that of King Abimelech's reason for not sleeping with Sarah, Abraham's wife (Genesis 20:6). In both cases, sin was avoided for the sake of righteousness, gained through divine awareness. Man's righteousness is not only the result of human motives, for we also suffer for the sake of doing what is right.

Genesis 39:6 - A Good-looking Man

2008-10-10T22:40:00.009-04:00

And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured.

There is a marked resemblance between Joseph's appearance and that of King David, they were both well-known for their striking handsomeness (1 Samuel 16:12 NIV).

Genesis 39:3 - Taking the Righteous Path

2008-10-10T12:55:00.010-04:00

And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand.

His master saw that the LORD was with him because God's blessings crown the head of the righteous for all to see ( Proverbs 10:6). The LORD made all that he did to prosper because the righteous succeed in everything they do (Psalm 1:3). Like Joseph, take the righteous path, shining your light for all to see in everything you do.

Genesis 38:14 - Playing the Harlot

2008-10-09T19:52:00.008-04:00

And she put her widow's garments off from her, and covered her with a vail, and wrapped herself, and sat in an open place, which is by the way to Timnath; for she saw that Shelah was grown, and she was not given unto him to wife.

she put her widow's garments off from her, and covered her with a vail, and wrapped herself, and sat in an open place, which is by the way to Timnath - Prostitutes often dress seductively and spend most of their time in the streets and in public places soliciting their body indiscriminately for money (Proverbs 7:12). Avoid them at all cost, being careful not to be ensnared by their seductive ways.

Genesis 38:13 - Timnath or Timnah?

2008-10-08T16:00:00.007-04:00

And it was told Tamar, saying, Behold thy father in law goeth up to Timnath to shear his sheep.

Timnath was not the Timnath of Sampson (Judges 14:1), which is on lower ground than Adullam. Most likely, it is the Timnah of Joshua 15:10, 57, about 10 mile west of Bethlehem.

Genesis 38:11 - Back Home: Used, Childless & Widowed

2008-10-03T15:39:00.008-04:00

Then said Judah to Tamar his daughter in law, Remain a widow at thy father's house, till Shelah my son be grown: for he said, Lest peradventure he die also, as his brethren did. And Tamar went and dwelt in her father's house

Tamar went and dwelt in her father's house as this was the custom for widowed women without children (Leviticus 22:13; Ruth 1:12-13). However, Reuben was lying; he had no intention of allowing Shelah to marry Tamar.

Genesis 38:9 - Levirate Matrimony & Onanism

2008-10-03T12:15:00.011-04:00

And Onan knew that the seed should not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in unto his brother's wife, that he spilled it on the ground, lest that he should give seed to his brother.

The seed should not be his because the first born son would carry on the name of Er so that his dead brother's name would not be forgotten in Israel (Deuteronomy 25:6). Spilled it on the ground is considered a form of contraception from which we get the term "onanism." Although Onan did not masturbate, masturbation ends with the same result - a wasted ejaculation.

Genesis 37:31 - The Object of Resentment

2008-10-01T22:29:00.008-04:00

And they took Joseph's coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood;

This verse highlights the dangers of parental favoritism; the ostensive show of favoritism sometimes result in children filled with spite. Joseph's coat of many colors distinguished him as Jacob's favorite (Genesis 37:3). His brothers resented their father for making the coat so they used it out spite in convincing their father of Joseph's death.

Genesis 37:28 - Friend In Deed

2008-10-01T10:23:00.027-04:00

Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.

Midianites merchantmen... drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit - A person who gives assistance to another in need is a friend in deed. Just as God used foreigners to rescue Joseph, a Cushite man rescued Jeremiah from starving to death in a pit. (Jeremiah 38:7-13 NIV).

Genesis 37:24 - In Desperate Need of God

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And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it.

