Topical Bible: Communion With God: Jacob

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Jacob, the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the twin brother of Esau, is a pivotal figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of communion with God. His life, as recorded in the Book of Genesis, is marked by significant encounters with the Divine, which not only shape his personal journey but also the destiny of the Israelite nation.

Birth and Early Life

Jacob's account begins with a divine prophecy given to Rebekah during her pregnancy: "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" (Genesis 25:23). This prophecy sets the stage for Jacob's life, highlighting God's sovereign plan and the unique role Jacob would play in the unfolding of His purposes.

The Vision at Bethel

One of the most profound moments of communion with God in Jacob's life occurs at Bethel. Fleeing from his brother Esau, Jacob stops for the night and 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" (Genesis 28:13). This encounter is pivotal, as God reaffirms the Abrahamic covenant with Jacob, promising him land, descendants, and blessing.

Jacob's response to this divine revelation is one of awe and commitment. He sets up a stone pillar, anoints it with oil, and names the place Bethel, meaning "House of God." He vows, "If God will be with me and watch over me on this journey, and give me 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" (Genesis 28:20-21). This vow marks the beginning of Jacob's personal relationship with God, characterized by trust and reliance on divine guidance.

Wrestling with God at Peniel

Another significant moment of communion occurs when Jacob wrestles with a mysterious man at Peniel. On the eve of his reunion with Esau, Jacob finds himself alone, and a man wrestles with him until daybreak. This encounter is both physical and spiritual, culminating in the man blessing Jacob and renaming him Israel, meaning "he struggles with God" (Genesis 32:28). Jacob recognizes the divine nature of this encounter, declaring, "I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been preserved" (Genesis 32:30).

This wrestling match symbolizes Jacob's lifelong struggle with God and men, and his ultimate submission to God's will. It marks a transformation in Jacob's character, as he moves from self-reliance to a deeper dependence on God.

Return to Bethel

Later in his life, God calls Jacob to return to Bethel and settle there. In obedience, Jacob instructs his household to purify themselves and discard foreign gods. At Bethel, God appears to Jacob again, reiterating the covenant promises and confirming his new name, Israel (Genesis 35:9-12). This return to Bethel signifies a renewal of Jacob's commitment to God and a reaffirmation of his role in God's redemptive plan.

Legacy

Jacob's communion with God is foundational to the identity of the Israelite nation. His encounters with the Divine not only shape his personal faith journey but also establish the spiritual heritage of his descendants. Through Jacob, God continues the covenant promises made to Abraham and Isaac, ensuring the fulfillment of His purposes for Israel and ultimately, the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 32:24-29
And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Jacob --Israel --Jeshurun
... The road passes through Peniel, and Jacob must become Israel before he is Jeshurun.
He must hold communion with God in Christ before he is clothed with ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/jacobisraeljeshurun.htm

The Lord of Hosts, the God of Jacob
... 'The God of Jacob is our ... The man who has knit himself to God by saying to God, 'Lo!
I am Thine, and Thou art mine,' in that communion has a proof and a pledge ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the lord of hosts the.htm

A Cloud of Witnesses.
... Perhaps it was his father Jacob's dying blessing that had revived the thoughts of
the ... It expresses fitness for entering into immediate communion with God. ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter xiii a cloud of.htm

Psalm 106 Part 1 Praise to God; Or, Communion with Saints.
... v.1-5 LM. Praise to God; or, Communion with saints. To God, the great, the
ever-blest,. ... Remember what thy mercy did. For Jacob's race, thy chosen seed; ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/psalm 106 part 1 praise.htm

The Sinner's Need of Christ
... Thus was made known to Jacob that which met the need and longing of his soul ... revealed
a way by which he, a sinner, could be restored to communion with God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 2 the sinners need.htm

Psalm 106:1. 1-5. First Part. Praise to God; Or, Communion with ...
... Praise to God; or, Communion with saints ... 1 To God, the great, the ever blest, Let
songs of honour ... 3 Remember what thy mercy did For Jacob's race, thy chosen seed ...
/.../watts/the psalms of david/psalm 106 1 0 1-5 first part.htm

Covenanting Performed in Former Ages with Approbation from Above.
... The Covenant with Jacob was entered into after that the Lord, by anticipating ... an
emblem of the glorious Saviour bringing men to communion with God, and in ...
/.../the ordinance of covenanting/chapter xii covenanting performed in.htm

The Twofold Wrestle --God's with Jacob and Jacob's with God
... We have in what God has made known of Himself already ... and sweeter to us than it was
to Jacob, but also in His providences, and in the inward communion which we ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the twofold wrestlegods with jacob.htm

Walking with God
... enjoyed more solid pleasure in one moment's communion with my ... In keeping God's
commandments, have you not found a ... O what have you felt, when, Jacob-like, you ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/walking with god.htm

Praying Saints of the Old Testaments
... hope, the music of a deathless song, in His baptism and communion with the ... dependence
upon God, and desiring above all the help of God, Jacob conditioned his ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/i praying saints of the.htm