Toledoth of Ishmael and Isaac
Gen.
25:12-35:29
CHIASTIC STRUCTURES OF THE TOLEDOTH OF ISHMAEL AND ISAAC
A Generations of Ishmael (25:12–25:18)
c Jacob Steals Esau’s Blessing (26:34-28:9)
d CENTRAL THEME: Jacob Travels to Haran (28:10-32:3)
c’ Jacob and Esau Meet and Reconciliate (32:4-33:17)
b’ Jacob at Shechem (33:18-34:31)
TIMELINE OF ISAAC
TIMELINE OF JACOB
THE TOLEDOTH OF ISHMAEL
(12-18) Ishmael is the son of Abraham whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s handmaid, bears unto Abraham. Ishmael has twelve sons who are princes. Ishmael lives for a 137 years, dies before his brothers, and is gathered unto his people. His descendants dwell from Havilah unto Shur, before Egypt towards Assyria.
Although Josephus said Ishmael is an Arabian, Ishmael dwelt in northern Arabia. The Arabian people were already dwelling in Arabia centuries before Ishmael.
Josephus calls the Ishmaelite people, Nabateans. After the exile, the Edomites moved into the Negev, and the Nabateans moved into the land of Edom. They became great builders as one still can see at Petra.
Although Josephus said Ishmael is an Arabian, Ishmael dwelt in northern Arabia. The Arabian people were already dwelling in Arabia centuries before Ishmael.
Josephus calls the Ishmaelite people, Nabateans. After the exile, the Edomites moved into the Negev, and the Nabateans moved into the land of Edom. They became great builders as one still can see at Petra.
THE TOLEDOTH OF ISAAC
a Esau and Jacob: Birth and Youth (25:19-25:34)
a The Birth of the Twins (25:19-26)
(19-26) Isaac, Abraham’s son, is 40 years old when he took Rebekah as his wife. She is the daughter of his cousin Bethuel. Isaac entreats YHWH for his wife’s barrenness, and she conceives. When she feels a struggle within her, she seeks YHWH for an answer. YHWH explains to her that she has two nations in her womb, and that the elder shall serve the younger. She delivers Esau (hairy, rough), a red and hairy baby, and Jacob (taking hold of the heel, supplanter) whose hand is on Esau’s heel. Isaac is now 60 years old.
Twins are known to fight or get along in the uterus. Esau and Jacob must have not gotten along before birth.
The birth of Esau and Jacob was about 2008 BC.
b Their Youth (25:27-34)
(27-28) Esau is a cunning hunter, and Isaac loves him because he enjoyed eating Esau’s venison. Jacob is a plain man, a tent dweller, but Rebekah loves Jacob.
(29-34) Jacob is cooking lentil soup when Esau comes from the field and is faint. Esau asks his brother for some lentil soup. Jacob agrees if Esau should sell his birthright to him. Esau sees no value in his birthright, and he agrees to the deal. Esau then despises his birthright.
Esau probably has come a long way from the hunt. He might have been at the point of death.
The birthright entitled the eldest son to have a double portion of the inheritance from his father. Esau would have received 2/3 of the inheritance and Jacob 1/3 of the inheritance. However, Esau agreed to Jacob’s demands, thus switching his inheritance from 1/3 and Jacob’s inheritance to 2/3.
b Isaac in Gerar and Beer-Sheba (26:1-26:33)
a The LORD Appears to Isaac (26:1-33)
(1-5) A second famine is in the land, and Isaac goes unto Abimelech, king of the Philistines unto Gerar. YHWH appears unto Isaac, and says for him not to go down to Egypt, but to dwell and sojourn in this land so He can bless Isaac and his descendants on account of the oath which He has sworn to Abraham.
(6-11) Isaac dwells in Gerar, but claims that Rebekah is his sister because he is afraid that the men of the place will kill him for Rebekah. While looking out the window, Abimelech, king of the Philistines, sees Isaac sporting with Rebekah his wife. After the king questions Isaac, he charges that anyone harming Isaac or his wife shall be put to death.
(12-16) Isaac reaps a hundredfold of what he has sown, and YHWH blesses him. He has great possession of flocks, herds, and servants. Envying him, the Philistines stop up the wells that Abraham had dug and they fill them with earth. Afraid of Isaac’s might, Abimelech asks Isaac to leave.
