Jacob’s Dream at Bethel, Genesis 28:10-22

Posted on March 18, 2016 by KD Manes under Bible Study

Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” –Genesis 28:16

This passage tells of Jacob running for his life after his grand deception with Esau. Rebekah directed her ornery son to the safe haven of Haran—400 miles away—where her brother Laban lives. Jacob would retrace the steps of Grandpa Abraham who journeyed from Haran to the promised land many years before.

Disclaimer: Like other stories in Genesis, Scripture simply reports events that happened. In the following story, however, I have elaborated with some fictional details.

You may read Genesis 28:10-22 here: Bible Gateway.

Jacob sped north on his camel for hours, stopping only once for water at one of his father’s old wells. He lapped up the water before filling all his wineskins.

The lowering sun would soon give way to darkness. How far had he traveled, 50-60 miles? So far there were no signs of Esau in hot pursuit. But he would surely be on to him tomorrow. By then Jacob would have a good 60-80 mile advantage.

(freebibleimages.org)

The plan was simple. Jacob would stay in Haran a few months, find a wife, and then return home to Beersheba. Plenty of time for Esau to simmer down.

Rank sweat mixed with dirt gave Jacob’s skin a leathered look. Any other day he would have made cleansing a priority. Today, however, was no ordinary day! He had secured his father’s blessing. But knowledge of his success didn’t lessen the lonely fear that kept creeping in. If only he could rid Esau’s bitter cry out of his throbbing head.

Jacob’s throat felt parched again. He would only drink a couple sips of water. Tomorrow he would have to ration the water and food carefully. Hopefully he would reach Haran by week’s end. Hopefully he would stumble across more wells. Be optimistic, he told himself. It will all work out.

Jacob stretched his aching muscles. He chose a spot sheltered by a cluster of trees—away from the dirt road—for his makeshift bed. The physical exertion of leveling the ground helped ease a little of his anxieties. At least the darkness would temporarily hide him from bandits. He willed himself to not think about hungry wild animals.

A smooth rock would have to work for a pillow. Jacob lay down on the hard ground. How will I find Uncle Laban . . . How will Father’s blessing look in my life? Jacob’s questions stilled as he surrendered to sleep.

Jacob’s Dream

Jacob’s heartbeat boomed inside his head as his eyes opened. The words—God’s words—still ringing through his mind. His voice, majestic and rumbling like a wild river, filled him with awe and a sense of holiness.

“I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land in which you are lying . . . . All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

(freebibleimages.org)

This is no ordinary dream . . . so vivid and real. Mighty angels were climbing up and down a staircase that stretched to the heavens. Although they glowed with a holy aura, their light brightened as they climbed upward. So much so, that even in his dream, Jacob had to shield his eyes.

Fear sprung up in him again. For he was unworthy of being in the presence of such a holy God. Yet, God promised him blessing and protection.

“How awesome is this place! . . . This is the gate of heaven!”

(freebibleimages.org)

Early that morning Jacob took his stone pillow and set it up as a pillar to remind him of his experience. He poured oil over it. “This place shall be called Bethel.” He bowed his knee and vowed, “If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey and will give me food and clothes so that I return safely to my father’s house, then the LORD will be my God and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.”

Reflect

God’s covenant promise given to Abraham and Isaac was also offered to Jacob. Although he was Abraham’s grandson, Jacob would have to establish his own personal relationship with God.

It’s not enough for us to just hear about wonderful Christian family or church members. God has no grandchildren, only children. He desires to be in a personal relationship with each of us. He makes this possible through the work of His son, Jesus Christ, on the cross.

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” –2 Corinthians 5:21

God was gracious with Jacob. He is also gracious with us.

With Easter around the corner, I encourage you to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice. He not only longs to save us from the consequences of our sin—eternal death—but also desires to fellowship with us daily (Rev. 3:20).

Jacob’s Blessing, Genesis 26:34-28:9

Posted on March 11, 2016 by KD Manes under Bible Study

Although Jacob had been given the birthright by his older brother years before, he still needed his father’s blessing to make it binding.” –NIV Life Application Study Bible

This long chapter could be written as a play with five scenes. Two short passages of Esau’s pagan marriages (26:34-35 and 28:6-9) frame the main portion: Isaac giving his blessing to Jacob. The short Esau passages serve as a kind of prologue and epilogue.

You may read Genesis 26:34-28:9 here: Bible Gateway.

