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).
e) Biblical Example: David also showed persistence and trust in God throughout his trials (1 Samuel 17:45-47).
7. JACOB’S WEAKNESSES
Despite his strengths, Jacob had flaws that led to challenges in his life.
a) Deception – He used trickery to get ahead (Genesis 27:19).
b) Partiality – He favoured Joseph over his other sons, causing family strife (Genesis 37:3-4).
c) Fear and Anxiety – He often acted out of fear rather than faith (Genesis 32:7).
d) Struggled with Trust – He found it difficult to fully trust God’s promises (Genesis 28:20-22).
e) Biblical Example: King Saul also struggled with fear and disobedience, leading to his downfall (1 Samuel 15:24-26).
8. LESSONS TO LEARN FROM JACOB
Jacob’s life teaches several important spiritual lessons.
a) God Can Transform Anyone – No matter our flaws, God can change us (Genesis 32:28).
b) Perseverance Pays Off – Persistence leads to rewards in God’s plan (Genesis 29:30).
c) God’s Plans Prevail – Despite human mistakes, God’s will is accomplished (Genesis 50:20).
d) Faith Overcomes Fear – Trusting in God brings ultimate victory (Genesis 32:9-12).
e) Biblical Example: Peter’s transformation from a fearful disciple to a bold apostle (Acts 2:14).
CONCLUSION:
Jacob’s journey from being a deceiver to becoming Israel, a prince with God, is a testimony of divine transformation. His life was filled with struggles, but through God’s grace, he emerged victorious. He teaches us the importance of seeking God’s blessings, persevering through trials, and trusting in divine promises.
Like Jacob, we may have weaknesses and face challenges, but God can reshape us into vessels for His glory. His story reassures us that when we yield to God’s refining process, He turns our flaws into strengths and uses us for His divine purpose.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, transform my weaknesses into strengths, just as You did with Jacob.
2. Father, help me to seek Your blessings and not rely on deception.
3. O God, deliver me from fear and help me trust in Your plans for my life.
4. Lord, grant me the perseverance to overcome every challenge.
5. O God of Jacob, let my destiny align with Your divine purpose.
