Study 8: JACOB - The Supplanter – CHARACTER STUDY SERIES

Study 8: JACOB - The Supplanter – (Holder Of The Heel)

“And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to enquire of the LORD. And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.” - Genesis 25:22-23

INSIGHT: By history, the name JACOB denotes one who supplants (holder of the heel or heel-catcher). This was derived from Genesis 25:22-23. The Ethiopic equivalent of Jacob is AKABA which means GUARD, KEEP. So in proper context, Jacob means HE WHOM GOD PROTECTS.

God made a prophetic statement about Jacob (Genesis 25:23). This clearly showed that Jacob was going to be greater than Esau. In our study of the character of Esau, we saw that he was a wandering and carefree young man who did not bother about spiritual matters and the ordinance of God. Thus he lost or gave away his birthright for a cheap ration of pottage. This, perhaps, could be the reason of God's preference of Jacob.

Jacob on the other hand “…was a plain man dwelling in tents”-Genesis 25:27.A homely young man whose life was so organized and vigilant enough to observe the reckless nature of his elder brother. It could also be that his mother Rebekah had told him what God had said about him.
There are benefits for living a homely, organized and vigilant life. For example: Young ones are able to learn from the knowledge, wisdom and experience of parents and elders and therefore will know how to better face the challenges of life.  The Bible says: “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” - Deuteronomy 6:6-7

As if Jacob had been waiting for an opportunity to take the birthright of Esau, one day the opportunity presented itself: (Read Genesis 25:29-34). “…And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.”  In our seveth study on Isaac, we saw how Rebekah plotted with Jacob to take away the blessings of Isaac meant for Esau as the firstborn of the family.

HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHT: In those ancient days, perhaps like in some of our traditions today, the birthright of the (male) firstborn consisted-of a double portion of the father's inheritance. The Bible says: “But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated for the firstborn, by giving him a double portion of all that he hath: for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his.” -Deuteronomy 21:17

But with the Patriarchs, it embraced the chieftainship, ruler over the brethren and over the entire family (Genesis 27:29) which included the future possession of Canaan and of covenant fellowship with Jehovah. (Genesis 28:4). All of these Jacob cunningly took away from Esau.

Though Jacob could have known what God said about his future, he thought that it was by human devices that the will of God about him would be brought to pass. In an attempt to help God fulfill prophesy, he incurred the wrath of Esau with the threat of murder (Genesis 27:41). We should learn to wait on God to work his plans for us in a righteous manner. Beloved! By and by the word of God concerning Jacob was fulfilled. (Genesis 28:10-15).

The Bible says“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”-Galatians 6:7-8.
Beloved, read Genesis 29:21-27. Jacob deceived Esau and took his birthright, but he also was deceived by Laban. Follow that which is good and eschew evil. Thank God that Esau forgave Jacob in the process of time. We also need to forgive those who have deceived us.

Knowing all the misdeeds of Jacob, we should be able to appreciate the determination in his character:

• (a) He wanted the birthright of Esau he got it by hook or crook (though it was a wrong approach)
• (b) In the fear of being killed by Esau, he asked God for protection and he got it. (Genesis 28:20-22).
• (c) He wanted Rachel as his wife, so, he patiently served Laban for fourteen years and got her.
• (d) He wanted God to bless him and he wrestled for it and received it (Genesis 32:24-28).
• (e) He desired peace with his offended brother. He worked for it and got it. (Genesis 33:10-20).

At the end of his life - trying experience, Jacob showed his appreciation of God's power to provide and protect by building an altar and called it EL-ELO-HE-ISRAEL meaning “MIGHTY ONE, THE GOD OF ISRAEL.” May HE be mighty in your life also to provide and protect. AMEN

MEMORY VERSE: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”-Galatians 6:7-8.

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