Topical Bible: Prophets: Jacob

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Topical Encyclopedia

Jacob, also known as Israel, is a central figure in the Hebrew Bible and is considered one of the patriarchs of the Israelites. He is the son of Isaac and Rebekah and the grandson of Abraham and Sarah. Jacob's life and experiences are primarily recorded in the Book of Genesis, where he is depicted as a man chosen by God to carry forward the covenant established with his grandfather, Abraham.

Birth and Early Life

Jacob's account begins with his birth as the younger twin brother of Esau. The narrative in Genesis 25:23 reveals a divine prophecy given to Rebekah: "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." This prophecy foreshadows the future relationship between Jacob and Esau, as well as the nations that would descend from them.

The Birthright and Blessing

Jacob's early life is marked by his acquisition of Esau's birthright and blessing. In Genesis 25:29-34, Jacob persuades Esau to sell his birthright for a meal, demonstrating Jacob's shrewdness and Esau's disregard for his inheritance. Later, in Genesis 27, Jacob, with the help of his mother Rebekah, deceives his father Isaac into bestowing the blessing of the firstborn upon him instead of Esau. This act of deception leads to significant familial conflict and sets the stage for Jacob's subsequent journey.

Jacob's Vision at Bethel

Fleeing from Esau's wrath, Jacob travels to Haran. On his way, he has a profound spiritual experience at Bethel, where he dreams of a ladder reaching to heaven with angels ascending and descending on it. In Genesis 28:13-15, God reiterates the covenant promises made to Abraham, assuring Jacob of His presence and protection: "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."

Life in Haran and Family

In Haran, Jacob works for his uncle Laban and marries Laban's daughters, Leah and Rachel. His time in Haran is marked by both prosperity and struggle, as he navigates complex family dynamics and labor agreements with Laban. Jacob's family grows significantly, and he becomes the father of twelve sons, who would later become the progenitors of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Return to Canaan and Wrestling with God

After many years, Jacob returns to Canaan, a journey marked by reconciliation with Esau and a transformative encounter with God. In Genesis 32:24-30, Jacob wrestles with a divine being, who blesses him and changes his name to Israel, meaning "he struggles with God." This event signifies a turning point in Jacob's life, highlighting his perseverance and the divine favor upon him.

Jacob's Later Years

Jacob's later years are characterized by his deep love for his son Joseph, which leads to familial discord and Joseph's eventual sale into slavery by his brothers. Despite these challenges, Jacob's faith remains steadfast. In Genesis 46, God reassures Jacob as he moves to Egypt to reunite with Joseph, promising to make his descendants a great nation there.

Legacy

Jacob's legacy is profound, as he is the father of the nation of Israel. His life exemplifies themes of struggle, faith, and divine providence. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is a recurring title for God throughout the Scriptures, underscoring Jacob's integral role in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Jacob's account is a testament to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises, despite human frailty and imperfection.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 49:1
And Jacob called to his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Jacob Predicted that Christ Would Ride on an Ass, and Zechariah ...
... Nay, it was prophesied by Zechariah, one of the twelve [prophets], that such would ...
that the Spirit of prophecy, as well as the patriarch Jacob, mentioned both ...
/.../chapter liii jacob predicted that christ.htm

Jacob Predicted Two Advents of Christ.
... For the Spirit which was in the prophets anointed your kings, and established them ...
in a vineyard; and the statement of Scripture, in the mouth of Jacob, And He ...
/.../chapter lii jacob predicted two advents.htm

And it is not Matter of Surprise that in Certain Generations There ...
... by means of their stronger and more powerful (religious) life, other prophets who
were ... of God, and the portion of the Lord was His people Jacob, Israel the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen against celsus/chapter viii and it is.htm

Touching Jacob, However, that which He did at his Mother's Bidding ...
... understood, in His body, which is His Church, Who, speaking of this thing, saith,
"When ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets in the ...
/.../augustine/against lying/section 24 touching jacob however.htm

The God of the Law and the Prophets, and the Father of Our Lord ...
... is a different God from Him who gave the answers of the law to Moses, or commissioned
the prophets, who is the God of our fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter iv the god of the.htm

The Twofold Nativity of Christ is Proved from the Prophets.
... That He was both God and man was declared before by the prophets. ... unto Him; He hath
found out all the way of knowledge, and hath given it unto Jacob His servant ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xliv the twofold nativity of.htm

Types of the Death of Christ Isaac; Joseph; Jacob against Simeon ...
... same scripture, be a bullock, when He is spiritually interpreted to be Jacob against
Simeon ... for in their anger they slew men," that is, the prophets; "and in ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xviii name of the.htm

One and the Same God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, is He whom ...
... there is one and the same God, who was proclaimed by the prophets and announced ... star
also Balaam thus prophesied: "There shall come a star out of Jacob, and a ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter ix one and the same.htm

Of Jesus, God and Man; and the Testimonies of the Prophets ...
... In the meantime, we learn from the predictions of the prophets that He was both
God ... found out all the way of knowledge, and hath given it unto Jacob His servant ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xiii of jesus god and.htm

The Old Testament is Good: the New Testament is Better.
... He is the door of the Father, by which enter in Abraham, and Isaac, and
Jacob, and the prophets, and the apostles, and the Church. ...
/.../chapter ix the old testament is.htm