The term "supplants" is often associated with the act of taking the place of another, often through underhanded or deceitful means. In the biblical context, this concept is most prominently illustrated in the account of Jacob and Esau, where Jacob is seen as the one who supplants his brother Esau.

Jacob and Esau

The narrative of Jacob and Esau is found in the Book of Genesis. Jacob, whose name can be interpreted as "he supplants" or "he takes by the heel," is the younger twin son of Isaac and Rebekah. From birth, Jacob's life is marked by his struggle with Esau, his elder brother. Genesis 25:26 states, "After this, his brother came out, grasping Esau’s heel; so he was named Jacob."

The most significant act of supplanting occurs when Jacob, with the help of his mother Rebekah, deceives his father Isaac to receive the blessing meant for Esau. Genesis 27:36 records Esau's lament: "Isn’t he rightly named Jacob? For he has cheated me twice now: He took my birthright, and now he has taken my blessing!" This act of deception leads to a long-standing enmity between the brothers, illustrating the consequences of supplanting through deceit.

The Birthright and Blessing

The birthright and blessing were significant in the patriarchal society of the Old Testament. The birthright, typically given to the firstborn son, included a double portion of the inheritance and leadership of the family. The blessing, often given by the father, was a prophetic pronouncement of prosperity and divine favor.

Jacob's acquisition of Esau's birthright and blessing highlights the theme of supplanting. In Genesis 25:29-34, Jacob persuades Esau to sell his birthright for a meal, exploiting Esau's hunger and impulsiveness. Later, in Genesis 27, Jacob disguises himself as Esau to receive Isaac's blessing, further cementing his role as a supplanter.

Divine Providence and Redemption

Despite Jacob's actions, the biblical narrative reveals a deeper theme of divine providence. God's choice of Jacob over Esau is evident from the prophecy given to Rebekah before their birth: "The older will serve the younger" (Genesis 25:23). This choice underscores the sovereignty of God in fulfilling His purposes, even through human frailty and deceit.

Jacob's life is marked by transformation and redemption. After years of estrangement, Jacob and Esau reconcile in Genesis 33, demonstrating the possibility of forgiveness and restoration. Jacob's encounter with God at Peniel, where he wrestles with the angel and receives the name Israel, signifies a turning point in his life (Genesis 32:28).

Theological Implications

The account of Jacob as a supplanter carries significant theological implications. It serves as a reminder of the complexities of human nature and the consequences of deceit. Yet, it also highlights God's grace and the potential for change and redemption. Jacob's journey from a supplanter to the father of the twelve tribes of Israel illustrates the transformative power of God's covenantal promises.

In the broader biblical narrative, the theme of supplanting can be seen as a reflection of the human condition and the need for divine intervention. It points to the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ, who, unlike Jacob, did not come to supplant through deceit but to fulfill the law and the prophets through truth and grace.3423. yarash -- to take possession of, inherit, dispossess
... 1), makes poor (1), new owners (1), occupy (1), possess (88), possessed (13),
possession (2), receive (1), ruler* (1), seize (1), supplants (1), take over (1 ...
/hebrew/3423.htm - 7k

Causes of the Deposition of Cyril, Bishop of Jerusalem. Mutual ...
... Mutual Dissensions among the Bishops. Melitius is ordained by the Arians,
and supplants Eustathius in the Bishopric of Sebaste. ...
/.../chapter xxv causes of the deposition.htm

Of the Manifold Abuse of Speech.
... But alas, experience supplants the use of conjecture in the point: we do not only
presume it may be so, but actually find it is so; for amidst the universal ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section ii of the manifold.htm

Converting Sinners a Christian Duty.
... It is changing the great moral end of action. It supplants selfishness and substitutes
benevolence in its stead. III. In what sense does man convert a sinner? ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/xx converting sinners a christian.htm

Fifth Tractate. Happiness and Extension of Time.
... every to-morrow's well-being will be greater than to-day's, every later instalment
successively larger that an earlier; at once time supplants moral excellence ...
/.../plotinus/the six enneads/fifth tractate happiness and extension.htm

General Index to Socrates' Ecclesiastical History.
... Africanus, an early writer, [38]60. Agapetus, a Macedonian bishop, accepts
the homoousion and supplants Theodosius at Synada, [39]155. ...
/.../general index to socrates ecclesiastical.htm

Acts XVI
... that it was a seal of righteousness, and a rite of initiation into the Church; and
as baptism now occupies that position, it necessarily supplants circumcision ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xvi.htm

The Method of the New Theology, and Some of Its Applications
... This method, dealing as it does with law and spirit, ignores nothing, denies nothing,
and formally supplants nothing in the older subject-matter; but it tries ...
/.../berkhof/new evangelism and other papers/the method of the new.htm

The Transfiguration.
... First, among vine-clad hills stocked with mulberry, apricot and fig-trees; then,
through corn-fields where the pear tree supplants the fig; next, through oak ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter i the transfiguration.htm

On the World and the Movements of Rational Creatures, Whether Good ...
... as one man, eg, is begotten of Abraham, and born of the promise; another, too, of
Isaac and Rebekah, and who, while still in the womb, supplants his brother ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter ix on the world and.htm

How to Know the Will of God
... appeal is always to the one great Instrument, which uses them in turn as it requires,
and which supplements their discoveries, or even supplants them if it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/drummond/the ideal life/how to know the will.htm

Supplants (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Supplants (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 30:23 A hated
woman when she is married; and a servant-girl who takes ...
/s/supplants.htm - 6k

Supplanter (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who supplants. Multi-Version Concordance
Supplanter (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 9:4 Take ye heed ...
/s/supplanter.htm - 6k

Supplant (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (v.) To displace and take the place of; to supersede;
as, a rival supplants another in the favor of a mistress or a prince. ...
/s/supplant.htm - 7k

Supplanteth (1 Occurrence)

/s/supplanteth.htm - 6k

Supple (2 Occurrences)

/s/supple.htm - 7k

What is Covenant Theology? | GotQuestions.org

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