Bilhah’s Seven

Bilhah’s Seven

Genesis 46: ²³ The son of Dan was Hushim. ²⁴ The sons of Naphtali were Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, and Shillem. ²⁵ These were the sons of Bilhah, whom Laban gave to Rachel his daughter, and she bore these to Jacob: seven persons in all.

 

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The last account of the tribes of Israel was Bilhah’s children. Dan and Naphtali. Bilhah was Rachel’s handmaid given to her by Laban.

 

My Observations:

• Bilhah may have believed she was the property of Rachel and also believed in household gods.
• Bilhah worked for Laban, possibly to pay off a debt that her family made.
• Bilhah had Dan and Naphtali which would become smaller tribes.

 

The tribe of Dan was eventually removed from genealogies. Naphtali’s genealogy was short. Both sons came from Bilhah through Jacob. Rachel insisted he sleep with her handmaid because she saw how many children Leah had and was jealous.

 

This plot to have children seemed to make matters worse. The Bible does not say what Jacob’s relationship with Dan was, but Dan ended up as a tribe who committed idolatry. GOD was still with all of Jacob’s children, but Bilhah produced the fewest descendants.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Bilhah’s children?
• Has GOD ever put you in a situation where you were a substitute?
• Can you accept GOD’s grace that HE has on you?

Goodwill Departure

Goodwill Departure

Genesis 31: ⁵¹ Then Laban said to Jacob, “Here is this heap and here is this pillar, which I have placed between you and me. ⁵² This heap is a witness, and this pillar is a witness, that I will not pass beyond this heap to you, and you will not pass beyond this heap and this pillar to me, for harm. ⁵³ The God of Abraham, the God of Nahor, and the God of their father judge between us.” And Jacob swore by the Fear of his father Isaac. ⁵⁴ Then Jacob offered a sacrifice on the mountain, and called his brethren to eat bread. And they ate bread and stayed all night on the mountain. ⁵⁵ And early in the morning Laban arose, and kissed his sons and daughters and blessed them. Then Laban departed and returned to his place.

 

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Laban finalized the covenant by setting boundaries. If either party wanted to do harm to the other, the heap of stones was placed there to remember not to cross into the territory with ill will.

 

My Observations:

• Laban took an oath that he would no longer pursue Jacob and his family to harm them.
• Laban worshipped ancestors, so he mentioned GOD in the context of Nahor and Abraham and Terah.
• Jacob mentioned his father Isaac as he swore to not harm Laban.

 

GOD intervened and the two adversaries departed with goodwill. Jacob would leave with all of Laban’s wealth without having to look over his shoulder, wondering when Laban was going to strike a deadly blow to him.

 

For twenty years, Laban had benefitted from Jacob’s labor. He changed Jacob’s wages ten times, probably to benefit himself. GOD was changing Jacob during the twenty years. Jacob began giving up his deceitful ways, to serve the GOD of his father. Laban and Jacob departed on good terms.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about the covenant between Laban and Jacob?
• Have you ever been angry to the point where you could harm someone?
• If you are angry, are you willing to give it over to GOD so HE can give you peace?

Character

Character

Genesis 31: ⁴⁵ So Jacob took a stone and set it up as a pillar. ⁴⁶ Then Jacob said to his brethren, “Gather stones.” And they took stones and made a heap, and they ate there on the heap. ⁴⁷ Laban called it Jegar Sahadutha, but Jacob called it Galeed. ⁴⁸ And Laban said, “This heap is a witness between you and me this day.” Therefore its name was called Galeed, ⁴⁹ also Mizpah, because he said, “May the Lord watch between you and me when we are absent one from another. ⁵⁰ If you afflict my daughters, or if you take other wives besides my daughters, although no man is with us—see, God is witness between you and me!”

 

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After twenty years of a tense relationship with Laban, Jacob and his family were finally about to leave. GOD had taken Laban’s wealth and family from him and warned him not to say anything good or bad about Jacob. Jacob and his group he led, placed stones in a heap and sat on them.

 

My Observations:

• Laban could not bless or curse Jacob, so he said “May the LORD watch between you and me.”
• Laban’s statement was targeted at Jacob’s character, because Laban’s character was not good.
• Laban’s statement was true because GOD is the keeper of character.

 

Character is doing the right actions when no one is looking. This is the usual definition. But I have to add these words, “Knowing that GOD is always watching.”  “May the LORD ‘watch’” is a warning to Jacob and us. When temptation comes, “watch.” When we don’t feel like doing it GOD’s way, “watch.” When trouble comes and we feel like leaving GOD, “watch.”