Like Joseph, Jeremiah was also thrown into a pit and was in desperate need of God (Jeremiah 38:6). Spiritually, you can also find yourself suddenly thrown into a pit. When you find yourself in the pits, look to God to lift you out and get you back in step (Psalm 40:2).

Genesis 37:11 - Overwhelming Feelings of Reverence

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And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.

Joseph's dream was too wonderful for his father to fathom. However, his father understood to power of dreams so his father observed the saying. Just like when the shepherds spread the word concerning what the angel had told them about baby Jesus; everyone was too amazed to believe Jesus was the Messiah, but Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart (Luke 2:17-19).

Genesis 46:29 - Joseph Remembers His Father

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And Joseph made ready his chariot, and went up to meet Israel his father, to Goshen, and presented himself unto him; and he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while.

In becoming the lord of all Egypt, Joseph provided a safe haven for his father in the land of Goshen (Genesis 45:9-11), even though his father rebuked him as a child for having the dream (Genesis 37:9-10). In Goshen, Joseph presented himself unto him as evidence of the dream coming true; then they embraced and wept for a long time.

Genesis 37:7-8 - Making dreams a reality.

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For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf. And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.

Joseph's brothers rightly interpreted his dream and became the agents of divine Providence. United in their hatred of him, they helped bring his dream into existence by selling him to the Midianite merchants, who took him to Egypt (Genesis 37:28). Not knowing that Joseph became the governor of Egypt, they made obeisance to him twice (Genesis 42:6; Genesis 44:14).

Genesis 36:40-43 - The Dukes of Edom

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And these are the names of the dukes that came of Esau, according to their families, after their places, by their names; duke Timnah, duke Alvah, duke Jetheth, Duke Aholibamah, duke Elah, duke Pinon, Duke Kenaz, duke Teman, duke Mibzar, Duke Magdiel, duke Iram: these be the dukes of Edom, according to their habitations in the land of their possession: he is Esau the father of the Edomites.

Parallel Passage 1 Chronicles 1:51-54

Genesis 36:31 - Before Israel had a king

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And these are the kings that reigned in the land of Edom, before there reigned any king over the children of Israel.

The children of Israel didn't have a king until about seven hundred years later when Samuel introduced Saul as the man the LORD had chosen to be their king (1 Samuel 10:24).

Genesis 35:17-18 - Be careful of what you wish for.

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And it came to pass, when she was in hard labour, that the midwife said unto her, Fear not; thou shalt have this son also. And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin.

The midwife knew God would provide Rachel with another child because she remembered when Rachel named her firstborn Joseph and said, "May the LORD add to me another son" (Genesis 30:24 NIV). When Rachel had no children, she cried, "Give me children, or else I die" (Genesis 30:1); and one child wasn't enough, she had to have another and it cost her her life.

Genesis 35:11 - Adam, Noah, and Jacob

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And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins;

God appeared and made himself known as God Almighty only to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Genesis 17:1, Genesis 48.3, Exodus 6:3) ; but of the three, only Jacob (joining the company of Adam and Noah Genesis 1:28, Genesis 9:1) received the blessing: be fruitful and multiply.

Genesis 35:7 - Man of the House

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Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments:

To bring about God's promises, the man of the house must command his household to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just (Genesis 18:19 NIV).

Genesis 35:1 - House of God

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And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother.

Jacob obeyed God; he returned to Bethel, the place where God promised him the land of Canaan (Genesis 28:13) and built there an altar, and he called the place El Bethel (Genesis 35:7).

Genesis 34:10 - To Keep The Peace

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And ye shall dwell with us: and the land shall be before you; dwell and trade ye therein, and get you possessions therein.

the land shall be before you - To deal with the crisis at hand between the families, Hamor was offering Jacob's family the land of their choice in the same way that Abraham offered Lot the land his choice (Genesis 13:9).

Genesis 32:8 - The Ingratiating Manner of Jacob

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And he said, What meanest thou by all this drove which I met? And he said, These are to find grace in the sight of my lord.