(17-22) Isaac departs to the valley of Gerar and dwells there. Isaac digs again the wells of water, which has been stopped. Then Isaac’s servants dig a new well which causes strife with the shepherds of Gerar. Isaac names the well, Esek (strife). A second well, Sitnah (accusation), is dug and causes strife again. A third well, Rehoboth (wide spaces) is dug without strife from the herdsmen of Gerar.
(23-25) Isaac GOES UP to Beersheba. YHWH appears and encourages Isaac, who responds by building an altar there, calling upon YHWH, pitching his tent there, and digging a well.
Gerar is in the coastal plain, but Beersheba is near the hill country. Abraham had already dug a well at Beersheba, but it has to be redug.
(26-33) Abimelech of Gerar goes to Isaac desiring peace between them. Seeing that YHWH has been with Isaac, Abimelech seeks an oath and a covenant with him. They make a covenant together, swearing an oath.
Meanwhile, Isaac’s servants find water at the well which they have dug. The name of the well is Shebah; and the name of the city is Beersheba (well of the oath).
This was the same well that Abraham dug.
c Jacob Steals Esau’s Blessing (26:34-28:9)
a Rebekah Executes Her Plan (26:34-27:17)
(34-35) At 40 years old, Esau takes two Hittite wives: Judith the daughter of Beeri, and Bashemath the daughter of Elon. These wives grieved both Isaac and Rebekah.
(1-4) When Isaac is older and his eyes are dim, he calls Esau to hunt and prepare for him a savory venison meal, and then he will give his blessing.
(5-17) Rebekah, overhearing the conversation between Isaac and Esau, tells Jacob what she has heard. While Esau is out hunting, Rebekah commands Jacob two fetch two good kids of the goats, and she will make savory meat so that Jacob will receive the blessing. Afraid of invoking a curse from his father rather than a blessing, Jacob explains to his mother the difference of Esau being a hairy man and himself being a smooth man. However, Rebekah knows how to remedy the situation by having Isaac wear Esau’s clothing, and by putting the skins of the goat on Jacob’s hands and neck. Rebekah has prepared a fine meal for Isaac.
I am not sure why Isaac was so laid back about arranging marriages for his sons, but Esau decided to take matters into his own hands.
b Isaac Is Deceived (27:18-27:29)
(18-29) Jacob approaches his father disguised as his brother Esau. Although his father was suspicious, after feeling Jacob’s hands he is convinced that they are Esau’s hands. After Isaac eats and drinks wine, he asks for a kiss from his son. Smelling the fragrance of his garments, Isaac blesses Jacob.
c Esau Returns from the Hunt (27:30-27:33)
(30-33) After Isaac blesses Jacob, Esau comes in from the hunt. Esau makes savory meat and other tasteful things for his father. Trembling, Isaac questions who has brought him venison, and in return has received a blessing.
d Esau’s Reaction (27:34-27:45)
(34-36) Esau is bitter that his brother has supplanted him twice: taking away my birthright, and taking away my blessing.
(37-40) Isaac tells Esau that Isaac he has made Jacob lord over Esau. Weeping, Esau begs for one blessing from his father, which Isaac gives. There is a promise of blessing and of being able to break Jacob’s yoke from off Esau’s neck.
(41-45) Esau hates Jacob and intends to kill him when Isaac is dead. Rebekah hears about this threat, and tells Jacob to flee to her brother Laban in Haran, until Esau’s anger has cooled.
(46) Rebekah says to Isaac that she is weary of the daughters of Heth, and what is the purpose of her life if Jacob takes a wife from them?
e Isaac Sends Jacob to Padan-Aram (27:46-28:9)
(1-5) Isaac calls Jacob, blesses him, and charges him not to take a wife from the daughters of Canaan. Instead, Isaac sends Jacob to Padan-Aram to his uncle Laban to obtain a wife. Isaac blesses him, and sends him to Laban, the brother of Rebekah. Jacob is 57 years old.[1]
(6-9) When Esau sees that Isaac has blessed Jacob and sent him away to Padan-Aram to find a wife, Esau sees his own marriages do not please his father. So, Esau marries one of Ishmael’s daughters, Mahalath, the sister of Nebajoth.
d CENTRAL THEME: Jacob Travels to Haran (28:10-32:3)
a Jacob’s Dream at Bethel (28:10-28:17)
(10-17) Jacob goes from Beersheba toward Haran. Arriving at a place to sleep, he arranges some stones for a pillow. At night he dreams that a ladder is set up from the earth to the heavens, with the angels of God ascending and descending upon it. YHWH says to Jacob that He is YHWH God of Abraham and Isaac, and I will give to you and your descendants this land, and will be with you. When Isaac awakes, he realizes YHWH is here.
