genesis ãjacob’s trouble. ãthe religious mentality: what is god trying to do? i don’t know, i...

GenesisGenesis

Jacob’s troubleJacob’s trouble

The religious mentality:The religious mentality:What is God trying to do?What is God trying to do?I don’t know, I just want I don’t know, I just want –my bills paidmy bills paid–a comfy homea comfy home–good healthgood health–and safetyand safety


Following God is all Following God is all about what’s in it for about what’s in it for my temporal lifemy temporal life


Object of religion = Object of religion = Get God to deliverGet God to deliver


Willing to use Willing to use manipulation to manipulation to get what you want get what you want from Godfrom God

The religious mentality:The religious mentality:Also: Whatever happens Also: Whatever happens good will be up to me good will be up to me


Views God as either Views God as either stingy, or disengaged, stingy, or disengaged, so he needs me to do so he needs me to do most of the workmost of the work


Also, I’ll probably Also, I’ll probably have to pay him for have to pay him for any assistance he any assistance he gives megives me

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble27:41 Esau hated Jacob because he 27:41 Esau hated Jacob because he

had stolen his blessing, and he said had stolen his blessing, and he said to himself, “My father will soon be to himself, “My father will soon be dead and gone. Then I will kill dead and gone. Then I will kill Jacob.” Jacob.”

42 But someone got wind of what 42 But someone got wind of what Esau was planning and reported it Esau was planning and reported it to Rebekah. She sent for Jacob and to Rebekah. She sent for Jacob and told him, “Esau is threatening to told him, “Esau is threatening to kill you. kill you.

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble43 This is what you should do. 43 This is what you should do. Flee to your uncle Laban in Flee to your uncle Laban in Haran. Haran.

44 Stay there with him until your 44 Stay there with him until your brother’s fury is spent. brother’s fury is spent.

45 When he forgets what you have 45 When he forgets what you have done, I will send for you. Why done, I will send for you. Why should I lose both of you in one should I lose both of you in one day?” day?”

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble28:10 Jacob left Beersheba and 28:10 Jacob left Beersheba and traveled toward Haran. traveled toward Haran.

11 At sundown he arrived at a 11 At sundown he arrived at a good place to set up camp and good place to set up camp and stopped there for the night. stopped there for the night. Jacob found a stone for a pillow Jacob found a stone for a pillow and lay down to sleep. and lay down to sleep.

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble12 As he slept, he dreamed of a 12 As he slept, he dreamed of a stairway that reached from earth stairway that reached from earth to heaven. And he saw the angels to heaven. And he saw the angels of God going up and down on it. of God going up and down on it.

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble13 At the top of the stairway stood 13 At the top of the stairway stood the Lord, and he said, “I am the the Lord, and he said, “I am the Lord, the God of your Lord, the God of your grandfather Abraham and the grandfather Abraham and the God of your father, Isaac. The God of your father, Isaac. The ground you are lying on belongs ground you are lying on belongs to you. I will give it to you and to you. I will give it to you and your descendants. your descendants.

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble14 Your descendants will be as 14 Your descendants will be as numerous as the dust of the numerous as the dust of the earth! They will cover the land earth! They will cover the land from east to west and from north from east to west and from north to south. All the families of the to south. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you earth will be blessed through you and your descendants. and your descendants.

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble15 What’s more, I will be with 15 What’s more, I will be with you, and I will protect you you, and I will protect you wherever you go. I will someday wherever you go. I will someday bring you safely back to this bring you safely back to this land. I will be with you land. I will be with you constantly until I have finished constantly until I have finished giving you everything I have giving you everything I have promised.” promised.”

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble16 Then Jacob woke up and said, 16 Then Jacob woke up and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I wasn’t even aware of it.” and I wasn’t even aware of it.”

17 He was afraid and said, “17 He was afraid and said, “What What an awesome place this isan awesome place this is! It is ! It is none other than the house of Godnone other than the house of God—the gateway to heaven!” —the gateway to heaven!”

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble18 The next morning he got up very 18 The next morning he got up very

early. He took the stone he had used early. He took the stone he had used as a pillow and set it upright as a as a pillow and set it upright as a memorial pillar. Then he poured memorial pillar. Then he poured olive oil over it. olive oil over it.

19 He named the place Bethel— 19 He named the place Bethel— “house of God”—though the name “house of God”—though the name of the nearby village was Luz. of the nearby village was Luz.




Completely Completely misses the point!misses the point!




