Character Study Of Jacob Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF JACOB (ISRAEL) – FATHER OF THE TWELVE TRIBES OF ISRAEL

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Genesis 32:28

"And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed."

Supporting Texts: Genesis 25:19-34, Genesis 27:1-46, Genesis 28:10-22, Genesis 32:24-30, Genesis 35:9-12, Hebrews 11:21

INTRODUCTION:

Jacob, later known as Israel, was a man of divine destiny whose life was marked by struggles, transformation, and fulfilment of God’s promises. Born as the younger twin to Esau, Jacob was chosen by God even before birth to carry the covenant blessings of Abraham. His name means "supplanter" or "heel-grabber," reflecting his early nature of striving to get ahead. However, through divine encounters, he underwent a transformation from a deceiver to a man of faith and power with God.

Jacob's journey was filled with trials, victories, and lessons that are relevant to every believer. He deceived his brother Esau to receive the birthright and later tricked his father Isaac into granting him the firstborn blessing. His actions forced him to flee to his uncle Laban, where he experienced years of hardship and refinement. Despite his flaws, God remained faithful to him, confirming His covenant at Bethel and later renaming him Israel after an intense wrestling match with an angel.

As the father of the twelve tribes of Israel, Jacob played a pivotal role in God’s plan for the nation of Israel. His life teaches us about perseverance, the consequences of deception, and the power of divine transformation. Through his struggles and encounters with God, Jacob emerged as a man of faith, laying the foundation for a great nation. His story encourages us to trust God’s process, knowing that He can change anyone’s destiny for His glory.

1. JACOB'S BIRTH AND EARLY STRUGGLES

Jacob’s life was shaped by prophecy and sibling rivalry.

a) Born as a Twin – He struggled with Esau from the womb (Genesis 25:22-23).

b) Name Reflects His Nature – He was named Jacob, meaning "heel-holder" or "supplanter" (Genesis 25:26).

c) Loved by Rebekah – His mother favoured him, influencing his choices (Genesis 25:28).

d) Desired Spiritual Blessings – Unlike Esau, he valued the birthright (Genesis 25:31-34).

e) Biblical Example: Samuel’s birth was also marked by divine selection (1 Samuel 1:20-28).

2. JACOB’S DECEPTION AND THEFT OF THE BLESSING

Jacob, with the help of his mother Rebekah, deceived his father to receive Esau’s blessing.

a) Rebekah’s Plan – She instructed Jacob to disguise as Esau (Genesis 27:6-10).

b) Jacob’s Fear – He hesitated but obeyed his mother (Genesis 27:11-13).

c) The Deception – He dressed in Esau’s clothes and imitated his voice (Genesis 27:15-27).

d) Isaac Blessed Him – He received the covenantal blessing meant for Esau (Genesis 27:28-29).

e) Biblical Example: The deception of Laban, who tricked Jacob into marrying Leah (Genesis 29:23-25).

3. JACOB’S FLIGHT TO LABAN AND YEARS OF HARDSHIP

Jacob fled from Esau’s anger and experienced his own deception under Laban.

a) Esau’s Anger – Esau planned to kill Jacob after Isaac’s death (Genesis 27:41).

b) Journey to Haran – Jacob fled to his uncle Laban for safety (Genesis 28:5).

c) Laban’s Trickery – Laban deceived Jacob into marrying Leah before Rachel (Genesis 29:25-28).

d) Hard Labour – He worked for twenty years to establish himself (Genesis 31:38-41).

e) Biblical Example: Moses also fled after killing an Egyptian and later returned in God’s plan (Exodus 2:15).

4. JACOB’S ENCOUNTER WITH GOD AT BETHEL

Jacob had a life-changing experience that affirmed God’s presence and covenant.

a) A Lonely Journey – He stopped at Bethel while fleeing (Genesis 28:10-11).

b) Vision of the Ladder – He saw angels ascending and descending (Genesis 28:12).

c) God’s Promise – God reaffirmed His covenant with Jacob (Genesis 28:13-15).

d) Jacob’s Vow – He made a commitment to serve God (Genesis 28:16-22).

e) Biblical Example: Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus transformed his life (Acts 9:3-6).

5. JACOB’S RECONCILIATION WITH ESAU

After years of separation, Jacob humbled himself and reconciled with Esau.

a) Fear of Esau’s Revenge – Jacob feared Esau’s response (Genesis 32:6-7).

b) Jacob’s Prayer – He pleaded for God’s help (Genesis 32:9-12).

c) A Peace Offering – He sent gifts to Esau in advance (Genesis 32:13-20).

d) A Humble Approach – He bowed seven times before Esau (Genesis 33:3-4).

e) Biblical Example: Joseph later reconciled with his brothers who sold him (Genesis 45:1-5).

6. JACOB’S STRENGTHS

Jacob had several qualities that made him a significant figure in God’s plan.

a) Persistence – He worked for years to marry Rachel (Genesis 29:20, 30).

b) Spiritual Awareness – He valued the birthright and God’s blessings (Genesis 25:31-34).

c) Strategic Thinking – He devised ways to prosper despite Laban’s deceit (Genesis 30:37-43).

d) Faith in God – He depended on God in times of crisis (Genesis 32:9-12).