In this episode, Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan delves into Chapters 49 and 50 of the Book of Genesis focusing on Jacob's final act before his death. At 147 years old, Jacob, also known as Israel, ensures a fair distribution of the blessing by bestowing it upon each of his sons, making them all leaders and princes in their own right. Reuben, however, is excluded from the special blessing due to his past transgression. Jacob prophesies about the future of each tribe, addressing their chara...
Jul 24, 2023•37 min•Season 2Ep. 44
Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan focuses on the culmination of the dramatic events in Joseph's story. Chapter 46 of the Book of Genesis reveals that Joseph, who had been sold into slavery by his brothers, reunites with his father in a deeply emotional moment. The two believed each other to be dead, and their reunion is filled with tears and joy. Joseph takes his family to the land of Goshen, which he had prepared for them. However, he must seek Pharaoh's permission for his brothers to settl...
Jul 18, 2023•43 min•Season 2Ep. 43
When Joseph finally reveals himself to his brothers, the brothers are left in shock and vulnerable before Joseph, who now holds all the power over them. Joseph's humanity is evident as he openly weeps multiple times, revealing the immense pain he endured during his years of slavery and imprisonment. Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan explains Chapter 45 of the Book of Genesis where we see events that led to Joseph’s position in Egypt. It becomes clear that God had orchestrated his journey wit...
Jul 17, 2023•41 min•Season 2Ep. 42
In Chapter 44 of the Book of Genesis, we see the final test that Joseph gives to his brothers; Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan explains in detail the meaning behind Joseph’s intentions and why he tested his brothers. Joseph sets a final test for his brothers to reveal their true character. He places his silver cup in Benjamin's sack and accuses them of theft when they leave Egypt. The brothers respond differently this time, speaking as a unified group and vehemently denying the theft. They...
Jul 11, 2023•43 min•Season 2Ep. 41
Focusing on Chapters 42 and 43, Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan continues her reflections on the Book of Genesis. The brothers return to Jacob and inform him about Simeon's imprisonment in Egypt. They reveal that they must go back with Benjamin due to the famine and the demand for his presence by the Egyptian ruler. However, they continue to deceive Jacob about Joseph's fate. Jacob expresses his grief and accuses his sons of being responsible for Simeon's situation, fearing that Benjamin w...
Jul 10, 2023•41 min•Season 2Ep. 40
In this Bible study episode on the Book of Genesis, Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan delves into Chapter 42, focusing on the intriguing drama between Joseph and his brothers. She emphasizes that Joseph's actions may appear haphazard or strange to us initially, but they are part of a meticulously planned scheme. Joseph's threefold plan involves getting his brothers to repent, unifying them, and ultimately bringing their father Jacob, and the entire family to Egypt to protect them from a seve...
Jul 04, 2023•41 min•Season 2Ep. 39
Continuing in Chapter 41 of the Book of Genesis, Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan speaks about the dignity that Joseph had and where it came from. Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams about seven fat cows being eaten by seven thin cows and seven healthy grain stalks being devoured by withered ones, predicting seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. Joseph's wisdom, understanding, and the divine knowledge bestowed upon him by God become evident as he confidently advises Pharao...
Jul 03, 2023•39 min•Season 2Ep. 38
In Chapter 39 of the Book of Genesis, Joseph is tempted on a daily basis by Potiphar's wife, who acts in an imperious manner and has a high opinion of her own rank. However, Joseph behaves like a prince of God and remains faithful to God despite the temptations. Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan explains that Joseph's commitment to God's commandments is seen as a noble characteristic, and highlights that Joseph's faithfulness is mentioned repeatedly, emphasizing that God was with Joseph in e...
Jun 27, 2023•44 min•Season 2Ep. 37
Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan explores the continuation of Joseph's story in Chapter 37 of the Book of Genesis, where he is sold into Egypt by his brothers. This emphasizes that even the chosen people are subject to the consequences of their actions, revealing their imperfections and the universal need for salvation. While Reuben expresses genuine love and concern upon discovering Joseph's disappearance, the other brothers deceive their father Jacob by fabricating a story about Joseph's ...
Jun 26, 2023•42 min•Season 2Ep. 36
Chapter 37 of the Book of Genesis gives us a wonderful revelation about Joseph, the beloved son of Jacob, and his beloved wife, Rachel. Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan draws parallels between Joseph and Jesus, emphasizing how Joseph's actions and experiences foreshadow Jesus' role in revealing the hearts of people and his status as the chosen one. Joseph was favored by his father, Jacob, which caused jealousy among his brothers; he had prophetic dreams that revealed his future authority an...
