Seeds rarely fall Far from the Tree
Real consequences of our Sin
Cleaning house under God’s Providence
Consequences of sins in Jacob’s family
Have you ever known someone who was richly blessed in material things, in knowledge, in wisdom, in relationships?
What did that person claim as the reason for their success?
Was it themselves,
Was it their parents,
Was it the sweat of their brows,
Was it their education,
Was it their spouse,
Was it their community connections,
Or did they give credit to the only real source deserving of credit in any of our lives…Our Heavenly father God.
I like to think of myself as a good provider, I go out most years and bring meat back into our home to be used by our family and God’s family here at Dillingham Bible Fellowship.
But in myself, can I bring about anything?
Let’s walk with Jacob this week as he travels to Bethel under the protection of God.
Cleaning house under God’s Providence
Genesis 35:1-15
1And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother. 2Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments: 3And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went. 4And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem. 5And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob.
6So Jacob came to Luz, which is in the land of Canaan, that is, Bethel, he and all the people that were with him. 7And he built there an altar, and called the place Elbethel: because there God appeared unto him, when he fled from the face of his brother. 8But Deborah Rebekah’s nurse died, and she was buried beneath Bethel under an oak: and the name of it was called Allonbachuth. 9And God appeared unto Jacob again, when he came out of Padanaram, and blessed him. 10And God said unto him, Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name: and he called his name Israel. 11And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins; 12And the land which I gave Abraham and Isaac, to thee I will give it, and to thy seed after thee will I give the land. 13And God went up from him in the place where he talked with him. 14And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he talked with him, even a pillar of stone: and he poured a drink offering thereon, and he poured oil thereon. 15And Jacob called the name of the place where God spake with him, Bethel.
Jacob is commanded by God “Arise, go up to Beth-el.” God makes it plain to Jacob that the transaction that had lately taken place rendered it unsafe for Jacob and his family to
dwell any longer at the city of Shechem. It seems that while Jacob was reflecting on the horrible act of Simeon and Levi, and not knowing what to do, God graciously appeared to him, and commanded him to go up to Beth-el, build an altar there, and thus perform the vow he had made, Genesis 28:20, 22.
20And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, 21So that I come again to my father’s house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God: 22And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God’s house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.
Even though Jacob’s sons had wrought folly in the land, God’s promise would endure because the transaction was one guaranteed by God.
Jacob honors God and shows outstanding stewardship in his command to his family--
Put away the strange gods—øëðä éäìà elohey hannechar, the gods of the foreigners, which were among them. Jacob’s servants were all Syrians, and no doubt were addicted more or less as a number in this current time are to idolatry and superstition. These gods might belong to them, or may have been those which Rachel stole.
Most likely these gods found in Jacob’s family were images of silver, gold, or curious workmanship, which were found among the spoils of the city of Shechem and those carried from Syria.
Do we still battle with these idols today?
Arts, poetry, music, pornography and many more or readily available. These are objects that man has placed above God in their lives. We should do as Jacob commands his household and put these abominations away.
Jacob commands--Be clean, and change your garments—Personal or outward purification, as emblematical of the sanctification of the soul, has been in use among all true worshippers of God from the beginning of the world. In many cases the law of Moses more solemnly enjoined rites and ceremonies which had been in use from the earliest ages.
“A Hindoo considers those clothes defiled in which he has been
employed in business, and always changes them before eating and worship.”—WARD.
Do you show a reverence to our mighty God and Savior likewise, by presenting yourself in clean and orderly garments?
Jacob acknowledged that God had indeed--Answered me in the day of my distress—Not only when he fled from Esau, but most recently when he was in his greatest strait at the brook of Jabbok awaiting the arrival of Esau and his men.
Jacob also had his family and servants remove—ear-rings which were in their ears—Whether these rings were in the ears of the gods, or in those of Jacob’s family, we may rest assured that they were not mere ornaments, but served superstitious purposes. Ear-rings were certainly worn as amulets and charms, first consecrated to some god, or formed under some constellation, on which magical characters and images were drawn.
What a glorious blessing when God places His terror on those opposed to His children as Jacob now finds--The terror of God—A supernatural awe sent by the Almighty, was upon the cities that were round about, so that they were not molested in their departure. This could be owing to nothing less than the special providence of God.
Romans 8:31 31What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
And again in Phillipians 4 13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
God does extend to us His special providence when we seek to walk in His ways. Are you walking in God’s ways today?
