Seeking Seen

Seeking Seen

Genesis 30: ¹⁷ And God listened to Leah, and she conceived and bore Jacob a fifth son. ¹⁸ Leah said, “God has given me my wages, because I have given my maid to my husband.” So she called his name Issachar. ¹⁹ Then Leah conceived again and bore Jacob a sixth son. ²⁰ And Leah said, “God has endowed me with a good endowment; now my husband will dwell with me, because I have borne him six sons.” So she called his name Zebulun. ²¹ Afterward she bore a daughter, and called her name Dinah.

 

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Unwanted and alone in marriage, Leah gave Rachel the mandrakes Reuben found. She sought time with Jacob, who loved her sister Rachel. That night, they conceived a child. When the child was born, she named him Issachar, meaning wages. Sometime later, she conceived another child and named him Zebulun, meaning dwelling.  Then she conceived a daughter and named her Dinah, meaning judgment.

 

My Observations:

• Leah sought to have a relationship with a husband who was forced to marry her.
• Leah bore Jacob seven children, one of which was a daughter named Dinah.
• GOD saw and heard Leah’s heart as she tried to make a bad situation good.

 

After becoming barren, there seemed no reason for Jacob to keep trying to have kids with Leah. He kept trying to have kids with Rachel to no avail. Leah gave her maid to Jacob and two kids were born. But this did not satisfy Leah’s desire for more children. GOD saw Leah’s attempts to have a relationship with Jacob and blessed her with three more children.

 

Leah conceived half of the sons Jacob would have. She conceived them through difficulty and pain. She praised GOD for being able to give birth to children. But when she had a daughter, she named her judgment. GOD saw Leah’s broken heart and blessed her seeking efforts.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD tells Moses about Leah’s desires?
• Have you ever had a desire and wondered if GOD was even listening to you?
• Have you placed all your desires before the LORD, believing that HE will give you what is best for you?

News of Value

News of Value

Genesis 30: ¹⁴ Now 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 But she said to her, “Is it a small matter that you have taken away my husband? Would you take away my son’s mandrakes also?”

 

And Rachel said, “Therefore he will lie with you tonight for your son’s mandrakes.”

 

¹⁶ When Jacob came out of the field in the evening, 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.” And he lay with her that night.

 

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Reuben was old enough to go out a forage by himself. He was supposed to pick wheat, but he pulled up a plant with a strange root that looked like a human. He brought the strange plant to his mother and probably asked about it aloud. Rachel must have overheard the conversation between Reuben and Leah. She bargained for the mandrakes.

 

My Observations:

• This is the first time wheat and mandrakes were mentioned.
• Rachel believed the mandrakes could cure her infertility.
• Leah bargained with Rachel to have Jacob for a night.

 

Determined to have another child, Rachel and Leah seemed to become desperate. Rachel demanded that she be given mandrakes that were rare and believed to have medicinal power to cure almost anything. Leah used the mandrakes as a bargaining chip to “hire” Jacob.

 

After working in the field, Jacob was met by Leah. She told him, he was purchased for a night and explained the great price she paid. Jacob, having four wives, went in with Leah. She showed him the value. GOD saw this situation that I would label as “messed up” and used it for HIS purpose.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about the bargaining between Rachel and Leah?
• Are you bargaining with GOD for something you want?
• If you have a desire, will you ask GOD to align it to HIS purpose?

Two Can Play at That Game

Two Can Play at That Game

Genesis 30: ⁹ When Leah saw that she had stopped bearing, she took Zilpah her maid and gave her to Jacob as wife. ¹⁰ And Leah’s maid Zilpah bore Jacob a son. ¹¹ Then Leah said, “A troop comes!” So she called his name Gad. ¹² And Leah’s maid Zilpah bore Jacob a second son. ¹³ Then Leah said, “I am happy, for the daughters will call me blessed.” So she called his name Asher.

 

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Years passed and Leah was now barren. She saw that Rachel’s plan was “working” so she gave Zilpha to Jacob as his wife. Zilpha bore Jacob two sons, Gad and Asher.

 

My Observations:

• Leah saw that she was barren and she saw Rachel give her maid to Jacob, so she did the same.
• Leah believed she owned Zilpah; therefore, she believed she owned the children.
• Zilpah gave birth to two sons, Gad and Asher, who would become great nations.

 

“You give Jacob your maid, I will give Jacob my maid” seemed to be the sentiment of Leah’s actions. She had already given birth to four children, but that was not enough. She took Zilpah’s children and named them as if they were her children.

 

This time she was focused on fortune and fame. “A fortune comes!”, she cried out as Gad was born. “The daughters will call me blessed” was her statement as she named Asher.  Gad means Troop of Fortune and Asher means happy. The dysfunctional family was growing and GOD was still blessing.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Leah’s actions?
• What thing have you achieved that may have gotten in the way of you and GOD?
• Have you ever had a bit of success but lost sight of GOD’s plan for you?

 

Envious Plan

Envious Plan

Genesis 30: Now when Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister, and said to Jacob, “Give me children, or else I die!”

 

² And Jacob’s anger was aroused against Rachel, and he said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?”

 

³ So she said, “Here is my maid Bilhah; go in to her, and she will bear a child on my knees, that I also may have children by her.” ⁴ Then she gave him Bilhah her maid as wife, and Jacob went in to her. ⁵ And Bilhah conceived and bore Jacob a son. ⁶ Then Rachel said, “God has judged my case; and He has also heard my voice and given me a son.” Therefore she called his name Dan. ⁷ And Rachel’s maid Bilhah conceived again and bore Jacob a second son. ⁸ Then Rachel said, “With great wrestlings I have wrestled with my sister, and indeed I have prevailed.” So she called his name Naphtali.

