Stolen Departure

Stolen Departure

¹⁴ Then Rachel and Leah answered and said to him, “Is there still any portion or inheritance for us in our father’s house? ¹⁵ Are we not considered strangers by him? For he has sold us, and also completely consumed our money. ¹⁶ For all these riches which God has taken from our father are really ours and our children’s; now then, whatever God has said to you, do it.”

 

¹⁷ Then Jacob rose and set his sons and his wives on camels. ¹⁸ And he carried away all his livestock and all his possessions which he had gained, his acquired livestock which he had gained in Padan Aram, to go to his father Isaac in the land of Canaan. ¹⁹ Now Laban had gone to shear his sheep, and Rachel had stolen the household idols that were her father’s. ²⁰ And Jacob stole away, unknown to Laban the Syrian, in that he did not tell him that he intended to flee. ²¹ So he fled with all that he had. He arose and crossed the river, and headed toward the mountains of Gilead.

 

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Jacob described how GOD’s hand was involved with the acquisition of his flocks from Laban. Rachel and Leah both replied, that Laban had no intention in sharing any wealth with them and they were no longer considered family to him.  Jacob prepared to leave, but something happened.

 

My Observations:

• Rachel travelled for three days to go into Laban’s camp, steal gods and return on a three-day journey.
• Rachel stole Laban’s household gods that she was used to worshipping.
• Rachel must have believed that the gods had some power.

 

Almost a week passed after the conversation with Jacob. She may have convinced him that she had to get something important, but did not tell him what she was getting. Rachel was able to go into Laban’s camp easily because people were used to seeing her there. This is the first mention of teraphim, or ancestor worship. This belief would plague the eleven sons of Jacob for centuries.

 

Jacob “stole away”, meaning he left without telling anyone he was leaving. He, his wives, and his children left with riches. Little did Jacob know, he also left with idols. This belief in idols may have originated from Canaan. Humans were worshipped versus GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD give Moses the details of Rachel stealing the household idols?
• Is there anything in your possession that you are afraid to depart with?
• Is GOD your protector and leader over your situations?

Eyes Lifted

Eyes Lifted

Genesis 31: ¹⁰ “And it happened, at the time when the flocks conceived, that I lifted my eyes and saw in a dream, and behold, the rams which leaped upon the flocks were streaked, speckled, and gray-spotted. ¹¹ Then the Angel of God spoke to me in a dream, saying, ‘Jacob.’ And I said, ‘Here I am.’ ¹² And He said, ‘Lift your eyes now and see, all the rams which leap on the flocks are streaked, speckled, and gray-spotted; for I have seen all that Laban is doing to you. ¹³ I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed the pillar and where you made a vow to Me. Now arise, get out of this land, and return to the land of your family.’ ”

 

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Jacob explained a vision he had from GOD. Right around the time the flocks would normally conceive, GOD provided Jacob with a vision of streaked, speckled and spotted rams leaping on the flocks. He then heard JESUS speak.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS is the Angel of the LORD who spoke to Jacob.
• JESUS showed Jacob how HE would change the flocks to take them from Laban.
• JESUS reminded Jacob of his promise he made at Bethel where he saw the ladder of angels.

 

Jacob could finally see, but in a different way. He could see how GOD was working out the situation that seemed like a mess. He had been a deceiver and worked for a deceiver. This situation seemed hopeless. BUT GOD showed Jacob HE is GOD.

 

HE may have allowed the situation to change Jacob from being a deceiver to following HIM. I can only imagine what was going through Jacob’s mind when he was told by GOD that HE saw Laban’s deceit. Jacob may have thought to himself “Is this how I am acting?”

 

GOD was not about to destroy the area like HE did with Sodom. This directive from GOD was to move Jacob and his family back to the area of Isaac and Rebekah. GOD was now Jacob’s GOD. He could go back home to face Esau and also face his past deceitfulness.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about HIS reminder to Jacob about the vow made at Bethel?
• Are you focused on your current situation?
• Have you lifted your eyes to GOD to stop looking at the current situation and believe in HIS power today?

Favorable Blessings

Favorable Blessings

Genesis 31: ⁴ So Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field, to his flock, ⁵ and said to them, “I see your father’s countenance, that it is not favorable toward me as before; but the God of my father has been with me. ⁶ And you know that with all my might I have served your father. ⁷ Yet your father has deceived me and changed my wages ten times, but God did not allow him to hurt me. ⁸ If he said thus: ‘The speckled shall be your wages,’ then all the flocks bore speckled. And if he said thus: ‘The streaked shall be your wages,’ then all the flocks bore streaked. ⁹ So God has taken away the livestock of your father and given them to me.

 

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Jacob saw that the situation was getting serious. He called for Rachel and Leah to explain how Laban was acting towards him. He then explained that Laban had tried to cheat him out of wages by changing the criteria.

 

My Observations:

• GOD was with Jacob and was changing him little by little.
• GOD caused the animals to be born with whatever Laban’s wild criteria was.
• Jacob recognized that the GOD of his father protected him.