SCENE 1: Isaac Asks Esau for a Meal (27:1-4)

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Despite the knowledge that Jacob was to get the blessing (25:23), Isaac in his old age determines to bless his favorite—Esau—in secrecy. Similar to Esau’s earlier insistence of Jacob’s stew (25:27-34), Isaac tells Esau to hunt some wild game and prepare his favorite dish before the blessing.

SCENE 2: Rebekah’s Scheme (27:5-15)

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This scene intensifies as Rebekah plays the role as spy and urgent initiator.

“The word used to describe Rebekah’s listening suggests that this is a habit, a pattern of behavior, not happenstance. Her behavior gives us an idea of the level of mistrust and poor communication in the family.” –Layman’s Bible Commentary

SCENE 3: Jacob Imitates Esau (27:18-29)

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Rebekah’s plan is carried out with skins and garments of goats. Jacob’s deception would turn on him when his sons dip the garment of Joseph, his favorite son, in the blood of a goat to make him think Joseph has been killed by a wild animal (27:16; 37:31-33).

Although Rebekah is the mastermind behind this scheme, Jacob joins in her ruse and manipulates Esau once again. Jacob had already secured the birthright with the promised land blessing. But now—duped into thinking Jacob is Esau—Isaac blesses Jacob with fruitfulness in the promised land (Deuteronomy 7:13) and dominion over the nations and his family.

In regards to the blessing, Layman’s Bible Commentary notes: “The dew of heaven provides irrigation. The fatness of the earth is rain. Grain and new wine evoke the image of a banquet, overflowing with joy (Psalm 4:7). . . . The curses and blessings equate to God’s protection and are particularly linked to dominion (Numbers 24:9).”

SCENE 4: Esau’s Horror and Revenge (27:30-45)

(freebibleimages.org)

Since a person’s word was binding in ancient times—much like a contract today—Isaac’s blessing was irrevocable.

When Esau realizes Isaac’s ploy, he weeps aloud.

SCENE 5: Jacob Leaves

In his fury, Esau determines to kill Jacob after their father dies. Rebekah once again manipulates Isaac in attempt to protect Jacob. She sends Jacob away to her brother Laban in Haran. Her cover story feeds from their frustration of Esau’s marriage to pagan women: “If Jacob takes a wife from the women of this land, from Hittite women like these, my life will not be worth living.”

This time Isaac purposely blesses Jacob as he sends him off. But although Jacob receives the blessing, his deception costs him dearly. “These are some of the consequences of that deceit: 1) he never saw his mother again; 2) his brother wanted to kill him; 3) he was deceived by his uncle, Laban; 4) his family became torn by strife; 5) Esau became the founder of an enemy nation; 6) he was exiled from his family for years.” –NIV Life Application Study Bible.

Esau’s next move is to marry again—this time to an Ishmaelite. Perhaps his aim is to please his parents since his third bride isn’t a foreigner, (Ishmael was Isaac’s half-brother). But this arrangement only further disappointed his parents. Ever since Isaac received Abraham’s blessing, instead of Ishmael, family strife between Isaac and Ishmael’s descendants have sparked.

Reflect

Much heartache and division could have been avoided had Rebekah waited on God and His timing. For God had already clarified that Jacob would be the family leader (25:23-26). But Rebekah and Jacob became trapped in sin by resorting to lies and manipulation to achieve their goal.
No matter how worthy our goals may be, God never endorses wrong doing for desired results. It might be painful to correct ourselves in the middle of a mistake, but that will free us from being a prisoner to sin.
Where we see the shortcomings of the patriarchs, it’s clear that God is the real hero. Thankfully, He is the expert craftsman of all our human intentions and actions—for good or evil—weaving His purposes into His ongoing plan (Romans 8:28).

Have a wonderful week!

Isaac and Abimelech, Genesis 26:1-33

Posted on March 4, 2016 by KD Manes under Bible Study

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” –Matthew 5:9

You may read Genesis 26:1-33 here: Bible Gateway.

Genesis 26 precedes Genesis 25:21-34 chronologically. Layman’s Bible Commentary points out: “If Isaac and Rebekah had Jacob and Esau by this point, the fact that they were husband and wife would have been obvious. Here, the promised seed is with Isaac and Rebekah, but no child has yet been born.”

