Genesis 26
Déjà Vu
Isaac did exactly what his father Abraham did one hundred years before. Isaac faced a famine, left Canaan, and went to settle in Gerar. The sins of the father had visited the son of the next generation.
Verses 1–5, 1 There was a famine in the land, in addition to the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines, to Gerar. 2 Yahweh appeared to him, and said, “Don’t go down into Egypt. Live in the land I will tell you about. 3 Live in this land, and I will be with you and will bless you. For I will give to you, and to your offspring, all these lands, and I will establish the oath which I swore to Abraham your father. 4 I will multiply your offspring as the stars of the sky and will give all these lands to your offspring. In your offspring, all the nations of the earth will be blessed, 5 because Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my requirements, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.”
Reflection
Just as there was a famine during Abraham’s time, there was another famine during Isaac’s time. Just like his father, Abraham, Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines in Gerar. Isaac did not have the faith to believe that the LORD would provide for him even in a famine.
The LORD appeared to Isaac and told him to stay in Canaan and not to go down to Egypt like his father, Abraham. The LORD reconfirmed the Abrahamic covenant with Isaac because of Abraham’s obedience.
The LORD gave Isaac four promises: personal blessing, land ownership, posterity, and being a channel of universal blessing to all the nations of the world.
Abimelech is a title and not a name. This Abimelech was not the Abimelech that Abraham went to. Abimelech in Hebrew means “father of a king.”
Verses 6–9, 6 Isaac lived in Gerar. 7 The men of the place asked him about his wife. He said, “She is my sister,” for he was afraid to say, “My wife,” lest, he thought, “the men of the place might kill me for Rebekah because she is beautiful to look at.” 8 When he had been there a long time, Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out at a window, and saw, and, behold, Isaac was caressing Rebekah, his wife. 9 Abimelech called Isaac, and said, “Behold, surely, she is your wife. Why did you say, ‘She is my sister?’” Isaac said to him, “Because I said, ‘Lest I die because of her.’”
Reflection
Isaac did not go as far as Egypt but settled down in Gerar, a Philistine town in the Gaza area. Gerar in Hebrew means “lodging-place.” Isaac exhibited the same weakness as his father Abraham. He was afraid that the Philistines would kill him because Rebekah was very beautiful.
He told Abimelech that he and Rebekah were brother and sister. After some time, Abimelech saw Isaac caressing Rebekah intimately and knew that Rebekah was Isaac’s wife. Abimelech confronted Isaac and rebuked him for lying to him.
Verses 10–14, 10 Abimelech said, “What is this you have done to us? One of the people might easily have lain with your wife, and you would have brought guilt on us!” 11 Abimelech commanded all the people, saying, “He who touches this man or his wife will surely be put to death.” 12 Isaac sowed in that land and reaped in the same year one hundred times what he planted. Yahweh blessed him. 13 The man grew great, and grew more and more until he became very great. 14 He had possessions of flocks, possessions of herds, and a great household. The Philistines envied him.
Reflection
Abimelech sent a decree forbidding any of his men to touch Isaac and Rebekah or else face capital punishment. Isaac became very prosperous, just like his father Abraham because of the LORD’s blessing. He owned so many flocks, herds, and servants, that even the Philistines envied him.
Verses 15–18, 15 Now all the wells which his father’s servants had dug in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines had stopped and filled with earth. 16 Abimelech said to Isaac, “Go away from us, for you are much mightier than we.” 17 Isaac departed from there, encamped in the valley of Gerar, and lived there. 18 Isaac dug again the wells of water, which they had dug in the days of Abraham his father, for the Philistines had stopped them after the death of Abraham. He called their names after the names by which his father had called them.
Reflection
Out of jealousy, the Philistines filled with earth all the wells dug by Abraham’s servant. Fearing that Isaac was becoming too powerful, Abimelech begged him to go away. Isaac left Abimelech and settled in the valley of Gerar. Isaac began to dig open again the wells of his father Abraham and named the wells with the same names Abraham had used.
Verses 19–22, 19 Isaac’s servants dug in the valley and found there a well of flowing water. 20 The herdsmen of Gerar argued with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, “The water is ours.” So, he called the name of the well Esek because they contended with him. 21 They dug another well, and they argued over that, also. So, he called its name Sitnah. 22 He left that place, and dug another well. They didn’t argue over that one. So, he called it Rehoboth. He said, “For now Yahweh has made room for us, and we will be fruitful in the land.”
Reflection
The Philistines claimed ownership over the first two wells that Isaac dug, but they did not claim ownership over the third well. he called the first well Esek, which means “contention” in Hebrew. He named the second well Sitnah, which means “hatred” in Hebrew. He named the third well Rehoboth, which means “wide streets” in Hebrew.
Verses 23–26, 23 He went up from there to Beersheba. 24 Yahweh appeared to him the same night, and said, “I am the God of Abraham your father. Don’t be afraid, for I am with you, and will bless you, and multiply your offspring for my servant Abraham’s sake.” 25 He built an altar there, and called on Yahweh’s name, and pitched his tent there. There Isaac’s servants dug a well. 26 Then Abimelech went to him from Gerar with Ahuzzath his friend, and Phicol the captain of his army.
Reflection
The LORD appeared to Isaac a second time in Beersheba, reconfirming that He was the God of his father, Abraham. The LORD gave Isaac three promises for Abraham’s sake, divine presence, personal blessing, and posterity. Isaac built an altar to the LORD and settled there. After some time, Abimelech and his friend Ahuzzath came to pay Isaac a courtesy visit.
Verses 27–29, 27 Isaac said to them, “Why have you come to me, since you hate me, and have sent me away from you?” 28 They said, “We saw plainly that Yahweh was with you. We said, ‘Let there now be an oath between us, even between us and you, and let’s make a covenant with you, 29 that you will do us no harm, as we have not touched you, and as we have done to you nothing but good, and have sent you away in peace.’ You are now the blessed of Yahweh.”
Reflection
Surprised to see Abimelech, Isaac asked him why he had come. Abimelech replied that he had seen the LORD’s blessing on Isaac and had come in peace to negotiate a peace covenant.
Verses 30–35, 30 He made them a feast, and they ate and drank. 31 They rose up some time in the morning and swore an oath to one another. Isaac sent them away, and they departed from him in peace. 32 The same day, Isaac’s servants came, and told him concerning the well which they had dug, and said to him, “We have found water.” 33 He called it “Shibah”. Therefore, the name of the city is “Beersheba” to this day. 34 When Esau was forty years old, he took as wife Judith, the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Basemath, the daughter of Elon the Hittite. 35 They grieved Isaac’s and Rebekah’s spirits.
Reflection
Isaac agreed and sealed the covenant with a feast and celebration. Abimelech and his men left the following day. Isaac’s servants reported to him that they had dug another well. He named the well Shibah, which means “fullness” in Hebrew. The city was named Beersheba, which in Hebrew means “well of seven” or “well of the oath,” When Esau was 40 years old, he married two Hittite wives, Judith, and Basemath, much to the anguish of his parents, Isaac and Rebekah.
Isaac did not have faith in the LORD to provide for him in a famine. He did not claim the promise that the LORD is Yahweh Jireh, the God who provides. Are you in a famine? Famine can come in many forms, such as financial famine, relationship famine, health famine, evangelistic famine, pandemic famine, emotional famine, or famine in the word. Do not throw in the towel or run away from God. Stay where you are and seek God’s will. Claim the promise that He is Yahweh Jireh.
Isaac told Rebekah to tell a blatant lie because he was afraid of Abimelech. Are you afraid of people? If you are ashamed of Jesus before people here on earth, He will be ashamed of you before His Father in heaven:
Luke 9:26, “For whoever will be ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory, and the glory of the Father, and of the holy angels.”
Isaac built an altar to the LORD and worshiped Him. Have you built an altar in your heart to worship the LORD? Will you build one today?
Isaac dug wells to tap into the source of water. Have you dug wells to tap into the living water of the eternal word of God? Dig deep into the word of God and drink from Christ, the living water. If you drink water, you will be thirsty again. If you drink the living water of Christ, you will never thirst again and springs of living water will flow from within you to eternal life:
John 4:14, “but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never thirst again; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.”
John 7:38, “He who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, from within him will flow rivers of living water.”
Application
Trust in God’s promises
Believe in God, even when the situation seems uncertain. Trust His guidance, and do as Isaac did in Gerar when he followed His instructions.
Handling conflict with Integrity
Practice active listening and empathy when resolving conflicts. Seek peaceful solutions instead of retaliating with violence or bitterness. Trust God to meet your needs.
God’s Blessings and Provision:
Be grateful for His abundant provision! Show your gratitude for God’s provision!
Witness your life through witnessing
Your life can be a testament to God’s blessings and presence on this earth. Live your life so that others can see God at work and find peace in you.
Reaffirmations
Build altars for prayer, worship and thanksgiving to strengthen and deepen your relationship with God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You that You are Yahweh Jireh, the LORD who provides. Thank You for providing for us through famines, hardships, storms of life, and pandemic.
Help us not to walk away from you in famine but to stay close to You and seek Your will. Help us not to be afraid of people. Give us the boldness to share the gospel with people. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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Genesis 27
Deception
Rebekah and Jacob ganged up together to deceive Isaac. Jacob stole Esau’s identity and deceived Isaac to bless him instead of Esau. To take vengeance, Esau declared that he would kill Jacob when Isaac had passed away. These are the dramas of Genesis 27.
Verses 1–4, 1 When Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim so that he could not see, he called Esau his elder son, and said to him, “My son?” He said to him, “Here I am.” 2 He said, “See now, I am old. I don’t know the day of my death. 3 Now, therefore, please take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field, and get me venison. 4 Make me savory food, such as I love, and bring it to me, that I may eat, and that my soul may bless you before I die.”
Reflection
When Isaac was old and blind, he called Esau to hunt a deer and cook a venison meal for him to eat so that he could bless Esau before he died.
