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A Study of Genesis #2
God of Covenant: A Study of Genesis 12-50
Iniciando en G�nesis 12, camina junto a los padres de nuestra fe, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob y Jos�, y discierne a la persona de Jes�s en las historias de Su pueblo.
La autora, Jen Wilkins, recorre los cap�tulos de G�nesis para presenciar c�mo los portadores de la imagen de Dios pecan y luchan por mantener la confianza en el �nico que cumplir� todas las promesas, Aquel para quien nada es demasiado dif�cil.
En este estudio de 10 sesiones, descubre c�mo Dios orquesta todo para Su gloria y el bien de Su pueblo, y ve c�mo el Dios de la creaci�n y del pacto es el mismo ayer, hoy y siempre.
ENG:
Beginning with Genesis 12, walk alongside the fathers of our faith--Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph--to discern Jesus in the stories of His people.
Over 10 sessions, discover how God orchestrates everything for His glory and the good of His people, and see how the God of creation and covenant is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
La autora, Jen Wilkins, recorre los cap�tulos de G�nesis para presenciar c�mo los portadores de la imagen de Dios pecan y luchan por mantener la confianza en el �nico que cumplir� todas las promesas, Aquel para quien nada es demasiado dif�cil.
En este estudio de 10 sesiones, descubre c�mo Dios orquesta todo para Su gloria y el bien de Su pueblo, y ve c�mo el Dios de la creaci�n y del pacto es el mismo ayer, hoy y siempre.
ENG:
Beginning with Genesis 12, walk alongside the fathers of our faith--Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph--to discern Jesus in the stories of His people.
Over 10 sessions, discover how God orchestrates everything for His glory and the good of His people, and see how the God of creation and covenant is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
191 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2019
38 people are currently reading
580 people want to read
About the author
Jen Wilkin
69 books1,473 followersJen Wilkin is a speaker, writer, and teacher of women’s Bible studies. During her thirteen years of teaching, she has organized and led studies for women in home, church, and parachurch contexts. Jen and her family are members of the Village Church in Flower Mound, Texas. She is the author of Women of the Word.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
March 17, 2020
About a year ago, I reviewed God of Creation by Jen Wilkin. I participated in a Bible study over the book with a ladies’ group from my church. That study covered Genesis 1-11. This year, the group continued on to Jen’s God of Covenant, which continues on with Genesis 12-50.
As with last year, I enjoyed the study. Wilkin is an English major and I think this shows in her writing; she has a way of making the Bible’s stories very accessible, and of bringing out details that I normally wouldn’t notice. Our study consisted of us doing homework each week, and then meeting in small groups to discuss that, and then watching a 45-minute video of Wilkin speaking on the week’s readings.
Genesis 12-50 includes many of the Old Testament “greats” we’ve grown up with: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph — along with all the side characters. Some insights I found interesting:
* God’s promises to Abram began, over and over again, with “I will,” stressing God’s commitment to bringing his promises to pass.
* When Abraham went with Isaac to sacrifice him, Abraham told his servants “We will worship and return to you,” indicating that he intended them both to return. He most likely expected to sacrifice his son, and have God raise him from the dead (Hebrews 11:19, “Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead”).
* “Abimelech” is mentioned a few times, and it was pointed out not to confuse various ones, since Abimelech is a title rather than a name. I’d missed out on knowing that.
* God works his will through, but often in spite of, people.
* One of the most moving parts of the study to me was the look we took at Leah, the first/unloved wife of Jacob. Wilkin brought up that the deception by Laban in offering Leah rather than Rachel to Jacob was similar to Jacob deceiving his own father in getting the better blessing. How awful it was of Laban to put his daughter Leah into the situation that he did. Yet God works through terrible situations to bring about His will. Jacob ends up being buried not with the beloved Rachel (who dies during their journeys), but with Leah. Just as Isaac and Rebekah played favorites with their sons Esau and Jacob, Jacob played favorites with his two wives and his many sons.
* Genesis 34 features the story of two of Jacob’s sons, Simeon and Levi, taking revenge on a town who take advantage of their sister, killing all the men in town. Wilkin points out that while God is mentioned in the last verse of chapter 33 and the first verse of 34, He is mentioned nowhere in chapter 34.
* Another favorite part of the study for me were the parts about Joseph, and what a good man he was. Wilkin pointed out many similarities between Joseph and Jesus, saying that one of her favorite commentators, Arthur Pink, had compiled a large list. I love things like this!
I didn’t find many downsides to this study. There were a few times when I felt Jen’s interpretations may have stretched what we can really know. For instance, when Abraham and Sarah laughed upon learning that they would have a son at their advanced ages, Wilkin says that Abram laughed in a “too good to be true” way, while Sarai’s laugh was one of bitterness and disbelief. Later, she characterizes another character as a rich boy riding into town to make trouble. I was a bit uncomfortable with some of the sweeping characterizations that I wasn’t sure were fully justified.
But, I found that God of Covenant gave me a lot to think on and truly brought Genesis to life in a new way for me. Overall I’d recommend it highly.
As with last year, I enjoyed the study. Wilkin is an English major and I think this shows in her writing; she has a way of making the Bible’s stories very accessible, and of bringing out details that I normally wouldn’t notice. Our study consisted of us doing homework each week, and then meeting in small groups to discuss that, and then watching a 45-minute video of Wilkin speaking on the week’s readings.
Genesis 12-50 includes many of the Old Testament “greats” we’ve grown up with: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph — along with all the side characters. Some insights I found interesting:
* God’s promises to Abram began, over and over again, with “I will,” stressing God’s commitment to bringing his promises to pass.
* When Abraham went with Isaac to sacrifice him, Abraham told his servants “We will worship and return to you,” indicating that he intended them both to return. He most likely expected to sacrifice his son, and have God raise him from the dead (Hebrews 11:19, “Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead”).
* “Abimelech” is mentioned a few times, and it was pointed out not to confuse various ones, since Abimelech is a title rather than a name. I’d missed out on knowing that.
* God works his will through, but often in spite of, people.
* One of the most moving parts of the study to me was the look we took at Leah, the first/unloved wife of Jacob. Wilkin brought up that the deception by Laban in offering Leah rather than Rachel to Jacob was similar to Jacob deceiving his own father in getting the better blessing. How awful it was of Laban to put his daughter Leah into the situation that he did. Yet God works through terrible situations to bring about His will. Jacob ends up being buried not with the beloved Rachel (who dies during their journeys), but with Leah. Just as Isaac and Rebekah played favorites with their sons Esau and Jacob, Jacob played favorites with his two wives and his many sons.
* Genesis 34 features the story of two of Jacob’s sons, Simeon and Levi, taking revenge on a town who take advantage of their sister, killing all the men in town. Wilkin points out that while God is mentioned in the last verse of chapter 33 and the first verse of 34, He is mentioned nowhere in chapter 34.
* Another favorite part of the study for me were the parts about Joseph, and what a good man he was. Wilkin pointed out many similarities between Joseph and Jesus, saying that one of her favorite commentators, Arthur Pink, had compiled a large list. I love things like this!
I didn’t find many downsides to this study. There were a few times when I felt Jen’s interpretations may have stretched what we can really know. For instance, when Abraham and Sarah laughed upon learning that they would have a son at their advanced ages, Wilkin says that Abram laughed in a “too good to be true” way, while Sarai’s laugh was one of bitterness and disbelief. Later, she characterizes another character as a rich boy riding into town to make trouble. I was a bit uncomfortable with some of the sweeping characterizations that I wasn’t sure were fully justified.
But, I found that God of Covenant gave me a lot to think on and truly brought Genesis to life in a new way for me. Overall I’d recommend it highly.
March 6, 2020
Great study of Genesis.
March 31, 2019
Wonderful Bible study resource. Highly recommend it!
