Foreshadowed

Foreshadowed

Genesis 48: Now it came to pass after these things that Joseph was told, “Indeed your father is sick”; and he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. ² And Jacob was told, “Look, your son Joseph is coming to you”; and Israel strengthened himself and sat up on the bed. ³ Then Jacob said to Joseph: “God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan and blessed me, ⁴ and said to me, ‘Behold, I will make you fruitful and multiply you, and I will make of you a multitude of people, and give this land to your descendants after you as an everlasting possession.’ ⁵ And now your two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you in Egypt, are mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine. ⁶ Your offspring whom you beget after them shall be yours; they will be called by the name of their brothers in their inheritance. ⁷ But as for me, when I came from Padan, Rachel died beside me in the land of Canaan on the way, when there was but a little distance to go to Ephrath; and I buried her there on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).”

 

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Some time after Israel made Joseph promise to bury him near his fathers, he got sick. Joseph got word of his sickness and took his two sons to see him. What Israel said, would come to pass.

 

My Observations:

• Ephraim and Manasseh would become tribes of Israel.
• The tribe of Joseph would be replaced by his sons and referred to as the house of Joseph.
• Rachel died in Bethlehem, birthplace of JESUS.

 

On Israel’s deathbed, he foreshadowed things to come. One day Joseph’s children would become prominent tribes, receiving earthly inheritances as great as the other tribes. He then recalled the death of Rachel.

 

She died on the way to Ephrath in a little town called Bethlehem. This would be the birthplace of CHRIST two-thousand years later. Her deathplace was significant. GOD’s plan was far greater than expected. Most people think it’s about earthly possessions, but it is about JESUS establishing an everlasting Kingdom.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Israel’s prophetic words?
• Do you think the places you have been, are insignificant?
• Can you accept that everything you do and everything you are has significant meaning to GOD?

Moved to the Best

 

Moved to the Best

Genesis 46: ²⁸ Then he sent Judah before him to Joseph, to point out before him the way to Goshen. And they came to the land of Goshen. ²⁹ So Joseph made ready his chariot and went up to Goshen to meet his father Israel; and he presented himself to him, and fell on his neck and wept on his neck a good while.

 

³⁰ And Israel said to Joseph, “Now let me die, since I have seen your face, because you are still alive.”

 

³¹ Then Joseph said to his brothers and to his father’s household, “I will go up and tell Pharaoh, and say to him, ‘My brothers and those of my father’s house, who were in the land of Canaan, have come to me. ³² And the men are shepherds, for their occupation has been to feed livestock; and they have brought their flocks, their herds, and all that they have.’ ³³ So it shall be, when Pharaoh calls you and says, ‘What is your occupation?’ ³⁴ that you shall say, ‘Your servants’ occupation has been with livestock from our youth even till now, both we and also our fathers,’ that you may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians.”

 

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Jacob sent Judah as the guide to Goshen. All of their possessions were loaded on carts and their herds had to walk to Egypt. Joseph came out to be reunited with his father. He then told his brothers what to say in order to live in Egypt peacefully.

 

My Observations:

• The move to Egypt took a long time because seventy people and their cattle had to walk.
• Israel was delighted to see Joseph alive!
• Joseph gave the brothers insight into Egyptian culture from his vast experience with them.

 

Being reunited with Jacob was the pinnacle of Joseph’s life. Never in his wildest dreams did he think that he would ever see his father again. Jacob may have felt the same way. BUT GOD orchestrated a strange move that brought Israel to Egypt.

 

Goshen was a land made for cattle and sheep. The flocks would flourish there if the right people tended to them. Joseph told his brothers that shepherds are loathed, so tell the Egyptians that you tend livestock. He wanted them to put a positive spin on their occupation to live in the land in peace. GOD used what was meant for evil to bring good to the p[people of Israel.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about what Joseph did and said to Israel?
• Have you ever got a new occupation and did not know what to say?
• Is GOD using your experience to move you to a new occupation where HIS plan will continue through you?

Jacob’s Seventy

 Jacob’s Seventy

Genesis 46: ²⁶ All the persons who went with Jacob to Egypt, who came from his body, besides Jacob’s sons’ wives, were sixty-six persons in all. ²⁷ And the sons of Joseph who were born to him in Egypt were two persons. All the persons of the house of Jacob who went to Egypt were seventy.