Jun 20, 2023•43 min•Season 2Ep. 35
God blesses Jacob, also known as Israel, once he returns to the place of obedience, Bethel. Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan speaks about 3 major events in the life of Jacob as written in Chapter 35 of the Book of Genesis. Jacob receives a visitation from God, who reaffirms his new name and reminds him of the power and sufficiency of God Almighty. Jacob is instructed to be fruitful and multiply, as he is the patriarch of the people of God. He is promised that nations and kings will come fro...
Jun 19, 2023•41 min•Season 2Ep. 34
The twin brothers, Jacob and Esau, meet, after twenty years apart; though this was Jacob’s biggest fear, God intervenes and softens Esau’s heart. Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan explains the meeting as written in Chapter 33 of the Book of Genesis. Jacob, aware of the consequences of his past actions, divides his wives and concubines based on his affections. Despite his fear, Jacob humbles himself before Esau, bowing down and showing submission; this act of humility proves significant, as i...
Jun 13, 2023•42 min•Season 2Ep. 33
Chapter 32 of the Book of Genesis deals with Jacob facing his second and greatest fear - meeting his twin brother Esau. Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan explains that Jacob harbors great fear and guilt due to his past actions against his twin brother, including deceiving him and stealing his birthright and blessing. Jacob's fear is not solely based on the possibility of physical harm from Esau, but rather on facing the consequences of his own actions and the emotional fallout resulting from...
Jun 12, 2023•40 min•Season 2Ep. 32
Chapter 31 of the Book of Genesis focuses on Jacob fleeing from his uncle Laban, and returning to the promised land. Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan explains that Jacob is no longer a poverty-stricken fugitive; he is a wealthy man with wives, children, and animals to accompany him on his journey. The catalyst for Jacob's departure is the realization that Laban's sons were envious of his increasing prosperity. We see connections to the New Testament, highlighting how envy, strife, and divis...
Jun 06, 2023•41 min•Season 2Ep. 31
We explore Chapter 30 of the Book of Genesis explores the intense rivalry between the two sisters, who are both wives of Jacob. Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan delves into the intricate dynamics between Jacob, Rachel, Leah, and their maids, and the battle they engage in to win Jacob's favor and bear him children. The prophetic significance of the names given to the twelve sons of Jacob, born through his wives Leah, Rachel, Bilhah, and Zilpah is emphasized. Although the mothers were unaware...
Jun 05, 2023•41 min•Season 2Ep. 30
Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan delves into the story of Jacob, highlighting the divine appointments and Providence of God in his journey as written in Chapter 29 of the Book of Genesis. there are no chance meetings when God is involved and we see this when Jacob unexpectedly arrives at the exact well where Rachel is going. Laban, Jacob's uncle, allows him to stay as a guest for a month, knowing that Jacob will inherit wealth upon his father Isaac's death. Laban's motive is to benefit from...
May 30, 2023•42 min•Season 2Ep. 29
In Chapter 27 of the Book of Genesis, Esau discovers Jacob's deceit regarding their father Isaac's blessing; this leads to a deep enmity between them. Isaac's old age and eventual death further emphasize the consequences of their deceitful actions. Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan delves into the profound implications of deceit and the wide-ranging consequences of Esau's choice to give up his birthright. In Chapter 28, Isaac blesses Jacob and sends him away from the Promised Land to find a ...
May 29, 2023•42 min•Season 2Ep. 28
Isaac, the inheritor from Abraham, must pass on the blessing to his sons, but he faces a problem because his twin sons, Esau and Jacob, are born very close in age. Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan focuses on Chapter 27 of the Book of Genesis and the events in the life of Jacob highlighting the flawed behavior and lack of trust exhibited by Rebecca, Jacob, Isaac, and Esau. Before their birth, it was prophesied to Rebecca that both Esau and Jacob represent two nations or two types of people. ...
May 23, 2023•44 min•Season 2Ep. 27
Abraham is determined to find a suitable wife for his son Isaac, who would carry the promises of God; he sends his chief steward, Eliezer, on a lengthy journey of about 7,000 miles to find a wife from Abraham's own family. Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan continues to explain Chapter 24 of the Book of Genesis which shows us the obedience of Eliezer and Rebecca to God’s will. As Rebecca departs, her family blesses her, recognizing that this marriage is part of God's plan. They bless her with...
May 22, 2023•36 min•Season 2Ep. 26
In the Book of Genesis, Chapter 22 reveals important insights into the lineage of Abraham and Rebecca. The subsequent chapters, explained by Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan, explore the events that followed the death of Sarah and Abraham's quest to find a bride for their son Isaac. Chapter 24 is particularly crucial, as it chronicles Isaac's marriage. Since all of Abraham's promises are vested in Isaac, his marriage is essential for the fulfillment of the Messiah as the seed of the woman. ...
