Topical Bible: God: Special Grace: To Jacob

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Jacob, the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the twin brother of Esau, is a central figure in the narrative of God's special grace in the Hebrew Scriptures. Known later as Israel, Jacob's life is a testament to God's sovereign choice and unmerited favor, which is evident throughout his journey from birth to his role as the patriarch of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Divine Election and Birthright

Jacob's account begins with God's sovereign choice, as revealed to Rebekah during her pregnancy. The Lord declared, "Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger" (Genesis 25:23). This prophecy set the stage for Jacob's life, highlighting God's special grace in choosing him over Esau, despite cultural norms favoring the firstborn.

Jacob's acquisition of Esau's birthright and blessing, though achieved through deception, underscores the theme of divine election. In Genesis 27, Jacob, with Rebekah's assistance, deceives Isaac to receive the blessing intended for Esau. While the means were flawed, the outcome aligns with God's sovereign plan, demonstrating that His purposes prevail despite human shortcomings.

Encounter at Bethel

Jacob's journey to Haran marks a pivotal moment of divine encounter and grace. Fleeing from Esau's wrath, Jacob stops at Bethel, where he dreams of a ladder reaching to heaven with angels ascending and descending. The Lord stands above it and declares, "I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you now lie" (Genesis 28:13). This covenantal promise reaffirms God's special grace to Jacob, ensuring the continuation of the Abrahamic covenant through him.

Transformation and New Identity

Jacob's life is marked by a transformative encounter with God at Peniel, where he wrestles with a divine being. This struggle results in a blessing and a new identity: "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have prevailed" (Genesis 32:28). This moment signifies a profound change in Jacob's character and destiny, highlighting God's grace in shaping him into the leader of a great nation.

Reconciliation and Fulfillment

God's grace is further evident in Jacob's reconciliation with Esau, an event marked by humility and divine intervention. In Genesis 33, Jacob approaches Esau with gifts and a contrite heart, and Esau embraces him, demonstrating a restoration of their relationship. This reconciliation is a testament to God's grace in healing brokenness and fulfilling His promises.

Legacy and Blessing

Jacob's later years are characterized by the fulfillment of God's promises through his descendants. In Genesis 49, Jacob blesses his sons, prophesying their futures and the destiny of the tribes of Israel. His blessings reflect the continuation of God's covenantal grace, as Jacob's lineage becomes the foundation of the nation of Israel.

Throughout Jacob's life, God's special grace is evident in His sovereign choice, covenantal promises, transformative encounters, and the fulfillment of His divine purposes. Jacob's account serves as a powerful reminder of God's unmerited favor and faithfulness to His chosen people.

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Genesis 32:28
And he said, Your name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince have you power with God and with men, and have prevailed.
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Genesis 46:4
I will go down with you into Egypt; and I will also surely bring you up again: and Joseph shall put his hand on your eyes.
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Library

Of the Eternal Election, by which God Has Predestinated Some to ...
... 9:13; Mal.1:2), that when God, after making ... life, invites any people to himself,
a special mode of ... so that he does not with promiscuous grace effectually elect ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 21 of the eternal.htm

That the Happiness of Dying in Heavenly Charity is a Special Gift ...
... OF DYING IN HEAVENLY CHARITY IS A SPECIAL GIFT OF ... which is the crown and the fruit
of God's mercy towards ... shall certainly bear, by the life of grace which he ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter v that the happiness.htm

Jacob and Esau
... he learnt to trust not merely in a God who happened to have a special favour to ... For
God's sake"for the sake of Christ, who was full of grace and truth ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon vi jacob and esau.htm

The Lord of Hosts, the God of Jacob
... of their sin, do receive His visitations in an altogether special sense, and ... and
care, nor any diminution of the resources of His grace. 'The God of Jacob ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the lord of hosts the.htm

How God Works in the Hearts of Men.
... overlooked that we owe it to the special grace of God ... human choice in subordination
to his special influence ... therefore, were more overruled by God than regulated ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 4 how god works.htm

The Dispensation of the Divine Favours Reconciled with the ...
... did acknowledge his inferiority to Jacob, and was ... to vindicate the mercy of God,
as displayed in ... after laying this foundation, that special grace is necessary ...
/.../a theodicy or vindication of the divine glory/chapter v the dispensation of.htm

A Second Discouragement in Prayer Opposite to Perseverance, to Wit ...
... spiritalis est; that is, it is a special grace of God's ... to introversion are usually
moved by God to seek ... that made an ancient hermit, called Jacob (in Theodoret ...
/.../chapter vi a second discouragement.htm

Special Preparation for Baptism.
... Chapter III."Special Preparation for Baptism ... healing is declared by revelation from
God, the grace which is ... God of Abraham, and God of Isaac, and God of Jacob ...
/.../chapter iii special preparation for baptism.htm

This Doctrine Confirmed by Proofs from Scripture.
... Jacob, therefore, is chosen, while Esau is rejected ... Some object that God would be
inconsistent with ... of the promise destroys the distinction of special grace. ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 22 this doctrine confirmed.htm

God in the Covenant
... suggest twenty different ways in which God is special the God ... to stretch his powers,
and magnify his grace by some ... do but consider what it is to have God to be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/god in the covenant.htm