 

GOD sees everything we do. There is no hiding. Character says “Do it GOD’s way especially when no one can see you and give you a reward for your actions.” Laban had to let go of the wealth and his family he tried to control for decades. He let Jacob know that GOD is watching.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD give Moses the detail of Jacob’s actions and Laban’s conversation?
• Have you ever been faced with a decision to do right or wrong when no one is looking?
• Is there a part of you that needs to be placed before GOD so HE can help with good character?

Healthy Surrender

Healthy Surrender

Genesis 31: ⁴³ And Laban answered and said to Jacob, “These daughters are my daughters, and these children are my children, and this flock is my flock; all that you see is mine. But what can I do this day to these my daughters or to their children whom they have borne? ⁴⁴ Now therefore, come, let us make a covenant, you and I, and let it be a witness between you and me.”

 

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Realizing his rage filled quest was futile, Laban spoke to Jacob saying “” what can I do?” He searched for his household idols, but Rachel hid them. He wanted to get his stuff back, but GOD warned him. His only choice was to surrender.

 

My Observations:

• Laban’s greed made him blind to the purpose of having the stuff, namely to feed family.
• Laban lost his family and his stuff because of his greed.
• Laban realized his fight would be against GOD if he harmed Jacob, so he surrendered.

 

It took GOD to intervene for Laban to realize his motive for pursuing Jacob would turn out poorly for him. His rage was because he was about to lose his flocks and the people who supported them. His help was walking out the door and his wealth was diminishing.

 

Laban did what many people would not do. He surrendered. He decided that fighting Jacob’s GOD would cause him more trouble. I am not sure if he placed hope in his idols, and by losing them, he felt the fight was futile. Kind of like a lucky charm. But he did realize GOD has the power to intervene. His surrender was healthy.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think Laban’s decree was detailed and told to Moses by GOD?
• Have you ever realized that you may be fighting GOD?
• Is there a part of you that needs to surrender to GOD, so HE can rebuild it for HIS purpose?

Confronted

Confronted

Genesis 31: ³⁶ Then Jacob was angry and rebuked Laban, and Jacob answered and said to Laban: “What is my trespass? What is my sin, that you have so hotly pursued me? ³⁷ Although you have searched all my things, what part of your household things have you found? Set it here before my brethren and your brethren, that they may judge between us both! ³⁸ These twenty years I have been with you; your ewes and your female goats have not miscarried their young, and I have not eaten the rams of your flock. ³⁹ That which was torn by beasts I did not bring to you; I bore the loss of it. You required it from my hand, whether stolen by day or stolen by night. ⁴⁰ There I was! In the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night, and my sleep departed from my eyes. ⁴¹ Thus I have been in your house twenty years; I served you fourteen years for your two daughters, and six years for your flock, and you have changed my wages ten times. ⁴² Unless the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely now you would have sent me away empty-handed. God has seen my affliction and the labor of my hands, and rebuked you last night.”

 

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Laban looked for the household gods stolen by Rachel, but did not find them because she sat on them on her camel. Jacob took the opportunity to confront Laban for twenty years of mistreatment.

 

My Observations:

• Laban may not have been as interested in Leah’s wellbeing, rather with free experienced labor.
• Laban made Jacob work seven years for Leah, knowing Jacob wanted Rachel, then he made him work another seven years.
• Laban changed Jacob’s wages to benefit himself and to steal from Jacob.

 

Two wrongs don’t make a right and three wrongs makes a mess. Rachel stole the household gods, which was wrong. Jacob wanted to skip tradition by marrying Rachel, which was wrong. Laban wanted free labor, which was wrong. BUT GOD worked through this messy situation.

 

GOD knew the promise o salvation would come through a deceitful lineage. Laban convinced Leah to deceive Jacob into marrying her. She could have refused. Jacob was being transformed from trying to get his way. His work was hard and he probably realized he needed to make a change. Meanwhile, Laban was demanding free work with no benefits. GOD saw it all and protected Jacob, father of many nations.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD explain in detail to Moses how Jacob was deceived over wages?
• Has an employer ever been deceitful to you?
• Do you know that GOD sees the people who have been deceitful to you and will pay you back in full?

Trust Level

Trust Level

Genesis 31: ³³ And Laban went into Jacob’s tent, into Leah’s tent, and into the two maids’ tents, but he did not find them. Then he went out of Leah’s tent and entered Rachel’s tent. ³⁴ Now Rachel had taken the household idols, put them in the camel’s saddle, and sat on them. And Laban^] searched all about the tent but did not find them. ³⁵ And she said to her father, “Let it not displease my lord that I cannot rise before you, for the manner of women is with me.” And he searched but did not find the household idols.

 

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Jacob told Laban that he could kill the one who stole his household idols. Laban felt this was important, because he worshiped his ancestors instead of worshipping GOD.

