Topical Encyclopedia Jacob, a patriarch in the biblical narrative, is a significant figure in understanding the practice of social and family prayer within the context of the Old Testament. His life, as recorded in the Book of Genesis, provides insights into the spiritual practices and familial interactions of the early Hebrew people.Family Prayer and Altars Jacob's commitment to family prayer is evident in his establishment of altars, which served as places of worship and communication with God. After his dream at Bethel, where he saw a ladder reaching to heaven, Jacob made a vow to the Lord, saying, "If God will be with me and watch over me on this journey, if He will provide me with 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 signifies Jacob's personal and familial dedication to God, setting a precedent for his household. Later, Jacob's return to Bethel marks another significant moment of family prayer. God instructed him to go to Bethel and settle there, and to build an altar to God, who appeared to him when he fled from Esau (Genesis 35:1). Jacob's response was to instruct his household to purify themselves and change their garments, emphasizing the importance of spiritual preparation and communal worship. "So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, 'Get rid of the foreign gods that are among you. Purify yourselves and change your garments'" (Genesis 35:2). This act of purification and the building of an altar underscore the role of the family in collective worship and prayer. Intercessory Prayer Jacob's life also illustrates the power of intercessory prayer. Before his reunion with Esau, Jacob prayed earnestly for protection and deliverance from his brother's wrath. "Then Jacob prayed, 'O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, O LORD, who said to me, "Return to your country and to your kindred, and I will make you prosper," I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness You have shown Your servant. Indeed, with only my staff I came across the Jordan, but now I have become two camps. Please deliver me from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he may come and attack me, and also the mothers with their children'" (Genesis 32:9-11). This prayer reflects Jacob's reliance on God for the safety and well-being of his family, highlighting the patriarchal role in seeking divine intervention for familial concerns. Blessing and Prophetic Prayer In his later years, Jacob's prayers took on a prophetic dimension as he blessed his sons. Before his death, Jacob gathered his sons to bless them and to speak over their futures. This act of blessing was both a prayer and a prophetic declaration, as seen in Genesis 49. Jacob's words over each son were not only blessings but also insights into their destinies and roles within the tribes of Israel. This practice underscores the importance of patriarchal prayer in shaping the spiritual and communal identity of the family. Jacob's life and actions provide a rich tapestry of social and family prayer practices in the biblical tradition. His establishment of altars, intercessory prayers, and prophetic blessings illustrate the integral role of prayer in maintaining a covenant relationship with God and guiding the spiritual direction of his family. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 35:2,3,7Then Jacob said to his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Christian Prayer The Compassion of Jesus Prayers Answered Gethsemane Jacob Boehme's Influence in England The Friend at Midnight. The King James Version --Its Influence on English and American ... An Old-Fashioned Home Kingo's Childhood and Youth Covenanting Performed in Former Ages with Approbation from Above. Resources What is fervent prayer (James 5:16)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is listening prayer? Are listening prayers biblical? | GotQuestions.org Is there evidence that God answers prayer? | GotQuestions.org Prayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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