Verses 5–10, 5 Rebekah heard when Isaac spoke to Esau his son. Esau went to the field to hunt for venison, and to bring it. 6 Rebekah spoke to Jacob her son, saying, “Behold, I heard your father speak to Esau your brother, saying, 7 ‘Bring me venison, and make me savory food, that I may eat, and bless you before Yahweh before my death.’ 8 Now, therefore, my son, obey my voice according to that which I command you. 9 Go now to the flock and get me two good young goats from there. I will make them savory food for your father, such as he loves. 10 You shall bring it to your father, that he may eat, so that he may bless you before his death.”
Reflection
Rebekah eavesdropped and overheard the conversation. She told Jacob what transpired and devised a plan to deceive Isaac. She told Jacob to bring two young goats for her to prepare a meal. Jacob would bring it to Isaac so that he would eat and bless Jacob.
Verses 11–14, 11 Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, “Behold, Esau my brother is a hairy man, and I am a smooth man. 12 What if my father touches me? I will seem to him as a deceiver, and I would bring a curse on myself, and not a blessing.” 13 His mother said to him, “Let your curse be on me, my son. Only obey my voice and go get them for me.” 14 He went, and got them, and brought them to his mother. His mother made savory food, such as his father loved.
Reflection
Jacob replied that he was a smooth man and Esau a hairy man. If Isaac found out that he was not Esau, he would curse Jacob, but Rebekah was willing to take the curse if the plan failed. Jacob did according to what Rebekah instructed.
Verses 15–18, 15 Rebekah took the good clothes of Esau, her elder son, which were with her in the house, and put them on Jacob, her younger son. 16 She put the skins of the young goats on his hands, and on the smooth of his neck. 17 She gave the savory food and the bread, which she had prepared, into the hand of her son Jacob. 18 He came to his father, and said, “My father?” He said, “Here I am. Who are you, my son?” 19 Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau your firstborn. I have done what you asked me to do. Please arise, sit and eat of my venison, that your soul may bless me.”
Reflection
Jacob wore Esau’s garment and covered his hands and neck with goat’s skin. Jacob brought the food to Isaac. When Isaac asked him who he was, he lied again, saying that he was Esau, his firstborn.
Verses 20–24, 20 Isaac said to his son, “How is it that you have found it so quickly, my son?” He said, “Because Yahweh your God gave me success.” 21 Isaac said to Jacob, “Please come near, that I may feel you, my son, whether you are really my son Esau or not.” 22 Jacob went near to Isaac his father. He felt him, and said, “The voice is Jacob’s voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau.” 23 He didn’t recognize him, because his hands were hairy, like his brother Esau’s hands. So, he blessed him. 24 He said, “Are you really my son Esau?” He said, “I am.”
Reflection
Isaac could not believe that Esau could hunt a deer in such a short time. In reply, Jacob lied again saying that God had given him success in hunting the deer. Isaac touched Jacob’s hand and found it to be hairy, but Isaac recognized that the voice was not the voice of Esau. Isaac asked Jacob whether he was really Esau and he lied again, saying that he was. When a person tells one lie, he will soon be telling more lies to cover up the original lie.
Verses 25–29, 25 He said, “Bring it near to me, and I will eat of my son’s venison, that my soul may bless you.” He brought it near to him, and he ate. He brought him wine, and he drank. 26 His father Isaac said to him, “Come near now, and kiss me, my son.” 27 He came near and kissed him. He smelled the smell of his clothing, and blessed him, and said, “Behold, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which Yahweh has blessed. 28 God give you of the dew of the sky, of the fatness of the earth, and plenty of grain and new wine. 29 Let peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you. Be lord over your brothers. Let your mother’s sons bow down to you. Cursed be everyone who curses you. Blessed be everyone who blesses you.”
Reflection
Jacob brought the food and wine to Isaac. Still not satisfied, Isaac asked Jacob to come near him and kiss him so that he could smell Jacob’s clothing. Isaac was satisfied and pronounced a blessing on Jacob. He blessed Jacob with abundance from the sky and from the earth. People would serve Jacob and nations submit to him. Jacob’s brother, Esau, would serve and submit to Jacob. Whoever cursed Jacob would be cursed and whoever blessed Jacob would be blessed.
Verses 30–32, 30 As soon as Isaac had finished blessing Jacob, and Jacob had just gone out from the presence of Isaac his father, Esau his brother came in from his hunting. 31 He also made savory food and brought it to his father. He said to his father, “Let my father arise, and eat of his son’s venison, that your soul may bless me.” 32 Isaac his father said to him, “Who are you?” He said, “I am your son, your firstborn, Esau.”
Reflection
Esau came back from hunting after Jacob had left Isaac. He cooked venison, brought it to Isaac, and asked Isaac to bless him. Isaac asked Esau who he was, and he said he was Esau, his firstborn.
Verses 33–36, 33 Isaac trembled violently, and said, “Who, then, is he who has taken venison, and brought it to me, and I have eaten of all before you came, and have blessed him? Yes, he will be blessed.” 34 When Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with an exceedingly great and bitter cry, and said to his father, “Bless me, even me also, my father.” 35 He said, “Your brother came with deceit, and has taken away your blessing.” 36 He said, “Isn’t he rightly named Jacob? For he has supplanted me these two times. He took away my birthright. See, now he has taken away my blessing.” He said, “Haven’t you reserved a blessing for me?”
Reflection
Isaac trembled when he realized that he had blessed Jacob instead of Esau. Esau cried when he realized that Jacob had stolen his identity and blessing. Jacob was true to his name. Jacob means “heel snatcher” in Hebrew. He had robbed Esau of his birthright and blessing and stole his identity.
Verses 37–40, 37 Isaac answered Esau, “Behold, I have made him your lord, and all his brothers I have given to him for servants. I have sustained him with grain and new wine. What then will I do for you, my son?” 38 Esau said to his father, “Do you have just one blessing, my father? Bless me, even me also, my father.” Esau lifted up his voice and wept. 39 Isaac his father answered him, “Behold, your dwelling will be of the fatness of the earth, and of the dew of the sky from above. 40 You will live by your sword, and you will serve your brother. It will happen when you will break loose, that you will shake his yoke from off your neck.”
Reflection
Isaac told Esau that Jacob would be lord over him. This was a fulfillment of the LORD’s prophecy that the elder twin would serve the younger twin, Genesis 25:23.
Genesis 25:23, “Yahweh said to her, ‘Two nations are in your womb. Two people will be separated from your body. The one people will be stronger than the other people. The elder will serve the younger.’”
Verses 40–45, 41 Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father blessed him. Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand. Then I will kill my brother Jacob.” 42 The words of Esau, her elder son, were told to Rebekah. She sent and called Jacob, her younger son, and said to him, “Behold, your brother Esau comforts himself about you by planning to kill you. 43 Now, therefore, my son, obey my voice. Arise, flee to Laban, my brother, in Haran. 44 Stay with him a few days, until your brother’s fury turns away— 45 until your brother’s anger turns away from you, and he forgets what you have done to him. Then I will send and get you from there. Why should I be bereaved of you both in one day?”
Reflection
Esau harbored hatred against Jacob, declaring that when Isaac died, he would kill Jacob to take vengeance. When Rebekah found out about this, she quickly told Jacob to run away to Haran and stay with her brother Laban for a few days. A few days turned out to be many years! Jacob went to Haran and stayed on for 20 years, and never saw his mother alive again.
Verse 46, Rebekah said to Isaac, “I am weary of my life because of the daughters of Heth. If Jacob takes a wife of the daughters of Heth, such as these, of the daughters of the land, what good will my life do me?”
Reflection
Rebekah told Isaac that she did not like the daughters of Heth. She did not want Jacob to marry a Hittite woman.
The LORD had prophesied that Esau would serve Jacob. Esau had sold his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of red lentil stew. It was not necessary for Rebekah and Jacob to cheat, wheel, deal, and scheme. The LORD is able to fulfill His prophecy in His own way.
Are you doing things your way? Why not do them God’s way. God’s way is always the best way.
Telling a lie is never right. When you tell one lie, you will have to tell many lies to cover up the first lie. Jacob and Rebekah had to cover up their original lie with lies, lies, and more lies. Jacob even invoked the name of God to cover his lie! Honesty is definitely the best policy:
John 8:32, “You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
Application
Genesis 27 tells the story of Isaac’s deception, when he blessed Jacob rather than Esau. This chapter highlights themes such as deceit and family dynamics, along with God’s sovereignty. We can learn some important lessons from this chapter.
The Consequences Of Deception
Deception can damage relationships and have severe consequences. When faced with difficult circumstances, honesty and integrity are essential. Instead of using deceptive means to achieve success, it is important to trust God to keep His promises.
Favoritism can cause family discord
Favoritism can lead to family divisions and conflict. To maintain harmony and unity in your family, treat everyone equally and with respect.
Seek God’s will
Accept God’s plan and do not try to manipulate or change it for your own benefit. It is important to have patience and trust in God’s plan.
Repentance and forgiveness
If you are wronged, forgiveness is the best option. It can bring healing and reconciliation. Bitterness is only going to make things worse, while forgiveness can bring healing and restore relationships.
Trust in God’s sovereignty
Place your trust in Almighty God. Even if human actions appear to be interfering with plans, God’s ultimate plan will eventually prevail. This gives you confidence that He is in control of life circumstances.
Communication in Marriage
To avoid misunderstandings and work together in harmony, it is important to have open and honest communication with your spouse.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help us to do things Your way and not our way. Help us to do things through the Holy Spirit and not through the flesh. Help us to be truthful and honest in all our dealings with others because the truth will set us free. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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Genesis 28
Jacob’s ladder
In a dream, Jacob saw a ladder stretching from earth to heaven and the angels of God were walking up and down on it. The LORD appeared at the top of the ladder and spoke to Jacob.
Verses 1–4, 1 Isaac called Jacob, blessed him, and commanded him, “You shall not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan. 2 Arise, go to Paddan Aram, to the house of Bethuel your mother’s father. Take a wife from there from the daughters of Laban, your mother’s brother. 3 May God Almighty bless you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, that you may be a company of peoples, 4 and give you the blessing of Abraham, to you and to your offspring with you, that you may inherit the land where you travel, which God gave to Abraham.”
