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 –>
Sabbath Afternoon Read for This Week’s Study: Genesis 25:21-34, Genesis 28:10-22, Genesis 11:1-9, Genesis 29:1-30, Genesis 30:25-32. Memory Text: “And Esau said, ‘Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has supplanted me these two times. He took away my birthright, and now look, he has taken away my blessing!’ And he said, ‘Have you not reserved a blessing for me?’” (Genesis … Continue reading –>
Two Divine Appointments By Theda Pienaar I have a habit of not traveling without first asking God whether the trip would be His will. I live in Ireland, while my family lives in South Africa and a sister lives in Namibia. I visit them about once a year. On the airplane, I read the Bible, … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Because Abraham was the extraordinary prophet with whom God would share His plans (Genesis 18:17), God entered Abraham’s human sphere and shared with him, to some degree, His plan of salvation through the sacrifice of His Son. “Isaac was a figure of the Son of God, who was offered a sacrifice for the … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, “The Tower of Babel,” Pages 117-124, in Patriarchs and Prophets. “They decided to build a city, and in it a tower of such stupendous height … These enterprises were designed to prevent the people from scattering abroad in colonies. God had directed men to disperse throughout the earth, to replenish … Continue reading –>
Read Genesis 11:8-9, and Genesis 9:1; compare with Genesis 1:28. Why is God’s dispersion redemptive? God’s design and blessing for humans was that they would “multiply, and fill the earth” (Genesis 9:1, NKJV; compare with Genesis 1:28, NKJV). Against God’s plan, the builders of Babel preferred to stick together as the same people. One reason they said they wanted to build … Continue reading –>
