Story 25: Jo'seph Is Sold Into Slavery l

   After Ja'cob had attended his father's funeral, he and his sons and their shepherds settled at He'bron, where they continued to raise sheep and cattle. Their flocks and herds had increased so greatly that it was difficult to find enough pasture land to feed them, and it was necessary to let them graze over large tracts of land.
   Ten of Ja'cob's sons had been born during the early years of his exile in Mes-o-po-ta'mia, and had now become full-grown men. Jo'seph, the son of his beloved wife Ra'chel, was much younger, and Ben'ja-min, who was born in Ca'naan at the time when Ra'chel died, was a small child.
   Ja'cob was especially fond of Jo'seph for several reasons. He was the son of his old age, having been born when Ja'cob was ninety years old, and was the child of Ra'chel, whom Ja'cob loved more than Le'ah. He was also a child of prayer, for Ja'cob and Ra'chel had prayed for many years that a child be given them.
   Jo'seph was very different from his half-brothers, who were much older. He was quiet and thoughtful, well behaved, and polite. His brothers were rough and ill-mannered, often disobedient, and careless in the duties of worship. When they were at work in the fields, or busy caring for their father's sheep, they would often say things or do things which Jo'seph knew were wrong, and which he felt should be told to his father. He was not a tale-bearer, but rather an obedient son who did not want his father's good name to suffer from the evil deeds of his brothers.
   Because he was very fond of Jo'seph, and because he thought that so good a son deserved a reward, Ja'cob showed him many favors. They spent much time together, and both father and son came to love one another more deeply every day. As a sign of his fondness for Jo'seph, Ja'cob made him a long coat of many colors, very much like those worn by princes. The boy was very proud of this coat, wearing it on special occasions, and when sent on long journeys by his father.
   Partly because of the good conduct which Jo'seph showed at all times, and partly because he was their father's favorite son, the older brothers became very jealous of him. They were also angered by the dreams which Jo'seph was unwise enough to tell them. It was only natural that a boy with a quick mind and a lively imagination should dream of glorious days to come in the future, but his brothers could not understand his dreams and hopes.
   There were two dreams in particular which added to the envy and hatred of Jo'seph's brothers. In the first, he dreamed that he and his brothers were binding sheaves of wheat in the field, and that his sheaf suddenly stood upright, while the sheaves of his brothers bowed before it. In the other dream, he saw the sun, moon and eleven stars also bowed before him.

Story 24: Ja'cob Wrestles With An Angel ll

   The Angel then asked, "What is thy name?" When Ja'cob gave his name the Angel told him that he should no longer be called Ja'cob, but his name should be changed to Is'ra-el, which means "prince." The Angel explained the change by saying, "For as a prince hast the power with God and with men, and hast prevailed." From this point on in the Bible Ja'cob is known as Is'ra-el, and his descendants were called Is'ra-el-ites.
   After blessing Ja'cob the stranger disappeared as mysteriously as he had come. Ja'cob then declared that he had seen God face to face, and had been assured that his life would be saved. A new triumph had come into the life of Ja'cob. He had "tricked" his brother E'sau, and for this reason had long lived in fear of his brother's anger. He has now been "tricked" himself by the Angel Je-hov'ah, but has learned to trust not on his own strength, but in the LORD. Nevermore is he to be called Ja'cob, "the supplanter," but from now on shall be known as Is'ra-el, the prince of God.
   As Ja'cob left the place where he had wrestled with the Angel he saw his brother E'sau coming to meet him with a band of four hundred armed men. Knowing that God would take care of him, yet still humble, he walked forward to meet E'sau. First, he bowed his body almost to the ground, then moved a little nearer, and bowed again. Seven times he bowed to his brother, and then E'sau rushed up to meet him with open arms. The brothers kissed one another, and were so happy to be friends once more that they wept for joy. Ja'cob's wives and children were then brought forward to meet E'sau, who rejoiced in the blessings which had come to his brother during the twenty years that they had been separated.
   Ja'cob then insisted that E'sau keep the gifts which had been sent to him as a peace-offering. At first E'sau refused, but finally agreed to keep them as a token of their renewed friendship. E'sau offered to send some of his servants to help Ja'cob and his family in caring for his many sheep and cattle, or in getting ready for their journey to the heart of Ca'naan. Ja'cob declined the offering with thanks, and the two brothers separated, never to meet again until they stood together at the grave of their father.
   After camping for several days at a place afterwards known as Suc'coth, near the river Jab'bok, Ja'cob and his company journeyed westward across the river Jor'dan, settling at last in the hill country near the town of She'chem. Here he paid one hundred pieces of silver for a plot of land owned by a man named Ha'mor, Here, too, he built an altar which he named "The Altar of The Mighty One" in honor of the LORD. It was on this very spot that A'bra-ham had built the first altar in the land of Ca'naan one hundred and eighty-five years before.

