This passage of Scripture lifts up the family of Esau in great detail. It shares who the progeny of Esau was. His family is blessed, just as Abraham had promised he would be. Why would this passage be included, though? Israel was the chosen son of promise to bring about the fulfillment of the covenant. … Continue reading The Chiefs of Edom (Genesis 36:15-30)
A Plan Comes Together (Genesis 35:27-36:14)
Jacob finally made it back to Canaan, where his father Isaac still lived, even though far advanced in years. He and Esau were there when he died, and they buried him together. Although Esau was not the chosen son through whom the covenant would be fulfilled, we find a record of his blessings as well. … Continue reading A Plan Comes Together (Genesis 35:27-36:14)
The Family Circle is Completed (Genesis 35:16-26)
Jacob's wife Rachel had her last child, Benjamin. She wanted to call him Ben-Oni (Son of My Sorrow). Benjamin (Son of My Right Hand) was Israel's chosen name for his son, because he chose to see the birth of his last son as a son of promise. When you are in the throes of death … Continue reading The Family Circle is Completed (Genesis 35:16-26)
Back to Bethel (Genesis 34:1-35:15)
While the story of the Dinah incident is chilling and puzzling, the main thought I see emerging from this account is the trip back to Bethel that Jacob made with his entire household. But let us begin with the Dinah incident. Dinah was the daughter of Leah, who went out to visit other young ladies … Continue reading Back to Bethel (Genesis 34:1-35:15)
God, the God of Israel (Genesis 33:18-20)
This very short passage shows Jacob getting about the business of reclaiming his rightful inheritance as a descendant of Abraham. He even went to the town of Shechem, where Abraham had dwelt as well. He bought a piece of land and set up his dwelling there. Not extremely eventful, except for him getting back on … Continue reading God, the God of Israel (Genesis 33:18-20)
Wrestle with God Before You Wrestle With Man (Genesis 32:22-33:17)
Jacob was solved one family issue(Laban), and has planned for solving another(Esau). He sent his entire family and servants across the Jabbok ford, and he stayed behind. An abrupt change happens here. Out of nowhere, Jacob is wrestling with a Man. It is widely understood that this was an appearance of Jesus Christ in preincarnate … Continue reading Wrestle with God Before You Wrestle With Man (Genesis 32:22-33:17)
(Genesis 31:43-32:21)
Laban has caught up with Jacob, and they have aired their feelings, God has intervened, and now they agree to part ways. Before that, though, they make a covenant. They, each in their own native languages, designate the place as a heap of witness, and Jacob agrees to take care of Laban's daughters and have … Continue reading (Genesis 31:43-32:21)
Heading Home with More (Genesis 31:1-42)
Jacob left Canaan with very little, under cover of night, avoiding sure death at the hand of his brother. He found favor in the land of Haran, among his mother's brethren, married two wives and had eleven children and acquired flocks of sheep and goats. After 20 years of servitude to Laban, Jacob felt the … Continue reading Heading Home with More (Genesis 31:1-42)
And the Blessings Explode! (Genesis 29:31-30:43)
Jacob now has two wives, and begins his family. In the process, he begins to see the promises of God to Abraham begin to unfold. Whereas Abraham only had one child by Sarah, and then Isaac only had two by Rebekah, now Jacob has multiple babies by his two wives and their maids. In this … Continue reading And the Blessings Explode! (Genesis 29:31-30:43)
How Deep is Your Love? (Genesis 29:1-30)
I thought of a lot of songs and phrases that could describe this story: "Love at First Sight," "The Things We Do For Love," "I Love You Just the Way You Are (Sung to Rachel, though, not Leah)." While this may seem a little silly, this love story is a convoluted mess that once again … Continue reading How Deep is Your Love? (Genesis 29:1-30)
Devoted To You 