In biblical terminology, the term "supplanter" is often associated with individuals who usurp or take the place of another, typically through cunning or deceitful means. The most notable example of a supplanter in the Bible is Jacob, whose very name is interpreted as "he who supplants" or "he who grasps the heel," reflecting his actions and character in the biblical narrative.

Jacob: The Archetypal Supplanter

Jacob, the son of Isaac and Rebekah, is introduced in the Book of Genesis as the younger twin brother of Esau. From birth, Jacob's nature as a supplanter is evident. Genesis 25:26 states, "After this, his brother came out, grasping Esau’s heel; so he was named Jacob." This act of grasping Esau's heel at birth is symbolic of Jacob's future actions, where he would repeatedly seek to overtake his brother.

Jacob's most significant act of supplanting occurs when he deceives his father, Isaac, to receive the blessing intended for Esau. In Genesis 27, Rebekah helps Jacob disguise himself as Esau to receive the blessing from the nearly blind Isaac. This blessing, once given, could not be revoked, and it established Jacob as the heir to the promises given to Abraham. Esau's reaction to this deception is one of great distress, as he laments, "Isn’t he rightly named Jacob? For he has cheated me twice: He took my birthright, and now he has taken my blessing!" (Genesis 27:36).

Theological Implications

Jacob's actions as a supplanter are not merely historical anecdotes but carry deep theological significance. Despite his deceitful ways, Jacob is chosen by God to be the patriarch of the Israelite nation. This choice underscores the biblical theme of God's sovereignty and grace, as He often chooses the unlikely or unworthy to fulfill His purposes. Jacob's life is a testament to God's ability to transform and use flawed individuals for His divine plan.

Transformation and Redemption

Jacob's journey from a supplanter to a patriarch is marked by a transformative encounter with God. In Genesis 32, Jacob wrestles with a divine being, an event that culminates in his name being changed to Israel, meaning "he struggles with God." This change signifies a shift in Jacob's character and destiny. The encounter leaves him with a limp, a physical reminder of his struggle and transformation.

Jacob's account illustrates the possibility of redemption and change. Despite his early life marked by deceit, Jacob becomes a man of faith, ultimately reconciling with Esau and fulfilling his role as the father of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Other Biblical Supplanters

While Jacob is the most prominent supplanter, the Bible contains other figures who exhibit similar traits. For instance, Absalom, the son of King David, attempts to supplant his father by leading a rebellion to seize the throne (2 Samuel 15). Absalom's ambition and deceit ultimately lead to his downfall, highlighting the destructive potential of supplanting behavior.

Conclusion

The concept of supplanting in the Bible serves as a complex narrative device that explores themes of ambition, deceit, divine election, and redemption. Through the lives of individuals like Jacob, the Bible presents a nuanced view of human nature and God's overarching plan, demonstrating that even those who begin as supplanters can be transformed and used for God's purposes.

On the Words of the Gospel, John i. 48,"When Thou Wast under the ...
... What! have we supplanted the Jews? No, but we are said to be their
supplanters, for that for our sakes they were supplanted. If ...
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Supplanters (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Supplanters (1 Occurrence). Psalms 49:5 Wherefore should
I fear in the days of evil, When iniquity at my heels compasseth me about? ...
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Encompasseth (5 Occurrences)
... Encompasseth (5 Occurrences). Psalms 49:5 Wherefore should I fear in the days of
adversity, when the iniquity of my supplanters encompasseth me? -- (DBY). ...
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Encompass (20 Occurrences)
... (DBY WBS). Psalms 49:5 Wherefore should I fear in the days of adversity, when the
iniquity of my supplanters encompasseth me? -- (Root in DBY WBS). ...
/e/encompass.htm - 12k

Supplanter (1 Occurrence)

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Supplanteth (1 Occurrence)

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Adversity (54 Occurrences)
... Psalms 49:5 Wherefore should I fear in the days of adversity, when the
iniquity of my supplanters encompasseth me? -- (DBY NAS). ...
/a/adversity.htm - 22k

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