The Rape of Dinah is a story where no one stands out as a hero. Dinah, who should be at the center of the story, is left silent in its telling.

Jacob seemed to struggle his whole life – even before his birth. His greatest struggle, though, was with God.

Jacob, Rachel and the rest of Jacob’s household flee from Laban’s anger.

Despite almost comic efforts to double-cross each other, Jacob’s family grows in fulfillment of God’s promise.

As Jacob flees from Esau’s anger, he sees a vision of a stairway or ladder to heaven – and soon finds the love of his life.

God seems to often choose the weakest people to proclaim his own strength.

When Jacob (later to be known as Israel) shows his tenacity and competitiveness even before his birth. Those characteristics will define his life.

The story of Isaac meeting Rebekah is appropriate for the literal parents of Israel.

The story of God testing Abraham by telling him to sacrifice Isaac is difficult for modern readers. Every part is foreign and revolting to us.

One thing the Bible shows us again and again is that God can use people even more messed up than we are – and that’s reassuring.