Topical Bible: Industry: Jacob

◄ Industry: Jacob ►

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Jacob, the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the twin brother of Esau, is a significant patriarch in the biblical narrative, known for his industrious nature and pivotal role in the history of Israel. His life, as recorded in the Book of Genesis, provides numerous insights into his industrious character and the divine blessings that accompanied his efforts.

Early Life and Industrious Nature

Jacob's industrious nature is evident from his early life. Even before his birth, it was prophesied that "the older shall serve the younger" (Genesis 25:23), indicating a divine plan for Jacob's future. Jacob's industriousness is first seen in his acquisition of Esau's birthright. Recognizing the value of the birthright, Jacob negotiated with Esau, who was weary and famished, to sell it for a meal of bread and lentil stew (Genesis 25:29-34). This transaction, though controversial, demonstrates Jacob's foresight and determination to secure his future.

Service to Laban

Jacob's industrious spirit is further exemplified during his time with Laban, his uncle. After fleeing from Esau's wrath, Jacob arrived at Laban's household and agreed to work for seven years to marry Laban's daughter, Rachel. "So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, yet it seemed but a few days because of his love for her" (Genesis 29:20). However, Laban deceived Jacob by giving him Leah instead of Rachel, prompting Jacob to work an additional seven years for Rachel (Genesis 29:25-30).

Jacob's industriousness is also evident in his management of Laban's flocks. Through hard work and divine guidance, Jacob prospered greatly. He proposed a deal with Laban to separate the speckled and spotted sheep and goats as his wages. By employing selective breeding techniques and relying on God's favor, Jacob's flocks increased significantly, making him exceedingly prosperous (Genesis 30:25-43).

Return to Canaan

Jacob's industrious nature continued as he prepared to return to Canaan. Aware of the potential danger from Esau, Jacob strategically divided his family and possessions into two camps to protect them (Genesis 32:7-8). He also sent gifts ahead to Esau as a gesture of peace, demonstrating his shrewdness and desire to reconcile with his brother (Genesis 32:13-21).

Wrestling with God

Jacob's industrious spirit is perhaps most profoundly illustrated in his encounter with God at Peniel. Jacob wrestled with a divine being until daybreak, refusing to let go until he received a blessing. The being declared, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men, and you have prevailed" (Genesis 32:28). This event signifies Jacob's perseverance and determination, qualities that characterized his industrious life.

Legacy

Jacob's industrious nature and the blessings he received from God had lasting implications for his descendants. He became the father of the twelve tribes of Israel, and his life serves as a testament to the rewards of diligence, perseverance, and faith in God's promises. Jacob's industriousness, coupled with divine favor, played a crucial role in the establishment of the nation of Israel and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through his lineage.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 31:6
And you know that with all my power I have served your father.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

"Nothing is Impossible to Industry, "Said one of the Seven Sages ...
... Let us change the word industry for persevering prayer, and the motto will be more ...
The wrestling, all night praying, of Jacob made an era never to be forgotten ...
/.../bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter vi nothing is impossible.htm

A Bad Bargain
... But Jacob had the vices as well as the virtues of his qualities. ... of character who
prefer the type of man who spurns the restraints of patient industry and order ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/a bad bargain.htm

God's True Treasure in Man
... slave; may have the right of entire disposal of all his industry, of the ... the
emblazonment, 'The King's Own.' 'The Lord's portion is His people; Jacob is the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/gods true treasure in man.htm

The Mother of Xerxes.
... the greater their ambition, their selfishness, and their pride, the stronger will
this interest be; for, just in proportion as order, industry, and internal ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter i the mother of.htm

His Training.
... information, which can not be acquired without immense industry, and the help ... of
intellect, and wealth of scholarship,"like Shakspeare, Jacob Boehm, Benjamin ...
//christianbookshelf.org/schaff/the person of christ/his training.htm

Chapter xxix
... shepherd. No doubt, Jacob began to serve in this capacity at once. His
faithfulness and his industry were immediately apparent. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxix.htm

The Second Continental Journey.
... in short, his principles are much the same as those held by Jacob Boehmen. ... school,
for tradesmen, &c.; a [boys' and] girls' poor school of industry, for those ...
/.../chapter ix the second continental.htm

An Abortive Symbol against Syncretism, 1655.
... was born in 1612 at Mohrungen, Prussia (the birthplace of the great Herder--'Esau
and Jacob from one womb'), and labored with untiring industry as Professor ...
/.../ 49 an abortive symbol.htm

The Works of Philo that have Come Down to Us.
... and in the prophets are said to be the result of his industry. ... biographical division,
mentioning Enos, Enoch and Noah, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, but dealing ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xviii the works of philo.htm

Jeroboam
... Jeroboam stood out in conspicuous contrast, by reason of his eagerness and industry. ...
Jacob laboured night and day, and therefore he prospered, even under Laban ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/jeroboam.htm