These, the cattle, donkeys, sheep, and servants are to find grace in the sight of my lord in the hope that Esau would be kind to him (Genesis 32:5 CEV).

Genesis 33:3 - Who's serving who?

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And he passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.

Jacob bowed himself to the ground seven times because Jacob feared Esau and his dominion (Genesis 27:40). However, at the end of their meeting, Esua acquiesces his servitude to Jacob as his lord (Genesis 33:15).

Genesis 32:31: Power Made Perfect in Weakness

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And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh.

Although Jacob halted upon his thigh, he had "power with God" to pass over the brook to meet not only Esau, but Esau with his four hundred men (Genesis 32:28, 2 Corinthians 12:9).

Genesis 32:26 - How to get your breakthrough.

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And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.

Although Jacob was weak and tied from wrestling all night, he was not going to give up until he got his blessing. As he desperately held on with all his might, crying and begging for his favor (Hosea 12:4), he got his breakthrough.

Genesis 32:6 - Jacob Faces His Fear

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And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and also he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him.

he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him increases Jacob's fear of Esau's vengeance. However, Jacob stands his ground and faces his fear (Genesis 33:1).

Genesis 31:48-49 - The Watchtower

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And Laban said, This heap is a witness between me and thee this day. Therefore was the name of it called Galeed; And Mizpah; for he said, The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.

Mizpah (which means “watchtower”) is the place where God routed the Philistines with a load thunder while Samuel and the Israelites fasted, cried out and made sacrifices to God (1 Samuel 7:2-11 NIV).

Genesis 31:43 - Laban's Contrition With Jacob

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Laban answered Jacob, "The women are my daughters, the children are my children, and the flocks are my flocks. All you see is mine. Yet what can I do today about these daughters of mine, or about the children they have borne?

Laban response to Jacob's expression of indignation is one of contrition by conceding the right of Jacob's prosperity; for Jacob is now a rich man, and everything he owns comes from Laban (Genesis 31:1 CEV).

Genesis 31:41 - Jacob's Indignation With Laban

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Thus have I been twenty years in thy house; I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy cattle: and thou hast changed my wages ten times.

I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters - Jacob had agreed to serve seven years for Rachel but Laban deceived him into having to serve fourteen years; for after serving the seven years, Laban asserted that Jacob must first marry Leah because it was their custom that the older daughter marry fist (Genesis 29:26-27 NIV).

Genesis 31:32 - Like Father, Like Son

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With whomsoever thou findest thy gods, let him not live: before our brethren discern thou what is thine with me, and take it to thee. For Jacob knew not that Rachel had stolen them.

Joseph brothers, the sons of Jacob, gave the same response regarding the silver cup placed in Benjamin's sack (Genesis 44:9):

If any of your servants is found to have it, he will die; and the rest of us will become my lord's slaves."

Genesis 31:29 - The God of Jacob's father

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It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt: but the God of your father spake unto me yesternight, saying, Take thou heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.

God made himself known to Jacob as the God of your father in the dream he had at Bethel (Genesis 28:13 NIV).

Genesis 31:2 - A word to the wise:

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And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before.

When a man is suffering a loss, pay special attention to his attitude; in times of great distress, even the most tenderhearted man will have no compassion, not even for his own family (Deuteronomy 28:54 ).

Genesis 31:1 - Green with Envy

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And he heard the words of Laban's sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that was our father's; and of that which was our father's hath he gotten all this glory.

From the words of Labans' sons, Jacob realised that they were envious of his prosperity and was intimidated from all this glory he had gotten from their father (Psalm 49:16). As a result, Jacob knew he had to take action (Genesis 31:31) because he who has no wisdom comes to his end through passion (Job 5:2 BBE).

Genesis 30:36 - God giveth, God taketh.

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And he set three days' journey betwixt himself and Jacob: and Jacob fed the rest of Laban's flocks.