 

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At least four years had passed and Rachel was still barren. Leah had four children, causing envy within Rachel. She approached Jacob with the problem, as if to say “Do something about this!” She came up with the same plan Sarah developed when she was barren. “Go into my handmaid and bear a child.”

 

My Observations:

• Rachel’s envious plan did not include direction from GOD, but received HIS grace.
• Rachel believed she owned Bilhah, therefore she believed she owned her child.
• Bilhah gave birth to two sons, Dan and Naphtali, who would become great nations.

 

Hearing about GOD’s plans and seeing HIS timeline would make anyone anxious. Jacob was told from birth that he would be the one GOD would bless. He had to serve for at least fourteen years just to marry Rachel. Then, four years later, still no child. Meanwhile, Leah was having children left and right.

 

GOD was not being mean, nor was he punishing Rachel. HE had a timeline planned for her, that she could not accept. GOD knew she would be impatient, like you and me. HE blessed Bilhah to have children.  Little did they know, Jacob’s children would be a problem later on.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD go into detail about the conversation between Rachel and Jacob to Moses?
• Have you ever doubted GOD’s existing plan for you and felt you needed to come up with a plan that would hurry up the process?
• Can you wait for GOD’s timing on the great and gracious plan HE has for you?

Seen and Heard

Seen and Heard

Genesis 29: ³¹ When the Lord saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren. ³² So Leah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben; for she said, “The Lord has surely looked on my affliction. Now therefore, my husband will love me.” ³³ Then she conceived again and bore a son, and said, “Because the Lord has heard that I am unloved, He has therefore given me this son also.” And she called his name Simeon. ³⁴ She conceived again and bore a son, and said, “Now this time my husband will become attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.” Therefore his name was called Levi. ³⁵ And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, “Now I will praise the Lord.” Therefore she called his name Judah. Then she stopped bearing.

 

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Jacob knew he would have a child, because GOD promised that he would be the father of many nations. He did not have any children during the seven extra years he worked for Laban. He tried without results, to have a child with Rachel, but she was baren.

 

My Observations:

• Leah was despised by Jacob, probably because he was deceived from getting his deceitful way.
• Leah was seen by GOD and was made fertile and Rachel barren.
• Leah was heard by GOD and bore Jacob four sons then she became barren.

 

Let’s face it, GOD is despised. JESUS would be born from the tribe of Judah, who came from Leah. She was despised and so is JESUS. BUT “GOD saw that Leah was” hated, unloved and unwanted. Many people feel this way.

 

She had no one to tell, BUT GOD heard her heart. And gave her four sons who would become famous tribes. Fulfilling the promise of GOD through Leah was not Jacob’s plan. He wanted what he wanted, BUT GOD provided the promise HIS way, not Jacob’s.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about the beginning of the tribes he would lead?
• Have you ever wondered if GOD sees or hears you?
• Will you praise GOD today because HE sees and hears you and has a plan for you?

Deceiver Deceived

Deceiver Deceived

Genesis 29: ²¹ Then Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in to her.” ²² And Laban gathered together all the men of the place and made a feast. ²³ Now it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter and brought her to Jacob; and he went in to her. ²⁴ And Laban gave his maid Zilpah to his daughter Leah as a maid. ²⁵ So it came to pass in the morning, that behold, it was Leah. And he said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? Was it not for Rachel that I served you? Why then have you deceived me?”

 

²⁶ And Laban said, “It must not be done so in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn. ²⁷ Fulfill her week, and we will give you this one also for the service which you will serve with me still another seven years.”

 

²⁸ Then Jacob did so and fulfilled her week. So he gave him his daughter Rachel as wife also. ²⁹ And Laban gave his maid Bilhah to his daughter Rachel as a maid. ³⁰ Then Jacob also went in to Rachel, and he also loved Rachel more than Leah. And he served with Laban still another seven years.

 

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Jacob’s name meant “Supplanter”, one who takes over by circumventing.  He took the birthright from his brother, then stole his blessing. Jacob had learned how to deceive to get his way. He tried to circumvent the process by making a “deal” with Laban, probably knowing the tradition. After seven years, Laban tricked Jacob by slipping Leah in his tent.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob, the deceiver had been deceived.
• Jacob was outraged, but could not fight the tradition of the area.
• Laban had nothing to gain from Jacob, but he deceived him and caused Leah to join in on the deceit.

 

After Jacob demanded Rachel, Laban threw a party for the men, probably with food and drinks. It does not say Jacob was tipsy, but the feast was mentioned. Jacob slept with Leah without realizing it until morning. He questioned Laban, but received news he did not want to hear.

 

Laban told Jacob, he had to marry Leah first if he wanted to have Rachel as his wife. Laban also dropped another bomb by saying Jacob had to work another seven years to get Rachel. What could Jacob do? He had to work the extra seven years. He got a wife he did not expect. Deceit did not feel good.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about all the deceit that happened between Laban, Jacob and Leah?
• Have you ever been deceived or, perhaps, deceived someone?
• Isn’t it amazing that GOD loves you, despite your sins?

Value Proposition

Value Proposition

Genesis 29: ¹⁵ Then Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are my relative, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what should your wages be?” ¹⁶ Now Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. ¹⁷ Leah’s eyes were delicate, but Rachel was beautiful of form and appearance.

 

¹⁸ Now Jacob loved Rachel; so he said, “I will serve you seven years for Rachel your younger daughter.”