 

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Jacob settled in the land of the Canaanites where his father Isaac was a stranger. There he raised his children. One wife, Rachel, had passed away giving birth to Benjamin. Joseph was hated by his brothers and was sold into slavery, ultimately to be raised by GOD to be the head of Egypt. Now Jacob and the entire family was ready to move to Egypt.

 

My Observations:

• GOD orchestrated the famine which in turn would send Israel to Egypt.
• GOD allowed evil thoughts and actions to come from Joseph’s brothers, but HE used them for good.
• GOD brought Jacob’s family back together in an unusual way.

 

Hindsight is twenty, twenty people would say. It is easy to question what GOD did and why HE did it when it comes to the move of Israel. But the account of history is more complex than you and I could ever imaging. GOD was preparing for JESUS to come as a human and needed certain people to be in certain places at the right time.

 

Israel would have never left the home he made for many reasons. He was old, Rachel was buried nearby and he had plenty. BUT GOD wanted him and his family to be somewhere else. This famine would last five more years, so Jacob had to go. He was delighted though. He would be reunited with Joseph.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD complete the recount of Jacob’s family to Moses?
• Have you ever gone through a difficult time and wondered why?
• Is GOD moving you to a place that HE needs you to be so HE can provide deliverance that you don’t understand yet?

Rachel’s Fourteen

Rachel’s Fourteen

Genesis 46: ¹⁹ The sons of Rachel, Jacob’s wife, were Joseph and Benjamin. ²⁰ And to Joseph in the land of Egypt were born Manasseh and Ephraim, whom Asenath, the daughter of Poti-Pherah priest of On, bore to him. ²¹ The sons of Benjamin were Belah, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard. ²² These were the sons of Rachel, who were born to Jacob: fourteen persons in all.

 

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Jacob was told to go away from the women who were around him in the land of the Philistines. He was sent to Rebekah’s brother Laban to look for a wife. He fell in love at the first sight of Rachel. But he was given Leah as a wife because it was tradition. Jacob worked another seven years to finally marry Rachel.

 

My Observations:

• Rachel was the only woman labeled as Jacob’s wife.
• Rachel believed in household gods and magic from mandrakes.
• Rachel was barren the longest and died when she had benjamin.

 

Joseph and Benjamin were special to Jacob because he loved Rachel. He treated them differently than his other sons. This unequal treatment would cause jealousy amongst his sons that would cause Joseph to be sold into slavery, but ultimately rule Egypt.

 

Rachel did not raise Benjamin and barely raised Joseph who was a young teen when she died. Rachel did not experience her nephews attempted murder like Jacob. But she did experience the pain of watching everyone else have children when her husband was supposed to be the one who would produce many nations. GOD kept HIS promise, but not he way she thought.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Rachel being Jacob’s wife?
• What promise has GOD made to you that may look different than you think?
• Has GOD appointed you for something special but it looks way different than what you are used to?

Leah’s Thirty-Three

 Leah’s Thirty-Three

Genesis 46: ⁸ Now these were the names of the children of Israel, Jacob and his sons, who went to Egypt: Reuben was Jacob’s firstborn. ⁹ The sons of Reuben were Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi. ¹⁰ The sons of Simeon were Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul, the son of a Canaanite woman. ¹¹ The sons of Levi were Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. ¹² The sons of Judah were Er, Onan, Shelah, Perez, and Zerah (but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan). The sons of Perez were Hezron and Hamul. ¹³ The sons of Issachar were Tola, Puvah, Job, and Shimron. ¹⁴ The sons of Zebulun were Sered, Elon, and Jahleel. ¹⁵ These were the sons of Leah, whom she bore to Jacob in Padan Aram, with his daughter Dinah. All the persons, his sons and his daughters, were thirty-three.

 

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Jacob was a swindler who cheated his brother Esau out of his birthright and blessing from Isaac. He tried to get Rachel as his wife, but ran into an equal swindler named Laban who gave Jacob Leah as his wife. Jacob had worked seven years as a deal to get Rachel. Jacob did not love Leah, yet he had the most children through her.

