GENESIS REVEALED – LESSON 8 - Firestorm Ministries, International

Lesson 8

Abraham Cont.’,Isaac & Rebekah, Jacob, Esau, Leah and Rachel, Laban

Finding a Wife for Isaac:

Genesis Chapters 24:1-36:43

Genesis 24:1 Now Abraham was old, well advanced in age; and the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things.

Long life part of the covenant.

Genesis 15:15 “Now as for you, (Abraham) you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried at a good old age.

Longevity of Life
For the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:2

This “condemnation” is the judgment of death, which was given Adam for his transgression, which has been handed down to each of us.

We are set free from “the law of sin,” through the blood that Jesus shed, in our behalf, on the cross. The bread of communion is the body of the Lord, who shed blood for our redemption. As I identify with His body, I receive forgiveness.

We are set free from “the law of death,” through the resurrection of Jesus as quickening, life giving spirit. The wine of communion is the blood of Jesus, who in resurrection, became quickening – life giving spirit. As I identify with Jesus in His resurrection, I receive life more abundant, and become younger.

Jesus said that He came that we might have life, and have life more abundantly. This speaks of divine health and longevity of life. Those who receive this gift from Him will stand out from all others in the quality and length of their life span.

Long Life Scriptures:

Top of Form

Deuteronomy 5:33 You shall walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you shall possess.

Ephesians 6:1-4 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Psalm 91:16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

Proverbs 16:31 Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.

1 Peter 3:10 For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit;

Deuteronomy 6:1-2 “Now this is the commandment, the statutes and the rules that the Lord your God commanded me to teach you, that you may do them in the land to which you are going over, to possess it, that you may fear the Lord your God, you and your son and your son’s son, by keeping all his statutes and his commandments, which I command you, all the days of your life, and that your days may be long.

Proverbs 10:27 “ The fear (awe)of Jehovah prolongs days; but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.”

1 Kings 3:14 “And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.”

Deuteronomy 4:40 – “So you shall keep His statutes and His commandments which I am giving you today, that it may go well with you and with your children after you, and that you may live long on the land which the LORD your God is giving you for all time.”

Proverbs 3:16 – Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.

Psalm 92:14 – They will still yield fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap and very green,

Isaiah 46:4 – Even to your old age I will be the same, And even to your graying years I will bear you! I have done it, and I will carry you; and I will bear you and I will deliver you.

Job 5:26 – You shall come to your grave in a full age, like a shock of grain comes in its season.

Ps. 92:14 –They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing,

Prov. 3:1-2- My son, do not forget my law, 1 But let your heart keep my commands;2 For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you.

Genesis 24:2 So Abraham said to the oldest servant of his house, who ruled over all that he had, “Please, put your hand under my thigh, 3 “and I will make you swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and the God of the earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell;4 “but you shall go to my country and to my family, and take a wife for my son Isaac.” (from Haran in Mesopotamia) 5 And the servant said to him, “Perhaps the woman will not be willing to follow me to this land. Must I take your son back to the land from which you came?”6 But Abraham said to him, “Beware that you do not take my son back there.7 “The Lord God of heaven, who took me from my father’s house and from the land of my family, and who spoke to me and swore to me, saying, ‘To your descendants I give this land,’ (Repeats the promise; Isaac’s wife must be one of his descendents) He will send His angel before you, and you shall take a wife for my son from there.8 “And if the woman is not willing to follow you, then you will be released from this oath; only do not take my son back there.”9 So the servant put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master, and swore to him concerning this matter.

This was OT custom, the NT forbids swearing.

James 5:12 But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “Yes,” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No,” lest you fall into judgment.

Gen. 24:1-9 Summary

Abraham’s steward is given the commission to seek a wife for Isaac.

He is charged to reject the “daughters of the Canaanites.”
The Canaanites were idolaters, and not ﬁt to provide a wife for one who was a worshiper of the only true God.
There are some examples of descendants of Abraham taking Canaanite brides. See Genesis 36:2, 38:1-2, 12 2. Hundreds of years later, the Law of Moses forbade marriage of Israelites to Canaanites. Deuteronomy 7:1-3
The Steward is sent to Abraham’s former country and relatives (See vs. 10)
He is told that he cannot take Isaac back there.
Abraham’s great-grandson, Jacob, did go back there to obtain his wives.
Jacob’s conﬂict with Esau drove him to this decision.
After this, no other descendant of Abraham sought a wife in that way.
Genesis 24:10-60

Gen. 24:10 Then the servant took ten of his master’s camels and departed, for all his master’s goods were in his hand. And he arose and went to Mesopotamia, to the city of Nahor.11 And he made his camels kneel down outside the city by a well of water at evening time, the time when women go out to draw water.12 Then he said, “O Lord God of my master Abraham, please give me success this day, and show kindness to my master Abraham.13 “Behold, here I stand by the well of water, and the daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water.14 “Now let it be that the young woman to whom I say, ‘Please let down your pitcher that I may drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink, and I will also give your camels a drink’—let her be the one You have appointed for Your servant Isaac. And by this I will know that You have shown kindness to my master.”

Gen. 24:10-14 Summary

Abraham’s servant places his mission in the hands of God.

He prays to God for success. 1. He addresses God as “the God of my master Abraham.”
God used this same manner in identifying himself to Moses. Exodus 3:6 He said also, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Then Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.
The Children of Israel were often called upon by the prophets to obey the “God of your fathers.”
The servant asks for the providential intervention of God in helping him ﬁnd the right girl for Isaac.
Three things are asked of God – a drink granted to him – the girl’s offer to water the camels – and that the girl be the one chosen by God.
Gideon, one of the Judges of Israel, asked for speciﬁc things in a sign from God. Read Judges 6:17-37.
Many of the people around Jesus asked for signs from Him.
They would not accept signs, even when given. John 12:37-40 But though He had performed so many signs before them, yet they were not believing in Him; [38] that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulﬁlled, which he spoke, “Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” [39] For this cause they could not believe, for Isaiah said again, [40] “He has blinded their eyes, and He HARDENED THEIR HEART; lest they see with their eyes, and perceive with their heart, and BE CONVERTED, AND I heal them.”
This attitude hindered the Jews from believing. 1 Corinthians 1:22-24 For indeed Jews ask for signs, and Greeks search for wisdom; [23] but we preach Christ cruciﬁed, to Jews a stumbling block, and to Gentiles foolishness, [24] but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
Signs and wonders follow us. We do not seek them. Unlike Jacob’s fleece in the Old Covenant, the New Covenant believers know that signs follow them.

(Mar 16:17-18) And miraculous signs will follow those who believe: in My name they will cast out demons; they will speak new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will be well.

Gen. 24:15 And it happened, before he had finished speaking, that behold, Rebekah, (Rebekah means bind up or captivate) who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, came out with her pitcher on her shoulder. ( Rebekah was Abraham’s grandniece, Isaac’s 2nd cousin) 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. 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, (great possession of wealth) 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.”

Gen.24:15-27 Summary:

God answers the prayer of the servant.

All three of his conditions for a sign are granted by God.
The steward does not neglect to give thanks to God for the prompt fulﬁllment of his prayer.
We should also consistently thank God for His blessings.
Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Some people fail to do this. Romans 1:20-21 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. [21] For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks; but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened

Gen. 24:28 So the young woman ran and told her mother’s household these things. 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.”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.’ 42 “And this day I came to the well and said, ‘O Lord God of my master Abraham, if You will now prosper the way in which I go,43 ‘behold, I stand by the well of water; and it shall come to pass that when the virgin comes out to draw water, and I say to her, “Please give me a little water from your pitcher to drink,”44 ‘and she says to me, “Drink, and I will draw for your camels also,”—let her be the woman whom the Lord has appointed for my master’s son.’ 45 “But before I had finished speaking in my heart, there was Rebekah, coming out with her pitcher on her shoulder; and she went down to the well and drew water. And I said to her, ‘Please let me drink.’46 “And she made haste and let her pitcher down from her shoulder, and said, ‘Drink, and I will give your camels a drink also.’ So I drank, and she gave the camels a drink also.47 “Then I asked her, and said, ‘Whose daughter are you?’ And she said, ‘The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor’s son, whom Milcah bore to him.’ So I put the nose ring on her nose and the bracelets on her wrists.48 “And I bowed my head and worshiped the Lord, and blessed the Lord God of my master Abraham, who had led me in the way of truth to take the daughter of my master’s brother for his son.49 “Now if you will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me. And if not, tell me, that I may turn to the right hand or to the left.”

Gen. 24:28-49 Summary:

The relatives of Abraham receive his servant.

He is brought to the house of Laban, Rebekah’s brother, and shown hospitality.
When he is offered food, the servant refuses it, until after he has related his mission. (Compare 1 Samuel 16:10-11 Thus Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. But Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen these.” [11] And Samuel said to Jesse, “Are these all the children?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, and behold, he is tending the sheep.” Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.”
After he has revealed his mission, he asks for an immediate decision.
Gen. 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.54 And he and the men who were with him ate and drank and stayed all night. Then they arose in the morning, and he said, “Send me away to my master.”55 But her brother and her mother said, “Let the young woman stay with us a few days, at least ten; after that she may go.”56 And he said to them, “Do not hinder me, since the Lord has prospered my way; send me away so that I may go to my master.”57 So they said, “We will call the young woman and ask her personally.”58 Then they called Rebekah and said to her, “Will you go with this man?” And she said, “I will go.”59 So they sent away Rebekah their sister and her nurse, and Abraham’s servant and his men.60 And they blessed Rebekah and said to her:

1 “Our sister, may you become

The mother of thousands of ten thousands;

And may your descendants possess

The gates of those who hate them.”

SAME BLESSING GIVEN TO ABRAHAM AND ISAAC

Gen. 24:50-60 Summary:

Rebekah decides to go with Abraham’s servant and become Isaac’s wife.

Rebekah’s kin recognize the hand of God in matter, and give consent.
The servant again praises God.
The family of Rebekah asks for a 10-day delay before the return trip.
The servant does not want to delay even for one day, and asks that the family allow Rebekah to return with him immediately. (Compare Peter’s prompt response to the call of Cornelius. Acts 10:17-33)
The family calls Rebekah, and permits her to make her own decision.
She agrees to go with the servant on the next day following his arrival.
She was accompanied by her nurse (Vs. 59), and her maids (Vs. 61, below).

Genesis 24:61-67 Then Rebekah and her maids arose, and they rode on the camels and followed the man. So the servant took Rebekah and departed.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.

Summary Gen. 24:61-67

Rebekah travels a distance of about 300 miles to come to Isaac.

Isaac meets them by chance, as he was walking in the ﬁeld to meditate. NOTE: Rebekah veiled herself when meeting Isaac, but different cultures had other rules about the use of the veil. Some years later, Tamar, the daughter-in-law of Judah, used a veil to disguise herself as a prostitute (Genesis 38:13-15). In the New Testament, the custom mentioned by Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:13 shows that the veil was imposed as a sign of subjection (apparently in Greek or Roman society).

Isaac receives the report of the servant, and takes Rebekah to be his wife. (NOTE: There is no ceremony of marriage recorded here, but one is suggested in Genesis 29:20-28.)

Typology of Christ in Courtship

Notice the typology in the story of Isaac and Rebekah

Abraham is a type of heavenly Father, who is planning a marriage for his beloved Son. Matt. 22:2
Isaac is a type of Christ, who was offered up as a sacrifice (Gen.22, Matt. 22) and seeks his bride. Like Isaac, Christ loves his bride dearly Gen. 24:67, Eph. 5:25
The servant is a type of Holy Spirit.
4.The servant came to Mesopotamia for one reason- to take a bride for Isaac. The Holy Spirit came at Pentecost (Acts 2) for one purpose- to gather a bride for the Son.

Abraham’s servant gave honor to the father and son. Today the Holy Spirit gives honor to the Father and Son. (John 15:26)
6.Rebekah is a type of church. Before anyone can be a part of the Bride of Christ, he or she must answer the question Rebekah answered: “ Are you willing to go with this man?’

Parallel to Rebekah, a Proverbs 31 woman, and the Bride of Christ, us

(Pro 31:10-31) Who can find a woman of virtue? For her value is far above rubies. The heart of her husband trusts safely in her, so that he shall have no need of plunder. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and works willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants’ ships; she brings her food from afar. She also rises while it is still night, and gives food to her household, and a share to her young women. She considers a field, and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She binds her loins with strength, and makes her arms strong. She sees that her merchandise is good; her lamp does not go out by night. She lays her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretches out her hand to the poor; yea, she reaches forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household; for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She makes herself coverings; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes fine linen and sells it, and delivers girdles to the merchants. Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her sons rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all. Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears Jehovah, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Genesis 25:1-6 Abraham again took a wife, and her name was Keturah.2 And she bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah.3 Jokshan begot Sheba and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were Asshurim, Letushim, and Leummim.4 And the sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abidah, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.5 And Abraham gave all that he had to Isaac. 6 But Abraham gave gifts to the sons of the concubines which Abraham had; and while he was still living he sent them eastward, away from Isaac his son, to the country of the east.

Related Scripture:

Deuteronomy 21:16-17 “then it shall be, on the day he bequeaths his possessions to his sons, ………………………17 “But he shall acknowledge the son of the unloved wife as the firstborn by giving him a double portion of all that he has, for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his.

Double portion means everything.

The concept of a double portion is mentioned six times in the Bible.

Deuteronomy 21:17 says, “he shall acknowledge the firstborn … by giving him a double portion of all that he has, for he is the firstfruits of his strength. The right of the firstborn is his.” The firstborn son was to receive twice as much of an inheritance as any other son in the family.

