Topical Bible: Decision: Jacob

◄ Decision: Jacob ►

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Jacob, the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the twin brother of Esau, is a pivotal figure in the biblical narrative, known for his significant decisions that shaped the course of Israel's history. His life is chronicled primarily in the Book of Genesis, where his choices reflect both human frailty and divine providence.

Birthright and Blessing

One of Jacob's earliest and most consequential decisions involved the acquisition of Esau's birthright. In Genesis 25:29-34, Jacob seizes an opportunity when Esau, famished from the field, desires some of the stew Jacob is cooking. Jacob offers the stew in exchange for Esau's birthright, a decision that Esau makes impulsively, thus transferring the rights of the firstborn to Jacob. This transaction, though seemingly opportunistic, aligns with God's earlier prophecy to Rebekah that "the older shall serve the younger" (Genesis 25:23).

Later, Jacob, with Rebekah's encouragement, deceives his father Isaac to receive the blessing intended for Esau (Genesis 27:1-29). This decision, while deceitful, fulfills God's sovereign plan, as Isaac unwittingly bestows the covenantal blessing upon Jacob, securing his role in the Abrahamic lineage.

Marriage and Family

Jacob's decision to marry Leah and Rachel, the daughters of Laban, further illustrates his complex character and the unfolding of God's plan. Initially, Jacob agrees to work seven years for Rachel, whom he loves (Genesis 29:18-20). However, Laban deceives him by giving Leah as his wife instead. Jacob's decision to work an additional seven years for Rachel (Genesis 29:27-30) results in a complicated family dynamic, leading to the birth of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Return to Canaan

After years of service to Laban, Jacob decides to return to Canaan, prompted by a divine command (Genesis 31:3). This decision is fraught with tension, as Jacob must confront Esau, whom he fears due to their past conflict. Jacob's strategic planning and prayerful dependence on God (Genesis 32:9-12) demonstrate his growth in faith. His encounter with God at Peniel, where he wrestles with the angel and receives the name Israel (Genesis 32:24-30), marks a turning point in his spiritual journey.

Reconciliation with Esau

Jacob's decision to reconcile with Esau is a testament to his transformation. In Genesis 33, Jacob approaches Esau with humility and gifts, seeking peace. Esau's gracious acceptance and their subsequent reconciliation highlight the power of forgiveness and the fulfillment of God's promise to protect Jacob.

Legacy

Jacob's decisions, though often flawed, are instrumental in the establishment of the nation of Israel. His life reflects the tension between human agency and divine sovereignty, as God uses Jacob's choices to fulfill His covenant promises. Jacob's account serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the importance of seeking His guidance in decision-making.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 28:20,21
And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Human Characters Determined Only by Divine Decision.
... Human Characters determined only by Divine decision. ... was intended for them, and to
be offered to them, in Christ, equally as to the natural seed of Jacob. ...
/.../sermons on various important subjects/sermon xv human characters determined.htm

Jacob Boehme's Influence in England
... and practices.[68] The writer has evidently read the works of Jacob Boehme, or ... changeth
but changeth all who believe and obey it," records the decision of the ...
/.../chapter xii jacob boehmes influence.htm

Chapter xliii
... of about this sort: "And as far as your brother is concerned, take him." Seeing
clearly that Benjamin must go, Jacob reaches a quick decision and settles the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xliii.htm

A Cloud of Witnesses.
... Perhaps it was his father Jacob's dying blessing that had revived the thoughts of
the ... the God of heaven in the conquest of the land, and bowed to His decision. ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter xiii a cloud of.htm

John iv. 13, 14
... Jacob, by arguing against Me, and asking, Art thou greater than Jacob, that thou ...
Seest thou the upright judgment of the woman, giving her decision from facts ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxii john iv 13.htm

The Trials and visions of Devout Youth
... that Jacob meant to set him at the head of the clan on his decease, and that the
dreams were trumped up and told to them to prepare them for the decision which ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the trials and visions of.htm

Egypt and Greece.
... Artobazanes, his brother, acquiesced in the decision with the utmost readiness and
good humor. ... This was done by the sons of Jacob when the crops failed them in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter ii egypt and greece.htm

Faustus Does not Think it Would be a Great Honor to Sit Down with ...
... his servant, without alluding in that connection to Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob. ...
And this decision remained unaltered in spite of some similarity in style ...
/.../faustus does not think it.htm

Chapter xlii
... 2. Wayyo'mer must here mean: "he further said." Father Jacob is a man of
decision of character. He knows how to act in different ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlii.htm

Chapter xlvi
... Jacob continued in a settled life. ... on the theme "Thy will be done." A godly man's
concern about having certainty in the matter of a momentous decision in life ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlvi.htm