Jeremy R. Geerdes Posts

God commands Jacob to return to Bethel and build an altar. Jacob instructs his household to abandon foreign gods and purify themselves. At Bethel, God reaffirms Jacob’s name as Israel and His covenant promises. Rachel dies giving birth to Benjamin; Reuben sins with Bilhah; Isaac dies, and Jacob and Esau bury him.

Jacob’s daughter, Dinah, is raped by Shechem, a local prince. Shechem desires to marry her, leading his father, Hamor, to propose intermarriage with Jacob’s family. Deceptively, Jacob’s sons agree, requiring the men of the city to be circumcised. While they recover, Simeon and Levi kill all the males, rescue Dinah, and plunder the city. Jacob later condemns their actions, fearing retaliation.

The article examines Chapter 5 of The Discipline of The Wesleyan Church, titled “Special Directions,” which addresses various non-dogmatic issues. It highlights the need to clarify positions on topics like human sexuality and modesty, suggesting updates to ensure relevance and clear guidance for contemporary and future Wesleyans.

Jacob prepares to meet Esau by arranging his family and bowing seven times, symbolizing submission. Esau, however, embraces Jacob, indicating reconciliation. Jacob insists Esau accept his gifts, acknowledging God’s grace. After parting ways, Jacob settles near Shechem, purchases land, and builds an altar to God.

Jacob prepares to meet Esau by sending messengers and gifts, addressing Esau as “my lord” and himself as “your servant,” indicating respect and a desire for reconciliation. He divides his household into two camps for safety and prays, reminding God of His promises. Jacob wrestles with a divine figure, receiving the name Israel, symbolizing his transformation and alignment with God’s will.

Jacob, sensing hostility from Laban’s family, secretly departs with his household. Rachel takes her father’s household idols. Laban pursues and confronts Jacob, leading to a tense exchange. They eventually establish a covenant, setting a boundary and pledging mutual non-aggression before parting ways.

Jacob’s family expands through the births of multiple sons by Leah, Rachel, and their maidservants, driven by rivalry between the sisters. Jacob negotiates with Laban to establish his own wealth, employing selective breeding techniques that result in his prosperity, demonstrating God’s favor despite human conflicts.
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1-12        Just as he had when Abraham’s servant went to find a wife for Isaac (see 24:1-67), God was with Jacob. He may not be mentioned explicitly, but what are the chances Jacob would arrive at exactly the same well, at exactly the same time as Laban’s daughter Rachel? It is interesting to note that Laban was […]

Jacob’s journey to find a wife parallels Abraham’s servant’s mission, highlighting the importance of not marrying Canaanite women. Esau’s attempt to appease his parents by marrying within the family contrasts with Jacob’s divine encounter at Bethel, where God reassures him of His presence and promises. Jacob’s response indicates a posture of repentance and faith.

The reflection on Genesis 27 explores the deceptive actions of Isaac, Rebekah, and Jacob in securing the blessing meant for Esau. It highlights themes of God’s sovereignty over human mistakes, the consequences of deceit, and the unchanging nature of God’s plans, emphasizing His faithfulness despite human failures.