George Ruheni, PhD.

Moses’ birth and childhood Moses was born into a godly Levite family, his Father - Amram, and Mother - Jochebed (who was also Amram’s aunt – Exodus 6:20). His older siblings were, Miriam (born 1400 BC) and Aaron (born 1396 BC). So Moses was indeed the youngest of the three. When he was born Pharaoh had already passed a decree on the killing of all Israel boys. However, when the mother saw the boy - Moses, she saw that he was a beautiful child, and she hid him for three months. At first glance, this seems like simple parental love. But [Hebrews 11:23], gives the divine interpretation, it was an act of faith, that led her not to be afraid of the king’s command. So the woman conceived and bore a son. And when she saw that he was a beautiful child, she hid him three months (Exodus 2:2). This means, Amram and Jochebed, did not act from emotion or fear buy by faith. Faith always rests on something God has said, Amram and Jochebed likely believed, God’s covenant with Abraham still stoo...

The family of Jacob, made up of his wives Rachel and Leah, and their maidservants Zilpah and Bilhah, became the foundation of the nation of Israel. Through these four women, Jacob had 12 sons, who became the 12 tribes of Israel. Jacob’s household was not just a family, it was a God-chosen covenant family. Israel did not begin as a nation, it began as a family. Due to famine, Jacob and his entire household moved to Egypt during the time of his son Joseph [Genesis 46–47]. But the children of Israel were fruitful and increased abundantly, multiplied and grew exceedingly mighty; and the land was filled with them (Exodus 1:7). [Genesis 47:27]. Even though they were foreigners in Egypt, God’s blessing of growth followed them [Genesis 47:27]. By the time we reach Exodus, the family had become a people.   The children of Israel were fruitful, (they had many children). They increased abundantly (their numbers grew fast).   They multiplied (Growth was continuous). They became e...

Jacob’s burial in the cave of the field of Machpelah The Cave of Machpelah is located near Mamre (Hebron), in the land of Canaan, south of Jerusalem. On a biblical map, Machpelah sits in the hill country of Judah, a strategic and fertile region. This site later became one of the most sacred ancestral landmarks in Israel’s history. For his sons carried him to the land of Canaan, and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah, before Mamre, which Abraham bought with the field from Ephron the Hittite as property for a burial place (Genesis 50:13). We trace the journey from Egypt → Canaan → Hebron (Machpelah). It highlight that Jacob’s burial marks a symbolic return to the Promised Land, even before national possession.   Machpelah was the only piece of land Abraham legally owned in Canaan [Genesis 23:17]. Purchased publicly from Ephron the Hittite, establishing a legitimate title deed. Though Abraham lived as a sojourner, this purchase was a statement of faith in God’...

Reuben In Genesis 49, Jacob is giving sentimental blessings which are prophetic declarations over his sons and reveal both character and destiny, shaped by past actions and future outcomes. The prophecy over Reuben is especially sobering. First, acknowledged as the firstborn, carrying natural privileges: which are Jacob's might, and the beginning of his strength. This had given him a position of leadership, honor, and authority, the excellency of dignity and power, which is associated with kingship and priestly influence. However, his potential is tragically undercut by character failure. Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity and the excellency of power. 4 Unstable as water, you shall not excel, because you went up to your father’s bed; Then you defiled it— He went up to my couch (Genesis 49:3-4). Unstable as water speaks to moral instability, lack of self-control, and inconsistency. Water has no fixed form, it flo...

Reuben and Simeon, the first and second born sons of Jacob (Israel), were disqualified from positions of preeminence and leadership because of serious moral failures. Reuben forfeited his birthright through sexual sin against his father’s household [Genesis 35:22], while Simeon, together with Levi, was implicated in the violent massacre at Shechem [Genesis 34:25]. As a result, both lost the privileges normally associated with firstborn status, a judgment later confirmed in Jacob’s final blessings. And now your two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you in Egypt, are mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine. 6 Your offspring whom you beget after them shall be yours; they will be called by the name of their brothers in their inheritance (Genesis 48:5-6). Against this background, Jacob’s declaration takes on decisive significance. By formally adopting the two sons of Joseph; Ephraim and Manasseh, Jacob elevated them to the sta...

Pharaoh gives them the best of the land The favor shown to Israel in Egypt was directly connected to Joseph’s God-given wisdom and obedience. Through Joseph, God preserved not only Egypt but the surrounding world from devastating famine [Genesis 41]. As a result, first, Egypt prospered under Joseph’s administration. Then, Pharaoh recognized that Joseph’s God was the source of this deliverance. Next, the blessing extended beyond Joseph to the entire household of Israel. The land of Egypt is before you. Have your father and brothers dwell in the best of the land; let them dwell in the land of Goshen. And if you know any competent men among them, then make them chief herdsmen over my livestock.” (Genesis 47:6). Pharaoh’s offer of Goshen reveals several important truths. First, divine recompense, where God rewarded Joseph’s suffering with honor and authority. Then, provision with dignity, as Israel was not merely tolerated but strategically entrusted with royal livestock. Next, cont...