Lessons from Genesis 30 & 32 The Preceding chapters explained how Jacob met Rachel and how he served his uncle Laban for Rachel only to be deceived and be given Leah after a week he was given Rachel but he had to serve another 7 years in total he served 14 years for Rachel half of which he was rewarded in deceit.
Chapter 30
Started with Rachel realising that she has no children for Jacob, she asked her husband to give her children or else she will die. Jacob in anger asked her if he was God who has not blessed Rachel's womb with Children.
I find the response Jacob to be harsh although he was expressing the truth. This just shows what extent the delivery of our words to others can impact the decisions they make. Prior to their case we read of how Sarah waited on God but Abraham never shouted in anger at her.
When we notice people getting emotional about their circumstances it's only fair and wise not to allow our emotions to rule above our utterances.
After this encounter she gave Bilhah her maid to Jacob so she can have a child through her, Jacob accepted and Bilhah gave birth to Dan (God has heard my case and gave me a son). The made gave birth to Naphtali (I wrestled with my sister and I prevailed).
The relationship between Rachel and Leah was nothing but sibling rivalry. If we trace it back Laban their father was the architect of this rivalry but then we need to note that Jacob himself was a supplanter a deceiver so he kind of reaped what he sowed.
The rivalry even extended to their children relationship with the co-wife. The mandrakes (which is potato aphrodisiac it is a type of fertility aid) it shows here that Rachel believe was more inother gods instead of the Great I am. She believed in the power of how the mandrakes aids fertility.
Now at the time of wheat harvest Reuben [the eldest child] went and found some mandrakes in the field, and brought them to his mother Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, “Please give me some of your son’s mandrakes.” But Leah answered, “Is it a small thing that you have taken my husband? Would you take away my son’s mandrakes also?” So Rachel said, “Jacob shall sleep with you tonight in exchange for your son’s mandrakes.” When Jacob came in from the field in the evening, Leah went out to meet him and said, “You must sleep with me [tonight], for I have in fact hired you with my son’s mandrakes.” So he slept with her that night. Genesis 30:14-16 AMP
https://bible.com/bible/1588/gen.30.14-16.AMP
Leah was more fertile than Rachel but the love Jacob had for Rachel was beyond her ability to conceive.
From this we can learn that people will love you for who you are if God connects you with them not just by what you give to them. Leah had 7 sons and a Daughter for Jacob but His love was for Rachel who was Barren for a while before having two children (Joseph and Benjamin).
Finally God heard Rachel's prayer and she gave birth to Joseph (God has taken away my reproach). There is something significant about how the Bible record the names and the meaning. The meaning of a name has a lot to do with the person's life journey.
After all the drama within Jacobs house he approached Laban to let him go as he had completed his agreement of serving him. But Laban begged him to stay (Genesis 30:27) because through Jacob God blessed Laban.
As a child of God you are placed wherever you are for a purpose. Many people will be blessed just because they are connected to you. In some cases people who identify how the relationship with you has broadened their horizon might find it difficult to let you go. However you must know when it's time to move on from a position regardless of how powerful you might have become.
Jacob even offered that Laban give him the least livestock so he can start afresh when he lives. Jacob wanted the speckled and spotted sheep and the brown lambs so that the can distinguish which livestock belonged to who.
Laban agreed with Jacob but went ahead to remove all the male and female 🐑 goats and gave them to his sons to take to their own farm and send them ahead a 3 days journey.
Now at the time of wheat harvest Reuben [the eldest child] went and found some mandrakes in the field, and brought them to his mother Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, “Please give me some of your son’s mandrakes.” But Leah answered, “Is it a small thing that you have taken my husband? Would you take away my son’s mandrakes also?” So Rachel said, “Jacob shall sleep with you tonight in exchange for your son’s mandrakes.” When Jacob came in from the field in the evening, Leah went out to meet him and said, “You must sleep with me [tonight], for I have in fact hired you with my son’s mandrakes.” So he slept with her that night.
Genesis 30:14-16 AMP
The trickery and manipulation of Laban was alarming but again Jacob tricked his way to be blessed in place of his brother. This just looked like he was reaping the harvest of what he sowed.
In all this God was still with Jacob, because he was wise in how own way. He fed the flocks almond and chestnut trees peeling the white stripes to expose what was in the rods this led to flocks giving birth to streaked, speckled and spotted offspring. So Laban tricked Jacob but forgot Jacob was the trick mastermind. He made sure that the stronger flocked went through that process of conception.
Lesson here is when you think you can pull someone down remember there is always another person waiting to take the seat off your backside. Don't glory in doing bad, Laban thought he had done the worst to Jacob but God was still with Jacob aside him being a deceiver and he had the wisdom to turn it around to favour himself (Jacob).
Chapter 31
Jacob overhears Laban's sons saying Jacob was taking away what belongs to their father their countenance was not favourable towards Jacob.
Then God spoke to Jacob to return to his father's land.
