Topical Encyclopedia Jacob, a central figure in the Hebrew Bible, is the son of Isaac and Rebekah and the twin brother of Esau. His life and legacy are foundational to the history of Israel, as he is the father of the twelve tribes. Jacob's account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, chapters 25 through 50.Birth and Early Life Jacob's birth is marked by divine prophecy. Rebekah, his mother, was told by the LORD, "Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger" (Genesis 25:23). Jacob was born grasping Esau's heel, which foreshadowed his future role in supplanting his brother. The Birthright and Blessing Jacob's early life is characterized by his desire for the birthright and blessing traditionally given to the firstborn. In a moment of hunger, Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for a meal of bread and lentil stew (Genesis 25:29-34). Later, with Rebekah's assistance, Jacob deceived his father Isaac to receive the blessing meant for Esau (Genesis 27:1-29). This act of deception led to a rift between the brothers, prompting Jacob to flee to his uncle Laban in Haran. Jacob's Vision and Covenant On his journey to Haran, Jacob had a significant spiritual encounter at Bethel. He dreamt of a ladder reaching to heaven, with angels ascending and descending on it. The LORD stood above it and reiterated the covenant made with Abraham and Isaac, promising Jacob land, descendants, and blessings (Genesis 28:10-15). Jacob vowed to serve the LORD and tithe a tenth of all he received if God protected him on his journey (Genesis 28:20-22). Life with Laban Jacob's time with Laban was marked by both prosperity and struggle. He worked for fourteen years to marry Laban's daughters, Leah and Rachel, whom he loved deeply. Despite Laban's attempts to deceive him, Jacob prospered, amassing significant wealth in flocks and herds (Genesis 29-31). After twenty years, Jacob returned to Canaan, reconciling with Esau along the way (Genesis 32-33). Wrestling with God Before meeting Esau, Jacob had a transformative encounter with God. He wrestled with a divine being until daybreak, refusing to let go until he received a blessing. The being renamed him Israel, meaning "he struggles with God," signifying his perseverance and the divine favor upon him (Genesis 32:24-30). Family and Legacy Jacob fathered twelve sons, who became the patriarchs of the twelve tribes of Israel. His sons included Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin. Jacob's favoritism towards Joseph led to familial strife, culminating in Joseph's sale into slavery by his brothers (Genesis 37). Final Years and Death In his later years, Jacob moved to Egypt during a famine, where Joseph had risen to power. Jacob blessed Pharaoh and lived in Egypt for seventeen years before his death. Before dying, he blessed his sons, prophesying their futures and the destiny of their descendants (Genesis 49). Jacob was buried in the Cave of Machpelah, alongside Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 50:13). Jacob's life is a testament to God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His covenant promises. His account is a complex narrative of struggle, redemption, and divine providence, shaping the identity and history of the nation of Israel. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 32:28And he said, Your name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince have you power with God and with men, and have prevailed. Nave's Topical Index Greek 2474. Israel -- Israel, the name of the Jewish people and their ... ... Israel. Of Hebrew origin (Yisra'el); Israel (ie Jisrael), the adopted name of Jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively) -- Israel. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2474.htm - 7k 3017. Leui -- Levi, the name of several Israelites 2466. Isachar -- Issachar. Strong's Hebrew 3478. Yisrael -- "God strives," another name of Jacob and his desc ...... Yisrael. 3479 . "God strives," another name of Jacob and his desc. ... Word Origin from sarah and el Definition "God strives," another name of Jacob and his desc. ... /hebrew/3478.htm - 6k 3130. Yoseph -- "he increases," a son of Jacob, also the name of ... 1144. Binyamin -- "son of (the) right hand," youngest son of Jacob ... 1090. Bilhah -- a concubine of Jacob 3063. Yehudah -- probably "praised," a son of Jacob, also his desc ... 123. edom -- the name of a condiment Library My Name is Jacob. Gen 32:27:00 The Same is Proved from the visions which Appeared to Jacob. On the Words of the Gospel, John i. 48,"When Thou Wast under the ... Jacob --Israel --Jeshurun The Twofold Wrestle --God's with Jacob and Jacob's with God The Lord of Hosts, the God of Jacob Argument from the Prayer of Joseph, to Show that the Baptist May ... It is Proved that Jesus was the Name of God in the Book of Exodus. Divers Towns Called by the Name of Tyre. How those are Wrong who Say that the Birth of Christ was a Secret ... Resources What is the meaning of the name Jesus? What does the name Jesus mean? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to call upon the name of the Lord? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to take the Lord's name in vain? | GotQuestions.org Name: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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