Understanding the text

One of the reasons that Leviticus forbids men from marrying more than one woman is the inevitable contempt, strife, and jealousy that it creates. This is powerfully and tragically demonstrated in this text. Leah and Rachel were sisters and shared the same husband, Jacob. Leah had not yet had any children. This was a matter of great shame for her and she believed that if she could just produce children that her husband would certainly and finally love her.

This is a tragic and heartbreaking story to read. Leah believes that having children will secure her identity and value as a woman and finally win over Jacob’s greatest love. However, the text tells us that though Leah did have children, her heart was not satisfied. For Leah, children had become an idol of sorts. Through her disappointment, God gently taught her that only He could ultimately satisfy her heart. Then and only then could she enjoy the gifts that God had blessed her with.

Additional scripture

1. Jeremiah 2:13
2. Exodus 20:1-3
3. 1 Peter 1:3-5

Applying the text

1. The circumstances of Leah’s life led her to feel as if she were an utter disaster and failure. What things in your life can cause you to feel empty and worthless?
2. Leah had to learn that good things cannot ultimately satisfy. Good things can become idols as easily as bad things. What good things are you tempted to cherish as ultimate in your own life?
3. Read Genesis 29:35. What did Leah learn was the antidote to empty idolatry? How can you guard your own heart against the good things you tend to elevate to the place of God? In what ways is God superior to the gifts He gives?

“...our minds cannot find calm repose until we arrive at the unmerited love of God.”
—John Calvin

Understanding the text

Jacob, who deceived his own father, now experiences deception at the hand of Laban, his uncle. After greatly desiring to marry Rachel, who was beautiful, and after working seven years to earn her hand in marriage, Jacob is tricked by Laban into marrying Rachel’s sister, Leah. There is a certain irony in this twist of events. Jacob gets a taste of his own medicine. Leah, who is less desired by Jacob is precious to God. He hears and answers her cries.

However, Jacob is not satisfied. He agrees to work another seven years in order to receive Rachel as his wife. From the outside, this seems absurd. Fourteen years of labor for a wife? Yet it was not too much to require of Jacob, for he loves Rachel. Through Jacob, we see how love radically transforms the way we relate to work. (Genesis 29:20)

Additional scripture

1. John 3:16
2. Leviticus 18:18
3. Hebrews 12:1-2

Applying the text

1. What does this story teach us about the honesty of the Bible? What details would you have left out to make this story more “respectable”?
2. How might this text be misused to promote polygamy? How would you respond to such a claim?
3. In what sense does Jacob shed light on the love that Jesus has for His bride, the church?

Understanding the text

God speaks through the Word, creation, and through His Son. But at times, God also speaks through dreams, as is the case in this particular text. In Jacob’s dream, God reaffirms His covenant promise to provide land and numerous descendants. God is still carrying out the plan and promise He gave to Abraham.

However, in this dream, there is an added element that foreshadows Christ. Jacob sees a ladder that connects heaven and earth. In Genesis 11, the people of Babel tried to build their own ladder to reach into the heavens and were cursed for it. This, however, is different. This ladder is no human-built contraption. It is God’s ladder reaching from heaven to earth. It is not a ladder that Jacob can ascend. Rather it is a ladder that God himself must descend to be with His people.

Additional scripture

1. Genesis 11:1-9
2. John 1:43-51
3. Psalm 15

Applying the text

1. What is the difference between the tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9) and the ladder in Jacob’s dream?
2. What is the purpose of Jacob’s dream? What is God seeking to teach him?
3. How is Jesus the fulfillment of Jacob’s dream?

Understanding the text

The Bible is full of examples for us to consider. Sometimes these examples show us how to conduct our lives in a godly manner, and sometimes they show us what not to do. In this particular text, we get a glimpse of the mess that sin can make in a family.

Dad (Isaac) seeks to secretly bless his oldest son so that his wife (Rebekah) won’t find out. This was done in direct opposition to what God had foretold about the blessing and the brothers. (Genesis 25:23) Rebekah creates a sneaky plan to help Jacob trick his father into blessing him instead of Esau. In this mess, we get a picture of what happens in our hearts and lives when we fail to trust in the promises of God.

Additional scripture
1. Proverb 28:10
2. Proverb 20:25
3. Hebrews 12:15-17

Applying the text

1. Read Genesis 25:23. What do Isaac’s intentions in Genesis 27:1-4 reveal about his character? What was he attempting to do?
2. How would you describe the family dynamics in this text? What can we learn from this mess?
3. What does this text teach us about our sin and God’s sovereign plan?

Understanding the text

At times, reading Genesis can be like driving around a cul-de-sac again and again. As we work through each chapter, we begin to notice familiar territory, reoccurring themes, and stories. In this text, Isaac, like his father Abraham, deceives Abimelech, King of the Philistines, in order to spare his wife. All of this was brought on by his attempt to avoid a famine, much like Abraham in Genesis 12.

While the characters in the story have changed, the story itself remains painfully familiar. Will Abraham trust God’s provision? Will Isaac follow Abraham’s example? Will yet another woman be put in harm’s way? And why do famines play such a central role in the movement of the story? None of these details are coincidental. Each serves to highlight the power and faithfulness of God in the midst of human sin and folly.

Additional scripture

1. Genesis 12:10
2. Exodus 34:6-7
3. James 5:11

Applying the text

1. How many similarities are there between Abraham in Genesis 12 and Isaac in this text? What is the point of these similarities?
2. What do Isaac’s choices reveal about his faith?
3. What is the connection between faith and obedience? Take time to consider how your own sin and harmful choices are connected to a lack of faith in God’s promises.

Understanding the text

Once again in Genesis, we meet a woman who struggles to have children. As was the case with Sarah, Rebekah’s barrenness presents a threat to the covenant promise. But as He did for Sarah, (and as He would do for Mary, the mother of Jesus), God provides a son. In fact, God provides two sons.

These two men could not be more different. Esau, by virtue of being the older brother would have naturally been the one to receive the blessing and inheritance of his father, but his character excluded him and he finds himself serving his younger brother, just as God had promised Rebekah. Jacob, the younger son, is the child of promise through which the covenant promises and family line would continue. Ultimately, Israel arose from Jacob’s descendants, while the Edomites came from Esau. Through the drama of these two boys, the faith and character of the parents were exposed and refined and the doctrine of grace was once again demonstrated.

Additional scripture

1. Romans 9:1-16
2. Deuteronomy 7:7-8
3. Numbers 23:19

Applying the text

1. What does this text teach us about the sovereign decrees and election of God?
2. What does this text show us about the character of Esau? How would you describe his actions in this story?
3. We are told that Esau despised his birthright. What were the consequences of this tragic choice for him? What happens to us when we, like Esau, despise the promises and favor of God?

“The mystery of God’s choosing will always offend those who stand before God in pride. Forgetting their rebellion and guilt before God they are ready to accuse Him of favoritism. But those who God’s love has drawn to Christ will always confess the wonder of his initiative in grace...”
—Edmund Clowney