As an assignment for this chapter I asked if the class participants would construe why an entire chapter would address the descendents of Esau.  As I began delving into commentaries and scripture references here are my conclusions:

1.     This chapter gives evidence of the original promise that Esau would become the head of a nation.

2.    One of Esau’s descendents (verse 11), Eliphaz the Temanite, was mentioned in the book of Job as one of the friends that came to Job to offer comfort during the trials and tribulations Job was experiencing.  Job himself was from the land of Uz meaning he probably lived in Edom!

3.    A child was born to Esau by the name of Amalek (verse 12).  If you go back to chapter 14, verse 7, you will read about the tribal people living in the Negev and in the Sinai peninsula called the Amalekites.  We will be reading more about this tribe in studies to come so remember the name Amalekites. 

4.    Beginning in verse 31 kings are mentioned that proceed from Esau’s descendents “before any Israelite king reigned”.  As I consulted my commentary I want to give the exact explanation written within the text.  So from the Believer’s Bible Commentary, written by William MacDonald, on page 70, here is what Mr. MacDonald has penned:

“Moses, the author of Genesis, knew by divine revelation that Israel would eventually have a king.  As seven generations of the ungodly line of Cain were given in chapter 4, so seven generations of kings in the ungodly line of Esau are mentioned here in verses 33-39.  Seven, the number of completeness, probably indicates the entire line.  Not one of Esau’s descendants is mentioned in God’s registry of the faithful; all are lost in the obscurity of those who depart from the living God.  They had temporary riches and the passing fame of this world, but nothing for eternity.”

I also remembered that a chapter was dedicated/written about the descendents of Ishmael.  Ishmael was the son of Abraham, just as Esau was the son of Isaac.  Both of these men were sons of the heir to the Promised Covenant.  So close and yet so far.

Father, you have offered eternal life through your only son, Jesus Christ.  We are heirs to the Promised Covenant paid for by the blood of the perfect sacrificial Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.  Happy are those who accept and partake of the table you have already prepared.   What an absolutely wonderful feast arranged by our Heavenly Father.   Thank you for loving us so much.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Next week’s assignment:  Please read Chapter 37.  From this chapter until the end of the book of Genesis we will be discussing a pivotal character of scripture, Joseph.  Of the two sons born to Jacob by his beloved Rachel, Joseph was the older and Benjamin the youngest.  This story catalogs the adventures of Joseph and subsequently additional consequences suffered by Jacob by the hands of his sons.  Inevitably, God’s Will shines through as the story progresses, but Joseph’s story, like many of our own, is filled with valleys and mountain top experiences which build our faith and belief in Almighty God.

1.      Why did Jacob give a coat of many colors to Joseph?  Didn’t he realize the danger of favoritism? 

2.    Note the dreams of Joseph; what were they and what were their meanings?  Once again, why would Joseph tell these dreams to his older brothers?

3.    What was the original plan to get rid of Joseph by his brothers?  Who tried to avert the plan?  Why?

4.    What did happen to Joseph?  What was the explanation given to Jacob?

Since I asked each of you to find five facts that touched your heart in this week’s reading assignment, I have followed suit.  So here goes (by the way, Cindy, thanks so much for your lovely comments);

1.      God speaks personally to Jacob.  Remember in closing last week that I mentioned God was silent throughout the previous chapter for a Holy God cannot be in the presence of evil.  The physical abusive act of rape against Dinah and her brothers’ revenge were acts of evil.  But once the “dust had settled”, God spoke again to Jacob, the chosen heir of the promise, and gave him further instructions. 

2.    God sent Jacob back to Bethel.  This was the very place Jacob wrestled with God.  Sometimes God takes us back to a previous place or experience where His presence was truly felt to get us going in the direction of His will for our lives.  Ironically the “great tree” mentioned in verse 8 is a landmark that aided individuals living in this area with directions.  How cool is the fact that the tree directed persons physically and spiritually? 

3.    Rebekah’s nurse, Deborah, passes away and is buried under this landmark tree.  Although I couldn’t remember the mention of Rebekah’s nurse in previous readings, she is mentioned in Chapter 24, verse 59.  Here is a faithful servant that did her job weand is being given a lovely burial place and recognition in scripture.  Reminds us that we are all important to God regardless of our place in society.