Story 24: Ja'cob Wrestles With An Angel l

   After the treaty of peace had been made between Ja'cob and La'ban, and La'ban had turned back toward his own land, Ja'cob continued his journey toward Ca'naan. He entered the land east of the Jor'dan river which was later known as Gil'e-ad, and encamped near the river Jab'bok. Although he had now escaped the anger of his father-in-law, he was by no means free from danger. Other trials were ahead, Ja'cob was filled with worry and fear. Most of all he feared the anger of his brother E'sau, from whom he had stolen both the birthright and blessing which belonged to him.
   During Ja'cob's absence from the land of Ca'naan, E'sau had taken another wife. This woman was a member of the family of Ish'ma-el, the half-brother of his father, and he had married her in the hope of regaining his former place in the blessings which had been promised in the Covenant with A'bra-ham. E'sau had prospered, and was now the head of a great people. Each of his three wives had given birth to many children, and the number of his servants had increased greatly.
   While Ja'cob was moved to the heart by fears of E'sau, he was visited by a host of Angels from Heaven. They told him that his only hope of safety was the mercy of God, but that all the forces of Heaven would come to his rescue if needed. The visit of the Angels was not enough to quiet the fears of Ja'cob. Hoping to escape by his own shrewdness, he first tried to make peace with E'sau. Messengers were sent to tell his brother that Ja'cob was already sending fine gifts to make up for the wrongs which he had done to E'sau in the past. These messengers, however, came back with the news that E'sau was coming to meet Ja'cob with four hundred armed men, evidently seeking revenge upon his brother.
   Ja'cob then felt that he was in great danger, and feared that E'sau would not only take all his possessions, but also take the lives of his wives and children. For this reason he divided his household into two parts, placing those who were dearest to him in the positions of greatest safety.
   After putting his wives and children where they were most likely to be safe, and scattering his flocks and herds so that only half of them could be seized in any event, Ja'cob sent many sheep and cattle as a peace-offering to E'sau. This was done in the hope of delaying E'sau's arrival at the place where Ja'cob and his household were encamped, and was intended as a gesture to cool the wrath of his brother.
   Now that he had done everything in his power to protect his family from E'sau, Ja'cob turned to the LORD in earnest prayer. Appealing to Him as the God who had a Covenant with A'bra-ham and I'saac he admitted his own unworthiness, but asked the LORD deliver him from E'sau out of sheer mercy.
   Having done all that he could to protect his family and to make his brother less angry, and having sought help from the LORD in prayer, Ja'cob went to a quiet place where his thoughts would not be disturbed. Suddenly he was seized by a mysterious person who first appeared in the form of a man, was then called an Angel, and was still later spoken of as God. All night long Ja'cob wrestled with the stranger, but as the morning began to dawn the struggle ended. The Angel touched the hollow of Ja'cob's thigh, making him lame. Ja'cob now realized that he could no longer count upon his own strength, and saw that there are times when the LORD alone can help. Though wounded in the struggle, he still had courage and persistence; he clung to the Angel, and refused to let him go until he blessed him.