Reflection
Isaac commanded Jacob not to marry any Canaanite woman. He blessed and told Jacob to go to Paddan Aram and find a wife from one of his uncle Laban’s daughters. Isaac prayed for the blessings of the Abrahamic covenant to be transferred to Jacob. He prayed for personal blessing, posterity, land, and nation.
Paddan Aram means “field of Aram” in Aramaic. Paddan Aram is in Haran, Mesopotamia, modern-day, Iraq.
Verses 5–9, 5 Isaac sent Jacob away. He went to Paddan Aram to Laban, son of Bethuel the Syrian, the brother of Rebekah, Jacob’s and Esau’s mother. 6 Now Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob and sent him away to Paddan Aram, to take him a wife from there and that as he blessed him, he gave him a command, saying, “You shall not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan;” 7 and that Jacob obeyed his father and his mother, and was gone to Paddan Aram. 8 Esau saw that the daughters of Canaan didn’t please Isaac, his father. 9 So Esau went to Ishmael, and took, in addition to the wives that he had, Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, the sister of Nebaioth, to be his wife.
Reflection
Isaac blessed Jacob and sent him away to Paddan Aram to Laban, Rebekah’s brother, and son of Bethuel, the Syrian. When Esau saw that Isaac did not want Jacob to marry a Canaanite woman, he married Mahalath, daughter of Ishmael, perhaps, just to spite his parents Isaac and Rebekah. Ishmael was another son of Abraham through Hagar, a half-brother of Isaac, and an uncle of Esau.
Verses 10–12, 10 Jacob went out from Beersheba and went toward Haran. 11 He came to a certain place and stayed there all night because the sun had set. He took one of the stones of the place, and put it under his head, and lay down in that place to sleep. 12 He dreamed and saw a stairway set upon the earth, and its top reached to heaven. Behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.
Reflection
Jacob left Beersheba and traveled toward Haran. He stopped at a deserted place for the night and fell asleep on a stone pillow. In his dream, he saw a ladder stretching from earth to heaven on which the angels of God walked up and down.
Verses 13–15, 13 Behold, Yahweh stood above it, and said, “I am Yahweh, the God of Abraham your father, and the God of Isaac. I will give the land you lie on to you and to your offspring. 14 Your offspring will be as the dust of the earth, and you will spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south. In you and in your offspring, all the families of the earth will be blessed. 15 Behold, I am with you and will keep you, wherever you go and will bring you again into this land. For I will not leave you until I have done that which I have spoken of to you.”
Reflection
The LORD stood above the ladder and told Jacob that He was the God of his grandfather, Abraham, and his father, Isaac. The LORD confirmed the Abrahamic covenant to Jacob with the promise of land, posterity, nationhood, family blessing, national blessing, and blessings to all nations of the world through him. The LORD promised Jacob His presence and protection.
The LORD prophesied that Jacob and his family would eventually leave Canaan and become slaves in Egypt. Four hundred years later, Joshua would bring Jacob’s descendants back to Canaan.
Verses 16–19, 16 Jacob awakened out of his sleep, and he said, “Surely Yahweh is in this place, and I didn’t know it.” 17 He was afraid, and said, “How awesome this place is! This is none other than God’s house, and this is the gate of heaven.” 18 Jacob rose up early in the morning and took the stone that he had put under his head, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil on its top. 19 He called the name of that place Bethel, but the name of the city was Luz at the first.
Reflection
Jacob awoke from sleep and realized the LORD was there but he did not know it. Frightened and amazed, he exclaimed that this was the house of God and the gate of heaven. Jacob erected the stone pillar vertically on the ground and anointed it with oil. He called the place Bethel, which means “the house of God” in Hebrew. Bethel’s original name was Luz. Bethel’s modern-day name is Beitin and it is located in modern day West Bank.
Verses 20-22, 20 Jacob vowed a vow, saying, “If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and clothing to put on, 21 so that I come again to my father’s house in peace, and Yahweh will be my God, 22 then this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, will be God’s house. Of all that you will give me I will surely give a tenth to you.”
Reflection
Jacob made a vow to make the LORD his God provided He promised to be with him, to protect him, to provide for his needs, and to send him back to his father’s house safely. Jacob made an altar to the LORD at Bethel and promised to give back one-tenth of all that the LORD had given him.
The LORD spoke to Jacob in a dream and gave him a revelation. The LORD still can speak to you through dreams:
Joel 2:28b, “Your old man will dream dreams. Your young men will see visions.”
Jacob’s ladder is a type of Jesus: Jesus told Nathaniel that he would see the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man. Jesus is the ladder connecting earth to heaven. Jesus is the door, the way, the truth, and the life and one cannot come to God except through Him:
John 1:51, He said to him, “Most certainly, I tell you all, hereafter you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
John 10:9, “I am the door. If anyone enters in by me, he will be saved, and will go in and go out, and will find pasture.”
John 14:6, Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.”
Application
Genesis 28 focuses on Jacob’s journey from Beersheba to Haran and Bethel as well as God reaffirming His covenant. Here are some practical applications of this chapter.
God Is in your Life
Jacob had a dream in which angels climbed and descended a ladder reaching up into heaven. God then spoke directly to Jacob.
Recognize and accept God’s presence and guidance even when you don’t realize it. Relying on His guidance means praying and reflecting to ask Him for direction.
God Is Reliable
God assured Jacob of his inheritance, offspring and unwavering companionship, thus fulfilling His promises.
Stick with God even during periods of uncertainty and transition. His promises remain firm, and will eventually come to pass in His time.
Responding to God’s Revelation
Jacob responded to God’s dream by building a pillar and making an offering.
Respond to God’s messages through worship, devotion, and deepening your devotion towards Him. Take time out each day to acknowledge his work in your life.
Make Commitments To God
Jacob pledged his allegiance to God and promised Him one-tenth of what he received as payment.
Take a moment to make personal commitments that will help you stay focused on living a life worthy of honoring the Almighty.
God Provides Safety and Provision
God promised Jacob that He would protect him and bring him safely to the Promised Land no matter where he went.
Be assured that God will protect and provide for you even in times of new challenge or uncertainty. Have faith that He will watch over your well-being!
Recognizing Sacred Moments
Jacob named Bethel (which translates as “house of God”) after the place in his dream where he encountered divine presence.
Focus on moments and places where you feel God’s presence. They can help you on your spiritual journey and remind you of His blessings.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, to save us from sin and death. Thank You that Jesus is the door to the sheepfold, the way, the truth, and the life. Thank You for salvation, justification, sanctification, and eternal life. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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Genesis 29
Navigating complex relationships
Jacob left Beersheba and arrived at Haran. He stayed in Haran and worked for his uncle Laban for 20 years. After seven years, Laban cheated on Jacob and gave him Leah as his wife instead of Rachel as promised. Laban squeezed seven more years of labor from Jacob before he gave Rachel to him to be his wife. After this, Jacob worked six more years for Laban before he returned to Canaan.
Verses 1–6, 1 Then Jacob went on his journey, and came to the land of the children of the east. 2 He looked, and saw a well in the field, and saw three flocks of sheep lying there by it. For out of that well they watered the flocks. The stone on the well’s mouth was large. 3 There all the flocks were gathered. They rolled the stone from the well’s mouth, and watered the sheep, and put the stone back on the well’s mouth in its place. 4 Jacob said to them, “My relatives, where are you from?” They said, “We are from Haran.” 5 He said to them, “Do you know Laban, the son of Nahor?” They said, “We know him.” 6 He said to them, “Is it well with him?” They said, “It is well. See, Rachel, his daughter, is coming with the sheep.”
Reflection
Jacob arrived at Haran and stopped by a well. Some people were there waiting for more people to arrive to help roll away the stone that covered the well’s mouth. Jacob asked the people whether they knew Laban, the son of Nahor and whether he was well. They replied that they knew him and he was well. While they were still speaking, they saw Laban’s daughter Rachel walking toward them from a distance.
Verses 7–12, 7 He said, “Behold, it is still the middle of the day, not time to gather the livestock together. Water the sheep and go and feed them.” 8 They said, “We can’t, until all the flocks are gathered together, and they roll the stone from the well’s mouth. Then we will water the sheep.” 9 While he was yet speaking with them, Rachel came with her father’s sheep, for she kept them. 10 When Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban, his mother’s brother, and the sheep of Laban, his mother’s brother, Jacob went near, and rolled the stone from the well’s mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother’s brother. 11 Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice, and wept. 12 Jacob told Rachel that he was her father’s relative and that he was Rebekah’s son. She ran and told her father.
Reflection
Jacob asked the people to water and feed the sheep. They said they were not able to roll away the stone from the well until more people came to help. While they were still speaking, Jacob’s cousin Rachel came to the well. With a sudden burst of strength, Jacob came to the well, rolled the stone away, and watered Laban’s sheep. Unable to hold back his emotions, Jacob kissed Rachel and wept uncontrollably. When Jacob told Rachel that he was Rebekah’s son, she ran home and told her father about him.
Verses 13–17, 13 When Laban heard the news of Jacob, his sister’s son, he ran to meet Jacob, and embraced him, and kissed him, and brought him to his house. Jacob told Laban all these things. 14 Laban said to him, “Surely you are my bone and my flesh.” Jacob stayed with him for a month. 15 Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are my relative, should you, therefore, serve me for nothing? Tell me, what will your wages be?” 16 Laban had two daughters. The name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. 17 Leah’s eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful in form and attractive.
Reflection
Upon hearing this, Laban ran to meet Jacob, embraced, kissed, and escorted him home. After staying on for a month. Laban invited Jacob to work for him. Laban had two daughters, Leah, the elder, and Rachel, the younger. Leah had unattractive eyes but Rachel was beautiful. It was love at first sight for Jacob.
Verses 18–21, 18 Jacob loved Rachel. He said, “I will serve you seven years for Rachel, your younger daughter.” 19 Laban said, “It is better that I give her to you than that I should give her to another man. Stay with me.” 20 Jacob served seven years for Rachel. They seemed to him but a few days, for the love he had for her. 21 Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in to her.”
Reflection
Jacob loved Rachel and agreed to serve Laban for seven years for her hand in marriage. The seven years passed by very quickly because of his love for Rachel. Jacob told Laban to fulfil his promise to give Rachel to him as his wife.
