Information from: The Orthodox Study Bible
(Chapter 27)Isaac being old, could not see. He requested Easu to hunt and prepare a savory food, and in return he would receive a blessing in the presence of the Lord, before he died. Rebecca suggested that Jacob bring game to her and she would prepare food to deceive Isaac, in order that Jacob receive the blessing instead of Esau. Rebecca sent him into his father fully dressed in Esau's clothes. Isaac asked him who he was and Jacob replied Esau. The disguise fooled Isaac into thinking that he was his firstborn son Esau. He asked him again who he was; again he lied, so they ate the game and the blessing was dispensed.
Easu came with the food and learned of the deceit. Isaac had made Jacob, Esau's lord. Esau wept and Isaac issued a blessing. Thus Esau hated Jacob and vowed that when the days of morning draw near he would kill his brother. Rebecca told Jacob of the existing threat and suggested that he flee to her brother Laban in Haran. Then Rebecca suggested to Isaac that if Jacob takes a wife from the daughters of their existing land, (Canaan), it would not be good for her.
(Chapter 28)Isaac sends Jacob to Mesopotamia. Esau saw that the daughters of Canaan did not please Isaac, so he married a daughter of Ishmael, Mahalath.
Jacob went out toward Haran. He lay down to sleep with a stone on his head. He dreamed he saw a ladder, from earth to heaven with angels ascending and descending on it. The Lord stood above it. And when the Lord had spoken to Jacob, he awoke and was afraid calling the place "the gate of heaven." Jacob made a vow to the Lord, and the stone he had set on his head he used as a pillar. "God's house to me, and of all You give me I will surely give a tithe to You." He name that place "Bethel," previously called Luz.
(Chapter 29)Jacob journeyed east, to Laban. Jacob was speaking with shepherds waiting to water their sheep, when they were assembled the stone would be removed from the well. Along came a shepherdess with her father's sheep, her name was Rachael the daughter of Laban, his mother's brother. He told Rachael he was her fathers relative and Rebeka's son. Jacob kissed Rachael, lifted up his voice and wept. Laban ran to meet him and they embraced. He stayed with Laban one month.
Laban had two daughters the eldest Leah, who had delicate eyes, But it was Rachael who was beautiful in form and in appearance. Jacob agreed to serve seven years for the hand of Rachael whom he loved. After the seven year's were accomplished, Laban gathered the men and made a wedding feast. He brought Leah to Jacob instead. In the morning, Jacob asked Laban why he was deceived. His answer was in that country the first born is married first before the younger. He required seven more years for Rachael. It was agreed upon and he went into Rachael who he loved more than Leah. "When the Lord saw that she was hated, He opened her womb;" She had Reuben, Simeon, Levi and Judah. Saying "Now therefore, my husband will love me."
(unless noted otherwise, all quotes are taken from the Orthodox Study Bible).
Friday, January 9, 2009
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