It’s not the place It’s not the place that’s specialthat’s special




De-personalizes De-personalizes the encounterthe encounter



19 He named the place Bethel— 19 He named the place Bethel— “house of God”—though the name “house of God”—though the name of the nearby village was Luz. of the nearby village was Luz. His superstitious view His superstitious view shows distance from Godshows distance from God

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble20 Then Jacob made this vow: “If God 20 Then Jacob made this vow: “If God

will be with me and if he will protect will be with me and if he will protect me on this journey and if he will give me on this journey and if he will give me food and clothing, me food and clothing,

21 and if he will bring me back safely to 21 and if he will bring me back safely to my father, then I will make the Lord my father, then I will make the Lord my God. my God.

22 This memorial pillar will become a 22 This memorial pillar will become a place for worshiping God, and I will place for worshiping God, and I will give God a tenth of everything he gives give God a tenth of everything he gives me.”me.”



21 and if he will bring me back safely to 21 and if he will bring me back safely to my father, my father, then I will make the Lord then I will make the Lord my Godmy God. .

22 This memorial pillar will become a 22 This memorial pillar will become a place for worshiping God, and I will place for worshiping God, and I will give God a tenth of everything he gives give God a tenth of everything he gives me.”me.”



21 and if he will bring me back safely to 21 and if he will bring me back safely to my father, my father, then I will make the Lord then I will make the Lord my Godmy God. .

22 This memorial pillar will become a 22 This memorial pillar will become a place for worshiping God, place for worshiping God, and I will and I will give God a tenth of everything he gives give God a tenth of everything he gives meme.”.”

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble29:1 Jacob hurried on, finally 29:1 Jacob hurried on, finally

arriving in the land of the east. arriving in the land of the east. 9 … [at a well], Rachel arrived with 9 … [at a well], Rachel arrived with

her father’s sheep, for she was a her father’s sheep, for she was a shepherd. shepherd.

11 Then Jacob kissed Rachel, and 11 Then Jacob kissed Rachel, and tears came to his eyes. tears came to his eyes.

12 … So Rachel quickly ran and told 12 … So Rachel quickly ran and told her father, Laban. her father, Laban.

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble29:14 After Jacob had been there 29:14 After Jacob had been there about a month, about a month,

15 Laban said to him, “You 15 Laban said to him, “You shouldn’t work for me without shouldn’t work for me without pay just because we are relatives. pay just because we are relatives. How much do you want?” How much do you want?”

16 Now Laban had two daughters: 16 Now Laban had two daughters: Leah, who was the oldest, and Leah, who was the oldest, and her younger sister, Rachel. her younger sister, Rachel.

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble17 Leah had pretty eyes, but 17 Leah had pretty eyes, but Rachel was beautiful in every Rachel was beautiful in every way, with a lovely face and way, with a lovely face and shapely figure. shapely figure.

18 Since Jacob was in love with 18 Since Jacob was in love with Rachel, he told her father, “I’ll Rachel, he told her father, “I’ll work for you seven years if you’ll work for you seven years if you’ll give me Rachel, your younger give me Rachel, your younger daughter, as my wife.” daughter, as my wife.”

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble19 “Agreed!” Laban replied. “I’d 19 “Agreed!” Laban replied. “I’d rather give her to you than to rather give her to you than to someone outside the family.” someone outside the family.”

20 So Jacob spent the next seven 20 So Jacob spent the next seven years working to pay for Rachel. years working to pay for Rachel. But his love for her was so strong But his love for her was so strong that it seemed to him but a few that it seemed to him but a few days. days.

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble21 Finally, the time came for him 21 Finally, the time came for him to marry her. “I have fulfilled to marry her. “I have fulfilled my contract,” Jacob said to my contract,” Jacob said to Laban. “Now give me my wife so Laban. “Now give me my wife so we can be married.” we can be married.”

22 So Laban invited everyone in 22 So Laban invited everyone in the neighborhood to celebrate the neighborhood to celebrate with Jacob at a wedding feast. with Jacob at a wedding feast.

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble23 That night, when it was dark, 23 That night, when it was dark, Laban took Leah to Jacob, and Laban took Leah to Jacob, and he slept with her. he slept with her.

25 But when Jacob woke up in the 25 But when Jacob woke up in the morning—it was Leah! “What morning—it was Leah! “What sort of trick is this?” Jacob raged sort of trick is this?” Jacob raged at Laban. “I worked seven years at Laban. “I worked seven years for Rachel. What do you mean for Rachel. What do you mean by this trickery?” by this trickery?”

