Monthly Archives: February 2012

Israel: assuming the mantle

Posted on February 8, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Genesis 35.   The ESV Study Bible writes that “Jacob moves by stages from Shechem to Bethel… During this journey a number of incidents occur”  (including the deaths of Deborah and Rachel).  At the end of his journey, he is “in … Continue reading →

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Jacob: tragedy at Shechem

Posted on February 7, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Genesis 34.  Two wrongs do not make a right.  The rape of Dinah by Shechem was inexcusable.  But the treachery of Jacob’s sons in insisting that the men of the town be circumcised – only to weaken them so that … Continue reading →

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Jacob: El-Elohe-Israel

Posted on February 6, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Genesis 33.  Jacob limps away from Peniel, where he had seen the face of God, and his life was delivered.  He now meets up with his brother Esau – whom he hadn’t seen for 20 years.  God has been at … Continue reading →

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Jacob: Peniel

Posted on February 5, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Genesis 32.  Jacob is at a crisis point in his life.  He has left his father-in-law behind and responded to God’s call to go back to Canaan.  He learns that Esau is preparing to meet him with a band of … Continue reading →

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Jacob: Mizpah

Posted on February 4, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Genesis 31.  After 20 years of service to Laban, God had blessed Jacob with a large family and many possessions.  In fact, his wealth had increased so much that he was now seen as a threat to Laban.  Jacob leaves … Continue reading →

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Jacob: envy and manipulation

Posted on February 3, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Genesis 29:31-30:43.  The Israelites in Moses’ day would look back upon today’s text and see how God orchestrated the events to produce Jacob’s family and prosperity.  Yet they would also see that their own existence was the result of human … Continue reading →

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Jacob: grace with consequences

Posted on February 2, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

  Genesis 29:1-30.   God is at work in the background of Jacob’s life, making sure that he stays with Laban long enough to cool down the anger of Esau, and so preserve Jacob’s life by his grace.  But God has … Continue reading →

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Jacob’s ladder

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Genesis 28:10-22.  It was either a ladder or a set of steps.  What matters is that it reached to heaven, and vice-versa.  Jacob saw it in his dream, and he saw God’s angels ascending and descending on it.  The LORD … Continue reading →

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