5.2. FIRST AS OVERCOMING WITH GOD - JACOB (Genesis 28:10 - 37:1)

The important and well-known vision of Jacob at Bethel is told in Genesis 28:10-22. Through the guidance of God, Jacob, heading for Haran, came to Bethel. It was in sleep that blessing came by way of renewal of the promise. God often speaks in dreams (Genesis 28:12 ). The dream was also the equivalent of a vision because the Lord appeared to him, and applied to Jacob the Abrahamic blessing (Genesis 28:13-14 ). He is given three personal promises (Genesis 28:15 ), God's presence, God's preservation, and God's perseverance. "With you ... keep you ... not leave you." Upon awakening in the dead of night, Jacob's first reaction was amazement at God's goodness, his second was fear of God. A deep reverence for God and for the place where God had revealed Himself. He consecrates the stone and designates the place Bethel 'house of God.' Formerly it was Luz. (Genesis 28:19 ).

The vision signifies God's omnipresence and fellowship. Christ Jesus said:

John 1:51 "Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."

The omnipresent fellowship of God is enjoyed in Christ by all believers.

The double marriage and family of Jacob is recorded in Genesis 29 :1 to 30:43. A wonderful story of love unfolds, but in the story we see the working of the God of justice, and the law of sowing and reaping. Jacob who had abundantly deceived others, was now deceived himself. The seven years he served Laban for Rachel seemed but a few days (Genesis 29:20 ). Such was his love for her. Cruel deception practised by Laban on the wedding night resulted in seven more years of faithful service being added. But now Jacob is a bigamist, not by original choice though, but through Laban's treachery. The names of the 12 sons born indicate the struggle and unhappiness within the family. The birth of Joseph (Genesis 30:25 ) sired a desire for a new working arrangement, and is agreed upon. Laban, when pressed, consents to turn over all "spotted and speckled" lambs and goats to Jacob. Jacob matched wits with Laban and came out, through God's blessing, well rewarded (Genesis 30:43 ).

Genesis 31:1-55 records the flight from Laban, and Jacob, sanctioned by the Lord to return to the land of his fathers (Genesis 31:3 ). The situation with Laban had become very unpleasant and threatening (Genesis 31:1-2 ). His family were one with him in the need to depart. (Genesis 31:4-16 ). The full credit is given to God for the increase of Jacob's flock. The God of Bethel in a dream had told Jacob that He had seen what Laban did (Genesis 31:12 ). It was time to return so God, through circumstances, hastened the departure. Laban set out in pursuit, but God intervenes and appearing to him in a dream, forbids any act of reprisal (Genesis 31:24 ). Laban plays the part of outraged father, but the real issue was the idols stolen by Rachel (Genesis 31:19 ). Jacob pronounced death of the thief if found, not knowing Rachel had stolen them Genesis 31:32 ). Rachel contrived to hide them (Genesis 31:35 ). The anger of Jacob is expressed to Laban (Genesis 31:36-44 ). After making a covenant they separated (Genesis 31:43-55 ). In this very human story God is revealed as ordering circumstances to bring about His purposes - also as the keeper of His covenant of protection.

As Jacob goes on his way (Genesis 32:1-2 ), he is strengthened by a vision of angels, two bands of angels. 'Mahanaim'. The name he gives to the place means 'two bands, or camps.' We have been provided with ministering angels for our journey (Hebrews 1:14 ). The Lord can open our eyes to see them when we need that encouragement. (2 Kings 6:17 ).

---

"Sent messengers before him"

A message of appeasement was sent to Esau (Genesis 32:3-5 ). He wanted to find favour in Esau's sight. But it is not likely that he could please God and please Esau at the same time. We are not to be men-pleasers, but those who please God (Galatians 1:10 ).

---

"Four hundred men are with him"

Jacob thought he had reason to fear (Genesis 32:6-8 with 27:41-42 ). Nevertheless the fear was unfounded in the assurance of God's word and specific promises (Genesis 31:3 ). The Lord had said, "I will be with you." (Genesis 31:3; Romans 8:31 ). Jacob was aware of this and prayed the promise (Genesis 32:12 ), but still trying to play it careful sent presents to Esau (Genesis 32:13-21 ).

---

"Jacob was left alone"

The man who wrestled Jacob (Genesis 32:24-30 ) is called an Angel in Hosea 12:4. Evidently the wrestler was the pre-incarnate Christ. Jacob's wrestling involved agonizing prayer (Hosea 12:4 ). God allowed Himself to be overcome by Jacob, though He crippled him. This was proof that this was no mere dream. The Lord wanted to depart before daylight but Jacob insisted on being blessed, knowing that Jacob must attend to business.

