Genesis 27-29
Remember in Genesis 25, Rebekah gave birth to twin sons. The oldest-Esau was hairy. The younger-Jacob was grasping the heel of the firstborn. It is said that Rebekah favored her younger son. We also read that God was going to bless Jacob and make him the family leader. This is contrary to the culture-for in the East during this time (and still today), the oldest son will be the primary heir to the estate of the father as well will continue the leadership of the family. As Isaac prepares for his final breath, he must pronounce a blessing on the oldest son which will seal the confirmation that he will be the heir and leader of the family. Rebekah over hears what is happening and devises a plan to accomplish God's plan her own way. This is not right. I love how the bible seems to show people's flaws as well as successes. It shows me that the Bible is truly real, for if it was fiction, why would someone want to insert their flaws?
We see the consequences of Jacob's sin. When he lied and deceived his father, his consequences were: 1) He never will see his mother again for he is sent away to his uncle Laban; 2) his brother wants to kill him; 3) he will be deceived by his uncle Laban as we will see; 4) his family is now torn by strife; and 5) Esau will become the father of a nation that Israel will be enemies with.
Jacob will leave to find the place of his uncle Laban's home. It is the same place that Abraham grew up. Along the way, he stops for the night and makes camp. In his sleep, he has a dream-of which God is pronouncing the same blessing/promise on Jacob that he gave to Isaac and Abraham. Therefore, God has chosen to bring his nation of people through Abraham-Isaac-and Jacob.
We find in Genesis 29 a true love story. As Jacob finds love at first sight with Rachel, he makes a contract with his uncle Laban. It is custom for men of this time to prepare a "dowry" to present to the new in-laws as a gift to compensate with the "financial" loss of their daughter. It was a substantial financial gift sometimes valuing years of labor. Jacob left home without bringing a dowry, so his "dowry" was 7 years labor. However, there was another custom that Jacob was not familiar with. Fathers always gave their oldest daughter in marriage before the younger. Therefore Jacob is deceived in to marrying Leah before Rachel. They all (Jacob and his two wives) started their family-Leah having 4 children so far and Rachel remaining barren.
Have you ever wondered this question David opens up with God? "O Lord, Why do you stand so far off? Why do You hide when I need You most?" It's a question I have wrestled with. Although this Psalm seems a bit morbid and not so much an uplifting Psalm, it does reflect the thoughts we sometimes have when evil people succeed. "Why does God allow them to succeed when the righteous are suffering?" It's a question we have all asked. The answer is not given here. However, there seems to be a combination of both request for God's presence in this time and a trust that God is in control. This is a good reminder to me that when times are difficult--I need to do two things: 1) I need to cry out to God. 2) I need to trust God to be in control.
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