Jacob is 77 years old when he leaves home, and has not married.
b Jacob’s Conversion (28:18-28:22)
(18-22) Rising, Jacob takes the stone he used as a pillow and anoints the stone with oil. He calls the place Bethel (house of God), which was named Luz at first. Jacob vows that if God will be with him, so that he can return to his father’s house in peace, then YHWH will has become my God, and the stone is God’s house, and I will give a tithe to God.
Jacob had been a cheat, and playing to be more righteous than his brother. He has lost out on family relationship due to his actions. This event at Bethel is his conversion and living for God.
c Jacob Goes Eastward and Meets Rachel (29:1-29:11)
(1-11) Jacob goes eastward. He comes to a well in the field with three flocks of sheep, and the stone was is on the mouth of the well. When the flocks are gathered, they roll the stone from off the mouth of the well to water the sheep, and afterwards the stone is put in his place. Jacob finds out that the men are from Haran, and they know Laban. The men tell Jacob that Laban’s daughter, Rachel, is coming with her father’s sheep. Jacob rolls the stone and waters Laban’s flock, and introduces himself to Rachel. He kisses Rachel, and weeps.
It was customary to marry the older girl first. Both Laban and Jacob were bidding for time, so Leah could be married first as culture dictates. After seven years, Leah had not been married. Perhaps, Leah was God’s choice for Jacob.
Although Jacob is 57 years old when he arrives at Haran, Rachel might have been as young as 13. Waiting seven years would allow her to mature.
d Jacob Meets Laban's Family (29:12-29:22)
(12-22) Rachel runs home to tell her father about the news. Laban runs out to meet Jacob and brings him to his house.
After a month, Laban agrees to pay Jacob wages. Laban has two daughters, Leah (weary) and Rachel (ewe). Rachel is the more attractive one, with whom Jacob falls in love. Jacob asks to serve seven years for Rachel, and Laban agrees. At the end of seven years, Jacob asks to have Rachel as his wife, and Laban prepares a feast.
The Mohar, is a bridal gift paid by the groom to the bride’s family, setting her free from her parent’s household. Since Jacob had no bridal gift, he has agreed to work for Laban for wages.
e Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel (29:23-29:30)
(23-30) In the evening, Laban takes Leah his daughter to Jacob for a wife. In the morning, Jacob finds out he has been tricked by his uncle. Laban says that it is the custom not to give the younger before the firstborn; fulfill her for the week, and then you can serve me another seven years. Jacob does so, and Laban gives him Rachel as a wife. Laban gives Leah, Zilpah as a handmaid, and gives Rachel, Bilhah as a handmaid. However, Jacob loves Rachel more than Leah.
Since Jacob had served seven years for Rachel, he only has to wait a week to have her as a wife. However, he still has to serve Laban another seven years.
Although Jacob had dedicated himself to God at Bethel, he had sown deceit with his own family and ended up reaping the consequences of his actions in Padanaram.
If looking at this story in the eyes of Western civilization and romance, one would feel sorry for Jacob and should see Rachel as the rightful match for Jacob. Besides, Leah abetted her father in this plot. However, if one should look at this story in the eyes of ancient Middle Eastern civilization, a clearer picture develops.
The custom was to marry off the older girl first. Both Laban and Jacob were biding for time, hoping Leah would be married first as culture dictates. After seven years, Leah had not been married. Perhaps, Leah was God’s choice for Jacob rather than her good-looking sister.
Jesus Christ is descended from Leah’s two sons, Judah and Levi, but not through Rachel. Although God used Rachel’s son, Joseph, to save Jacob’s entire family from famine, the future Redeemer would come through Leah.
Jacob is 64 years old when he married Leah and Rachel. The sisters would have been in their early 20’s, a little late in age for the cultural norm, but time enough to bear children.
f Leah and the Maids Bear Sons (29:31-30:13)
(31-35) YHWH seeing that Leah is hated, opens her womb; but Rachel is barren. Leah bares four sons: Reuben (behold! a son), Simeon (hearing with acceptance), Levi (to be joined closely), and Judah (praised).