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble23 That night, when it was dark, 23 That night, when it was dark, Laban took Leah to Jacob, and Laban took Leah to Jacob, and he slept with her. he slept with her.

25 But when Jacob woke up in the 25 But when Jacob woke up in the morning—it was Leah! “What morning—it was Leah! “What sort of trick is this?” Jacob raged sort of trick is this?” Jacob raged at Laban. “I worked seven years at Laban. “I worked seven years for Rachel. What do you mean for Rachel. What do you mean by this trickery?” by this trickery?”

How could this How could this happen?happen?

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble29:26 “It’s not our custom to 29:26 “It’s not our custom to marry off a younger daughter marry off a younger daughter ahead of the firstborn,” Laban ahead of the firstborn,” Laban replied. replied.

27 “Wait until the bridal week is 27 “Wait until the bridal week is over, and you can have Rachel, over, and you can have Rachel, too—that is, if you promise to too—that is, if you promise to work another seven years for work another seven years for me.” me.”

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble28 So Jacob agreed to work seven 28 So Jacob agreed to work seven more years. A week after Jacob more years. A week after Jacob had married Leah, Laban gave had married Leah, Laban gave him Rachel, too. him Rachel, too.

30 So Jacob slept with Rachel, 30 So Jacob slept with Rachel, too, and he loved her more than too, and he loved her more than Leah. He then stayed and Leah. He then stayed and worked the additional seven worked the additional seven years.years.

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble30:25 Soon after Joseph was born 30:25 Soon after Joseph was born to Rachel, Jacob said to Laban, to Rachel, Jacob said to Laban, “I want to go back home. “I want to go back home.

26 Let me take my wives and 26 Let me take my wives and children, for I have earned them children, for I have earned them from you, and let me be on my from you, and let me be on my way. You know I have fully paid way. You know I have fully paid for them with my service to for them with my service to you.” you.”

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble30 “You had little indeed before I 30 “You had little indeed before I came, and your wealth has came, and your wealth has increased enormously. The Lord increased enormously. The Lord has blessed you from everything has blessed you from everything I do! But now, what about me? I do! But now, what about me? When should I provide for my When should I provide for my own family?” own family?”

31 “What wages do you want?” 31 “What wages do you want?” Laban asked again. Laban asked again.

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble31,2 Jacob replied, “Let me go out 31,2 Jacob replied, “Let me go out among your flocks today and among your flocks today and remove all the sheep and goats remove all the sheep and goats that are speckled or spotted, along that are speckled or spotted, along with all the dark-colored sheep. with all the dark-colored sheep. Give them to me as my wages.Give them to me as my wages.

34 “All right,” Laban replied. “It 34 “All right,” Laban replied. “It will be as you have said.” will be as you have said.”

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble35 But that very day Laban went out 35 But that very day Laban went out

and removed all the male goats that and removed all the male goats that were speckled and spotted, the females were speckled and spotted, the females that were speckled and spotted with that were speckled and spotted with any white patches, and all the dark-any white patches, and all the dark-colored sheep. He placed them in the colored sheep. He placed them in the care of his sons, care of his sons,

36 and they took them three days’ 36 and they took them three days’ distance from where Jacob was. distance from where Jacob was. Meanwhile, Jacob stayed and cared Meanwhile, Jacob stayed and cared for Laban’s flock. for Laban’s flock.

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble37 Now Jacob took fresh shoots 37 Now Jacob took fresh shoots from poplar, almond, and plane from poplar, almond, and plane trees and peeled off strips of the trees and peeled off strips of the bark to make white streaks on bark to make white streaks on them. them.

38 Then he set up these peeled 38 Then he set up these peeled branches beside the watering branches beside the watering troughs so Laban’s flocks would troughs so Laban’s flocks would see them as they came to drink, for see them as they came to drink, for that was when they mated. that was when they mated.

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble39 So when the flocks mated in front of 39 So when the flocks mated in front of

the white-streaked branches, all of the white-streaked branches, all of their offspring were streaked, their offspring were streaked, speckled, and spotted. speckled, and spotted.

40 Jacob added them to his own flock, 40 Jacob added them to his own flock, thus separating the lambs from thus separating the lambs from Laban’s flock. Then at mating time, he Laban’s flock. Then at mating time, he turned the flocks toward the streaked turned the flocks toward the streaked and dark-colored rams in Laban’s and dark-colored rams in Laban’s flock. This is how he built his flock flock. This is how he built his flock from Laban’s. from Laban’s.