 

¹⁹ And Laban said, “It is better that I give her to you than that I should give her to another man. Stay with me.” ²⁰ So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed only a few days to him because of the love he had for her.

 

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Human ownership had arisen as a custom. Handmaids were property of the wives and herdsmen were property of the flock owners. Laban asked Jacob a precarious question. “What should your wages be?” Jacob had to show that he valued Rachel.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob knew there was a lot at stake in him getting married.
• Jacob desired to marry Rachel.
• Jacob met Rachel first and had sheep herding in common with her, but he also knew about Leah.

 

Since Jacob knew about Leah, he may have also known that a cultural tradition was in place that stated the eldest daughter must be married first, then the next and the next. Jacob tried to circumvent tradition by proposing a large number of years that he would work for Laban to get permission to marry Rachel.

 

Seven years was nothing to Jacob because he was able to interact with Rachel., He had conversations with her and worked side by side with her for seven years tending Laban’s sheep. This seemed very easy to Jacob. But he did not know what was coming.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD mention Leah’s “delicate” or “Weak” eyes to Moses?
• Have you ever valued something so much that you were willing to work for it?
• Have you ever bargained with GOD, trying to get your way, by telling HIM how many years you’ve done something?

Relationship Established

Relationship Established

Genesis 29: ⁹ Now while he was still speaking with them, Rachel came with her father’s sheep, for she was a shepherdess. ¹⁰ And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother’s brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother’s brother, that Jacob went near and rolled the stone from the well’s mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother’s brother. ¹¹ Then Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice and wept. ¹² And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father’s relative and that he was Rebekah’s son. So she ran and told her father.

 

¹³ Then it came to pass, when Laban heard the report about Jacob his sister’s son, that he ran to meet him, and embraced him and kissed him, and brought him to his house. So he told Laban all these things. ¹⁴ And Laban said to him, “Surely you are my bone and my flesh.” And he stayed with him for a month.

 

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While Jacob was speaking, Rachel came with Laban’s sheep. She was a Shepherdess and could recognize when someone knew how to tend sheep. Jacob sprung into action by rolling away the stone and watered the flock.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob may have had a conversation with Rachel that is not revealed.
• Jacob kissed Rachel and told her all about his relationship to her.
• Rachel got excited and told Laban everything, causing him to come and meet Jacob.

 

Things seemed to be going very well for Jacob and Rachel, almost like a fairytale. But Jacob was shrewd and so was Laban. Two shrewd people were out for personal gain. But Jacob was changing. He wept, probably in disbelief that what GOD told him was coming true.

 

Jacob was also about to fulfil the blessing given to him by Isaac. Jacob was probably overcome with amazement so he cried out as he wept. Laban acknowledged Jacob as a relative. And welcomed him into his household.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD mentioned that Rachel was a shepherdess to Moses?
• Have you ever been accepted into a godly family?
• Can you extend your hospitality to someone today, if only for a moment with a smile?

 

Information Gathering

Information Gathering

Genesis 29: ⁴ And Jacob said to them, “My brethren, where are you from?”

And they said, “We are from Haran.”

⁵ Then he said to them, “Do you know Laban the son of Nahor?”

And they said, “We know him.”

⁶ So he said to them, “Is he well?”

And they said, “He is well. And look, his daughter Rachel is coming with the sheep.”

⁷ Then he said, “Look, it is still high day; it is not time for the cattle to be gathered together. Water the sheep, and go and feed them.”

⁸ But they said, “We cannot until all the flocks are gathered together, and they have rolled the stone from the well’s mouth; then we water the sheep.”

 

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Jacob approached the herders and began asking questions. He asked about location then about Laban. He expressed concern by asking “Is he well?”

 

My Observations:

• Jacob seemed to be gathering information from the herders.
• Jacob knew a lot about keeping sheep and cattle.
• Jacob gathered enough information before showing the herders he was an expert.

 

 

Asking questions seemed to help Jacob become credible with the herders. He asked the right questions, causing the herders to point out Rachel. This action was a strange response to Jacob’s question “Is he well?” I believe they were pointing out the fact that Laban had children and a flock of sheep, so he must be doing well.

 

Jacob took this information as an opportunity to show that he knew a lot about herding. He gave instructions that only an expert could give. They explained the local rule, but may have agreed with Jacob. He was becoming more and more credible with the local herders.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about the conversation between Jacob and the herders?
• Do you ask questions when meeting new people?
• Have you formulated questions to put people at ease before speaking to them about CHRIST?

 

Gathering Place

Gathering Place

Genesis 29: So Jacob went on his journey and came to the land of the people of the East. ² And he looked, and saw a well in the field; and behold, there were three flocks of sheep lying by it; for out of that well they watered the flocks. A large stone was on the well’s mouth. ³ Now all the flocks would be gathered there; and they would roll the stone from the well’s mouth, water the sheep, and put the stone back in its place on the well’s mouth.

 

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After the encounter Jacob had with GOD, he continued on his journey to find Laban, Rebekah’s brother and his uncle. He saw a gathering place for sheep herders and their flocks. There he saw a well with a large stone on the mouth.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob found the place that was valuable to the people because it was protected.
• Jacob saw that sheep was important to the people, and probably understood that his upbringing of tending flocks would be valuable here.
• Jacob observed the security measures used by those who tended animals in that place.

 

Observing was one of Jacob’s strengths.  The statement, “He looked and saw” tells me that he was not one who would just rush into situations without observing. Jacob wanted to meet Laban and may have determined the best way to do this was to go to a gathering place.

