Genesis 28:6
Now Esau learned that Isaac had blessed Jacob and sent him to Paddan-aram to take a wife there, commanding him, "Do not marry a Canaanite woman,"
Now Esau learned
The phrase "Now Esau learned" indicates a pivotal moment of realization for Esau. The Hebrew root for "learned" is "yada," which means to know or perceive. This suggests a deeper understanding or awareness that Esau gains, not just a casual observation. In the context of the narrative, this learning is significant as it marks a turning point in Esau's life, where he becomes aware of the actions and blessings concerning his brother Jacob. Historically, this moment reflects the ongoing tension and rivalry between the two brothers, which is a recurring theme in Genesis.

that Isaac had blessed Jacob
The blessing of Jacob by Isaac is a central theme in the patriarchal narratives. The Hebrew word for "blessed" is "barak," which implies not only a verbal blessing but also the conferring of divine favor and authority. This blessing was originally intended for Esau, the firstborn, but was deceitfully obtained by Jacob. The act of blessing in ancient Near Eastern culture was a powerful and binding act, often seen as irrevocable. This highlights the gravity of Isaac's blessing and its impact on the family dynamics.

and sent him to Paddan-aram
"Paddan-aram" refers to a region in Mesopotamia, specifically associated with the city of Haran. This area is significant as it is the homeland of Rebekah, Jacob's mother, and a place where Abraham's family resided. The sending of Jacob to Paddan-aram underscores the importance of maintaining familial and cultural ties, as well as the desire to find a wife from among their own people, rather than from the surrounding Canaanite tribes. This journey also symbolizes a period of growth and transformation for Jacob.

to take a wife there
The directive "to take a wife there" emphasizes the importance of marriage within the covenant community. In the Hebrew culture, marriage was not just a personal union but a communal and covenantal act that had implications for the continuation of God's promises to Abraham's descendants. By seeking a wife from Paddan-aram, Jacob is aligning himself with the covenantal lineage, ensuring that his offspring would be part of God's chosen people.

and that when he blessed him
The repetition of the blessing highlights its significance and the weight it carries in the narrative. The blessing is not just a one-time event but a continuous source of divine favor and guidance for Jacob. This phrase also serves to remind the reader of the intentionality behind Isaac's actions, despite the initial deception involved in Jacob receiving the blessing.

he commanded him, 'Do not marry a Canaanite woman,'
The command "Do not marry a Canaanite woman" reflects the cultural and religious boundaries that were to be maintained by the patriarchs. The Canaanites were often associated with practices and beliefs that were contrary to the worship of Yahweh. By instructing Jacob to avoid marrying a Canaanite, Isaac is ensuring that the covenantal promises remain intact and that the family remains distinct and set apart for God's purposes. This command also echoes the earlier concerns of Abraham when seeking a wife for Isaac, reinforcing the theme of faithfulness to God's covenant throughout the generations.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Esau
The elder son of Isaac and Rebekah, who sold his birthright to Jacob and later sought to regain his father's blessing.

2. Isaac
The son of Abraham and father of Esau and Jacob, who blessed Jacob and sent him to find a wife from his mother's family.

3. Jacob
The younger son of Isaac, who received the blessing intended for Esau and was sent to Paddan-aram to find a wife.

4. Paddan-aram
The region where Rebekah's family lived, and where Jacob was sent to find a wife, emphasizing the importance of marrying within the covenant community.

5. Canaanite Woman
Represents the local women whom Isaac and Rebekah did not want their sons to marry, due to their differing beliefs and practices.
Teaching Points
Obedience to Parental Guidance
Isaac's command to Jacob reflects the importance of honoring parental wisdom, especially in matters of faith and marriage.

Spiritual Heritage
The emphasis on marrying within the covenant community underscores the value of shared faith in building a godly family.

Consequences of Choices
Esau's life illustrates how choices, especially regarding marriage, can have long-lasting spiritual implications.

God's Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
The account shows God's sovereign plan unfolding through human actions, encouraging trust in His purposes.

Cultural and Spiritual Distinctions
The avoidance of Canaanite marriages highlights the need for Christians to maintain distinctiveness in their values and relationships.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Esau's reaction to Jacob's blessing and journey reflect his understanding of spiritual priorities?

2. In what ways does the command to avoid marrying a Canaanite woman apply to Christian relationships today?

3. How can we discern and honor godly counsel in our own decision-making processes, especially regarding marriage?

4. What lessons can we learn from the contrast between Esau and Jacob about valuing spiritual blessings?

5. How does the concept of spiritual heritage influence our choices and relationships in a modern context?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 24
The account of how Abraham's servant was sent to find a wife for Isaac from his own people, paralleling Jacob's journey to Paddan-aram.

Genesis 27
Details the deception Jacob used to receive Isaac's blessing, setting the stage for his departure to Paddan-aram.

Deuteronomy 7:3-4
God's command to Israel not to intermarry with the surrounding nations, highlighting the importance of maintaining spiritual purity.