 

My Observations:

• Leah had the most children even though she was not wanted.
• Leah prayed and GOD heard her and gave her children.
• Leah gave birth to Levi from which Moses would be born and Judah, from which JESUS would come as a human.

 

Moving to Egypt required an account of Israel’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. An entire nation was about to move to Egypt, a land of unbelievers. Genesis is the book of beginnings. This move to Egypt was the beginning of the twelve tribes of Israel.

 

Jacob tried to circumvent tradition by working for a swindler. He got Leah as his wife and did not know that GOD’s promise would be through the one, he did not choose or like. We may feel the same way. There are things placed in our lives that we did not choose or like. BUT GOD’s plan does not look like our selfish plan.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about the lineage of Jacob through Leah?
• Do you think your plan will work if it is not GOD’s will?
• Can you accept that GOD has a plan that may look different than your logic and is greater than your imagination?

Shocked

Shocked

Genesis 45: ²⁵ Then they went up out of Egypt, and came to the land of Canaan to Jacob their father. ²⁶ And they told him, saying, “Joseph is still alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt.” And Jacob’s heart stood still, because he did not believe them. ²⁷ But when they told him all the words which Joseph had said to them, and when he saw the carts which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived. ²⁸ Then Israel said, “It is enough. Joseph my son is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.”

 

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Joseph’s brothers left Egypt with the strong, well-engineered carts given to them by Joseph. They came back to Jacob and told him that Joseph was alive. Jacob was shocked. They showed him the carts, then “Israel” was no longer shocked.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob was called Jacob in the beginning of this paragraph and Israel at the end, possibly in reference to Joseph being the son of Rachel and everyone else was mothered by others.
• Jacob was shocked to hear that his son was alive after all these years.
• Israel originally was not willing to go anywhere, but after hearing that Joseph was alive, he felt that was enough to make him go.

 

Being shocked, in this instance, could mean disbelief, or overwhelmed. I believe Jacob had both. The news that his son is alive that he thought was dead for decades, drove him to disbelief and feeling overwhelmed.

 

He did not get mad about the lost time he missed with his son, rather he looked forward to seeing him before he died. We can get shocked when we hear unexpected news. This requires us to go to GOD for answers.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses to use Jacob and Israel when referring to Joseph’s father?
• What is your normal first reaction to shocking news?
• When you are shocked or surprised by a situation, do you become overwhelmed and debilitated, or go to GOD for strength?

Reluctant Acceptance

Reluctant Acceptance

Genesis 43: ¹¹ And their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: Take some of the best fruits of the land in your vessels and carry down a present for the man—a little balm and a little honey, spices and myrrh, pistachio nuts and almonds. ¹² Take double money in your hand, and take back in your hand the money that was returned in the mouth of your sacks; perhaps it was an oversight. ¹³ Take your brother also, and arise, go back to the man. ¹⁴ And may God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may release your other brother and Benjamin. If I am bereaved, I am bereaved!”

 

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Seeing there were no other options, Israel reluctantly accepted the fact that Benjamin had to be sent to Egypt. He told his sons to take the money that was returned to them and give it to the Egyptians. He also said give them special items from the land.

 

My Observations:

• Israel finally accepted that the famine was still there and he had to do something.
• Israel did not mention Simeon’s name, but he did mention Benjamin, which shows he and Simeon still had strife between them over Dinah’s assault.
• Israel seemed to brace himself to also lose Benjamin by saying “If I am bereaved, I am bereaved.”

 

It seems like Israel reluctantly accepted the fact that nothing was going well and he was about to lose the son from the woman he loved. Rachel, his wife, was barren for so many years that it seemed like she would never have children. But when she had Joseph, then Benjamin, everything seemed alright with Israel. But now Rachel was dead and so was Joseph, or so he thought. He could not see what GOD was doing.

 

Israel figured he would try to make the situation better by sending items that were locally grown and were appealing. He may have hoped that he could keep Benjamin alive by sending extra stuff. We do this too. We try to control the situation that GOD has ordained. Israel had seen enough sorrow. GOD saw everything and was planning something huge that Israel did not expect.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Israel’s response to his son’s request to take Benjamin to Egypt?
• Have you ever settled in your mind that you have to be miserable?
• Can you not settle for a miserable outcome and ask GOD to renew your faith in HIS power to make you thrive?