May 16, 2023•38 min•Season 2Ep. 25
Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan discusses Chapter 22 of the Book of Genesis, which details God's test of Abraham's faith. God instructs Abraham to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac, and Abraham complies until God intervenes and provides a ram for the sacrifice instead. We also learn about the profound parallels between God's call for Abraham to sacrifice Isaac on Mount Moriah and Jesus' redemptive sacrifice on Mount Calvary. This highlights the importance of a victim of expiation to save hu...
May 15, 2023•40 min•Season 2Ep. 24
The birth of Isaac is important for the history of salvation and the revelation of who God is. Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan speaks about the child that was promised by God to Abraham and Sarah in their old age. God had a plan to fulfill His promise of a chosen people, and it was through Abraham and Sarah that the seed was to come, not through anyone else. The child was named Isaac, which means laughter because both Abraham and Sarah had laughed in disbelief when they first heard the pro...
May 09, 2023•44 min•Season 2Ep. 23
Continuing her discussion on Chapter 19 of the Book of Genesis, Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan speaks about the sequel to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. The news of Sodom and Gomorrah shocked the world. Everybody in the region knew what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah because of their wickedness. In Chapter 20, the focus then shifts back to Abraham and his wife Sarah, who moves to the city of Gerar where Abraham fears for her safety due to her attractiveness. Abimelech, the king of...
May 08, 2023•31 min•Season 2Ep. 22
Chapter 19 of the Book of Genesis reveals the wickedness that was prevalent in Sodom and why two angels were sent to deal with it. Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan discusses the importance of separating ourselves from evil, sin, and immorality. The sinfulness of Sodom is displayed when the entire population, both young and old, surround Lot's house and demand that he hand over the two angels staying with him so that they can engage in sexual acts with them. This is a deadly sin of lust that...
May 02, 2023•38 min•Season 2Ep. 21
Continuing in Chapter 18 of the Book of Genesis, Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan explains the marvelous moment when “three men” come to visit Abraham. Abraham sees them and recognizes the presence of God. Scholars have interpreted these three men in different ways but could one of them be the pre-incarnated Christ? The intercession for Sodom involves the five towns in the plain that had rebelled against God in chapter 14. Abraham, as the first prophet, was told ahead of time about God's pl...
May 01, 2023•34 min•Season 2Ep. 20
Abram had to wait 13 years before God would reveal Himself to him again, and God says to him: “I am El Shaddai.” In Chapter 17 of the Book of Genesis, we see that God restarts the relationship with Abraham despite the mistakes Abraham makes; Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan explains that God is very patient even though we have stopped being patient with Him. God reveals who He is to Abram and changes his name from Abram to Abraham and Sarai to Sarah, indicating a new mission and calling fro...
Apr 25, 2023•36 min•Season 2Ep. 19
The Book of Genesis portrays a shift in Abram's character between Chapters 15 and 16; he goes from being a man of God to an ordinary human being of his time. Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan explains that despite receiving an extraordinary message from God that he will have a child with Sarah, his actions indicate a lack of trust in God. Abraham didn't obey God and didn't consult Him before trying to have a child with Sarah's servant, Hagar. Waiting for God's timing is essential, as God tes...
Apr 24, 2023•39 min•Season 2Ep. 18
Abraham's faith in God was a significant advancement for humanity. In Chapter 15 of the Book of Genesis, God asks for a sign of Abram's willingness to be cleansed and brought closer to Him. Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan explains that each animal sacrifice (heifer, goat, ram, dove, and pigeon) symbolizes a different offering to God, representing cleansing, sin, consecration, and peace. Saint John of the Cross, in the 16th century, spoke of two profound purifications necessary for humans t...
Apr 18, 2023•38 min•Season 2Ep. 17
Chapter 14 introduces the first war in the Bible and marks a significant change from the previous chapters. Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan highlights the human race's deterioration, the rise of tyrants, and Abram's status as a prince with allies. Abram won the first war because God was with him and because he did not hold any resentment against Lot for his previous actions. The chapter also references Salem, which later became Jerusalem and was known as the city of peace. When Melchizedek...
Apr 17, 2023•37 min•Season 2Ep. 16
Chapter 12 Verses 10 to 20 of the Book of Genesis recount Abram's remarkable journey to Egypt. At the time of Abram, people had very little control over their free will, as noted by Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan. Although Abram was called and blessed by God, he did not rely on God for help during his journey. In Chapter 13 of Genesis, we learn about the relationship between Abram and his nephew, Lot. Despite being from the same family, they had different paths in life. Abram chose to wal...
Apr 11, 2023•32 min•Season 2Ep. 15
