To be truthful, I’ve had a difficult time keeping up with all the deceit that continues to roll in the story of Jacob.  God had a plan for Jacob and He kept His word, but this chosen one keeps manipulating situations to make sure he gets what he needs.  Then there is Laban, Jacob’s uncle.  This man has attempted to control Jacob from the day Jacob arrived in Haran.  Let’s summarize a few events as we pick up with Chapter 30.

Let’s begin with the wives in Jacob’s life.  There is Leah, given in marriage deceitfully to Jacob by her father, Laban, simply because she was the oldest and needed to be married first.  Jacob labored seven years in order to provide a dowry for marrying Rachel and got Leah instead.

Rachel, the chosen bride that Jacob desires and doesn’t get until he’s married to Leah.  After fulfilling his marriage week with Leah, Laban agrees to give Jacob the bride of his heart, Rachel.  Jacob then works another seven years for Laban’s youngest daughter.  Up to this point you might surmise that Jacob is suffering the consequences of his previous behavior with stealing the birthright and blessing from his brother, Esau.  Maybe, you assume, Jacob has learned a valuable lesson and will begin to walk in righteousness.  Not so much.  But wait…there’s more.

The two wives (sisters) begin to have a type of baby-making competition.  Each woman, upon marriage, was given a maidservant.  Leah’s servant was Zilpah and Rachel’s servant was Bilhah.  Leah bore four sons to Jacob.  Rachel, not becoming pregnant, gave Jacob her servant, Bilhah, to bear a child.  Bilhah had two of Jacob’s sons.  Back to Leah who witnesses what is happening and she isn’t having more children so she switches to her servant, Zilpah.  Zilpah sleeps with Jacob and Zilpah produces two additional sons.  Whew, let’s slow down and name all these boys and the meanings of their names.  (I have placed all the sons on this list in addition to the names listed above.)

Sons of Leah

Reuben                                name means      see, a son

Simeon                 name means      hearing

Levi                        name means      joined

Judah                    name means      praise

Issachar                name means      hire

Zebulun               name means      dwelling

Sons born to Bilhah, Rachel’s servant

Dan                        name means      judge

Naphtali               name means      wrestling

Sons born to Zilpah, Leah’s servant

Gad                        name means      a troop or good fortune

Asher                    name means      happy

Son of Rachel

Joseph                  name means      adding

Benjamin             name means      son of the right hand

You will become very familiar with these names since these sons are the representatives, or heads, of the twelve tribes of Israel.  Jacob’s name will be changed to Israel in an upcoming chapter.  Even though God does not condone the multiple wives of Jacob, God will use these sons to produce the tribes needed to carry out His Will.

A couple of notes of clarification:  in the readings it appears that Reuben (Jacob’s firstborn son by Leah) obtained some mandrakes.  I asked you to see out what these were and their purpose.  Mandrakes were believed to possess fertility benefits when eaten.  Rachel, desperate to become pregnant, struck a deal with Leah.  If the mandrakes were given to Rachel, Leah would be given the privilege of being with Jacob in the physical sense.  Now, this brings the question of the relationship between Jacob and Leah.  Weren’t they already husband and wife?  Wasn’t he already “lying” with her?  Apparently not, or at least something had altered Leah’s wifely privileges.  Scripture doesn’t outline specifics.  I also wonder why Rachel has the authority to give this privilege back to Leah, but obviously she does and this was Rachel’s bargaining tool for obtaining the mandrakes.  As a result of this encounter between Jacob and Leah, she becomes pregnant again and gives birth to Issachar and later on another son, Zebulun.  Once Rachel gives birth to Joseph, the first of her two sons, Jacob begins conversations with Laban concerning his desire to return to his homeland.

Evidently the fourteen years of service has been concluded and Jacob is ready to return to the promised land of his upbringing.  Laban, realizing his prosperity has resulted from Jacob’s presence in his home, renegotiates Jacob’s previous work agreement for him to remain in Haran.  But remember Laban’s craftiness with getting what he wants.  On this occasion the matter involves Laban’s flocks.  This part of the story is very hard to understand, or at least it was for me.  I researched several sources, asked for Gary’s logical abilities and found on Windows Internet Explorer at source entitled, Bible Study Manuals: Genesis 30: 25-43, an explanation I can at least understand.  But as I was trying to decide who got what speckled animal and decipher all the details that surrounded the story, I suddenly asked myself, “What is important about this text and what should we take away from this portion of scripture?”