November 11, 2024
This was ok. I felt like many of the application questions were reaching compared to what Genesis was teaching. There were also a few things she taught that contradicted what my ESV study bible said in the foot notes. This could have been due to the commentaries she used to create the study, but it was still odd.
November 6, 2021
This is my seventh (?) Jen Wilkin study, and although it was not my favorite, I am thankful for how it pointed me back to the truth of who God is.
We didn’t use our colored pencils at all and I didn’t enjoy the workbook as much as other ones but it allowed me to see things I’d previously missed in familiar Bible stories.
We didn’t use our colored pencils at all and I didn’t enjoy the workbook as much as other ones but it allowed me to see things I’d previously missed in familiar Bible stories.
April 16, 2024
This was really fun. Jen Wilkin is an outstanding Bible teacher
September 3, 2019
Very good look into chapters 12-50 of genesis and finding Christ throughout the old and new testaments
July 10, 2021
I only got 1/2 way through this study.
It is excellent, but time was short.
I will finish in the future.
It is excellent, but time was short.
I will finish in the future.
November 18, 2025
Enjoyed reading this with our women’s Bible study. I learned a lot and the videos that accompany help bring a new dimension of understanding.
August 21, 2022
A great break down of the second half of Genesis. Jen always helps a reader of the word interpret scripture appropriately.
May 9, 2019
A great study that is foundational. This in combination with the first part (God of Creation) were so impactful on further study of the entire Bible.
June 17, 2021
Excellent. Jen's studies are thought-provoking, accessible, and well done. This one was no exception. Covering Abraham through the death of Joseph (Gen. 50), God of Covenant picks up after creation and unpacks the birth of the nation of Israel and the founders of the faith. Broken men and women, all used for God's glory, make up the history of the people of God. What a beautiful experience this dive into Genesis was. The best part? This is just the beginning...
July 21, 2019
I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first, because I think I struggled more with it. There are still a lot of unanswered questions for me and I feel like I'm left hanging, I guess.
December 29, 2021
I’ve done many of Jen’s studies (maybe 10 now?) and there were lots of new things I learnt about the patriarchs. She uses structured methodology and is very text focused which I really appreciate. She also has an emphasis on finding Jesus in the text helping readers tie the OT and NT together.
At times she comes across as having quite a low view of humanity possibly because she tries to counteract studies that are too people centred which neglect a focus God. I think this skewed theological emphasis on humanity’s sinfulness has begun to wear on me after so many of her studies, and feels a little cold. While she exhorts and teaches very well, it is unusual for me to feel comforted or encouraged by her teaching - her pastoral heart for “students” doesn’t necessarily come through. This probably isn’t helped by the mechanical style of her studies, and I appreciate that she’s trying to contend with the “feel-good/self-centred” content out there. I’d love to see more compassion evident for the people in Old Testament stories, and more balance where there is an understanding that humanity is sinful post fall but also that God is restoring His people to His original “very good” design.
At times she comes across as having quite a low view of humanity possibly because she tries to counteract studies that are too people centred which neglect a focus God. I think this skewed theological emphasis on humanity’s sinfulness has begun to wear on me after so many of her studies, and feels a little cold. While she exhorts and teaches very well, it is unusual for me to feel comforted or encouraged by her teaching - her pastoral heart for “students” doesn’t necessarily come through. This probably isn’t helped by the mechanical style of her studies, and I appreciate that she’s trying to contend with the “feel-good/self-centred” content out there. I’d love to see more compassion evident for the people in Old Testament stories, and more balance where there is an understanding that humanity is sinful post fall but also that God is restoring His people to His original “very good” design.