 

He could then understand what was important to Laban and the people. He could make adjustments to his approach and focus on what was very valuable to them. He saw that well-watered flocks were very important to them. He also surmised that three flocks may have meant three sets of people. Jacob gathered his information by the well.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Jacob’s observations?
• Have you every been sent on a journey by GOD?
• What is your approach when you come to the place that GOD has sent you to?

Beginning of the Change

Beginning of the Change

Genesis 28: ¹⁶ Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.” ¹⁷ And he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!”

 

¹⁸ Then Jacob rose early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put at his head, set it up as a pillar, and poured oil on top of it. ¹⁹ And he called the name of that place Bethel; but the name of that city had been Luz previously. ²⁰ Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me, and keep me in this way that I am going, and give me bread to eat and clothing to put on, ²¹ so that I come back to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God. ²² And this stone which I have set as a pillar shall be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give a ^]tenth to You.”

 

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GOD showed Jacob a gateway to heaven in a mysterious dream. Jacob got excited and wanted to mark the exact location that GOD showed him. He took the stone he used as a pillow and anointed it with oil so it would stand out, even if it rained.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob responded to the dream with excitement.
• Jacob must have realized that everything Isaac told him about GOD was true.
• Jacob vowed the the LORD shall be his GOD and that he would give a tenth back to HIM.

 

It is undetermined why Jacob chose to give a tenth of everything given to him from GOD. Perhaps he recalled what he was told about Abraham giving a tenth of all he recovered  of Sodom’s wealth, to Melchizedek. Or perhaps the HOLY SPIRIT led him to choose this number.

 

He did not say how he was going to give a tenth, only that he would do it. This was a change for Jacob. He was moving from scheming and sneaking around to being generous. GOD’s vision seemed to be the catalyst of change in Jacob.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Jacob’s vow?
• Have you ever been excited about what GOD told you or showed you?
• Are you excited by what GOD is doing and will you show HIM your excitement by being generous to someone today?

Jacob’s Ladder

Jacob’s Ladder

Genesis 28: ¹⁰ Now Jacob went out from Beersheba and went toward Haran. ¹¹ So he came to a certain place and stayed there all night, because the sun had set. And he took one of the stones of that place and put it at his head, and he lay down in that place to sleep. ¹² Then he dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.

 

¹³ And behold, the Lord stood above it and said: “I am the Lord God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and your descendants. ¹⁴ Also your descendants shall be as the dust of the earth; you shall spread abroad to the west and the east, to the north and the south; and in you and in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed. ¹⁵ Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.”

 

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Jacob fled from Esau, heading to his uncle Laban to find a wife. Somewhere during the journey, he went to sleep. GOD provided a vision during his dream.

 

My Observations:

• GOD showed Jacob a supernatural interaction between angels and earth.
• GOD reiterates HIS promise to Abraham through his descendants.
• GOD provides assurance, stating HE would be with Jacob, keep him and not leave him until HIS blessing was fulfilled.

 

 

Jacob the deceiver was told that he would be blessed. He did not know that he would be part of the lineage of JESUS who would save the world. GOD promised that HE would bless Jacob’s descendants from west and east, north and south. Anywhere humans would go, HIS blessing would be available.

 

This blessing would not protect Jacob from problems. Jacob would face many issues. We also face issues and wonder, “How is this a blessing?” GOD has not finished the story for you and me. HE values us enough to reveal HIS purpose for us and is powerful enough to make it happen.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about the vision Jacob had?
• Have you ever wondered if GOD would use you for anything?
• What promises has GOD made to you that have not come to pass yet?

Beginning of the Change

Beginning of the Change

Genesis 28: ⁶ Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob and sent him away to Padan Aram to take himself a wife from there, and that as he blessed him he gave him a charge, saying, “You shall not take a wife from the daughters of Canaan,” ⁷ and that Jacob had obeyed his father and his mother and had gone to Padan Aram. ⁸ Also Esau saw that the daughters of Canaan did not please his father Isaac. ⁹ So Esau went to Ishmael and took Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, the sister of Nebajoth, to be his wife in addition to the wives he had.

 

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“Esau saw” says to me that he reflected on what he was doing. Esau had married two Hittite women, known as the daughters of Canaan. GOD flooded the earth and destroyed the Garden of Eden. Canaan, grandson of Noah, rebelled against GOD and had a curse placed on him by Noah. The rebellious nature was passed down for generations. “Esau saw.”

 

My Observations:

• Esau started to see that his actions were not pleasing to Isaac, Rebekah and probably GOD.
• Esau started to see that his actions caused Jacob to be blessed again and again.
• Esau tried to do things differently, so he went to Ishmael and married one of his daughters.

 

It seems like Esau finally “saw” what he was doing. He realized he was responsible for losing his birthright and the blessing from Isaac that would carry GOD’s promise. Instead of pursuing Jacob to kill him, he went to a relative, Ishmael, to marry someone different than the Hittite women.

 

Esau seemed to have a change of heart. He did not rebel this time. He married Mahalath, sister of the oldest son Nebajoth. She may have been born a little before him or a little after him, but she may have been about his age. His hatred for Jacob was not mentioned here. He was focused on changing.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Esau’s reflection of occurrences?
• Have you ever been mad at GOD, then reflected on your own actions?
• How often do you reflect on your actions, good or bad, and place them before the LORD?

Protection Program

Protection Program

Genesis 28: Then Isaac called Jacob and blessed him, and charged him, and said to him: “You shall not take a wife from the daughters of Canaan. ² Arise, go to Padan Aram, to the house of Bethuel your mother’s father; and take yourself a wife from there of 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 an assembly of peoples;

⁴ And give you the blessing of Abraham,

To you and your descendants with you,

That you may inherit the land

In which you are a stranger,

Which God gave to Abraham.”

