Daily Lectionary | Genesis 36 & John 19:1-37
Genesis 36
Summary
Genesis 36 is another “these are the generations” section, this time the generations of Esau.
Esau takes wives from Canaan (Gen. 36:6). Such intermarriage is a problem in Genesis. Marriage outside of the covenant is forbidden. Esau’s marriages form unholy alliances with people of the land, namely the Hittites. Esau is a descendant of Shem, whose line sins by marrying outside of the covenant.
Roughly, the passage follows this structure.
Vv. 2-9 wives of Esau
Vv. 10-14 sons of Esau
Vv. 15-19 chiefs of Edom
Vv. 20-30 chiefs of Seir
Vv. 31-39 kings of Edom
Vv. 40-43 tribal names of Edom
In verses 15-19 the names of Esau’s sons are repeated but these time they are called “chiefs.” The sons grow up to be chiefs of the nation Esau establishes. In verses 20-30, the chiefs of Seir are listed, but they are conquered by the sons of Esau, who are much less in number (Deut. 2:12). Esau conquers the inhabitants of the land before Jacob’s descendants will. Esau establishes a great kingdom (vv. 31-39) with many kings and tribal divisions (vv. 40-43).
As James B. Jordan notes, in chapter 36 you have a preview of Israel: wives, sons, chiefs, conquests, kings, and tribal division in the land. Esau does this first. Israel will do it later. Esau builds his kingdom quickly, but it’s foundations are shaky and unrighteous. Israel will build its kingdom over a long period, though many suffering and setbacks.
When Jacob returns from his exile under Laban, he returns to the land that is his on account of his father’s blessings. Esau has separated from Isaac and appears to be the one making much progress. Jacob, the promised one, has suffered and hasn’t accomplished much in comparison.
Reflection Questions
Looking back on Esau’s life, what evaluation does Scripture give on his life?
How does this chapter give a pattern for Israel’s history? What lessons do we learn?
John 19
Summary
Pilate has identified Jesus as the King of the Jews, if ironically so. Now, Jesus is mocked as a king. The soldiers place a crown of thorns on his head and put a purple robe on him. They praise him: “Hail, King of the Jews!” Pilate implies that there is no guilt in Jesus. He doesn’t want the miscarriage of justice to fall on him, but he pushes things along, anyway. Jesus comes out before the people, already beaten up, but dressed up as a king.
The scene is humiliating. It’s a mock coronation, but the joke will ultimately be on his persecutors. Because this scene will be Jesus’ enthronement, his hour of glory.
Pilate, the Gentile pagan, says “Behold, the man!” This famous phrase (ecce homo in Latin renderings) is rich. Jesus is the true human being, the second Adam. The priests, however, insist on killing him: “Crucify him!” Pilate is worried because he s seeing he cannot save Jesus from the mob. He takes Jesus aside to question him and let him know he has authority over him. Jesus responds boldly: “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above.”
Pilate keeps trying to release him, but his fear of the crowd is greater than his fear of handing Jesus over.
The irony continues. Pilate seats Jesus on the “judgment seat,” but again, it’s the Romans, Jews, and world who are on trial, Jesus being the true judge. Pilate again preaches the truth: “Behold your King!” But they Jews will have none of it.
It was eve of Passover, John tells us importantly. The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world is about to be sacrificed at Golgotha.
Jesus breathes his last on the cross. John tells us that his side is pierced and blood and water flowed from his side. Just like a bride was created from the side of Adam, now a bride will be created for the Second Adam from his side: the church. The church will be created by blood and water.
Reflection Questions
Trace Pilate’s complicated role in Jesus’ crucifixion. How does he help reveal the true identity of Jesus?
Jesus’ side is pierced and blood and water flow out of him. How might Eve being taken from Adam’s side preview a bride being taken from the Second Adam’s side? How is Jesus’ bride created by blood and water?