We see God appeared unto Jacob again—He appeared to him first at Shechem, when he commanded him to go to Bethel, and now that He has brought Jacob safely to that place, God appears to him the second time, and re-confirms to him the Abrahamic blessing. To Isaac and Jacob these frequent appearances of God were necessary, but they were not so to Abraham; for to him one word was sufficient—Abraham believed
God.
And God went up from him—This was not a vision, nor a strong mental impression, but a real manifestation of God. Jacob saw and heard him speak, and before his eyes he went up—ascended to heaven. This was our Lord and future Savior Jesus Christ, the Angel of the covenant.
Jacob offers an offering--A drink-offering—êñð nesech, a libation. These were afterwards very common in all countries. At first they consisted probably of water only, afterwards wine was used; Leviticus 7:1. The pillar which Jacob set up was to commemorate the appearance of God to him; the drink-offering and the oil were intended to express his gratitude and devotion to his preserver. It was probably the same pillar which he had set up before, which had since been thrown down, and which he consecrated afresh to God.
In walking with Jacob thus far we can notice that God does greatly bless him and his family. But in all things our sins and the sins of his family have consequences—lets look at some of these.
Consequences of sins in Jacob’s family
16-29
16And they journeyed from Bethel; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labour. 17And it came to pass, when she was in hard labour, that the midwife said unto her, Fear not; thou shalt have this son also. 18And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin. 19And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem. 20And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave: that is the pillar of Rachel’s grave unto this day.
21And Israel journeyed, and spread his tent beyond the tower of Edar. 22And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine: and Israel heard it. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve: 23The sons of Leah; Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun: 24The sons of Rachel; Joseph, and Benjamin: 25And the sons of Bilhah, Rachel’s handmaid; Dan, and Naphtali: 26And the sons of Zilpah, Leah’s handmaid; Gad, and Asher: these are the sons of Jacob, which were born to him in Padanaram. 27And Jacob came unto Isaac his father unto Mamre, unto the city of Arbah, which is Hebron, where Abraham and Isaac sojourned. 28And the days of Isaac were an hundred and fourscore years. 29And Isaac gave up the ghost, and died, and was gathered unto his people, being old and full of days: and his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.
We find that--There was but a little way to come to Ephrath—The word úøáë kibrath, translated here “a little way”. It occurs only here, in Genesis 48:7, and 2 Kings 5:19;
and it seems to have been some sort of measure applied to land, as we say a mile, an acre, a rod, a perch; but we do not know the exact quantity. Ephrath, called also
Bethlehem, and Bethlehem Ephrata, was the birthplace of our blessed Redeemer.
As a very probable consequence for the sin of idolatry in her life we see Rachael die--As her soul was in departing—Isn’t this proof that there is an immortal spirit in man, which can exist separate from and independent of the body? Of Rachel’s death it is said, in the going away of her soul; you see her body did not go away, therefore her soul and body must have been distinct.
Rachael dying--She called his name Ben-oni—the Son of my sorrow or affliction, because of the hard labor she had in bringing him into the world; but his father called him Benjamin, the son of my right hand, i.e., the son peculiarly dear to me. So man of the right hand, Psalm 80:17, signifies one much loved and regarded of God.
Do you bring terrible consequences in your life because you choose to live life under your rules instead of those given of God in our instruction manual the Holy Bible?
The next sin we will examine is multifold--Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine—Reuben may have been incised that his father chose Bilhah as his primary interest after the death of Rachael instead of Reuben’s mother Leah.
We do see what the unwise steward is who marries more that one wife. As a steward of God he is required to raise up his children in the way they should go. This becomes difficult with each multiplication thereof. If two wives and children—he can only share and lead them into maturity one-half as much. If four wives and children—then one-fourth.
Do you see how it is easy for a steward to lose stewardship in these situations?
Again, we see the ugly head of favoritism rise its ugly head here. This again is an inevitable consequence of the sin present in this family situation and should serve as a vivid reminder to you and I and our children of God perfect protection in His perfect order of things.
Now the sons of Jacob were twelve—Called afterwards the twelve patriarchs of the twelve tribes, because they became heads or chiefs of numerous families or tribes, Acts 7:8; and the people that descended from them are called the twelve tribes, Acts 26:7; James 1:1. Twelve princes came from Ishmael, Genesis 25:16, who were heads of families and tribes. And in reference to the twelve patriarchs, our Lord chose twelve
apostles. Strictly speaking, there were thirteen tribes among the Hebrews, as Ephraim and Manasses were counted for tribes, Genesis 48:5, 6; but the Scripture in naming them, usually sets down but twelve, omitting the name now of one, then of another, as may in sundry places be observed, Deuteronomy 33; Ezekiel 48; Revelation 12, or names them the half-tribes of Ephraim and Manasses.