Like Father, Like Son

While Isaac is mentioned in other chapters, he is the main character in Genesis 26. The following parallels emerge between Isaac and his father, Abraham, in their life events:

Isaac travels to Gerar—the land of the Philistines—when famine strikes (vs. 1-6). This is the same area Abraham and Sarah journeyed after Sodom’s destruction (20:1).
Due to famine, Isaac plans on travelling to the same place that Abraham went: Egypt (12:10-20).
The Lord appears to Isaac—telling him not to go to Egypt—and uses the same covenant language that He used with Abraham (12:1-3; 13:14-17; 15:18-21; 17:6-8, 16; 22:17-18).
In fear of losing his life, Isaac lies about Rebekah’s identity just as Abraham withheld the truth of Sarah’s full identity. (The Abimelech in verse 8, however, is most likely the son or grandson of the Abimelech that ruled Gerar in Abraham’s day).
As Abraham and Isaac’s prosperity grew, both needed more space and water for their flocks. Abraham sought peace when disputes broke out between Lot’s herdsmen and his herdsmen. Likewise, Isaac avoids escalating conflicts when Gerar’s contentious herdsmen plug the first two wells he and his men dug.

The names of the wells in verses 20-22 reflect the situations. Esek means “argument” in Hebrew, a reminder of the conflict its discovery created. Sitnah comes from a Hebrew verbal root meaning “to oppose; to be an adversary,” and signals that the digging of this well causes opposition from the Philistines. Rehoboth comes from a verbal root meaning “to make room,” and reminds all how God has made room for them. Since he finally has a well that is uncontested, Isaac might logically have decided to stay there. Instead, he moves on to Beersheba (26:33).” –Layman’s Bible Commentary

Isaac’s second revelation from God is in Beersheba (vs. 23-25). God reviews the promises He gave earlier (vs. 2-5) and stills Isaac’s fears. In response, Isaac builds an altar and worships God. The fact that he settles in Beersheba seems to indicate God’s pleasure in his relocation from the Philistine region.

Verses 26-33 end on a sweet note. King Abimelech approaches Isaac with a peace treaty as he acknowledges God’s blessings on Isaac. Not one to miss an opportunity to make peace, Isaac throws a celebration for him.

Reflect

Isaac followed Abraham’s life pattern. We should be intentional in what we model to our children. Do our words, attitudes, and actions reflect Christ?

The Philistines grew jealous of Isaac’s success. How can we guard ourselves from the misery of divisive jealousy? Consideration of the consequences of an angry reaction—perhaps loss of a relationship or job—and thankfulness for what we have is a great starting point.

By plugging up Isaac’s wells, Gerar’s herdsmen were declaring war. But Isaac compromised his father’s former wells and moved on. Would we be willing to compromise a valuable item or important position for the sake of peace?

Isaac’s pursuit of peace spread godly influence and won Abimelech’s respect. Are we willing to forgive and meet our enemy’s attempt to make amends?

Isaac’s sons: Jacob and Esau Genesis 25:19-34

Posted on February 26, 2016 by KD Manes under Bible Study

The entire book of Genesis emphasizes the sovereignty of God and the wisdom of His “delays.” The struggles that Jacob and Esau face, as described in retrospect in Genesis, reveal God’s plan rising to the surface against the odds.” –Layman’s Bible Commentary

Victory is especially sweet when the odds are pitted against us. Isaac and Rebekah would attest to this.

Isaac—now approaching sixty—has inherited everything from his deceased father, Abraham, including God’s promise of making his descendants into a great nation. But twenty years have passed since Isaac and Rebekah married. Similar to his parents’ circumstance—despite God’s promise—Rebekah is unable to give her husband what this ancient culture deems significant: a baby.

You may read Genesis 25:19-34 here: Bible Gateway.

Answered Prayer

Isaac, who modeled a life of submitting to God’s will, prayed on behalf of his wife. The word used to depict Isaac’s prayer does not suggest a simple formality of prayer, but rather a fervent plea (25:21).

God answers his plea by enabling Rebekah to become pregnant.

Jacob and Esau

I’m guessing it wasn’t long before Rebekah surmised she was the carrier of twins. Her joy of becoming pregnant must have been challenged with pain and anxiety as her babies jostled inside her.

The words describing the struggle of the twins in Rebekah’s womb carry the idea that they smashed themselves inside her. In retrospect, this struggle of the children foreshadows the fact that these twins would father conflicting nations.” –Layman’s Bible Commentary

“Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.” – God (vs. 23)

Jacob and Esau’s differences are obvious at birth. Esau—red and hairy—comes out first. His name reflects his appearance and means “hairy one.” Jacob comes next grasping Esau’s heel. The term “heel holder” is connected with a wrestling term, but also indicates a scoundrel. Unlike Esau’s name, Jacob’s name reflects his future character: “God will protect.”

