From Peniel, “the face of God” (see Genesis 32:30), the place where he had this experience with God, Jacob moves now to meet with his brother. After 20 years of separation, Jacob sees him coming with 400 men (Genesis 33:1). Jacob is worried, and therefore prepares himself and his family for whatever might happen. Read Genesis 33:1-20. What connection … Continue reading –>
Gone from Laban, Jacob soon has another experience with God. Knowing that his brother, Esau, is coming, and with “four hundred men” (Genesis 32:6), too. Jacob prays fervently to the Lord, even though he acknowledged that “I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which You have shown … Continue reading –>
Sabbath Afternoon Read for This Week’s Study: Genesis 32:22-31; Hosea 12:3-4; Jeremiah 30:5-7; Genesis 33:1-20; Genesis 34:30-35:29. Memory Text: “And He said, ‘Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed’” (Genesis 32:28, NKJV). The family saga of Jacob continues, both the good and the bad. Yet, through … Continue reading –>
My Most Valuable Possession By Theda Pienaar As is my custom, I opened my Bible to read on a flight from Namibia to South Africa. Immediately, a young man beside me spoke up. “Is that a Bible?” he said. He apparently was from Eastern Europe. “Yes, it’s a Bible,” I said. “Do you believe in … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: God chose Jacob, not because he deserved it, but because of His grace. And yet, Jacob worked hard to try to deserve grace, which itself is a contradiction. If he deserved it, then it wouldn’t be grace; it would be works (see Romans 4:1-5), which is contrary to the gospel. Only later did Jacob start … Continue reading –>
In this story, Jacob — who deceived his father and his brother to acquire the birthright, and who stole the blessing that Isaac designed to give to his elder son — nevertheless remained passive toward Laban and served him faithfully. Jacob knows well that he has been deceived by his father-in-law, and yet, he let … Continue reading –>
For Jacob the last seven years of exile were a burden, and yet, these were also the most fruitful years. In them, Jacob will father 11 of the 12 children who will become the ancestors of God’s people. This section constitutes the center of Jacob’s story (Genesis 25:19-35:26), and it begins and ends with the key … Continue reading –>
Read Genesis 29:1-30. How and why does God allow for Laban’s deception? What lessons did Jacob learn? The first thing that Jacob sees when he arrives at the place of destination is a stone, perhaps a hint referring back to the stone of Bethel, which signified God’s presence (Genesis 28:18-19). It is this stone that will, after … Continue reading –>
As soon as Esau learns that Jacob has received his father’s blessing, he understands that he has been deceived and supplanted by his brother (Genesis 27:36), and he wants to kill him (Genesis 27:42). Rebekah is worried and wants to prevent this crime that would be fatal for both sons (Genesis 27:45). So, with the support of Isaac (Genesis … Continue reading –>
Read Genesis 25:21-34. Compare the two personalities of Jacob and Esau. What qualities of Jacob predisposed him to be worthy of Isaac’s blessing? Already from their mother’s womb we understand that Jacob and Esau are different and will struggle against each other. While Esau is described as a tough hunter running in the field, Jacob is … Continue reading –>