It is ridiculous that Laban who confirmed that God had blessed him more because of Jacob could allow his sons to be speaking blasphemy that Jacob is taking all that belongs to him.
Then the Lord said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your people, and I will be with you.” So Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to his flock in the field, and he said to them, “I see [a change in] your father’s attitude, that he is not friendly toward me as [he was] before; but the God of my father [Isaac] has been with me. You know that I have served your father with all my strength. Yet your father has cheated me [as often as possible] and changed my wages ten times; but God did not allow him to hurt me. If he said, ‘The speckled shall be your wages,’ then the entire flock gave birth to speckled [young]; and if he said, ‘The streaked shall be your wages,’ then the entire flock gave birth to streaked [young]. Thus God has taken away the flocks of your father and given them to me. And it happened at the time when the flock conceived that I looked up and saw in a dream that the rams which mated [with the female goats] were streaked, speckled, and spotted. And the Angel of God said to me in the dream, ‘Jacob.’ And I said, ‘Here I am.’ He said, ‘Look up and see, all the rams which are mating [with the flock] are streaked, speckled, and spotted; for I have seen all that Laban has been doing to you. I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed the pillar, and where you made a vow to Me; now stand up, leave this land, and return to the land of your birth.’ ”
Genesis 31:3-13 AMP
Jacob informed his wives of the plan
The family setting where Jacob and his family and Laban his family were dwelling was an example of codependency. Laban depended on the grace and capability of Jacob and the fact that he was his nephew and his son in-law their bond was more than marriage it was blood relationship.
Because of Laban manipulation God took his livestock away and blessed Jacob more. Now that Jacob had informed his wives the plan they realised they had no inheritance from their father (they were strangers) because their husband Jacob has been looked on in disfavour by their father.
This speaks a lot about relationship, marriage, family, work, partnership. When you get to that point where manipulation and hurts is becoming more frequently it might be time to give space, separate or move on. In all, make sure you hear from God, as we can see Jacob heard from God, he was specifically told where he should head to before he even informed his wives.
Don't just get up and leave a place or people, allow God to direct you. Jacob fled with his family from Laban. Before they left Rachel stole her father's household idols.
On the 3rd day Laban was informed that Jacob had fled. Laban and his brethren pursued him for 7 days and they overtook Jacob in the mountain of Gilead. God appeared to Laban to warn him to watch what he says to Jacob.
By the time Laban caught up with Jacob in Gilead he accused him of stealing and taken his daughters away like captives.
Laban is a manipulator, it's truth Jacob left without informing him but he didn't steal his daughters. He married them lawfully. Laban said he might have sent them away with joy and songs but the countenance that made Jacob decide his decision with was confirmed to him by God was that Laban didn't like him and his sons were beginning to see Jacob as someone who took away what belonged to their father.
One thing I like that Laban did was to take onboard the correction God gave him not to say or do anything negative to Jacob. Then the big accusation that was true emerged. Laban said what did you take my gods.
Obviously that was shocking to Jacob because he was unaware of what Rachel had done. Because he was innocent he permitted Laban to check. He even said whoever you find with your gods do not let them live.
Laban was an idolator, Rachel took the idols for her own gain not thinking of the consequence. Laban searched everywhere when he got to Rachel she refuse to stand up from the camel's saddle she claimed she was on her period. In those days a when a women was on her period anything she sat on was labelled as unclean so Laban wouldn't have thought that Rachel had it since she said she was on her period no need for probing any further.
Since Laban found nothing, Jacob felt insulted because of this accusations or allegations. Little did he know that the love of his life was carrying idol in her camel saddle.
The fact that you love someone doesn't mean they can't do something that will eventually hurt you just because they want to satisfy themself.
Jacob spent 20years with Laban, 14 years for Rachel and the extra 6 for the flock to enlarge his territory and that of Laban. While speaking to Laban he recounted all that he had done to serve Laban honestly.
While serving in any capacity don't forget to grow, don't forget to empower yourself. Don't put all your eggs in one bowl. Anything can happen in that field or career are you growing are you investing are you ensuring if tomorrow you are made redundant byou have something to do.
It is important to not be complacent in life always be ready for changes that can happen anytime.
Jacob developed himself, his skills and prowess if not he would have probably left empty handed.
Jacob and Laban reached an agreement and made a covenant. They name the pillar the heap of witness.
In as much as they had disagreed they put their differences aside and came into an agreement. This can only be done through true forgiveness. In life we will get on with people and fall out with people but never hold unnecessary grudge or unforgiviness because doing so will hinder your progress.
Laban said to Jacob, “Look at this mound [of stones] and look at this pillar which I have set up between you and me. This mound is a witness, and this pillar is a witness, that I will not pass by this mound to harm you, and that you will not pass by this mound and this pillar to harm me. The God of Abraham [your father] and the God of Nahor [my father], and the god [the image of worship] of their father [Terah, an idolater], judge between us.” But Jacob swore [only] by [the one true God] the Fear of his father Isaac. Then Jacob offered a sacrifice [to the Lord] on the mountain, and called his relatives to the meal; and they ate food and spent the night on the mountain. Early in the morning Laban got up and kissed his grandchildren and his daughters [goodbye] and pronounced a blessing [asking God’s favor] on them. Then Laban left and returned home.