The rights of the firstborn were extremely important in antiquity. The influence of the firstborn is seen as early as the animal sacrifice given by Abel in Genesis 4:4: “Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions.” The final judgment upon Egypt was the death of the firstborn (Exodus 11:5). Israel was called God’s firstborn: “Thus says the LORD, Israel is my firstborn son” (Exodus 4:22). Genesis 27 also demonstrates the importance of the firstborn. Despite the fact that Jacob and Esau were twins, Esau had been delivered first and expected a special blessing. Jacob instead deceitfully took it, pretending to be Esau to his aged father, causing tremendous family problems. Colossians 1:15refers to Jesus as the firstborn over all creation. This is not a reference to Jesus being born, but rather a reference to His position of importance over all created things.

A double portion is the right of a firstborn in terms of inheritance or adopted son, but can also be a sign of love. In 1 Samuel 1:5 we read that Hannah’s husband gave her a double portion: “But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb.” This double portion was not required, but was a way Hannah’s husband could show her preference and was considered a great gift.

In 2 Kings 2, Elijah was about to leave the earth and asked Elisha what gift he would desire. Elisha asked for a double portion of the Spirit God had given to Elijah: “Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me” (2 Kings 2:9). Elisha wanted to be Elijah’s successor; in some senses he was requesting both to be considered as a firstborn and to be shown love.

Isaiah 61:7mentions the double portion twice in the same verse: “Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy.” In contrast with shame, there would be a double blessing. This double portion was associated with joy and gladness. In some ways this is similar to the restoration of Job, in which he received twice what he had prior to his tribulations (Job 42:10).

We already have God’s fullness.

John, the apostle who loved the Lord intensely, wrote, “Of His fullness we have all received” and Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, added, “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him” (John 1:16; Col. 2:10). Jesus was the entirety of “the Word made flesh,” and He received from the Father “the fullness of His Spirit” (John 1:14; one version says, “the Spirit without limit,” GNB). His inner connection with the Almighty was so absolute, He dared to say, “He who has seen Me has seen My Father” (John 14:9). If the Son of God dwells within the hearts of true believers, imparting His “fullness” to us, how can that indwelling presence of the Most High God increase?

How could we receive more than “the fullness” of the One who is infinitely wise, infinitely powerful and infinitely loving? Undoubtedly, we can yield more completely to His lordship and see greater manifestations of His power and wisdom and love in our lives. But who would be so audacious as to ask for a double portion of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the firstborn Son of God? There is none like Him and none worthy of even being compared to Him. Added to that, we Pentecostal/charismatics have received the baptism, the infilling of the Holy Spirit. Can the Holy Spirit be doubled?

Evidently, there are differing “degrees” of the anointing that manifest through various believers, determined by the callings they are given, the offices they fill, the purposes that rest upon them or the levels of responsibility in God’s kingdom that they bear (e.g., apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, teacher, etc.). These varied anointings probably differ in measure and are distinct from the equal shared “fullness” that every believer inherits on a foundational level. At times, these specific anointings might be increased to accommodate new phases of God’s purposes.

However as believers we have received his fullness. (Eph 3:20) Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,

Summary Genesis 25:1-6:

Abraham’s descendants from his third wife, Keturah.

A.Of the six sons, only Midian seems to have a well-known place in Bible history. 1. Jethro, the “priest of Midian.” gave one of his daughters as wife to Moses. Exodus 2:16-21

The Midianites were sometimes hostile to Israel. (See Judges 6 and 7.)

Another well-known name is Sheba, a grandson of Abraham. (See 1 Kings 10.)

Keturah was apparently a concubine-wife, since Isaac was made the sole heir of Abraham.

The sons of Abraham’s concubines only received gifts.
They were then sent away “to the land of the east.”

Genesis 25: 7 This is the sum of the years of Abraham’s life which he lived: one hundred and seventy-five years.

As stated earlier long life is a promise of the Father

Job 5:26 You shall come to the grave at a full age, As a sheaf of grain ripens in its season.

Psalm 91:16; 16 With long life I will satisfy him, And show him My salvation.”

Ps. 92:14 They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing,

Prov. 3:1-2 My son, do not forget my law, 1 But let your heart keep my commands;2 For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you.

Genesis 25:9-18

Gen. 25:9 And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite,10 the field which Abraham purchased from the sons of Heth. There Abraham was buried, and Sarah his wife.11 And it came to pass, after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac. And Isaac dwelt at Beer Lahai Roi.

Summary Gen. 25:7-11:

Abraham dies, and is buried by his sons, Isaac and Ishmael.

He is buried in the cave of Machpelah, the only he had purchased.

God blessed Isaac, as the promised heir of Abraham.

Gen 25: 12 Now this is the genealogy of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s maidservant, bore to Abraham.13 And these were the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: The firstborn of Ishmael, Nebajoth; then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam,14 Mishma, Dumah, Massa,15 Hadar, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah.16 These were the sons of Ishmael and these were their names, by their towns and their settlements, twelve princes according to their nations.17 These were the years of the life of Ishmael: one hundred and thirty-seven years; and he breathed his last and died, and was gathered to his people.18 (They dwelt from Havilah as far as Shur, which is east of Egypt as you go toward Assyria.) He died in the presence of all his brethren.

THE PROMISES OF GOD IN CHRIST ARE YES AND AMEN

Genesis 17:20 “And as for Ishmael, I have heard you. Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly. He shall beget twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation.

Summary Gen. 25:12-18:

Ishmael’s descendants.

The 12 sons of Ishmael become princes, and fulﬁll the prophecy of Genesis 17:20 “As for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I will bless him, and will make him fruitful and will multiply him exceedingly. He shall become the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation.”

Verse 18 shows the fulﬁllment of Genesis 16:12 “He will be a wild donkey of a man, his hand will be against everyone, and everyone’s hand will be against him; and he will live to the east of all his brothers.”

Genesis 25:119 This is the genealogy of Isaac, Abraham’s son. Abraham begot Isaac. 20 Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah as wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padan Aram, the sister of Laban the Syrian.

JACOB AND ESAU

Genesis 25:21-23 Now Isaac pleaded with the Lord for his wife, because she was barren; and the Lord granted his plea, and Rebekah his wife conceived.22 But the children struggled together within her; and she said, “If all is well, why am I like this?” So she went to inquire of the Lord.23 And the Lord said to her:

1 “Two nations are in your womb, Two peoples shall be separated from your body; One people shall be stronger than the other, And the older shall serve the younger.”

Cross reference:

Romans 9:10-15 And not only this, but when Rebecca also had conceived by one man, even by our father Isaac 11 (for the children not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls),12 it was said to her, “The older shall serve the younger.”13 As it is written, “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.” 14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? Certainly not!15 For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion.”

Psalm 115:33 But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases.

GOD IS SOVEREIGN ONLY OUTSIDE OF HIS WORD; HE IS BOUND WITH HIS COVENANT WITH ABRAHAM/ JESUS CHRIST

(Num 23:19-20) God is not a man that He should lie, neither the son of man that He should repent. Has He said, and shall He not do it? Or has He spoken, and shall He not make it good? Behold, I have received word to bless. And He has blessed, and I cannot reverse it.

God is not a respecter of persons

God also does not want us to show favoritism. James:2:9 says that “respect to persons” (KJV) or “partiality” (NKJV) is sin. This is seen more clearly by considering the context of this passage in the New Living Translation:

“My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim that you have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people more than others? For instance, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in shabby clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, ‘You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor’—well, doesn’t this discrimination show that you are guided by wrong motives?…

“Yes indeed, it is good when you truly obey our Lord’s royal command found in the Scriptures: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ But if you pay special attention to the rich, you are committing sin, for you are guilty of breaking that law” (James:2:1-4, 8-9).

Therefore, God shows no favoritism or partiality, and the Bible teaches us that we should not either.

(Gen 25:26) And after that his brother came out, and his hand took hold on Esau’s heel. And his name was called Jacob. And Isaac was sixty years old when she bore them.

(Jacob’s name means deceiver, supplanter, one who grabs. Jacob is a type of Christ and the believer, the spiritual replacing the natural.

Summary Gen. 25:19-26

This genealogical history sets a precedent that can be exploited by other writers.

We can learn how long Rebekah was barren by noting Isaac’s age at his marriage (40, Vs. 20), and when the twins were born (60, Vs. 26).

The prophet, Malachi, uses verse 23 to develop an argument against the unfaith- fullness of Israel. Malachi 1:2-5 “I have loved you,” says the Lord. But you say, “How have You loved us?” “Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the Lord. “Yet I have loved Jacob; [3] but I have hated Esau, and I have made his mountains a desolation and appointed his inheritance for the jackals of the wilder-ness.” [4] Though Edom says, “We have been beaten down, but we will return and build up the ruins”; thus says the Lord of hosts, “They may build, but I will tear down; and men will call them the wicked territory, and the people toward whom the Lord is indignant forever.” [5] Your eyes will see this and you will say, “The Lord be magniﬁed beyond the border of Israel!”

The Apostle Paul uses the same verse, and a reference to Malachi, to make an argument favoring God’s right to choose a course that is unlike the choices preferred by men. Romans 9:6-13 But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For they are not all Israel who are descended from Israel; [7] nor are they all children because they are Abraham’s descendants, but: “through Isaac your descendants will be named.” [8] That is, it is not the children of the ﬂesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants. [9] For this is the word of promise: “At this time I will come, and Sarah shall have a son.” [10] And not only this, but there was Rebekah also, when she had conceived twins by one man, our father Isaac; [11] for though the twins were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad, so that God’s purpose according to His choice would stand, not because of works but because of Him who calls, [12] it was said to her, “The older will serve the younger.” [13] Just as it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”

Gen. 25: 27 So the boys grew. And Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field; but Jacob was a mild man, dwelling in tents.28 And Isaac loved Esau because he ate of his game, but Rebekah loved Jacob. 29 Now Jacob cooked a stew; and Esau came in from the field, and he was weary.30 And Esau said to Jacob, “Please feed me with that same red stew, for I am weary.” Therefore his name was called Edom.31 But Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright as of this day.”

Cross Reference:

Hebrews 12:15-16 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;16 lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright.

Genesis 25:32-34 And Esau said, “Look, I am about to die; so what is this birthright to me?”33 Then Jacob said, “Swear to me as of this day.” So he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob.34 And Jacob gave Esau bread and stew of lentils; then he ate and drank, arose, and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.

Summary Gen. 25:27-34:

Esau sells his birthright to Jacob.

Jacob took advantage of Esau’s hunger to buy his birthright.

Custom, and later, Law provided that the ﬁrstborn child was the chief heir.
The Law of Moses prescribed a double portion of the inheritance for the one who was born ﬁrst. Deuteronomy 21:15-17 “If a man has two wives, the one loved and the other unloved, and both the loved and the unloved have borne him sons, if the ﬁrstborn son belongs to the unloved, [16] then it shall be in the day he wills what he has to his sons, he cannot make the son of the loved the ﬁrstborn before the son of the unloved, who is the ﬁrstborn. [17] “But he shall acknowledge the ﬁrstborn, the son of the unloved, by giving him a double portion of all that he has, for he is the beginning of his strength; to him belongs the right of the ﬁrstborn.”
There were some exceptions to this rule in the Age of the Patriarchs, before the Law was given through Moses. 1 Chronicles 5:1-2 Now the sons of Reuben the ﬁrstborn of Israel (for he was the ﬁrstborn, but because he deﬁled his father’s bed, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph the son of Israel; so that he is not enrolled in the genealogy according to the birthright. [2] Though Judah prevailed over his brothers, and from him came the leader, yet the birthright belonged to Joseph)…

The writer of Hebrews makes an argument from this event. Hebrews 12:15-17 See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be deﬁled; [16] that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. [17] For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears.

From this time, we will see that Esau becomes an outcast by his own actions.

Genesis 26:1

There was a famine in the land, besides the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines, in Gerar.

Same situation as

Genesis 12:10

Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to dwell there, for the famine was severe in the land.

Genesis 26:2-3 Then the Lord appeared to him and said: “Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land of which I shall tell you.3 “Dwell in this land, and I will be with you and bless you; for to you and your descendants I give all these lands, and I will perform the oath which I swore to Abraham your father.

COVENANT REPEATED TO ISSAC

Original Covenant

Genesis 12:2-3 I will make you a great nation;

I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing.3 I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

Genesis 26:4-5 “And I will make your descendants multiply as the stars of heaven; I will give to your descendants all these lands; and in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed;5 “because Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.”

Gen. 26:1-5 Summary:

Isaac receives a blessing that is almost identical to the one given his father.

The “Land Promise” in verse 3 was the same. Genesis 12:7
In verse 4, the number of descendants (“as the stars of heaven”) was the same, Genesis 22:17
The blessing of “all the nations of the earth” was the same. Genesis 22:18 NOTE: The New American Standard Bible says that the nations would be blessed by Isaac’s “descendants.” In a marginal note, however, the translators acknowledge that the word is literally, “seed.” We have already commented on Paul’s interpretation of this promise, as it was made to Abraham, that the “Seed” God intended was singular, not plural, and that it referred to Jesus Christ. See Galatians 3:16. If the word “seed” is interpreted as plural, it would imply that the nations would be blessed by all the descendants of Isaac — from Esau, the ancestor of the Edomites, as well as Jacob, the ancestor of the Israelites.
Verse 5 reveals that in the early days of the “Patriarchs,” there were “commandments, statutes and laws.”
Abraham had been charged by God to teach these things to his descendants. Genesis 18:19 “For I have chosen him, so that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteous-ness and justice, so that the Lord may bring upon Abraham what He has spoken about him.”
There could be no sin without law. Romans 5:13 “…for until the Law (of Moses) sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law.”