Therefore, I must give a few comments.  It appears that both of these men were trying to outwit each other.  In the end Jacob prospered because that was God’s Will.  Jacob’s prosperity had nothing to do with placing certain branches in the animals’ drinking water or having them visually exposed to animals with various markings. Becaus God made a covenant with Abraham guaranteeing the prosperity of his descendents including their possession of the Promised Land.  And God does not lie!  Jacob would prosper because God had ordained it.  But in Laban’s eyes an agreement that appeared to be geared for his personal gain at Jacob’s expense was not fulfilled.  The result?  Tensions are beginning to rise.

Dear Lord, I praise and thank you that you take our flawed human condition, forgive our sins, wash us white as snow and make us fit for your use.  By giving us examples like Jacob, you are shown to keep your promises and bring about desired outcomes in spite of our attempts to help you.  Keep us before the throne of grace and mercy always asking for guidance and hold us back from stepping outside your will.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Next week’s assignment:  Read Chapter 31

1.      Laban’s sons are beginning to accuse Jacob of stealing animals from their father since God is producing sheep and goats with markings previously agreed to be part of Jacob’s wages.  What action does Jacob take?

2.    Why did Rachel steal her father’s household idols?  Jacob believed in the One True God and Rachel must have been exposed to Jacob’s faith, so why take these idols?

3.    When Laban pursued Jacob’s entourage, he was spoken to in a dream.  What was the message Laban was given?

4.    After searching the tents of Jacob’s family for his idols and not finding them, Laban was reminded of the injustices shown to Jacob. What were the main issues Jacob brings up to Laban that probably has been bothering him for years?

5.    The two men built a pillar of stones as a sign for the pact they made with one another.  What exactly was the agreement?  Any special meaning attached to the names given to the pillar of stones?

Thanks for all the great discussion on Chapter 28 last week and for the postings regarding this current chapter. 

First, I have to comment on the beginning story of Chapter 29.  The more I read these initial verses, the harder it was for me not to see a parallel concerning Jacob rolling away the stone of the well and the stone being rolled away from the tomb of Jesus.  As I read these verses over and over, it seemed that Jacob was rolling away the stone to the well so the sheep could get a drink of water and the stone in front of the tomb of Jesus was rolled away so the Living Water could come forth to fulfill our spiritual thirst.  I just couldn’t let go of that thought so I must share it with you.  I also believe this demonstrates that Jacob is the one God is anointing to fulfill the covenant promise given to Abraham.  God is going to use Jacob, past faults and all to carry out His will.

Of course, there are consequences we must endure for our sinful behavior.  God forgives and forgets; however, consequences happen.  Isn’t it amazing how God is using Jacob in order to demonstrate to us that regardless of where we come from, what we’ve done, or how badly we think we’ve messed up, if we come before Him with a penitent heart, God will forgive us, clean us up and use us for His glory!  Amen!  Consequences for Jacob arrive neatly packaged as a lie.  The same venue he used to get his desires from his brother, Esau, is now being laid as a trap for Jacob.

Chapter 29 deals with Jacob working for his uncle, Laban, for seven years in order to gain Laban’s approval to marry his daughter, Rachel.  Jewish customs outlined the bride’s family would receive from the groom a “dowry”.  Since the women were valuable workers in their families, the absence of a daughter would mean a financial strain on her family.  The dowry would lift a financial burden and aid her parents when she became part of her husband’s family.   Jacob suggested the seven years to Laban in return for Rachel’s hand in marriage.  Laban agreed.  Of course, we have read the deceit played upon Jacob when on the morning following his marriage he found Leah in his bed instead of Rachel.  (By the way, a covering was found over the face of the bride, hence Jacob’s unawareness of the switch.)  My personal question has always been, where was Rachel and why didn’t she scream out to Jacob when he married her sister? 

So, Jacob is deceived and finds out the next morning.  A confrontation with Laban reveals that the younger daughter is not to marry before the older one and if Jacob will follow through with the marriage week with Leah, Laban will reward Jacob with his ultimate desire, Rachel.  So within a week Jacob has two wives and has worked seven years for Laban with seven more to follow.  Our lesson? Consequences are always brought to bear in return for acts of deceit.

The latter part of the chapter deals with the children being born to Jacob and Leah while Rachel remains barren.  Apparently, God sees that Leah is loved less than Rachel and opens Leah’s womb.  Ironically, Leah has the first four of Jacob’s sons and they include Levi (the ancestor of the Aaronic priestly line) and Judah (the ancestor of David and his royal line and ultimately….Jesus!).