⁵ So Isaac sent Jacob away, and he went to Padan Aram, to Laban the son of Bethuel the Syrian, the brother of Rebekah, the mother of Jacob and Esau.

 

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Isaac was aware that Jacob had lied and stolen Esau’s blessing. But it was too late. He did not want Jacob to marry a Hittite woman, known as the daughters of Canaan. He sent Jacob away.

 

My Observations:

• Isaac blessed Jacob again, asking GOD to make him fruitful and multiply him.
• Isaac blessed Jacob with the ability to gather people.
• Isaac blessed Jacob with the blessing of his father Abraham, which came directly from GOD.

 

Undeservingly, Jacob accepted the blessing and went to Rebekah’s brother Laban. GOD was clear that Laban was Rebakah’s relative. HE was also clear that Rebekah was the mother of Jacob and Esau.  This is the first time their names are mentioned together and Jacob’s name is mentioned first.

 

Jacob is being sent away, similar to a witness protection program of today. Isaac wanted him to marry someone from His father’s lineage. Rebekah wanted Jacob protected from Esau. GOD saw the entire plan and allowed Jacob to be protected.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think Isaac blessed Jacob, knowing he made a mistake?
• Have you ever been protected in the middle of your sins?
• Can you praise GOD for HIS protection because HE sees, knows and forgives your sins?

Escape Plan

Escape Plan

Genesis 27: ⁴¹ So Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father blessed him, and Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”

 

⁴² And the words of Esau her older son were told to Rebekah. So she sent and called Jacob her younger son, and said to him, “Surely your brother Esau comforts himself concerning you by intending to kill you. ⁴³ Now therefore, my son, obey my voice: arise, flee to my brother Laban in Haran. ⁴⁴ And 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 bring you from there. Why should I be bereaved also of you both in one day?”

 

⁴⁶ And 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, like these who are the daughters of the land, what good will my life be to me?”

 

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Angry at the situation he created, Esau decided to do something about it. He planned to kill his brother Jacob. His hatred was so deep, that he must have said what he would do out loud. Rebekah heard that Esau was planning to kill Jacob, so she put an escape plan into action.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob needed an escape plan because of his lie.
• Esau’s plan was yet another bad decision.
• Rebekah’s plan was to appeal to Isaac’s dislike of the Hittite women.

 

Yes, this situation was messy. BUT GOD knew it would be messy when HE told Rebekah, “the older shall serve the younger.” You would think that three wrongs would make a wrong, BUT GOD took three messed up plans to develop something good. Jacob’s lie, Esau’s hatred and Rebekah’s human plan would all work together for GOD’s good.

 

GOD sees our evil plan that we try to make innocent, and uses sufficient grace to cover us. HIS plan does not include anything evil. HE can see through the twisting and manipulation that humans do and still make HIS plan work. No eil plan can stop GOD. Jacob’s escape plan was put in place.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about what Esau said and Rebekah’s response?
• Have you ever gotten so angry at GOD that you wanted to hurt HIM by refusing to follow HIM?
• If you know there are parts of GOD’s word you refuse to follow, will you ask HIM to help you in those areas?

 

Blessing Confirmed

Blessing Confirmed

Genesis 27: ³⁶ And Esau said, “Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has supplanted me these two times. He took away my birthright, and now look, he has taken away my blessing!” And he said, “Have you not reserved a blessing for me?”

 

³⁷ Then Isaac answered and said to Esau, “Indeed I have made him your master, and all his brethren I have given to him as servants; with grain and wine I have sustained him. What shall I do now for you, my son?”

 

³⁸ And Esau said to his father, “Have you only one blessing, my father? Bless me—me also, O my father!” And Esau lifted up his voice and wept.

 

³⁹ Then Isaac his father answered and said to him:

 

“Behold, your dwelling shall be of the fatness of the earth,
And of the dew of heaven from above.
⁴⁰ By your sword you shall live,
And you shall serve your brother;
And it shall come to pass, when you become restless,
That you shall break his yoke from your neck.”

 

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Esau tried to explain to Isaac that Jacob was a deceiver in hopes that the blessing could be receded. But Isaac held firm that he made Jacob his master. Esau was persistent and demanded a blessing. Isaac confirmed that Esau would serve Jacob but would one day leave.

 

My Observations:

• Esau looked for any way to get a blessing.
• Esau was fooled easily because he may not have cared about the birthright.
• Esau was made a servant, even though he did not desire it.

 

Jacob was a deceiver, but Esau could have said no to him when he gave his birthright away for a meal. Esau did not believe the blessing was supernatural, so he asked to be blessed. Isaac explained that the blessing he put in place would definitely happen.

 

Isaac knew Esau would be furious, so he prophesied that Esau would live by the sword. He also said that Esau would one day calm down enough to leave Jacob. The blessing was preserved.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about the conversation between Isaac and Esau?
• Have you ever messed up with GOD and thought HE would not forgive you?
• Have you asked GOD for restoration by surrendering what you are holding onto?

Only One Blessing

Only One Blessing

Genesis 27: ³⁰ Now it happened, as soon as Isaac had finished blessing Jacob, and Jacob had scarcely gone out from the presence of Isaac his father, that Esau his brother came in from his hunting. ³¹ He also had made savory food, and brought it to his father, and said to his father, “Let my father arise and eat of his son’s game, that your soul may bless me.”

