Jacob
Jacob was the second-born twin son of Isaac and Rebekah. His mother loved him more than his brother Esau who was a hunter. Esau sold his birthright as the eldest son to Jacob in exchange for a meal. When Isaac was old Jacob tricked his father into giving him the blessing that was to go to Esau. Then he fled to the land of his relatives in Haran. On his way he stopped at Bethel to sleep. There he dreamed of a ladder rising to heaven with angels going up and down on it. The Lord stood at the top and reaffirmed the promise made to Abraham that he would have many descendants. After Jacob reached Haran he herded sheep for his Uncle Laban. He fell in love with Laban's daughter Rachel. It was agreed he would work seven years for her. Jacob spent his wedding night with his bride only to find out he had been given the oldest daughter Leah in marriage. Laban claimed this was the custom of the country that the oldest be married first. Jacob was allowed to marry Rachel as well a week later. After twenty years of working for Laban he decided to go back to his own country. While on the way he found himself in a wrestling match in the darkness. The match lasted until dawn. The socket of Jacob's hip was dislocated, but he refused to let go until he was given a blessing. This struggle earned him the new name of Israel. The name literally means, "He struggles with God." Jacob sent messengers and gifts ahead to his twin brother that he was coming in peace. Esau ran to meet him and they wept. Jacob's twelve sons became the twelve tribes of Israel. He died in Egypt, but was carried back to Canaan and buried in the family burial ground. He lived 147 years.
Lessons from the life of Jacob:
- All human actions are woven into God's ongoing plan.
- When faced with conflict turn to God for resolution.
- Working long and hard for what you want will pay off.
- Deception will cause you grief.
Jacob's story is told in Genesis 25 through 50. He is also mentioned in Hosea 12:2-5; Matthew 1:2; 22:32.
| REFERENCES | |||
 |
|
|
|
|
|||