Verses 22–27, 22 Laban gathered together all the men of the place and made a feast. 23 In the evening, he took Leah his daughter and brought her to Jacob. He went in to her. 24 Laban gave Zilpah his servant to his daughter Leah for a servant. 25 In the morning, behold, it was Leah! He said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? Didn’t I serve with you for Rachel? Why then have you deceived me?” 26 Laban said, “It is not done so in our place, to give the younger before the firstborn. 27 Fulfill the week of this one, and we will give you the other also for the service which you will serve with me for seven more years.”
Reflection
The cunning Laban deceived Jacob. He hosted a wedding feast and invited all the people to attend. In the evening, Laban secretly brought Leah into the wedding chamber instead of Rachel. Laban also gave Zilpah to Leah to be her maid. To his anguish, Jacob found out the next morning that Laban had given him Leah instead of Rachel. Jacob complained bitterly to Laban about the switch. In reply, Laban demanded that Jacob serve him another seven years for Rachel and Jacob agreed.
Verses 28–30, 28 Jacob did so and fulfilled her week. He gave him Rachel his daughter as wife. 29 Laban gave Bilhah, his servant, to his daughter Rachel to be her servant. 30 He went in also to Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah and served with him seven more years.
Reflection
Jacob took Rachel as his wife after serving Laban seven more years. However, Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah. Laban gave Bilhah to Rachel to be her maid.
Verses 31–36, 31 Yahweh saw that Leah was hated, and he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren. 32 Leah conceived, and bore a son, and she named him Reuben. For she said, “Because Yahweh has looked at my affliction; for now, my husband will love me.” 33 She conceived again, and bore a son, and said, “Because Yahweh has heard that I am hated, he has therefore given me this son also.” She named him Simeon. 34 She conceived again and bore a son. She said, “Now this time my husband will be joined to me because I have borne him three sons.” Therefore, his name was called Levi. 35 She conceived again and bore a son. She said, “This time I will praise Yahweh.” Therefore, she named him Judah. Then she stopped bearing.
Reflection
When the LORD saw that Jacob hated Leah, He opened Leah’s womb but closed Rachel’s womb. Leah conceived, bore Jacob her first son and called him Rueben, which in Hebrew means “behold a son.” She conceived again and bore Jacob her second son and called him Simeon, which in Hebrew means “heard”. She conceived again and bore Jacob her third son, calling him Levi, which in Hebrew means “joined together”. She conceived again and bore Jacob a fourth son, calling him Judah, which in Hebrew means “praise”. After this, Leah stopped bearing children.
Jacob had a taste of his own medicine. He had deceived his father, Isaac, and his brother, Esau. Now, his uncle Laban deceived him. As the saying goes, “what goes around comes around.”
Jacob’s life was full of striving. In the womb, he strove with his twin brother Esau. In Canaan, he strove with his twin brother Esau over the birthright and stole Esau’s blessing from their father Isaac. In Haran, he witnessed the strife between Rachel and Leah, resulting in rivalries, jealousies, quarrels, and confrontations.
You reap what you sow. If you sow love, you will reap harmony. If you sow hatred, you will reap hatred. If you sow dishonesty, you will reap dishonesty. If you sow jealousy, you will reap jealousy. If you sow the wind, you will sow the whirlwind. Jacob was reaping what he had sowed:
Galatians 6:7, “Don’t be deceived. God is not mocked, for what a man may sow, that also he shall reap.”
Hosea 8:7a, “For, if they sow the wind, they shall reap the whirlwind.”
Application
Genesis 29 tells the story of Jacob’s arrival at Haran, his meeting Rachel, and how he eventually married Leah and Rachel by Laban’s deception. This chapter has some practical applications.
God’s timing and Providence
Jacob saw Rachel at the well and recognized that she was his relative.
You can trust in God’s timing. God orchestrates even when the future seems uncertain. Be patient and faithful, knowing God is working.
Hard work and perseverance
Jacob, who had worked seven years for Rachel to marry her, was deceived by his uncle Laban and forced to work seven additional years.
Be persistent and diligent in all your efforts. Even when you face setbacks and challenges, hard work and dedication will be valuable. Perseverance is often the key to achieving goals.
Dealing with deception and injustice:
Laban deceived Jacob by giving him Leah as his wife instead of Rachel, despite their agreement.
Respond with integrity when you are faced with deception or injustice and work to find a solution. You can trust that God will bring justice in the end.
Navigating complex relationships
Love, jealousy and competition were the main characteristics of Jacob’s relationships with Leah and Rachel.
Grace and wisdom are required to handle difficult and complex relationships. To foster better relationships, strive for compassion, understanding, and effective communication.
God’s Compassion towards the Unloved
God, in His compassion, saw that Leah had no children and blessed her.
Recognize God’s compassion and care towards those who are feeling unloved, or marginalized. You can be a channel of God’s kindness and love to those who are hurting or feel overlooked.
Find your identity and worth in God
Leah named her sons in a way that reflected her desire for Jacob’s affection and her recognition of God’s care.
You can only find your worth and identity in God. Do not look to others for approval or affection. You are worth a lot to God. His love and value for you is the foundation of who you truly are.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help us to be upright, honest, and transparent in all dealings with others, whether in our words or deeds. Help us to lead a life that is worthy of Your calling. Let us shine the light of Christ before people so that Your name will be glorified through us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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Genesis 30
God hears and responds to prayer
Jacob continued to have more sons through Rachel’s maid, Zilpah, Leah’s maid, Bilhah, Leah, and Rachel. By the end of this chapter, Jacob had eleven sons and one daughter. These sons would become the first eleven tribes of Israel. At this stage, Benjamin was not yet born by Rachel.
Verses 1–8, 1 When Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister. She said to Jacob, “Give me children, or else I will die.” 2 Jacob’s anger burned against Rachel, and he said, “Am I in God’s place, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?” 3 She said, “Behold, my maid Bilhah. Go in to her, that she may bear on my knees, and I also may obtain children by her.” 4 She gave him Bilhah her servant as wife, and Jacob went in to her. 5 Bilhah conceived, and bore Jacob a son. 6 Rachel said, “God has judged me, and has also heard my voice, and has given me a son.” Therefore, she called his name Dan. 7 Bilhah, Rachel’s servant, conceived again and bore Jacob a second son. 8 Rachel said, “I have wrestled with my sister with mighty wrestlings, and have prevailed.” She named him Naphtali.
Reflection
The LORD closed Rachel’s womb, making her barren, and she was envious of Leah. She complained bitterly to Jacob to give her children lest she die. Jacob rebuked her for saying this, for it was God who had closed her womb and not him.
Unable to conceive, Rachel gave her maid, Bilhah, to Jacob to be his concubine. Bilhah conceived, bore Jacob a son and Rachel named him Dan, which in Hebrew means “judge”. Bilhah conceived again, bore Jacob another son, and Rachel named him Naphtali, which in Hebrew means “struggle”.
Verses 9–13, 9 When Leah saw that she had finished bearing, she took Zilpah, her servant, and gave her to Jacob as a wife. 10 Zilpah, Leah’s servant, bore Jacob a son. 11 Leah said, “How fortunate!” She named him Gad. 12 Zilpah, Leah’s servant, bore Jacob a second son. 13 Leah said, “Happy am I, for the daughters will call me happy.” She named him Asher.
Reflection
Seeing that she could no longer concieve, Leah gave her maid Zilpah to Jacob to be his wife. Zilpah conceived, bore Jacob a son, and Leah named him Gad, which in Hebrew means “fortunate”. Zilpah conceived again, bore Jacob another son, and Leah named him, Asher, which in Hebrew means “happy”
Verses 14–15, 14 Reuben went in the days of wheat harvest, and found mandrakes in the field, and brought them to his mother, Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, “Please give me some of your son’s mandrakes.” 15 Leah said to her, “Is it a small matter that you have taken away my husband? Would you take away my son’s mandrakes, also?” Rachel said, “Therefore he will lie with you tonight for your son’s mandrakes.”
Reflection
One day, Reuben found mandrakes in the field and brought them to his mother Leah. Mandrake is the root of a plant that is believed to have aphrodisiac properties. Rachel traded with Leah, taking Reuben’s mandrakes in exchange for allowing Leah to spend the night with Jacob.
Verses 16–21, 16 Jacob came from the field in the evening, and Leah went out to meet him, and said, “You must come in to me; for I have surely hired you with my son’s mandrakes.” He lay with her that night. 17 God listened to Leah, and she conceived and bore Jacob a fifth son. 18 Leah said, “God has given me my hire because I gave my servant to my husband.” She named him Issachar. 19 Leah conceived again and bore a sixth son to Jacob. 20 Leah said, “God has endowed me with a good dowry. Now my husband will live with me because I have borne him six sons.” She named him Zebulun. 21 Afterwards, she bore a daughter and named her Dinah.
Reflection
When Jacob came back in the evening, Rachel allowed him to spend the night with Leah. God answered Leah’s prayer and opened her womb. She conceived and bore Jacob a fifth son, and called him Issachar, which in Hebrew means “reward”. Leah conceived again and bore Jacob a sixth son, calling him Zebulun, which in Hebrew means “resident”. After this, Leah bore Jacob a daughter and named her Dinah, which in Hebrew means “judgment”.
Verses 22–24, 22 God remembered Rachel, and God listened to her and opened her womb. 23 She conceived, bore a son, and said, “God has taken away my reproach.” 24 She named him Joseph, saying, “May Yahweh add another son to me.”
Reflection
The LORD answered Rachel’s prayer and opened her womb. She conceived and bore Jacob a son, calling him Joseph, which in Hebrew means “God will give”. By this time, Jacob had eleven sons: six by Leah, two by Bilhah, two by Zilpah, and one by Rachel. Jacob also had a daughter, Dinah, by Leah.
Verses 25–30, 25 When Rachel had borne Joseph, Jacob said to Laban, “Send me away, that I may go to my own place, and to my country. 26 Give me my wives and my children for whom I have served you, and let me go; for you know my service with which I have served you.” 27 Laban said to him, “If now I have found favor in your eyes, stay here, for I have divined that Yahweh has blessed me for your sake.” 28 He said, “Appoint me your wages, and I will give it.” 29 Jacob said to him, “You know how I have served you, and how your livestock have fared with me. 30 For it was little which you had before I came, and it has increased to a multitude. Yahweh has blessed you wherever I turned. Now when will I provide for my own house also?”
