The events described in this passage represent yet another turning point in the life of Jacob. His determination to be reconciled to his brother and subsequent encounter with God are […]

This account of Jacob’s story offers more confirmation of the great lessons we have already drawn from these chapters describing Jacob’s sojourn in Paddan Aram. Chiefly, what is revealed is […]

This passage acts as the second “bookend” holding together twenty years of history in the life of Jacob and his family. At God’s command Jacob will embark on the 300-mile journey from Haran back to Canaan, the land of his fathers. Over the course of two decades, in the convoluted household of Laban, God was […]

With its descriptions of animal husbandry and strange rituals this passage leaves many scratching their heads. But we are not left in the dark about what God is revealing about himself. The following section (31:1-55) is something of an interpretive key as Jacob recounts the events. Taken together, we are given a glimpse into the […]

The birth of Jesus is a lot more than an exciting day wherein the God of the Universe gives the world a great gift. The birth of Jesus is the inauguration of a new kingdom that comes into our world of sin and chaos. Christ comes as the righteous ruler of this new kingdom, and […]

In his account of Jesus’ birth, Matthew places appropriate emphasis on the main thing: The Lord Jesus is the promised and long awaited Messiah. He was conceived miraculously in the womb of a virgin by the power of the Holy Spirit. This Jesus is the everlasting Son of God whose appearing was foretold by the […]

“And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.” (Revelation 12:11) Advent appears against a dark backdrop. Jesus came into the world after an extended period of silence from God. And then, as if from nowhere, John […]

Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu, melekh ha’olam Those are Hebrew words spoken at the beginning of the Passover Seder. It is a prayer of thanks to God for His deliverance of the people of Israel from bondage in Egypt: “Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe.”  To this day, observant Jews all over […]

As the story of Jacob unfolds we are once again caused to reckon with the mysterious and often confounding providence of God. How will God accomplish his covenant promises through such sinfully damaged raw material? “On the human plane the story demonstrates the craving of human beings for love and recognition, and the price of […]

Perhaps you have heard the term “hagiography.” It’s a word used to describe a biography which ignores or covers over the faults of its subject. Literally, the word means “holy writing.” It’s a way of presenting a sinner as a saint. One might expect the Bible to try to follow this practice in the record […]