4.    Jacob’s name is changed to Israel.  What a beautiful blessing God bestows on Israel, “I am God Almighty; be fruitful and increase in number.  A nation and a community of nations will come from you, and kings will come from your body.  The land I gave to Abraham and Isaac I also give to you, and I will give this land to your descendants after you.”  Wow!  Then I love this next sentence, “Then God went up from him at the place where he had talked with him.”  Sounds like the ascension of Jesus, doesn’t it?

5.    Rachel dies in childbirth and is buried on the way to Ephrath, near Bethlehem.  Jacob not only loses his beloved Rachel, but a while after returning to his homeland and being reunited with his father, Isaac also passes away.  I am touched by the latter part of verse 29, “And his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.”  Just as Ishmael and Isaac buried their father, Abraham after many personality struggles, so these two sons of Isaac come together at their father’s death and put aside all previous selfish encounters.

God is good all the time….and all the time God is good!

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for loving us enough to bring us back to those times and places where we had genuine encounters with you.  Times when we laid ourselves and all we are on the altar so that you might work in and through us to bring about your will in our lives.  Remind us to continually stop and make a list of even five situations when you have been faithful and taught us lessons.  I’m sure the list will grow as we meditate on your goodness and mercy.  We love you, Lord.  Amen.

Next week’s assignment:  Please read Chapter 36.  This will be a catch up week for us.  If you need to read and answer questions, please use this week to do so.  This chapter deals will all the descendants of Esau.  My question for you to consider, why do you think it is important to devote an entire chapter to naming the descendants of Esau?

 

Before we get into the comments for Chapter 33, I do realize that I have also posted comments for Chapter 34 without previously assigning my BLBS participants to read this Chapter.  However, once I began reading and studying Chapter 33, the Holy Spirit seemed to urge me to continue reading and include this chapter with our study this week.  I would only ask that you read this chapter before you begin looking over my comments.  I think it will become clearer as to why I followed the “nudges” I encountered.

The factor that stands out to me in Chapter 33 is a change of heart regarding Esau towards the brother he previously wanted to kill after the deceitful way Jacob and his mother stole his firstborn blessing.  Of course this followed the ploy by Jacob to obtain the birthright of the firstborn from Esau over a bowl of stew.  Esau, although accompanied by 400 men to greet Jacob, was mistaken in his intentions as trickery (wonder why?) by Jacob.  Upon hearing about Esau’s entourage coming in his direction, Jacob sends gifts of livestock ahead of him and his family, trying to ease tensions and possible “pay-back” of his older brother by appealing to a potential change of heart.

Interesting, as Chapter 33 opens Jacob sees the hundreds of men escorting his brother and he panics.  But read what Jacob does; he divides his children among their mothers and puts the maidservants first, Leah next and then Rachel and Joseph last.  However, Jacob does something that even surprised me.  He went ahead of all of them and bowed down seven times in front of his brother (this is a 14^th century B.C. sign of total submission).  Esau’s reaction to this gesture?  He RAN to meet his brother, threw his arms around Jacob’s neck and kissed him.  Ever read about the prodigal son?  These are the actions of the father who welcomed home a son he never thought he’d see again.  Think that Esau has changed? However, his brother Jacob isn’t reassured.

Esau is surprised to learn that all those accompanying Jacob are his nieces, nephews and sisters-in-law.  After reassuring Jacob that he doesn’t need all the “droves”, or gifts of livestock, Esau accepts them upon Jacob’s insistence, but asks if he can escort Jacob and his family back to their home.  Here’s where Jacob goes back into his human shell of doubt.  He makes an excuse that between his young children and nursing livestock, he needs to travel at a very slow pace and to go ahead of him.  Even though Esau suggests he will leave some of his men to travel with him, Jacob insists he will be following behind and not to bother, so Esau heads to Seir.

