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?

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?

Blessing Confirmed

Blessing Confirmed

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

 

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

 

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

 

³⁹ Then Isaac his father answered and said to him:

 

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

 

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

 

My Observations:

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

 

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

 

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

 

Challenge

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

Only One Blessing

Only One Blessing

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

³⁴ When Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with an exceedingly great and bitter cry, and said to his father, “Bless me—me also, O my father!”

 

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

 

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

 

My Observations:

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

Challenge

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

 

Scheme Released

Scheme Released

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

 

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

 

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

 

My Observations:

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

 

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

 

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

 

Challenge

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

Seized Opportunity

 Seized Opportunity

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

 

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

 

My Observations:

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

 

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

 

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

 

Challenge

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

Protected Anyway

Protected Anyway

Genesis 26: ⁶ So Isaac dwelt in Gerar. ⁷ And the men of the place asked about his wife. And he said, “She is my sister”; for he was afraid to say, “She is my wife,” because he thought, “lest the men of the place kill me for Rebekah, because she is beautiful to behold.” ⁸ Now it came to pass, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked through a window, and saw, and there was Isaac, ^[a]showing endearment to Rebekah his wife. ⁹ Then Abimelech called Isaac and said, “Quite obviously she is your wife; so how could you say, ‘She is my sister’?”

 

Isaac said to him, “Because I said, ‘Lest I die on account of her.’ ”

 

¹⁰ And Abimelech said, “What is this you have done to us? One of the people might soon have lain with your wife, and you would have brought guilt on us.” ¹¹ So Abimelech charged all his people, saying, “He who touches this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.”

 

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Abimelech was older. He had the same conversation with Abraham about men lurking around his wife. Now Isaac was having the same problem. The men or Gerar wanted to take Rebekah. Traditionally they would kill the husband but leave the brother alive. I

 

My Observations:

• Isaac lied about Rebekah being his sister because he was afraid.
• Abimelech saw Isaac showing affection to Rebekah that was not like a brother.
• Abimelech saw through the lie and protected Rebekah despite the deception.

 

Isaac was put in a difficult spot. He wanted to find a solution to the famine so he went to the king. He was told not to go to Egypt, but Gerar was just as bad. He lied about his relationship to Rebekah, probably to keep her and him alive. Whatever the case, it was a lie.

 

Abimelech knew Isaac was related to Abraham. He may have remembered what happened when Sarah showed up. All the women became barren. He did not want something like that to happen again. He ordered every man to stay away from Rebekah. They were protected anyway.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD explain this lie to Moses?
• Have you ever lied out of fear or insecurity?
• Can you begin your day with praising GOD for forgiving you of all your sins?

Prophecy Fulfilled. Comfort Provided.

 

Prophecy Fulfilled. Comfort Provided.

Genesis 24: ⁶² Now Isaac came from the way of Beer Lahai Roi, for he dwelt in the South. ⁶³ And Isaac went out to meditate in the field in the evening; and he lifted his eyes and looked, and there, the camels were coming. ⁶⁴ Then Rebekah lifted her eyes, and when she saw Isaac she dismounted from her camel; ⁶⁵ for she had said to the servant, “Who is this man walking in the field to meet us?”

 

The servant said, “It is my master.” So she took a veil and covered herself.

⁶⁶ And the servant told Isaac all the things that he had done. ⁶⁷ Then Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent; and he took Rebekah and she became his wife, and he loved her. So Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.

 

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Up to this point Isaac had not been mentioned much by himself. He was mentioned as the promised child in the context of Abraham. But this time Isaac is mentioned as an adult. He moved away from Abraham, but not far away. Abraham’s servant brought Rebekah to him while he was having his quiet time with the LORD. Rebekah asked “Who is this man?”

 

My Observations:

• Rebekah was probably filled with excitement that she was chosen by GOD to be the mother of many nations.
• Abraham’s servant was probably excited to tell the supernatural story to Isaac.
• Isaac was comforted by Rebekah’s presence and was probably renewed from being saddened over his mother’s death.

 

Sarah may have told Isaac that he was the one who would fulfill GOD’s prophecy. Rebekah was told that she would fulfill GOD’s prophecy. Both had been told these things, but it wasn’t until they met that they may have said to themselves “This is really going to happen!”