Gen. 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, 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’?” And 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.”

Gen. 26:6-11 Summary:

Isaac foolishly followed his father’s example.

While living among the Philistines, his fear that they would kill him to take his wife caused him to say that she was his “sister.”
The King’s discovery of the truth moved him to rebuke Isaac.
He saw Isaac “caressing” Rebekah in a way that indicated she was his wife.
He recognized that guilt could come from sexual intercourse with another man’s wife.
He issued a charge to the people pronouncing a death sentence to anyone who “touched” (or harmed) Isaac or Rebekah. NOTE: The close similarity of this incident to the two examples involving Abraham and Sarah has caused many Bible critics to claim that it proves the human invention of the stories, instead of divine inspiration. Both women in the stories must have been unusually beautiful. The Philistine king involved in the stories had the same name, and could have been the same man, or successive kings wearing the same name. One noticeable difference is that in the earlier event, the sin is only implied, but the latter one speciﬁed the nature of the sin that might have occurred. Isaac had less justiﬁcation for calling his cousin-wife a “sister” than Abraham had in calling a half sister-wife, “sister.”
Gen 26:12 Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the Lord blessed him.

THE ONE HUNDRED-FOLD BLESSING

As a young man, “Isaac planted crops in that land and THE SAME YEAR REAPED A HUNDRED-FOLD, because the LORD blessed him. The man became rich, and his wealth continued to grow until he became very wealthy”. Genesis 26:12 NIV.

This hundred-fold blessing is also spoken of in the Gospels. “Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed Thee. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, But HE SHALL RECEIVE AN HUNDREDFOLD NOW IN THIS TIME, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life”. Mark 10:28-30 KJV. The follower of Jesus who is willing to give up the eight things listed–in order to receive a “new beginning”–if called on to do so, will in turn inherit the hundred-fold blessing in THIS LIFE. In the world to come, he has eternal life, but “in the now”, the hundred-fold blessing is available. The sower who sowed seed in good ground, discovered that it “sprang up, and BARE AN HUNDREDFOLD . . . ” Jesus, Luke 8:8 KJV.

Gen. 26: 13 The man began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous;14 for he had possessions of flocks and possessions of herds and a great number of servants. So the Philistines envied him.15 Now the Philistines had stopped up all the wells which his father’s servants had dug in the days of Abraham his father, and they had filled them with earth. 16 And Abimelech said to Isaac, “Go away from us, for you are much mightier than we.”

Foreshadowing of Hebrew flight from Egypt

Exodus 1:9 And he said to his people, “Look, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we;

Genesis 26:17-22 Then Isaac departed from there and pitched his tent in the Valley of Gerar, and dwelt there.18 And Isaac dug again the wells of water which they had dug in the days of Abraham his father, for the Philistines had stopped them up after the death of Abraham. He called them by the names which his father had called them.19 Also Isaac’s servants dug in the valley, and found a well of running water there.20 But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, “The water is ours.” So he called the name of the well Esek, because they quarreled with him.21 Then they dug another well, and they quarreled over that one also. So he called its name Sitnah.22 And he moved from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it. So he called its name Rehoboth, because he said, “For now the Lord has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.”

Gen. 26:12-22 Summary:

Isaac has some legal disputes with the Philistines.

He had moved among the Philistines, because of a famine. 26:1
When he became a farmer, as well as a herdsman, he became rich. 26:12-14 1. He was envied by the Philistines. 2. They asked him to leave. 26:16
The language in this section can be confusing. 1. Isaac went to Gerar, among the Philistines. 26:1 2. He lived in Gerar. 26:6 3. He left, and settled in the Valley of Gerar. 26:17 4. Gerar was apparently a region around a valley, in which Isaac moved to ﬁnd pasture for his ﬂocks and herds.
His disputes were with the people of Gerar. 1. The Philistines had ﬁlled in the wells dug by Abraham. 26:15 2. Isaac re-dug two wells that had been ﬁlled in, but in disputes with the people of Gerar over ownership, he abandoned them. 26:19-21 3. The third well was not disputed, and Isaac retained it. 26:22

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

Gen. 26:23-25 Summary:

Isaac receives a blessing similar to that given to his father.

This blessing comes to Isaac, after he had moved from Gerar to Beersheba.
God clearly shows that this is a continuation of the blessing given to Abraham. C. This move to Beersheba removes Isaac from direct contact with the Philistines, in the same way that Abraham was separated.
Gen. 26:26 Then Abimelech came to him from Gerar with Ahuzzath, one of his friends, and Phichol the commander of his army.27 And Isaac said to them, “Why have you come to me, since you hate me and have sent me away from you?”28 But they said, “We have certainly seen that the Lord is with you. So we said, ‘Let there now be an oath between us, between you and us; and let us make a covenant with you,29 ‘that you will do us no harm, since we have not touched you, and since we have done nothing to you but good and have sent you away in peace. You are now the blessed of the Lord.’ ”30 So he made them a feast, and they ate and drank.31 Then they arose early in the morning and swore an oath with one another; and Isaac sent them away, and they departed from him in peace.32 It came to pass the same day that Isaac’s servants came and told him about the well which they had dug, and said to him, “We have found water.”33 So he called it Shebah. Therefore the name of the city is Beersheba to this day.

Gen. 26:26-33 Summary:

The Philistines make a treaty with Isaac, as they did with Abraham in 21:22-32.

It was a “non-aggression treaty” identical to that former treaty.
This was probably a conﬁrmation of the former treaty, since there was no “consideration” (or, token gift) to bind the parties – only oaths (Verse 31).
Beersheba had been given its name by Abraham at the time of the ﬁrst treaty. 21:22-32
Isaac did not name Beersheba, but he apparently conﬁrmed the name by calling his well “Shibah,” because of its location.
This city and area is mentioned in many other places in the Bible, and stands as a point of reference to the land of Israel (the phrase, “From Dan to Beersheba” is found in Judges 20:1, and 2 Samuel 24:2,15, to describe the length of the land of Israel. Dan is an extreme northern city and Beersheba is an extreme southern city.)
Gen. 26:34 When Esau was forty years old, he took as wives Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Basemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite.35 And they were a grief of mind to Isaac and Rebekah.

Esau chose a curse:

Deuteronomy 11:26-28“Behold, I set before you today a blessing and a curse:27 “the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you today;28 “and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside from the way which I command you today, to go after other gods which you have not known.

THE HITTITES, CANAANITES, AND ESAU’S DESCENDANTS, THE EDOMITES WERE LATER ENEMIES OF ISRAEL.

Summary Gen. 26:34-35

The beginning of troubles in the family of Isaac.

Esau apparently married two Hittite women without parental approval.
Abraham had forbidden his servant to ﬁnd a wife for Isaac among the Canaanites.
The prejudice against the Canaanites continued with Isaac and Rebekah.
This event caused the parents to chose a different course for Jacob.
Genesis 27:1-36

Now it came to pass, when Isaac was old and his eyes were so dim that he could not see, that he called Esau his older son and said to him, “My son.” And he answered him, “Here I am.”2 Then he said, “Behold now, I am old. I do not know the day of my death.3 “Now therefore, please take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me.4 “And make me savory food, such as I love, and bring it to me that I may eat, that my soul may bless you before I die.” 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.”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.

Summary Gen. 27:1-17

Rebekah aids Jacob to obtain the blessing that Isaac had offered to Esau.

Jacob had obtained the birthright of Esau, easily. 25:29-34
Isaac may not have known of this event, or….
He may not have approved of it.
Jacob believed that he had obtained Esau’s birthright, legitimately, but…
He was unsure of his claim enough to submit to his mother’s instruction. 5. His greatest mistake was in not trusting the promises of God.
Rebekah eased Jacob’s doubt about the success of the scheme by being willing to transfer any curse to herself that might arise from it.
Rebekah and Jacob took advantage of Isaac’s failing sight to deceive him.
Jacob did not need to deceive his father, because God had preordained him to rule over his brother. 25:21-23
He was willing to deceive his father for several possible reasons.
To please his mother’s wishes.
To assure himself that there would be no obstacle to obtaining the blessing.
To avoid the need for claiming the inheritance after it had been granted to his brother (a matter that Isaac might possibly consider irrevocable).

Gen. 27:18 So he went to his father and said, “My father.‘ And he said, “Here I am. Who are you, my son?”19 Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau your firstborn; I have done just as you told me; please arise, sit and eat of my game, that your soul may bless me.”20 But Isaac said to his son, “How is it that you have found it so quickly, my son?” And he said, “Because the Lord your God brought it to me.”21 Then Isaac said to Jacob, “Please come near, that I may feel you, my son, whether you are really my son Esau or not.”22 So Jacob went near to Isaac his father, and he felt him and said, “The voice is Jacob’s voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau.”23 And he did not recognize him, because his hands were hairy like his brother Esau’s hands; so he blessed him.24 Then he said, “Are you really my son Esau?” He said, “I am.”25 He said, “Bring it near to me, and I will eat of my son’s game, so that my soul may bless you.” So he brought it near to him, and he ate; and he brought him wine, and he drank.26 Then his father Isaac said to him, “Come near now and kiss me, my son.”27 And he came near and kissed him; and he smelled the smell of his clothing, and blessed him and said:

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

Summary Gen. 27:19-29

Isaac is suspicious of Jacob’s approach.

The voice was different, but the clothing and the hairy hands convinced him that it was Esau, and not Jacob.
The blessing held several promises.
Wealth. Verses 27-28
Mastery of other peoples, nations, and kinsmen.
The language of the last part of Verse 29 is similar to the promise God made to Abraham. 12:3 (Balaam, the greedy prophet, used the same phrases when he was forced by God to bless the nation of Israel. Numbers 24:9)
Gen. 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.”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?”

Related Scripture:

Hebrews 12:16-17 lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright.17 For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.

Genesis 27:31-45 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.”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.

Gen. 27:39 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.”

Summary Gen. 27:30-40

Esau’s profane behavior in selling his birthright has robbed him of the blessing.

When Esau expected to receive the blessing, he found that his father, Isaac, was not willing to change or alter what he had done. Compare Hebrews 12:15-17. “See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be deﬁled; [16] that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. [17] For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears.”
Esau’s statement in Verse 36 is not justiﬁed.
Jacob did not “take away” anything from Esau.
Esau surrendered his right to the blessing of the ﬁrstborn son, when he foolishly exchanged his birthright for a bowl of soup.
The only relief that Esau could expect is seen in Verse 40.
The prophecy that the “elder (Esau) shall serve the younger (Jacob),” given at the time of their birth as fraternal twins, would continue for a while.
Then, at some future time, Esau would be able take Jacob’s “yoke” from his neck.
Gen. 27:41 So Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father blessed him, and Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”42 And the words of Esau her older son were told to Rebekah. So she sent and called Jacob her younger son, and said to him, “Surely your brother Esau comforts himself concerning you by intending to kill you.43 “Now therefore, my son, obey my voice: arise, flee to my brother Laban in Haran.44 “And stay with him a few days, until your brother’s fury turns away,45 “until your brother’s anger turns away from you, and he forgets what you have done to him; then I will send and bring you from there. Why should I be bereaved also of you both in one day?

SAME SIN AS IN GEN. 4:7 CAIN AND ABEL

Genesis 4:7 “If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.”

SAME SITUATION AS WITH ISAAC AND ISHMAEL

Summary Gen. 27:41-45

Rebekah conceives a plan to send Jacob away from Esau’s wrath.

Having overheard the death threats of Esau, Rebekah decides to send Jacob to her brother Laban, in the city of Haran, for a “short” period (“a few days”).
Her question in the last part of Verse 45 suggests that the quarrel between her sons might end in the death of both, or death for one and exile for the other.
JACOB’S EXILE

Genesis 27:46 And Rebekah said to Isaac, “I am weary of my life because of the daughters of Heth; if Jacob takes a wife of the daughters of Heth, like these who are the daughters of the land, what good will my life be to me?”

Gen. 28:1 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,

1 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.”

2ND BLESSING FROM ISAAC TO JACOB

Gen. 28:5 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.

Summary Gen. 27:46-28:5

Rebekah persuades Isaac to join her in her plan.

Rebekah complains to Isaac regarding the Canaanite (Hittite) wives of Esau. 26:34-35.
Isaac responds by agreeing with her plan to send Jacob to her brother in PadanAram (in the upper valley of the Euphrates River).
The blessing given to Jacob in Verses 3-4 are prophetic.
Jacob becomes a “company of peoples” by fathering the patriarchs of the 12 tribes of Israel.
When these tribes become a nation, they possess Canaan after departing from Egypt.
Gen. 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.

Summary Gen. 28:6-9

Esau seeks to please his parents, by marrying someone in close kinship.

He realizes that he has displeased his parents by marrying Canaanite women. B. His solution is to marry a daughter of Ishmael, who was a close cousin (as any of the daughters of Laban would be to Jacob).
There is no record of his parent’s response to this marriage, positive or negative.
NOTE: The lists of Esau’s wives in 26:34, 28:8, and 36:2-3, 9-14 have created a controversy over the accuracy of the Old Testament Text. Several conjectures have attempted to reconcile the names of the women, the names of their fathers, and the tribes of Canaan from which they come (Hittite, or Hivite). A woman named Basemath is said to be the daughter of Elon the Hittite, or the daughter of Ishmael, who was NOT a Hittite. The conservative comments in the Pulpit Commentary say that this is not a problem, since people in genealogical lists often bore the same names. There is, no doubt, a logical explanation for this alleged discrepancy, but it will never be made known in the biblical literature we have, today.

