Jeremy R. Geerdes Posts

Joseph, Jacob’s favored son, shares dreams suggesting his future dominance, inciting his brothers’ jealousy. They conspire to kill him but instead sell him into slavery. Deceiving their father, they present Joseph’s bloodied coat, leading Jacob to believe his son is dead. Joseph is taken to Egypt, setting the stage for his future rise.

6-8        This would seem to confirm that Esau and Jacob separated out of necessity rather than hostility. See note on 33:14. 9-19        The genealogy of Esau highlights the transition of his family from his twelve sons (9-14) to a tribal structure (15-19).[80] 12        It is interesting that Amalek is the only one of Esau’s grandsons pointed out in […]

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 […]