Beginning where we left off last week in Genesis chapter 31, we conclude the story of Jacob's return to Canaan.It took him seven days, but Laban and his brothers caught up with Jacob and his retinue at Gilead. (31)
Words, accusations; a pact. Final parting.
Rachel's Tomb, Bethlehem
Jacob sends messengers to his brother, Esau. As a peace offering he proffers much cattle, sheep, camels, a big enchilada.
Jacob sends his four women, his eleven sons a bit ahead; spends night alone. Well, not quite. Wrestles with God, names place Peniel, "for," he said, "I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved." Morning comes, Jacob pulls up lame. Why is only the front half of the steer kosher? (32)
Here come Esau and four hundred men. Esau runs and embraces his long-absent twin brother. Jacob offers the stuff; Esau declines, "I have enough." He takes it anyway. (33)
Jacob dwelt in Shalem. Stuff happens. (34)
God sends Jacob to Bethel to live. Ben-oni is born to Rachel. She dies and is buried. Jacob calls the child Benjamin.
God assigns a new name to Jacob. He is now Israel. (35) His dad, Isaac dies.
A bunch of genealogy follows; Jacob loves Joseph best of all his sons. (36,37)
The story of Jacob is placed on hold, while the account turns to Joseph's story.
Part five, and final instalment.
2 comments:
are you doing genesis in a nutshell? fun
Shark, not sure. We'll see what happens as we go along.
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