Topical Bible: Diligence: Jacob

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Jacob, the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the twin brother of Esau, is a prominent figure in the Bible whose life exemplifies the theme of diligence. His account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, where his actions and experiences reveal a complex character marked by perseverance and determination.

Early Life and Birthright

Jacob's diligence is first evident in his pursuit of the birthright from his brother Esau. Genesis 25:29-34 recounts how Jacob, recognizing the value of the birthright, seizes the opportunity to acquire it from Esau, who despises it in a moment of hunger. Jacob's strategic thinking and persistence in this matter highlight his commitment to securing his future and the blessings associated with the birthright.

The Blessing of Isaac

Jacob's determination is further demonstrated in Genesis 27, where he, with the help of his mother Rebekah, diligently follows a plan to receive the blessing of his father Isaac, intended for Esau. Despite the moral complexities of his actions, Jacob's resolve to obtain the blessing underscores his unwavering focus on achieving his goals.

Service to Laban

Jacob's diligence is perhaps most clearly seen during his time with Laban, his uncle. In Genesis 29-31, Jacob works for Laban for twenty years, initially to marry Laban's daughter Rachel. Despite being deceived into marrying Leah first, Jacob's love for Rachel drives him to serve an additional seven years. His labor is marked by hard work and dedication, as he tends Laban's flocks with great care and skill. Genesis 31:38-41 records Jacob's own words: "I have been with you twenty years now. Your sheep and goats have not miscarried, nor have I eaten the rams of your flock. I did not bring you animals torn by wild beasts; I bore the loss myself. And you demanded payment from me for whatever was stolen by day or night."

Return to Canaan

Jacob's diligence is also evident in his return to Canaan, where he prepares to meet Esau after years of estrangement. In Genesis 32, Jacob demonstrates careful planning and prayerful dependence on God as he divides his family and possessions to protect them from potential harm. His wrestling with the angel in Genesis 32:24-30 is a powerful symbol of his perseverance, as he refuses to let go until he receives a blessing.

Legacy and Impact

Jacob's life, marked by diligence, leaves a lasting impact on the history of Israel. His twelve sons become the patriarchs of the twelve tribes of Israel, and his name is changed to Israel, signifying his role as the father of a great nation. Jacob's account serves as a testament to the importance of diligence in pursuing one's goals and the blessings that can result from steadfast effort and reliance on God.

Throughout his life, Jacob's diligence is intertwined with his faith in God's promises, illustrating the biblical principle that hard work and perseverance, when aligned with divine purpose, lead to fulfillment and blessing.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 31:40
Thus I was; in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from my eyes.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Touching Jacob, However, that which He did at his Mother's Bidding ...
... Touching Jacob, however, that which he did at his mother's bidding, so as to seem
to deceive his father, if with diligence and in faith it be attended to, is ...
/.../augustine/against lying/section 24 touching jacob however.htm

Homily on Habib the Martyr, Composed by Mar Jacob.
... And, as much as in him lay, he rooted them out by his diligence. ... Here endeth the
Homily on Habib the martyr, composed by Mar Jacob. Footnotes: [3303] The ms. ...
/.../unknown/the decretals/ancient syriac documents homily on.htm

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... of God, the sovereignty of Judah, according to the prophecy of Jacob." It also ... ueber
Schilo, Muenster 1849 (a work written with great diligence), is mistaken ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm

Prayer and Faith
... of which Peter was aware; and so he goes on to declare that we are to give diligence
to making ... Jacob prayed, with point and ardour, to be delivered from Esau. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the necessity of prayer/i prayer and faith.htm

How to Keep the Heart
... attacks against it, then, with double force the exhortation comes, "Keep thy heart
with all diligence." And the promise ... "He seeth no sin in Jacob, nor iniquity ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/how to keep the heart.htm

Jeroboam
... Such diligence often rectifies the balance between two men of unequal ability ... Jacob
laboured night and day, and therefore he prospered, even under Laban, unjust ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/jeroboam.htm

The First Season
... Now, Christian, keep thy heart with all diligence; for it will be very apt to grow ...
which he sware to thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/i the first season.htm

The Second Season
... upon you, and blasts your outward comforts, then look to your heart; keep it with
all diligence from repining ... "By this shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/ii the second season.htm

The True God, However, Neither Employs Irrational Animals, nor any ...
... In due time will it be declared to Jacob and Israel what the Lord ... precept with the
mystical meaning, viz., "Keep thy heart with all diligence," [4059] that ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xcv the true god.htm

Where to Find Fruit
... brother," said Esau when he met Jacob: "I have all things," said Jacob in reply ... make
us seek, and hence we have the promise of finding to excite our diligence. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/where to find fruit.htm