Now Jacob lived in the land where his father had resided, the land of Canaan. Now Jacob livedThe phrase "Now Jacob lived" marks a transition in the narrative, focusing on Jacob's life and his family. The Hebrew word for "lived" is "יָשַׁב" (yashab), which means to dwell or settle. This indicates not just a temporary stay but a more permanent residence, suggesting stability and continuity in the covenant promises given to Abraham and Isaac. Jacob's dwelling in Canaan signifies the fulfillment of God's promise to give this land to Abraham's descendants. in the land
The "land" here refers to Canaan, a region of great significance in biblical history. The Hebrew word "אֶרֶץ" (eretz) is used, which can mean land, earth, or country. This land is central to God's covenant with the patriarchs, representing not just a physical territory but a place of divine promise and blessing. It is a land set apart for God's people, a foreshadowing of the heavenly inheritance promised to believers. where his father had resided
This phrase connects Jacob to his father Isaac and grandfather Abraham, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant through generations. The Hebrew word for "resided" is "גּוּר" (gur), meaning to sojourn or dwell temporarily. This highlights the patriarchs' status as sojourners in a land that was promised but not yet fully possessed, reflecting the life of faith and trust in God's promises. the land of Canaan
Canaan is a significant geographical and theological location in the Bible. It is the land promised by God to Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 12:7). The name "Canaan" is derived from the Hebrew "כְּנַעַן" (Kena'an), which may mean "lowland" or "humble." Historically, Canaan was a region inhabited by various peoples and cultures, often in conflict with the Israelites. Spiritually, it represents the place of God's promise and the challenges of living in faith amidst a world of opposition. Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobAlso known as Israel, Jacob is the patriarch of the Israelite tribes. He is the son of Isaac and Rebekah and the grandson of Abraham. Jacob's life is marked by his struggles and eventual reconciliation with God, which is reflected in his new name, Israel. 2. CanaanThe land promised by God to Abraham and his descendants. It is a significant location in biblical history, representing both a physical territory and a spiritual inheritance for the Israelites. 3. IsaacJacob's father, who also resided in Canaan. Isaac is a key figure in the Abrahamic covenant, representing the continuation of God's promises to Abraham. Teaching Points Faithfulness in God's PromisesJacob's residence in Canaan is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's promises, even when fulfillment seems distant. Heritage and LegacyJust as Jacob lived in the land of his father, Christians are called to honor their spiritual heritage and pass on a legacy of faith to future generations. Living as PilgrimsLike Jacob, who lived in Canaan as a sojourner, Christians are reminded that they are pilgrims on earth, with their ultimate home in heaven. Obedience and PatienceJacob's life in Canaan required patience and obedience to God's timing. Believers are encouraged to wait on the Lord and remain obedient to His guidance. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jacob's residence in Canaan reflect God's faithfulness to His promises, and how can this encourage us in our own faith journey? 2. In what ways can we honor our spiritual heritage and ensure that we pass on a legacy of faith to the next generation? 3. How does the concept of living as pilgrims on earth influence our daily decisions and priorities? 4. What are some areas in our lives where we need to exercise patience and obedience, trusting in God's perfect timing? 5. How can we draw strength from the examples of faith demonstrated by the patriarchs, such as Jacob, as we face challenges in our own lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 12:1-7This passage details God's promise to Abraham to give his descendants the land of Canaan, establishing the significance of the land where Jacob now resides. Hebrews 11:9This verse highlights the faith of the patriarchs, including Jacob, as they lived in the land of promise as foreigners, looking forward to the fulfillment of God's promises. Genesis 28:13-15God's promise to Jacob at Bethel, reaffirming the covenant made with Abraham and Isaac, and promising the land of Canaan to Jacob and his descendants. People Bilhah, Ishmaelites, Jacob, Joseph, Medanites, Midianites, Pharaoh, Potiphar, Reuben, ZilpahPlaces Canaan, Chezib, Dothan, Egypt, Gilead, Shechem, Valley of HebronTopics Canaan, Dwelleth, Dwelt, Father's, Jacob, Sojourned, Sojournings, Stayed, Stranger, Travels, WhereinDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 37:1-11 8730 enemies, of believers Genesis 37:1-35 5738 sons Library Joseph, the Prime Minister
'And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is? And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Trials and visions of Devout Youth
'And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan. These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report. Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. And when his brethren saw that …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Man's Passions and God's Purpose
'And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him; And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it. And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt. And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Talmage -- a Bloody Monster
Thomas De Witt Talmage was born at Bound Brook, N.J., in 1832. For many years he preached to large and enthusiastic congregations at the Brooklyn Tabernacle. At one time six hundred newspapers regularly printed his sermons. He was a man of great vitality, optimistic by nature, and particularly popular with young people. His voice was rather high and unmusical, but his distinct enunciation and earnestness of manner gave a peculiar attraction to his pulpit oratory. His rhetoric has been criticized …
Grenville Kleiser—The world's great sermons, Volume 8 The Crucifixion.
"He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth."--Isaiah liii. 7. St. Peter makes it almost a description of a Christian, that he loves Him whom he has not seen; speaking of Christ, he says, "whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory." Again he speaks of "tasting that the …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII The Sixth Commandment
Thou shalt not kill.' Exod 20: 13. In this commandment is a sin forbidden, which is murder, Thou shalt not kill,' and a duty implied, which is, to preserve our own life, and the life of others. The sin forbidden is murder: Thou shalt not kill.' Here two things are to be understood, the not injuring another, nor ourselves. I. The not injuring another. [1] We must not injure another in his name. A good name is a precious balsam.' It is a great cruelty to murder a man in his name. We injure others in …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
Massecheth Berachoth, or Tractate on Benedictions [76] Mishnah--From what time is the "Shema" said in the evening? From the hour that the priests entered to eat of their therumah [77] until the end of the first night watch. [78] These are the words of Rabbi Eliezer. But the sages say: Till midnight. Rabban Gamaliel says: Until the column of the morning (the dawn) rises. It happened, that his sons came back from a banquet. They said to him: "We have not said the Shema.'" He said to them, "If the column …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life 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 Links Genesis 37:1 NIVGenesis 37:1 NLTGenesis 37:1 ESVGenesis 37:1 NASBGenesis 37:1 KJV
Genesis 37:1 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
