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Jacob
Updated: Oct 10, 2020
“Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.” (Genesis 32:28)
Date
2005 BC - 1859 BC
Bible Reference
Genesis 25:19 – 50:14
Summary
Jacob (Israel) was the youngest of twins. When they were older, Jacob tricked his brother out of his birthright and his blessing. Escaping his brother Esau’s anger, Jacob fled more than 400 miles away, to the city of Haran. On the way, in Bethel, Jacob had a dream of angels ascending and descending a staircase into heaven. In the dream, God promised to be with Jacob.
In Haran, Jacob met a girl named Rachel and offered her father Laban seven years of service for her hand in marriage. After seven years, Laban gave him his daughter Leah instead. Jacob agreed to work another seven years for Rachel’s hand.
After 20 years, and having 11 sons and one daughter, Jacob returned to Canaan. The night before making amends with his brother Esau, Jacob wrestled with “a man” at Penuel and Jacob was renamed “Israel,” which means “the one who strives with God.”
Traveling through Canaan, Rachel died giving birth to Benjamin, Jacob’s twelfth son. Finally, Jacob reunited with his father and settled in Hebron.
(Genesis 25:34; 27:1-30:24; 31:1-33:17)
Character
Sly and deceitful (Genesis 25:29-34; 27:1-29; 30:25-43)
Resourceful and assertive (Genesis 30:37-43; 32:22-30)
Apprehensive (Genesis 32:3-21; 34:30-31; 43:6)
Faithful (Hebrews 11:21)
Symbolism
Jacob had a dream of a staircase bridging the gap between heaven and earth (Genesis 28:10-17)
Jesus bridges the gap that sin creates between God and people (Genesis 28:12; John 1:51)
Challenges
Having trouble being honest. (Genesis 27:5-29; 30:37-43)
Fear of facing his brother Esau who wanted to kill him. (Genesis 32:3-21)
Having difficulty trusting God to provide for him and his family without taking things into his own hands. (Genesis 32:3-21; 33:1-3)
Having problems maintaining control and order in his family. (Genesis 34:1-31; 35:22; 37-38)
Lessons
God’s plan and promises will prevail, even in t he midst of human weakness. (Genesis 28:13-15; 35:9-12)
We often reap what we sow. Our sin will find us out. (Genesis 29:15-30; 30:25-36; Numbers 32:23)
Great transformation can occur under the power of God. (Genesis 32:22-32)
Genealogy of Jesus Christ
"Afterward his brother came out, and his hand took hold of Esau’s heel; so his name was called Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when she bore them." (Genesis 25:26)
Prophecy of Jesus Christ
"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." (Genesis 28:14)