At the birth of Reuben and Simeon, Leah was hoping for her husband’s love. At the birth of Levi she hoped that her husband would be joined to her. However, at the birth of Judah, Leah’s attention has turned toward YHWH.
(1-8) Seeing that she is unable to bear children to Jacob, Rachel envies her sister. Frustrated, Rachel gives Jacob her handmaid Bilhah to Jacob, so Rachel can have children by her. Bilhah has two sons: Dan (judge), and Naphtali (my strife).
Rachel felt that God was on her side, and that she has prevailed over her sister. However, her attention is how to get back at her sister. She was quite immature.
(9-13) Seeing that she has left bearing, Leah gives Zilpah her maid to Jacob to wife. Zilpah has two sons: Gad (fortune), and Asher (fortunate, happy).
Leah was not going to be undone by her younger sister. Leah trusted God to repay as she gives her handmaid Zilpah to her husband.
g Mandrakes (30:14-30:24)
(14-15) Reuben, Leah’s firstborn, finds mandrakes in the field and gives them to his mother. Rachel desires the mandrakes, and Leah speaks to Rachel about her covetousness. Rachel acknowledges that Jacob will lie with Leah for her son’s mandrakes.
Wheat harvest is after Pentecost, late May or early June.
Mandrakes are an aphrodisiac. Maybe Rachel’s remark to her sister suggests that Leah has to buy her husband’s love, or that Leah has won.
(16-21) Leah entices Jacob with the mandrakes. God hears Leah, who conceives. She bears a son Issachar, and later bears another son Zebulun, and a daughter Dinah. Leah understands that God has endued her with a good dowry since she has born six sons.
Leah has learned to manage herself well as a businesswoman with her limited resources. Her father has not provided the girls with a dowry. She has hired out her husband by giving her handmaid to her husband and giving her husband mandrakes. She has realized that God has given her a good dowry of children, and that she has the upper hand in her situation.
(22-24) God remembers Rachel twenty-seven years later, and she bears a son: Joseph (he takes away, he shall add). Jacob is 91 years old, and Rachel would be in her late 40’s.
Mandrakes
h Laban Urges Jacob To Stay (30:25-30:36)
(25-36) After Joseph is born, Jacob desires to return to his home country, but also to be able to provide for his own household. Through sorcery, Laban discovers that YHWH has blessed him because of Jacob. Jacob will remove from there all the speckled and spotted sheep, and all the brown sheep among the lambs, and the speckled and spotted among the goats. Laban agrees, but he removes the he ring-streaked and spotted he-goats, and all the speckled and spotted she goats, every one that has white in it, and every brown one among the lambs, and gives them to his sons. Laban sets them apart on a three days’ journey between himself and Jacob, while Jacob feeds the rest of Laban’s flocks.
Jacob was 91 years old. Laban desired that Jacob stay. Using divination, Laban finds that Jacob is blessed by the LORD. Before Jacob can return home, he needed to have some means of supporting his own family. Laban agreed that Jacob can have the speckled and spotted sheep, the brown lambs, and the speckled and spotted goats. However, Laban took many of these sheep and goats that were meant for Jacob and gave them to the care of his sons. He did this, so that Jacob would have less of a chance to be able to reproduce speckled and spotted sheep and goats. Laban was a cheat.
Jacob's Sheep
i Jacob Prospers (30:37-31:21)
(37-43) Jacob takes rods of green poplar, almond, and plane tree, and peels white strips in them, exposing the white rods. Setting the rods in the watering troughs when the flocks come to drink, Jacob prepares the flocks to be in heat upon the rods. They bring forth streaked, speckled, and spotted flocks. As far as the sheep, Jacob places them behind Laban’s striped and dark colored animals for mating. He sets his own droves apart from Laban’s flock. Jacob sets the strong ones to mating near the rods, but not the weaker ones. While Laban acquires the weaker progeny, the stronger ones go to Jacob. Jacob increases in wealth.
While this passage is strange and hard to understand, Jacob is able to arise from Laban’s deceit. Jacob used the rods as a ‘phallus fallax’[1], allowing only those which he did not want to produce to be heated upon the rods. The brown-colored goats were not allowed to breed, but he bred the brown colored sheep with Laban’s striped and dark colored ones. Jacob set the stronger ones for mating and kept their young.