This is where the self doubt and distrustful nature we possess as humans in need of a spirit full of faith makes mistakes that cannot be undone.  Instead of believing that his brother, Esau, has truly changed and is making amends for previous threats and behavior, Jacob takes the travel plans of his family into his own hands.  Jacob heads to Succoth and then goes to the city of Shechem in Canaan and camped within site of the city.  But Jacob did a little more than camp within “site” of the city.  He purchased with 100 pieces of silver from the sons of Hamor, father of Shechem, a plot of ground where he pitched his tent.  Sound like he’s moving on to Seir to join his brother, Esau?  Although Jacob made an altar, El Elohe Israel, I think he will regret settling in this area out of doubt and fear of living close to his brother.  Shechem is located in Canaan, but this area is inhabited by the native Canaanites.  Two factors result from dealing with these native Canaanites; either hostility or absorption.  This will be troublesome to Jacob’s household as I continued reading in the next chapter.

It always seems when we follow our own instincts without consulting the Lord, we are given consequences to bear.  In Chapter 34, Dinah, Jacob’s only daughter by Leah, goes out one day to socialize with the women in this land of Shechem.  This seems like a very innocent action; however, Hamor the Hivvite, ruler of the land has a son, ironically by the name of Shechem (probably named after the city itself), saw Dinah and “took her and violated her”.  Then the following verse tells us he was drawn to her and spoke tenderly to her….too little, too late, if you ask me.  This young man like so many in society today had his actions backwards; defile the girl, disgrace her, then ask for her hand in marriage?  Shechem asks his father to “get” her for him.

When Jacob learns what has happened he keeps quiet until his sons come home from the fields.  While Hamor goes to Jacob to secure Dinah for his son, the brothers come in from the fields, are told what has happened to their sister and are furious.  They devise a plan for revenge.  Meanwhile, Hamor is trying to give all the positives of the families merging; the children can intermarry, flocks can be shared and whatever bride price Jacob sets will be met.  Bottom line, I need to get Dinah for my son, Shechem, because he wants her.  A simple deal, right?  However, the brothers come up with a condition (with deceit in their hearts).  If these men want to intermarry with their family (especially their sister, Dinah), all the men will need to be circumcised or Jacob’s family will be disgraced. 

All the men of the city are gathered and told that circumcision is the only way for the tribes to become as one and take their daughters in marriage.  They agree to the stipulation and Shechem forms the line for circumcision.  Three days after the entire city of men have been circumcised and are recovering, two of Dinah’s brothers, Simeon and Levi, go into the city and kill all the males including the ruler of the city, Hamor, and his son, Shechem.  They “rescue” their sister, Dinah, and take her home.  It appears the other brothers come into the city and find all the bodies of the men and begin looting the town.  They take the women, children, livestock, wealth and plunder all the houses.

When Jacob learns what his sons have done, what does he do?  He reprimands them.  He tells them that they have brought trouble on him, by making him, a stench to the Canaanites and Perizzites, people living in the land.  He continues reminding them that if the surrounding tribes retaliate against him that he, and his household will be destroyed.

His sons’ reply is simple.  “Should he (Shechem) have treated our sister like a prostitute?”

Good question.  I’d like to have known Jacob’s answer.  His only daughter, Dinah, has been disgraced while his sons bear the blood of an entire city of men on their hands because Jacob couldn’t trust nor have faith that his brother’s intentions have changed.  Note:  The name of God closes out Chapter 33, El Elohe Israel and God begins speaking again at the beginning of Chapter 35.  During the events of Chapter 34, the name of the Lord is not mentioned.  A Holy God cannot be in the presence of evil.

Lord, we desperately need to rise above our finite understanding and put on the armor of God that supports a faith that is unbending and unchanging.  Help us to believe in the journey even though we can’t understand the direction and struggle with a firm foundation on which to plant our feet.  Urge us by the Holy Spirit to read and study your Holy Word so that you might encourage us to step out and believe in the unique route especially designed for us.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Next week’s assignment:  Read Chapter 35.

As you read this chapter, please ask God to show you at least five different facts that touch your heart.  There are some tender moments within this chapter.  See what God, through the Holy Spirit, will point out to you.  If you’d like to share, I’d enjoy reading your comments.  God bless, friends.

