Jacob prepares to head down to Egypt to see Joseph (46:1–34). On the way he stops at Beersheba and offers sacrifices to the Lord. Isaac, his father, has built an altar there (26:25). It is significant that the Lord speaks to Jacob after Jacob has worshiped. The last time God confronted Jacob was at night (32:22–32). The first time God spoke to Jacob was through a dream (28:10–12). The last time God speaks to Jacob is through a vision at night. God’s first word to Jacob was nothing but promises for his future (28:13–15). His last word to Jacob is similarly promissory (46:3–4). This is exactly the same with Abraham. God’s first word (12:1–3) and his last word (22:15–18) are promises. The lives of these two patriarchs are bracketed by the “I will” of God. This structure underscores the cruci…