Reflection
After Joseph’s birth, Jacob asked Laban to let him return to Canaan. Laban refused to let Jacob leave Haran, because he had benefited tremendously from the LORD’s blessing on Jacob. Laban told Jacob, (who was now in a better position to negotiate), to state his terms.
Verses 31–36, 31 Laban said, “What shall I give you?” Jacob said, “You shall not give me anything. If you will do this thing for me, I will again feed your flock and keep it. 32 I will pass through all your flock today, removing from there every speckled and spotted one, and every black one among the sheep, and the spotted and speckled among the goats. This will be my hire. 33 So my righteousness will answer for me hereafter when you come concerning my hire that is before you. Every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and black among the sheep, that might be with me, will be considered stolen.” 34 Laban said, “Behold, let it be according to your word.” 35 That day, he removed the male goats that were streaked and spotted, and all the female goats that were speckled and spotted, every one that had white in it, and all the black ones among the sheep, and gave them into the hand of his sons. 36 He set three days’ journey between himself and Jacob, and Jacob fed the rest of Laban’s flocks.
Reflection
Jacob proposed that all the spotted and speckled goats and sheep would belong to him, whereas all the pure white or black goats and sheep would belong to Laban. Laban readily agreed to this proposal.
The cunning Laban removed all the spotted and speckled goats and black sheep from the farm, leaving them with his sons, and took them as far away as he could. This meant that all the goats and sheep on the farm belonged to Laban, and none belonged to Jacob.
Verses 37–43, 37 Jacob took to himself rods of fresh poplar, almond, and plane tree, peeled white streaks in them, and made the white appear which was in the rods. 38 He set the rods which he had peeled opposite the flocks in the watering troughs where the flocks came to drink. They conceived when they came to drink. 39 The flocks conceived before the rods, and the flocks produced streaked, speckled, and spotted. 40 Jacob separated the lambs, and set the faces of the flocks toward the streaked and all the black in Laban’s flock. He put his own droves apart, and didn’t put them into Laban’s flock. 41 Whenever the stronger of the flock conceived, Jacob laid the rods in front of the eyes of the flock in the watering troughs, that they might conceive among the rods; 42 but when the flock were feeble, he didn’t put them in. So the feebler were Laban’s, and the stronger Jacob’s. 43 The man increased exceedingly and had large flocks, female servants and male servants, and camels and donkeys.
Reflection
Jacob took branches of poplar, almond, and plane trees and peeled away the bark to expose the white and make them look spotted and speckled. He placed the spotted and speckled branches into the watering troughs so that the goats and sheep mated in front of them. The goats and sheep conceived and produced spotted and speckled babies. Jacob made the strong and healthy animals conceive in front of the speckled branches but not the weak and sickly animals. As time went by, Jacob bred strong and healthy speckled and spotted goats and sheep, but the weak and sickly animals were not spotted and speckled.
God opened and closed the womb. If you are barren physically or spiritually and cannot conceive, you should pray for God to open your womb. Barrenness can be physical or spiritual. Spiritual barrenness is the inability to bear spiritual children.
The LORD answered Leah’s and Rachel’s prayers and opened their wombs. God is a prayer-answering God. If you bring your prayer requests before God, He will listen to you and answer you at the right time.
Jacob made the animals breed in front of the spotted and speckled rods and the animals produced spotted and speckled babies. There was nothing magical about this. This was the LORD’s blessing upon Jacob. The LORD saw Jacob’s plight and miraculously gave him spotted and speckled animals. The LORD’s blessing followed Jacob and Jacob prospered because the LORD was with him.
Application
Genesis 30 tells us about Jacob, Leah, and Rachel. It focuses on the birth of Jacob’s children and how he became wealthy.
Trusting God in Desperation
Rachel, desperate to have children, gave Bilhah as Jacob’s surrogate mother.
When you are in distress, God is the best person to turn to for help and guidance. Even when you don’t get what you want, trust in God and his timing.
God hears and responds to prayers.
Leah and Rachel prayed for children to God, and God answered them by providing children in various ways.
Believe that God answers and hears your prayers. Continue to pray, believing that God is listening and will answer your prayers in His time.
Avoiding Competition and Envy
Rachel and Leah fought each other for Jacob’s love and blessing of children.
Avoid competition and envy in families and close relationships. Instead, cultivate gratitude, contentment and cooperation, remembering that God blesses His entire creation.
God’s Blessing and Provision in Work
Jacob made a deal with Laban about his wages, and used his ingenuity in order to increase his flocks. He trusted in God for his blessings and provision in everything he did. Success comes only from God! Work hard while remaining flexible.
Integrity of Agreements
Jacob kept his word and worked diligently, leading him into success and God blessed him abundantly.
Honor your commitments and agreements, even if others do not. Be sure that God will reward faithfulness and integrity by blessings for a long, abundant life.
God is faithful even in difficult times
Jacob endured numerous challenges from Laban. Yet God was faithful to provide protection and blessings.
Remember, God is faithful and will bless you in difficult and unfair situations.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You that You are a prayer-answering God. Thank You that we can bring all our prayer requests to you. Thank You that we can carry everything to You in prayer. We pray for Your blessing to be with us so that we will succeed in all our endeavors. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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Genesis 31
Leaving toxic relationships
When Laban and his sons turned hostile toward Jacob, he feared for his life and absconded from Laban with his wives, children, and livestock.
Verses 1–3, 1 Jacob heard Laban’s sons’ words, saying, “Jacob has taken away all that was our father’s. He has obtained all this wealth from that which was our father’s.” 2 Jacob saw the expression on Laban’s face, and, behold, it was not toward him as before. 3 Yahweh said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers, and to your relatives, and I will be with you.”
The LORD blessed Jacob by miraculously making all the animals that he bred become spotted and speckled. Laban’s sons became jealous when they saw that Jacob’s animals were increasing day by day, while Laban’s animals were decreasing. Jacob saw that Laban’s attitude toward him had changed. The LORD commanded Jacob to return to his father’s house in Canaan with the promise of His divine presence and protection.
Verses 4–13, 4 Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field to his flock, 5 and said to them, “I see the expression on your father’s face, that it is not toward me as before; but the God of my father has been with me. 6 You know that I have served your father with all of my strength. 7 Your father has deceived me and changed my wages ten times, but God didn’t allow him to hurt me. 8 If he said, ‘The speckled will be your wages,’ then all the flock bore speckled. If he said, ‘The streaked will be your wages,’ then all the flock bore streaked. 9 Thus God has taken away your father’s livestock, and given them to me. 10 During mating season, I lifted up my eyes, and saw in a dream, and behold, the male goats which leaped on the flock were streaked, speckled, and grizzled. 11 The angel of God said to me in the dream, ‘Jacob,’ and I said, ‘Here I am.’ 12 He said, ‘Now lift up your eyes, and behold, all the male goats which leap on the flock are streaked, speckled, and grizzled, for I have seen all that Laban does to you. 13 I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar, where you vowed a vow to me. Now arise, get out from this land, and return to the land of your birth.’”
Reflection
Jacob told Rachel and Leah that their father, Laban, had turned hostile toward him. Jacob complained that Laban had deceived him by changing his terms of service ten times. However, when the LORD saw Jacob’s affliction, He divinely protected, and prospered him.
The LORD appeared to Jacob in a dream, promising to make all the goats and sheep spotted and speckled. The LORD is the God of Bethel or El Bethel. This was where Jacob erected a stone pillar and anointed it with oil, Genesis 28:18. The LORD commanded Jacob to go back to Canaan.
Genesis 28:18, “Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put under his head, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil on its top.”
Verses 14–16, 14 Rachel and Leah answered him, “Is there yet any portion or inheritance for us in our father’s house? 15 Aren’t we considered as foreigners by him? For he has sold us and has also used up our money. 16 For all the riches which God has taken away from our father are ours and our children’s. Now then, whatever God has said to you, do.”
Reflection
Rachel and Leah replied that Laban treated them as foreigners and squandered their dowry money. They agreed to follow Jacob, and run away from Laban, according to the LORD’s command.
Verses 17–21, 17 Then Jacob rose up and set his sons and his wives on the camels, 18 and he took away all his livestock, and all his possessions which he had gathered, including the livestock which he had gained in Paddan Aram, to go to Isaac his father, to the land of Canaan. 19 Now Laban had gone to shear his sheep; and Rachel stole the teraphim that were her father’s. 20 Jacob deceived Laban the Syrian, in that he didn’t tell him that he was running away. 21 So he fled with all that he had. He rose up, passed over the River, and set his face toward the mountain of Gilead.
Reflection
When Laban was away to shear his sheep, Jacob hurriedly fled Paddan Aram on camels with his wives, children, livestock, and possessions. Rachel stole her father’s household gods (idols) without telling Jacob.Jacob and his company fled as fast as they could in the direction of Gilead.
Verses 22–25, 22 Laban was told on the third day that Jacob had fled. 23 He took his relatives with him and pursued him seven days’ journey. He overtook him in the mountain of Gilead. 24 God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream of the night, and said to him, “Be careful that you don’t speak to Jacob either good or bad.” 25 Laban caught up with Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mountain, and Laban with his relatives encamped in the mountain of Gilead.
Reflection
Three days later, Laban realized that Jacob had absconded. Laban and his relatives pursued Jacob for seven days and caught up with him in the mountain of Gilead.
The LORD appeared to Laban in a dream and warned him not to deal harshly with Jacob. Laban and Jacob met in the mountain of Gilead.
Verses 26–29, 26 Laban said to Jacob, “What have you done, that you have deceived me, and carried away my daughters like captives of the sword? 27 Why did you flee secretly, and deceive me, and didn’t tell me, that I might have sent you away with mirth and with songs, with tambourine and with harp; 28 and didn’t allow me to kiss my sons and my daughters? Now have you done foolishly. 29 It is in the power of my hand to hurt you, but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, ‘Be careful that you don’t speak to Jacob either good or bad.’”