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble39 So when the flocks mated in front of 39 So when the flocks mated in front of

the white-streaked branches, all of the white-streaked branches, all of their offspring were streaked, their offspring were streaked, speckled, and spotted. speckled, and spotted.

40 Jacob added them to his own flock, 40 Jacob added them to his own flock, thus separating the lambs from thus separating the lambs from Laban’s flock. Then at mating time, he Laban’s flock. Then at mating time, he turned the flocks toward the streaked turned the flocks toward the streaked and dark-colored rams in Laban’s and dark-colored rams in Laban’s flock. This is how he built his flock flock. This is how he built his flock from Laban’s. from Laban’s.

Jacob thinks his Jacob thinks his sympathetic magic sympathetic magic is what expands is what expands his flockshis flocks

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble43 As a result, Jacob’s flocks 43 As a result, Jacob’s flocks increased rapidly, and he increased rapidly, and he became very wealthy, with many became very wealthy, with many servants, camels, and donkeys. servants, camels, and donkeys.

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble43 As a result, Jacob’s flocks 43 As a result, Jacob’s flocks increased rapidly, and he increased rapidly, and he became very wealthy, with many became very wealthy, with many servants, camels, and donkeys. servants, camels, and donkeys.

But Laban out-But Laban out-manipulates him manipulates him again!again!““Oh, no, not the Oh, no, not the striped ones, I meant striped ones, I meant the speckled ones”the speckled ones”

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble31:1 But Jacob soon learned that 31:1 But Jacob soon learned that Laban’s sons were beginning to Laban’s sons were beginning to grumble. “Jacob has robbed our grumble. “Jacob has robbed our father!” they said. “All his father!” they said. “All his wealth has been gained at our wealth has been gained at our father’s expense.” father’s expense.”

2 And Jacob began to notice a 2 And Jacob began to notice a considerable cooling in Laban’s considerable cooling in Laban’s attitude toward him. attitude toward him.

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble3 Then the Lord said to Jacob, 3 Then the Lord said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your “Return to the land of your father and grandfather and to father and grandfather and to your relatives there, and I will be your relatives there, and I will be with you.” with you.”

4 Jacob called Rachel and Leah 4 Jacob called Rachel and Leah out to the field where he was out to the field where he was watching the flocks, watching the flocks,

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble5 so he could talk things over with 5 so he could talk things over with them. “Your father has turned them. “Your father has turned against me and is not treating me against me and is not treating me like he used to,” he told them. like he used to,” he told them. “But the God of my father has “But the God of my father has been with me. been with me.

6 You know how hard I have 6 You know how hard I have worked for your father, worked for your father,

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble7 but he has tricked me, breaking his 7 but he has tricked me, breaking his

wage agreement with me again and wage agreement with me again and again. But God has not allowed him again. But God has not allowed him to do me any harm. to do me any harm.

8 For if he said the speckled animals 8 For if he said the speckled animals were mine, the whole flock began to were mine, the whole flock began to produce speckled lambs. And when produce speckled lambs. And when he changed his mind and said I he changed his mind and said I could have the streaked ones, then could have the streaked ones, then all the lambs were born streaked. all the lambs were born streaked.

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble9 In this way, God has made me 9 In this way, God has made me

wealthy at your father’s expense. wealthy at your father’s expense. 10 During the mating season, I had a 10 During the mating season, I had a

dream and saw that the male goats dream and saw that the male goats mating with the flock were mating with the flock were streaked, speckled, and spotted. streaked, speckled, and spotted.

11 Then in my dream, the angel of 11 Then in my dream, the angel of God said to me, ‘Jacob!’ And I God said to me, ‘Jacob!’ And I replied, ‘Yes, I’m listening!’ replied, ‘Yes, I’m listening!’

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble12 The angel said, ‘Look, and you 12 The angel said, ‘Look, and you will see that only the streaked, will see that only the streaked, speckled, and spotted males are speckled, and spotted males are mating with the females of your mating with the females of your flock. For I have seen all that flock. For I have seen all that Laban has done to you. Laban has done to you.

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble12 The angel said, ‘Look, and you 12 The angel said, ‘Look, and you will see that only the streaked, will see that only the streaked, speckled, and spotted males are speckled, and spotted males are mating with the females of your mating with the females of your flock. For I have seen all that flock. For I have seen all that Laban has done to you. Laban has done to you.