Story 23: Ja'cob's Twenty Years In Mes-o-po-ta'mia lll

   Thus there were born to Ja'cob eleven sons while he was in Mes-o-po-ta'mia, and after his return to Ca'naan Ra'chel gave birth to Ben'ja-min, making twelve in all. Each one of these sons became a prince, and was the founder of a tribe in the nation that was later known as Is'ra-el.
   After Ja'cob had served La'ban seven years in return for the hand of Ra'chel in marriage, making a total of fourteen years of service, he told La'ban that he would like to go back to his native land with his wives and children. La'ban did not want Ja'cob to leave, for his services had been worth a great deal. He therefore asked Ja'cob to stay with him as a partner, promising him a certain share in the increase of the sheep and cattle.
   Under this agreement Ja'cob soon gained in property much faster than did his father-in-law. The terms of the agreement were changed several times by La'ban, who had become very jealous of Ja'cob's success, but each time the LORD blessed Ja'cob more than He did La'ban.
   For six years Ja'cob and La'ban remained partners, but they became less and less friendly as time went on. There were bitter quarrels over the share that each was to have in the increased flocks and herds, and many times each felt that the other was cheating him. At last Ja'cob made up his mind that he would live no longer in such an unhappy household.
   Rather than have another quarrel with La'ban, Ja'cob decided to leave without telling him. He gathered his sheep and cattle, packed up all his goods that were easily movable, and took his wives and children on the journey back to Ca'naan. La'ban pursued him, trying to force him to return. He was then warned by the LORD in a dream not to harm Ja'cob in any way, and after a covenant of peace had been made between La'ban and his son-in-law, Ja'cob was allowed to continue his journey to Ca'naan.
   The solemn covenant of peace that was made between La'ban and Ja'cob on the east side of Jor'dan at a place later called Gil'e-ad was binding upon all generations, and there was never war between the descendants of La'ban and Ja'cob. The final parting was friendly enough for men who had been enemies until the LORD put peace in their hearts. Ja'cob said " The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another." These words are now called "The Miz'pah Benediction."

Story 23: Ja'cob's Twenty Years In Mes-o-po-ta'mia ll

For seven long, weary years he must work like a slave, given courage only by the hope of some day having Ra'chel as his wife. As we read in the Bible: "And Ja'cob served seven years for Ra'chel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had for her."
   When the seven years had passed, La'ban made Ja'cob the victim of one of the most selfish plots in history. In place of Ra'chel, for whom Ja'cob had toiled so long and earnestly, La'ban gave him Le'ah, the elder daughter of little charm. When Ja'cob complained of the deception he was told by La'ban that a custom of that country required an elder daughter to be given in marriage before her younger sister. In order to keep the services of one who had proved himself so useful, La'ban promised to give Ra'chel to Ja'cob in marriage if he would serve another seven years.
   The shrewd plan of La'ban to bind Ja'cob for a longer term of service succeeded. The crafty Ja'cob who had taken advantage of his brother to gain the rights of the first-born was now overcome by a shrewdness more clever than his own. Ja'cob had not hesitated to turn his father's blindness to his own advantage, but now he was deceived into taking another for the bride whom he desired. Ja'cob was paid in his own coin; having deceived others, he was now himself deceived.
   Ja'cob accepted his lot in patience and humility, and agreed to the suggestion of La'ban. After a week had passed he was given Ra'chel in marriage, though he must still serve her father for seven years. The fact that he had two wives was not to his discredit, for in those days men took as many wives as they could afford to keep. It is said that he loved Ra'chel and hated Le'ah, but this only means that he loved Ra'chel much more than her sister. Both of the daughters of La'ban were good wives to Ja'cob, sharing with him all the joys and sorrows of life.
   During the next few years Le'ah became the mother of four sons, who were called in turn Reu'ben, Sim'e-on, Le'vi, Ju'dah; Ra'chel, meanwhile, had no children. For this reason Ra'chel followed a custom of the times in giving Ja'cob her maid Bil'hah to bear children for her. Bil'hah became the mother of two sons, Dan and Naph'ta-li. Then Le'ah gave Ja'cob her maid Zil'pah, and she bore him two sons, who were called Gad and Ash'er. Later two more sons and a daughter were born to Le'ah, and their names were Is'sa-char, Zeb'ul-un, and Di'nah. In the course of years God answered the earnest prayers of Ra'chel, and she became the mother of a son who was called Jo'seph.