 

It seemed like this situation was a turning point for Jacob. This is the first time he mentions “the GOD of my father.” He probably reflected on his life and saw that is was a mess. How as he going to get out of this situation? Only GOD could help him.

 

Jacob’s deceiving days were coming to an end. He had eleven children by four wives, and now he felt it was time to go. GOD told him to leave He had to tell Rachel and Leah that everything would be alright. GOD would bless him favorably.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about the conversation between Jacob, Rachel and Leah?
• Have you ever come to a place where only GOD could help you out of the situation?
• Will you trust GOD to get you out of the situation HIS way and in HIS time?

Time to Go

Time to Go

Genesis 31: Now Jacob heard the words of Laban’s sons, saying, “Jacob has taken away all that was our father’s, and from what was our father’s he has acquired all this wealth.” ² And Jacob saw the countenance of Laban, and indeed it was not favorable toward him as before. ³ Then the Lord said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your family, and I will be with you.”

 

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After decades of serving Laban, Jacob made a deal to leave with wages. He had Laban agree to giving him all of the spotted, blemished animals. He made sure that breeding would work in his favor, even though he was not in control of the outcome. After all those years, GOD spoke to Jacob.

 

My Observations:

• GOD could have told Jacob to leave after he was tricked into marrying Leah.
• Judah, the tribe of JESUS, was born through Leah and Jacob, so the other tribes have a purpose.
• After Joseph was born, GOD spoke to Jacob telling him to leave Laban.

 

It was time for Jacob and his massive family to leave. GOD seemed to wait for a particular time to tell Jacob to leave. HIS plan was not finished when the tribe of Judah was born. HIS plan was far greater than anyone could imagine. Jacob heard his cousins speaking against him and saw that Laban was not pleased.

 

The situation turned unfavorable fast. GOD knew Jacob needed protection. HE sent Jacob back to Isaac and Rebekah. Esau would also be there, waiting on Jacob. GOD had to tell Jacob that HE would be with him because Jacob had deceived many people.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about how Laban was reacting to Jacob’s actions?
• Is there something you are afraid of right now?
• Do you need GOD’s protection from a specific situation today, but have not asked HIM yet?

 

Jacob’s Shrewd Plan Completed

Jacob’s Shrewd Plan Completed

Genesis 30: ³⁷ Now Jacob took for himself rods of green poplar and of the almond and chestnut trees, peeled white strips in them, and exposed the white which was in the rods. ³⁸ And the rods which he had peeled, he set before the flocks in the gutters, in the watering troughs where the flocks came to drink, so that they should conceive when they came to drink. ³⁹ So the flocks conceived before the rods, and the flocks brought forth streaked, speckled, and spotted. ⁴⁰ Then Jacob separated the lambs, and made the flocks face toward the streaked and all the brown in the flock of Laban; but he put his own flocks by themselves and did not put them with Laban’s flock.

⁴¹ And it came to pass, whenever the stronger livestock conceived, that Jacob placed the rods before the eyes of the livestock in the gutters, that they might conceive among the rods. ⁴² But when the flocks were feeble, he did not put them in; so the feebler were Laban’s and the stronger Jacob’s. ⁴³ Thus the man became exceedingly prosperous, and had large flocks, female and male servants, and camels and donkeys.

 

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Laban agreed to Jacob’s proposal of separating blemished animals, keeping the perfect ones for himself. He used Jacob for years, adjusting his pay to benefit himself. Jacob used the knowledge he received during the fourteen years of serving Laban to get Rachel.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob acquired skills of managing flocks, herds and crops while serving Laban.
• Jacob used the skills he acquired to take Laban’s wealth, little by little.
• Laban had used Jacob so long, that he took his eyes off of what Jacob was doing.

 

Grabbing Laban’s wealth was easy for Jacob. He did his job as he always did for decades. His plan was to take as much wealth from Laban as he possibly could, leaving Laban with weak animals that could not breed.

 

Jacob became “exceedingly prosperous.” He had a great number of people working for him and large numbers of animals under his care. Laban, the deceiver, was deceived. This act would later haunt Jacob. GOD allowed Jacob to be prosperous.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD give Moses this detailed description of Jacob’s plan?
• Have you given your plans to GOD so HE can remove anything that HE doesn’t approve of?
• What are the parts of your plan that need to be adjusted by GOD?

Laban’s Greed

Laban’s Greed

Genesis 30: ³¹ So he said, “What shall I give you?”

 

And Jacob said, “You shall not give me anything. If you will do this thing for me, I will again feed and keep your flocks: ³² Let me pass through all your flock today, removing from there all the speckled and spotted sheep, and all the brown ones among the lambs, and the spotted and speckled among the goats; and these shall be my wages. ³³ So my righteousness will answer for me in time to come, when the subject of my wages comes before you: every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and brown among the lambs, will be considered stolen, if it is with me.”

