Jacob marries Rachel the daughter of Laban

Genesis 29:15-30. Jacob lived 147 years, from 2005BC-1885BC. He married two sisters, Leah and Rachel, and then had 12 sons and at least one daughter, Dinah. God changed Jacob’s name to Israel and from his sons came the 12 tribes of Israel.

Before Jacob and Esau were born, God had said, “Jacob I have loved and Esau I have hated.”

Jacob stole the blessing of the firstborn from Esau, that their father Isaac was to give Esau on his deathbed.

Rebekah the mother of Esau and Jacob helped Jacob to deceive their father Isaac.

Background Reading:

Jacob Gets Isaac’s Blessing by Theft

27:1 Eventually, Isaac grew so old that he could not see. One day, he called his eldest son Esau. “My son,” he called out to him. 2 “Look how old I am! I could die any day now, 3 so go find your weapons, take your bow and arrows, go outside, and hunt some game for me. 4 Then prepare some food, just the way I like it, and bring it to me so that I can eat and bless you before I die.”

5 Now Rebekah overheard Isaac while he was speaking to his son Esau. When Esau had gone out to the field to hunt and bring in some game, 6 Rebekah gave these instructions to her son Jacob: “Quick! Pay attention!” she said. “I heard your father talking to your brother Esau. He told him, 7 ‘Bring me some game and then prepare some food for me so I can eat and bless you in the presence of the LORD before I die.’ 8 So now, my son, listen to what I have to say and pay attention to what I’m about to tell you. 9 Go to the flock and bring me two healthy young goats. I’ll prepare some delicious food for your father, just the way he loves it. 10 Then you are to take it to your father so that he can eat and bless you before he dies.”

11 “But look!” Jacob pointed out to his mother Rebekah, “My brother Esau is a hairy man, but I’m smooth skinned. 12 My father might touch me and he’ll realize that I’m deceiving him. Then, I’ll bring a curse on myself instead of a blessing.”

13 “My son,” she replied, “let any curse against you fall on me. Just listen to me, then go and get them for me.” 14 So out he went, got them, and brought them to his mother, who then prepared some delicious food, just the way his father liked it.

Rebekah and Jacob Deceive Isaac

15 Then Rebekah took some garments that belonged to her elder son Esau—the best ones available—and put them on her younger son Jacob. 16 She put some goat skins over his hands and on the smooth part of his neck. 17 Then she handed the delicious food and bread that she had prepared to her son Jacob, 18 who went to his father and said, “My father…”

“It’s me!” he replied. “Which one are you, my son?”

19 “I’m Esau, your firstborn!” Jacob told his father. “I’ve done what you asked, so please sit up and eat what I caught, so you can bless me.”

20 “How did you get it so quickly, my son?” Isaac asked.

Jacob responded, “…because the LORD your God made me successful.”

21 So Isaac told Jacob, “Come here, my son, so I can feel you and know for sure whether or not you’re my son Esau.”

22 So Jacob approached his father, who felt him and said, “It’s Jacob’s voice, but Esau’s hands.” 23 He didn’t recognize Jacob, because his hands were hairy like those of his brother Esau, so Isaac blessed him.

24 He asked, “Are you really my son Esau?”

“I am,” Jacob replied.

25 “Come closer to me,” Isaac replied, “so I can eat some of the game, my son, and then bless you.” So Jacob came closer, and Isaac ate. Jacob also brought wine so his father could drink. 26 After this, Jacob’s father Isaac told him, “Come closer and kiss me, my son.” 27 So Jacob drew closer to kiss him. When Isaac smelled the scent of his son’s clothes, he blessed him and said,

“How my son’s scent is the fragrance of the field

that the LORD has blessed.

28 May the LORD grant you dew from the skies,

and from the fertile land;

may he grant you

abundant grain and fresh wine.

29 May people serve and bow before you;

may you be master over your brothers;

may your mother’s sons bow before you;

may anyone who curses you be cursed;

and may anyone who blesses you be blessed.”
Genesis 27:1-29

Also read: Genesis 48:1-49:28

More Information:

Jacob was the younger twin of Esau. His name in Hebrew means the supplanter. He also tricked his brother out of his birthright as the firstborn.

After an encounter with God, Jacob’s name was changed to Israel, which means the Prince of God.

Key Thoughts:
The unhappiness produced by family troubles.

The transforming power of fellowship with God.

Prophetic faith.


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