 

As Chapter 31 ended we saw Jacob leaving Laban in peace.  Two camps that were hostile to one another parted ways calmly as Laban kissed his daughters and grandchildren goodbye.  Jacob and his entourage are now headed to Canaan.

In the beginning verses of Chapter 32 Jacob is greeted by angels and views this sighting as divine securing his encounter with his brother, Esau, as peaceful .  The place where the sighting occurs is called Mahanaim which means “two hosts” or “double camp”.  After all, if he and Laban can part in peace, maybe he and his brother could follow suit. Jacob sends messengers ahead of him to meet Esau.  Desiring to know his brother’s intentions, Jacob sends a messenger using terms such as “your servant” and “my lord” indicating respect in an attempt to defuse the situation if Esau has come to retaliate.

After being given the report that Esau was headed in his direction with four hundred men, Jacob (being Jacob) decides he should take an extra measure to ensure safety for his wives and children.  He divides his camp into two in order that if one camp is attacked by Esau, the other will survive.  Appears Jacob is still trying to help God out, don’t you think?

But in verses 9-12 we read the prayer of Jacob.  I asked the question what was Jacob really praying for as he came before God? Was this a turning point for Jacob of total surrender of his plans and schemes?  It appears to me that Jacob was in total need of God’s help.  When he left home twenty years ago, it was just him.  Now he has wives and children, workers and animals depending on his protection and provision.  He remembers the covenant promise established by God, first to his forefathers and then to him.  Jacob is now laying claim to those promises.  Interestingly, Jacob sent three separate installments of gifts to his brother, Esau, ahead of him to “lessen the blow” of his brother’s possible anger for actions of twenty years ago.  My commentary states the total animal gifting amounted to 580!  That’s a lot of gifting!  In each instance Jacob wants his servants to remind Esau that he is seeking to find favor in his brother’s eyes.  Is this another ploy of Jacob to ensure his own safety after just proclaiming God’s promises?

So the night before the meeting with his brother, Jacob sends his immediate family across the stream called Jabbok (meaning “he will empty”) and he stays behind at Peniel (meaning “the face of God”).  It was at this place that Jacob finally is taught the ultimate lesson of trusting God.  It was here that Jacob actually wrestled with God in the physical and spiritual sense.  During this physical contact, Jacob’s hip was pulled out of its socket causing him to walk with a limp for the rest of his life.  Although the physical battle was lost, spiritually Jacob learned that God was greater than anything or any man he could face.  As God emptied Jacob of all his clever “self” schemes and confidence in his own ability, Jacob would not let go of God until God had blessed him.  To me, this is total surrender of everything Jacob was and hoped to be to his Father God.  Jacob finally realizes he is nothing without God’s guidance, blessing and aid.  God blesses Jacob with a name change.  Jacob’s name will be Israel (meaning “God rules”; “one who strives with God”; or “a prince of God”).

Couple of notes for you to consider:  First, in the Jewish faith the sciatic nerve or thigh vein must be removed from a slaughtered animal before the animal is prepared for human consumption by the orthodox Jews.  Why?  Because Jacob’s hip socket was touched near the tendon.

Secondly, what in your life are you wrestling to overcome?  Jacob was on his way to confront Esau.  He tried everything he could think of to ease Esau’s anger or retaliation instead of trusting God.  In Jacob we see that we all wrestle whether it be with other people (brothers, sisters, parents, children, extended family, boss, co-workers, husband/wife), ourselves or with God.  Christ comes to save us, rescue us and sometimes to wrestle with us.  He cripples our sin nature (Jacob’s hip) in order to get our attention and change our direction to concur with His. 

Jacob, the heal grabber, is now ready to met his brother, Esau.  He has finally stopped grabbing from others and has grabbed onto God.

At times, Lord, you must get so disappointed in our behavior and motives.  One minute we believe your promises and say we will cling to them forever and the next moment we are trying to figure out how to help you accomplish those promises!  Lord, what we are learning in this study about the person of Jacob is incredible!  Sometimes I what to scream at him and ask him what is he doing??  But then I remember that I, too, must cause you to want to do the same when my faith begins to wan and becomes ineffective in my witness to others.  Lord, strengthen our resolve and place deep within our hearts a spiritual fervor, a passion and an enthusiastic zeal that is unmatched and strives to bring honor and glory to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Amen.  