Something Had to be Done

Something Had to be Done

Genesis 43: ⁶ And Israel said, “Why did you deal so wrongfully with me as to tell the man whether you had still another brother?”

 

⁷ But they said, “The man asked us pointedly about ourselves and our family, saying, ‘Is your father still alive? Have you another brother?’ And we told him according to these words. Could we possibly have known that he would say, ‘Bring your brother down’?”

 

⁸ Then Judah said to Israel his father, “Send the lad with me, and we will arise and go, that we may live and not die, both we and you and also our little ones. ⁹ I myself will be surety for him; from my hand you shall require him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever. ¹⁰ For if we had not lingered, surely by now we would have returned this second time.”

 

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When “Israel” questioned his sons about the situation they were in, the sons immediately tried to cover up what they actually said. They blamed Joseph, saying he asked questions versus telling the truth that they voluntarily spoke about Benjamin. Instead of going back and forth as to why they were in the situation, Judah spoke up.

 

My Observations:

• Israel’s sons were still trying to protect themselves.
• Israel was being resistant and waited until all the food had run out.
• Judah said in so many words “We have to do something.”

 

Shame and blame were the tactics of the sons of Israel. They seemed to be ashamed they opened their mouths about Benjamin and blamed Joseph for his reaction. Little did they know that it was Joseph who they were speaking to, so they would still be in thins situation.

 

Earlier, Reuben pledged that Jacob could kill two of his sons if Benjamin were not returned. Jacob, otherwise known as Israel, did not accept this plan. But Judah came up with another way to convince Israel. “If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever” was his promise. He would become the walking shame if Benjamin died.  He gave some logic. “We could have been back by now.”

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about this distressful conversation between Israel and his sons?
• Have you ever wanted to avoid getting blamed for something you did or blame someone else for something you should own up to?
• Is it time to face the situation, knowing GOD is with you, so you can be brave and tell the truth?

Softened Explanation

Softened Explanation

Genesis 42: ²⁹ Then they went to Jacob their father in the land of Canaan and told him all that had happened to them, saying: ³⁰ “The man who is lord of the land spoke roughly to us, and took us for spies of the country. ³¹ But we said to him, ‘We are honest men; we are not spies. ³² We are twelve brothers, sons of our father; one is no more, and the youngest is with our father this day in the land of Canaan.’ ³³ Then the man, the lord of the country, said to us, ‘By this I will know that you are honest men: Leave one of your brothers here with me, take food for the famine of your households, and be gone. ³⁴ And bring your youngest brother to me; so I shall know that you are not spies, but that you are honest men. I will grant your brother to you, and you may trade in the land.’ ”

 

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“This is so messed up!” was the detrimental thought that may have been running through the brothers of Joseph’s minds. The spokesperson was not mentioned, but whoever it was, attempted to soften the blow.

 

My Observations:

• Joseph’s brothers told Jacob that the lord of the land spoke roughly to them, similar to a child speaking to a parent trying to express no guilt.
• Joseph’s brothers told Jacob the truth about being accused as spies and that one brother needed to be left while they went to get
• Joseph’s brothers told Jacob that their brother Simeon would be released if Benjamin were brought to Egypt, but they added “and you may trade in the land.”

 

Telling Jacob bad news seem to be a regular thing for Joseph’s brothers. Jacob sent Joseph to see what the brother’s were doing before Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers. He did this for a reason, possibly because they kept bringing bad news. The brothers implied to Jacob that an animal had killed Joseph. Now they had to make it seem like Simeon being in jail was no big deal.

 

One of the brothers added something that would possibly appeal to greed. He misquoted Joseph by saying “and you may trade in the land” versus what Joseph really said which is “an you shall not die.” This type of conversation would form the dysfunctional interactions of the tribes. BUT GOD would use the tribes for HIS glory later.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD go into detail to Moses about the conversation the brothers had with Jacob?
• Have you ever had to speak to GOD or someone in authority and tried to soften the blow?
• Is GOD growing you up to be able to be honest about difficult situations?

Protective

Protective

Genesis 42: ³ So Joseph’s ten brothers went down to buy grain in Egypt. ⁴ But Jacob did not send Joseph’s brother Benjamin with his brothers, for he said, “Lest some calamity befall him.” ⁵ And the sons of Israel went to buy grain among those who journeyed, for the famine was in the land of Canaan.