Genesis 31:51-55 AMP
Laban departed from Gilead having settled his differences with Jacob amicably. No matter how right or wrong you may be, hearing others out and not just lording your opinion on them helps build a strong and forgiving relationship.
Genesis 32
Jacob meets Esau (His twin brother)
After parting ways with Laban continued his journey and the Bible let us understand that the angels of God met him, he was able to recognise that this was God's camp and named the place Mahanaim (double camp).
Jacob knew what he did to his brother was wrong, remember he was coached by his mother Rebecca to deceive their father and he was blessed in place of his brother. Now he need to face the consequence of his action.
Note- Rebecca who pushed him to deceive his father is not here to support him as he plans to meet with his brother. Watch those you get advise from and always weigh their advise before actioning it.
He had to send messengers ahead to meet his brother with strict instructions to refer to his brother as Lord and to refer to him as servant Jacob. Just so he can receive favour from his brother.
The messenger returned to Jacob to inform him that his brother Esau was on his way to meet Jacob.
Then Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom. He commanded them, saying, “This is what to say to my Lord Esau: ‘Your servant Jacob says this, “I have been living temporarily with Laban, and have stayed there until now; I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, male servants, and female servants; and I have sent [this message] to tell my Lord, so that I may find grace and kindness in your sight.” ’ ” The messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We went to your brother Esau, and now he is coming to meet you, and there are four hundred men with him.” Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed; and he divided the people who were with him, and the flocks and herds and camels, into two camps; and he said, “If Esau comes to the one camp and attacks it, then the other camp which is left will escape.”
Genesis 32:3-8 AMP
Jacob was always strategising, he started dividing his flocks his servants and hi because he was afraid and distressed thinking Esau would come and fight him.
Fear they say is false evidence appearing real. Often times we entertain thoughts that puts us up to some ungodly strategies because we are thinking logically but in most cases those things do not even happen. When fear tries to grip your mind go back to God. That was exactly what Jacob did. He went back to God.
Jacob said, “O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, the Lord, who said to me, ‘Return to your country and to your people, and I will make you prosper,’ I am unworthy of all the lovingkindness and compassion and of all the faithfulness which You have shown to Your servant. With only my staff [long ago] I crossed over this Jordan, and now I have become [blessed and increased into these] two groups [of people]. Save me, please, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau; for I fear him, that he will come and attack me and the mothers with the children. And You [Lord] said, ‘I will certainly make you prosper and make your descendants as [numerous as] the sand of the sea, which is too great to be counted.’ ” So Jacob spent the night there. Then he selected a present for his brother Esau from the livestock he had acquired: two hundred female goats, twenty male goats, two hundred ewes, twenty rams, thirty milking camels with their colts, forty cows, ten bulls, twenty female donkeys, and ten [donkey] colts. He put them into the care of his servants, every herd by itself, and said to his servants, “Go on ahead of me, and put an interval [of space] between the individual herds.”
Genesis 32:9-16 AMP
After he prayed to God and God assured him he will protect him. Jacob rose and started preparing gifts for his brother. He gave the gift bearers specific instructions just so he will appease his brother. He sent the present ahead while he stayed back in the camp.
Jacob encountered God
Jacob was sleeping but during the night he wrestled with a man. Until daybreak, the man touched the hip joint of Jacob.
So Jacob was left alone, and a Man [came and] wrestled with him until daybreak. When the Man saw that He had not prevailed against Jacob, He touched his hip joint; and Jacob’s hip was dislocated as he wrestled with Him. Then He said, “Let Me go, for day is breaking.” But Jacob said, “I will not let You go unless You declare a blessing on me.” So He asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” And He said, “Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men and have prevailed.”
Genesis 32:24-28 AMP
This wrestling with the Lord shows Jacob that his man power alone cannot prevail. It was a private divine encounter for him. Remember all that Jacob had done prior to this encounter was based on his skills, what he was advised, his head knowledge until he started enquiring from God.
At some point in life if you haven't yet you would realise that God is the only one that can align your purpose to His will for you. You can keep pushing but without divine encounter it will seem like a wasted effort.
By the time his hip bone was touched his man power was limited and then was when he could experience the ultimate change where God informed him you will no longer be called Jacob (Supplanter) you shall be called Israel (you have struggled with man and God and prevailed) and Jacob named the place Peniel (because he had a face to face encounter with God and he survived it. Then he rose as he left Penuel limping.
When we have a divine encounter with God, we do not leave thesame way he met you. There is not just a spiritual transformation but there is also a physical transformation that follows. Until a man encounters God personally they will continue to base their life on logics not God's plan for them.