Next week’s assignment:  Read Chapter 33

The brothers finally meet after twenty years.  Think about each brother. 

1.      What do you think is the emotional status of Esau?  Of Jacob?  List the types of emotions you feel must be flowing through their veins.

2.    How did Esau feel about the extravagant gifts given to him by Jacob?

3.    What was Jacob’s reaction to Esau’s suggestion of travel plans back to Canaan?

4.    How would you have felt?  Does God come into the equation here?

5.    What mistake is Jacob seemingly making with his change of travel plans?

 

 

Last week we ended the story of Jacob in Chapter 30 with an agreement made between Jacob and Laban concerning the rightful ownership of sheep and goats depending on their outward markings.  All the animals born with spots or speckles would be given to Jacob as payment for back wages and all the solid colored animals would be Laban’s.  Although both men tried to tip the scales in a favorable direction, God intervened and Jacob’s flock prospered immensely.  Not because of anything Jacob did, but because God keeps His promises and Jacob is now the recipient of the covenant promise made to Abraham and his descendents.

Of course, once Jacob’s flocks begin to prosper, Laban’s sons become disgruntled and complain to their father, Laban.  Laban’s attitude toward Jacob changes and Jacob receives a word from the Lord to return to his homeland and God will be with him.  The first thing Jacob does following this directive is to tell Rachel and Leah.  Once they are told of the changing attitude of Laban and reminded of all the unfair wage practices Jacob has endured, they agree to leave their father’s land with Jacob.  The women also add that their father has treated them as foreigners and they hold no share in their father’s inheritance. Therefore Jacob rounds up all his children, his wives and his livestock and head for his father, Isaac’s, home in Canaan. 

But Rachel carries out an action that I didn’t understand until I did a little digging.  Rachel stole her father’s household idols.  Now, being Jacob’s wife it doesn’t seem sensible for Rachel to steal idols for the journey to Canaan.  After all, Jacob served the one, true God…didn’t he explain playing with idols can be dangerous? 

Rachel had been taught that possession of these household idols implied leadership of the family and they preserved for Jacob the title to her father’s (teraphim) estate.   In her humanness, Rachel discerned these idols to be of great importance to her husband.  Once again, a human act seemingly to help give Jacob and his descendants something that God had ordained was his anyway. 

Once Laban realized Jacob and his entourage was gone, he gathered his men and went after them.  However, in a dream Laban was told not to harm Jacob, or his caravan.  When Laban “overtook” them, the only explanation he had for following them was the unfairness of their sudden departure and not being able to say good-bye to his daughters and his grandchildren, nor giving them a proper send-off.  Laban added that his idols were missing and must have been stolen.

Jacob welcomed a search and added that if Laban found the idols he should put that individual to death.  After searching the tents, Laban came to Rachel’s tent and she was sitting down and apologized for not standing because she was on her time of menstruation and didn’t feel well enough to stand.  Actually she was sitting on top of the idols.  Laban, of course, didn’t find the idols and Jacob became very angry with Laban’s accusation.

Jacob begins to list the ways he feels Laban has mistreated him over the years:

1.     He worked for 14 years for Laban’s daughters

2.    He worked 6 years for Laban’s flocks

3.    Laban changed Jacob’s wages 10 times during his employment

4.    Laban flock (sheep and goats) have always prospered and if any animals were lost by wild beasts, Jacob personally took the loss; in fact many times Jacob was weary and tired with lack of sleep trying to protect Laban’s flock during this twenty year “bondage”?

Laban seems to get the last word reminding Jacob in verses 43-44 that Jacob’s wives are still his daughters and all Jacob’s children are his children, as well as the flocks.  But what can he (Laban) do, but try to make peace.  So Laban asks Jacob to enter into a pact, an agreement.  Ironically, this agreement is to make sure neither man does anything to cheat the other one!  It did include that Jacob was not to mistreat Laban’s daughters or marry other wives.  The pillar of stones erected at this place Laban called “Jegar Sahadutha” (Aramaic) and Jacob called the place “Galeed” (Hebrew).  The meaning of both words was “the heap of witness”.  Neither man was to pass to the other side of the “heap” of stones to attack or go after the other.