The real reason The real reason Jacob’s flocks Jacob’s flocks increased!increased!

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble13 I am the God you met at 13 I am the God you met at Bethel, the place where you Bethel, the place where you anointed the pillar of stone and anointed the pillar of stone and made a vow to serve me. Now made a vow to serve me. Now leave this country and return to leave this country and return to the land you came from.’”the land you came from.’”

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble17 So Jacob put his wives and 17 So Jacob put his wives and children on camels. children on camels.

18 He drove the flocks in front of 18 He drove the flocks in front of him—all the livestock he had him—all the livestock he had acquired at Paddan-aram—and acquired at Paddan-aram—and set out on his journey to the land set out on his journey to the land of Canaan, where his father, of Canaan, where his father, Isaac, lived. Isaac, lived.

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble31:19 At the time they left, Laban 31:19 At the time they left, Laban was some distance away, was some distance away, shearing his sheep. Rachel stole shearing his sheep. Rachel stole her father’s household gods and her father’s household gods and took them with her. took them with her.

20 They set out secretly and never 20 They set out secretly and never told Laban they were leaving.told Laban they were leaving.

22 Laban didn’t learn of their 22 Laban didn’t learn of their flight for three days. flight for three days.

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble23 But when he did, he gathered a 23 But when he did, he gathered a group of his relatives and set out group of his relatives and set out in hot pursuit. He caught up with in hot pursuit. He caught up with them seven days later in the hill them seven days later in the hill country of Gilead. country of Gilead.

24 But the previous night God 24 But the previous night God had appeared to Laban in a had appeared to Laban in a dream. “Be careful about what dream. “Be careful about what you say to Jacob!” he was told. you say to Jacob!” he was told.

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble25 So when Laban caught up with 25 So when Laban caught up with Jacob as he was camped in the hill Jacob as he was camped in the hill country of Gilead, he set up his country of Gilead, he set up his camp not far from Jacob’s. camp not far from Jacob’s.

26 “What do you mean by sneaking 26 “What do you mean by sneaking off like this?” Laban demanded. off like this?” Laban demanded. “Are my daughters prisoners, the “Are my daughters prisoners, the plunder of war, that you have plunder of war, that you have stolen them away like this? stolen them away like this?

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble29 I could destroy you, but the 29 I could destroy you, but the God of your father appeared God of your father appeared to me last night and told me, to me last night and told me, ‘Be careful about what you ‘Be careful about what you say to Jacob!’ say to Jacob!’

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble29 I could destroy you, but the 29 I could destroy you, but the God of your father appeared God of your father appeared to me last night and told me, to me last night and told me, ‘Be careful about what you ‘Be careful about what you say to Jacob!’ say to Jacob!’ Once again, Jacob’s Once again, Jacob’s

shifty ways gain no shifty ways gain no advantage, but nearly advantage, but nearly get him killed!get him killed!

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble41 Yes, twenty years I’ve 41 Yes, twenty years I’ve worked for you—fourteen of worked for you—fourteen of them earning your two them earning your two daughters, and six years to daughters, and six years to get the flock. And you have get the flock. And you have reduced my wages ten times! reduced my wages ten times!

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble42 In fact, except for the grace of 42 In fact, except for the grace of God—the God of my grandfather God—the God of my grandfather Abraham, the awe-inspiring God Abraham, the awe-inspiring God of my father, Isaac—you would of my father, Isaac—you would have sent me off without a penny have sent me off without a penny to my name. But God has seen to my name. But God has seen your cruelty and my hard work. your cruelty and my hard work. That is why he appeared to you That is why he appeared to you last night and vindicated me.”last night and vindicated me.”

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s TroubleGuess who’s waiting for Guess who’s waiting for Jacob in Canaan?Jacob in Canaan?

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s TroubleGuess who’s waiting for Guess who’s waiting for Jacob in Canaan?Jacob in Canaan?

Esau!Esau!

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble32:3 Jacob now sent messengers 32:3 Jacob now sent messengers to his brother, Esau, in Edom, to his brother, Esau, in Edom, the land of Seir. the land of Seir.

4 He told them, “Give this 4 He told them, “Give this message to my master Esau: message to my master Esau: ‘Humble greetings from your ‘Humble greetings from your servant Jacob! I have been living servant Jacob! I have been living with Uncle Laban until recently, with Uncle Laban until recently,

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble5 and now I own oxen, donkeys, 5 and now I own oxen, donkeys, sheep, goats, and many servants, sheep, goats, and many servants, both men and women. I have both men and women. I have sent these messengers to inform sent these messengers to inform you of my coming, hoping that you of my coming, hoping that you will be friendly to us.’” you will be friendly to us.’”