 

Two people had their lives changed over a matter of a couple of weeks. Rebekah was not expecting to be married any time soon. Isaac knew he would be married, but was probably feeling a little down because he was not allowed to marry any of the women around him and did not know how he would fulfill the prophecy. GOD brought both of them love and comfort.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD turn to speaking about Isaac when describing things to Moses?
• Have you ever been shocked when GOD comes through with a promise, HE made to you?
• Do you believe that GOD is willing to guide you by the COMFORTER today?

Celebration Gifts

Celebration Gifts

Genesis 24: ⁵⁰ Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, “The thing comes from the Lord; we cannot speak to you either bad or good. ⁵¹ Here is Rebekah before you; take her and go, and let her be your master’s son’s wife, as the Lord has spoken.”

 

⁵² And it came to pass, when Abraham’s servant heard their words, that he worshiped the Lord, bowing himself to the earth. ⁵³ Then the servant brought out jewelry of silver, jewelry of gold, and clothing, and gave them to Rebekah. He also gave precious things to her brother and to her mother.

 

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Laban, Rebekah’s brother and Bethuel, Rebekah’s father, heard Abraham’s servant explain what he came for. They heard the strange story and replied, “The thing comes from the LORD.”

 

My Observations:

• Abraham’s servant went to Rebekah’s family and explained his mission that was given to him by GOD through Abraham.
• The HOLY SPIRIT prepared the heart of Laban and Rebekah’s mother.
• Bethuel agreed that the situation had to be orchestrated by the LORD, but may have had some hesitance that Abraham’s servant sensed, causing him not to give him gifts.

 

Rebekah woke up that day ash she did every day. She was simply doing what she would normally do and was not thinking about anything else, other than the final chores for the day. Little did she know, GOD had something in store for her. Abraham’s servant was delivered to her by the HOLY SPIRIT. The timing was and location of his visit were uncanny.

 

He prayed a prayer that was ultra-specific. GOD answered that prayer, as if to say “This is MY selection.” Abraham’s servant celebrated by giving the family “precious things” and he also gave Rebekah a little of what she would soon own. This was truly a time to praise GOD!

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about the gifts Abraham’s servant gave and to who he gave it to?
• When is the last time you celebrated something, GOD did in your life?
• Is it time for you to celebrate GOD for all the things HE has done for you, to you and through you?

 

Sent with a Purpose

Sent with a Purpose

Genesis 24: ³⁴ So he said, “I am Abraham’s servant. ³⁵ The Lord has blessed my master greatly, and he has become great; and He has given him flocks and herds, silver and gold, male and female servants, and camels and donkeys. ³⁶ And Sarah my master’s wife bore a son to my master when she was old; and to him he has given all that he has. ³⁷ Now my master made me swear, saying, ‘You shall not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I dwell; ³⁸ but you shall go to my father’s house and to my family, and take a wife for my son.’ ³⁹ And I said to my master, ‘Perhaps the woman will not follow me.’ ⁴⁰ But he said to me, ‘The Lord, before whom I walk, will send His angel with you and prosper your way; and you shall take a wife for my son from my family and from my father’s house. ⁴¹ You will be clear from this oath when you arrive among my family; for if they will not give her to you, then you will be released from my oath.’

 

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Abraham’s servant explained why he was there. He explained Abraham’s wealth and relationship to the family. He then told everyone that he was sent with a purpose whether Rebekah came with him or not.

 

My Observations:

• Abraham’s servant provided the context of why he was there.
• Only the HOLY SPIRIT could orchestrate the story Abraham’s servant told.
• Abraham’s servant made it clear that he had nothing to gain, rather he was sent with a purpose.

 

Showing up as a stranger and asking for Rebekah to just up and leave was a far-fetched request. Abraham’s servant knew this would be a difficult ask, but he wanted the best for Abraham. He explained everything without embellishing. The facts were strange so if Rebekah agreed to go, it was meant to be.

