Read Genesis 29:1–30 Introduction Jacob has traveled the great distance from his parents’ lodging in southern Canaan to the region of Paddan-Aram. The LORD came looking for Jacob, and He revealed His covenant promises to Jacob by means of a dream at the place that is renamed Bethel (“house of God”). Jacob hears for himself […]
Read Genesis 28:10–22 Introduction Jacob must flee from his own home because his brother Esau is plotting to kill him. He leaves with only his staff in hand. But he also leaves with something very significant, namely, his father’s blessing and his directives to find a wife among his relatives in Paddan-Aram (Gen. 28:2ff). This […]
Read Genesis 27:1–29 Introduction We were introduced to the twins Esau and Jacob in Genesis 25. The story told there shows that the two boys are in conflict. But the conflict has not yet broken out into the open. Prophetic word (Gen. 25:23) has assigned Jacob over Esau the firstborn. Jacob purchases the birthright from […]
Read Genesis 27:30–28:9 Introduction In the first part of Genesis 27 we read of events in a covenant home where no one seems to trust the other members, where parental favoritism sets into motion some very ungodly actions, and where we are embarrassed to think of these people as our spiritual ancestors. Again, we must […]
Read Genesis 29:31–30:24 Introduction God’s providence led Jacob to his relatives in Paddan-Aram. He comes to a well where the shepherds know his uncle Laban, then his lovely cousin Rachel “just happens” to come along, and soon Jacob is integrated into the household of Laban. Jacob comes to love Rachel. Laban has had other plans […]
Read Genesis 30:25–43 Introduction The covenant promise had been that God would be with His people, He would create seed (people, a nation) and provide land (place to call home) for that seed. But He had also promised to increase the blessings that His people would receive. That was Isaac’s blessing to his son in […]
Read Genesis 31:1–55 Introduction Jacob has been disadvantaged by Uncle Laban on several counts: he tricked Jacob at the time of the marriage so that Laban is able to get both daughters married to Jacob, and he gets fourteen years of work from a willing Jacob. Not bad for Laban! But God’s “hidden hand” is […]
Read Genesis 32:1–21 Introduction One crisis with Laban has been averted; another looms ahead for Jacob with Esau. A covenant seals the deal between Jacob and Laban so that there may be peace between them and their descendants. “Good fences make good neighbors,” it is said. But Esau is a new neighbor that is just […]
Read Genesis 32:22–33 Introduction Jacob faces his brother Esau who, he learns, is coming to meet Jacob with four hundred men. Jacob’s response is typical of those who feel their back is to the wall: he becomes physically defensive, sends great gifts to Esau, but most importantly, he is thrown back to prayer to the […]
Read Genesis 33 Introduction Jacob has met a “mysterious Stranger,” and they wrestled through the night. It becomes apparent that this Man is no ordinary human being. He gives to Jacob a new name—Israel—since he has struggled with God and won. Jacob has become the “winner” by sovereign permission and divine appointment. With this new […]