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble6 The messengers returned with 6 The messengers returned with the news that Esau was on his the news that Esau was on his way to meet Jacobway to meet Jacob

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble6 The messengers returned with 6 The messengers returned with the news that Esau was on his the news that Esau was on his way to meet Jacob way to meet Jacob

- with an army of - with an army of four hundred men!four hundred men!

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s TroubleUnder stress, Jacob Under stress, Jacob defaults to his old defaults to his old methods, trying to methods, trying to manipulate the manipulate the situationsituation

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble7 Jacob was terrified at the news. 7 Jacob was terrified at the news. He divided his household, along He divided his household, along with the flocks and herds and with the flocks and herds and camels, into two camps. camels, into two camps.

8 He thought, “If Esau attacks one 8 He thought, “If Esau attacks one group, perhaps the other can group, perhaps the other can escape.” escape.”

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble9 Then Jacob prayed, “O God of 9 Then Jacob prayed, “O God of my grandfather Abraham and my grandfather Abraham and my father, Isaac—O Lord, you my father, Isaac—O Lord, you told me to return to my land and told me to return to my land and to my relatives, and you to my relatives, and you promised to treat me kindly. promised to treat me kindly.

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble10 I am not worthy of all the 10 I am not worthy of all the

faithfulness and unfailing love you faithfulness and unfailing love you have shown to me, your servant. have shown to me, your servant. When I left home, I owned nothing When I left home, I owned nothing except a walking stick, and now my except a walking stick, and now my household fills two camps! household fills two camps!

11 O Lord, please rescue me from my 11 O Lord, please rescue me from my brother, Esau. I am afraid that he is brother, Esau. I am afraid that he is coming to kill me, along with my coming to kill me, along with my wives and children. wives and children.

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble12 But you promised to treat me 12 But you promised to treat me kindly and to multiply my kindly and to multiply my descendants until they become as descendants until they become as numerous as the sands along the numerous as the sands along the seashore—too many to count.” seashore—too many to count.”

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble13 Jacob stayed where he was for 13 Jacob stayed where he was for the night and prepared a present the night and prepared a present for Esau: for Esau:

14 two hundred female goats, 14 two hundred female goats, twenty male goats, two hundred twenty male goats, two hundred ewes, twenty rams, ewes, twenty rams,

15 thirty female camels with their 15 thirty female camels with their young, forty cows, ten bulls, twenty young, forty cows, ten bulls, twenty female donkeys, and ten male female donkeys, and ten male donkeys. donkeys.

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble16 He told his servants to lead 16 He told his servants to lead them on ahead, each group of them on ahead, each group of animals by itself, separated by a animals by itself, separated by a distance in between. distance in between.

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble17 He gave these instructions to the 17 He gave these instructions to the

men leading the first group: “When men leading the first group: “When you meet Esau, he will ask, ‘Where you meet Esau, he will ask, ‘Where are you going? Whose servants are are you going? Whose servants are you? Whose animals are these?’ you? Whose animals are these?’

18 You should reply, ‘These belong 18 You should reply, ‘These belong to your servant Jacob. They are a to your servant Jacob. They are a present for his master Esau! He is present for his master Esau! He is coming right behind us.’” coming right behind us.’”

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble19 Jacob gave the same instructions 19 Jacob gave the same instructions

to each of the herdsmen and told to each of the herdsmen and told them, “You are all to say the same them, “You are all to say the same thing to Esau when you see him. thing to Esau when you see him.

20 And be sure to say, ‘Your servant 20 And be sure to say, ‘Your servant Jacob is right behind us.’” Jacob’s Jacob is right behind us.’” Jacob’s plan was to appease Esau with the plan was to appease Esau with the presents before meeting him face to presents before meeting him face to face. “Perhaps,” Jacob hoped, “he face. “Perhaps,” Jacob hoped, “he will be friendly to us.” will be friendly to us.”

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble32:21 So the presents were sent on 32:21 So the presents were sent on ahead, and Jacob spent that night ahead, and Jacob spent that night in the camp.in the camp.

22 But during the night Jacob got 22 But during the night Jacob got up and sent his two wives, two up and sent his two wives, two concubines, and eleven sons across concubines, and eleven sons across the Jabbok River. the Jabbok River.