May 27, 2022
This is an outstanding study through the latter 39 chapters of Genesis. Jen Wilkin has made a study of asking good questions and it shows, bringing us carefully through the book of beginnings with care for the text and encouragement for our souls. It is both thoughtful and deeply practical, helping the student examine the text faithfully and come to know better the God who covenanted Himself to His people in the beginning, who has been faithful from generation to generation, and who worked and protected and brought about good in the midst of human failures. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a solid women's Bible study. (Of course, if you haven't done so already, I'd recommend starting with God of Creation, which covers Chapters 1-11, before you dig into 12-50 here in God of Covenant)
January 10, 2020
This was my first time reading anything by Jen Wilkin. This was the book chosen for a ladies Bible study I attend. While I'm very familiar with Genesis and the stories of Abraham thru Joseph I'm always glad to study more and to get perspectives from those that have studied much more in depth then I have. We did this along with the video and while I like Jen's style of speaking and she is easy to follow my main issue with this whole study is I felt that she stretched the meaning of verses and took some out of context to fit her narrative. She also asks a lot of opinion questions (ex: what modern-day stereotype would you apply to Esau?) I know a lot of people love her studies; this just wasn't my favorite.
June 24, 2021
Jen Wilkin’s Genesis studies are so rich and interesting.
This is the 2nd one which she has grouped into 4 major people - Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph - patriarchal time
(The first study was 4 major events - creation/fall, flood and Tower of Babel) primeval time
The videos that go with them are about 45 minutes each (for 10 weeks). Her messages are consistent throughout - Is anything to hard for the Lord - no!
Genesis is the beginning of time, humankind, sin, redemption, the notion of resurrection and the covenant, the nation of Israel and tells how they ended up in Egypt. But what has it begun in you?
I could list so many pages of notes and things I learned from these studies. Love!
This is the 2nd one which she has grouped into 4 major people - Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph - patriarchal time
(The first study was 4 major events - creation/fall, flood and Tower of Babel) primeval time
The videos that go with them are about 45 minutes each (for 10 weeks). Her messages are consistent throughout - Is anything to hard for the Lord - no!
Genesis is the beginning of time, humankind, sin, redemption, the notion of resurrection and the covenant, the nation of Israel and tells how they ended up in Egypt. But what has it begun in you?
I could list so many pages of notes and things I learned from these studies. Love!
May 20, 2021
beautiful study through god’s covenant with his people, starting with abraham.
i love jen wilkin’s studies. very in depth and BIBLICAL. they’re not feel good studies. it’s a truth-based, eye-opening, in-depth look at the promises of our heavenly father and how he uses us sinners to magnify his glory.
“There are no minor characters in the story of God.
Beginning with Genesis 12, walk alongside the fathers of our faith—Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph—to discern Jesus in the stories of His people.
Over 10 sessions, discover how God orchestrates everything for His glory and the good of His people, and see how the God of creation and covenant is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
i love jen wilkin’s studies. very in depth and BIBLICAL. they’re not feel good studies. it’s a truth-based, eye-opening, in-depth look at the promises of our heavenly father and how he uses us sinners to magnify his glory.
“There are no minor characters in the story of God.
Beginning with Genesis 12, walk alongside the fathers of our faith—Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph—to discern Jesus in the stories of His people.
Over 10 sessions, discover how God orchestrates everything for His glory and the good of His people, and see how the God of creation and covenant is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
October 5, 2021
this study took @skyehelker and i way too long because *pandemic* but it was worth it nonetheless. picking up where God of Creation left off, this covered genesis 12-50, walking us through ‘the stories of the fathers of our faith—abraham, isaac, jacob, and joseph’ + some lessons from this ‘book of beginnings’: God keeps His promises; there is nothing too hard for Him; everything is for His glory and our good
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“Is anything too difficult for the Lord?” genesis 18:14
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“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…” genesis 50:20
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instagram book reviews @brettlikesbooks
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“Is anything too difficult for the Lord?” genesis 18:14
•
“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…” genesis 50:20
•
instagram book reviews @brettlikesbooks
January 22, 2023
I have always enjoyed Jen Wilkin’s Bible studies because she gets you wrestling with the text and teaches you how to look for Christ when he isn’t super obvious.
