Day 15: Taking, Running, and Revelation

Today we read Genesis 27 and 28, Job 17 and 18, and Proverbs 3:1-4. As I’m reading it, I’m seeing a story that starts with a lot of “taking.” There is a family of people focused on taking from someone, taking away something, and being consumed with the desire to take or get back something. Even Rebekah tries to take at the same time she is trying to give and Isaac gives but is deceived, and unlike Dr. Timothy Keller’s portrayal of the father in the prodigal son story, Isaac runs out of the “give.” I thought this story was supposed to be about being blessed and being a blessing, right? Jacob runs away from Esau, who is enraged about losing or having his blessing taken by Jacob in a deceptive scheme. Then in Jacob's exile, the story moves to one of the most exciting parts of of the narrative where God comes close to Jacob and reveals himself to him in a dream - vows are made. Meanwhile, Job, perhaps rightfully so, continues his lamented debate with himself and his friends.  

References:

Pastor David Guzik  (2018). Genesis 28 - Jacob Feels Esau https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/genesis-28/ 

 

Father Mike Schmitz, Bible in a Year, Day 14: Isaac Blesses Jacob (20 minutes) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/day-14-isaac-blesses-jacob-2023/id1539568321?i=1000594405835 

 

Dr. Tim Mackie and Jon Collins, Genesis Scroll Podcast, Episode 9 (March, 2022 - 62 minutes). Why Can’t Jacob and Esau Both Be Blessed?https://bibleproject.com/podcast/why-cant-jacob-and-esau-both-be-blessed/ 

 

Credits:

Podcast music by Stockaudios from Pixabay. Speaker, Dr. Rachel Bodell. Podcast Sound Engineer, Alan Darling. Podcast Artwork, Will Gerard.