23 After they were on the other side, 23 After they were on the other side, he sent over all his possessions. he sent over all his possessions.

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble24 This left Jacob all alone in the 24 This left Jacob all alone in the campcamp

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble24 This left Jacob all alone in the 24 This left Jacob all alone in the camp, and a man came and camp, and a man came and wrestled with him until dawn. wrestled with him until dawn.

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble24 This left Jacob all alone in the 24 This left Jacob all alone in the camp, and a man came and camp, and a man came and wrestled with him until dawn. wrestled with him until dawn.

25 When the man saw that he 25 When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man.he wrestled with the man.

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s TroubleBut Jacob panted, “I will not let But Jacob panted, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” you go unless you bless me.”

28 “Your name will no longer be 28 “Your name will no longer be Jacob,” the man told him. “It is Jacob,” the man told him. “It is now Israel, because you have now Israel, because you have struggled with both God and struggled with both God and men and have won.” men and have won.”

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble31 The sun rose as he left Peniel, 31 The sun rose as he left Peniel, and he was limping because of and he was limping because of his hip. his hip.

32 That is why even today the 32 That is why even today the people of Israel don’t eat meat people of Israel don’t eat meat from near the hip, in memory of from near the hip, in memory of what happened that night. what happened that night.

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble33:1 Then, in the distance, 33:1 Then, in the distance, Jacob saw Esau coming with Jacob saw Esau coming with his four hundred men. his four hundred men.

3 …As he approached his 3 …As he approached his brother, he bowed low seven brother, he bowed low seven times before him. times before him.

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble4 Then Esau ran to meet him and 4 Then Esau ran to meet him and

embraced him affectionately and embraced him affectionately and kissed him. Both of them were in kissed him. Both of them were in tears. tears.


embraced him affectionately and embraced him affectionately and kissed him. Both of them were in kissed him. Both of them were in tears. tears. All Jacob’s careful All Jacob’s careful

plans to appease plans to appease Esau were pointless!Esau were pointless!


embraced him affectionately and embraced him affectionately and kissed him. Both of them were in kissed him. Both of them were in tears. tears.

5 Then Esau looked at the women 5 Then Esau looked at the women and children and asked, “Who are and children and asked, “Who are these people with you?” these people with you?”

““These are the children God has These are the children God has graciously given to me,” Jacob graciously given to me,” Jacob replied… replied…

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s TroubleFrom now on:From now on:- Jacob constantly refers to God- Jacob constantly refers to God- Never again resorts to a pattern of - Never again resorts to a pattern of

manipulationmanipulation- After years of thinking he had to - After years of thinking he had to

supplement what God was willing to supplement what God was willing to dodo

He finally realizes the key to life is He finally realizes the key to life is what God gives... what God gives...

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s TroubleThe meaning of the storyThe meaning of the story


- After God’s prediction, - After God’s prediction, there was 0% chance that there was 0% chance that Jacob would fail to Jacob would fail to receive the birthrightreceive the birthright


- After God’s prediction, - After God’s prediction, there was 0% chance that there was 0% chance that Jacob would fail to Jacob would fail to receive the birthrightreceive the birthright- His deception and - His deception and manipulation never got manipulation never got him anything he wouldn’t him anything he wouldn’t

have received anyway have received anyway


- In Laban, Jacob met - In Laban, Jacob met someone who consistently someone who consistently out-manipulated him out-manipulated him


- In Laban, Jacob met - In Laban, Jacob met someone who consistently someone who consistently out-manipulated him out-manipulated him- Jacob’s vain use of - Jacob’s vain use of primitive magic was just primitive magic was just as pointless as his earlier as pointless as his earlier lying and manipulation lying and manipulation


- Only after 20 years of - Only after 20 years of pointless struggle did pointless struggle did Jacob begin to realize Jacob begin to realize God was the one blessing God was the one blessing him him


- Only after 20 years of - Only after 20 years of pointless struggle did pointless struggle did Jacob begin to realize Jacob begin to realize God was the one blessing God was the one blessing him him- Yet under the threat of - Yet under the threat of Esau, he once again Esau, he once again trusted in manipulation trusted in manipulation


- Once again, his shifty - Once again, his shifty plans were pointless plans were pointless because his real security because his real security was based in God was based in God


- Once again, his shifty - Once again, his shifty plans were pointless plans were pointless because his real security because his real security was based in God was based in God- Considering how little - Considering how little spirituality Jacob spirituality Jacob demonstrates, what’s so demonstrates, what’s so great about him? great about him?


