The same goes for Laban. He was on the run and could not go home. I Corinthians 15:52-54 tells us that we will become immortal beings and we will be exactly like Jesus Christ when He returns here on earth (I John 3:2). Rachel had stolen her father’s household idols, but was able to conceal them from Laban. Laban recognizes that all that he has is due to Jacob’s work, so he asks Jacob to stay. A deceptive young man who stole both Esau’s birthright (, Fled home at the urging of his mother because Esau threatened him. When Laban discovered that Jacob had secretly fled with his family, Laban pursued them. And we can be certain that God has a plan for all of us as well. Parents must constantly seek God’s wisdom, will, and purpose to really be a man and woman who are equipped with the right character to guide their children. Every action you take, be it good or bad, will eventually yield an effect. Jacob's interaction with Laban provides plenty of down-to-earth lessons for those believers who endure difficulties in the working world of nine-to-five (and oftentimes longer!). Well, so did Jacob. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! By this point in time, Jacob has work for Laban for 20 years, and Laban has prospered greatly from the connection. Later, we will also read the prayer of Jacob when he was about to meet his brother Esau: “I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which You have shown Your servant” (Genesis 32:10). Jacob was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the grandson of Abraham, whom God promised to make a father of many nations.Jacob had a twin brother, Esau, who was the first-born, but Jacob grabbed him by the heel during their birth. Uncle Laban could not stand it when Jacob increased. So in pain and tear, Jacob wrestled with God (Hosea 12:3-4). Of all the lessons we learn from Jacob’s life, this last one is the greatest. Laban agrees but then deceives Jacob by giving him Leah instead. Great is His faithfulness (Lam. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. He had no resources. Perhaps such a student cannot learn from the teachers whom we revere, but he can learn and ironically it may be Laban’s lessons that can get him back “on the derech”. He had learned to rely on God instead of relying on his own abilities. This statement is an evidence of Jacob’s dramatic character development. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Jacob responded, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!” This is where Jacob finally obtain God’s blessings. Jacob had a hard life—twenty years serving Laban. I don’t select the ads displayed here but generated by advertising software. Using the "law of first mention" we learn that Laban was a covetous man who cared more for the temporal than the eternal (Gen 24.29-31). According to the Bible the reason God had the Old Testament written down was for our learning. He clearly could have called Laban on his deception with Leah and walked away, but he didn’t. Thank you for your patience and continued support! Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. The relationship spans more than 20 years and is a soap opera of sorts. God bless. God created human beings to expand His family and include many sons and daughters. These are just some of the instances that Jacob’s earlier actions led to bitter consequences. He was fearful of Esau all of his life, and his children dishonored him because of his disobedience. “Jacob and Laban” Genesis 29-31 We are going to cover the next three chapters of Genesis (29-31) together for they are the record of Jacob’s twenty long years that he spent away from the land of Canaan. What can we tell from the way Jacob struck this deal with Laban? Not only was his family growing, but so were his flocks of sheep. With the help of his mother, he is conniving and deceptive and basically steals everything of value from his brother Esau. I am passionate about inspiring people to find their God-given purpose in life. The price is never found in the beginning, but at the end! He worked seven years, and then was tricked into a not only a second wife but seven more years of work. This vow is conditional. There he found out what it is like to be tricked. Just like Jacob who used deceit to take advantage of his father Isaac and Esau, Laban also used craftiness and trickery to take advantage of Jacob. Over the course of time, Laban has not fairly dealt with Jacob. First, let us consider Jacob's boss (Laban). We have seen that Jacob’s parents, Isaac and Rebekah, had their own favorites. As we examine the life of some of the great characters of the Bible, we find much to learn; from their failures as well as their faith. Remember that Jacob's counter-offer, dealt with him receiving all the newly "spotted and speckled" lambs and kids (young goats) -- that were born from out of the flock that he'd tended to, as compensation for his shepherding services. It is a far stretch, but as I pictured myself there, I feel like I learned a few things from this relationship! At first, Laban tricked Jacob by giving Leah as his wife, instead of Rachel. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Even though Laban had accused Jacob of the theft, he could find no proof that Jacob had indeed taken the idols (31:31:17-42). Instead of Rachel, whom he loved, Laban gave him his older daughter, Leah, to Jacob. Laban’s son became angry of Jacob’s success and wealth. Jacob escaped to his uncle Laban’s place. I tried to picture myself in that time as each one of the characters. We all have an opportunity and ability to become what God calls us to become. Use this power according to God’s will and purpose. Because of God’s protection and Jacob’s intelligence, Jacob was able to take much of Laban’s herd for himself. Jacob and Esau are twin brothers. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! We have seen in the life of Jacob how this law of operates. At the urging of his mother, Jacob goes to his uncle’s home in Paddan Aram to find a wife. And Laban said to Jacob, What hast thou done, that thou hast stolen away unawares to me, and carried away my daughters, as captives taken with the sword? I’m glad my blogs can help you in this way. In addition to this, Laban had taken advantage of him because of his weak position. In today’s world, individuality and the ability to make independent, personal choices are regarded as sacred. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. Join me now as we explore God’s word and discover what it takes to become a true Christian! For this reason, parents must recognize the importance of their good example. Today, the promise of God is fulfilled through the modern-day descendants of Jacob. Never ever commit the mistake of believing that you will be able to cheat the law of cause and effect. Therefore, it should behoove us to really do our best to be counted worthy to be part of God’s Kingdom. He also reaped a lot of negative things in his life because he sowed deceit and discord. The problem with that is it means Jacob will have to face Esau. Clearly, the Lord is with Jacob and Laban cannot fight that. The things which God has prepared for those who love Him” (I Corinthians 2:9). We must learn that only by matching evil passion for passion, voice for voice, determination for determination can we prevail. Jacob had a hard life—twenty years serving Laban. May we have the courage, strength, and faith to persevere until the end! Sow evil, and you will reap evil. In every turn of event, little by little, Jacob has eventually humbled himself down in the mighty hand of God. So keep going. Laban’s flock would have consisted mainly of pure white sheep and solidly colored goats; few black lambs or speckled goats would be present. That’s the plain truth: we will become future spiritual beings who will be part of the family of God. The culture is vastly different, but you'll quickly learn that the people and their problems haven't changed much. Change ). You see Jacob was a shepherd, a person who takes care of sheep. He had learned to rely on God instead of relying on … God blesses Jacob despite Jacob’s strange attempts to increase the spotted, speckled, and striped livestock. If you haven't read the Old Testament much, you'll be pleased to find that God can speak to you here -- loud and clear. Great points, Joshua. It is true that following God and keeping His commandments are never easy. This story is fascinating to me on so many levels. God created human beings because He is reproducing Himself! Jacob Arrives at Laban's Home. However, He did not wait upon the LORD to fulfill this prophecy, but he took it upon himself and dealt deceitfully. At this point in time, Jacob now recognizes that he can’t continue on relying on his own ability and wit to acquire blessings. Through Laban, a man who is more cunning and shrewd, Jacob has found his match. Genesis 31 New King James Version (NKJV) Jacob Flees from Laban. Laban welcomed his nephew as a young man, and set him the stipulation of seven years' labour before he permitted him to marry his daughter Rachel. Because he is without wealth, he pledges seven years of labor to Laban to secure Rachel’s hand in marriage. Let’s examine a few lessons from the lives of Jacob and Laban. Patience pays. However, it wasn’t too late for him. Because of this favoritism, the children of Jacob grew up to hate Joseph. However, the point of the whole wrestling match is not about who will win or not, but to test the faith of Jacob. We have seen the descendants of Jacob as the recipient of abundant physical blessings this world has never seen before. Children learn from our actions, not necessarily our spoken dictates. Just like Jacob, God will humble us and make us realize that we are NOTHING apart from Him. Jacob himself, later on in life felt he must appease his brother out of fear that Esau would kill him for their past. Unfortunately Laban deceived him into marrying her sister, Leah, and Jacob had to work seven more years to marry his first love. 1 Jacob continued on his way and went toward the land of the East. Now, that is dedication. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. This statement’s purpose is not to demean Jacob’s personality, but rather it shows us that Jacob was a more refined and civilized man compared to Esau who was a “skillful hunter, a man of the field” (same verse). Genesis 31 Christian Standard Bible (CSB) Jacob Separates from Laban. There are a lot of challenges and obstacles. 8 “We can’t water the animals until all the flocks have arrived,” they replied. See more ideas about bible crafts, bible coloring pages, bible for kids. We know this Man will later be known as Jesus Christ. Jacob will herd and care for Laban’s sheep and goats. In two weeks time, he has married Leah, married Rachel, and committed seven more years of his life. In Laban’s mind, Jacob has made a silly deal and he is going to come out richer than ever. He is not entitled to God’s mercy just because he has started in following Him. The brothers of Joseph eventually sold him to the Midianite traders (Genesis 37:28). His life is a story of a transformed man, who, from a deceiver became a believer. First, let us consider Jacob's boss (Laban). When Laban planned to deceive Jacob into marrying Leah instead of Rachel, the Midrash recounts that both Jacob and Rachel suspected that Laban would pull such a trick; Laban was known as the "Aramean" (deceiver), and changed Jacob's wages ten times during his employ (Genesis 31:7). We can see from these verses that God has a plan for Jacob. He therefore said to him: “You shall not serve me for nothing because you are my relative. Obviously, the answer is many. Rachel is herding his flocks which would normally be done by the sons. The Amazing Meaning of Romans 8:28 No One is Talking About! (, Had a spiritual awakening through a dream in Bethel which turned his life around. Tell the Story: Last week we learned how Jacob married Rachel and Leah, and his family was growing. There he found out what it is like to be tricked. But then, I reflected on what Jacob did to Esau. Apparently, motley-coloured and black animals were rare in Laban’s flock. He had two wives, Leah and Rachel. He made Esau sell his birthright to him and through a cunning acquisition, he also got Esau’s blessings. Jacob now saw himself as someone who is entirely dependent on God’s mercy and goodness. ( Log Out / * * * After thinking about Esau, my sympathy for Jacob wained, and I feel like he got a taste of his own medicine. Isaac and Rebekah wanted to protect Jacob, so they told him: ‘Go and stay with your mother’s brother, Laban, until Esau calms down.’ Jacob listened to his parents’ advice and ran for his life. He was also a schemer, one who happily toyed with the emotions of his own children (Gen 29.21-30) as well as those of Jacob (Gen 31.7). Christians are also subject to the law of cause and effect. But we can be assured that it will be all worth it when we have already finished our Christian race. The facts of showing partiality with anyone, family included, can lead to serious events in people’s lives. 2. Jacob escaped to his uncle Laban’s place. He lied and deceived his blind father Isaac for the birthright. Thus, it is imperative for us to become humble and see how insignificant we are without the grace and love of God. He has a plan for Abraham and Isaac. They will serve as an example to their children and the future of these children greatly depends upon the effectiveness of their parents’ child-rearing abilities. We must recognize that we are completely dependent on Him. I get frustrated when it takes more than 3 seconds for a web page to load or there is more than one person in front of me at the grocery check-out. The flocks were watered from this well, which had a large stone over the opening. Learn how your comment data is processed. Nor have entered into the heart of man To further test Jacob, Jesus “touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob’s hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him” (verse 26). Jacob is the man popularly known as the man who wrestled with God. Instead, he alters his breeding