Reflection
Laban rebuked Jacob for absconding but did not dare to harm him because of the dream he had the night before. Laban told Jacob that he wanted to attack him but did not do so because of the dream.
Verse 30–32, 30 “Now, you want to be gone, because you greatly longed for your father’s house, but why have you stolen my gods?” 31 Jacob answered Laban, “Because I was afraid, for I said, ‘Lest you should take your daughters from me by force.’ 32 Anyone you find your gods with shall not live. Before our relatives, discern what is yours with me, and take it.” For Jacob didn’t know that Rachel had stolen them.
Reflection
Laban demanded to know why Jacob had stolen his household gods. Jacob denied that he had stolen the gods because he did not know that Rachel had stolen them. He foolishly pronounced the death penalty on the person who had stolen the gods.
Verses 33–35, 33 Laban went into Jacob’s tent, into Leah’s tent, and into the tent of the two female servants; but he didn’t find them. He went out of Leah’s tent and entered into Rachel’s tent. 34 Now Rachel had taken the teraphim, put them in the camel’s saddle, and sat on them. Laban felt around all the tent but didn’t find them. 35 She said to her father, “Don’t let my lord be angry that I can’t rise up before you; for I’m having my period.” He searched but didn’t find the teraphim.
Reflection
Laban searched Leah’s tent and did not find the gods (idols). Laban searched Rachel’s tent and did not find them. Rachel sat on the gods hidden underneath the camel seat and refused to come down, saying that she was having her period.
Verses 36–40, 36 Jacob was angry and argued with Laban. Jacob answered Laban, “What is my trespass? What is my sin, that you have hotly pursued me? 37 Now that you have felt around in all my stuff, what have you found of all your household stuff? Set it here before my relatives and your relatives, that they may judge between us two. 38 “These twenty years I have been with you. Your ewes and your female goats have not cast their young, and I haven’t eaten the rams of your flocks. 39 That which was torn of animals, I didn’t bring to you. I bore its loss. Of my hand, you required it, whether stolen by day or stolen by night. 40 This was my situation: in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep fled from my eyes.
Reflection
Jacob threw a fit when Laban did not find the gods. Jacob complained to everyone that he had worked diligently for Laban for the 20 years but Laban had treated him with contempt.
Verses 41–44, 41 “These twenty years I have been in your house. I served you fourteen years for your two daughters, and six years for your flock, and you have changed my wages ten times. 42 Unless the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely now you would have sent me away empty. God has seen my affliction and the labor of my hands and rebuked you last night.” 43 Laban answered Jacob, “The daughters are my daughters, the children are my children, the flocks are my flocks, and all that you see is mine! What can I do today to these my daughters, or to their children whom they have borne? 44 Now come, let’s make a covenant, you and I. Let it be for a witness between me and you.”
Reflection
Jacob lamented that he had served Laban fourteen years for his two daughters and six years for his flock but Laban had changed his terms of employment ten times. Jacob called the LORD, the God of his father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac.
The LORD had seen Jacob’s affliction and rebuked Laban in a dream the night before. Laban told Jacob he would not take vengeance and asked Jacob to make a covenant of peace with him.
Verses 45–50, 45 Jacob took a stone and set it up for a pillar. 46 Jacob said to his relatives, “Gather stones.” They took stones and made a heap. They ate there by the heap. 47 Laban called it Jegar Sahadutha, but Jacob called it Galeed. 48 Laban said, “This heap is a witness between me and you today.” Therefore, it was named Galeed 49 and Mizpah, for he said, “Yahweh watch between me and you when we are absent one from another. 50 If you afflict my daughters, or if you take wives in addition to my daughters, no man is with us; behold, God is witness between me and you.”
Reflection
Jacob erected a stone pillar on the ground and told everyone to pick up stones and place them into a pile around the pillar. Laban called the pillar Jegar Sahadutha but Jacob called it Galeed. Jegar Sahadutha means “a heap of testimony” in Aramaic. Galeed also means “a heap of testimony” in Hebrew. On that day, the LORD would see the testimony of this covenant between Jacob and Laban.
Verses 51–55, 51 Laban said to Jacob, “See this heap and see the pillar, which I have set between me and you. 52 May this heap be a witness, and the pillar be a witness, that I will not pass over this heap to you, and that you will not pass over this heap and this pillar to me, for harm. 53 The God of Abraham, and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.” Then Jacob swore by the fear of his father, Isaac. 54 Jacob offered a sacrifice in the mountain and called his relatives to eat bread. They ate bread and stayed all night in the mountain. 55 Early in the morning, Laban rose up, and kissed his sons and his daughters, and blessed them. Laban departed and returned to his place.
Reflection
Swearing in the name of the LORD, Jacob declared a covenant of peace between him and Laban on the pillar and the heap of stones in front of everyone present that day. Jacob called the LORD the God of Abraham, the God of Nahor, the God of their father, and the fear of Isaac. The next morning Laban kissed and blessed his daughters and returned to Paddan Aram.
Rachel stole her father’s idols: she was an idol worshiper. She believed that her father’s household gods could protect her. What household gods do you have? Your “household gods” are things that you idolize. It can be your career, hobbies, possessions, and so on. You should not allow anything to take the place of God.
When Laban caught up with Jacob on the mountain of Gilead, he could have attacked Jacob. But the LORD had appeared to Laban in a dream the night before and warned him not to harm Jacob. The LORD also protected Jacob’s grandfather Abraham from Abimelech in the same way through a dream:
Genesis 20:3, “But God came to Abimelech in a dream of the night, and said to him, ‘Behold, you are a dead man, because of the woman whom you have taken; for she is a man’s wife.’”
Without your knowledge the LORD protects you 24 hours a day, seven days a week, behind the scene. He sends guardian angels before you, behind you, on your left, on your right, above, and below you. Many years ago, as a tourist, I found myself lost in Salsburg. I believe that God sent an angel to guide me back to the city just in time to catch the coach back to Vienna!
Application
Genesis 31 is a story of Jacob’s separation from Laban. It also shows his complicated relationships and his dependence on God. Here are some practical applications from this chapter.
Make decisions by seeking God’s guidance
Jacob left Laban to return home, following God’s direction.
Ask God for guidance before making any major decisions. When you trust Him, He will guide you in the correct direction.
Handling family conflict
Jacob is in a conflict with Laban while his wife supports his decision to abandon him.
Openly discuss family conflict and find constructive ways to resolve it. Family unity is based on open communication and mutual respect.
Trusting God
Jacob recounted how God shielded him from Laban’s deceit and blessed his efforts.
When you are faced with deceit and unfair treatment, trust in God’s faithfulness and protection. He is aware of your struggle and will meet your needs.
Integrity and Honesty
Jacob maintained his integrity in spite of Laban’s efforts to cheat him.
Even if no one else does, it is essential that you consistently uphold truth and integrity. God rewards and honors those who follow these principles.
Recognizing God’s presence in your life
Jacob quickly acknowledged God as his source of success and protection.
Thank God for the work He has done in your life. Recognize and thank God for His protection, guidance, and blessings in each situation.
Leaving toxic relationships
Jacob quickly realized that he had to leave Laban and his oppressive environment in order to follow God’s way.
It’s sometimes necessary to end toxic or abusive relationships in order to find God’s will. You can trust that God will lead you to a place where blessings and peace are abundant.
Faith In God
Jacob relied on God’s pledge to remain by his side and guide him back to his cherished homeland.
When you are in unfamiliar territory, hold on to God’s promise. The strength and courage to face life’s challenges comes from trusting God’s word.
How to handle allegations and protect yourself
Jacob responded to Laban’s accusations by proving his honesty and hard work.
Respond truthfully and with evidence of your integrity when falsely accused. Be firm in your conviction that the truth will win out.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your divine protection 24 hours a day and seven days a week, to keep us out of danger. Thank You for sending guardian angels to watch over us. Thank You for speaking to us in dreams, visions, through the Bible, and in life’s circumstances. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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Genesis 33
Seeking reconciliation
When Jacob finally met Esau, he was pleasantly surprised that Esau received him with joy instead of enmity. Esau had forgiven Jacob for stealing Isaac’s blessing from him 20 years ago. This chapter focused on the touching reunion and reconciliation scene between the two twin brothers.
Verses 1–3, 1 Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, Esau was coming and with him four hundred men. He divided the children between Leah, Rachel, and the two servants. 2 He put the servants and their children in front, Leah and her children after, and Rachel and Joseph at the rear. 3 He himself passed over in front of them and bowed himself to the ground seven times until he came near to his brother.
Reflection
Jacob looked up and saw Esau with his entourage of four hundred men. He separated his family into three contingents: the two servants and their children in front, Leah and her children in the center, and Rachael and Joseph behind.
Jacob came forward and bowed to Esau seven times as a sign of submission, respect, and humility.
Verses 4-7, 4 Esau ran to meet him, embraced him, fell on his neck, kissed him, and they wept. 5 He lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, “Who are these with you?” He said, “The children whom God has graciously given your servant.” 6 Then the servants came near with their children, and they bowed themselves. 7 Leah also and her children came near, and bowed themselves. After them, Joseph came near with Rachel, and they bowed themselves.
Reflection
In a surprising move, Esau ran to Jacob, embraced, kissed him on the neck, and cried. Esau looked up and saw Leah, Rachel, Bilhah, Zilphah, eleven sons, and one daughter, whom he had never met before. He asked Jacob who these were, and Jacob replied that they were his wives and children. Leah, and her six children, Rachel, and Joseph, bowed down to Esau as a sign of respect. As a sign of humility, submission, and respect, Jacob called himself a servant of Esau.
Verses 8–11, 8 Esau said, “What do you mean by all this company which I met?” Jacob said, “To find favor in the sight of my lord.” 9 Esau said, “I have enough, my brother; let that which you have be yours.” 10 Jacob said, “Please, no, if I have now found favor in your sight, then receive my present at my hand, because I have seen your face, as one sees the face of God, and you were pleased with me. 11 Please take the gift that I brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough.” He urged him, and he took it.
