Jacob, a Man of Striking Contrasts

GENESIS 35:1-7

THE most outstanding and praiseworthy characteristic of Jacob was his implicit faith in the promises of God, particularly in the oathbound promise which the Lord made to his grandfather Abraham. It was the right to inherit this promise that he purchased from his brother Esau, and in all the experiences of his life there is no record of his ever knowingly going contrary to what he believed would be pleasing to God. He was strong in the Lord and valiant in all things which pertained to his relationship with his God.

By nature, however, and in his relationship with others, Jacob frequently displayed fear. He was willing to put forth a great effort to obtain the birthright from Esau, but fled from his wrath fearing for his life. Through fear of Laban, his father-in-law, he endeavored to get away secretly from Padanaram when the Lord made known his will that he should return to Canaan. Learning on his return journey that he would meet Esau he again became fearful.

Jacob’s mistrust of his own ability to cope with those who opposed him, and by contrast, his great confidence in God, might well illustrate the healthy attitude of a Christian who trembles when he thinks of self, but when he looks to God he is strong. Certainly, the Lord is the only source of true strength for the righteous, and may we learn to put our trust more fully in him!

When Jacob fled from Esau after procuring Isaac’s parental blessing pertaining to the birthright, God appeared to him at Luz, and while sleeping with his head on a stone he was given that wonderful ladder dream. Jacob recognized that this was from the Lord, and he called the name of the place “Bethel,” meaning the “house of God.” He vowed then that if the Lord went with him and provided for his needs and brought him back safely, He would truly be his God and this place would indeed become to him the house of God.

Now that he had returned, it would seem that the Lord was reminding him of this vow, instructing him to go to Bethel to dwell, and there build an altar unto him. Jacob was glad to comply with this command, and since he was to erect an altar as a place to worship his God, he considered it also essential for his family to dispose of the various image gods they had brought with them from Padanaram, so he gave instructions to this effect. This indicates that he entered into the spirit of the Lord’s command and was not obeying it in letter only.

GENESIS 35:9-12

JACOB had obeyed the Lord by leaving Padanaram, the land of his father-in-law, and returning to Canaan; and the Lord took occasion to renew the covenant with him concerning his seed and the land which had been promised to Abraham. Every servant of the Lord has outstanding experiences manifesting divine love and care, and frequently these come following acts of obedience to the divine will. It seems to be the Lord’s way of encouraging his people and of expressing his appreciation to his people when they manifest the desire and determination to do his will regardless of how much the cost or the risk may be.

Jacob had many imperfections, but he loved the Lord and had faith in his promises. Thus he was one of the ancient worthies of whom the apostle wrote that they obtained a good report through faith. For him, as for all the ancient worthies, there will be a “better resurrection.” Then, instead of being the fathers in Israel, they will become the children of The Christ, and will be made “princes in all the earth.”—Heb. 11:35,39,40; Psa. 45:16

QUESTIONS

What was the outstanding characteristic of Jacob?

What might be illustrated by his fear of man and his trust in God?

Why did the Lord renew his covenant with Jacob after he returned to Canaan?

What will be Jacob’s position in the messianic kingdom?

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