We see that Jacob and Esau go to bury their father--Isaac gave up the ghost—and was gathered unto his people—Esau and Jacob buried him— Esau and Jacob under the providence of God were thoroughly reconciled, and now they both join in the task of laying their father to rest.
THIS chapter contains several subjects worthy of the reader’s most serious attention.
1.That such a family as that of Jacob should have had false gods in it, is real: and suppose we allow, that their images and rings were got from strangers, the Syrians and the Shechemites, and were tolerated in the family. Although it is true the LAW was not then given, this shows a people heart that is not centered on the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
We see that certain superstitions and acts of ignorance were winked at, as the world does still today. We who have been blessed by the superior light which shined upon the world should strive daily to stand as those set-apart. Between many of the practices of Laban’s family and those of the surrounding heathenish tribes, there might have been but little difference; and this was probably the reason why Dinah could so readily mix with the daughters of the land, Genesis 34:1, which led to the fatal consequences already reviewed. Let it not be so in our lives--Sin is like the letting out of water—when once a breach is made in the dyke, the stream becomes determined to a wrong course, and its progress is soon irresistible. “He who is indulgent to present offenses, transmits sin to posterity.” The first motions of it should be firmly resisted; after struggles are too often fruitless.
2.The doctrine of a particular and special providence has another proof in this chapter. After the poor conduct of Jacob’s sons, is it not surprising that the neighboring tribes did not join together and kill the whole family? And so they certainly would, had not the terror of God fallen upon them, Genesis 35:5. Jacob and the major part of his family were innocent of this great transgression; and on the preservation of their lives, the accomplishment of great events depended: therefore God watches over them, and shields them from the hands of their enemies.
3.The impatience and fate of the amiable Rachel, who can read of without deploring? Give me children, said she, or else I die, Genesis 30:1. Her desire was granted, and her death was the consequence! God’s way is ever best. We know not what we ask, nor what we ought to ask, and therefore often ask amiss when we pray for such worldly things instead of asking for God to provide as He deems appropriate in His
providence. We must simply submit to God’s Divine will, as God alone knows what is best for you and I. An interesting thing might be to think back on prayers and think--How many of my prayers did God’s in mercy shut out!
4.The transgression of Reuben, was marked, not only by the displeasure of his
father, but by that of God. It brought a curse upon him, and he forfeited
thereby his right of as first born and the priesthood: the first was given to Judah, the second to Levi. Is it not in reference to this that our Lord addresses these solemn words to the angel of the Church of Philadelphia: Behold, I come quickly; hold that fast which thou hast, that NO MAN TAKE THY CROWN? A man, by sowing a grain of forbidden sweets, may reap an abundant harvest
of eternal wretchedness. Please brothers and sisters, do not let sin rob you of the kingdom of God.
5.Here we have the death of Isaac recorded: most that can be said of his character has been already anticipated, see Genesis 22, etc. He appears to have been generally pious, deeply submissive and obedient. He was amiable and good, than a great and useful, man. If compared with his son Jacob, in the early part of their lives, he appears to great advantage, as possessing more sincerity and more personal piety. But if compared with his father Abraham, O, what a falling off is here! Abraham is the most perfect character under the Old Testament, and even under the New
he has no parallel but possibly in Paul. Isaac, though falling far short of his father’s excellences, will ever remain a pattern of piety and childlike obedience.
You and I can only start to experience this type of obedience in our lives by starting where all sinners must start. We must acknowledge that we are sinners deserving of death and eternal damnation. We next must repent of our sinfulness and believe that Jesus Christ is God’s only son, the risen Messiah. Ask Jesus into our hearts, to give us hope and newness of life. If you would like to make this lifetime commitment we ask you to come forward today. If you have made this decision, we would ask you to consider your need for baptism, which is an outward expression of in inward decision made to follow Jesus Christ in all things in our lives. If you would like to make this decision please let me know or come forward now. Last we would ask anyone who has a need for prayer in their lives to let us know. We would love to pray for you as you continue to strive for the light that is in Christ Jesus Our Lord.
Closing prayer.