Laban made the three days journey betwixt himself and Jacob so the flocks that Jacob cared for would not mix with the ringstraked, speckled and spotted cattle of Laban's sons. However, God brought forth from Laban's flocks offspring that was ringstraked, speckled and spotted. And it came to pass that Laban's cattle became Jacob's cattle (Genesis 31:9).

Genesis 28:22 - Jacob's vow with God.

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This stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.

After God blesses Jacob with prosperity and a large family, Jacob remembers his vow with God and returns to this stone and builds an altar (Genesis 35:7).

Genesis 28:17 - On holy ground.

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And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.

This place is holy ground that Jacob was lying on when he dreamt his vision. Just like Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:5-6), Jacob became afraid when he realized that he was in the presence of God. Joshua too found himself standing on holy ground when the captain of the Lord's army appeared before him, just before the fall of Jericho (Joshua 5:15).

Genesis 28:15 - If God said it, He'll do it!

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And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.

Just as God said, He brought Jacob back to Luz, the Canaanite city that Jacob renamed Bethel (Genesis 28:19). Jacob returned to where he had the dream and called it Elbethel because there God appeared to him after he had fled from his brother (Genesis 35:7).

Genesis 28:4 - Jacob inherits the blessing of Abraham

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And give thee the blessing of Abraham, to thee, and to thy seed with thee; that thou mayest inherit the land wherein thou art a stranger, which God gave unto Abraham.

The blessing of Abraham is to make his name great by multiplying his seed into a large and great nation and by obtaining its own land possession (Genesis 12:2; 22:17).

Genesis 27:46 - More chicanery by Rebekah.

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And Rebekah said to Isaac, I am weary of my life because of the daughters of Heth: if Jacob take a wife of the daughters of Heth, such as these which are of the daughters of the land, what good shall my life do me?

Rebekah is trying to get Isaac to support her idea of having Jacob flee to her homeland in Padanaram (Genesis 27:43). Esau already grieved Isaac by marrying Hittite women (Genesis 26:34, 35) so Rebekah is hoping that Isaac will advise Jacob to follow his own footsteps in finding a wife in Padanaram (Genesis 25:20).

Genesis 27:44 - A case of wishful thinking.

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And tarry with him a few days, until thy brother's fury turn away;

Rebekah was hoping that Jacob would have to disappear for only a short time. However, the few days turned into twenty years (Genesis 31:41) and there's no reference in the Bible that she and her beloved son ever met again.

Genesis 27:40 - The Yoke Of The Edomites

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And by thy sword shalt thou live, and shalt serve thy brother; and it shall come to pass when thou shalt have the dominion, that thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck.

Esau had the dominion when Esau and Jacob met for their first time after Jacob fled to Padanaram (Genesis 33:3). In process of time, the Edomites (the descendants of Esau, Genesis 36:1) served the Tribe of Judah but gained their freedom during the time of King Joram (2 Kings 8:20).

Genesis 27:37 - Too late to change.

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And Isaac answered and said unto Esau, Behold, I have made him thy lord, and all his brethren have I given to him for servants; and with corn and wine have I sustained him: and what shall I do now unto thee, my son?

Isaac initiated the blessing but it's God that fulfills the blessing (The source of all true blessings). Apparently, once the blessing is in God's hands, the blessing is irrevocable. Therefore, there was nothing Isaac could do to change what God had already ordained for Jacob (Genesis 27:28).

Genesis 27:36 - We live by the decisions we make.

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And he said, Is not he rightly named Jacob? for he hath supplanted me these two times: he took away my birthright; and, behold, now he hath taken away my blessing. And he said, Hast thou not reserved a blessing for me?

Esau has no one to blame but himself for the decision he made in the past (Genesis 25:33). Joseph (meaning to take the place of another) was rightly named because the LORD told Rebekah that the elder shall serve the younger (Genesis 25:23). I don't believe that this was preordained; instead, I believe that God told Rebekah this because God knew that Esau would give away his birthright.