 

Abraham’s servant even explained his conversation with Abraham. He said to Abraham “Perhaps the woman will not follow me.” Abraham then explained how the HOLY SPIRIT “before who I walk” would be with him and prosper his way. GOD still does this. The HOLY SPIRIT clears the way for you and me to prosper in HIS purpose.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD include Abraham’s servant’s synopsis of the situation?
• What is the purpose GOD has given to you?
• Are you ready for purpose that will be prospered by the HOLY SPIRIT?

Checked Out to Check In

Checked Out to Check In

Genesis 24: ²⁹ Now Rebekah had a brother whose name was Laban, and Laban ran out to the man by the well. ³⁰ So it came to pass, when he saw the nose ring, and the bracelets on his sister’s wrists, and when he heard the words of his sister Rebekah, saying, “Thus the man spoke to me,” that he went to the man. And there he stood by the camels at the well. ³¹ And he said, “Come in, O blessed of the Lord! Why do you stand outside? For I have prepared the house, and a place for the camels.”

 

³² Then the man came to the house. And he unloaded the camels, and provided straw and feed for the camels, and water to wash his feet and the feet of the men who were with him. ³³ Food was set before him to eat, but he said, “I will not eat until I have told about my errand.”

 

And he said, “Speak on.”

 

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Laban, Rebekah’s brother, came over to check out what was going on by the well. He saw camels and a strange man speaking to his sister. He went to them and heard her story. He then invited the man into their house. He checked out Abraham’s servant.

 

My Observations:

• Possibly the HOLY SPIRIT told Laban to prepare a place for a guest to come and he did so without knowing Abraham’s servant would show up.
• Laban discovered that Abraham’s servant was the one he was waiting for.
• Laban was excited to see Abraham’s servant because he may have heard from the HOLY SPIRIT and saw it fulfilled.

 

Abraham said GOD would send HIS angel before the servant. I believe the HOLY SPIRIT prepared the situation so Laban would not drive Abraham’s servant away, rather invite him into their home. Laban verified that he was the one he was looking for and got excited.

 

Abraham’s servant did not get caught up in the excitement. He insisted that he explain the circumstance that GOD had him in. He would not eat until he explained. Laban may have been led by the HOLY SPIRIT to listen.

 

Challenge

• Why does Laban say “Come in, O blessed of the LORD?”
• Has GOD ever sent you on a journey, not knowing if you had a place?
• Is the HOLY SPIRIT prompting you to prepare a place for someone?

They All Praised

 

They All Praised

Genesis 24: ²² So it was, when the camels had finished drinking, that the man took a golden nose ring weighing half a shekel, and two bracelets for her wrists weighing ten shekels of gold, ²³ and said, “Whose daughter are you? Tell me, please, is there room in your father’s house for us to lodge?”

 

²⁴ So she said to him, “I am the daughter of Bethuel, Milcah’s son, whom she bore to Nahor.” ²⁵ Moreover she said to him, “We have both straw and feed enough, and room to lodge.”

 

²⁶ Then the man bowed down his head and worshiped the Lord. ²⁷ And he said, “Blessed be the Lord God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken His mercy and His truth toward my master. As for me, being on the way, the Lord led me to the house of my master’s brethren.” ²⁸ So the young woman ran and told her mother’s household these things.

 

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Abraham’s servant realized that Rebekah was the one who GOD led him to. He gave her gold from the Garden of Eden. I believe all gold came from there. She explained who she was related to.

 

My Observations:

• Rebekah was a strong woman who had a strong mother and grandmother.
• Rebekah got excited, but used wisdom and ran to her “mother’s household.”
• Abraham’s servant praised GOD for showing mercy to Abraham.

 

Rebekah was excited, Abraham’s servant was excited and soon the entire household would be excited. Milcah must have been a prominent figure in the community. She was Haran’s daughter. Haran was Abrahm’s brother who died. Rebekah mentioned Milcah in a way that she was the one who was known.

 

Abraham’s servant thanked GOD for showing him exactly what he was looking for. He wanted Abraham to get exactly what he asked for. He may not have know how important finding Rebekah was. GOD orchestrated the scenario where Abraham’s family would become involved. They seemed to be one of the few who worshipped GOD at the time.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD go into detail over whose household Rebekah belonged to?
• What did you do when GOD answered a prayer in your favor?
• Can you praise GOD for what HE has done and what HE will do in your life?