 

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Ten of Joseph’s half-brothers were sent to Egypt to buy grain. But “Jacob” did not send Benjamin with his half-brothers. So the sons of “Israel” went to buy grain.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob may have suspected his sons were not telling him the truth about what happened to Joseph.
• Rachel was the woman Jacob loved, so he treated Joseph and Benjamin, her sons, differently.
• Jacob sent ten of his sons to buy enough food that each could carry.

 

Jacob had hundreds of servants who tended his animals, so they would need to be fed as well. But Jacob sent only his sons to Egypt. He clearly showed a difference between Benjamin and his other sons by saying “Lest some calamity befall him.”  Jacob may have seen something in his sons that he could not quite put his finger on. All he knew in his mind was Joseph was dead.

 

The sons of “Israel” went to Egypt. I believe this distinction was given to Moses on purpose. As Moses writes this book, he flows between Jacob and Israel. I believe GOD is showing how the tribes of Israel ended up in Egypt. The importance of the tribes would become known later. GOD chose a very complex family.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses about Jacob’s protective statement to his other sons about Benjamin?
• Has something ever happened in your life that made you more protective of people around you?
• Is GOD moving you to a place where HIS new work will begin?

Can’t Look the Other Way

Can’t Look the Other Way

Genesis 37: Now Jacob dwelt in the land where his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan. ² This is the history of Jacob.

 

Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brothers. And the lad was with the sons of Bilhah and the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives; and Joseph brought a bad report of them to his father.

 

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Jacob listened to GOD and returned to the land where Isaac and Rebekah lived. But the people there did not believe in GOD. Jacob was a “stranger” in the land, probably because he refused to do what everyone else was doing. Joseph was seventeen. He went out to feed the flock with Dan, Naphtali, Gad and Asher. These were the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah.

 

My Observations:

• Joseph seemed to be raised differently than the deceiver Jacob was.
• Joseph saw something that Dan, Naphtali, Gad and Asher were doing that he could not look the other way by ignoring it.
• Joseph told Jacob about what they were doing, possibly because he had a pure heart.

 

Bilhah was Dan and Naphtali’s mother. She may have been influenced by the people of Canaan when she slept with Reuben, Jacob’s oldest son. Somehow Dan may have been influenced by Bilhah or the Canaanites or both. Dan would eventually lead one of the twelve tribes of Israel into idolatry.

 

Dan’s name is not mentioned in Revelation or in some of the other genealogies listed in the prophetic books. Whatever Dan, Naphtali, Gad and Asher were doing, Joseph could not look the other way. The division between Joseph and his brothers was beginning.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD mention that Jacob was a stranger in the land of Canaan to Moses?
• Have you ever been put in an uncomfortable position where you had to choose character by saying something is not right?
• Are you willing to follow GOD even when it is not popular?

Gathered to His People

Gathered to His People

Genesis 35: ²⁷ Then Jacob came to his father Isaac at Mamre, or Kirjath Arba (that is, Hebron), where Abraham and Isaac had dwelt. ²⁸ Now the days of Isaac were one hundred and eighty years. ²⁹ So Isaac breathed his last and died, and was gathered to his people, being old and full of days. And his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.

 

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After Simeon and Levi took revenge on the men of Shechem, GOD told Jacob to leave. He went to Bethel whiner his mother’s nurse died. Jacob mourned her death. He then continued to Ephrath, otherwise known as Bethlehem where Rachel, his beloved, died giving birth to Benjamin. Jacob mourned her death He then came home to see his father. Isaac breathed his last breath.

 

My Observations:

• Isaac died at one hundred eighty years of age.
• Jacob made it to Isaac to see his last breath.
• Isaac was gathered to his people or joined his ancestors.

 

This is the second mention of ancestors being someplace else other than alive on earth. The first mention was when Abraham died. Jacob and Esau buried Isaac’s body, but the words “gathered to his people” implies that they only buried Isaac’s corpse.

 

Isaac was no longer in the shell that was walking on this earth. He was back with his ancestors. But who are they? Isaac was a link in the lineage of CHRIST. Men and women who had conversations with the LORD were alive after death. Isaac was “full of his days”, meaning he reached a high number of years on this earth, but was alive after death.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses about Jacob being with his father to see him die?
• Do you believe in the afterlife?
• Do you know what will happen to you if you were to die today?

