Topical Bible: Waiting: Jacob

◄ Waiting: Jacob ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Jacob, the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the twin brother of Esau, is a significant patriarch in the biblical narrative. His life is marked by a series of events that highlight the theme of waiting, both in terms of time and spiritual growth. Jacob's experiences of waiting are pivotal in understanding his relationship with God and his development as a key figure in the history of Israel.

Birthright and Blessing

Jacob's account begins with his birth, where he is described as grasping Esau's heel, symbolizing his future struggle for supremacy (Genesis 25:26). The first major instance of waiting in Jacob's life occurs in his pursuit of the birthright and blessing. Jacob, with the help of his mother Rebekah, deceives his father Isaac to receive the blessing meant for Esau (Genesis 27:18-29). This act sets off a chain of events that leads to Jacob fleeing to Haran to escape Esau's wrath.

Waiting for Rachel

In Haran, Jacob falls in love with Rachel, the daughter of Laban, his mother's brother. Jacob agrees to work for Laban for seven years to marry Rachel, demonstrating his willingness to wait for what he desires (Genesis 29:18-20). However, Laban deceives Jacob by giving him Leah, Rachel's older sister, as a wife instead. Jacob then agrees to work another seven years for Rachel, showing his enduring patience and commitment (Genesis 29:25-30).

Return to Canaan

After twenty years in Haran, Jacob decides to return to Canaan, the land promised to his grandfather Abraham. This decision is not made lightly, as Jacob must wait for God's direction and timing. In Genesis 31:3 , the Lord instructs Jacob, "Return to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you." Jacob's return is marked by a period of waiting and preparation, as he anticipates meeting Esau, whom he fears may still harbor anger against him.

Wrestling with God

One of the most profound moments of waiting in Jacob's life occurs at the Jabbok River, where he wrestles with a mysterious man until daybreak (Genesis 32:24-30). This encounter is a turning point for Jacob, as he refuses to let go until he receives a blessing. The man, who is later revealed to be God, changes Jacob's name to Israel, signifying his transformation and the fulfillment of God's promises. This event underscores the spiritual aspect of waiting, as Jacob's persistence leads to a deeper understanding of his relationship with God.

Reconciliation with Esau

Jacob's eventual reconciliation with Esau is another testament to the theme of waiting. After years of separation and uncertainty, Jacob approaches Esau with humility and gifts, hoping to find favor in his brother's eyes (Genesis 33:1-11). The reunion is marked by Esau's unexpected forgiveness and acceptance, illustrating the fruits of patience and the fulfillment of God's promises.

Legacy and Promises

Jacob's life is a testament to the importance of waiting on God's timing and promises. Throughout his journey, Jacob learns to trust in God's faithfulness, even when circumstances seem uncertain. His experiences of waiting shape his character and solidify his role as a patriarch of the Israelite nation. Jacob's account serves as a reminder of the spiritual growth and blessings that can come from patiently waiting on the Lord.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 49:18
I have waited for your salvation, O LORD.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Jacob, a Prince of God.
... When Jacob came to Haran, he saw the well from which his mother used to draw water.
There were three flocks of sheep lying by it, waiting for all the flocks to ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter v jacob a prince.htm

Jacob Jones; Or, the Man who Couldn't Get Along in the World.
... For two years Jacob had been waiting to get married. He had not wished to take this
step before entering into business, and having a fair prospect before him. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arthur/words for the wise/jacob jones or the man.htm

At Jacob's Well
... And He who reveals to the soul its necessity is waiting to satisfy its hunger and ...
She perceived that it was not the water of Jacob's well to which He referred ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 19 at jacobs well.htm

Jacob Boehme's "Way of Salvation"
... an experience in which the soul finds itself "at the top of Jacob's ladder," and ...
the way of reasoning or of sense experience[60]"instead of waiting for man ...
/.../chapter xi jacob boehmes way.htm

Circumcision, Temple Service, and Naming of Jesus.
... The first prophet to tell the world that its Messiah had come was a thoroughly good
man], looking for [Waiting like Jacob (Genesis 49:18), and Joseph of ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xii circumcision temple service and.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, John i. 48,"When Thou Wast under the ...
... 6. Now I know what you are waiting for; I understand what you would ... he was first
a persecutor, and afterwards became a preacher; first Jacob, afterwards Israel ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lxxii on the words.htm

"Nothing is Impossible to Industry, "Said one of the Seven Sages ...
... If Jacob had quit praying at decent bedtime he would scarcely have survived the
next ... our faith, and the severer the trial and the longer the waiting, the more ...
/.../bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter vi nothing is impossible.htm

Prayer and Faith
... come! Yet faith gathers strength by waiting and praying. ... hands. Jacob prayed,
with point and ardour, to be delivered from Esau. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the necessity of prayer/i prayer and faith.htm

Dark Times
... I am weary of crying; my heart is dry; my heart faileth me for waiting so long ... And
this was Jacob's experience, too, on that most fearful night of all his life ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xxviii dark times.htm

Contents
... WAITING FAITH REWARDED AND STRENGTHENED BY NEW REVELATIONS (Genesis 17:1-9). ... THE
TWOFOLD WRESTLE"GOD'S WITH JACOB AND JACOB'S WITH GOD (Genesis 32:9-12). ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/contents.htm