Reflection
Esau was surprised to see Jacob presenting him with so many animals. He refused to accept them but Jacob insisted that Esau accept them as a token of appreciation for treating him so kindly and cordially. Jacob acknowledged that the LORD had blessed him abundantly through the twenty years of exile in Paddan Aram. As a sign of respect, submission, and humility, Jacob addressed Esau as his lord.
Verses 12–14, 12 Esau said, “Let’s take our journey, and let’s go, and I will go before you.” 13 Jacob said to him, “My lord knows that the children are tender and that the flocks and herds with me have their young, and if they overdrive them one day, all the flocks will die. 14 Please let my lord pass over before his servant, and I will lead on gently, according to the pace of the livestock that are before me and according to the pace of the children, until I come to my lord to Seir.”
Reflection
Esau offered to accompany Jacob but Jacob politely declined. Jacob preferred to take a leisurely journey at his own pace, promising to meet up with Esau in Seir sometime in the future.
Verses 15–17, 15 Esau said, “Let me now leave with you some of the people who are with me.” He said, “Why? Let me find favor in the sight of my lord.” 16 So Esau returned that day on his way to Seir. 17 Jacob traveled to Succoth, built himself a house, and made shelters for his livestock. Therefore, the name of the place is called Succoth.
Reflection
Esau offered to leave some of his people with Jacob and his contingent, but Jacob politely declined. At this, Esau left Jacob and went on his way to Seir. Jacob made his way to Succoth and settled down there. Succoth means “booth” in Hebrew. Jacob built booths in Succoth as shelters for his livestock.
Verses 18–20, 18 Jacob came in peace to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan when he came from Paddan Aram; and encamped before the city. 19 He bought the parcel of ground where he had spread his tent, at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for one hundred pieces of money. 20 He erected an altar there and called it El Elohe Israel.
Reflection
From Succoth, Jacob went to Shechem. He purchased a piece of real estate from the children of Shechem’s father for one hundred pieces of silver and built an altar there to worship the LORD. He named this altar El Elohe Israel, which means “God of Israel” in Hebrew. True to his changed name, Israel worshiped the LORD.
Shechem or Sychar is mentioned in John 4:5–6. Shechem was the place where the Samaritan woman encountered Jesus at Jacob’s well:
John 4: 5–6, “So he came to a city of Samaria, called Sychar, near the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son, Joseph. Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being tired from his journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour.”
Jacob was a worshiper of the LORD. He built an altar to the LORD at Shechem. Are you a worshiper of the LORD? Have you built an altar in your heart to worship the LORD?
The lesson in this chapter is forgiveness: Esau forgave Jacob. Have you forgiven those who have wronged you in the past?
Application
Genesis 33 describes Jacob and Esau’s reunion, emphasizing themes such as reconciliation, humility and God’s faithfulness. Here are some lessons from this chapter.
Reconciliation as an Agent of Change
Jacob and Esau met after many years, yet instead of engaging in any hostilities they embraced and reconciled.
Strive for reconciliation in relationships where there has been hurt or discord. God can restore broken bonds and bring peace where there was once conflict.
Practice Humility and Respect
Jacob approached Esau with humility, bowing seven times before speaking respectfully.
Treat others with dignity and respect, especially in difficult or uncertain situations. Being humble can prevent conflicts and lead to positive interactions.
Generosity and Courtesy
Jacob offered gifts as an act of goodwill toward Esau, even though Esau initially refused to accept them.
Be kind and generous to others. Acts of kindness can strengthen relationships and show God’s love and grace.
Acknowledging God’s blessing
Jacob recognized and gave thanks for all that God has blessed him with in life. He willingly shared part of his wealth with Esau.
Recognize and appreciate what blessings have come into your life from God, acknowledging that all good comes from Him alone.
Valuing Families and Relationships
Jacob and Esau placed great value on family reunion and ties.
Prioritize family relationships by focusing on developing strong, loving bonds among family members.
Trust in God for Protection
Jacob met Esau fearfully but found favor with Esau when he trusted God for protection.
When encountering potentially hazardous or frightening situations, trust that He can turn them around for good and His glory.
Finding Peace Through Obedience
Jacob continued his journey peacefully, settling at Succoth and Shechem.
Peace comes when you obey God’s leading in your life. He will lead to places of rest and contentment for you.
Witnessing through Actions
Jacob’s actions towards Esau indicate a shift in his character and are evidence of God at work in his life.
Let your actions bear witness to the presence of God’s work in your life. The way you treat others can serve as a powerful testimony to the transformative power of His grace and love!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the lesson on forgiveness. Forgive us our sins even as we forgive those who have sinned against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, for Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
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Genesis 35
four funerals and one birth
This chapter narrates four deaths and one birth in Bethel: the deaths of Rachel’s idols, Deborah (Rebekah’s nurse), Rachel, Isaac, and the birth of Benjamin.
Verses 1–3, 1 God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel, and live there. Make there an altar to God, who appeared to you when you fled from the face of Esau your brother.” 2 Then Jacob said to his household, and to all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods that are among you, purify yourselves, change your garments. 3 Let’s arise and go up to Bethel. I will make there an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me on the way which I went.”
Reflection
The LORD commanded Jacob to go to Bethel. This was where the LORD had first appeared to him 20 years before when he fled from Esau in fear and trembling. He had seen a ladder stretching from earth to heaven and the angels of God climbing up and down the ladder.
The ladder is a type of Christ, who is the bridge between heaven and earth, between God and humanity. Jacob announced his itinerary to his family members, commanded them to bring out all their idols, to purify themselves and wear new clothes.
Verses 4–8, 4 They gave to Jacob all the foreign gods which were in their hands, and the rings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem. 5 They traveled, and a terror of God was on the cities that were around them, and they didn’t pursue the sons of Jacob. 6 So Jacob came to Luz (that is, Bethel), which is in the land of Canaan, he and all the people who were with him. 7 He built an altar there, and called the place El Beth El; because there God was revealed to him, when he fled from the face of his brother. 8 Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died, and she was buried below Bethel under the oak; and its name was called Allon Bacuth.
Reflection
Jacob buried all the idols and the earrings under an oak tree in Shechem. As they traveled to Bethel, God protected them and prevented the Canaanites from attacking by divinely frightening them. Jacob came to Bethel safely and built an altar to worship the LORD. He called the place El Beth El, which means “God house of God” in Hebrew. Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse died, and Jacob buried her under an oak tree in Bethel called Allon Bacuth, which means “oak of weeping” in Hebrew.
Verses 9–12, 9 God appeared to Jacob again, when he came from Paddan Aram, and blessed him. 10 God said to him, “Your name is Jacob. Your name shall not be Jacob any more, but your name will be Israel.” He named him Israel. 11 God said to him, “I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply. A nation and a company of nations will be from you, and kings will come out of your body. 12 The land which I gave to Abraham and Isaac, I will give it to you, and to your offspring after you, I will give the land.”
Reflection
The LORD appeared to Jacob again and reminded him of his new name Israel, which means “ruled by God”. A name change signified a change of character, from self-rule to God-rule. Jacob’s life would be ruled by God and not by self. Walking with a limp meant that he had to lean on God and not on self.
The LORD revealed His name as God Almighty or El Shaddai, the all-sufficient, omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient God. This is the same name that the LORD had revealed to his grandfather Abraham.
Genesis 17:1, “When Abram was ninety-nine years old, Yahweh appeared to Abram and said to him, ‘I am God Almighty. Walk before Me and be blameless.’”
Verses 13–22, 13 God went up from him in the place where he spoke with him. 14 Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he spoke with him, a pillar of stone. He poured out a drink offering on it and poured oil on it. 15 Jacob called the name of the place where God spoke with him “Bethel.” 16 They traveled from Bethel. There was still some distance to come to Ephrath, and Rachel travailed. She had hard labor. 17 When she was in hard labor, the midwife said to her, “Don’t be afraid, for now, you will have another son.” 18 As her soul was departing (for she died), she named him Benoni, but his father named him Benjamin. 19 Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (also called Bethlehem). 20 Jacob set up a pillar on her grave. The same is the Pillar of Rachel’s grave to this day. 21 Israel traveled and spread his tent beyond the tower of Eder. 22 While Israel lived in that land, Reuben went and lay with Bilhah, his father’s concubine, and Israel heard of it. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve.
Reflection
Jacob erected a stone altar to the LORD at Bethel, anointed it with oil, and poured a drink offering upon it. This is the first time the phrase “drink offering” is mentioned in the Bible. Rachel went into a difficult labor and passed away after giving birth to Benjamin.
Rachel named him Benoni, which means “son of my sorrow”, but Jacob changed it to Benjamin, which means “son of my right hand”. On the way to Bethlehem was where Rachel died and where Benjamin was born. Jacob set up a stone pillar at Rachel’s grave in Bethlehem.
Here, Jacob’s firstborn son, Reuben, had illicit sex with Bilhah, Jacob’s concubine. Jacob knew about this and took away his birthright. Even Simeon and Levi did not qualify over the incident of the massacre at Shechem. The birthright went to the fourth son in the line, Judah.
To Reuben Jacob says, “Turbulent as the waters, you will no longer excel, for you went up onto your father’s bed, onto my couch and defiled it”, Genesis 49:4.
Verses 23–29, 23 The sons of Leah: Reuben (Jacob’s firstborn), Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun. 24 The sons of Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin. 25 The sons of Bilhah (Rachel’s servant): Dan and Naphtali. 26 The sons of Zilpah (Leah’s servant): Gad and Asher. These are the sons of Jacob, who were born to him in Paddan Aram. 27 Jacob came to Isaac his father, to Mamre, to Kiriath Arba (which is Hebron), where Abraham and Isaac lived as foreigners. 28 The days of Isaac were one hundred eighty years. 29 Isaac gave up the spirit and died, and was gathered to his people, old and full of days. Esau and Jacob, his sons, buried him.
Reflection
The twelve sons of Jacob were listed by name. Leah gave Jacob six sons, Rachel gave Jacob two sons, Bilhah gave Jacob two sons, and Zilpah gave Jacob two sons. The twelve sons of Jacob became the ancestors of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Jacob and Esau buried their father Isaac after he died at the ripe old age of 180.