Stunned

Stunned

Genesis 24: ¹⁵ And it happened, before he had finished speaking, that behold, Rebekah, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, came out with her pitcher on her shoulder. ¹⁶ Now the young woman was very beautiful to behold, a virgin; no man had known her. And she went down to the well, filled her pitcher, and came up. ¹⁷ And the servant ran to meet her and said, “Please let me drink a little water from your pitcher.”

 

¹⁸ So she said, “Drink, my lord.” Then she quickly let her pitcher down to her hand, and gave him a drink. ¹⁹ And when she had finished giving him a drink, she said, “I will draw water for your camels also, until they have finished drinking.” ²⁰ Then she quickly emptied her pitcher into the trough, ran back to the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels. ²¹ And the man, wondering at her, remained silent so as to know whether the Lord had made his journey prosperous or not.

 

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Abraham’s servant was praying to the LORD, probably because he had seen Abraham do this often. He was not testing GOD or even trying to muster up faith by forcing GOD to do the impossible on his terms. He simply asked GOD to help him not make a mistake in choosing a wife for Isaac. Before he could finish speaking, Rebekah came out with her pitcher on her shoulders.

 

My Observations:

• The HOLY SPIRIT orchestrated the perfect timing of Abraham’s servant being at the well when Rebekah came out.
• Rebekah had a servant leader’s heart, able to serve strangers without complaint or personal gain.
• Abraham’s servant was stunned because the LORD answered his prayer exactly as he asked.

 

“Is this too good to be true?”, the servant may have asked himself. He asked a very specific prayer and it was answered so quickly and specifically. I believe GOD still does this. HE does not mind a specific prayer that is coupled with the right heart.

 

Abraham’s servant would gain nothing from this prayer being answered. The wife would be for Isaac, and Abraham would get the promise GOD had for him. Abraham’s servant wanted what was best for everyone else because he was already blessed by running Abraham’s household. He had everything Abraham had so he was as wealthy as Abraham. His prayer was answered.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD mention to Moses that Abraham’s servant remained silent, “wondering at her?”
• Have you ever asked GOD for something and it came through so quickly that you were stunned?
• Are you willing to ask GOD for something for someone else without the need for personal gain?

All in the Family

All in the Family

Genesis 22: ²⁰ Now it came to pass after these things that it was told Abraham, saying, “Indeed Milcah also has borne children to your brother Nahor: ²¹ Huz his firstborn, Buz his brother, Kemuel the father of Aram, ²² Chesed, Hazo, Pildash, Jidlaph, and Bethuel.” ²³ And Bethuel begot Rebekah. These eight Milcah bore to Nahor, Abraham’s brother. ²⁴ His concubine, whose name was Reumah, also bore Tebah, Gaham, Thahash, and Maachah.

 

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After the flood, GOD said to Noah’s family, “Be fruitful and multiply” just like HE said to Adam and Eve. Generations passed and Terah, father of Abraham, Nahor and Haran, was born. Haran died and tore Terah apart. Abraham and Nahor got a plan. They would get married and bring some joy to Terah.

 

Abraham married Sarah and Nahor married Haran’s daughter Milcah. Someone from Milcah’s family told Abraham about her children.

 

My Observations:

• Milcah was watched over by the LORD.
• Milcah and Nahor also shared in the blessing from GOD.
• Milcah had a child named Bethuel who was the father of Rebekah, who will be discussed later.

 

Though the family faced the difficulties of death, they lived for GOD in a way that HE mentioned them to Moses. JESUS, the Angel of the LORD, seemed close to this family and must have spoken to them regularly. The heartache of losing Haran was filled with joy through Nahor and Milcah.

 

Milcah was opposite of Sarah as she had eight children. They remained in the area that Terah left, amongst the Chaldeans. JESUS’ human lineage would come through this family. To clarify, I believe JESUS was the one who made numerous appearances in the Old Testament.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD give Moses this conversation and lineage?
• Have you ever thought you were not seen by GOD?
• Do you realize you are part of GOD’s family and HE sees you and loves you?