The names and the meanings of those names given to the sons of Leah and Jacob:

Reuben; “It is because the Lord has seen my misery”…”he has seen my troubles”

Simeon; “Because the Lord has heard that I am not loved”…”has heard”

Levi; “Now at last my husband will become attached to me”…”be close to”

Judah; “This time I will praise the Lord”…”praise”

Father, thank you for continuing to unravel the scriptures found within the book of Genesis to us.  Help us to avoid thinking that deceiving others is the way to obtain what we “need” or “want”.  Enable us to humbly come before you knowing the result of numerous blessings will flow if we only wait on your timing.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Next week’s assignment:  Please read Chapter 30

1.      Jacob’s family continues to grow, but it seems Leah and Rachel get their maidservants involved in procreating children.  Note the name of the woman and the children she bore for Jacob.  For instance, Leah is the mother of Reuben, Simeon, Levi and Judah. 

2.    Jacob’s sons will make up the twelve tribes of Israel.  At the end of Chapter 30, are all twelve sons mentioned?  If not, do you know who is missing?

3.    In verse 25 of Chapter 30, my subtitle reads, “Jacob tricks Laban”….in a short paragraph and in your own words, what happens?  It appears that Laban is attempting to do the tricking when the deceit backfires. 

4.    Also, Rachel and Leah are arguing over mandrakes.  Research and see if you can determine what a mandrake is and if it carried importance to these women.

5.    When Leah hands over the mandrake/mandrakes to Rachel, what was Rachel’s bargaining tool?

While Gary and I were in Florida last winter, the pastor of the church we attended had a sermon series dealing with Jacob.  The pastor admitted that he didn’t like Jacob very much.  This chapter illuminates why it’s hard to be a Jacob cheerleader.  However, it demonstrates the sinful nature of man and that even in our human frailties God will accomplish His plan.  We must remember that sinful actions bear consequences.  That is why I particularly asked if each study participant would write down the four names of these family members and share, in your own words, the consequences each one faced for his/her actions.  First, I’ll outline the actions presented in this chapter.

Let’s begin with Isaac.  Isaac, I’ve always admired.  The one incident that was the origin of my admiration was Isaac’s reaction when he found out he was to be the sacrificial offering at Moriah.  Scripture does not verify he fought with his father verbally or physically, but Genesis does document Abraham bound Isaac and laid him on the altar!  That is obedience, my friends.  Then Isaac, without question or disgruntlement, marries the woman brought to him from his native homeland by order of Abraham.   Isaac is never recorded to have had concubines or additional wives in a time when most men were pursing this lifestyle.  Isaac exemplifies the characteristics of a stellar man of faith.  As this chapter begins Isaac is old and no longer able to see clearly.  In fact, he can’t tell his sons apart except by touch and the sound of their voices.

Rebekah is Isaac’s wife and the mother of Esau and Jacob.  Where do I begin?  She seemingly has been a good wife and one that was unable to bear children for quite a while.  I imagine when she found out she was with child, she was ecstatic!  But she should have shared with Isaac the prophecy given about the twins when the Lord explained the reason for their noticeable activity within her womb.  Would it have changed the outcome?  I don’t know, but Isaac definitely should have been in the loop with this information.  Did this information impact the favoritism she possessed for Jacob?  It would seem that way when Rebekah determined, after eavesdropping on Isaac and Esau’s conversation, that Jacob should get the first blessing from his father.  Remember, Jacob was the owner of the birthright after withholding a bowl of soup from Esau until this rite of passage was traded.  Rebekah was unwavering in her mission for Jacob to have it all.

Esau, the oldest son.  This man is a bit of a mystery to me.  Before he was born Jacob was grabbing onto his heel as he tried to come into the world.  Prophecy was given while all the “jostling” within Rebekah’s womb was going on, that he would serve his younger brother.  Some commentaries say he despised his birthright of the firstborn son; therefore, he gave it away the first chance he got.  I truly don’t have a comment concerning this statement.  But Esau did give his verbal oath to Jacob for a bowl of stew and the birthright became Jacob’s.  A verbal oath was all that was needed to make the transaction between the two legal and forever binding (according to my Bible's footnote).  Nothing else is written about Esau until this chapter when Isaac asks Esau to go out hunting, prepare the fruits of his labor, bring the meal to him and he would give his firstborn a blessing.  Esau goes immediately out and obeys his father. 