I definitely experience her studies differently after having been to seminary - I always want to go deeper than the book takes us, but don’t tend to allow myself enough time for that when I’m working through it. But I love studying scripture in community with friends and the daily accountability it provides. This is a wonderful vehicle for that so I keep using them.
I definitely experience her studies differently after having been to seminary - I always want to go deeper than the book takes us, but don’t tend to allow myself enough time for that when I’m working through it. But I love studying scripture in community with friends and the daily accountability it provides. This is a wonderful vehicle for that so I keep using them.
April 25, 2024
Incredible resource that will not only impact your knowledge and understanding of Genesis, but of the entire Bible.
I would HIGHLY recommend also purchasing the weekly teaching videos that accompany the study, and doing the study in a group setting if possible.
I also imagine that doing part one, “God of Creation” first would be helpful. I personally did not as I was only able to attend spring Bible study at our local church (Part Two - God of Covenant) and was not able to attend in the fall (Part One - God of Creation).
I would HIGHLY recommend also purchasing the weekly teaching videos that accompany the study, and doing the study in a group setting if possible.
I also imagine that doing part one, “God of Creation” first would be helpful. I personally did not as I was only able to attend spring Bible study at our local church (Part Two - God of Covenant) and was not able to attend in the fall (Part One - God of Creation).
December 9, 2021
This was the first Bible study I’d done by Jen Wilkin. It was SO good! I thought … Genesis … I’ve heard & read & learned the stories … but not like this. Jen teaches us to dive DEEP , going into the time period, the culture, the people who may not seem to be the “main characters” yet have a huge part to play. Everything in the Bible is important & has a purpose . I gained so much more understanding of Genesis through this Bible study- highly recommended!
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March 7, 2022This was a good follow up to her other Genesis study of chapters 1-11. Enjoyed going through it with a group of women as a Bible Study. The one thing I don’t like about her studies are the “why do you think” questions- I don’t like reading into Scripture what’s not there- and it happens quite a bit- plus there aren’t any sure answers in these questions, or other Scripture given to work through an answer, so it’s left to opinion.
September 12, 2025
A very in depth study of the second half of Genesis. I learned so much about stories I have been reading about my whole life and saw them all in a new light. Jen does an amazing job of weaving other scriptures into the workbook as well as connecting the characters together in Genesis. She also does an amazing job of showing how Jesus shows up in the chapters of Genesis, especially through Joseph.
Highly recommend!
Highly recommend!
June 24, 2021
I loved this study so much. I learned so many tips on how to study the Bible more thoroughly and I enjoy Jen’s videos that went along with each week, but I absolutely loved the guided questions and the Spirit teaching me before ever watching the videos.
I will be continuing with her next study in Exodus and also can’t wait to go back for God of Creation that I missed the first time.
I will be continuing with her next study in Exodus and also can’t wait to go back for God of Creation that I missed the first time.
November 18, 2023
This is the second Bible Study I have done on the book of Genesis (both by Jen Wilkin). When Jesus says that Moses wrote of Him in the Old Testament, you will definitely see it in this study. There is so much richness in this study and I have an even greater appreciation for the symbolism in this first book of the Bible. Highly recommend this study as well as God of Creation by Jen Wilkin.
October 4, 2019
So good! I'm so glad the women at our church did this study by Jen Wilkin. I so appreciated her wisdom and insights into the text, but also how she encourages participants to dig into the Word of God themselves for their own edification and growth.
November 19, 2019
Jen Wilkin has turned into one of my favorite Bible teachers. She is so detailed and has a talent of putting everything in place. I would only recommend doing this study if you rent the companion videos with Jen's teachings that goes along with each week's study.
January 8, 2020
So glad I have been introduced to Jen Wilkin. This is the first of her group studies I have completed. The video teaching was enlightening to the already rigorous at-home study. I’ve never before read and understood Genesis so well.
March 31, 2021
Amazing! This blaring opened my eyes to scripture in new ways I never knew before and I’ve studied scripture for years. It is well written. I wish someone wrote a study like this for the whole bible.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews