Primary Takeaways
- Jacob was the one who faced the battle with God and God let him win, blessing him.
- He was his mother’s favorite who helped him to acquire a right that did not belong to him.
- At the end of his life he received forgiveness from his brother, but one of his nephews killed Esau, his brother.
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What does Jacob symbolize in the Bible?
Jacob is a classic and popular boy name. It comes from the Old Testament and means “supplanter,” which is often interpreted as someone who seizes, circumvents, or usurps. In the book of Genesis, the twins Jacob and Esau were born to Isaac and Rebecca; Esau came first, making him the first-born son.
Why did Jacob deceive his father?
Jacob, who had deceived his father, is in turn deceived and cheated by his uncle Laban concerning Jacob's seven years of service (lacking money for a dowry) for the hand of Laban's daughter Rachel, receiving his older daughter Leah instead.
What was the promise God made to Jacob?
The Lord appeared to him saying He was the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac; “Know that I am with you; I will protect you wherever you go, and bring you back to this land. I will never leave you until I have done what I promised you” (Gen. 28:15-16).
Why did Jacob wrestle with God?
Like some Jewish commentators, Islamic commentators described the event as punishment for Jacob failing to give tithes to God but making an offering like a tithe to Esau.
Who was Jacob in the Bible?
Jacob : Jacob was a member of the special family God had singled out to produce his chosen people. He lived from approximately BC 2006 to 1859. His faith in the Lord was still immature at the time of this episode, evidenced by his character as a schemer, liar, and manipulator.
What did Jacob dream about?
As he was dreaming, he had a vision of a ladder, or stairway, between heaven and earth. God's angels were on it, ascending and descending. Jacob saw God standing above the ladder. God repeated the promise of support he had made to Abraham and Isaac. He told Jacob his offspring would be many, blessing all the families of the earth.
Why was Esau furious with Jacob?
Esau was furious with Jacob because Jacob had stolen Esau's birthright, the Jewish claim to inheritance and blessing. On his way to his relative's house at Haran, Jacob lay down for the night near Luz. As he was dreaming, he had a vision of a ladder, or stairway, between heaven and earth. God's angels were on it, ascending and descending.
What does Jacob's ladder mean in the Bible?
Although it runs only a dozen verses, Jacob’s Ladder Bible story affirms Jacob’s legitimacy as an heir to God’s promises to Abraham and also supplies a critical piece of Bible prophecy about the Messiah.
What does the Bible say about stairs?
In the NIV translation of the Bible, the term "stairway" is used instead of ladder. Bible scholars note that some hills in that region have a series of stone shelves that resemble stair steps. Jacob vowed to give one-tenth of his income to God's work.
What does the Bible say about Bethel?
And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.". (Genesis 28:20-22, ESV) Jacob called the place Bethel, meaning "house of God.". Jacob pouring oil on the stone (Genesis 28, 18).
What do angels do in the Bible?
Throughout the Bible, angels transmit instructions to humans and help them carry out their missions. Even Jesus was ministered to by angels, following his temptation in the wilderness and his agony at Gethsemane. Jacob’s dream was a rare glimpse behind the scenes into the invisible world and a promise of God’s support.
What does Jacob's story remind us?
Jacob’s story reminds believers that God is in the business of transforming our struggles for His purposes and our good.
What are Jacob's struggles?
Yet he was the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. Jacob’s struggles are our struggles. As believers we don’t always understand the meaning of our struggles, but we hold fast to the conviction that God is in control and He uses our pain to grow us up in the faith. Start today with releasing all your struggles to the Lord and He will bring you peace in the midst of adversity.
How do we wrestle like Jacob?
Just like Jacob we have a past with regret, shame, and failure. Unfortunately we can’t go back and change it. We must go forward in the hope that the Lord will turn our failures for good. Paul wrote in Philippians 3:13-14 “forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus”. We have hope in Christ that our sins are completely forgiven even though we may have to deal with the consequences
What does the Bible say about Jacob?
He was an opportunist, co-conspirator, shifty, untrustworthy, negligent, and a father who picked favorites. Yet God said, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated” (Romans 9:13). God blessed him with many children, a productive lifestyle, and a long life.
Who was Abraham's first son?