Unwanted but Needed

Unwanted but Needed

Genesis 35: Now the sons of Jacob were twelve: ²³ the sons of Leah were Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn, and Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun; ²⁴ the sons of Rachel were Joseph and Benjamin; ²⁵ the sons of Bilhah, Rachel’s maidservant, were Dan and Naphtali; ²⁶ and the sons of Zilpah, Leah’s maidservant, were Gad and Asher. These were the sons of Jacob who were born to him in Padan Aram.

 

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Jacob had twelve sons from two wives and two maidservants of the wives. Leah had six sons, Rachel had two. Bilhah had two and Zilpha had two.

 

My Observations

• Leah was unwanted by Jacob, but had the most children by her.
• Leah’s maidservant’s kids along with her kids equals eight out of twelve kids.
• Leah’s sons were the oldest and so far, caused the most problems.

 

For someone unwanted by the person who GOD spoke to, it sure seems like she was valuable to GOD. Leah was slipped into Jacob by a deceiver, Laban. Jacob was trying to circumvent tradition by bargaining to get his way. Leah felt unloved and unwanted. But she prayed to GOD and HE heard her.

 

Leah became the mother of Judah. Later we will see the JESUS is the Lion of Judah. In other words, JESUS is related to Judah who was related to Leah the unwanted. GOD watched over Leah and kept HIS promise.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses to write the list of sons in this order versus chronological?
• Do you sometimes feel unwanted?
• Do you know you are valuable, wanted and needed by GOD the Almighty?

Hard Labor

 

Hard Labor

Genesis 35: ¹⁶ Then they journeyed from Bethel. And when there was but a little distance to go to Ephrath, Rachel labored in childbirth, and she had hard labor. ¹⁷ Now it came to pass, when she was in hard labor, that the midwife said to her, “Do not fear; you will have this son also.” ¹⁸ And so it was, as her soul was departing (for she died), that she called his name Ben-Oni; but his father called him Benjamin. ¹⁹ So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem). ²⁰ And Jacob set a pillar on her grave, which is the pillar of Rachel’s grave to this day.

 

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After GOD changed Jacob’s name to Israel, Jacob and his family traveled towards Ephrath. On the way, Rachel gave birth to a child. The child labor was hard. Rachel died.

 

My Observations:

• Rachel called the child “Son of my sorrow” but Jacob named him “Son of my right hand.”
• Ephrath is really Bethlehem, where JESUS took human form as a baby.
• Jacob lost the woman he loved the most.

 

Benjamin was born out of very difficult times. Rachel must have been pregnant when they went to Bethel . Jacob had a discussion with GOD and probably felt better. He was assured that GOD’s covenant with him still stood. But tragedy happened when Rachel died giving birth to his last son.

 

Rachel had difficulty in childbirth. From being supernaturally barren, to delivering Joseph and Benjamin, Rachel struggled and eventually lost her life. This blessed time was full of sorrow. Jacob made sure that people would not be reminded of sorrow so he named the child Benjamin.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell moses about Rachel’s hard labor?
• Have you ever experienced a difficult situation and allowed it to play over and over in your mind?
• Will you let the situation go and rename it so it will no longer have power over you?

Terrified

Terrified

Genesis 35: ⁵ And they journeyed, and the terror of God was upon the cities that were all around them, and they did not pursue the sons of Jacob. ⁶ So Jacob came to Luz (that is, Bethel), which is in the land of Canaan, he and all the people who were with him. ⁷ And he built an altar there and called the place El Bethel, because there God appeared to him when he fled from the face of his brother.

 

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Jacob was terrified that the cities around them would hear about what happened to the people of Shechem. Simeon and Levi murdered all the men of Shechem in revenge to what was done to Dinah. BUT GOD intervened.

 

My Observations:

• The surrounding cities may have remembered what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah.
• Terror of GOD fell upon the surrounding cities because Jacob was known to have a relationship with HIM.
• Jacob was full of terror and so were the surrounding cities.

