Arms Reaching

Greetings Everybody –

Today’s scriptures are from Genesis 30-31 and covers the many children of Jacob and Jacob’s dealings with his uncle Laban. You can find today’s scriptures on BibleGateway.com at:

https://www.biblegateway.com/reading-plans/beginning/2023/01/10?version=NIV

Things to Ponder –

What is the common thread between both stories today?

Things to Ponder from Day 9 –

What was the significance of Isaac’s blessing? Esau and Jacob were twins but Esau was born first thus awarding him the birthright. The first born son was given the birthright which would make him the heir to to become “Head of the Household” for the family upon the death of their father. Deuteronomy 21:17 declares “but he shall acknowledge the firstborn, the son of the unloved, by giving him a double portion of all that he has, for he is the firstfruits of his strength. The right of the firstborn is his.” The blessing is different than the birthright in that the father can choose whom to give the best blessing to before his passing. Jewish customs usually bestowed the blessing upon the first son. One would think that receiving the fathers blessing by trickery may negate the honorable intentions of this blessing but Isaac, knowing he had been deceived did not rebuke Jacob. However, we read today that by deceiving his father and betraying his brother Jacob is forced to flee to Laban, where he is NOT the “head of the household”

Why did Laban switch Rachel for Leah on Jacob’s wedding night? – The scriptures tell us that Laban said it was not customary for a father to give his younger daughter to marriage before the oldest daughter which may be case. However it is ironic that having deceived Esau for his birthright and blessing, Jacob is now deceived by Laban regarding Rachel and the herds and labors under Laban for the next 20 years. Sometimes we reap what we sow!

Thanks for participating… more tomorrow!

Brother Jack