BibleProject | One Story: Foundations of the Bibleනියැදිය

Scheming leads to more scheming. In today’s reading, you’ll watch Jacob and his extended family perpetuate a pattern of cheating, lying, and stealing for personal gain. Jacob and Laban spend years swindling each other. Jacob’s favoritism sparks a new sibling rivalry, this time between his wives. Rachel and Leah abuse their slaves in a bitter competition for more children.

The tragic irony is that God already promised to bless Jacob with abundance. But Jacob trusts his wisdom over the God of his fathers. Jacob lies and cheats at every turn, leaving relational wreckage in his wake. Jacob’s story will shatter any illusion that God’s blessings depend upon the moral integrity of Abraham’s family. Fortunately, God’s promises to humans have always rested on his faithfulness, not theirs.

With Laban infuriated, Jacob flees once again due to the fallout of his selfish decisions. But when Laban storms up to his nephew’s camp, God intervenes to bring a surprising and peaceful resolution to their decades-long conflict.

Jacob has done everything he can to forfeit the blessing, yet God stays by his side. During Jacob’s time with Laban, he accumulates a large family and great wealth. But the scheming also produces envy, bitterness, and conflict. How will God partner with a man so determined to do things his own way?

Reflection questions:

• Look closely at Jacob’s speech to his wives about how he obtained flocks from Laban (Gen. 31:4-13). How does his version of the story compare to what actually happened (Gen. 30:25-43)? What does this tell you about Jacob’s character?
• Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob all have a mixed moral track record. Why do you think the biblical authors tell such negative stories about God’s chosen family?