 

³⁴ And Laban said, “Oh, that it were according to your word!” ³⁵ So he removed that day the male goats that were speckled and spotted, all the female goats that were speckled and spotted, every one that had some white in it, and all the brown ones among the lambs, and gave them into the hand of his sons. ³⁶ Then he put three days’ journey between himself and Jacob, and Jacob fed the rest of Laban’s flocks.

 

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When Abraham’s servant came to the place where Abraham grew up, he prayed for a wife for Isaac and Rebekah showed up. Bethuel was her father, but she ran and told her mother and Laban. Years later, Jacob shows up. Laban, Jacob’s uncle, is in control of a vast estate of lambs, cattle, goats, camels and many other animals. When Jacob asked to leave, Laban asked about the parting wages.

 

My Observations:

• Laban was a deceiver who may have followed the ways of those who worshipped idols.
• Terah was Abraham’s father who also had Haran and named the city after him when he died.
• Laban lived in Haran and may have picked up values that included greed and human possession.

 

Being wealthy and greedy, Laban saw an opportunity to get over on Jacob again. When Jacob gave the parameters of the parting wages, Laban went through the flocks and herds and chose the best animals for himself. He separated the animals with three days’ journey between him and Jacob.

 

Little did Laban know, that GOD was in control of the situation. It’s hard to see how GOD would use a deceiver like Jacob, but HE had a larger plan. Possibly there was no one who would even mention GOD, living at that time. Maybe it was similar to the time of Noah, where he was the only believer on earth. Regardless, GOD showed grace to Jacob.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about the conversation between Laban and Jacob?
• Have you ever done something wrong and wondered if GOD would leave you?
• Can you make a decision today to stand firm with the LORD despite any sin you did in the past?

Jacob’s Retaliation Plan

Jacob’s Retaliation Plan

Genesis 30: ²⁵ And it came to pass, when Rachel had borne Joseph, that 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 which I have done for you.”

 

²⁷ And Laban said to him, “Please stay, if I have found favor in your eyes, for I have learned by experience that the Lord has blessed me for your sake.” ²⁸ Then he said, “Name me your wages, and I will give it.”

 

²⁹ So Jacob said to him, “You know how I have served you and how your livestock has been with me. ³⁰ For what you had before I came was little, and it has increased to a great amount; the Lord has blessed you since my coming. And now, when shall I also provide for my own house?”

 

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By now, twenty or more years had passed. Jacob worked for Laban seven years, only to get a wife he did not expect. He worked another seven years to get the wife he wanted. Then he had children by four women. He knew livestock well. He and Rachel tended the sheep and other animals. Jacob had a plan to get the livestock.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob wanted to bypass marrying Leah to marry Rachel, but Laban tricked him into marrying her.
• Jacob originally only wanted Rachel, but after serving Laban for a couple of decades, he wanted more.
• Jacob approached Laban, telling him he had fulfilled his verbal contract and wanted to leave.

 

Listening to Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob went back to the family to find a wife who followed GOD. He carried with him the ways of a deceiver. His could have married Leah and went back home, but Jacob wanted what he wanted. His deceitful ways seemed to be backfiring on him.

 

He has to work harder and longer than expected. BUT GOD blessed his efforts anyway. He was able to grow Laban s herds and flocks, exponentially. Jacob ended up with three wives he did not anticipate. ’One day he put in motion a plan to get back at Laban.

 

Challenge:

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about the conversation between Jacob and Laban?
• Have you ever dreamed of a plan to retaliate because of someone’s evil he or she did to you?
• Are you willing to ask GOD for HIS grace for you and “that” person so HIS vengeance will happen and HIS blessing will fall on you?

Remembered

Remembered

Genesis 30: ²² Then God remembered Rachel, and God listened to her and opened her womb. ²³ And she conceived and bore a son, and said, “God has taken away my reproach.” ²⁴ So she called his name Joseph, and said, “The Lord shall add to me another son.”

 

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After eleven children were born through Jacob, Rachel finally had a child. She named him Joseph, meaning GOD will add.

 

My Observations:

• Rachel was most loved and desired by Jacob, but was barren for at least eleven years.
• Rachel probably used the mandrakes she got when she bargained with Leah, but they did not work as she expected.
• GOD knows everything, so remembering Rachel probably means, turned back to, or returned to her story.

 

After waiting at least eleven years, possibly fourteen, Rachel finally had a child. Her barren condition was supernatural. She recognized GOD’s hand in the birth, so she praised GOD by saying “GOD has taken away my reproach.”

 

She probably felt like GOD was mad at her, or wanted to embarrass her for some reason. When she married Jacob, she may have had many conversations about GOD’s statement of Jacob being the father of many nations. But over time, this seemed like a pipedream to her.

 

 

Rachel saw that everyone else had children but her. Three women had children by Jacob and she may have felt left out. BUT GOD had a plan for her that she did not know. She would give birth after years and years of trying. It was GOD’s timing that she was shown.

 

Challenge:

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about Rachel’s statements?
• Have you been promised something by GOD and it is taking longer than you thought?
• Will you ask GOD for patience, perseverance and persistence to keep going, despite the obstacles?

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?