Jacob
Which of these two sons will bear the faith of Abraham and Isaac?
In the bible story, Esau the older son cares little for the vital things in life. The younger son will only help his brother if he gains something in return. Obviously, I he tension of the heir continues. With Isaac the tension lay in his birth, while with Jacob and Esau the tension rests in their worthiness.
Jacob outmaneuvers Esau again in chapter 27. Isaac has grown old, and his eyesight has failed (27:1). Isaac sends
Esau to hunt game and cook before the blessing. Rebekah hears the plan, however, dresses Jacob like Esau, and sends the younger son to be blessed. Confused, Isaac blesses Jacob (27:27-29). The promises God made to Abraham and Isaac are transferred to Jacob. Thus, he gains not only Esau’s birthright but his special promises as well. Of course, Esau resents this turn of events. His only comfort comes from planning to kill Jacob (27:41). Jacob’s only recourse is to flee. Rebekah sends him to her brother Laban in Haran, which sounds like a merciful idea at the time (27:43). Ironically, Jacob cannot use the advantages his trickery has gained him.
On the way to Haran, Jacob has a vision of heaven (28:10-22). During this dream God offers him the promises of Abraham and Isaac. Land, offspring, and relationship are again at the heart of the covenant (28:13-15). Rather than accept God’s offer unreservedly, though, Jacob vows to follow the Lord if he can return “safely” to
Canaan (28:20-22). Therefore, Jacob will have his own struggle for faith. In him, then, the search for an heir and the struggle to believe are revived. Still, he is the person God chooses to further the reversal
of Genesis 1-11.
Haran does not prove to be a safe place for Jacob. He does find his uncle Laban, but he soon learns Laban is as treacherous as he himself. Many troubles plague the heel grabber. He falls in love with Laban’s daughter Rachel and works seven years for her. On his wedding night Rachel’s older, and less attractive (29:17), sister, Leah, is
exchanged for Rachel (29:23). The text humorously notes, “When morning came, there was Leah!” Jacob, outraged, asks, “Why have you deceived me?” The trickster has been tricked, and he must work seven more years for Rachel. Obviously, life with Laban is difficult.
After his marriage Jacob begins to father heirs of his own. Even this process causes strife. Leah is not Jacob’s favorite, but she bears sons. Jacob loves Rachel the most, but she is barren. Rachel, therefore,
repeats the custom of giving the handmaid as a surrogate. Leah does the same when she stops having children. Finally, Rachel has a son named Joseph. In all, eleven sons and a daughter are mentioned in the text (29:31-30:24). Certainly, Jacob does not share Abraham’s need for a son. Throughout this time period Rachel and Leah
vie for Jacob’s affections (note 30:14-16). This competition did not lead to domestic peace, and it had long-lasting consequences.
Along with his domestic problems, Jacob has difficulty with Laban, for who he works. The two men squabble over their flocks,and God directs Jacob to flee Laban and head back to Canaan (31:3-21). Jacob has Laban’s daughters, flocks (honestly gotten), and Grand children. When they flee, Rachel steals Laban’s household
gods, which conveyed inheritance rights, so Laban chases them.
For bible stories, go to http://www.childrenstory.info.
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