Topical Bible: Religion: Outstanding Religious Persons: Jacob

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Jacob, a central figure in the Hebrew Bible, is one of the patriarchs of the Israelites. He is the son of Isaac and Rebekah and the grandson of Abraham and Sarah. Jacob's life and legacy are foundational to the history and theology of the Jewish and Christian faiths.

Birth and Early Life

Jacob was born as the younger twin to Esau, with whom he had a tumultuous relationship from the womb. Genesis 25:23 records God's prophecy to Rebekah: "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." This prophecy foreshadows the future dynamics between Jacob and Esau.

The Birthright and Blessing

Jacob's name, meaning "supplanter" or "heel-grabber," is indicative of his early actions. He famously acquired Esau's birthright in exchange for a meal (Genesis 25:29-34) and later, with Rebekah's help, deceived his father Isaac to receive the blessing intended for Esau (Genesis 27:1-29). This act of deception led to a rift between the brothers, causing Jacob to flee to his uncle Laban in Haran.

Jacob's Vision at Bethel

On his journey to Haran, Jacob had a significant spiritual encounter at Bethel. In a dream, he saw a ladder reaching to heaven with angels ascending and descending on it. The Lord stood above it and reiterated the covenant made with Abraham and Isaac, promising Jacob land, descendants, and divine protection (Genesis 28:10-15). Jacob responded by vowing to serve God and setting up a pillar to commemorate the place (Genesis 28:16-22).

Life with Laban

Jacob's time with Laban was marked by hard work and divine favor. He married Laban's daughters, Leah and Rachel, and fathered twelve sons and one daughter, who would become the progenitors of the twelve tribes of Israel. Despite Laban's attempts to deceive him, Jacob prospered, accumulating significant wealth in flocks and herds (Genesis 30:25-43).

Return to Canaan and Reconciliation with Esau

After twenty years, God commanded Jacob to return to Canaan. On his way, Jacob prepared to meet Esau, fearing retribution. However, the meeting was unexpectedly peaceful, as Esau embraced Jacob (Genesis 33:1-4). Before this encounter, Jacob wrestled with a divine being at Peniel, where he was blessed and given the name Israel, meaning "he struggles with God" (Genesis 32:24-30).

Later Life and Legacy

Jacob settled in Canaan, where he faced family challenges, including the favoritism shown to his son Joseph, which led to Joseph's brothers selling him into slavery (Genesis 37). During a famine, Jacob and his family moved to Egypt, where Joseph had risen to power. Jacob's final years were spent in Egypt, where he blessed his sons and prophesied their futures (Genesis 49).

Jacob's life is a testament to God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His covenant promises. His account is integral to the narrative of the Israelites and serves as a reminder of the complexities of human relationships and divine providence.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 28:10-22
And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran.
Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 32:24-32
And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.
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Library

Introduction
... remembrance of events of outstanding religious importance (12 ... of Christ in outstanding
Old Testament ... Koenig, Eduard, Geschichte der Alttestamentlichen Religion. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/introduction.htm

Chapter xxii
... patriarchal religion as well as of all Israelitish religion. ... that the most exalted
form of religious worship was ... The outstanding feature about this word is the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxii.htm

The Epistle of St. James
... ii.2, v.14) or of religious observances, but he ... in God's sight a pure, unsoiled religion
expresses itself ... society were the typical and outstanding instances of ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the epistle of st james.htm

Chapter xlix
... that no judgment is pronounced on religious conditions in ... to a totemistic state of
religion through which ... 9. A fuller description of this outstanding trait of ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlix.htm

The Letter of the Church of Rome
... by our wisdom or insight or religious devotion or ... pure hands he formed man, his
outstanding and greatest ... you, brothers, about what befits our religion and is ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the letter of the church.htm

A Clearing-Up Storm in the Realm
... two, in civilization, mode of thought, religion, language, and ... The outstanding features
spoken of by our Lord ... There will be many false religious teachers, many ...
/.../vi a clearing-up storm in the.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... their rituals of theology and religious worship, their ... and title; the patriarchs,
Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph ... had had its effect on their religion as well ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm