Topical Encyclopedia Jacob, the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the twin brother of Esau, is a central figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the Book of Genesis. He is a patriarch of the Israelites, and his life is marked by significant events that underscore God's unfolding plan and covenant with His chosen people.Background and Early Life Jacob's account begins in Genesis 25, where he is born grasping the heel of his brother Esau, earning him the name Jacob, which means "he grasps the heel" or "supplanter." From the outset, Jacob's life is characterized by struggle and the pursuit of blessing. The narrative of Jacob and Esau highlights themes of birthright and blessing, as Jacob, with the help of his mother Rebekah, secures the blessing of the firstborn from his father Isaac, which was intended for Esau (Genesis 27). The Covenant Confirmed The pivotal moment in Jacob's life occurs when God confirms the covenant He made with Abraham and Isaac, extending it to Jacob. This divine encounter takes place at Bethel, as recorded in Genesis 28:10-22. Fleeing from Esau's wrath, Jacob dreams of a ladder reaching to heaven, with angels ascending and descending on it. 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. Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. Look, I am with you, and I will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you." (Genesis 28:13-15) This encounter not only reaffirms the promises made to Abraham and Isaac but also personalizes them for Jacob, establishing him as the heir of the covenant. The promises include land, numerous descendants, and a blessing to all nations through his lineage. Jacob's Response and Vow Awakening from his dream, Jacob recognizes the significance of the place, declaring, "Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was unaware of it" (Genesis 28:16). He names the place Bethel, meaning "House of God," and sets up a stone pillar as a memorial. Jacob makes a vow, saying: "If God will be with me and watch over me on this journey, if He will provide me with food to eat and clothes to wear, so that I may return safely to my father's house, then the LORD will be my God. And this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God's house, and of all that You give me, I will surely give You a tenth." (Genesis 28:20-22) Further Confirmation and Name Change Years later, after Jacob's return to Canaan, God appears to him again at Bethel, reaffirming the covenant and changing his name to Israel, meaning "he struggles with God" (Genesis 35:9-12). This name change signifies a transformation in Jacob's character and his role as the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. Significance in Salvation History Jacob's life and the confirmation of the covenant are integral to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Through Jacob, the promises to Abraham are carried forward, ultimately leading to the birth of the nation of Israel and the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, through whom all nations are blessed. Jacob's account is a testament to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises across generations. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 28:13-22And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham your father, and the God of Isaac: the land where on you lie, to you will I give it, and to your seed; Nave's Topical Index Genesis 35:9-15 1 Chronicles 16:13-18 Library From Abraham to Egypt. The Pentateuch. Jacob and Esau Abraham's Offering up his Son Isaac Chapter xxviii Nature of Covenanting. Chapter xvii Chapter xlvi Matt. viii. 5 On the Formation of the Character of Believers, and on Giving of ... Resources Why is Jacob called Jacob and Israel alternately in the book of Genesis? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of Jacob wrestling with God? | GotQuestions.org What was the story of Jacob and Esau? | GotQuestions.org Jacob: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Iconoclasm: Destroyed by Jacob Jacob: Charges his Sons to Bury Him in the Field of Machpelah Jacob: Deborah, Rebekah's Nurse, Dies, and is Buried at Beth-El Jacob: Dissatisfied With Laban's Treatment and Returns to the Land of Canaan Jacob: Dreads to Meet Esau; Sends Him Presents; Wrestles With an Angel Jacob: Erects a Monument at Rachel's Grave Jacob: Esau Seeks to Kill, Escapes to Padan-Aram Jacob: Exacts a Promise from Joseph to Bury Him With his Forefathers Jacob: Fradulently Obtains his Father's Blessing Jacob: Given in Answer to Prayer Jacob: Gives the Land of the Amorites to Joseph Jacob: God Confirms the Covenant of Abraham To Jacob: Hears That Joseph is Still Alive Jacob: His Benediction Upon Joseph and his Two Sons Jacob: His Daughter, Dinah, is Raped Jacob: His Final Prophetic Benedictions Upon his Sons: Asher Jacob: His Final Prophetic Benedictions Upon his Sons: Benjamin Jacob: His Final Prophetic Benedictions Upon his Sons: Dan Jacob: His Final Prophetic Benedictions Upon his Sons: Gad Jacob: His Final Prophetic Benedictions Upon his Sons: Issachar Jacob: His Final Prophetic Benedictions Upon his Sons: Joseph Jacob: His Final Prophetic Benedictions Upon his Sons: Judah Jacob: His Final Prophetic Benedictions Upon his Sons: Naphtali Jacob: His Final Prophetic Benedictions Upon his Sons: Simeon and Levi Jacob: His Final Prophetic Benedictions Upon his Sons: Upon Reuben Jacob: His Final Prophetic Benedictions Upon his Sons: Zebulun Jacob: His Grief Over the Detention of Simeon and the Demand for Benjamin to be Taken Into Egypt Jacob: His Grief Over the Loss of Joseph Jacob: His Partiality for his Son, Joseph, and the Consequent Jealousy of his Other Sons Jacob: His Vision of the Ladder Jacob: Joseph's Prophetic Dream Concerning Jacob: Journeys to Shalem, where he Purchase a Parcel of Ground from Hamor and Erects an Altar Jacob: List of the Names of his Twelve Sons Jacob: Lives in Egypt for Seventeen Years Jacob: Lives in the Land of Canaan Jacob: Meets Angels of God on the Journey, and Calls the Place "Mahanaim" Jacob: Obtains Esau's Birthright for Just One Bowl of Stew Jacob: Pharaoh Receives Him, and is Blessed by Jacob Jacob: Prophecies Concerning Himself and his Descendants Jacob: Reconciliation of, With Esau Jacob: Returns to Arbah, the City of his Father Jacob: Returns to Beth-El, where he Builds an Altar, and Erects and Dedicates a Pillar Jacob: Sends to Egypt to Buy Corn (Grain) Jacob: Serves Fourteen Years for Leah and Rachel Jacob: Sharp Practice of, With the Flocks and Herds of Laban Jacob: Sojourns in Haran With his Uncle, Laban Jacob: Son of Isaac, and the Twin Brother of Esau Jacob: The Incest of his Son, Reuben, With his Concubine, Bilhah Jacob: The Land of Goshen Assigned To Jacob: The List of his Children and Grandchildren Who Went Down Into Egypt Related Terms |
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