 

³² And his father Isaac said to him, “Who are you?”

 

So he said, “I am your son, your firstborn, Esau.”

 

³³ Then Isaac trembled exceedingly, and said, “Who? Where is the one who hunted game and brought it to me? I ate all of it before you came, and I have blessed him—and indeed he shall 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—me also, O my father!”

 

³⁵ But he said, “Your brother came with deceit and has taken away your blessing.”

 

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After hunting, Esau brough Isaac the tasty food he made. Previously Esau had given Jacob his birthright for a meal he could have made for himself. Esau seemed to live a life that was inconsistent with the beliefs of GOD. His marriage to the two Hittite women greatly saddened Rebekah and Isaac. Now that the blessing was gone, Esau wept bitterly.

 

My Observations:

• Isaac’s blessing was far greater than material possession or power.
• Isaac’s blessing could only be given to one person because it carried GOD’s promise.
• Isaac’s blessing would be granted by GOD, even if given to a deceiver.

 

 

Esau asked Isaac to give him a blessing. He may not have believed what Isaac and Rebekah were talking about when they mentioned GOD to him. He may have been thinking that the blessing was about material possessions only.

 

Isaac blessed Jacob with a blessing from GOD. He bestowed on Jacob a supernatural blessing that would carry the lineage of JESUS in human form, the possessor of everything. Even Isaac did not know the power of his blessing. GOD would keep HIS promise despite the situation.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about this deception?
• Have you been waiting on a blessing from GOD but have not received it yet?
• Can you hold on without giving up, knowing GOD will bless you as HE promised?

 

A Thorough Blessing

A Thorough Blessing

Genesis 27: ²⁵ He said, “Bring it near to me, and I will eat of my son’s game, so that my soul may bless you.” So he brought it near to him, and he ate; and he brought him wine, and he drank. ²⁶ Then his father Isaac said to him, “Come near now and kiss me, my son.” ²⁷ And he came near and kissed him; and he smelled the smell of his clothing, and blessed him and said:

 

“Surely, the smell of my son
Is like the smell of a field
Which the Lord has blessed.
²⁸ Therefore may God give you
Of the dew of heaven,
Of the fatness of the earth,
And plenty of grain and wine.
²⁹ Let peoples serve you,
And nations bow down to you.
Be master over your brethren,
And let your mother’s sons bow down to you.
Cursed be everyone who curses you,
And blessed be those who bless you!”

 

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After eating the food Rebekah made, Isaac smelled Jacob and determined that it must be Esau whom he was blessing. He gave Jacob a thorough blessing.

 

My Observations:

• Isaac blessed Jacob with plenty.
• Isaac blessed Jacob with protection.
• Isaac blessed Jacob with people.

 

Jacob’s deception gave him the blessing he was looking for. This blessing was not taken lightly. It included GOD providing plenty, protection and people to Jacob. This blessing was binding, meaning GOD would agree with the terms.

 

HE already knew HE was going to bless Jacob in this way, anyway. Isaac’s blessing needed to be said to everyone so they understood who was supposed to receive the blessing. The blessing was given.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses about Jacob’s deception to get the blessing?
• Have you ever been blessed undeservedly?
• Will you praise GOD for the undeserved blessings HE provides to you?

Desire to Liar

 Desire to Liar

Genesis 27: ¹⁸ So he went to his father and said, “My father.”

 

And he said, “Here I am. Who are you, my son?”

 

¹⁹ Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau your firstborn; I have done just as you told me; please arise, sit and eat of my game, that your soul may bless me.”

 

²⁰ But Isaac said to his son, “How is it that you have found it so quickly, my son?”

 

And he said, “Because the Lord your God brought it to me.”

 

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 So Jacob went near to Isaac his father, and he felt him and said, “The voice is Jacob’s voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau.” ²³ And he did not recognize him, because his hands were hairy like his brother Esau’s hands; so he blessed him.

 

²⁴ Then he said, “Are you really my son Esau?”

 

He said, “I am.”

 

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Jacob followed his mother’s instructions to the letter. He went into Isaac and said he was Esau. He then said he had the wild game that he was sent out to get.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob lied about being /Esau.
• Jacob Lied about catching wild game.
• Jacob really desired to get the blessing, so he lied to get it.

 

Jacob seemed like he would do anything to get what he wanted. But little did he know, GOD would eventually change his deceptive ways. It’s quite amazing how GOD chooses sinners like you and me.

 

GOD cannot stand sin. HE sees deception, lies and manipulation as a problem. BUT GOD also knows when HE can use someone who has been lying and cheating. GOD’s grace is amazing HE would bless this liar, despite his ways. One day his ways would have to change.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about what HE allowed Jacob to do?
• Have you ever lied to yourself or others?
• Is this the day you are changed to follow GOD wholeheartedly and without fear?

Scheme Released

Scheme Released

Genesis 27: ¹¹ And Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, “Look, Esau my brother is a hairy man, and I am a smooth-skinned man. ¹² Perhaps my father will feel me, and I shall seem to be a deceiver to him; and I shall bring a curse on myself and not a blessing.”

 

¹³ But his mother said to him, “Let your curse be on me, my son; only obey my voice, and go, get them for me.” ¹⁴ And he went and got them and brought them to his mother, and his mother made savory food, such as his father loved. ¹⁵ Then Rebekah took the choice clothes of her elder son Esau, which were with her in the house, and put them on Jacob her younger son. ¹⁶ And she put the skins of the kids of the goats on his hands and on the smooth part of his neck. ¹⁷ Then she gave the savory food and the bread, which she had prepared, into the hand of her son Jacob.

