If we measure God's promises by our own behavior, it would be discouraging and disappointing. But God can be absolutely trusted to keep all of His promises.

Jacob, though having a conniving spirit, nevertheless knew the superior value of the birthright, and struggled with everything he had to hang onto it.

The blessings granted to Jacob's sons as well as Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, identifies the descendants of ancient Israel today.

Jacob's prophecy in Genesis 48 promises that Manasseh will be a great nation. One nation in today's world is the unmistakable fulfillment of this prophecy.

The Bible declares where scattered Israel is not, as well as giving clues where the various tribes have settled on the modern map of the world.

Matthew 27:29 records that a reed was placed in Christ's hand as a mock scepter. But when He returns, He will take the scepter of the Kingdom of God.

The enigmatic symbol of the 'key of David' appears twice in Scripture. Significantly, it helps us to identify the descendants of Israel in our day.

Once Israel is identified prophetically, Bible prophecy opens up and God's plan becomes plain!

God frequently bypasses the firstborn, selecting for His purposes another sibling. Jacob selected Joseph's second son, Ephraim, to receive the blessing.

God has honored His promise to David that He would always provide a member of his family to sit on the throne of Judah. The heirs to David's scepter live today.

The story of Esau and his selling his birthright for a bowl of soup is a cautionary tale for today. What we treasure will ultimately determine our destiny.

As citizens of the Kingdom of God, we are strangers, foreigners, aliens, or pilgrims to the world, but full-fledged citizens of God's Kingdom.