Spiritual experience is never intended to keep us from practical duty, it is meant to prepare us for it. The blessing came in the changing of his name from Jacob (supplanter) to Israel (Genesis 32:28 ), meaning 'a prince with God.'

Genesis 32:28 "For you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed."

We are taught to cling in faith and prevail in prayer, for such are princes with God. "He blessed him there" (Genesis 32:29 ) in the place of prayer and of prevailing, at the point of his need. Israel names the place 'Peniel' - 'the face of God.' In Christ we see the face of God and live (1 Peter 3:18. Revelation 22:4 ).

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. God revealed Himself to Jacob in a dream. What important communication was given to Jacob?
   • Does the Lord speak in dreams in these New Testament times?
   • What change to just dreaming takes place when the Lord Himself appears?
2. Can you express what it would mean to Jacob at the time, to hear God promise His presence to accompany, His protection to keep, and His perseverance in reasoning with Jacob ?
   • What does God's promise in Hebrews 13:5 mean to you?
3. What difference do you notice about Jacob the morning after the dream?
   • He changed the name of the place to Bethel. What does the name mean?
   • Would the meaning describe your home?
4. What significance does the ladder dream have for you?
   • How did Jesus speak of Himself in John 1:51?
   • As a believer what is the meaning for you?
5. After the experience of Bethel, do you believe it was a light-hearted Jacob who arrived at the well where Laban's flock was to be watered?
6. Would it be a coincidence that Rachel the youngest daughter came with the flock that day?
   • Or that she should be arriving at the moment Jacob was asking about Laban?
   • Do you see divine guidance in this meeting?
   • Are you surprised that the seemingly ordinary incidents in life turn out to be steps ordered by the Lord?
7. Do you see in Jacob's treatment of Rachel that his heart is already taken with her?
   • Did Jacob know that greeting his cousin had more meaning for him?
   • Would you say true love is willing to wait, as Jacob proved?
8. What price was Jacob willing to pay to have Rachel as his wife?
9. How was the deceiver deceived? Do you believe in the law of sowing and reaping?
10. Would you say Jacob's love for Rachel was very great? Has God given you someone so special and so loved by you that you would gladly make the biggest sacrifice for the beloved?
11. Did God care for Leah in all this? What did He do for Leah?
    • Do you believe that God is compassionate to the unloved wife?
12. Do you see indicated in the names of the 12 sons born, something of the great unhappiness within the mixed family?
13. After Rachel gave birth to Joseph, What new working arrangement did Laban agree to? How did Jacob turn the arrangement to his own advantage?
14. How was Jacob's prosperity received by Laban and his sons?
    • How did God use the situation?
    • Do you believe Jacob was prospered for the fulfilling of God's purposes?
    • Is this why God prospers you?
15. Do you believe Jacob was right to explain to Rachel and Leah the need and plan of departure from Laban?
    • Did they owe loyalty to their father or to Jacob? If you say Jacob, why?
16. That Jacob had been skilful as a shepherd in increasing flocks is true, but to whom did he give the proper credit? Are you careful to do this?
17. How did Jacob explain how God had spoken to him?
    • Do you believe that Rachel and Leah rightly assessed the actions of their father Laban?
    • Did they advise Jacob correctly in the words of Genesis 31:16?
18. What did Rachel do that could have put all of them in jeopardy?
    • Laban pursued. How did God intervene?
    • When Laban did arrive, what for him was the real issue?
    • Did Jacob handle the situation well?
    • Could you condone the behaviour of Rachel?
    • In all this do you see God keeping His covenant of protection?
19. Do you believe God can open our eyes to see angels when we need that kind of encouragement?
20. Do you think it was possible for Jacob to please Esau and God at one and the same time?
21. Do you regard Jacob's fear as without reason in the light of God's covenant promises, and the specific promise that the Lord would be with him?
    • Are there situations in which, like Jacob, you can pray the promise but at the same time play it carefully?
22. Whom do you believe the one was who wrestled with Jacob?
    • What did Jacob hold on to the angel for, even though crippled?
    • What did Jacob want?
23. What did Jacob's changed name mean?
    • What was the physical reminder of that eventful struggle and prevailing by clinging?
    • Do you believe the only way to truly win is to cling to God?