 

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Jacob presented flaws in Rebekah’s plan as if to say “How in the world will dad believe I am Esau? He’s covered with hair.” He was also afraid of getting caught and losing everything in the process. Rebekah told Jacob she would take the blame if Isaac were to find out.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob agreed with the deception, but was afraid of getting caught.
• Rebekah believed she was doing the right thing after hearing from GOD about who would be the chosen one.
• Esau and his wives still lived with his parents, so Rebekah heard and saw everything they did.

 

After thinking of everything, the scheme was put into place. Jacob brought the animals and Rebekah took the animals and made tasty food for Isaac. She then went into Esau’s closet and pulled out his stinking hunting clothes and gave them to Jacob.

 

She then took goat pelts and put them on Jacob’s hands and neck because Esau was very hairy. They thought of everything, but maybe they didn’t. Jacob was becoming better and better at getting his way through deceit. Wow! One son who could care less about his family inheritance, and the other, scheming to get what he could. Despite all of this, GOD would bless the family.

 

Challenge

• Why would GOD tell Moses about the scheme Rebekah and Jacob put together?
• Have you ever tried to over-spiritualize the actions of the people in the Bible?
• Can you see that GOD uses sinners, who mean things for evil, to do good for HIS purpose?

Seized Opportunity

 Seized Opportunity

Genesis 27: ⁵ Now Rebekah was listening when Isaac spoke to Esau his son. And Esau went to the field to hunt game and to bring it. ⁶ So Rebekah spoke to Jacob her son, saying, “Indeed I heard your father speak to Esau your brother, saying, ⁷ ‘Bring me game and make savory food for me, that I may eat it and bless you in the presence of the Lord before my death.’ ⁸ Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to what I command you. ⁹ Go now to the flock and bring me from there two choice kids of the goats, and I will make savory food from them for your father, such as he loves. ¹⁰ Then you shall take it to your father, that he may eat it, and that he may bless you before his death.”

 

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Rebekah asked GOD “Why am I like this?” when Esau and Jacob wrestled in her womb. She remembered that GOD told her the future. “The older shall serve the younger.” Listening in on the conversation between Isaac and Esau, Rebekah knew this was the only chance for Jacob to be positioned to get the inheritance blessing.

 

My Observations:

• GOD predicted the truth about what would happen, and HE knew deception would be the reason it would happen.
• Rebekah may have felt justified in developing the deception, since she heard from GOD what would happen.
• Rebekah, like Sarah, took matters in her own hands.

 

Using deception is never a good idea. GOD states the facts of what happened. HE knew HE was going to bless the nation that would come through Jacob. HE also knew Rebekah and Jacob used deception to try to help HIM out, when HE needed no help.

 

This deception would shape Jacob in a not so good way. Later on, we will see how this deception played out. Rebekah saw this as the only chance to put Jacob in the position to get the blessing. This blessing would be an oath before GOD/.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about the conversation between Rebekah and Jacob?
• Have you ever tried to steer your future using deception?
• Are you brave enough to not use deception but lean on GOD for HIS guidance today?

A Chance to Reconcile

 

A Chance to Reconcile

Genesis 27: Now it came to pass, when Isaac was old and his eyes were so dim that he could not see, that he called Esau his older son and said to him, “My son.”

 

And he answered him, “Here I am.”

 

² Then he said, “Behold now, I am old. I do not 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 hunt game for me. ⁴ And make me savory food, such as I love, and bring it to me that I may eat, that my soul may bless you before I die.”

 

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Years and years after moving back to the place where Abraham bought, Isaac watched Esau grow up. He was getting old and could not see well. He called to Esau and gave him his request.

 

My Observations:

• Isaac could have blessed Esau right on the spot, but he gave him something to do.
• Isaac must have known that Esau gave away his birthright for a meal, so he gave him the opportunity to make it right.
• Isaac was willing to reinstate the blessing if Esau put in the effort.

 

Esau saddened Isaac and Rebekah by marrying the Hittite women. These women may have lived in the “care-less” culture, doing and saying as they please. They may not have followed what GOD wanted. Esau had great hunting skills, but may have left the cooking to everyone else.

 

Isaac requested that “he” make the food this time and was prepared to make everything right again by blessing him. This could be Esau’s chance to fix what he had broken.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD tells Moses about the conversation between Isaac and Esau?
• Have you ever thought you messed up with GOD and was given the opportunity to reconcile?
• Can you take a moment and ask GOD to reconcile with you, so HE can forgive and cleanse you to do HIS next assignment for you?

Being Watched

Being Watched

Genesis 26: ²⁶ Then Abimelech came to him from Gerar with Ahuzzath, one of his friends, and Phichol the commander of his army. ²⁷ And Isaac said to them, “Why have you come to me, since you hate me and have sent me away from you?”

 

²⁸ But they said, “We have certainly seen that the Lord is with you. So we said, ‘Let there now be an oath between us, between you and us; and let us make a covenant with you, ²⁹ that you will do us no harm, since we have not touched you, and since we have done nothing to you but good and have sent you away in peace. You are now the blessed of the Lord.’ ”

 

³⁰ So he made them a feast, and they ate and drank. ³¹ Then they arose early in the morning and swore an oath with one another; and Isaac sent them away, and they departed from him in peace.

 

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Abimelech went out to see Isaac after hearing about the quarrels and the hostility. He brought along with him Ahuzzath and Phichol, the commander of his army. Years before, Abimelech met with Abraham and did the same thing by bringing military strength with him. He cam to make a treaty.