- The point of the - The point of the biography seems to come biography seems to come down to the enigmatic down to the enigmatic story about “wrestling story about “wrestling with God” with God”

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s TroubleWrestling with GodWrestling with God


- Seems to be a picture of - Seems to be a picture of what has gone before what has gone before


- Seems to be a picture of - Seems to be a picture of what has gone before what has gone before- He wrestles, probably in - He wrestles, probably in the sense of trying to get the sense of trying to get what he wants from God what he wants from God


- Seems to be a picture of - Seems to be a picture of what has gone before what has gone before- He wrestles, probably in - He wrestles, probably in the sense of trying to get the sense of trying to get what he wants from God what he wants from God- Ironically, what he wants - Ironically, what he wants is also what God wants is also what God wants


- God wants to bless Jacob, - God wants to bless Jacob,

but Jacob’s motives and but Jacob’s motives and methods are objectionable methods are objectionable


- God wants to bless Jacob, - God wants to bless Jacob,

but Jacob’s motives and but Jacob’s motives and methods are objectionable methods are objectionable- When God touches his - When God touches his thigh, he shows thigh, he shows overwhelming power overwhelming power - The idea of struggling - The idea of struggling with him was absurd! with him was absurd!


- Yet there was something - Yet there was something good about Jacob in this good about Jacob in this encounter encounter


- Yet there was something - Yet there was something good about Jacob in this good about Jacob in this encounter encounter- Even after having his hip - Even after having his hip put out of joint, he put out of joint, he wouldn’t let go of God wouldn’t let go of God- This is his one redemptive - This is his one redemptive

quality quality


- By clinging to God, Jacob - By clinging to God, Jacob

shows a quality that out- shows a quality that out- weighs many faults weighs many faults


- By clinging to God, Jacob - By clinging to God, Jacob

shows a quality that out- shows a quality that out- weighs many faults weighs many faults- God could work to - God could work to correct Jacob’s faults correct Jacob’s faults because he was persistent because he was persistent enough to hang on even in enough to hang on even in

great pain great pain

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s TroubleWrestling with GodWrestling with God- The “blessing” God gives - The “blessing” God gives Jacob is to rename him Jacob is to rename him- Naming someone in the - Naming someone in the ancient near-east meant ancient near-east meant taking authority over taking authority over them them- Giving someone your - Giving someone your name was an act of name was an act of vulnerability vulnerability


- In submitting to his - In submitting to his renaming, Jacob finally renaming, Jacob finally

accepted his correct accepted his correct position with God position with God


- In submitting to his - In submitting to his renaming, Jacob finally renaming, Jacob finally

accepted his correct accepted his correct position with God position with God- In this final action we - In this final action we see a picture of see a picture of surrender to God surrender to God


- Jacob’s bad hip was a - Jacob’s bad hip was a lasting mark of lasting mark of personal inadequacy personal inadequacy


- Jacob’s bad hip was a - Jacob’s bad hip was a lasting mark of lasting mark of personal inadequacy personal inadequacy- “You don’t have to - “You don’t have to remind a guy with a remind a guy with a bad hip to walk softly” bad hip to walk softly”


- Jacob’s spirituality - Jacob’s spirituality after this incident after this incident dwarfs that before dwarfs that before- His fundamental loss of - His fundamental loss of

confidence in self is confidence in self is replaced by confidence replaced by confidence in God in God

ApplicationApplication- We have to decide whether to - We have to decide whether to trust our well-being to trust our well-being to personal striving and personal striving and manipulation or to an all-wise, manipulation or to an all-wise, self-giving Godself-giving God

- As long as we continue - As long as we continue striving in self-promotion, we striving in self-promotion, we can’t fully experience what can’t fully experience what God has for usGod has for us

ApplicationApplication- Are you prepared to surrender - Are you prepared to surrender to the need for God?to the need for God?


- Are you ready to receive a new - Are you ready to receive a new name from him?name from him?



- Are you walking with a limp - Are you walking with a limp yet?yet?

ApplicationApplication- Are you prepared to surrender to - Are you prepared to surrender to the need for God?the need for God?


- Are you walking with a limp yet?- Are you walking with a limp yet?““I myself no longer live, but Christ I myself no longer live, but Christ

lives in me. So I live my life in this lives in me. So I live my life in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (NLT) Gal. 2:20for me” (NLT) Gal. 2:20

Jacob’s TroubleJacob’s Trouble

Comments?Comments?Questions?Questions?Experiences?Experiences?

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