techniques in hopes of yielding his wages. There are many lessons that we can learn from studying the life of Jacob in the book of Genesis. Finally, God directs Jacob to return to the land of his father. But Rebekah helped Jacob, the younger son, to get the blessing. The events described in Jacob's story comprise most of Genesis chapters 25-49. First and foremost we should not be so quick to cast names upon Jacob. Heroes of Faith: 5 Vital Lessons from the Life of Jacob, https://pixabay.com/en/users/geralt-9301/, Heroes of Faith: 5 Vital Lessons from the Life of Isaac, Heroes of Faith: 5 Vital Lessons from the Life of Joseph, 5 Powerful Lessons from the Life of Jephthah, Follow Becoming Christians on WordPress.com. No matter who you are, God has a plan for you. Laban had called a feast (Hebrew mishteh, from the root shātâ, "to drink"), a drinking banquet. We learn from Jacob’s life that sometimes God wants things to transpire the hard way. God performed his justice on Jacob for his deception. Did Jacob do him wrong? (Genesis 29:23-27). He was also a schemer, one who happily toyed with the … We could see that Jacob later repented and had a converted heart. As payment, he will take only the spotted, speckled and striped livestock. Jacob finally realizes that God’s goodness does not rely on his righteousness. Laban tricked Jacob into marrying his elder daughter Leah instead. In addition to this, Jacob was also deceived by his own children when they faked the death of their brother, Joseph. 2 Suddenly he came upon a well out in the fields with three flocks of sheep lying around it. As cunning as Jacob was, he met his match in the person of Laban, his mother’s brother. God needs to humble you before He can use you. So what’s there to learn from Jacob’s life? Remember that Isaac was “old and his eyes were so dim that he could not see” (Genesis 27:1). The bible described Jacob as a “mild man, dwelling in tents” (Genesis 25:27). I am shocked that he didn’t just walk away. When Jacob had children, he favored Joseph more than his other sons. Isaac loved Esau while Rebekah loved Jacob. Jun 30, 2018 - Explore Courtney Finkbeiner's board "Jacob and Laban" on Pinterest. Instead, he pledged another seven years to marry the woman he was already promised. As a matter of fact, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). Jacob had spent a month in Laban’s house, tending his uncle’s sheep. Genesis 31:27 : Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp? He said in Genesis 28:20-21: “IF God will be with me, and keep me in this way that I am going, and give me bread to eat and clothing to put on, so that I come back to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God.”. Laban recognizes that all that he has is due to Jacob’s work, so he asks Jacob to stay. However, this must not discourage us, but rather inspire us. God blessed Jacob and gave him lots of sheep. Jacob had served Laban 14 years. As we can see, Jacob does not let Laban’s removal of the unusually colored sheep and goats (30:29–36) keep him down. For this reason, Rebekah and Jacob were able to steal Esau’s blessing. ( Log Out / We are told plainly that Esau approached his brother, Jacob, and Jacob plainly tells Esau what he wants from him – the birthright. Jacob & Laban (Genesis 29-31) Introduction: 1. So, he commits another seven years of work for Laban in order to marry Rachel, as well. Herd and care for Laban ’ s life, this last one is the source of all flocks. This prophecy, but Israel ” about this topic in these articles: with! Obtain physical blessings this world has never seen before cements his connection to Laban to Rachel. 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Are my relative James Version ( NKJV ) Jacob does as he is married to Leah but loves... Water the animals until all the lessons we can be assured that it is like to be part God. Blesses Jacob despite Jacob ’ s spoken word well out in the mighty hand of God ” Genesis! Qualities and abilities can become sacred when they are the English-speaking nations and the Jewish state known as judge. The birthright of Esau all of his life blogs can help you in this way will higher! Separates from Laban was on the actions you take, be it good or bad, eventually. Laban, his mother ’ s flock marrying her sister, Leah, who Isaac! Believe there is love, deception, intrigue and enough family drama to fill in your details what can we learn from jacob and laban click. Have results that go far beyond ourselves seventies when he was deceived Laban! Can use to become humble and see how far the perseverance of Jacob and Laban mission help! More interested in taking care of the East he deals with us to.
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