 

My Observations:

• Isaac was being watched by his enemies.
• Isaac did nothing to make Abimelech his enemy, but since he followed GOD, Abimelech became an adversary.
• Abimelech watched Isaac to see if he was blessed like Abraham and recognized that he was.

 

During Abraham’s day, Sodom and Gomorrah was wiped out. Fear struck surrounding leaders into caution. Abimelech probably heard that his people would steal from and fight against Isaac. He may have gotten nervous about GOD so he went out to make a treaty.

 

Abimelech made his leaders swear to not harm Isaac and asked Isaac to return the favor. He did not want the wrath of GOD on him so they made a covenant. He watched Isaac and saw the he was indeed “blessed of the LORD.”

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about this conversation?
• Do you believe that you are being watched by more people than you think?
• What example of GOD are you setting to people you don’t even know are watching you?

Right on Time Encouragement

Right on Time Encouragement

Genesis 26: ²³ Then he went up from there to Beersheba. ²⁴ And the Lord appeared to him the same night and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham; do not fear, for I am with you. I will bless you and multiply your descendants for My servant Abraham’s sake.” ²⁵ So he built an altar there and called on the name of the Lord, and he pitched his tent there; and there Isaac’s servants dug a well.

 

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After facing a famine, Isaac went to meet with the King of Gerar. Isaac stayed in the land upon the LORD’s request. But in doing so, he was told by the king to get out because Isaac had become too successful. He then went back to where Abraham lived. His servants got into quarrels and hostilities digging wells. This may have been discouraging.

 

My Observations:

• Isaac faced extreme blessing, causing others to become jealous.
• Isaac tried to live a peaceful life, only to face quarrels and hostility.
• Isaac, while blessed, may have felt discouraged because of the current situation.

 

Quarrels, hostility and moving can be exhausting. Isaac was simply trying to find a place to settle where he could keep his family, servants and cattle alive. JESUS, I believe, appeared to Isaac and reiterated HIS promise. “I AM the GOD of your father Abraham.” HE then said something that leads me to believe HE was providing encouragement. “Do not fear, for I AM with you.”

 

GOD could see that Isaac needed encouragement. HE restates HIS promise to him to encourage him. Isaac responded by calling on the name of the LORD. GOD saw Isaac and HE sees you and me. HE knows life can be discouraging so HE says “Do not fear, I AM with you.” The Great I AM is with you.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about HIS appearance to Isaac?
• Have you ever felt discouraged, even though GOD has blessed you over and over?
• Are you willing to call upon the name of the LORD, knowing HE is with you to help you to get rid of fear today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, we are frail humans and can easily get discouraged. Please bless this reader with courage. Remove all fears, worries and doubts and raise him or her to unexpected places. Thank YOU for being with us. amen

Plentiful Thinking

Plentiful Thinking

Genesis 26: ¹⁹ Also Isaac’s servants dug in the valley, and found a well of running water there. ²⁰ But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, “The water is ours.” So he called the name of the well Esek, because they quarreled with him. ²¹ Then they dug another well, and they quarreled over that one also. So he called its name Sitnah. ²² And he moved from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it. So he called its name Rehoboth, because he said, “For now the Lord has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.”

 

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Moving back to Gerar from Negev was not easy for Isaac. He had people and herds that needed a lot of water. He moved back to the land Abraham finally settled in, but the people were thieves.

 

My Observations:

• Isaac’s herdsmen did all the work and the people of Gerar sat back until the work was done, then stole what was done.
• Isaac’s herdsmen did more work and the people of Gerar sat back again until the work was done then stole what was done again.
• Isaac’s herdsmen did even more work, but this time no one stole the work, because there was plenty.

 

Quarrel was the first well. Enmity (Hostile) was the second well, but the third well was named Spaciousness. Isaac seemed to be praising GOD for plenty versus complaining that the people around him were evil. Same goes for you and me.

 

We may get in the mindset that this box is ours. Then someone comes along and steals the box and we go to GOD with a complaint. At least that’s how I feel. But Isaac did not complain because he knew he had plenty. His mindset was that of “Take it” because GOD will provide plenty for me! He knew he would be fruitful in the land.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD mentions the well incidents to Moses?
• Do you feel you lack something when GOD has plenty?
• Can you change your mindset to that of “Plenty” because you are related to GOD and HE has everything?

Starting Over

Starting Over

Genesis 26: ¹⁷ Then Isaac departed from there and pitched his tent in the Valley of Gerar, and dwelt there. ¹⁸ And Isaac dug again the wells of water which they had dug in the days of Abraham his father, for the Philistines had stopped them up after the death of Abraham. He called them by the names which his father had called them.

 

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After being told to leave, Isaac and his massive entourage moved to the Valley of Gerar where his father Abraham lived. He grew up there as an adult and helped build the wells. The Philistines did not want the wells so they stopped them up, making them useless.

 

My Observations:

• Isaac may have felt like he was starting over.
• Isaac had to redo what someone else messed up.
• Isaac had a lot of work on his hands created by someone else.

 

Making sure raiders would not move in, the Philistines may have done a good job filling in the wells. There numbers were not large enough to protect all the territory so they made sure no one would want to try to move in. This may have caused extra work for Isaac.

 

But Isaac remembered how GOD blessed his father. He did not complain or say “woe is me”, rather he got started. He pitched his tent and began to dig. He and the herdsmen reopened the wells and Isaac named them the names Abraham gave them. GOD provided again.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about what the Philistines did to the wells?
• Have you ever had to start over because of someone else’s actions?
• Can you take a deep breath and be willing to start over because GOD may have a new direction for you?