After a nice meal shared together that night, the next morning Laban kissed his daughters and grandchildren and each man went in opposite directions.

Father, thank you for another portion of your word proclaimed in Genesis.  May we seek to do more for others than for ourselves.  This is what you have taught us from the beginning, Lord, that we need to love, serve and protect others.  As we emulate your actions we become the body of Christ.   It is then we forget about putting ourselves first and learn to give as you have given to us.  Continue to teach us, Lord.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Assignment for next week:  Please read Chapter 32

This is an exciting chapter for us to study.  Jacob, finally on his way back to his father, Isaac, remembers on his journey that his brother, Esau, wasn’t too happy with him when last they parted.  These are the items I’d like for you to consider this week:

1.     Jacob’s encounter with a band of angels on his way to Canaan resulted in Jacob naming this place Mahanaim.  What is the meaning of this name and why would Jacob use this word?

2.    What actions did Jacob take to check out Esau’s emotional attitude?

3.    What clever action did Jacob employ with his family for safety reasons?

4.    Look closely at Jacob’s prayer in verses 9-12.  What did Jacob really pray for?  Was this finally a turning point in Jacob’s life for total surrender to God with no additional “clever” plans to implement?

5.    What further deeds of good will did Jacob perform to lessen his brother’s anger?

6.    Then the night spent at Peniel.  Look closely at what happened at Peniel and what was the lesson Jacob needed to learn from this encounter?

 

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?

 

 

Due to Esau marrying pagan women from the Hittite clan, Rebekah insists that Jacob find a wife from among her relatives.  Isaac concurs and Jacob is given specific instructions on where he is to travel in seeking his future wife.  Being equally yoked according to God’s guidelines for marriage partners is imperative for our children.   What a beneficial lesson for both Isaac’s sons, but we learn from our mistakes, don’t we?  Jacob is instructed to visit his maternal grandfather and his uncle, Laban, in seeking out his mate.    

The blessing that Isaac gives Jacob is along the lines of the covenant promise given to Abraham.  Did you notice the terminology?  It includes the blessing of many children, becoming a group of many peoples, and owning the land in which he was now a stranger. This sanction leads us to believe that Isaac is fully aware the covenant blessing will be passed to Jacob and his descendents. 

Jacob departs and heads for Mesopotamia to find a wife.  Brother Esau overhears that Jacob has received yet another blessing and he also learns his father has given specific instructions concerning a marriage partner.   Esau’s actions?   He decides if it pleases his father for his sons not to marry Canaanite women, then it might please his father if he marries a daughter from their own people.  Esau consults with Abraham’s son, Ishmael and marries Ishmael’s daughter, Mahalath.  Of course, adding to the wife tally is really not what is pleasing to God, but can you see this man continues to work toward his mother and father’s favor and possibly correct past mistakes?

The next section of scripture follows Jacob on his journey to find a wife.  He’s headed for Haran (400 miles away) when he stops to rest.  Our pastor in Florida termed this place as the “Hard Rock Hotel” as Jacob lays his head on a rock to rest.  Ironically, the Bible often refers to the “Rock” as Christ and Christ gives rest to his followers!   Puts a new perspective on laying your head on the “Rock” of Jesus Christ!

Jacob begins to dream and sees a ladder with angels going up and down and God standing above the ladder.  Several interpretations are given, but most seem to lean that the stairway (ladder) is Jesus who is the mediator between God and man.  One thing is sure, God journeys with us.  Jacob is probably feeling the effects of his actions.  Regretful, lonely and fearful are only a few of the emotions he probably is internalizing.  When he begins to dream, God assures him that he is not alone.  God reiterates the covenant promise made to Abraham in verses 13-15. 

I particularly like the way my commentary points out the promise of companionship: “I am with you”; safety: “I will keep you wherever you go”; guidance: “and will bring you back to this land”; and personal guarantee: “I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.” Jacob, comforted that he has heard from the Lord, builds an altar and renames the place Bethel (house of God) from its original name, Luz (separation).  Appropriate, don’t you think?  God seizes the opportunity when we are feeling separated, lonely, fearful and regretful to place hope within us and assure us of His presence. 

