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In the last couple of articles, I've been trying to point out, that up to this point in Jacob's life -- the only support and encouragement that he ever had, or known, had came primarily from his mother Rebekah. And although he had been predestine by the Lord, when it came to being the new steward of the Abrahamic Covenant.
Jacob would eventually give in to the pressure, that was coming directly from his mother, when it came to him agreeing to participate in his mother's deceitful plan. For Rebekah's plan, dealt with them deceiving his father Isaac for a birthright -- that in retrospect, was already, and rightfully his. Nonetheless, their plan would seem to work out, for it would result in Jacob receiving a special blessing from his father. But keep in mind, that this was the same "special blessing" that Isaac was planning on speaking into Esau's life. Now remember, that Jacob had already been fearful, of incurring the wrath of God, behind his participation -- when it came to his mother's deceitful plan against his father. And on top of that, Esau the brother he'd betrayed in the process, would find out what Jacob had done -- when it came to tricking and deceiving their father Isaac, into getting the "special blessing" that Esau was expecting to get. And it was for these reasons, that Esau had vowed to kill his brother Jacob. But also know, that Esau would wait, until after their father had been laid to rest.
However that may have been -- one could conclude, that it was Esau's anger, and his vow to seek vengeance against his brother -- that had prompted Jacob, to leave his father's great estate. And because of this, Jacob now finds himself all alone. For he was now separated from the privileges, and the comforts, that he had grown so accustom to. But nonetheless, regardless of how Jacob obtained his new responsibilities, the fact remains, that he was now the new steward of the Abrahamic Covenant. And although this was his true purpose from the start, it was only fitting, that at this point from within Jacob's life -- the Lord had revealed to him, a heavenly confirmation. A confirmation, that had came to him through a dream that he had -- while he slept on a stone, that he was using for a pillow to rest on for the night. Next, we later learned, that after Jacob had the pleasure of experiencing such a magnificent moment in his life, he would continue forward with his journey. But now, Jacob would have more confidence, and a greater anticipation of good things to come, when it comes to his overall purpose in life. For we must keep in mind, that before, he didn't have this type of confidence, when he'd first left from his father's household.
However that may have been, we now find Jacob, traveling some 400 miles out, as he left the land of Canaan. And it's at this point, we find Jacob approaching a water-well that was seen in the field, that he was traveling through. And this is where we now find, that Jacob would come in contact, with some shepherds that had dwelled from within the eastern parts of the land. For the Sacred Record takes the time to point out, that when all the flocks were gathered at the water-well... that a very large and heavy stone, that covered the mouth of this water-well, would normally, during this time -- be removed by the shepherds. Then after the sheep had been watered, the shepherds would roll the stone back over the mouth of the water-well: "When all the flocks were gathered there, the shepherds would roll the stone away from the well's mouth and water the sheep. Then they would return the stone to its place over the mouth of the well." -- Genesis 29:3
Now understand, water was a very precious and valuable commodity in those parts. And it was this particular water-well, the one that Jacob had came upon -- was found to be, being used strictly by its owners. So therefore, the owners used a large heavy stone to cover the well, so that it couldn't be used by just anybody. Also know, that the large stone, would also help to preserve the water, and was also used as a type of safeguard. For the owners didn't want a spiteful person, or mischief drifters -- polluting, or poisoning its contents, or trying to gain unauthorized access to it. Know that the stone, would also protect the water-well, not just from strangers and drifters -- but also from damage, that could be caused by the extreme heat from the sun. And the stone was also helpful, when it came to keeping domestic animals from falling in the well, and perhaps accidentally drowning themselves in the process.
Now upon arriving, Jacob calls out to the shepherds: "My brothers, where are you from?" And the shepherds responded by saying: "We are from Haran." Now after hearing this, Jacob asked: "Do you know Laban, Nahor's grandson?" Then the shepherds responded by saying: "Yes, we know him." Jacob then asked: "Is he well?" And the shepherds answered: "Yes, he is and here comes his daughter Rachel with the sheep." Then Jacob said: "Look, the sun is still high; it is not time for the flocks to be gathered. Water the sheep and take them back to pasture." And after hearing Jacob's advice the shepherds responded by saying: "We can't until all the flocks are gathered and the stone has been rolled away from the mouth of the well. Then we will water the sheep."
However, in the meantime, while Jacob and the shepherds were talking amongst themselves -- the woman that the shepherds had told Jacob about, came near with her father's sheep. She had went by the name Rachel -- for her name means "a sheep". Now Rachel was the shepherdess of that flock, for she also outranked the other shepherds, that were there with her. Know that she was also the daughter of Laban, for he was the brother of Jacob's mother, Rebekah. Now the Sacred Record also tells us, that she was a very beautiful, humble and industrious (hard working) woman. And when Jacob had seen her, he immediately ran over, and removed the large heavy stone from the mouth of the well.
Now I would like to point something out real quick, when it comes to what Jacob had just done? For he'd just moved a very large and heavy stone, by himself? Now personally for me, this feat alone, speaks volumes about Jacob's true physical strength? And the reason why I'm making such a statement, deals with the perception -- that when compared to his brother Esau, often times, most would see Jacob as a man, that was considered weak? But you know, often times I wonder? That perhaps, Jacob wasn't as weak, as he (and many others) thought he was? But I digress... Nonetheless, Jacob would then water the sheep that Rachel was tending to. And after doing this, he went over to Rachel and kissed her. Now understand that this was done in a polite way -- for it was the custom of that place, that whenever you first greeted a friend, or relative -- that you do it with a kiss. Also know, that it was at this moment, that Jacob would then cry out loud, as he wept with tears of joy.
Understand, that this would mark a great moment for Jacob -- being that once again, he had received some sort of confirmation from the Lord? Remember that he'd first received a visitation, and a vision, from a dream -- that the Lord had given to him, when he had first left from his father's house. Now he gets another confirmation, which shows him, that the instructions that his father Isaac had given to him (before his departure) are now beginning to come into play: "Go at once to Paddan Aram, to the house of your mother's father Bethuel. Take a wife for yourself there, from among the daughters of Laban, your mother's brother." -- (Genesis 28:2)
Now it's at this moment, that Jacob begins to explain to Rachel, that he was a relative of her father, and the son of Rebekah. Now after Rachel had heard what Jacob had just said, she immediately ran back home -- so she could tell her father Laban, all that Jacob had just told her. And after Laban, had heard all that Rachel had to say about Jacob and his arrival -- he too, ran out to meet with him. Now upon reaching him, Laban would embrace and kiss Jacob. Remember that in this place, when one would meet and greet friends, and relatives -- it was their custom to do this with a kiss. Nonetheless, we find that afterwards, Laban would invite Jacob to his home. And it's at this time, we find Jacob telling Laban about his journey, and how he met his daughter Rachel earlier at the water-well. Now after Laban heard all that Jacob was willing to share with him, he told him: "You are my own flesh and blood."
Now that Jacob had arrived at the place, that his father Isaac had instructed him to seek out. How will Laban deal with the fact, that Jacob is actually there to marry one of his daughters?
The Sons of God - The Daughters of Men **YOUR CURRENT - BIBLE STUDY ONLINE SERIES - WOULD BE HERE**
43) Jacob - The Path of Uncertainty 44) Jacob - The Stone Pillow Dream 45) <-CURRENT - BIBLE STUDY ONLINE - PAGE-> 46) Jacob - The Love Season of Reaping 50) The Mandrake Plant of Love
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