Day 24, Chronological Bible Study
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Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Genesis 28:10–30:43
A Ferris Wheel Life
It is wintertime in the northern hemisphere. If any of us live there, perhaps we wish to be at a Florida theme park right about now. Life is sometimes like a Ferris wheel—what goes around comes around. Whatever we do, good or bad, it tends to return our way. How can we encourage the good and prevent the bad?
In our last Bible reading, we learned about Jacob’s deception. He tricked his older brother Esau into trading away his birthright for some stew. Jacob caught him in a weak moment when he was hungry from hunting all day.
Many years later, when Isaac was old and blind, he wished to pass on his blessing to his oldest son, Esau. The day of receiving the patriarchal blessing arrived. While Esau was in the field hunting deer, Jacob and his mother deceived Isaac into believing Jacob was Esau, the firstborn. Although Jacob received his father’s blessing, he and his mother forced God’s will.
When Esau returned from hunting, his father told him that Jacob craftily stole his blessing. Now, Esau hated Jacob. His hatred was so fierce that he wanted to kill him. Jacob’s mother sought to protect her favorite son. She convinced Isaac to send Jacob away to Haran (Northwest Mesopotamia) to find himself a wife from her brother Laban’s family. Perhaps, this would give Esau time to cool off and establish his own life without Jacob (which he does).
Another reason for Jacob to find a wife from Laban’s family is the preservation of God-fearing people. Rebekah is distressed with the Hittite women in Canaan, two of whom Esau married. The LORD doesn’t want his people mixing with other people who worship idols. Isaac reveres God and wants the LORD’s continued blessings on his descendants.
Jacob’s Dream
On his way to his Uncle Laban’s house, Jacob stops to sleep. In a dream, he sees angels ascending and descending a stairway that reaches from earth to heaven.
When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” He was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven” (Genesis 28:16-17, NIV).
Jacob calls the place where he meets with God, Bethel (house of God). Here, the Almighty makes an unconditional promise to Jacob in a dream. He says,
“I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you” (Genesis 28: 13-15, NIV).
How does Jacob respond to God's generous offer? He responds with a conditional promise.
Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father's house, then the LORD will be my God and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God's house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth” (Genesis 28: 20-22, NIV).
Jacob doesn’t know God and is bargaining with him. Do we bargain with him, or do we trust him? The LORD is good, and he keeps his promises. There is no need to make deals with him. Do we know God? He promises spiritual life, forgiveness, and peace to those who trust his Son to save them from their sins (more...).
Jacob arrives in Haran, where his distant relatives live. He meets a beautiful young woman named Rachel and instantly falls in love. He asks his uncle if he can marry her, and he consents for a price. Here the deception begins.
Laban tricks Jacob into marrying Leah
Jacob serves Laban for seven years for his daughter, Rachel. Finally, when the wedding night comes, Laban switches her for his older daughter, Leah! Jacob is confused and furious! When he confronts Laban, his uncle claims it’s his cultural duty to marry off his oldest daughter first. If Jacob completes the seven-day marriage ceremony week, he will also give him Rachel. However, Jacob must agree to work seven more years. Frustrated but desperately in love, Jacob agrees to the terms (Genesis 29:16-25).Laban swindles Jacob’s wages
Not only is Jacob deceived in marriage, but he is also swindled in his employment. When the time of service for his wives is complete, Jacob wants something for his own family. Laban agrees to trade some flocks of sheep in exchange for Jacob’s labor, but he keeps changing the agreement’s terms (ten times). Here is a lesson for us: When we deceive others, we are likely to be deceived—what goes around comes around.
Turmoil in Jacob’s home
Having two wives causes a lot of trouble for Jacob (Genesis 29:28–30:24). Jealousy and contention are in their home because Jacob loves Rachel, not Leah. Leah and Rachel begin a competition for the number of children they bear—it is a matter of pride and gaining Jacob’s favor. They even marry off their handmaids to Jacob so the children they birth will count for them (this was culturally acceptable).
Because God allows Jacob to have four wives, it doesn’t mean God endorses polygamy or condones it. Later, God officially forbids the practice (Leviticus 18:18; Deuteronomy 17:17). From the beginning God approves monogamy—a loving relationship between a man and his wife (Proverbs 5:18-19; Malachi 2:15; Mathew 19:4-6). Jacob bears a lot of strife for having multiple wives.
We might learn from Jacob’s life that we must not show favoritism and set up a competition between family members if we want peace in our home. As much as possible, although we may love each one in different ways, we must try to love each one equally. Let’s not give any of them cause to doubt it.
Discussion
How does Jacob lead a Ferris Wheel life? How can we prevent that from happening to us?
By marrying both Leah and Rachel, Jacob sets up a sibling rivalry. What does that do to their home?
When they need help, many people bargain with God. Why is that not necessary or advisable?
Focus Verse
Luke 6:38 (NIV) “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
You can watch a video presentation of this lesson here. Begin at 46:47 and end at 58:00
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
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Looking Ahead: What goes around comes around. Is there ever an End of Struggling for Jacob (or us)? How? Find out in our Next Lesson.
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