 

Everyone was terrified in this, seemingly, impossible situation. No one had a good solution for moving forward in life. If the surrounding cities tried to retaliate, they might face GOD’s wrath. If Jacob caused any more problems, they could be wiped out.

 

Jacob previously made a promise to the LORD that he had not kept. He promised to offer ten percent of all he had to the LORD. Up to this point, he may not have kept this promise. Now he was terrified. After twenty plus years of making the promise to the LORD, he built an altar.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD describe everyone’s terror to Moses?
• Have you ever been scared of the future?
• Is there a promise you made to the LORD that needs to be fulfilled?

Preparing for Change

Preparing for Change

Genesis 35: ² And Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods that are among you, purify yourselves, and change your garments. ³ Then let us arise and go up to Bethel; and I will make an altar there to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and has been with me in the way which I have gone.” ⁴ So they gave Jacob all the foreign gods which were in their hands, and the earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the terebinth tree which was by Shechem.

 

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Jacob was told to go to Bethel, the place where GOD showed him a great ladder where angels were descending and ascending. Over the years, Jacob picked up many people as servants, who had varying beliefs. He told everyone, including Rachel, to get rid of the foreign gods.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob had finally placed all of his trust in the LORD.
• Jacob saw the power of GOD’s protection in the past and did not want to do anything to upset the balance.
• Jacob finally saw value in purifying, getting rid of foreign gods and cleaning up to see GOD.

 

As if to say “You can’t just show up any old way,” Jacob told everyone to prepare to meet GOD. He did not want a single person to show any kind of opposition to GOD. He had been in distress before and was facing a larger problem.

 

He ran from one person before. He ran from Esau and ran from Laban, but this time he could not run from a reputation of being a murderer and a thief of an entire city. This label would need GOD’s intervention. He prepared his group to be as reverent, outwardly, as possible.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about Jacob’s instructions to his entire household?
• What preparation have you done to turn to GOD?
• Is this a time that you should purify yourself to hear GOD’s pending instructions for your next steps?

 

Missed Opportunities

Missed Opportunities

Genesis 34: 5 And Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter. Now his sons were with his livestock in the field; so Jacob held his peace until they came. 6 Then Hamor the father of Shechem went out to Jacob to speak with him. 7 And the sons of Jacob came in from the field when they heard it; and the men were grieved and very angry, because he had done a disgraceful thing in Israel by lying with Jacob’s daughter, a thing which ought not to be done. 8 But Hamor spoke with them, saying, “The soul of my son Shechem longs for your daughter. Please give her to him as a wife. 9 And make marriages with us; give your daughters to us, and take our daughters to yourselves. 10 So you shall dwell with us, and the land shall be before you. Dwell and trade in it, and acquire possessions for yourselves in it.”

 

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Jacob heard that Dinah had been violated and kept silent. Hamor heard that his son violated Jacob’s daughter and he heard the demand that his son gave him, wanting to marry Dinah after violating her. Hamor presented an option to act like a Hivite and accept their ways and receive their daughters and possessions.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob missed the opportunity to respond to the outrageous act against his daughter.
• Hamor missed the opportunity to have his son apologize and pay for his egregious action.
• Shechem missed the opportunity of having a loving relationship with Dinah by taking what he wanted.

 

Trying to downplay the violation outraged the sons of Jacob. Jacob never opened his mouth out of fear of retribution. Jacob’s fear, was noticed by his sons, so they did not do anything right away.

 

GOD had sent Jacob back to this land and now his daughter was hurt and so were his sons. What a mess! BUT GOD saw it all. This terrible act would not go unnoticed. Jacob, Hamor and Shechem represent times when we miss opportunities to stand in the gap for someone who has been wronged, or we try to smooth over a wrong, or we do the wrong. GOD sees.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Hamor’s offer?
• Have you ever needed someone to stand in the gap for you?
• Will you stand in the gap for someone or not try to smooth a wrong over, or confess to a wrong today?

Wisdom Says Go but Slow

Wisdom Says Go but Slow

Genesis 33: ¹² Then Esau said, “Let us take our journey; let us go, and I will go before you.”

¹³ But Jacob said to him, “My lord knows that the children are weak, and the flocks and herds which are nursing are with me. And if the men should drive them hard one day, all the flock will die. ¹⁴ Please let my lord go on ahead before his servant. I will lead on slowly at a pace which the livestock that go before me, and the children, are able to endure, until I come to my lord in Seir.”

