When the stronger females were in heat, Jacob would set up the branches in the troughs in front of the flock, so they would mate near the branches.

“Once during breeding season I saw in a dream that the male goats mating with the flock were streaked, speckled, and spotted.

I have oxen, donkeys, sheep, and male and female servants. I have sent this message to inform my lord, so that I may find favor in your sight.’”

Esau then asked, “What did you intend by sending all these herds to meet me?” Jacob replied, “To find favor in your sight, my lord.”

So Esau said, “Let me leave some of my men with you.” “Why do that?” Jacob replied. “My lord has already been kind enough to me.”

Then Shechem said to Dinah’s father and brothers, “Let me find favor in your sight, and whatever you require of me I’ll give.

So Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant. Potiphar appointed Joseph overseer of his household and put him in charge of everything he owned.

Soon after these things, his master’s wife took notice of Joseph and said, “Have sex with me.”

But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him kindness. He granted him favor in the sight of the prison warden.

He turned away from them and wept. When he turned around and spoke to them again, he had Simeon taken from them and tied up before their eyes.

Now, do not be upset and do not be angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me ahead of you to preserve life!

I will go down with you to Egypt and I myself will certainly bring you back from there. Joseph will close your eyes.”

Now Israel’s eyes were failing because of his age; he was not able to see well. So Joseph brought his sons near to him, and his father kissed them and embraced them.

“I will grant this people favor with the Egyptians, so that when you depart you will not leave empty-handed.

Aaron spoke all the words that the Lord had spoken to Moses and did the signs in the sight of the people,

Then the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Take handfuls of soot from a furnace, and have Moses throw it into the air while Pharaoh is watching.

It will be for a sign on your hand and for frontlets on your forehead, for with a mighty hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt.”

When Pharaoh got closer, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians marching after them, and they were terrified. The Israelites cried out to the Lord,

Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve wells of water and seventy palm trees, and they camped there by the water.

and be ready for the third day, for on the third day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.