Note:  This is the first personal contact Jacob has with God.  Previous messages/instructions have been given through others.

If you read the last few verses of this chapter in the NIV you get a different flavor of meaning from the same grouping of scripture in the New Century Version.  I rather like the NCV better.  It reads kinder with Jacob imploring, “I want God to be…”  “I want him to give…”  “So I will be able…”  He ends with a promise/vow of tithing a tenth of all God gives him.  This particular measure is a good return to our Lord for all His many blessings.

Lord Jesus, thank you for forgiving us when we sin and fall into traps of temptation to further our own agendas.  Lord, bring us to the Rock and have us rest our heads on you.  Although Jacob received words of instruction and direction from you at Bethel, we can pray and read our Bibles for that same instruction and direction.  Lord, enable us to hear and obey your calling.  Amen.

Next week’s assignment:  Read Chapter 29

1.      It seems the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree when it comes to Rebekah’s family!  Make a note of the trickery that Jacob endures at the hand of Rebekah’s brother, Laban.  Is this another consequence for sins Jacobs has committed?  Has God forgiven him for the deception he showed his brother, Esau?

2.    How long did Jacob have to work for Laban in order to marry Rachel?

3.    List Leah’s sons and the meanings of their names.

 

 

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.

 

 

I’d like to begin this week’s comments by apologizing.  As I look over the entries I made last week, my tone reveals an edge of disapproval on how scripture is written concerning Abraham’s wife/concubine, Keturah.  Rewriting my comment, I’d like to say that in my human finite mind I didn’t see anything wrong with Abraham remarrying Keturah following Sarah’s death.  Many men have remarried after the death of their life partner.  Often it’s because of loneliness and the need for companionship, but it’s not outside the guidelines given by God in scripture.

Scripture seems to reveal in different places the words “wife” and “concubine” when speaking of Keturah.  A wife has privileges and respect, but a concubine has been defined as “a woman who is the lover of a wealthy married man but with the social status of a subordinate form of wife, often kept in a separate home”.  Another definition is “a woman who lives with a man and has a sexual relationship with him but is not married to him”.  Makes a difference if Keturah is a wife or a concubine, don’t you think?  In order to find out if this issue was a question for others, I looked it up on the internet.  Lots of interesting facts, but I have posted what I discovered.  If you want to read more just google “Keturah, Abraham” and the detailed information pops up.

“Why was Keturah called Abraham’s wife in one passage, and his concubine in another?” Are these two sections of Scripture really contradictory, as Bible critics would have us believe?

First, for Genesis 25:1 and 1 Chronicles 1:32-33 to be a contradiction, one must know whether or not these passages are referring to the same time. It is possible that Keturah was Abraham’s “concubine” in the beginning, and then became his “wife” at a later time. If such were the case, Bible writers could legitimately use both terms when describing her.

Second, although it was unusual for the terms “wives” and “concubines” to be used interchangeably during the monarchic period, evidence indicates that in patriarchal times, using these terms to refer to the same person was somewhat normal.

Keturah was a concubine-wife. Its seems that she was more than a concubine (often considered a second-rate wife of servant status), but not on a par with Sarah, Abraham’s first “wife,” and mother of the promised son (Genesis 17:15-22). Just as Bilhah, Jacob’s concubine-wife, did not rival Rachel or Leah, Keturah was not equivalent with Sarah. Thus, Bible writers were not mistaken when referring to Keturah and Bilhah as both wives and concubines; they simply used two words to indicate the “in-between” position the women held.

Proceeding to the comments posted by my husband, I thank him for taking the time to write his thoughts.  I would like to comment on one of Gary’s questions. 

Regarding Rebekah being a believer, I’ve been taught over the years the answer to that question can only be answered by God.  People in Biblical times as in today’s society appear to know the Lord, live by all the “rules” and have the actions to prove it and then do something that is totally off the rails of what defines Christianity.  Maybe it’s a weak moment; maybe they truly never prayed the sinner’s prayer and meant it, who knows?  But one thing we heard last week in Sunday School explained if you are a believer, God has saved you and that can’t be reversed.  However, if you continue live outside His will and become a stumbling block to others, God will not allow you to continue in that path.