Genesis 27:33 - The source of all true blessings.

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And Isaac trembled very exceedingly, and said, Who? where is he that hath taken venison, and brought it me, and I have eaten of all before thou camest, and have blessed him? yea, and he shall be blessed.

After blessing Jacob, Isaac states yea, and he shall be blessed because all true blessings come only from God. Isaac acknowledges the source of all true blessings in Genesis 28:3.

Genesis 27:31 - Too little, too late.

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And he also had made savoury meat, and brought it unto his father, and said unto his father, Let my father arise, and eat of his son's venison, that thy soul may bless me.

By following his father's instructions (Genesis 27:4), Esau was hoping to regain his birthright as the first-born (Genesis 25:34).

Genesis 27:29 - The blessing of God's chosen.

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Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother's sons bow down to thee: cursed be every one that curseth thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee.

cursed be every one that curseth thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee:This is the blessing that God bestowed upon Abraham, the patriarch of God's chosen family (Genesis 12:3) and it carries through to all the generations of Abraham (Numbers 24:9).

Genesis 27:23 - Bringing good out of evil.

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And he discerned him not, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau's hands: so he blessed him.

Through the providence of God, this deception (Genesis 27:16) was part of the divine plan (Job 12:16) to preserve Abraham's seed for Esau had sold his birthright and had married strange wives (Genesis 25:34; 26:34). In addition, the LORD told Rebekah that Esau shall serve Jacob, Genesis 25:23.

Genesis 26:5 - The way to pleasing God.

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Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.

It's not enough to just follow God's laws; to please God, you must also do the will of God by obeying his voice. Abraham obeyed God's voice by showing that he was willing to offer his only son as a sacrifice (Genesis 22:16).

Genesis 25:27 - Favoring the ordinary over the extraordinary.

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And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents.

As a man of the field, Esau relied on his extraordinary hunting skills to provide as needed; on the contrary, as a tent dweller, Jacob was an ordinary shepherd (Genesis 46:34) having the faith that God would provide as needed. Jacob's way of life was like that of Isaac, the heir of God's promise to Abraham (Hebrews 11:9).

Genesis 24:56 - Business before pleasure.

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And he said unto them, Hinder me not, seeing the LORD hath prospered my way; send me away that I may go to my master.

An angle was sent forth with Eliezer to accomplish God's will of finding a wife for Abraham's son, Isaac (Genesis 24:40). Eliezer said Hinder me not because he was putting God's business before the pleasure that he was enjoying as Laban's guest of honor.

Genesis 24:45 - While they were yet speaking.

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And before I had done speaking in mine heart, behold, Rebekah came forth with her pitcher on her shoulder; and she went down unto the well, and drew water: and I said unto her, Let me drink, I pray thee.

Just as Eliezer found Isaac's wife, Joseph also found his wife by a well while on his way to Padamaram to find a wife of the daughters of Laban. And just as Rebekah appeared, Rachel also appeared at the same time she was being spoke of (Genesis 29:9).

And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear, Isaiah 65:24.

Genesis 24:17, 44 - A stranger in need is a friend indeed.

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And the servant ran to meet her, and said, Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher... And she say to me, Both drink thou, and I will also draw for thy camels: let the same be the woman whom the LORD hath appointed out for my master's son.

Remember to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing (Hebrews 13:2). In a similar situation, the stranger requesting the drink was Jesus Christ (John 4:7).

Genesis 24:15, 45 - Before the prayer was finished.

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And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder.

And before I had done speaking in mine heart, behold, Rebekah came forth with her pitcher on her shoulder; and she went down unto the well, and drew water: and I said unto her, Let me drink, I pray thee.

Notice how fast Eliezer's prayer was answered. God will answer your prayers just as fast (Isaiah 65:24) if you depart from evil, do good, and continually seek for peace (Psalm 34:14).