LESSON 16
Genesis for Today: Chapters 28-29
by Herb Drake

Copyright (c) 1998, 2020, Herb Drake.

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Jacob's Ladder

Isaac commands Jacob to marry one of the daughters of Rebekah's brother, Laban, so he makes his way toward Haran. But Esau, realizing his father's preference for wives from Haran, adds a cousin through Ishmael to his herem. Perhaps out of spite?

As the sun sets, Jacob goes to sleep and has a dream featuring a tri-fold "behold":

• Behold, a ladder (staircase?): The gateway to heaven.
• Behold, angels using the ladder to go to and from heaven.
• Behold, the LORD, standing beside him.

This is the first interchage between Jacob and the LORD. Jacob has every reason to fear God after his conspiracy with Rebekah, and he is alone in the wilderness. If interest here are things not said. God does not call Jacob by name, unlike other such visions and theophanies in the Old Testament. Since Jacob's name means "condemnation," God can't call him by name without condemning him. (This problem is solved later when God changes Jacob's name.) Jacob receives the blessing of the promise that originated with Abraham, confirming the blessing that he stole from Esau. He names the place Bethel ("House of God"), erects a pillar, and in what might be called "bargaining faith," he promises to tithe whatever he receives by way of God's promise.

That Jacob is near God has been captured in poetry ("The Hound of Heaven," by Francis Thompson) and hymnody (sung to the tune BETHANY):

There let the way appear
	Steps into Heaven
All that Thou sendest me
	In mercy given;
Angels to beckon me
	Nearer, my God, to thee;
Nearer, my God, to thee
	Nearer to thee.

Jacob Gets Two Wives

Jacob's long journey ends when sees sizable herds of sheep about to be watered at a well sealed by a huge stone. The suggestion is there that he is immediately impressed by the value of the herds, and when he asks the sherherds attending the well he gets vague answers. But he sees Rachel and learns that she is one of his uncle Laban's daughters and is immediately impressed by her appearance. He sends the other shepherds away to be alone with Rachel. It normally takes three to move the stone, but Jacob rolls the stone off the well by himself; perhaps he trying impress her.

Jacob meets Laban and his second daughter, Leah. While Rachel is beautiful, Leah is said to have "weak eyes." Jacob loves Rachel, and offers to serve Laban for seven years in exchange for having her as his bride. Laban agrees, and after the seven years the wedding takes place with a great feast. When the newlyweds retire and morning comes, Jacob discovers that he has married Leah, a plot engineered by Laban who protests that he must give his first-born daughter up first. His answer to Jacob's complaint is poignant; Laban is pointing out that he doesn't do as Jacob's family has done in giving the birthright to the hounger child. Possible explanations for the success of this bridal switch include the bride wearing a veil and, of course, the possibility that Labaan plied Jacob with wine to dull his senses. Perhaps Jacob has met his match in the art of deceit in the person of Laban. Leah's servant Zilpah comes as part of the arrangement.

Jacob has only one option to gain the wife he loves -- he agrees to work for Laban for another seven years. He finally marries Rachel, who comes with her servant Bilhah. So Jacob now has two wives, one that he loves and one that is unloved. This favoritism does not bode well for Jacob's growing household.

Genesis 26-27 | Genesis 30-31