Jacob's Deception

When Issac became so old that his eyesight failed him. He called Esau and told him to go hunt for some game then prepare an appetizing dish so he may give him his blessing. Rebekah heard this and got Isaac. She told him to go out into the fields and get two choice kids then bring them to her so she may make an appetizing dish. Then she took the kids skin and wrapped it around his arms and necks so he may feel like Esau. Then she handed Jacob the appetizing dish. Jacob went to Isaac and claimed to be Esau. Isaac felt his arms and took him for Esau. He gave him this blessing:

Ah, the fragrance of my son is like the fragrance of a field that the Lord has blessed! May God give to you of the dew of the heavens And of the fertility of the earth abundance of grain and wine Let people serve you, and nations pay you homage; be master of your brothers, and may your mother's sons bow down to you Cursed  be those who curse you, and blessed be those who bless you

Just as Jacob was leaving Esau came in from the hunt and prepared an appetizing dish. He went to Isaac and asked for his blessing. Isaac was siezed with uncontrollable trembling at this. He then realized that it was Jacob he had blessed. Esau asked for his own blessing but Isaac said he had already promised everything to Isaac. He went ahead and gave Esau this blessing.

Ah, far from the fertile earth shall be your dwelling; far from the dew of the heavens above! By your sword you shall live, and your brother you shall serve; But when you becam restive, you shall throw off his yoke from your neck.

Esau bore a grudge against Jacob and decided when Isaac died he would kill Jacob. When Rebekah heard of this she sent her younger son, Jacob, to her brother Laban.

Arrival in Haran and Marriage to Leah and Rachel

Jacob came upon three drove of sheep huddled alongside a well. He approached their sheperds and asked if they were from Haran and if they knew Laban. They replied they were from Haran and that here comes his daughter with his flocks. As soon as Jacob saw Rachel approach he watered his uncle's flocks and kissed her with joy. Jacob recounted all that had happened to Laban and he replied, " You are indeed my flesh and blood." After jacob had been with them a month Laban asked him what his wages should be. Jacob, who had fallen in love with the younger daughter Rachel, asked for her in exchange for seven years of Labor.

Jacob's Children

When the Lord saw that Leah was unloved he made her fruitful while Rachel remaned barren. Leah bore Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah. When Rachel saw that she had failed to bear children she gave her maidservant Bilhah to Jacob. She bore Dan and Napthali. When Leah saw that she had ceased to bear children she gave her maidservant Zilpah to Jacob. Zilpah bore Gad and Asher. One day when Reuben was out in the field Rachel asked Leah for some of Reuben's mandrakes.In excjange for these mandrakes Rachel allowed Jacob to lie with Leah that night. Leah concieved and bore Issachar, Zeubulun, and Dinah. Then God remembered Rachel and made her fruitful. She bore Joseph.

Struggle with an Angel

Inthe course of the night Jacob arose, took his family and possessions and crossed ford of Jabbok.Then some man wrestled with him until the break of dawn. Then man said let me go but Jacob said not until you bless me. The man said from now on he shall be called Israel. He named the place Peniel because he had seen God face to face yet his life was spared.

Jacob and Esau Meet

When Jacob saw Esau coming he approache him bowing down to the ground seven times. Esau ran to meet him, embraced him, and flinging himself on his neck, kissed him as he wept. Esau asked who are these women and children. Jacob said that they were his children and wives. Then Esau asked why did he send droves ahead of him. Jacob explained he hoped to gain his favor and that he had plenty.  Esau said not to accept it but Jacob insisted to accepted. Esau asked to travel together but Jacob said if they did that his children would suffer and the flock would die. Esau agreed to go ahead of the and went to Seir whereas Jacob went to Succoth.

Rape of Dinah

Dinah went out to visit some of the women of the land but when Shechem, so of Hamor, saw her he seized he and lay with her by force. Shechem then asked his father to get this girl for his wife. Jacob heard of this but held his peace because his sons were out in the field. Hamor went to this and offered any price for Dinah and that they should intermarry to live among them.

Revenge of Jacob's Sons

Jacob's Son agreed to this only if every man among them was circumcised. Hamor went to the town counsel and told them that they have so many animals and if they did this they would also be theirs. All the able bodied men did this and on the third day Simeon and Levi advanced upon the men and massacred them and then took Dinah. Then all the other sons followed this up and sacked the area and siezed everything. Jacob said to them that if their neighbors attacked them they would be wiped out. The sons retorted should our sister be treated like a harlot.

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