Jacob’s family complete
Sunday, Oct. 4
Genesis 35:16 – 36:42 Read it here Listen to it here
For several chapters, Genesis has been the story of Jacob. While he is still alive, the section we read today brings most of his story to its conclusion—from here on out, the focus shifts to his son Joseph.
But first, there’s an important thing that needs to happen to make his family complete: the birth of his youngest son who will be the father of the 12th tribe of Israel.
The beginning of Jacob’s family can be traced back to that moment when he met and loved Rachel. Now, as the final member of the family is born, Rachel dies in childbirth.
In her final moments, Rachel names the child Ben-Oni, meaning “son of my trouble.” Jacob changes his name to Benjamin, meaning “son of my right hand.” If there was one element of Jacob’s life that was unwavering, it was his love for Rachel.
Jacob’s life for the next few years seems to be uneventful except for Isaac’s death. “Jacob came home to his father Isaac …. Then [Isaac] breathed his last and died and was gathered to his people, old and full of years. And his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.”
We can look back at the lives of the patriarchs and other heroes of the Bible and think of their lives as being in constant communion with God in a way that is beyond our own relationship with God. But here we’re reminded that they spent most of their life just living like we do—working and worshiping; living and dying. That’s where our faith is really lived out.
Chapter 36 wraps up the story of Esau.
Jacob has become Israel, and the fathers of the 12 tribes have all been born. It looks like everything’s in place for the people of Israel to grow and occupy the land. What could possibly go wrong?
Sunday meditation
Proverbs 3:29-30
Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you.
Do not accuse anyone for no reason—when they have done you no harm.
Prayer focus
Keep me faithful in the quiet, uneventful times. Comfort can be a temptation as easily as fear can.
-Rev. Mark Fleming