Category Archives: Jacob

undeserved blessing

Posted on March 6, 2014 by Jefferson Vann

Genesis 27:14-26 14 And he went and took them and brought them to his mother, and his mother made tasty food, the kind that his father loved. 15 Also, Rebekah took the best clothes of Esau her larger son, which … Continue reading →

Posted in grace, Isaac, Jacob, relationship with God | Tagged | 1 Comment

unexpected events

Posted on March 4, 2014 by Jefferson Vann

Genesis 27:1-13 When Isaac was old and his eyes were so dim that he could not see where he looked, he called Esau his older son and said to him, “My son”; and he answered, “Here I am.” 2 He … Continue reading →

Posted in dependence upon God, discernment, Esau, Isaac, Jacob, trust | Tagged | 1 Comment

Jacob: blessing his sons, gathered to his people

Posted on February 23, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Genesis 49.  This passage reveals the strong connection that Jacob had with his sons. He knew them — their spiritual character. He had been given insight into their destiny. He also felt a spiritual connection with his loved ones who … Continue reading →

Posted in family, Jacob, mortality | Tagged | 1 Comment

Israel: losing the favorite son

Posted on February 10, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Genesis 37.   Israel had many sons, but Joseph was his favorite.  Imagine the sorrow he must have felt when his other sons brought him the coat that he had given Joseph – battered and bloodied.  No wonder he put on … Continue reading →

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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 →

Posted in genuineness, integrity, Jacob, trust | Tagged | 1 Comment

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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