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

JESUS WAS THE LADDER, THE BRIDGE BETWEEN HEAVEN AND EARTH

John 1:51 And He said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”

John 10:1-3“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.2 “But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.3 “To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

1 Tim. 2:5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,

Symbolically:

WE ARE THE GATEWAY OF HEAVEN ON EARTH. Let it be done in earth, in me, as it is in heaven.

In Genesis 28 we read of an account where Jacob encountered an open heaven. He laid his head on a rock to sleep for the night and had an encounter where he saw a ladder set up on the earth reaching into heaven. He saw angels ascending and descending on the ladder and he saw the Lord standing at the top of the ladder. Jacob came out of the experience and marveled at how awesome that place was and said that this place is the house of God and the gateway of heaven.

How does Jacob describe the house of God? He describes the house of God as being a place where the gate of heaven is open and the angels ascend and descend and the Lord looks on with a watchful eye. According to Jacob, the house of God is a pretty incredible place! Where is the house of God today where the heavens are open? The Bible says you are the temple of God (1 Cor. 6:19).

Where is the gateway of heaven on earth today? The answer is found in John 1:51: “And He said to him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, you shall see the heavens opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.’”

In this scripture, Jesus says that the heavens are open over Him and the angels ascend and descend upon Him. Jesus is telling us that He is now the heavenly ladder that Jacob experienced in the wilderness. Jesus is basically saying that He is the gateway of heaven on earth.

I believe one of the greatest truths of the Bible that will explode within the hearts of this end-time generation is the truth of Colossians 1:27: “to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

God is trying to get us to a place of really understanding who we are. The church is having an identity crisis. When the people of God begin to realize that the purpose of Jesus on the earth was to birth a new breed of people who would carry the DNA of God within them and bring heaven to earth daily, we will begin to live with purpose. When the people of God begin to realize their identity as the very offspring of God and that as He is right now, so are we in this world, the church will begin to shake the nations with the power of God.

We are the house of God where the heavens are open and we are the gateway where heaven touches earth because Jesus Christ lives within us! The greatest revival to ever touch the earth lives within each and every born again believer. When the church realizes this, then we will fulfill the mandate of “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

Genesis 28:13 And behold, the Lord stood above it and said: “I am the Lord God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and your descendants. 14 “Also your descendants shall be as the dust of the earth; you shall spread abroad to the west and the east, to the north and the south; and in you and in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.

A REPEAT OF ABRAHAM’S BLESSING GEN. 12:3

Genesis 28:15 “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.

New Covenant: He will never leave or forsake us.

Matthew 28:20 “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I (Jesus) am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Hebrews 13:5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Genesis 28:16-18

16 Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.”17 And he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!” 18 Then Jacob rose early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put at his head, set it up as a pillar, and poured oil on top of it. (Oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit’s anointing: Christ the Anointed One who is the Chief Cornerstone of the Church. This stone later became the cornerstone of the temple.)

Holy Anointing Oil:

Exodus 30:25-29 “And you shall make from these a holy anointing oil, an ointment compounded according to the art of the perfumer. It shall be a holy anointing oil.26 “With it you shall anoint the tabernacle of meeting and the ark of the Testimony;27 “the table and all its utensils, the lampstand and its utensils, and the altar of incense;28 “the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils, and the laver and its base.29 “You shall consecrate them, that they may be most holy; whatever touches them must be holy.

Psalm 133:1-21 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity![1]2 It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments.

Genesis 28:19-21 And he called the name of that place Bethel; Bethel means House of God) but the name of that city had been Luz previously. 20 Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me, and keep me in this way that I am going, and give me bread to eat and clothing to put on,21 “so that I come back to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God.

Philippians 4:19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Genesis 28:22 “And this stone which I have set as a pillar shall be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to You.”

2nd time tithe is mentioned

TITHE—the practice of giving a tenth of one’s income or property as an offering to God. The first recorded instance of tithing in the Bible occurs in Genesis 14:17-20. The practice of giving a tenth of income or property was a part of the Mosaic Law (Lev. 27:20). Abraham tithed to Melchizedek and Jacob also, long before the Law of Moses, promised that he would give to the Lord a tenth of all he received (Gen. 28:22).

The Law of Moses prescribed tithing in detailed ways (Lev. 27:30-32) that extended in practices observed in Israel’s history (Num. 18:21-32; Deut. 12:5-7, 11-12, 17-18; 26:12-15; 2 Chr. 31:6). In terms of the temple tithes, there are 3 different tithes: Deut 14:22-29 refers specifically to the “second tithe” required by the Lord God which is actually to be consumed by the priests within the temple in thankfulness to His increased bounty to him. Malachi indicated that Israel had robbed God in withholding tithes and offerings, thus the Israelites were exhorted to bring their tithes into the storehouse in order to enjoy the Lord’s blessing (Mal. 3:8-12). He also asserted the promise of God’s abundance and deliverance as related to believers’ obedience with the tithe.

God does not make a legal demand, declaring that if we don’t tithe, we will lose salvation. Salvation’s promises transcends legalistic demands. God’s Word also reveals that all His blessings and covenants are of grace, not law. The great nineteenth century preacher, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, said this about tithing: “In the religion of Christ there is no taxation. Everything is of love.” ( Spurgeon, Volume 32, p. 213).

Jesus Himself addressed the issue of tithing: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin (turmeric), and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone” (Matt. 23:23; see also Luke 11:42). Jesus was dealing with the Pharisees, that cadre of religionists who attended to the letter of the law but neglected its spiritual demands. In observing that they tithed, Jesus was challenging their supposition that obedience to a “ritual” released them from the larger reality of obedience to love’s responsibilities. The “woe” He issued on them was not for their tithing, but for their neglect of “weightier matters”—justice, mercy, and faith.

In tracing the footsteps of Abraham, we find “And he gave him [Melchizedek] a tithe of all” (Gen. 14:20). Some declare that Abraham reveals that tithing was established in the Scripture before the Law of Moses. It precedes and transcends the Mosaic code as a principle built into the fabric of the human order of things.

As believers we are also to be generous in sharing our material possessions with the poor and in offerings for the support of Christian ministry. Christ Himself is our model in giving. Giving is to be voluntary, willing, cheerful, and given in the light of our accountability to God. Giving should be systematic and by no means limited to a tithe of our incomes. We recognize that all we have is from God. We are called to be faithful stewards of all our possessions (Rom. 14:12; 1 Cor. 9:3-14; 16:1-3; 2 Corinthians 8-9).

We believe in NT giving; New Testament giving is based on 2 Cor. 9:6-10

2 Corinthians 9:6-10 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.9 As it is written: 1 “He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” 10 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness,

Summary Gen 28:10-22

Jacob’s arrival among the “people of the east.”

A.Haran is northeast of Canaan, and this region may have been where Abraham sent the sons of his concubines (25:6).

It was apparently the custom of the region to gather everyone’s ﬂock of sheep, before the well was opened, but as soon as Rachel arrived, Jacob opened the well and watered her sheep. (Moses had a similar experience, Exodus 2:16-19.)

After performing this task, Jacob revealed his identity to Rachel.

He stayed with Laban a month. (Rebekah wanted him stay “a few days” [27:44], but Isaac’s advice was that he stay long enough to take a wife [28:2].)

To win a wife of Laban’s daughters, Jacob would have to work for the privilege.

Genesis 29:1-25

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.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.” (Rachel means ewe, lamb, or cow; she had great personal beauty; her name implies innocence) 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.”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.

Summary Gen. 29:1-14

Jacob’s arrival among the “people of the east.”

Haran is northeast of Canaan, and this region may have been where Abraham sent the sons of his concubines (25:6).

He stayed with Laban a month. (Rebekah wanted him stay “a few days” [27:44], but Isaac’s advice was that he stay long enough to take a wife [28:2].) E. To win a wife of Laban’s daughters, Jacob would have to work for the privilege.

Gen. 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. 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?”

JACOB THE DECEIVOR IN NAME AS WELL AS CHARACTER HAD HIMSELF BEEN DECEIVED. THE ONE WHO HAD TRIED EVERYTHING TO RECEIVE THE BENEFITS OF THE FIRSTBORN HAD NOW RECEIVED THE FIRSTBORN.

This is the law of sowing and reaping, Jacob deceived and therefore is being deceived.

Law of Sowing and Reaping

Genesis 29:26-30 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.

Summary Gen. 29:15-30

Laban Deceived Jacob.

Jacob was allowed to set his own wages, and offered to work for Laban seven years for Laban’s younger daughter, Rachel. (Compare Hosea 12:12.)
After a feast, Laban brought Leah to Jacob, instead of Rachel.
Leah was probably veiled, after the custom shown by Rebekah (24:65).
Her identity was not discovered, because the union also happened at night.
Jacob was angry, because he had not been told of the custom to marry the older daughter before the younger.
Laban agreed to give Rachel to Jacob, if he would work another seven years.
The slave girls given to Leah and Rachel also had a future part in the growth of Jacob’s family, and the development of the nation of Israel.

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

Summary Gen. 29:31-35

Leah Bore Jacob’s First Four Sons.

God compensated Leah, and let Rachel be barren (30:2), because Jacob showed partiality toward Rachel.
Leah was given the distinction of bearing the ﬁrstborn son, Reuben.
Simeon’s descendants became a minor tribe of Israel, which was absorbed into the tribe of Judah, after the settlement of Canaan about 500 years later.
The third and fourth sons, Levi and Judah, would provide future priests and kings among their descendants.
The meanings of the names of the four sons are hinted by Leah.
Reuben – meaning “See, a son.”
Simeon – probable meaning, “The Lord has heard.” (See Vs. 33) c. Levi – meaning “attached.” (See Vs. 34) d. Judah – the name in Hebrew sounds like the word, “praise.” (See Vs. 35)
Leah presumed that her childbearing would win the love of Jacob, but he would show his partiality for Rachel and her sons throughout his life.
Gen.30:1 Now when Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister, and said to Jacob, “Give me children, or else I die!”

She spoke it into existence.

Life and Death are in the Power of the Tongue

Matthew 12:34-36 “Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.35 “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.36 “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.

Job 3:25-26 For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me, And what I dreaded has happened to me. 26 I am not at ease, nor am I quiet; I have no rest, for trouble comes.”

2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Job 22:28 You will also declare a thing, And it will be established for you; So light will shine on your ways.

Proverbs 18:21Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.

Genesis 30:2 And Jacob’s anger was aroused against Rachel, and he said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?”

JACOB WAS FOREVER TRYING TO SECURE THE BLESSING BY HIS OWN EFFORTS

Genesis 30:3-8 So she said, “Here is my maid Bilhah; go in to her, and she will bear a child on my knees, that I also may have children by her.”4 Then she gave him Bilhah her maid as wife, and Jacob went in to her.5 And Bilhah conceived and bore Jacob a son.6 Then Rachel said, “God has judged my case; and He has also heard my voice and given me a son.” Therefore she called his name Dan.7 And Rachel’s maid Bilhah conceived again and bore Jacob a second son.8 Then Rachel said, “With great wrestlings I have wrestled with my sister, and indeed I have prevailed.” So she called his name Naphtali.

Summary Gen. 30:1-8

The beginning of strife in the family of Jacob.

Rachel envied her fertile sister, and pleaded with Jacob to give her children.
Jacob could not help her, as long as God had closed her womb.
Her alternative was to give her servant, Bilhah, to Jacob as a wife. (Sarah tried this same course, in 16:1-4.)
Bilhah bore two sons to Jacob.
Rachel, as the freeborn wife, claimed the right to name the sons.
Dan – meaning “judged.” (See Vs. 6) b. Naphtali – sounds like the Hebrew word for “wrestling.” (See Vs. 8)
Gen. 30:9 When Leah saw that she had stopped bearing, she took Zilpah her maid and gave her to Jacob as wife.10 And Leah’s maid Zilpah bore Jacob a son.11 Then Leah said, “A troop comes!” So she called his name Gad.12 And Leah’s maid Zilpah bore Jacob a second son.13 Then Leah said, “I am happy, for the daughters will call me blessed.” So she called his name Asher.

Summary Gen. 30:9-13

Leah responded to Rachel’s tactic by giving her own servant girl, Zilpah, to Jacob.

Zilpah bore two sons, also.
Leah named the sons born to her maid, as Rachel did with hers.
Gad – meaning “fortune.” (See Vs. 11)
Asher – meaning “happy.” (See Vs. 13)
Jacob now has eight sons by three wives.
Gen. 30:14 Now Reuben went in the days of wheat harvest and found mandrakes in the field, and brought them to his mother Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, “Please give me some of your son’s mandrakes.”

Mandrakes

(Heb. dudraim ) are mentioned in (Genesis 30:14,16) and in Song 7:13 The mandrake, Atropa mandragora , is closely allied to the well-known deadly nightshade, A. bellndonna , and to the tomato, and belongs to the order Solanaceae , or potato family. It grows in Palestine and Mesopotamia. (It grows low, like lettuce, which its leaves somewhat resemble, except that they are of a dark green. The flowers are purple,and the root is usually forked. Its fruit when ripe (early in May) is about the size of a small apple, 24 inches in diameter, ruddy or yellow and of a most agreeable odor (to Orientals more than to Europeans) and an equally agreeable taste. The Arabs call it “devil’s apple,” from its power to excite voluptuousness. Dr. Richardson (“Lectures on Alcohol,” 1881) tried some experiments with wine made of the root of mandrake, and found it narcotic, causing sleep, so that the ancients used it as an anaesthesia. Used in small quantities like opium, it excites the nerves, and is a stimulant.