Abraham had one son, Isaac, who had twin boys, Esau and Jacob. Although Esau was the firstborn, he was man of natural passions without regard for spiritual things. United in their deception, Rebekah (Jacob’s mother) and Jacob tricked Isaac into blessing him instead of Esau.
What does the Bible say about unreliable friends?
Answer: “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24).
How is Jacob’s story relevant today?
Like Jacob, we can enter into a relationship with Christ today by asking forgiveness for our sins and declaring God to be our Savior and Redeemer.
What can we learn from Jacob's story?
We can also learn from Jacob's story that people throughout the Bible wrestled with God in not only a physical sense. There's nothing wrong with doubt and needing to explore the Bible more. Christian faith isn't blind, but rather, based on how God has come through for us in the past.
When is Jacob first mentioned in the Bible?
Jacob is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis 25. When Jacob’s mother, Rebekah, was pregnant with him and his fraternal twin Esau, she inquired of God as to why her two babies were fighting in her womb ( Genesis 25:22 ).
How is Jacob’s character depicted in the Bible?
From the time of his birth until his wrestling encounter with God ( Genesis 32:24-29, Jacob was associated with trickery and deception.
Why did Jacob wrestle with God?
When Jacob was returning home to Canaan with his family after his many years of service under Laban, Jacob received the news that his brother, who had threatened to kill him for his past trickery, was on his way to meet him ( Genesis 32:6).
What does the name Jacob mean?
The name Jacob is derived from the Hebrew verbwhich means “to follow.”. Jacob was born grabbing onto his twin brother Esau’s heel. Hence, Jacob means in Hebrew “one who follows on another's heels” ( Genesis 25:26 ). Jacob’s intention to undermine his brother of both his birthright and father’s blessing also earned him the name of “Supplanter” ...
What did Jacob offer Esau?
Jacob offered his “famished” brother bowl of soup in exchange for his birthright as the firstborn son, which was a double portion of his father Isaac’s inheritance ( Genesis 25:29-34 ). Moreover, Jacob robbed Esau of their father’s blessing ( Genesis 27:1-29, Genesis 27:35 ), which had been the Esau’s right to receive.
How old was Jacob when he left home?
If Jacob was with Laban only twenty years, then he was seventy-seven years old when he left home. This is an extreme contradiction with the ancient history calculation of eighteen years of age. This conflict can be relieved a bit by making Jacob's stay with Laban forty years instead of twenty.
Who were Jacob's wives?
These children are the offspring of four different women, Leah and Rachel, his wives, and Zilpah and Bilhah, their respective handmaids. It will be remembered that Jacob had bargained with Laban to serve him seven years for his daughter Rachel.
How many years did Jacob give Laban?
The births took place during two twenty year periods of service that Jacob gave Laban. The basis of this interpretation is found in Gen. 31:38, 41. In these verses Jacob mentions twenty years of service to Laban two times. This interpretation holds that the two sets of twenty years are different periods and make a total ...
How many children did Jacob have in 7 years?
Now it is not difficult to understand how Jacob could have had twelve children in seven years from four different women. No doubt a number of the children could have been born contemporaneously. However, it is amazing to read that Leah gave birth to seven of the twelve children which were born at that time. Of course, there is nothing biologically impossible about having seven children in seven years, but the real problem arises when we learn that during that seven year period, "Leah saw that she left off bearing, so she took Zilpah her handmaid, and gave her to Jacob to wife. And Zilpah, Leah's handmaid, bare Jacob a son. And Leah said, 'Fortunate!' and she called his name Gad. And Zilpah Leah's handmaid bear Jacob a second son. And Leah said, 'Happy am I!' For the daughters will call me happy! and she called his name Asher" (Gen. 30:9-13). How could Leah have borne seven children and have had a barren period in which her handmaid bore two children, all in seven years? Or did these events occupy some period other than seven years?
How many births did Jacob have?
The seven births took place within the second seven year period that Jacob served Laban for his wives. The fallacy of accepting the possibility of two twenty year periods of service for Laban was explained under interpretation I. Under interpretation II, we showed the danger of assuming too much. To say that some of the births took place during the six year period of Jacob's service for cattle goes beyond what the text says. A simple literal interpretation of the text would lead one to conclude that the births all occurred during the second seven year period of service.
How many years are in Laban's house?
This interpretation holds that the two sets of twenty years are different periods and make a total of forty years in Laban's house. Each mention of twenty years is introduced with the word zeh, which word, when repeated, is used by way of distinction; as when we say, this or that; the one or the other. The following passages are cited as confirming this translation. "So that the one came not near the other" (Ex. 14:20). "This hath more rest than the other" (Eccl. 6:5). The word zeh is used twice at a greater distance, "one dieth . . . and another dieth" (Job 21:23,25). Clark goes on to explain it as follows:
How many people did Jacob have in Egypt?
Also, if Jacob had no son till he was eighty-five, and he went to Egypt at one hundred and thirty, with sixty-six persons, only forty-five
What is the story of Jacob and Esau?
God still used Jacob. Story: Esau and Jacob were twins . Esau was the first born, and his father’s favorite. Jacob was his mother’s favorite. He was a quiet man, while Esau was a skillful hunter. In Genesis 27, the story of Jacob and Esau shows how sin can divide a family.
What did Jacob do to Isaac?
Jacob deceived Isaac and stole his brother’s blessing. Esau was not happy. When he returned home and discovered what Jacob did, Esau was mad enough to kill his brother. Jacob had to run away from Esau’s anger. In the Jacob and Esau story, we see many sins.
Why did God redeem Jacob's family?
Sin divided Jacob’s family, but God was still able to redeem their story because God is bigger than our sin. God used Jacob to father His chosen people. You can also see a list of the types of free, printable Bible activities we provide on the site. For other related activities, see the links below. Get Activity.
Who deceived Isaac and stole his brother's blessing?
At first, Isaac was suspicious. He heard Jacob’ s voice and didn’t think he was Esau, but then he felt his hands and smelled his clothes, and tasted his food, and blessed Jacob with Esau’s blessing. Jacob deceived Isaac and stole his brother’s blessing.
Who did Rebekah call to deceive her father?
Esau grabbed his bow and set out to obey his father. Rebekah heard her husband’s words. She loved Jacob more than Esau, and she wanted her younger son to receive his father’s blessing. She called to Jacob and convinced him to deceive his father.
What happened to Jacob and Esau?
Years later, Jacob and Esau met and were reconciled ( Genesis 33 ). Both Jacob and Esau were fathers of nations. God changed Jacob’s name to Israel ( Genesis 32:28 ), and he became the father of the 12 tribes ...
Why did Jacob give his brother stew?
Jacob offered to give his brother some stew in exchange for his birthright— the special honor that Esau possessed as the older son, which gave him the right to a double portion of his father’s inheritance.
What is the difference between Jacob and Esau?
The twins grew up very different. Jacob was “a quiet man, staying among the tents” and his mother’s favorite. Esau was “a skillful hunter, a man of the open country” and his father’s favorite.
Why did God choose Jacob and Esau?
Both Old and New Testaments use the story of Jacob and Esau to illustrate God’s calling and election. God chose the younger Jacob to carry on the Abrahamic Covenant, while Esau was providentially excluded from the Messianic line ( Malachi 1:2-3; Romans 9:11-14 ). Return to:
Who were Esau's descendants?
Esau’s descendants were the Edomites ( Genesis 36 ). Edom was a nation that plagued Israel in later years and was finally judged by God ( Obadiah 1:1-21 ). In the New Testament, Esau’s choice to sell his birthright is used as an example of ungodliness—a “godless” person who will put physical desires over spiritual blessings ( Hebrews 12:15-17 ).
Who did Esau sell his birthright to?
Esau put his temporary, physical needs over his God-given blessing and sold his birthright to Jacob ( Genesis 25:27-34 ). When the time came for Isaac to bestow his blessing on his sons, Jacob and his mother contrived to deceive Isaac into blessing Jacob in Esau’s place. When Esau found that his blessing had been given to Jacob, ...
What is Jacob character study?
Jacob Character Study – Bible Study on the Life of Jacob. Jacob – Heel catcher or deceiver. Israel – God’s struggle or he struggled with God. Ancestry and family life: Jacob was the second son of Isaac, the son of Abraham.
