Genesis: Jacob returns to the LAND

 Jacob returns to the land

text: Genesis 32 – 35

Outline:

a. 32, Jacob meets with Esau

  b. 34, Dina's incident

c. 35, Getting rid of the idols and birth of Benjamin

Comments: Jacob settled his deals with Laban. Now, he is on the move toward the river than he needs to cross to return to the land. But he gets a report – his brother comes toward him, supported by 400 men. What Jacob is going to do? He needs a time alone...

a. Midnight wrestling match.

A. 32:1-21, Jacob fears Esau

  B. 32:22-32, Jacob wrestles with God

A'. 33, Jacob meets Esau

A. Jacob has such a large estate that he has to divide it into two camps – that's why the place is called Mahanaim. Then he hears that Esau comes with 400 men. Armed? Is Esau still holds the grudge? Is he going to attack? If yes, then when and how?

To address his fears he prays to God (32:9-12). there three things that should be noted about this prayer. First, He calls Abraham his father, as well as Isaac. The later is his biological father, while Abraham is the father of his faith (cp. 28:13). Second, he is not ashamed to admit his fears – he has a very open and honest conversation with God. Third, he relies on the promises God gave him when he was going to Laban – to save and protect him, turning everything for good (cp. 28:15 and 32:12).

B. When Jacob begins his wrestling with God, he doesn't know who he is fighting with – has Laban returned? Is it Esau, crossed for a surprise assault? After a while he begins to understand that something is off with this “man.”

Jacob's name is changed to Israel – God-fighter. It can be understood in two ways, the one who fights together/along side with God. Or, the one who fights WITH God – against God. This play on words is used in God's relationship with Israel.

A'. When Esau meets with Jacob the description of his embrace should be somewhat familiar – ran, fell on his neck, and kissed him, just like the Father in the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:20b). Yet, regardless of the warm welcome, Jacob prefers to stay in his own land (Genesis 33:15-20). If he would accept the invitation from the brother, his entrance to the land would be again delayed.

b. Dina's incident.

This is one of the most controversial and sad stories in the Bible. As Jacob tries to settle and gain good reputation in the land, his daughter – Dina – was developing relationship with the local girls. It didn't went well at first – she is ceased by the prince and defiled (34:2). Story begins very fast. But them his heart “was drown” to her (similar to Genesis 2:24). He is ready to talk business. To show that the family has very serious intentions the father – local ruler – comes to the father – Jacob – and asks for her hand.

They make an agreement – in order to marry Dina the king, the prince, and all the male citizens should be circumcised. Then two families can have ties. What is very surprising is the response of Hamor and Shechem – they were pleased (34:18). Then something even more miraculous happened – they talked to the people and everyone gladly got circumcised (34:24).

Yet, on the third day – could've been the day of resurrection – Simeon and Levi went out and slaughtered them all – king, prince, the people... Awful story and anti-evangelism...

c. Getting rid of the idols and birth of Benjamin.

The last important story of this block is the fact that Jacob discovers that his family still holds to the idols. It is possible to connect the brutality of the brothers in the previous story to the presence of the idols (cp. Psalm 115:1-8). Finally, Jacob “buries” the idols under the oak/terebinth (Genesis 35:4). So, the tree of Life (cp. Psalm 1:3) grows victoriously over the idols.

God confirms the change of the name. From now on Jacob is a family name, while Israel is the name he is going to use speaking on official capacity. Along with the change of the name, God extends a promise that kings will come from Jacob – the very first thing that happens after that is the birth of Benjamin. Note, it is important to remember that the first king of Israel – Saul – came from the tribe of Benjamin.

After the list of all the sons, there is a short paragraph about the death of Isaac at the age of 180 years. Doing chronological studies, we need to note that this is the same time as Joseph was released from prison. So, we need to understand that the stories overlap. The last line is very encouraging – two brothers buried their father Isaac together.