Gen.30:15 But she said to her, “Is it a small matter that you have taken away my husband? Would you take away my son’s mandrakes also?” And Rachel said, “Therefore he will lie with you tonight for your son’s mandrakes.”16 When Jacob came out of the field in the evening, Leah went out to meet him and said, “You must come in to me, for I have surely hired you with my son’s mandrakes.” And he lay with her that night.

RACHEL, LIKE JACOB, TRIED TO OBTAIN WHAT SHE WANTED BY MAGICAL MEANS (USE OF DRUG POTION), NOT TRUSTING GOD

The Way of Prosperity:

Joshua 1:7-9 “Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.8 “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:7-9 (AMP) Only you be strong and very courageous, that you may do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you. Turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success. 9 Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:7-9 (NASBm95) 7 “Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. 8 “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

A Word on Prosperity

Fully Prospering!

A lot of believers don’t want to talk about prosperity anymore. But, we should! As you know, prosperity is not JUST money… We should prosper in our spirit, soul, and body (3 Jn. 2). It’s called WHOLENESS!

Prosperity is remaining at Holy rest and peace with God and yourself and being fulfilled by what you do. Prosperity means that you appreciate and enjoy your life, your spiritual relationships, your career, and your family.

Prosperity means that you have the ability to influence your present generation. It means that you have what you need to accomplish your destiny!

Ask yourself, “Do I have prosperity?” How can you improve?

Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is God given.
You choose whether or not you meet and fulfill your destiny.
It is a matter of personal choice what you decide to focus upon.

There is a fantastic universal spiritual principle: what you focus on will develop and expand. Great derailment happens if you allow the outside world to determine your internal outlook. And vice-versa! If you are disappointed internally, then your external world will also mirror this disappointment.

Disappointment brings dullness to your demeanor and appearance. There will be a hazy blurriness about your reactions connection with reality and other people. No matter what happens in the news, there are massively wonderful opportunities in the world today. For YOU. To Others.

Do you have prophetic words that have not yet come to pass? Do you have a dream unfulfilled? Well, if it is from the Lord, you should chart your course toward getting there. Begin today to focus on what you want to create, not what outside conditions may exist right now. Your future will be determined by the thoughts and actions you decide to take. What you decide to focus on, speak and walk in will happen!

The Scripture shows us that what we fear will come upon us (Job). Focusing on what is negative will surely bring more bad things! Blurry and negative thoughts and ideas and speaking result in discouragement, Be prosperous today because you already are! You are whole. See yourself whole!

3 John 2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

1Thess. 5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Genesis 30:17-21 And God listened to Leah, and she conceived and bore Jacob a fifth son.18 Leah said, “God has given me my wages, because I have given my maid to my husband.” So she called his name Issachar.19 Then Leah conceived again and bore Jacob a sixth son.20 And Leah said, “God has endowed me with a good endowment; now my husband will dwell with me, because I have borne him six sons.” So she called his name Zebulun.21 Afterward she bore a daughter, and called her name Dinah. 22 Then God remembered Rachel, and God listened to her and opened her womb.23 And she conceived and bore a son, and said, “God has taken away my reproach.

(Barrenness was considered to be shameful, a mark of divine disfavor.)

Summary Gen. 30:14-21

Rachel made a bargain with Leah that brought an unintentional result.

The mandrakes found by Reuben created another incident between the rivals.
Rachel asked for some of the mandrakes, possibly motivated by the ancient supposition that they could be used to overcome barrenness.
Leah’s caustic response indicates that Jacob may have ceased to have marital relations with her.
Rachel was willing to allow Leah to be visited by Jacob, in order to have some of the mandrakes.
The plan had an undesired effect for Rachel, because Leah bore two more sons for Jacob, making a total of six. 1. Issachar – sounds like the Hebrew word for “wages.” (See Vs. 18) 2. Zebulun – sounds like the Hebrew word for “honor.” (See Vs. 20)
Leah’s daughter, Dinah, was to be involved in a sad future event.
Gen. 30:24 So she called his name Joseph, and said, “The Lord shall add to me another son.” (Thus this became a mixed-up (blended) household. The family altogether had 4 mothers. This later caused much rivalry between the siblings, Joseph and his brothers.)

I always say there are dysfunctional families in the Bible.

Summary Gen.30:22-24

God intervened again, and took away Rachel’s barrenness.

God had intervened in the beginning to favor Leah, because of Jacob’s partiality.
Rachel apparently prayed for an end of her reproach, and God “listened to her.”
Isaac prayed for his wife, Rebekah. Genesis 25:21
Leah had apparently prayed for herself. See Vs. 17 above.
Hannah prayed for herself. 1 Samuel 1:20
Rachel named her son Joseph, which means, “May He add,” and sounds like the Hebrew word for “taken away (my reproach).”
Jacob now had eleven sons and one daughter by his four wives. NOTE: If these births had been successive, as these previous verses seem to suggest, they would have to cover all the time between Jacob’s agreement to work the second period of 7 years for Rachel, plus the 6 years to the time of his desire to return to Canaan (31:1-3). However, in 30:25, below, we see that Joseph had been born before Jacob made his agreement to work for the blemished animals of Laban’s ﬂocks and herds. This would compress the time needed for all the births. The Pulpit Commentary (Vol. 1, p. 370) shows how the births of all the 11 sons could occur in the 7 years of Jacob’s indenture to gain Rachel. It says, “The six sons of Leah might be born in the seven years, allowing one year’s cessation from pregnancy, vis., the ﬁfth; Bilhah’s in the third and fourth years; Zilpah’s in the beginning of the sixth and seventh; and Rachel’s toward the end of the seventh, leaving Dinah (Leah’s daughter) to be born later.
Genesis 30:25-27

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.” (The Lord had blessed because Jacob was an offspring of Abraham, covenant blessing)

LABAN WAS THE VERY TYPE AND ESSENCE OF SELFISH GREED, LOW CUNNING AND MEANESS.

Genesis 30:28-36 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?”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.

Summary Gen. 30:25-36

Jacob made another deal with Laban.

He asked to be sent home.
At this time, he had no livestock.
However, he would have been the prime heir to his father’s wealth. 26:12-14
Laban claimed to have learned “by divination” that he was blessed by Jacob. 1. Divination was one of the occult arts condemned later by God. Deuteronomy 18:10 “There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the ﬁre, one who uses divination, one who practices witchcraft, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer…”
This occult practice indicated that the relatives of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the region of Haran had drifted into forms of idolatry. (They had served other gods besides Jehovah. 31:19)
Jacob agreed to work longer for all the blemished animals in the ﬂock.
No speciﬁed period of labor was set.
The agreement guaranteed that Jacob had not “stolen” the animals.
Jacob had security by being separated from Laban by a three days journey.
Gen. 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.

*Genesis 26:12-14 Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the Lord blessed him.13 The man began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous;14 for he had possessions of flocks and possessions of herds and a great number of servants. So the Philistines envied him. (The same blessings coming to Jacob, generational blessing)

Summary Gen. 30: 37-43

Jacob used a device in the hope of increasing the number of blemished animals.

This passage seems to indicate that Jacob relied solely on his actions to help him gain an increase in his ﬂocks.
Jacob later attributed his increase of wealth to the help of God. 31:5-13
This is consistent with the promises of God to Jacob at Bethel. 28:13-15
Jacob’s growing wealth is also seen in the gaining of many servants, and pack animals.
Genesis 31:1-16

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.”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.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.’ ”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.”

Summary Gen.31:1-16

Jacob decided to return home.

He saw that his success had caused Laban’s family to become hostile.

He conferred with his wives Leah and Rachel (minus the slave-wives, Bilhah and Zilpah) about his plan to return to the land of his father.
He recited a dream he had, in which God blessed him, and told him to return to his own land.

The wives were loyal, and conceded that Jacob was wise in his decision, and just, also.

Gen. 31:17 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.

This was divination.

Exodus 20:3-4

3 “You shall have no other gods before Me.

4 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth;

Ezekiel 21:21

21 “For the king of Babylon stands at the parting of the road, at the fork of the two roads, to use divination: he shakes the arrows, he consults the images, he looks at the liver.

Genesis 31: 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.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.”

Summary Gen 30:17-24

Jacob escaped into Canaan.

He traveled from Paddan-aram to the hill country of Gilead.
Verse 18 seems to indicate that he sent all the livestock ahead of the household, since the ﬂocks would travel slower on the way to Canaan.
He crossed the Euphrates River (about 60 miles south of Haran), indicating that he had dwelt north of it.
The “hill country of Gilead” was not the region where his father lived, but was on the east side of the Jordan river.
Laban mounted a pursuit after three days, and it took him seven days to catch up with Jacob.
Jacob’s household would probably travel more slowly, due to the inclusion of small children, and much baggage.
Laban would not be hindered in his travel by this situation.
The 7-day pursuit is consistent with the pace that can be set by camel riders without this hindrance (the distance was about 300 miles, which would have required stages of about 40 miles a day).
Laban received another sign of God’s help for Jacob.
He was warned in a dream not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.
He did not completely obey this command of God.
Gen.31:25 So Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mountains, and Laban with his brethren pitched in the mountains of Gilead.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.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.

Summary Gen. 31:25-35

The confrontation of Laban and Jacob.

Laban complained that Jacob had tricked him.
Laban had also tricked Jacob, by giving him Leah ﬁrst, instead of Rachel.
Deceivers can be deceived. 2 Timothy 3:13 “But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.”
Laban charged that his “gods” had been stolen.
He nearly failed to respect the injunction of God against any harm to Jacob.
He, like many other idolaters, mixed the worship of God with that of idols.
Aaron attempted this, when he made the Golden Calf. Exodus 32:3-5 “And all the people brake off the golden rings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron. [4] And he received it at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, and made it a molten calf: and they said, ‘These are thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.’ [5] And when Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, ‘Tomorrow shall be a feast to Jehovah.’”
God accused Israel of this practice. Ezekiel 23:37-39 “…With their idols they have committed adultery, and they have even offered up to them for food the children whom they had borne to me. [38] Moreover, this they have done to me: they have deﬁled my sanctuary on the same day and profaned my Sabbaths. [39] For when they had slaughtered their children in sacriﬁce to their idols, on the same day they came into my sanctuary to profane it. And behold, this is what they did in my house.”
Through the prophets, God condemned this practice. Ezekiel 14:1-4 “Then came certain of the elders of Israel unto me, and sat before me. [2] And the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying, [3] ‘Son of man, these men have taken their idols into their heart, and put the stumbling block of their iniquity before their face: should I be inquired of at all by them? [4] Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, Thus says the Lord Jehovah: Every man of the house of Israel that takes his idols into his heart, and puts the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face, and comes to the prophet; I Jehovah will answer him therein according to the multitude of his idols…’”
Jacob’s answer to Laban about the theft was conciliatory.
He did not know that his “favorite” wife, Rachel, had stolen the false gods.
He declared his willingness to put to death anyone who was guilty.
This portion of the story is very similar to one about King Saul, and his son. 1 Samuel 14:24-45
(1)Saul had made his soldiers swear an oath that they would not eat until the battle against the Philistines was won.

(2)Jonathan, his heroic son, had not heard of the vow.

(3)While chasing the Philistines, some of the soldiers discovered a beehive full of honey, but would not eat from it.

(4)When Jonathan arrived, and was told of his father’s oath, he quickly pronounced it as foolish, and ate some of the honey.

(5)This encouraged the soldiers to forage for food.

(6)Saul discovered this breach of the oath, and said that the one who is guilty of causing the people to violate their oath would be executed.

(7)When Jonathan was discovered by lot to be the culprit, Saul said he must die, but the people intervened to save him.

Rachel deceived her father, to prevent him from ﬁnding his gods.
Gen. 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.”

Summary Gen. 31:36-42

Jacob was patient during the search, but angrily answered Laban’s accusations, after nothing was found.

He listed the services he had rendered to Laban, and called on him to acknowledge that he had been honest in his service.
He repeated the claim that Laban had changed his wages 10 times. See Vs. 7. C. He claimed the protection and approval of God for his actions.
Instead of saying, in Verse 42, the “God of Isaac,” Jacob refers to the “Fear of Isaac.”
This is a ﬁgure of speech called Metonymy, the substituting of an attribute for a name, or something characteristic of that which is named.
Therefore the “Fear of Isaac” is an expression of reverence for God, who inspired it in him.
Gen. 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.”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!”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.

Summary Gen. 31:43-55

The tension between Jacob and Laban was eased by a treaty.