Story 23: Ja'cob's Twenty Years In Mes-o-po-ta'mia l

   On the way from Beth'el to Mes-o-po-ta'mia Ja'cob passed through many trials and dangers, and must have grown very tired. But on he marched, feeling less weary now that he had cast his burdens upon the LORD, and greatly encouraged by the blessings which had been promised him. Having put himself in the hands of Divine Providence, he knew that God would lead him safely to the home of La'ban.
   At last he paused to rest for a moment by a well some distance from the town of Ha'ran, where his grandfather A'bra-ham had once lived, and where many of his kindred still made their homes. Here he began to talk with some of the shepherds who had come to water their sheep, and learned that they knew La'ban, who was Re-bek'ah's brother. When Ja'cob politely inquired about the health and prosperity of his uncle, he was told that La'ban was well, and that his daughter Ra'chel was now coming toward them with her father's sheep.
   From the first moment that he saw her, Ja'cob was carried away by the beauty and grace of Ra'chel. After removing the stone from the top of the well, and drawing water for her sheep, he told her that he was the son of her aunt Re-bek'ah. Overjoyed by the sight of his lovely cousin, Ja'cob embraced her most tenderly.
   Ra'chel then went home and told her father of the meeting with Ja'cob, and La'ban went out to invite his nephew to come and stay at his home. Ja'cob was unwilling to accept the food and shelter of his uncle without giving something in return, and for this reason he helped in the care of the sheep, and did his part in the work that made La'ban prosperous. After thirty days had passed, La'ban offered to give wages to Ja'cob if he would stay.
   There were two daughters in the household of La'ban, the elder named Le'ah, and the younger Ra'chel. The eyes of Le'ah were dull and without charm, while those of Ra'chel were brilliant and attractive; Ra'chel, moreover, was truly beautiful. Jac'ob had been attracted to Ra'chel from the moment that he first saw her at the well, and this feeling had grown even stronger during the month that he had spent in her father's home.
   It was a custom in that country for a young man to make some payment to the parents of the woman whom he had chosen as a wife. Since Ja'cob had no money or property to give La'ban, he offered to work seven years to gain Ra'chel as his wife. It must have been hard for Ja'cob, who was the son of a wealthy man back in Ca'naan, and to whom great riches had been promised, to have nothing but his own labor to offer for the hand of the woman he loved.

Story 22: Ja'cob Dreams Of The Stairway To Heaven lll

   How fitting was this mid-night vision to the peculiar needs of Ja'cob at the moment! To his sense of loneliness caused by the loss of parental comradeship, God said "I will be with thee." To his feeling of poverty and homelessness, the LORD said "I will give thee all this land as an inheritance." To his despairing hopelessness for the future the promise was given "Thou shalt spread abroad to the east and to the west."
   This experience of Ja'cob on the lonely plateau near Beth'el was a turning point in his life; it was a changed man who continued the journey into Mes-o-po-ta'mia. Having now been taught by the LORD through heartfelt experience, his worldly and crafty nature was turned into higher channels. It is true that Ja'cob made further mistakes in the future, and that his life was far from perfect, but he was made a much better man by the vision.
   Ja'cob then walked on toward the east. Crossing the rugged mountain slopes to the Jor'dan valley, he waded across the river. Then he moved on over high plateaus and across the valleys until he reached the land from which his mother had come many, many years before. Here he lived for more than twenty years, and our next story will tell some of his experiences during that time.