Whatever conclusions you draw about Jacob’s character (or the lack of it), you have to grant that he had some help getting there. His grandfather and father struggled with telling the truth at times (Genesis 12:11ff, 20:1ff, 26:7ff), while his mother, Rebekah, instigated and served as his accomplice in the deception of his father, Isaac (27:5ff). And both Isaac and Rebekah were guilty of playing favorites in their parenting (25:27-28). Jacob’s family had issues and it’s not surprising that he became one of them!
His behavior in stealing his brother’s birthright was deplorable though Esau bore some responsibility (Hebrews 12:16-17). However, his deception of his infirmed father was cold-hearted. Nonetheless, there he was headed off to Haran to find a wife with the birthright and blessing secured and thinking for all the world that he must be the shrewdest man on earth.
Perhaps in Canaan he could lay claim to the title, but not in the land of Harran, for that’s where Laban resided. He was an older, more experienced version of Jacob. He tutored Jacob in what it was like to be on the receiving end of exploitation and manipulation (i.e., Leah and Rachel). After twenty years of dealing with him, Jacob had enough and was desperate to return to Canaan. But it was not that easy. Returning home meant confronting the brother he had mistreated. That had him worried, but it appears that Jacob was weary of running and ready to face his past.
He was met by angels on his journey and perhaps inspired by their visit, he sends a deferential message to Esau. A response comes back that Esau was on his way with four hundred men. Now Jacob is worried and he prays like he never has before (v. 9-12).
He sends a procession of livestock (550 animals) ahead as a gift to Esau. He sends his entire family and all his remaining possessions across the Jabbock into Canaan while he remains on the other side to spend the night watching for Esau and his men.
Someone attacks him and the two men began fighting.Jacob refuses to be defeated even though his hip is wrenched (temporarily dislocated?). They fight through the night and as dawn breaks his assailant is ready to quit but Jacob refuses to relinquish his hold until the man he seemed to recognize as an angel blesses him. The angel asks for his name and the son of Isaac and grandson of Abraham confessed who he was: Jacob (deceiver—see the footnote on 25:26).
Now he is ready to face Esau as well as return to Canaan. He has acknowledged the truth about the way he has lived and treated others as well as recognizing he is unworthy of all he has (Genesis 38:10). He is truly ready for a new name (v. 28) and a blessing (v. 29). He doesn’t ride off into the sunset—he limps into the sunrise—changed forever!
What are some of the takeaways of this story for us. Click here.