Laban began to see that there was a breach between himself and Jacob that could not be repaired.
He attempted to claim his daughters, grandchildren, and the ﬂocks as his own.
He realized that there was little he could do to for them, as an inheritance.
He proposed a covenant between himself, and Jacob.
Jacob raised a pillar, and suggested that Laban make a heap of stones.
Three names were given to the monument.
Jegar-sahadutha, meaning, “heap of testimony.”
Galeed, meaning, “heap of witness.”
Mizpah, meaning, “watch tower.”
The terms of the treaty were evidence that there was to be a permanent peace.
Laban seemed to be concerned that in the distant separation between them, he would not learn of any abuse, or degrading of his daughters by Jacob.
He called God as a witness between them.
The second term of the treaty was a pledge to keep peace between them.
Laban says, “The God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, (and) the God of their father,” judge between us.”
The Pulpit Commentary says that the verb “judge” is plural, perhaps indicating that Laban thought that each of the men named served a separate God.
This is a possibility, conﬁrming the gradual descent of the family of Nahor to the level of worshiping multiple gods.
This may be the reason that no future contact is made between the part of the family in Mesopotamia, and the other in Canaan. 2. One other explanation is that Laban considered the one God to have a direct relationship with the three individual Patriarchs, to carry out his purposes.
Jacob’s oath was by the “Fear of his father Isaac.” ( fear here meaning awe of the Lord)
Jacob offered a sacriﬁce to God.
Both parties ate the bread, apparently to seal the covenant. F. Laban’s departure the next day marks the historical end of all contacts between the two families.
Gen.32:1 So Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him.2 When Jacob saw them, he said, “This is God’s camp.” And he called the name of that place Mahanaim.3 Then Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother in the land of Seir, the country of Edom.4 And he commanded them, saying, “Speak thus to my lord Esau, ‘Thus your servant Jacob says: “I have dwelt with Laban and stayed there until now.5 “I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, and male and female servants; and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find favor in your sight.” ’ ”6 Then the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau, and he also is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.”7 So Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed; and he divided the people that were with him, and the flocks and herds and camels, into two companies.8 And he said, “If Esau comes to the one company and attacks it, then the other company which is left will escape.”

Summary Gen. 31: 1-8

Jacob turned from his dealings with Laban to make contact with his Esau.

Verses 1-2 highlight the importance of Mahanaim in future events.
After King Saul was dead in a battle with the Philistines, his army captain, Abner, took Ishbosheth, Saul’s son, to Mahanaim, and set him up as king over Israel, in the place of his father.
2 Samuel 2:8ff 2. David ﬂed to Mahanaim during the revolt of his son, Absalom. 2 Samuel 17:24ff

Both of these events had a military application, since the area of Mahanaim put the barrier of the Jordan river between the occupants, and their enemies.
Jacob sent conciliatory messages to Esau.
He tells his men to refer to him as a “servant” to Esau.
When the messengers return, they say that Esau was coming with 400 men.
Jacob presumed that Esau intended to attack him, and began to devise a plan to defend his family.
Gen. 31:9 Then Jacob said, “O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, the Lord who said to me, ‘Return to your country and to your family, and I will deal well with you’:10 “I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which You have shown Your servant; for I crossed over this Jordan with my staff, and now I have become two companies.11 “Deliver me, I pray, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau; for I fear him, lest he come and attack me and the mother with the children.12 “For You said, ‘I will surely treat you well, and make your descendants as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.’ ”

Generational Blessing Because of Covenant

Genesis 22:17

17 “blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies.

A Word About Generational Blessing

Generational Blessings

Exodus 20:5 you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, 6but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.

The current teaching of many teachers and those in various other realms of ministry concerning “Generational Curses” has its roots in the Old Testament Law of Moses, for it was in the giving of the Law that these Principles were first set forth. This is not to say that these curses do not exist in the Adamic realm, they do, but through Christ all such curses are disannulled and made void. The legalistic mind however, which proposes that these curses are still in effect even long after a person is born again (Of Incorruptible Seed) is as misguided as the Doctrine that all males must undergo Circumcision in order to be saved. The principle which God would reveal to us here is that either a Blessing or a Curse is bound by nature to follow a generational bloodline. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of PARENTS having FAITH in this area, for it is our unbending faith in God’s promises which both activates and sustains the workings of these powerful covenant principles in our lives and our children’s. However, if we have no knowledge of this, the enemy can creep in because of a lack of knowledge. Christ became a curse for us, but unless we know anD understand this and practice this truth, again our adversary can, if we permit him, lay a curse upon us and our children. Instead generational blessings flows from generation to generation.

Proverbs says a curse without cause cannot come,

Proverbs 26:2 Like a flitting sparrow, like a flying swallow, So a curse without cause shall not alight.

Generational Blessings Continued.

CHILDREN SHARE ALL BENEFITS OF BELIEVER’S COVENANT PRIVILEGES

In the natural, we as children bear our father’s name (Family name), likewise we as children of righteousness bear our heavenly father’s name, or nature. Like the branches of tree (Family tree), we each bear our own Individuality, but our nature is derived from the trunk or stock of the tree itself. See John 15:etc., Isa 61:3; Rom 11:17-20.

BLESSING … God made a WAY for man to APPROPRIATE His blessing(s). That WAY was the same process by which men, women, and children appropriate God’s blessing(s) today: the WAY of FAITH.

Enoch, Abraham, Sarah, Deborah, Joseph, Moses, Elijah, Elisha, Daniel … and many others … appropriated the blessing(s) through faith. Read Hebrews Chapter 11.

In Genesis 12:1-3 God told Abraham “And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing: and I will bless them that bless you, and curse him that curses you; and in you shall all the families of the earth be blessed.” Later, in Genesis 22:18 God told Abraham “In thy seed shall all nations of the earth be blessed. Because you have obeyed my voice.”

Abraham’s SEED became a curse FOR US THAT WE might be BLESSED with “faithful” Abraham. He [Messiah] broke ALL the curse(s) … even the ROOT of the curse(s) imposed in the garden of Eden with the resultant sin, death, effects of witchcraft, sins of the father, generational curse(s) … so that ALL people could be FREE from the curse(s) and be recipients of the blessing(s).

Galatians 3:13-14 “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for It is written, ‘Cursed is everyone that hangs on a tree,’ so that the BLESSING of Abraham might come on the non-Jews [Gentiles] through Jesus Christ.”

Romans 4:13 tells us that “the promise that he [Abraham] should be the heir of the world, was NOT to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of FAITH.” Just as God works through FAITH, the enemy of your soul works through FEAR. God’s MIRACLES … salvation, healing, power, commissioning … all work through FAITH. The enemy’s evil … witchcraft, disease, spiritual impotence, confusion … all work through fear.

The BLOOD of Christ is your covering! Not only is it your covering but the BOOD of CHRIST has washed us from all sin. The BLOOD will protect you from the works of the enemy. The BLOOD of Christ is living. The life of God is in THE BLOOD. The enemy cannot come beyond the blood line. In Revelation 12:9 we read: “They overcame him (the devil) by the BLOOD of the Lamb, and they loved not their lives unto the death.” If the BLOOD is your covering, you are protected. Speak (declare) the BLOOD over yourself, your family, your property, and everything the Lord has placed in your hands and the domains over which you preside.

Don’t worry about any “generational curses” or curses from the bloodline of your relatives and forefathers. BREAK THEM with the BLOOD of CHRIST! Don’t fear about some witch or someone placing a curse on you … fear is the enemy’s tool. The Holy Bible says, “The curse causeless shall NOT come.” If you have done something wrong then confess it to God, ask for forgiveness and cover yourself with the HOLY BLOOD of CHRIST. You’re God’s property and the BLOOD of Christ is your COVERING if you will declare it so in faith, enjoying the blood of the covenant. Instruct THE BLOOD to be applied to yourself and situations BY FAITH. Prohibit the enemy and/or his people or demons from performing an action against you or your loved ones by your SPOKEN injunction of FAITH. It is a legal injunction purchased by the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross and imposed by your faith. ATTACH The Blood, JOIN The Blood, IMPOSE The Blood to yourself, your loved ones, and your situation.

Just as you would tell or order someone to do something, request of the Father in Heaven to cover you and your situation with the BLOOD of CHRIST and charge verbally in Jesus’ name the enemy AND his power to be broken off your life and in your situation. It is a direct command with authority. You have the POWER to exercise authoritative or dominating control or influence over the devil and his works of darkness. Jesus BOTH purchased this POWER for you and COMMISSIONED you with this apostolic power to go:

You have been granted this power inherently by THE BLESSING from the administrative unit of Heaven’s throne. This is POWER delegated from Heaven to you! Abraham’s blessings are yours. You rule as a king in life through Jesus Christ.

Invoke the Blessing

The Lord is adding wisdom weapons to our spiritual warfare (joyfare I call it) arsenal at this time. Invoking the power of Generational Blessings is one of the areas He is going to illuminate for us. To bless means to invoke the divine favor on, to bestow happiness, prosperity or good things of all kinds; to make a pronouncement holy; to consecrate, to extol for the excellencies received or to glorify for the benefits bestowed.

The work of the cross of Jesus Christ is complete and perfect. It is time to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom of God and thus confront darkness by turning on the light! When you enter a room and turn on the light switch – darkness automatically flees. It is a law of nature and a principle of the supernatural! Also, what God has blessed cannot be cursed. Remember the story of Balaam. Neh. 13:2 because they had not met the children of Israel with bread and water, but hired Balaam against them to curse them. However, our God turned the curse into a blessing.

From my experience, the same is true in overcoming persistent powers of the enemy. Turn on the light of God’s word by declaring the Blessings of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and our Messiah Jesus. The truth is that we have been blessed from the foundations of the world.

Ephesians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,

POWERFULLY DECLARING “BLESSINGS!”

Release the electric presence of the Holy Spirit to move around the room by declaring “Blessings!” Yes, greater is the power of the blessing than the power of the curse!

Summary Gen. 32:9-12

Jacob prayed for the protection of God.

Verse 10 shows that he knew he was not worthy of God’s help, but having received it, he had prospered.
He called on God the fulﬁll the promise of help He had made, paraphrasing the blessing God made in 28:13-15, and other places.
Genesis 32: 13 So he lodged there that same night, and took what came to his hand as a present for Esau his brother:14 two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams,15 thirty milk camels with their colts, forty cows and ten bulls, twenty female donkeys and ten foals.16 Then he delivered them to the hand of his servants, every drove by itself, and said to his servants, “Pass over before me, and put some distance between successive droves.”17 And he commanded the first one, saying, “When Esau my brother meets you and asks you, saying, ‘To whom do you belong, and where are you going? Whose are these in front of you?’18 “then you shall say, ‘They are your servant Jacob’s. It is a present sent to my lord Esau; and behold, he also is behind us.’ ”19 So he commanded the second, the third, and all who followed the droves, saying, “In this manner you shall speak to Esau when you find him;20 “and also say, ‘Behold, your servant Jacob is behind us.’ ” For he said, “I will appease him with the present that goes before me, and afterward I will see his face; perhaps he will accept me.”21 So the present went on over before him, but he himself lodged that night in the camp.

Summary Gen. 32:13-21

Jacob sent a gift to Esau, in an attempt to appease him.

The gift numbered 580 animals.
The animals included goats, sheep, camels, cattle, and donkeys.
They were divided into several “droves.” B. Jacob gave the drovers instructions on what to say, when they met Esau.
Gen. 32:22 And he arose that night and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven sons, and crossed over the ford of Jabbok.23 He took them, sent them over the brook, and sent over what he had.24 Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man ( Son of Man, Jesus Christ) wrestled with him until the breaking of day.25 Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob’s hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him.26 And He said, “Let Me go, for the day breaks.” But he said, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!”

After Jacob’s family “crossed over” the river ahead of him, Jacob “wrestled” with the man of God (Genesis 32:24). What happened at the end of Jacob’s struggle in the darkness?

The Angel of God altered Jacob’s stride, his “walk” was changed permanently and he was given a new name… “Israel” (Genesis 32:28).

Blessing from the Beginning:

(Gen 1:27-28) And God created man in His image; in the image of God He created him. He created them male and female. And God blessed them. And God said to them, Be fruitful, and multiply and fill the earth, and subdue it. And have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the fowl of the heavens, and all animals that move upon the earth.

New Covenant Blessing

Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,

Genesis 32:27-30

27 So He said to him, “What is your name?” He said, “Jacob.”28 And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.”29 Then Jacob asked, saying, “Tell me Your name, I pray.” And He said, “Why is it that you ask about My name?” And He blessed him there.30 And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: “For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.”

Jacob saw Jesus Christ; Moses did as well;

Exodus 33:23 “Then I will take away My hand, and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen.”

Exodus 33:11 affirms that “the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, . (Exo 33:11) And Jehovah would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. And he turned again to the camp. But his servant, Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, did not leave the middle of the tabernacle.

Genesis 32:31-32

31 Just as he crossed over Penuel the sun rose on him, and he limped on his hip.32 Therefore to this day the children of Israel do not eat the muscle that shrank, (sciatic muscle)which is on the hip socket, because He touched the socket of Jacob’s hip in the muscle that shrank.

Summary Gen. 32:22-32

Jacob wrestled with an angel, (in most accounts Man is capitalized here meaning the Angel of the Lord or Jesus Christ)and received a blessing from him.

The text says that Jacob wrestled with a Man. 1. Jacob realized that his opponent was a messenger from God. (Verse 30)

The prophet Hosea called Jacob’s wrestling opponent an Angel. Hosea 12:4a “Yes, he wrestled with the angel and prevailed…”

(Hos 12:4) Yes, he wept and cried to Him, and he had power over the Angel and overcame. He found him in Bethel, and there He spoke with us,

Jacob was allowed to prevail over the Angel, and received a change of name.

The new name, Israel, has the meaning of “one who has striven with God.”

The Angel refused to tell Jacob his name. (The same response came, when the father of Samson, Manoah, asked for the angel’s name. Judges 13:17-18 And Manoah said to the Angel of the Lord, “What is your name, so that when your words come to pass, we may honor you?” [18] But the Angel of the Lord said to him, “Why do you ask my name, seeing it is Wonderful?”

(Isa 9:6) For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be on His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

The worshiping of angels (regular angels) by men is condemned in the New Testament. Colossians 2:18 “Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize by delighting in self-abasement and the worship of the angels, taking his stand on visions he has seen, inﬂated without cause by his ﬂeshly mind…”

Angels resisted attempts by men to worship them. Revelation 22:8-9 And I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed me these things. [9] And he said to me, “Do not do that; I am a fellow servant of yours and of your brethren the prophets and of those who heed the words of this book; worship God.”