Jacob buried the foreign gods of his family members. Have you buried all your foreign gods? Your foreign gods are things that take the place of God in your life. This could be your career, your hobby, your ambition, your possessions, and so on. Only you know what these are. Bury them, put them away, and serve the LORD wholeheartedly:
Joshua 24:15, “If it seems evil to you to serve Yahweh, choose today whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell; but as for me and my house, we will serve Yahweh.”
Jacob built an altar to worship the LORD. Have you built an altar to the LORD in your heart to worship Him?
Application
Genesis 35 relates Jacob’s return to Bethel, where God had appeared earlier.
Prioritize God in your life
Take a deep look at your life to identify anything that could hinder or challenge your connection with God. What distractions might hinder full devotion to Him?
Adhere to God’s Will
Jacob’s decision to return to Bethel as proof of obedience illustrates the importance of following God’s will in your life. Are there areas in which He is calling you to act or change, yet you remain reluctant? How can you cultivate more obedience within yourself?
Trusting God During Loss
Jacob experienced great losses, yet still found comfort in God’s plan and promises that He would always be with him through every season of life. When times get hard for you too, take comfort from knowing He will always be by your side.
Renew Your Dedication
Jacob showed how regularly renewing dedication to God could strengthen faith and the relationship with Him. What steps could you take today to reaffirm your devotion to his will and purpose for your life?
Genesis 35 shows us lessons about faithfulness, obedience, and putting God first through Jacob’s experiences and reactions.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help us to bury all the false gods in our lives that have distracted us from serving You. Help us to memorize the words of Joshua “as for me and my house, we will serve Yahweh.” Help us to build an altar in our hearts to worship You, for You are the Almighty God. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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Genesis 36
Genealogy of Esau
This chapter consists of names, names, and names. These are the names of the descendants of Esau through many generations. Whereas Genesis 36 brings the faith journey of Jacob to a close, Genesis 37 will begin the narrative on faith journey of Joseph.
Verses 1–5, 1 Now this is the history of the generations of Esau (that is, Edom). 2 Esau took his wives from the daughters of Canaan: Adah the daughter of Elon, the Hittite; and Oholibamah the daughter of Anah, the daughter of Zibeon, the Hivite; 3 and Basemath, Ishmael’s daughter, sister of Nebaioth. 4 Adah bore to Esau Eliphaz. Basemath bore Reuel. 5 Oholibamah bore Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. These are the sons of Esau, who were born to him in the land of Canaan.
Reflection
In Hebrew, Esau means “hairy” and Edom means “red”. Esau married wives from the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, and Ishmaelites. The sons of Esau were listed by name.
Verses 6–8, 6 Esau took his wives, his sons, his daughters, and all the members of his household, with his livestock, all his animals, and all his possessions, which he had gathered in the land of Canaan, and went into a land away from his brother Jacob. 7 For their substance was too great for them to dwell together, and the land of their travels couldn’t bear them because of their livestock. 8 Esau lived in the hill country of Seir. Esau is Edom.
Reflection
Esau and his family moved out of Canaan and migrated to Seir while Jacob remained in Canaan. The LORD blessed Jacob and Esau until their possessions were so great that they could not live together in harmony. Abraham, Esau’s great-grandfather also faced the same problem with his nephew Lot, Genesis 13:6:
Genesis 13:6, “The land was not able to bear them, that they might live together; for their possessions were so great that they couldn’t live together.”
Verses 9–13, 9 This is the history of the generations of Esau the father of the Edomites in the hill country of Seir: 10 these are the names of Esau’s sons: Eliphaz, the son of Adah, the wife of Esau; and Reuel, the son of Basemath, the wife of Esau. 11 The sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, and Gatam, and Kenaz. 12 Timna was concubine to Eliphaz, Esau’s son; and she bore to Eliphaz Amalek. These are the descendants of Adah, Esau’s wife. 13 These are the sons of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. These were the descendants of Basemath, Esau’s wife. 14 These were the sons of Oholibamah, the daughter of Anah, the daughter of Zibeon, Esau’s wife: she bore to Esau Jeush, Jalam, and Korah.
Reflection
Esau’s sons by his three wives, Adah, Basemath, and Oholibamah were listed by name. Esau’s six grandsons by Eliphaz were listed by name, including Amalek. The Amalekites were enemies of Israel. The Amalekites attacked the Israelites at Rephidim after they had crossed the Red Sea:
Exodus 17:8, “Then Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim.”
Verses 15–19, 15 These are the chiefs of the sons of Esau: the sons of Eliphaz the firstborn of Esau: chief Teman, chief Omar, chief Zepho, chief Kenaz, 16 chief Korah, chief Gatam, chief Amalek. These are the chiefs who came of Eliphaz in the land of Edom. These are the sons of Adah. 17 These are the sons of Reuel, Esau’s son: chief Nahath, chief Zerah, chief Shammah, chief Mizzah. These are the chiefs who came of Reuel in the land of Edom. These are the sons of Basemath, Esau’s wife. 18 These are the sons of Oholibamah, Esau’s wife: chief Jeush, chief Jalam, chief Korah. These are the chiefs who came of Oholibamah the daughter of Anah, Esau’s wife. 19 These are the sons of Esau (that is, Edom), and these are their chiefs.
Reflection
Esau’s sons by his three wives, Adah, Basemath, and Oholibamah were listed by name. Esau’s grandsons by Eliphaz were listed by name.
Verses 20–29, 20 These are the sons of Seir the Horite, the inhabitants of the land: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, 21 Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan. These are the chiefs who came of the Horites, the children of Seir in the land of Edom. 22 The children of Lotan were Hori and Heman. Lotan’s sister was Timna. 23 These are the children of Shobal: Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, and Onam. 24 These are the children of Zibeon: Aiah and Anah. This is Anah who found the hot springs in the wilderness, as he fed the donkeys of Zibeon his father. 25 These are the children of Anah: Dishon and Oholibamah, the daughter of Anah. 26 These are the children of Dishon: Hemdan, Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran. 27 These are the children of Ezer: Bilhan, Zaavan, and Akan. 28 These are the children of Dishan: Uz and Aran. 29 These are the chiefs who came of the Horites: chief Lotan, chief Shobal, chief Zibeon, chief Anah, 30 chief Dishon, chief Ezer, and chief Dishan. These are the chiefs who came of the Horites, according to their chiefs in the land of Seir.
Reflection
The Horites were the original inhabitants of Seir before Esau arrived. They intermarried with Esau’s descendants and assimilated into the Edomite clan. The descendants of the Horites were listed by name.
Verses 31–39, 31 These are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom, before any king reigned over the children of Israel. 32 Bela, the son of Beor, reigned in Edom. The name of his city was Dinhabah. 33 Bela died, and Jobab, the son of Zerah of Bozrah, reigned in his place. 34 Jobab died, and Husham of the land of the Temanites reigned in his place. 35 Husham died, and Hadad, the son of Bedad, who struck Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his place. The name of his city was Avith. 36 Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his place. 37 Samlah died, and Shaul of Rehoboth by the river reigned in his place. 38 Shaul died, and Baal Hanan the son of Achbor reigned in his place. 39 Baal Hanan the son of Achbor died, and Hadar reigned in his place. The name of his city was Pau. His wife’s name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab.
Reflection
The names of the Edomite kings were listed by name down to many generations.
Verses 40–43, 40 These are the names of the chiefs who came from Esau, according to their families, after their places, and by their names: chief Timna, chief Alvah, chief Jetheth, 41 chief Oholibamah, chief Elah, chief Pinon, 42 chief Kenaz, chief Teman, chief Mibzar, 43 chief Magdiel, and chief Iram. These are the chiefs of Edom, according to their habitations in the land of their possession. This is Esau, the father of the Edomites.
Reflection
The names of the descendants of Esau were listed by name. The descendants of Esau were called Edomites or Idumeans. The Herodian family line was Idumean. Today, the Idumeans are an extinct race and not one can be found in the world.
This is because God rejected the family line of Esau. But God accepted the family line of Jacob and today, the nation of Israel is still there as a testimony of God’s faithfulness and promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob:
Malachi 1:2–3, “‘I have loved you,’ says Yahweh. Yet you say, ‘How have you loved us?’ ‘Wasn’t Esau Jacob’s brother?’ says Yahweh, ‘Yet I loved Jacob, but Esau I hated, and made his mountains a desolation, and gave his heritage to the jackals of the wilderness.’”
This chapter brings us to the end of a literary unit. Genesis 37 will begin a new literary unit with the life and faith journey of Joseph.
God rejected Esau because he despised his birthright and sold it to Jacob for a bowl of red lentil soup. He did not value his birthright.
Your birthright is Jesus Christ. Do not throw away your birthright in Christ to pursue unholy things. Do not imitate Esau, who profaned God. Imitate Jacob who worshiped God.
Application
Genesis 36 provides a thorough genealogy of Esau, more commonly known as Edom. This chapter lists his descendants and showcases how Edom became its own nation. Though genealogy records may seem dull at first glance, they offer plenty of useful insight:
Acknowledging God’s Faithfulness
Just like God’s faithfulness toward Esau, you can also trust in God’s promises in your life and your family. Think about all the ways He has proven to be faithful in your life and in the lives of those around you, even in unexpected ways!
Understand God’s Timing
The faster growth of Esau’s descendants compared to Jacob’s slower journey to becoming Israel served as a strong reminder of God’s personalized and flawless timing for each individual.
Trust in the timing of God and do not compare yourself to others.
Embracing your heritage
Genealogies serve to remind us of the significance of your heritage and legacy you leave behind for future generations.
How can you honor your heritage and also contribute positively to the legacy you will leave for future generations?
Learning From Historical Context
History and familial background knowledge can add depth to your understanding of Scripture. Research the backgrounds of different biblical figures to see how God’s story unfolds through their families.
Studying Esau’s family in Genesis 36 shows us God’s faithfulness, timing, and heritage, which are lessons you can apply in your life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the opportunity to travel with You through the writings of the author of Genesis and journey into the life of Jacob. Thank You for giving us the energy, strength, persistence, and perseverance to study Your word faithfully and diligently. In Jesus’ name, amen.