Where did Jacob come from?
Jacob was two generations removed from Abraham who came from Mesopotamia. That is the branch of the family Isaac went to, to get his wife and also Jacob. God had made a special covenant with Abraham and Isaac, one he would also extend to Jacob. Not much text is devoted to Jacob’s father Isaac.
What does Rebekah do to Jacob?
Rebekkah had problems. When her twins are born, she shows partiality to Jacob, the non-hairy weaker looking one. Genesis 25:27 says Jacob spent most of his time at home. So Rebekah takes over his life and arranges everything for him. She teaches him how to cook. She arranges for him to steal the blessing. And she arranges for his deliverance from Esau by sending him to her brother Laban, telling him everything will work out fine.
Why did Jacob leave Laban?
E. Jacob secretly leaves Laban (Genesis 31:1-17) – In this story, Jacob decides not to tell Laban the second time that he is leaving, but just leaves on his own. He is afraid that Laban will use force to restrain him or take away his wives and herds. So he secretly leaves and it is three days before Laban finds out. Laban blamed Jacob for sneaking away instead of bidding a proper farewell.
Why was Esau always away hunting?
Henry Morris points out that hunting was unnecessary because with the large herd of sheep, there was plenty to eat. This may mean that Esau was always away hunting as opposed to being at home helping with the chores and the sheep. We might conclude that he was irresponsible. We do know that Esau was impulsive.
Why did Jacob keep moving?
, Esau’s threats, Laban’s angry countenance, and the likely revenge of the Canaanites for killing the people of Shechem all caused Jacob to move at various times.
How did God bless Jacob's flock?
God blessed Jacob’s herds and also Jacob’s agreement with Laban by causing more and more striped/speckled animals to be born. Jacob also showed that he was a very astute shepherd through his skillful management of the flock and extensive knowledge of breeding. Jacob’s own sons later took care of his flocks as well.
Story Summary
Major Characters
- Jacob: Jacob was a member of the special family God had singled out to produce his chosen people. He lived from approximately BC 2006 to 1859. His faith in the Lord was still immature at the time of this episode, evidenced by his character as a schemer, liar, and manipulator. Jacob repeatedly trusted in his own devices rather than in God. He cheated his brother Esau out of his …
Themes and Life Lessons
- Dreams were a way God communicated with Bible characters to reveal information and give direction. Today God speaks primarily through his written word, the Bible. Rather than trying to interpret circumstances, we can act on the clear principles in Scripture to help us make decisions. Obedience to Godshould be our priority. One of the less admirable characters in Scripture, Jaco…
Historical Context
- One key concept in Genesis was the act of blessing. A blessing was always bestowed from the greater to the lesser. God blessed Adam and Eve, Noahand his sons, Abraham, and Isaac. Abraham, in turn, blessed Isaac. But Jacob knew he and his mother Rebekahhad deceived the half-blind Isaac into blessing Jacob instead of his older brother Esau. In his guilt, Jacob must h…
Points of Interest
- Most scholars interpret Jacob's ladder as a connection between heaven and earth, with God taking the initiative to reach out to humans. The perfect "ladder" is Jesus Christ, who was God come to ear...
- In the NIVtranslation of the Bible, the term "stairway" is used instead of ladder. Bible scholars note that some hills in that region have a series of stone shelves that resemble stair steps.
- Most scholars interpret Jacob's ladder as a connection between heaven and earth, with God taking the initiative to reach out to humans. The perfect "ladder" is Jesus Christ, who was God come to ear...
- In the NIVtranslation of the Bible, the term "stairway" is used instead of ladder. Bible scholars note that some hills in that region have a series of stone shelves that resemble stair steps.
- Jacob vowed to give one-tenth of his income to God's work. This observance, called tithing, is still practiced today by many Christian denominations.
- "Jacob's Ladder" is the title of a 1990 movie starring Tim Robbins, dozens of books, and a 1987 number-one hit song written by Bruce Hornsby and performed by Huey Lewis and the News.
Sources
- Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, Charles Ellicott
- Benson Commentary, Rev. Joseph Benson
- New Bible Commentary, G.J. Wenham, J.A. Motyer, D.A. Carson, R.T. France, editors