The only angels named in the Bible are… a. Michael – Daniel 12:1, Jude 9, Revelation 12:7 b. Gabriel – Daniel 9:21, Luke 1:19,26 c. Some readers of the King James Version of the Bible have accepted the traditional claim that the name “Lucifer,” found in Isaiah 14:12, refers to a fallen angel. Modern scholars have shown that the Hebrew word in the reference should be translated, “star of the morning.” The another passage says he was and angel of light. (2Co 11:14) Did not even Satan marvelously transform himself into an angel of light?

Many scholars agree this was the Angel of the Lord, Jesus Christ

NOTE: The place-name Peniel (Verse 30) is reckoned by Bible geographers to refer to the same place as Penuel (Verse 31). Gideon visited this place (Judges 8:8-9, 17).

There is no doubt that this is one of the most significant and mysterious passages in the Bible. Yet, it reveals some to the greatest truths of the spiritual world. Take notice of what happened in the incident of Jacob’s wrestling with the Angel of the Lord.

This appearing is called a Christophany (Christ appearing)

(John 1:14) And the Word became flesh, and tabernacled among us. And we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and of truth.

This happened many times in the Old Testament.

Jacob came to the end of himself. He had petitioned the Lord. Now his soul was reaching up to God in desperate effort to get an answer. (parallel to today’s phrase praying through or praying until you get a release)
The wrestling was a spiritual struggle, breaking through from the natural to the supernatural.
God had to take a step not only to save Jacob, but to change his very nature. (which He did in us)
The wrestling of Jacob showed that Jacob had power over the Angel of the Lord. ( Not power, but authority as Adam did, WHATEVER YOU CALL THEM THAT THEY SHALL BE.)
Hosea 12:3-4 3 He took his brother by the heel in the womb, And in his strength he struggled with God.4 Yes, he struggled with the Angel and prevailed; He wept, and sought favor from Him. He found Him in Bethel, And there He spoke to us—

About Importunity and Prayer

Luke 11:5 And He said to them, “Which of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves;6 ‘for a friend of mine has come to me on his journey, and I have nothing to set before him’;7 “and he will answer from within and say, ‘Do not trouble me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give to you’?8 “I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs.9 “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.10 “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.11 “If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish?12 “Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?13 “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (HOW MANY TIMES?)

Importunity comes from 2 Greek words aneu which means “without and aido which means bashfulness. Therefore, the literal meaning is without bashfulness. In verses 9-10 many have interpreted that to means ask and keep on asking. That would be contrary to the other Scriptures on prayer, Mark 11:24, John 15:7-8, John 5: 14-15. Persistent faith does not means faith that keeps on asking, but faith that asks once without bashfulness and then stand its ground until it is manifest.

Luke 18:1Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart,2 saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man.3 “Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’4 “And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man,5 ‘yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’ ”6 Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said.7 “And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them?8 “I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”

Hebrews 6:12 that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

It was not until the breaking of the day that the Angel departed.
Jacob still did not give up. His faith prevailed.
Two aspects of the struggle combined to give the blessing. God wrestled with Jacob to change his nature. And Jacob wrestled with God to get the blessing.
The Angel gave Jacob a new name, Israel, meaning a prince of God. Here is where the Nation of Israel got her name and characterization; the people who struggle with God.
Genesis 33:1-11

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.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.8 Then Esau said, “What do you mean by all this company which I met?” And he said, “These are to find favor in the sight of my lord.”9 But Esau said, “I have enough, my brother; keep what you have for yourself.”10 And Jacob said, “No, please, if I have now found favor in your sight, then receive my present from my hand, inasmuch as I have seen your face as though I had seen the face of God, and you were pleased with me. 11 “Please, take my blessing that is brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough.” So he urged him, and he took it.

Jacob in a sense gave back the blessing he had stolen from his brother, doing so from the blessing he had received from the Lord.

2 Corinthians 9: 6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.9 As it is written:

1 “He has dispersed abroad,

He has given to the poor;

His righteousness endures forever.”

10 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness,11 while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.

Summary Gen. 33:1-11

Jacob took precautions against a possible attack on his household by Esau.

He saw Esau coming with his 400 men, and divided his family into groups.

His servant-wives and their children were placed at the front.
This is an indication of the lower rank of these wives and their children.
It is also an example of the unwise preferences held by Jacob.

Leah and her children were placed second.

Lastly, Rachel, his favorite wife, and Joseph, his favorite son, were placed in the rear.

Jacob was surprised by the response of Esau.

Jacob approached Esau with bows of respect.

Esau welcomed Jacob with embraces, kisses, and tears.

Esau asked Jacob to identify the members of his family.
He also asked for a clariﬁcation of the herds and ﬂocks he had met, before seeing Jacob.

(1)Jacob explained that they were to “ﬁnd favor” with Esau.

(2)Esau did not want to accept the gift, claiming that he had enough property to satisfy him.

(3)Jacob insisted that Esau take the gift, and he accepted it.

(4)Jacob’s generous gift was probably only a small portion of the wealth he had accumulated in Paddan-Aram.

Genesis 33:12-17

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.

Summary Gen. 33:12-17

Jacob contrived to remain separate from Esau, temporarily.

Esau offered to accompany Jacob, and his family, as they journeyed south.

Seir, the possession of Esau, was approximately 100 miles to the south, and the area near Hebron, where their father Isaac lived, was nearer.

Jacob urged Esau to precede him, and promised to come to Seir at a slower pace, in order to spare the children and the herds.

Esau even offered to leave some of his men with Jacob to help, but he said that there was no need.

After their separation, Jacob changed his travel plans.

He turned east, and settled for a while in Succoth, close to the Jordan River, about half-way between the Dead Sea, and the Sea of Galilee.

He built a house there, indicating the amount of time he would stay there.

This shows that Jacob may not have been sincere in his promise to come to Esau in Seir.

Gen. 33:18 Then Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padan Aram; and he pitched his tent before the city. (Jacob followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, Abraham.)19 And he bought the parcel of land, where he had pitched his tent, from the children of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for one hundred pieces of money.20 Then he erected an altar there and called it El Elohe Israel.

Summary Gen. 33:18-20

Jacob crossed the Jordan River into Canaan.

He came to Shechem, and bought some property to use for his dwelling.

This is only the second transaction for property recorded in Genesis, following the purchase of the Cave of Machpelah by Abraham (Chapter 23).

Jacob apparently planned to stay near Shechem for a while.

In the pattern of his ancestors, Jacob built an altar there to worship God.

Genesis 34:1-31

Now Dinah the daughter of Leah, whom she had borne to Jacob, went out to see the daughters of the land.2 And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her and lay with her, and violated her.3 His soul was strongly attracted to Dinah the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the young woman and spoke kindly to the young woman.4 So Shechem spoke to his father Hamor, saying, “Get me this young woman as a wife.”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. (The Canaanites wanted to absorb Israel in order to benefit from the blessings of Jacob. This was a danger that Israel constantly faced from other people and nations, ie. present day Palestinians.)

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.”11 Then Shechem said to her father and her brothers, “Let me find favor in your eyes, and whatever you say to me I will give.12 “Ask me ever so much dowry and gift, and I will give according to what you say to me; but give me the young woman as a wife.”

Summary Gen. 34:1-12

Strife was generated between Jacob’s company and the people of Shechem.

Shechem, a prince of the land around the city of Shechem, took Dinah and raped her!

His lust turned to love for Dinah, however, and he asked Hamor, his father, to negotiate a marriage for him with her.

Hamor approached Jacob about the matter.

The sons of Jacob became very angry, when they heard of the violation of their sister.

Hamor and Shechem offered to do anything the sons required, in order for Dinah to be wed to the prince.

They offered an attractive alliance with Jacob.

Shechem promised to pay any price named, in order to have Dinah.

This open-ended offer would prove to be fatal to the men of Shechem.

Gen. 34:13But the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father, and spoke deceitfully, (generational curse from Jacob) because he had defiled Dinah their sister.14 And they said to them, “We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one who is uncircumcised, for that would be a reproach to us.15 “But on this condition we will consent to you: If you will become as we are, if every male of you is circumcised,16 “then we will give our daughters to you, and we will take your daughters to us; and we will dwell with you, and we will become one people.17 “But if you will not heed us and be circumcised, then we will take our daughter and be gone.”18 And their words pleased Hamor and Shechem, Hamor’s son.19 So the young man did not delay to do the thing, because he delighted in Jacob’s daughter. He was more honorable than all the household of his father.20 And Hamor and Shechem his son came to the gate of their city, and spoke with the men of their city, saying:21 “These men are at peace with us. Therefore let them dwell in the land and trade in it. For indeed the land is large enough for them. Let us take their daughters to us as wives, and let us give them our daughters.22 “Only on this condition will the men consent to dwell with us, to be one people: if every male among us is circumcised as they are circumcised.23 “Will not their livestock, their property, and every animal of theirs be ours? Only let us consent to them, and they will dwell with us.”24 And all who went out of the gate of his city heeded Hamor and Shechem his son; every male was circumcised, all who went out of the gate of his city.

Summary Gen.34:13-24

The sons of Jacob devised a deceitful plan.

As heirs of the covenant of circumcision, which God made with Abraham and his descendants, they exploited this distinction to disable the men of Shechem.

They asked that every male of the city should be circumcised.

Hamor and his son persuaded the men of the city to accept the plan.

One motivation was the forming of an alliance with Jacob’s people.

This was enhanced by the suggestion that Jacob’s possessions could eventually become the property of the men of the city.

The Shechemites agreed to the plan, and all were circumcised.

Gen. 34:25 Now it came to pass on the third day, when they were in pain, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brothers, each took his sword and came boldly upon the city and killed all the males.26 And they killed Hamor and Shechem his son with the edge of the sword, and took Dinah from Shechem’s house, and went out.27 The sons of Jacob came upon the slain, and plundered the city, because their sister had been defiled.28 They took their sheep, their oxen, and their donkeys, what was in the city and what was in the field,29 and all their wealth. All their little ones and their wives they took captive; and they plundered even all that was in the houses.30 Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have troubled me by making me obnoxious among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites; and since I am few in number, they will gather themselves together against me and kill me. I shall be destroyed, my household and I.”31 But they said, “Should he treat our sister like a harlot?”

Summary Gen. 34:25-31

The sons of Jacob reversed the plot of the Shechemites.

While the men of Shechem were recovering from being circumcised, Simeon and Levi led an attack on the city, and killed all the males.

They killed Hamor and Shechem, and took Dinah from Shechem’s house.

2.One of the consequences of their violence was the decision of Jacob to censure them many years later, at the time when he blessed his other sons.

Genesis 49:5-7 “Simeon and Levi are brothers; weapons of violence are their swords. [6] Let my soul come not into their council; O my glory, be not joined to their company. For in their anger they killed men, and in their willfulness they hamstrung oxen. [7] Cursed be their anger, for it is ﬁerce, and their wrath, for it is cruel! I will divide them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel.” a. Priests and Levites were involved in other acts of punishment. b. Levites executed the punishment of the Israelites who were found to be worshiping the Golden Calf. Exodus 32:25-29 “And when Moses saw that the people had broken loose (for Aaron had let them break loose, to the derision of their enemies), [26] then Moses stood in the gate of the camp and said, ‘Who is on the Lord’s side? Come to me.’ And all the sons of Levi gathered around him. [27] And he said to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God of Israel, ‘Put your sword on your side each of you, and go to and fro from gate to gate throughout the camp, and each of you kill his brother and his companion and his neighbor.’’ [28] And the sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses. And that day about three thousand men of the people fell. [29] And Moses said, ‘Today you have been ordained for the service of the Lord, each one at the cost of his son and of his brother, so that he might bestow a blessing upon you this day.’” c. Forty years later, Phinehas, one of the priests, stopped a plague by killing an Israelite who had yielded to the temptations of Baal-Peor. Numbers 25:6-13 “And behold, one of the people of Israel came and brought a Midianite woman to his family, in the sight of Moses and in the sight of the whole congregation of the people of Israel, while they were weeping in the entrance of the tent of meeting. [7] When Phinehas the son of Eleazar, son of Aaron the priest, saw it, he rose and left the congregation and took a spear in his hand [8] and went after the man of Israel into the chamber and pierced both of them, the man of Israel and the woman through her belly. Thus the plague on the people of Israel was stopped. [9] Nevertheless, those who died by the plague were twenty-four thousand. [10] And the Lord said to Moses, [11] “Phinehas the son of Eleazar, son of Aaron the priest, has turned back my wrath from the people of Israel, in that he was jealous with my jealousy among them, so that I did not consume the people of Israel in my jealousy. [12] Therefore say, ‘Behold, I give to him my covenant of peace, [13] and it shall be to him and to his descendants after him the covenant of a perpetual priesthood, because he was jealous for his God and made atonement for the people of Israel.’”

(1)Phinehas’ deed is celebrated in Psalm 106:28-31 “Then (Israel) yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor, and ate sacriﬁces offered to the dead; [29] they provoked the Lord to anger with their deeds, and a plague broke out among them. [30] Then Phinehas stood up and intervened, and the plague was stayed. [31] And that was counted to him as righteousness from generation to generation forever.”

(2)Compare Phinehas’ reward to Abraham’s. Genesis 15:1-6 d. When Israel was numbered, to determine the number of men who could go to war, the Levites were excluded. Numbers 1:44-50

After Simeon and Levi killed the men of Shechem, the rest of the sons of Jacob plundered the city of its wealth, its animals, and the surviving wives and children (perhaps to be enslaved).