 

¹⁵ And Esau said, “Now let me leave with you some of the people who are with me.”

But he said, “What need is there? Let me find favor in the sight of my lord.” ¹⁶ So Esau returned that day on his way to Seir. ¹⁷ And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, built himself a house, and made booths for his livestock. Therefore the name of the place is called Succoth.

 

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Knowing the land was full of raiders, Esau suggested that he lead Jacob, his people and herds to safety. But Jacob told Esau that the children were weak and the herds and flocks would die if pushed too hard.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob had to go, but he understood what pace the children and herds could handle.
• Esau wanted to provide protection, but Jacob had wrestled the LORD and was sure he would be taken care of.
• Jacob’s faith had grown now that he faced his fear of Esau.

 

Now that the biggest fear was over, facing thieves and robbers was of little concern to Jacob. He had mistreated Esau to “fulfill” GOD’s promise. This messy family situation was known by GOD, yet HE allowed it to play out as it did.

 

GOD healed broken relationships during this meeting. HE also told Jacob to go back to the land and that he would be protected. Jacob had reminded GOD about HIS protection when he was full of fear, as if GOD did not know. He would go and make sure that no harm came to his family or herds because of the possible rushed pace of Esau’s men.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about the pace struggle between Esau and Jacob?
• Have you ever been in a situation where it seemed like everything was coming at you too fast, yet something needed to be done?
• Will you continue to go forward, but slow down enough to take care of those around you and the obligations?

Humble Reunion

Humble Reunion

Genesis 33: ⁴ But Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept. ⁵ And he lifted his eyes and saw the women and children, and said, “Who are these with you?”

So he said, “The children whom God has graciously given your servant.” ⁶ Then the maidservants came near, they and their children, and bowed down. ⁷ And Leah also came near with her children, and they bowed down. Afterward Joseph and Rachel came near, and they bowed down.

 

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Expecting to be killed, Jacob received a surprise. Esau ran to meet him, embraced him and kissed him. Bilhah cam forth with her children, then Zilpah with her children, then Leah with her children then Joseph and Rachel came. All of them bowed down.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob did not expect the warm greeting he received from Esau.
• Jacob was probably more than relieved that he did not get what he felt he deserved.
• Everyone in Jacob’s family surrendered to Esau in a very humbling way.

 

Both Esau and Jacob had grown up. Esau probably wanted to see Jacob for decades and asked questions about his family. Esau may have realized that his rage was caused by his own actions. Jacob the same.

 

Jacob came to Esau humbly. He referred to himself as “your servant” when speaking to Esau. He did not go into the situation blaming Esau for not respecting his birthright. Esau did not bring up any hurt memories of having his blessing stolen. The reunion was humbling all around. GOD was in the middle of the reunion.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about Esau’s reaction to Jacob?
• Have you ever received undeserved favor from GOD?
• Is there an area of your life that needs to be humbled so you can surrender it to GOD?

 

Preparing for the Worst

Preparing for the Worst

Genesis 33: Now Jacob lifted his eyes and looked, and there, Esau was coming, and with him were four hundred men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two maidservants. ² And he put the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children behind, and Rachel and Joseph last. ³ Then he crossed over before them and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.

 

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Esau was finally on his way. That dreaded time had finally arrived. Jacob put the women and children in front, then he bowed seven times until he reached his brother.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob was preparing for the worst to happen.
• Jacob had to let go of pride and face his fear of his brother.
• Jacob may have thought putting the women and children up front would soften the blow.

 

Full of fear and writhing in pain from wrestling with JESUS, Jacob humbly approached Esau. The dreaded day had come. Jacob probably thought he was going to die. We all can think of the worst, can’t we? Jacob seemed to try everything he could think of, but had to face Esau on Esau’s terms.

 

Jacob finally humbled himself and bowed down to Esau. He saw Esau’s four hundred men and knew he had no chance of escape. He probably thought about all the wrong he did and could not fathom how a positive outcome could happen. BUT GOD was there.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about Jacob’s actions?
• Have you ever gotten into a situation that was out of your control?
• Can you rethink the outcome with GOD’s love added so you can change fear to faith today?