 

My Observations:

• Laban trusted Jacob the least, so he searched his tent first.
• Laban may have felt Leah was influenced by Jacob because she had so many children by him.
• Laban trusted Rachel the most, probably because Jacob trusted her.

 

During the search, Laban came up empty. Rachel, whom he trusted the most, had stolen the idols and hid them on her camel’s saddle. She then lied to him about not getting off of the camel. Rachel believed in using mandrakes for fertility, idols for wishes and human ownership to acquire her children.

 

BUT GOD remembered Rachel. Earlier, HE listened to her desire to have children and enabled her to become pregnant with Joseph. GOD was with Rachel, even when her actions were insecure. GOD protected Jacob, Leah, the maids and Rachel.

 

My Observations:

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Laban’s search?
• Have you ever done something that you felt would cause GOD not to trust you?
• Are you willing to confess your sins to GOD so HE can entrust you with HIS precious plan?

Because I was Afraid

Because I was Afraid

Genesis 31: ²⁶ And Laban said to Jacob: “What have you done, that you have stolen away unknown to me, and carried away my daughters like captives taken with the sword? ²⁷ Why did you flee away secretly, and steal away from me, and not tell me; for I might have sent you away with joy and songs, with timbrel and harp? ²⁸ And you did not allow me to kiss my sons and my daughters. Now you have done foolishly in so doing. ²⁹ It is in my power to do you harm, but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, ‘Be careful that you speak to Jacob neither good nor bad.’ ³⁰ And now you have surely gone because you greatly long for your father’s house, but why did you steal my gods?”

 

³¹ Then Jacob answered and said to Laban, “Because I was afraid, for I said, ‘Perhaps you would take your daughters from me by force.’ ³² With whomever you find your gods, do not let him live. In the presence of our brethren, identify what I have of yours and take it with you.” For Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen them.

 

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After GOD spoke to Jacob, telling him to leave and go back to Isaac and Rebekah’s land, Jacob “stole away”, leaving Laban. Jacob had great wealth because GOD orchestrated the complex deal Laban tried to manipulate. Laban promised to give Jacob all the animals that had spots, then streaks, then blemishes. But each change, GOD would allow the animals to breed in what was said. Laban confronted Jacob about his gods.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob finally told the truth about being afraid.
• Jacob could not deceive his way out of the situation, so he finally had to tell the truth.
• Jacob did not know about Rachel stealing the household gods, so he allowed Laban the right to kill anyone who had them.

 

GOD spoke to Laban, protecting Jacob from harm. Laban was probably going to kill Jacob and try to justify his action. BUT GOD intervened. Laban, knowing what happened to Sodom, was afraid to kill Jacob or take his stuff.

 

Jacob, on the other hand, finally started to tell the truth. “Because I was afraid” was the best answer he could give for leaving without telling Laban. This is a great lesson for you and me. He admitted to being afraid without accusing Laban, at least not yet. He was not shrewd, but honest.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about the conversation between Jacob and Laban?
• Have you ever been afraid of something, causing you to finally tell the truth?
• Is GOD putting you in a situation where you finally have to tell the truth?

 

Hot Pursuit

Hot Pursuit

Genesis 31: ²² And Laban was told on the third day that Jacob had fled. ²³ Then he took his brethren with him and pursued him for seven days’ journey, and he overtook him in the mountains of Gilead. ²⁴ But God had come to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said to him, “Be careful that you speak to Jacob neither good nor bad.”

 

²⁵ So Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mountains, and Laban with his brethren pitched in the mountains of Gilead.

 

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Laban lived in Haran. This was Sarah’s home where Abraham met and married her. Laban was the son of Nahor and Milkah. He heard stories about GOD destroying Sodom. When he was told about Jacob fleeing from him, he realized it would take days to catch him. But he was met by GOD.

 

My Observations:

• Laban was furious and probably wanted to kill Jacob.
• GOD warned Laban not to speak good or bad about Jacob.
• Laban was probably cautious about his approach with Jacob.

 

It took a week for Laban and his crew to catch Jacob in the mountains of Gilead. He set up camp near Jacob, heeding GOD’s warning. He knew that if he were to bring any harm to Jacob, he would face GOD’s wrath.

 

Laban had to calm down enough to be able to talk versus act. His first inclination was probably to kill everyone and take back all his stuff. But he realized that GOD had a different plan. He may not have ever heard from GOD directly. His encounter would be memorable.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD give details to Moses about Laban’s pursuit?
• Have you ever gotten angry and started to act before thinking?
• In times of anger, are you willing to slow down before acting or saying anything so GOD can diffuse the situation>?

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?

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?