Now onto Chapter 26 and this week’s assignment!  First of all, read the beginning of Chapter 12 concerning a famine in the land.  As a result of the famine, Abraham went “down” to Egypt.  Abraham explains to the Egyptians that Sarah is his sister because he fears they will kill him and take Sarah if she is revealed as his wife.  Now, begin Chapter 26.  There is a famine in the land and God warns Isaac, “Do not go down to Egypt”!  God forewarns Isaac, so Isaac stays put in Gerar.  However, when confronted with the men of that area about Rebekah, Isaac claims she is his sister!  Can you believe it?  Didn’t this story get passed down from Isaac’s father?  Remember, in order to keep the experiences of days gone by recorded, they had to share orally.  Wouldn’t you pass this important information on to your son?  Especially, when you had made the mistake twice??

Fortunately, Abimelech caught Isaac caressing Rebekah and confronted him, “She’s your wife, isn’t she, Isaac?  Why did you lie?”  So the lie was set straight and while Isaac lived in the land, he prospered incredibly.  This area of Gerar was located south of Gaza and was in Philistine.  Abimelech was King of the Philistines at the time and the Philistines became angry watching the prosperity of Isaac and company.  They began stopping up the wells being used by Isaac’s herdsmen to provide water for the animals.  Abimelech asked Isaac to leave the area  in order to keep the peace and Isaac did move to the valley of Gerar. 

After digging a well and finding an abundance of water supply, the herdsmen of Gerar and Isaac’s herdsmen began fighting over ownership again.  Isaac left that well, but named it Esek, meaning contention, and built another well.  The same occurrence happens with this well as arguing ensues over ownership so Isaac leaves again, but names this well Sitnah, meaning enmity.  Eventually, Isaac built the third well and was left alone.  This well he named Rehoboth, meaning broad places or room.  God comes to Isaac and reminds him of the covenant promise given to his father, Abraham, and Isaac builds an altar, pitches his tent and digs another well.  Interestingly, my commentary uses these three actions to remind us to worship the Lord (building the altar), to abide in the Lord’s promises (pitching the tents) and to refresh our spiritual life with His Word (digging the well).  A great note to remember.  All are action verbs and cause us to work; building, pitching and digging!

It is also a good reminder to understand that Isaac now has separated himself from the Philistines.  It’s at this point Abimelech and company come to Isaac and ask for a sworn agreement of peace between their people.  The Philistines recognize the powerful hand of God on Isaac and don’t want that favor to turn against them.  The agreement is made and signed and the Philistines go on their way.

The last few verses give insight into Esau’s life.  At the age of 40 this man finally marries not one, but two women!  They are women of the pagan Hittite clan.  But look at the very last line, “They were a source of grief to Isaac and Rebekah.”  As noted pagans, these women were unequally yoked to Esau.  My commentary writes this is further implication that Esau was unfit to be the owner of the birthright.  I understand that statement; however, during their earlier years as children weren’t these boys taught similarly when it came to instruction in the ways of God?  Was Esau always the one that was in defiance?  Were these unions intentional to bring sorrow to his parents?

Oh, that we could learn whatever we do in life is our burden to carry, our consequence to face.

Father, thank you for this lesson from Chapter 26 of Genesis.  Lord, you continually teach us that blessings continue to flow as we follow and obey your direction.  As numerous wells burst forth with an abundant water supply for Isaac, so our spiritual thirst will be richly supplied.  Help us to recognize that many will despise us and try to rob us of joy as your blessings are revealed, but enable us to do as Isaac demonstrated.  He walked away and you continued to meet his need day by day.  That, in itself, was a witness and caused the Philistine to comment, “We saw clearly that the Lord was with you.”  May we show forth that same testimony.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

For next week:  Read Chapter 27  Every time I read this account it saddens me.  The deception, the heartbreak, the consequences for the behavior of these adults must have been overwhelming once put into motion.  I would like for you to take each person (Isaac, Rebekah, Esau and Jacob) and write a small entry on what that person did (if anything) deceptive and what consequence that deception reaped.