Jacob, the youngest of the boys.  Seems to me that Jacob is a “let’s make a deal” kind of guy.  Although God has given the outcome, Jacob went about deceitfully obtaining that birthright.  (As I mentioned before, Esau would hunt and Jacob would cook, what gave Jacob the upper hand by cooking Esau’s offerings that he could withhold that bowl of stew from his brother?)  Now we read about this little maneuver suggested by his mother to gain the final blessing.  Did he once say, “Mom, this really isn’t what God would want us to do!”  Or maybe, “Mom, Dad can’t even see, I feel very badly about deceiving him.”  Nope, none of the above.  They have a plan and every question Jacob has about implementation, Rebekah has covered with more deceit.  And the plan goes into effect.

Consequences for the above actions will continue to follow these individuals for several chapters.  But for now, Isaac realizes that Jacob has tricked him into obtaining Esau’s blessing.  Instead of getting these sons together (which should have been done years before), Isaac is told by Rebekah that Jacob needs to be sent to her brother, Laban.  She just can’t bear the thought that Jacob would marry a Hittite woman.  Esau, as you might remember from last week, married two of these Hittite women at the age of 40.  Hittites were pagan believers.  After hearing Esau state that he will kill his brother for tricking his father into the blessing, Rebekah uses the marriage excuse to send Jacob to her brother Laban’s home far away from Esau.  Isaac agrees to her request.

Rebekah thinks all will be well.  Although Esau is mad now, it will pass…or so she thought.  In verse 45 she explains to Jacob that he has to go away for a while, but after Esau’s anger subsides she’ll send for him and he can come back home.  Guess what?  Rebekah never sees Jacob in the flesh again.  That little anger episode with Esau lasted a bit longer than she anticipated.  Consequences, my friends.  Only two sons and her “favorite” will walk out the door forever.

Esau is becoming a man full of hate and desires to kill his own brother.  I can actually understand Esau’s anger problem.  First the jostling in the womb, then the birthright/stew situation and now the final blessing is taken from him.  I could hear him as he cried out to his father, “Bless me—me, too, my father!”  Followed by, “Haven’t you saved a blessing for me?”  It breaks my heart that this man has been ousted.  Maybe the circumstances surrounding his life up to this point have caused him to marry Hittite, pagan women.  After all, he didn’t marry until he was 40.  Was he waiting for guidance or words of instruction?  It appears Esau didn’t have anything to lose and that can be a very dangerous place to be.  He wants Jacob to die and he plans it after Isaac’s death.

Jacob will leave his home and his parents.  The mother/son bonding will come to an end.  Jacob travels to Haran and works for Rebekah’s brother, Laban and the series of events surrounding Jacob will unfold numerous consequences for the rest of his natural life.  Yes, Jacob has the covenant blessing given to Abraham’s descendents; yes, he carries his father, Isaac’s blessing; but the consequences he will have to suffer might bring to remembrance time and time again how these blessings were obtained.

In conclusion, the fact that God gave Rebekah the prophecy about the twins and the older will serve the younger before they were even born has been a question in a lot of minds as to “why”?   I’d like to think that since God is all knowing, He knew what choices would be made by each son before one baby drew breath.  Free will is a gift from God this side of heaven.  As humans we get to choose our actions, our path of career, the words we speak and if we will be followers of Christ.  What we do with information and insights God has given us is up to us.  Since God gave Rebekah the prophecy before her babies were born, she was given the option of what to do with the information.  Her childrearing had to play a part in the way each boy lived his life and conducted his actions.  As I stated before, if she had included Isaac in this “nugget” owould it have made a difference in their feelings toward each son? 

Still the fact remains, friends, God is sovereign.  God knows what He’s doing. 

Father, thank you again for teaching us.  Although the lessons aren’t as clear as we’d like them to be, you demonstrate for us that consequences unfold as we take situations into our own hands without consulting you through prayer.  Prayer is an important tool for us to utilize as we lay our requests and concerns before you.  Show us how we should live that others will see Jesus in us.  In His name, I pray, Amen.

Next week’s assignment:  Read Chapter 28.

1.      Once again Isaac blesses Jacob and sends him away to find a wife.  When Esau learned of the additional blessing and the reason for sending Jacob to Northwest Mesopotamia, he takes an action of his own.  Describe what Esau does. 

2.    Jacob stops on his journey for an overnight and has a dream.  Explain the dream.  What does God tell him that ensures us as study participants that this is the covenant promise given to Abraham?  What words are used?

3.    Interesting in verse 20 Jacob wants God’s protection.  What is of importance to Jacob according to verse 21?  Consequences, my friends, are happening.