Hebrews 12:16-17
Reflects on Esau's character and the consequences of his choices, providing a New Testament perspective on his actions.

Malachi 1:2-3
God's declaration of love for Jacob and rejection of Esau, illustrating the divine election and its implications.
Life With, and Life Without, GodR.A. Redford Genesis 28:1-9
Esau, the Type of Worldliness and HypocrisyT. H. Leale.Genesis 28:6-9
LessonsG. Hughes, B. D.Genesis 28:6-9
Mistaken ImitationA. Fuller.Genesis 28:6-9
People
Aram, Bethuel, Esau, Haran, Isaac, Ishmael, Jacob, Laban, Mahalath, Nebaioth, Nebajoth, Rebekah
Places
Beersheba, Bethel, Haran, Luz, Paddan-aram
Topics
Aram, Blessed, Blessing, Canaan, Canaanite, Charge, Charged, Command, Commanded, Daughters, Esau, Giving, Isaac, Jacob, Layeth, Learned, Marry, Padanaram, Padan-aram, Paddan, Paddan-aram, Saying, Thence, Wife, Women
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 28:6-9

     5681   family, nature of

Library
The Heavenly Pathway and the Earthly Heart
'And Jacob went out from Beer-sheba, and went toward Haran. And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven; and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. And, behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

February the Fifth Everywhere the Gate of Heaven
"Surely the Lord is in this place, and I knew it not." --GENESIS xxviii. 10-22. That is the first time for many a day that Jacob had named the name of God. In all the dark story of his wicked intrigue the name of God is never mentioned. Jacob wanted to forget God! God would be a disturbing presence! But here he encounters Him in a dream, and in the most unlikely place. "And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place!" Jacob had yet to learn that there is everywhere "a ladder set up on
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

The Presence of God.
"And Jacob awakened out of his sleep and said, Surely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not."--GENESIS xxviii. 16. These words indicate the beginning of a new life in the patriarch Jacob. They tell us of the moment when, as it would appear, his soul awoke in him. And they surprise us in some degree, as such awakenings of spiritual capacity often do; for Jacob's recorded antecedents were not exactly such as to lead us to expect the dream and the vision, and the awakening which are described
John Percival—Sermons at Rugby

Jacob's Waking Exclamation
I would address you this morning upon a topic which may perhaps be as useful to us as to Jacob, if God the Holy Ghost shall but enable me to preach, and you to hear. Oh thou that art everywhere, be speedily now; be thou in this place, and may we know it, and tremble in thy presence. I shall speak on three points; first, the omnipresence of God--the doctrine of it; secondly, a recognition of that omnipresence, or the spirit which is necessary in order to discover the presence of God; and thirdly,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861

Notes on the First Century:
Page 1. Line 1. An empty book is like an infant's soul.' Here Traherne may possibly have had in his mind a passage in Bishop Earle's "Microcosmography." In delineating the character of a child, Earle says: "His soul is yet a white paper unscribbled with observations of the world, wherewith at length it becomes a blurred note-book," Page 14. Line 25. The entrance of his words. This sentence is from Psalm cxix. 130. Page 15. Last line of Med. 21. "Insatiableness." This word in Traherne's time was often
Thomas Traherne—Centuries of Meditations

Never! Never! Never! Never! Never!
Hence, let us learn, my brethren, the extreme value of searching the Scriptures. There may be a promise in the Word which would exactly fit your case, but you may not know of it, and therefore miss its comfort. You are like prisoners in a dungeon, and there may be one key in the bunch which would unlock the door, and you might be free; but if you will not look for it you may remain a prisoner still, though liberty is near at hand. There may be a potent medicine in the great pharmacopia of Scripture,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 8: 1863

The Life of Faith.
The fruit of these trials. The conduct of the submissive soul. It results from all that has just been described that, in the path of pure faith, all that takes place spiritually, physically, and temporarily, has the aspect of death. This is not to be wondered at. What else could be expected? It is natural to this state. God has His plans for souls, and under this disguise He carries them out very successfully. Under the name of "disguise" I include ill-success, corporal infirmities, and spiritual
Jean-Pierre de Caussade—Abandonment to Divine Providence

The Plan for the Coming of Jesus.
God's Darling, Psalms 8:5-8.--the plan for the new man--the Hebrew picture by itself--difference between God's plan and actual events--one purpose through breaking plans--the original plan--a starting point--getting inside. Fastening a Tether inside: the longest way around--the pedigree--the start. First Touches on the Canvas: the first touch, Genesis 3:15.--three groups of prediction--first group: to Abraham, Genesis 12:1-3; to Isaac, Genesis 26:1-5; to Jacob, Genesis 28:10-15; through Jacob,
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus

The Prophecy of Obadiah.
We need not enter into details regarding the question as to the time when the prophet wrote. By a thorough argumentation, Caspari has proved, that he occupies his right position in the Canon, and hence belongs to the earliest age of written prophecy, i.e., to the time of Jeroboam II. and Uzziah. As bearing conclusively against those who would assign to him a far later date, viz., the time of the exile, there is not only the indirect testimony borne by the place which this prophecy occupies in
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Letter xxviii (Circa A. D. 1130) to the Abbots Assembled at Soissons
To the Abbots Assembled at Soissons [45] Bernard urges the abbots zealously to perform the duty for which they had met. He recommends to them a great desire of spiritual progress, and begs them not to be delayed in their work if lukewarm and lax persons should perhaps murmur. To the Reverend Abbots met in the name of the Lord in Chapter at Soissons, brother Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux, the servant of their Holiness, health and prayer that they may see, establish, and observe the things which are
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

That the Ruler Should be a Near Neighbour to Every one in Compassion, and Exalted Above all in Contemplation.
The ruler should be a near neighbour to every one in sympathy, and exalted above all in contemplation, so that through the bowels of loving-kindness he may transfer the infirmities of others to himself, and by loftiness of speculation transcend even himself in his aspiration after the invisible; lest either in seeking high things he despise the weak things of his neighbours, or in suiting himself to the weak things of his neighbours he relinquish his aspiration after high things. For hence it is
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Covenanting Performed in Former Ages with Approbation from Above.
That the Lord gave special token of his approbation of the exercise of Covenanting, it belongs to this place to show. His approval of the duty was seen when he unfolded the promises of the Everlasting Covenant to his people, while they endeavoured to perform it; and his approval thereof is continually seen in his fulfilment to them of these promises. The special manifestations of his regard, made to them while attending to the service before him, belonged to one or other, or both, of those exhibitions
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Tithing
There are few subjects on which the Lord's own people are more astray than on the subject of giving. They profess to take the Bible as their own rule of faith and practice, and yet in the matter of Christian finance, the vast majority have utterly ignored its plain teachings and have tried every substitute the carnal mind could devise; therefore it is no wonder that the majority of Christian enterprises in the world today are handicapped and crippled through the lack of funds. Is our giving to be
Arthur W. Pink—Tithing

Gen. xxxi. 11
Of no less importance and significance is the passage Gen. xxxi. 11 seq. According to ver. 11, the Angel of God, [Hebrew: mlaK halhiM] appears toJacob in a dream. In ver. 13, the same person calls himself the God of Bethel, with reference to the event recorded in chap. xxviii. 11-22. It cannot be supposed that in chap xxviii. the mediation of a common angel took place, who, however, had not been expressly mentioned; for Jehovah is there contrasted with the angels. In ver. 12, we read: "And behold
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
SHOWING WHAT IT IS, AND HOW DISTINGUISHED FROM THAT WHICH IS NOT SO. ALSO, WHENCE IT COMES; WHO HAS IT; WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS; AND WHAT THE PRIVILEGES OF THOSE THAT HAVE IT IN THEIR HEARTS. London: Printed for N. Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, over against the Stocks market: 1679. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and "a fountain of life"--the foundation on which all wisdom rests, as well as the source from whence it emanates. Upon a principle
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Shaking of the Heavens and the Earth
Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Yet this once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land: and I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come, and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts. G od shook the earth when He proclaimed His law to Israel from Sinai. The description, though very simple, presents to our thoughts a scene unspeakably majestic, grand and awful. The mountain was in flames at the top, and
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

Nature of Covenanting.
A covenant is a mutual voluntary compact between two parties on given terms or conditions. It may be made between superiors and inferiors, or between equals. The sentiment that a covenant can be made only between parties respectively independent of one another is inconsistent with the testimony of Scripture. Parties to covenants in a great variety of relative circumstances, are there introduced. There, covenant relations among men are represented as obtaining not merely between nation and nation,
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Christ the Mediator of the Covenant
'Jesus the Mediator of the New Covenant,' &c. Heb 12:24. Jesus Christ is the sum and quintessence of the gospel; the wonder of angels; the joy and triumph of saints. The name of Christ is sweet, it is as music in the ear, honey in the mouth, and a cordial at the heart. I shall waive the context, and only speak of that which concerns our present purpose. Having discoursed of the covenant of grace, I shall speak now of the Mediator of the covenant, and the restorer of lapsed sinners, Jesus the Mediator
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The First Commandment
Thou shalt have no other gods before me.' Exod 20: 3. Why is the commandment in the second person singular, Thou? Why does not God say, You shall have no other gods? Because the commandment concerns every one, and God would have each one take it as spoken to him by name. Though we are forward to take privileges to ourselves, yet we are apt to shift off duties from ourselves to others; therefore the commandment is in the second person, Thou and Thou, that every one may know that it is spoken to him,
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

The Strait Gate;
OR, GREAT DIFFICULTY OF GOING TO HEAVEN: PLAINLY PROVING, BY THE SCRIPTURES, THAT NOT ONLY THE RUDE AND PROFANE, BUT MANY GREAT PROFESSORS, WILL COME SHORT OF THAT KINGDOM. "Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."--Matthew 7:13, 14 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. If any uninspired writer has been
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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