Bible Study Online Article

In the last article we learned, that Rebekah didn't tell Isaac about Esau's vow, when it came to killing his brother Jacob. For we must remember, that Esau was very upset at Jacob, for deceiving their father:

"Esau held a grudge against [his brother] Jacob because of the blessing [their] father had given him.

"[So] he said to himself, 'The days of mourning for my father are near; then I will kill my brother Jacob.'" -- Genesis 27:41

So after Rebekah had warned Jacob about Esau's plans:

"Your brother Esau is consoling himself with the thought of killing you. Now then, my son, do what I say:

"Flee at once to my brother Laban in Haran. Stay with him for awhile until your brother's fury subsides.

"When your brother is no longer angry with you and forgets what you did to him, I'll send word for you to come back from there. Why should I lose both of you in one day?" -- Genesis 27:42-45

However that may have been... I also pointed out, that it was probably best, that Rebekah didn't tell her husband about Esau's vow. For I believe, that it would have probably placed Jacob in more immediate danger, if Esau would have found out, that Jacob had learned of his plans.

Nonetheless, what Rebekah did do -- was to find a common concern, that her and Isaac had shared together, when it came to Jacob: "I'm disgusted with living because of these Hittite women. If Jacob takes a wife from among the women of this land, from Hittite women like these, my life will not be worth living." -- (Genesis 27:46)

And after Isaac had listened to his wife's concerns, he would now find himself in agreement with her. And because of this, he would send for Jacob. And when Jacob had come before him, he would speak another blessing into his life. Now this particular blessing, was basically a reminder, of what God had already told his grandfather Abraham. Now after speaking this blessing into his son's life, Isaac instructs Jacob to go and find his wife, at Laban's household. Know that Laban was the brother of his mother Rebekah.

Now as we moved forward a bit, we'd also discovered, that Esau had also learned of Jacob's departure. But he wouldn't pursue the brother, that he'd vowed to destroy at this particular time. For Esau had something else, that he'd felt compelled to do? And this is why we now find him heading to Ishmael's house. Know that Ishmael, was the brother of his father Isaac, so therefore -- he was Esau's uncle. Now Esau would head there, in order to find him a more suitable wife, that his parents would approve of.

And although Esau was trying his best, to make things right, from his earlier mishaps. What he ended up doing instead, was making things worse? For he would find himself, not only taking a third wife -- but he'd took one from a household, that would forever be at odds, with the chosen people of God.

Nonetheless, we now find Jacob doing as his father had instructed him. For the Sacred Record reveals, that Jacob had left out from the city that was known as "Beer-sheba" and he was now headed towards Syria. Now keep in mind, that at this point from within his life -- Jacob was now separated from the life, that he had grown so accustom to.

For he was now at a point in his life, to where he no longer had access to the benefits, and the privileges -- that he had enjoyed, while living in his father's great estate. And because of this, Jacob would now find himself all alone, while traveling on a path of uncertainty.

And make no mistake, this particular "path of uncertainty" was in fact, designed to bring Jacob a season of difficulty. For it would be a season, that would eventually bring him face-to-face, with the simplicities and hardships of life. And this time, he won't have his mother there, to back him up. But this "path of uncertainty" would do something else for Jacob as well? For it would teach him, how to lean on God, while learning how to trust Him more.

Remember that up to this point, Jacob really didn't know the Lord. But know that this would change rather quickly. As a matter of fact, the Sacred Record reveals -- that Jacob had now arrived at a place, that was known as Luz. A name that means, "an almond tree". Also know, that this was a place, that was located about forty miles out, from where Jacob father had lived.

Nonetheless, it was at this placed that was called Luz -- that Jacob decided to rest for the night. For the sun had now set, and the place seemed more comfortable, and convenient for Jacob to rest, during this time of the day. So Jacob would round up a large stone, and he would use this stone, as a pillow to rest his head on, while he slept for the night.

Now it would be during his slumber, that Jacob would have a dream, in which he saw a ladder that had been setup on the earth. And at its top, the ladder was seen reaching into the heavens. And it would be at this time, that Jacob had seen angels, ascending and descending upon it.

Oh, what a moment of delight and relief, that this must have been for Jacob? For he was able to have a such a dream, at this particular, and very important moment in time. Considering, that up to this point in his life, Jacob had sown so many bad seeds. And this is why I believe, that this was such a blessing, and fortunate position for Jacob to find himself in? For God has just revealed to Jacob, that He's still with him, in spite of his flaws.

And make no mistake, Jacob at this moment in his life, can now see past the natural world and into the spiritual. For his dream has shown him a ladder, that displays a divine purpose, which brought forth the heavenly confirmation. For Jacob now sees -- that God's: grace, mercy, and providence -- was still with him. For he now knows, that he's not alone. Yes, God was still in his life, guiding and instructing him -- just like the Lord had done earlier, with his grandfather Abraham, and his father Isaac.

And in this dream, Jacob saw the Lord Almighty standing at the top of the ladder. And it would be at this time, that the Lord had spoke to him:

"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 are lying. Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you." -- Genesis 28:13-15

So like I stated earlier, Jacob no longer felt isolated and all alone. For he now sees, that he has more than just the comfort and support of his mother Rebekah. All his life, he watched as his brother Esau received his father's love, and had claimed the highest of honors -- when it came to their father Isaac. Now for the first time in his life, Jacob had more than his mother's reassurance, when it came to him having a purpose of great worth. For Jacob has now received a direct divine confirmation, from the Heavenly Father Himself. And it was done in such a way, that it could never be denied.

Now after Jacob had awoken from his slumber, the Sacred Record reveals, that he'd said to himself: "Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it." And once he'd finally realized, that the Lord was so near to him, a fear came over him: "How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven." -- Genesis 28:17

And soon after that day had ended, early the next morning, Jacob would take the stone that he had used as a pillow for the night, and he set it up as monument to the Lord. Know that this was done, in order to show honor and respect, for the One True God. Next we find, that Jacob would pour oil on the top of the stone monument, and it's at this time, that he'd declared that this place was no longer called Luz (which meant an almond tree). But now it shall be known as Beth-el -- for the name means "the house of God".

And it's at this time, that Jacob had made a vow to the Most High God: "If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my fathers house, then the Lord will be my God and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God's house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth." -- Genesis 28:20-22

Now that Jacob had pledge a commitment, and dedicated service to the Most High God. Know that the path that Jacob was now journeying on, was uncertain no more. And even though Jacob didn't know, what was to await him on his travels? For he could now be at peace with himself, knowing that he was no longer alone -- for he now knows, that no matter what, God would always be by his side.

God Creates the Earth

The Sons of God - The Daughters of Men

The Introduction of Abraham

The Birth of Isaac

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Jacob - Wrestles with God

Joseph the Favorite Son

Joseph the Overseer of Egypt

The Unveiling of Joseph

42) Esau - Heart of Vengeance

43) Jacob - The Path of Uncertainty

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45) Rachel the Shepherdess

46) Jacob - The Love Season of Reaping

47) Leah's Divine Favor

48) Bilhah the Child Bearer

49) Zilpah the Child Bearer

50) The Mandrake Plant of Love

51) The Birth of Joseph

52) Spotted & Speckled

53) Jacob the Master Shepherd

54) Jacob the Prosperous

55) Jacob Departs from Laban