As the boys grow older, Esau—Isaac’s favorite—becomes an avid outdoorsman. As a skilled hunter he loves roaming the countryside. While quiet Jacob—Rebekah’s favorite—prefers the more ordered life around the tents (vs. 27-28).

Esau Trades His Birthright

A birthright was traditionally given as an honor to the firstborn son. It not only included a double portion of the family inheritance, but also the privilege of being the future family leader. In this family’s case the birthright would also include a spiritual blessing, the promise God gave Abraham: the covenant of a land, a nation, and the Messiah.

(freebibleimages.org)
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. Even though he sought the blessing with tears, he could not change what he had done.” -Hebrews 12:14-17

After romping outdoors, Esau felt the cruel gnaw of hunger pains. From the waft of Jacob’s homemade stew Esau exclaimed: “Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I’m famished!” (That is why he is also called Edom, which means red –vs. 30.)

Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright” (vs. 31).

“Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to me?”

But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob (vs. 33).

By caving into the pressure of instant gratification, Esau threw away the spiritual blessings that would have been his. And “so Esau despised his birthright (vs 34).”

Unlike Esau’s compulsive act, Jacob’s response suggests premeditation. Jacob doesn’t hesitate to capitalize on his brother’s weakness as he secures Esau’s birthright for himself.

Reflect

The song “I Want It All” by Queen summarizes the mindset that comes way too easy for us: “I want it all! And I want it now!” But this trap of instant gratification often clouds our view of long-term consequences. The wrecking ball of caving to immediate pleasure surrounds us: broken relationships, marriages and families. The list could go on and on.

Jesus endured all kinds of temptations, but never gave way. He is more than able to help us in the face of temptation. We would do well to model Isaac’s fervent prayer life. For God alone has the power to enable the believer to push through any pressurized moment. And although sin results in pain, Christ also has the power to restore joy and wholeness to broken lives.

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Have a great week!

Abraham Dies, Genesis 25:1-18

Posted on February 19, 2016 by KD Manes under Bible Study

Altogether, Abraham lived a hundred and seventy-five years. Then Abraham breathed his last and died at a good old age, an old man and full of years; and he was gathered to his people.” –Genesis 25:7-8

These verses imply that Abraham experienced great satisfaction in his life. Before passing away, he leaves his legacy with his family.

God’s promises would not be forgotten.

You may read Genesis 25:1-18 here: Bible Gateway.

Abraham married Keturah after Sarah died. Several Far East tribes originated from their six sons. All of Abraham’s sons were blessed with many gifts. However, Isaac—his legal firstborn—received all that he owns: authority and property.

Verse 11 relays God’s blessing upon Isaac, who dwells in Beer-Lahai-Roi: “well of the living One who sees me.” This is where Isaac came to meditate while waiting for his bride Rebekah (24:62), and would later pray for his barren wife (25:21). Ironically, this is also the place where God delivered Hagar (16:14).

Herod’s stonework on Tombs of the Patriarchs (Seetheholyland.net)

Abraham is buried in the same field he bought from Ephron the Hittite for his wife Sarah. This once again affirms his belief that God would grant the land He promised his descendants.

Ishmael’s Descendants

Verses 12-18 sandwich Ishmael’s descendants between major references to Abraham (11:27-25:11), Jacob (25:19-35:29), and Joseph (37:2-50:20). God’s pronouncements concerning Ishmeal’s descendants are fulfilled here: twelve princes would be born of Ishmael; they will live in hostility toward their brothers (17:12; 16:12).

Reflect

We can learn a lot from Abraham’s life. (He is also mentioned in Exodus 2:24; Acts 7:2-8; Romans 4; Galatians 3; Hebrews 2, 6, 7, 11.) Abraham’s faith pleased God “and He [God] credited it to him as righteousness (Gen. 15:6). God also desires that we place our trust and dependence in Him, not faith in our efforts to please Him.

I wonder if Abraham realized the long-term magnitude of his decisions: whether he would cling to God’s promises or push them aside. His obedience of journeying to an unknown land—leaving behind security—affected the history of the world.

God’s promise of blessing the world through Abraham was fulfilled when Jesus Christ came to earth as Abraham’s descendant, through the nation Israel.

It’s easy to push through the day without thinking through the long-term results of our decisions. But our choices not only affect our future, but also the future of our children, churches, nation, and possibly people worldwide.

How often do we seek God’s guidance in prayer? He promises wisdom to those who don’t doubt (James 1:5-8).

Let’s make the most of our time here. Let’s seek God’s guidance and ask for the courage to act!

Have a wonderful week!