Jacob feared the consequences of his son’s actions.

This is another instance of Jacob’s incomplete trust in the promises of God. a. God had promised to be with Jacob, and take care of him. 28:13-15 b. Jacob did not need to fear, and his fear was not realized.

The Sons justiﬁed their vengeance by saying that they could not allow anyone to treat their sister as a “prostitute.” (NOTE: The Hebrew word here is ZANAH, which does not mean “prostitute,” exclusively. It is a more general reference to any woman who commits fornication, a “harlot,”which could include prostitution, but refers also all other types of fornication.)

Gen.35: 1 Then God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel and dwell there; and make an altar there to God, who appeared to you when you fled from the face of Esau your brother.”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.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.8 Now Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died, and she was buried below Bethel under the terebinth tree. So the name of it was called Allon Bachuth.

Summary Gen. 35:1-8

God commanded Jacob to “go up” to Bethel.

Jacob was gradually moving nearer to his father, Isaac.

Bethel is about 20 air miles south of Shechem, but at a higher altitude.

The name Bethel had not become its permanent name.

God had instructed Jacob to build an altar there.

He had built an altar at Succoth. 33:16

He had also built one at Shechem. 33:20

To prepare Jacob’s household to worship Him, God commanded them to put away the foreign gods they had, and to purify themselves.

The family and servants of his household gave Jacob their gods, and the rings of gold from their ears.

Jacob buried this treasure, but the text tells us where.

A “ fear of God” prevented any attack on Jacob’s caravan.

Jacob had been fearful of the people of Canaan, after his sons had killed the men of Shechem, and pillaged the city. 34:30 2. His fears were needless, since God had him under His protection.

Gen. 35:9 Then God appeared to Jacob again, when he came from Padan Aram, and blessed him.10 And God said to him, “Your name is Jacob; your name shall not be called Jacob anymore, but Israel shall be your name.” So He called his name Israel.

Related Scriptures:

Isaiah 9:8 The Lord sent a word against Jacob, And it has fallen on Israel.

Romans 9:6-8 But it is not that the word of God has taken no effect. For they are not all Israel who are of Israel, nor because they are the seed of Abraham are they all children. But, “In Isaac shall your Seed (Christ Jesus) be called.”That is, not the children of the flesh are children of God; but the children of the promise are counted for a seed. (Spiritually in Christ we are the Israel of God)

Romans 11:26 And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The Deliverer (Jesus Christ) will come out of Zion, And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob;

ABRAHAMIC COVENANT REPEATED TO JACOB, NOW ISRAEL, SAME BLESSING ON MANKIND FULFILLED IN AND THROUGH JACOB AND HIS OFFSPRING.

We were blessed from the foundations of the world.

Genesis 1:28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

Old Covenant Blessing

Ex. 1:7 But the children of Israel were fruitful and increased abundantly, multiplied and grew exceedingly mighty; and the land was filled with them.

Jesus first sermon was a blessing.

(Mat 5:1-3) And seeing the multitudes, He went up into a mountain. And when He had sat down, His disciples came to Him. And He opened His mouth and taught them, saying,

Blessed are……………………………………………….

New Covenant Blessing

(Eph 1:2-13) Grace be to you, and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenlies in Christ;

Genesis 35:11-15

11 Also God said to him: “I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall proceed from you, and kings shall come from your body.12 “The land which I gave Abraham and Isaac I give to you; and to your descendants after you I give this land.”13 Then God went up from him in the place where He talked with him.14 So Jacob set up a pillar in the place where He talked with him, a pillar of stone; and he poured a drink offering on it, and he poured oil on it.15 And Jacob called the name of the place where God spoke with him, Bethel.

Summary Gen. 35:9-15

God repeated his promises to Jacob at Bethel.

God reminded Jacob of his new name, Israel.

God had originally given him this new name through the angel whom Jacob wrestled. 32:28

God renewed the promises that he had spoken at Bethel the ﬁrst time.

He was promised many descendants. See 28:14
He was told that his descendants would occupy the land of Canaan. See 28:13

Jacob had named the place, Bethel, when he was journeying to Paddan-aram.

It was the place where he saw the ladder used by the angels. 28:12 2. He had raised a pillar at that time, also. 28:18

Gen 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. (Hebre son of sorrow, son of my right hand)19 So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).

Foreshadowing the birth of Jesus

Micah 5:2“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.”

Genesis 35:20-21

20 And Jacob set a pillar on her grave, which is the pillar of Rachel’s grave to this day.21 Then Israel journeyed and pitched his tent beyond the tower of Eder.

1 Chronicles 5:1 Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel—he was indeed the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s bed, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph, the son of Israel, so that the genealogy is not listed according to the birthright;

ALL THE BEGETS

Genesis 35:22-29

22a And it happened, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine; and Israel heard about it.

Summary Gen 16-22a

The journey continued southward.

Rachel delivered her second son, Benjamin, before they came to Bethlehem.

She had hard labor, and died in childbirth.

She was buried along the road to Bethlehem. (NOTE: The text says that the burial place was marked by a pillar, and was still known at the time of the writing of Genesis by Moses. Moses had never been in that area to see it, so far as we know. He must have heard from others [or the Holy Spirit] about it.)

Rachel’s choice of names was “Ben-oni,” meaning “son of my sorrow,” but Jacob changed the name to “Benjamin,” meaning “Son of the right hand.”

Jacob continued his journey south toward Hebron. (NOTE: The text mentions a “tower of Eder,” but this place is not identiﬁed in our geography of Palestine. C. About this time, Reuben, Jacob’s ﬁrstborn son, seduced Bilhah, his father’s slavewife.

Israel “heard of it,” but did not punish Reuben at that time.

Reuben’s punishment was announced just before his father’s death.

Genesis 49:1-4 “Then Jacob called his sons and said, ‘Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you what shall happen to you in days to come. [2] Assemble and listen, O sons of Jacob, listen to Israel your father. [3] Reuben, you are my ﬁrstborn, my might, and the ﬁrst fruits of my strength, preeminent in dignity and preeminent in power. [4] Unstable as water, you shall not have preeminence, because you went up to your father’s bed; then you deﬁled it—he went up to my couch!’”

1 Chronicles 5:1-2 “The sons of Reuben the ﬁrstborn of Israel ( for he was the
ﬁrstborn, but because he deﬁled his father’s couch, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph the son of Israel, so that he could not be enrolled as the oldest son; [2] though Judah became strong among his brothers and a chief came from him, yet the birthright belonged to Joseph)…”

Gen 22:b 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.

Summary Gen. 35:22b-26

A list of the sons of Jacob.

Each wife’s sons are listed according to age.

The sons of the free wives are listed ﬁrst.

Then the sons of the slave-wives are listed. B. Verse 26 says that “These were the sons…born to him in Paddan-aram,” but Benjamin was born in Canaan, near Bethlehem. (He may have been conceived before they left Paddan-aram.)

Gen 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.

Summary Gen. 35:27-29

Jacob ﬁnally came to his father, Isaac.

Isaac was still living in the area previously occupied by Abraham, near Hebron.

Since Isaac lived to be 180 years old, it is possible that Jacob and his family were with him for several years before he died.

Jacob and Esau buried Isaac, before they parted again. (See 36:6-7, below.)

ISAAC DIED AT 180 YEARS OLD (Isaac served as a transition figure between Abraham and Jacob. Isaac lived longer than any other patriarch, but less is written about him.

Genesis 36:1,43

Now this is the genealogy of Esau, who is Edom. ( All the begets starting with

As a conclusion to this lesson:

Romans 9:13 says: (Rom 9:13) As it is written, “Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.”

Why did God love Jacob and hate Esau? Review

Paul writes a difficult statement in Romans 9:13:

Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.

Scholars debate whether or not God actually hated Esau. There are two main opinions on this question.

Option 1: Hate = “Love Less”

Some argue that the reference to hate in Malachi 1:2-3 is a Hebrew idiom for “love less.” They point out that Jesus instructs us to love our enemies rather than hate them (Matt 5:44), point to the places where Jesus tells His disciples to both hate and love their parents (Luke 14:26; Mark 10:19), and remind people that God has strictly forbidden the Israelites from hating the Edomites (Deut 23:7).

Some might suppose that God’s pronouncement that he “loved” Jacob and “hated” Esau shows that he is speaking about their individual eternal destinies, but this is mistaken. In Hebraic thought, when “love” and “hate” are contrasted they usually are meant hyperbolically. The expression simply means to strongly prefer one person or thing over another.

So, for example, when Jesus said, “Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple” (Lk 14:26), he was not saying we should literally hate these people. Elsewhere he taught people to love and respect their parents, as the Old Testament also taught (Mk 10:19). Indeed, he commanded us to love even our enemies (Mt 5:44)! What Jesus was saying was that he must be preferred above parents, spouses, children, siblings and even life itself. The meaning of Malachi’s phrase, then, is simply that God preferred Israel over Edom to be the people he wanted to work with to reach out to the world.

Option 2: Hate = Hate

Others, however, argue that God did in fact hate Esau (and the Edomites), for that is what the text clearly states.

We must, therefore, recognize that that there is in God a holy hate that cannot be defined in terms of not loving or loving less. Furthermore, we may not tone down the reality of intensity of this hate by speaking of it as “anthropopathic” … The case is rather, as in all virtue, that this holy hate in us is patterned after holy hate in God (Murray, Romans, 2:22).

So which view is right? Did God hate Esau?

How can we choose between the two views above? Does God hate Esau and Edom, or does He simply love Edom less than He loves Israel?

The solution to the problem of Romans 9:13 is to agree with those who say that “hate” means “hate,” but to also agree with the others who argue that neither Paul nor Malachi are talking about Esau’s eternal destiny (or anyone else for that matter).

More critical still is to recognize that what God hated is not specifically Esau, for Malachi 1:3 was written many centuries after he had died, nor was God saying He hates the people of Edom.

Instead, God hated how Edom behaved toward Israel. The Hebrew word used in Malachi 1:3 for “hate” (Heb., sanati) is used in various other places to speak of hatred for the sin and wickedness of people (cf. Psa 26:5; 101:3; 119:104, 128, 163; Prov 8:13; Jer 44:3; Amos 5:21; 6:8; Zech 8:17), not hatred for the people themselves. In light of what many other biblical prophets say about the actions and behavior of Edom (cf. Jer 49:7-22; Lam 4:21-22; Ezek 25:12-14; Amos 1:6-11), this is how we can understand God’s hatred in Malachi 1:3.

God does not hate Edom; He hates how she has behaved. Specifically, God hated how Edom treated Israel.

ALL THE BEGETS Gen. 36:1-43

Summary Gen 36:1-43

Esau’s descendants.

A.The ﬁnal separation of Esau from his brother, Jacob, is written in Verses 6-8.

(Gen 36:6-8) And Esau took his wives and his sons and his daughters, and all the souls of his house, and his cattle, and all his beasts, and all his substance which he had gotten in the land of Canaan, and went into the country away from the face of his brother Jacob. For their riches were more than that they might dwell together. And the land of their travels could not bear them because of their cattle. And Esau lived in Mount Seir. Esau is Edom.

B.The Ishmaelites had kings long before there was a king in Israel. Verse 31-39

(Gen 36:31-39) And these were the kings that reigned in the land of Edom before the reigning of a king over the sons of Israel.And Bela the son of Beor reigned in Edom. And the name of his city was Dinhabah.And Bela died, and Jobab the son of Zerah, from Bozrah, reigned in his place.And Jobab died, and Husham from the land of the Temanites reigned in his place.And Husham died, and Hadad the son of Bedad, who smote Midian in the field of Moab reigned in his place. And the name of his city was Avith.And Hadad died, and Samlah from Masrekah reigned in his place.And Samlah died, and Shaul of Rehoboth by the river reigned in his place.And Shaul died, and Baalhanan the son of Achbor reigned in his place.And Baalhanan the son of Achbor died, and Hadar reigned in his place. And the name of his city was Pau. And his wife’s name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab.

The nation descended from Ishmael was Edom, and they lived in the high country of Seir.

Gen. 36:43 Chief Magdiel, and Chief Iram. These were the chiefs of Edom, according to their dwelling places in the land of their possession. Esau was the father of the Edomites

The Edomites:

Anah (Gen_26:34; Gen_36:2), when she became the wife of Esau. A district among the mountains of Edom, probably near Mount Hor, was called after her name, or it may be that she received her name from the district. From her descended three tribes of Edomites, founded by her three sons.

The name “Edom” comes from a Semitic word meaning “red,” and the land south of the Dead Sea was given that name because of the red sandstone so prominent in the topography. Esau, because of the soup for which he traded his birthright, became known as Edom, and later moved his family into the hill country of the same name.

Genesis 36recounts the early history of the Edomites, stating that they had kings reigning over them long before Israel had a king (Genesis 36:31). The religion of the Edomites was similar to that of other pagan societies who worshiped fertility gods. Esau’s descendants eventually dominated the southern lands and made their living by agriculture and trade. One of the ancient trade routes, the King’s Highway (Numbers 20:17) passed through Edom, and when the Israelites requested permission to use the route on their exodus from Egypt, they were rejected by force.

Major Religions- Judaism, Christinaity, Islam,

Messianic Prophecies

Gen.26:2-5..The Seed of Isaac promised as the Redeemer..Heb.11:18

(Heb 11:18) of whom it was said that in Isaac your Seed shall be called,

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GENESIS REVEALED – LESSON 8

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