(1-21) Laban and his sons are not happy with Laban. YHWH tells Jacob to return to the land of his fathers and kin and He will be with him. Jacob consults Rachel and Leah about Laban’s actions, and how YHWH will have him return to his kindred. Both Rachel and Leah agree that their father has defrauded them as well. Jacob leaves with his family on camels, his flocks, and goods without telling Laban. While Laban went to shear his sheep, Rachel stole her father’s teraphim. Passing over the Euphrates River, Jacob sets his face toward Mount Gilead.
Jacob leaves at the age of 97 years old. Teraphim are small cult gods. Why would Rachel steal her father’s teraphim? Although no one really knows why, perhaps she didn’t want her father to use divinization against them. Where is Mount Gilead? On the Transjordan side, south of the Jabbok River.
j Laban Pursues Jacob (31:22-31:32)
(22-32) Three days later, Laban is told that Jacob is fled. Seven days later, Laban and his brothers overtake Jacob on the Mount of Gilead. God speaks to Laban the Syrian in a dream, and tells him to watch out what you say, good or bad, to Jacob. Upon meeting up with Jacob, Laban asks what has he done in stealing away and carrying away my daughters as captives. Why do you flee secretly, because I would have sent you away with mirth and music? And you have not allowed me to kiss my sons and daughters? Your father’s God spoke to me about how I am to speak to you. Understanding how you are homesick, yet I do not know why have you stolen my gods? Jacob tells Laban he was afraid that Laban will take his daughters from him; but with whomever you find the gods, let him not live. Jacob does not know that Rachel has stolen them.
Notice that Laban does not speak good or bad to Jacob, but only asks questions.
Hills of Gilead
k Laban Scolded by Jacob (31:33-31:42)
(33-37) Laban searches the tents of Jacob, Leah, the two maidservants, and Rachel; he does not find the teraphim. Rachel has taken the images, and put them in the furniture of the camel, sitting on them. Rachel excuses herself from not rising, because of her menstrual cycle.
(38-40) Jacob is angry with Laban. He states that he has been with Laban for 20 years, and that he has borne any losses with the animals, and hardships.
(41-42) Jacob tells Laban that he has served his uncle for 40 years: 14 years for his wives, another 20 years as part of the household, and 6 years for the cattle. Yet, Laban has changed his wages ten times. If not for the God of his father Abraham and Isaac, Laban would send him away empty. God has seen his affliction and labor, and has rebuked you last night.
If a woman were on her menstrual cycle, she would be considered unclean and anything she touched was unclean. Thus, the furniture of the camel would be considered unclean if Rachel was sitting on them.
By verse 38, it is easy to assume that Jacob’s whole time in Haran was 20 years. However, the verse is referring only one part of the time Jacob served in between the time he served for his wives and for his cattle as explained in verse 41.
1951-1937 BC: 14 years of service for his wives
1938-1917 BC: 20 years of service as part of Laban’s household
1917-1911 BC: 6 years of service for his own cattle
Also, this timeline gives a greater span of years for the girls and maids to bear and wean their babies.
“The Chronology and Birth of Jacob’s Children by Leah and Her Handmaid” by Charles L. Zimmerman explains the Hebrew context of the 40 years well. [1]
l Laban and Jacob Make a Covenant (31:43-31:50)
(43-50) Claiming ownership of his daughters and the flocks, Laban suggests making a covenant. Jacob takes a stone and sets up for a pillar. Jacob and his brethren make a heap and eat there. Laban calles it Jegar-Sahadutha (heap of witness), but Jacob called it Galeed (hill of witness); and Laban calls it Mitzpah (watchtower) for YHWH watches between me and you. Laban is fearful that Jacob will afflict his daughters or take other wives, and reminds Jacob that God is a witness.
Notice that Laban uses the name YHWH. Not that he has converted, but he recognized that over on this side of the Euphrates, YHWH would be the god governing Jacob. Mitzpah is close to Mt. Gileed.
m Laban and Jacob Swear and Depart (31:51-32:2)
(51-55) Laban reminds Jacob of the heap and pillar that they be witness, that we will not pass over to each other. Laban calls on the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor to judge between them, but Jacob swears by the fear of his father Isaac. Jacob offers a sacrifice, and calls his brethren to eat bread and lodge there. Early morning, Laban, rises up and kisses his grandsons and daughters, and returns home.
(1-2) When Jacob goes his way, the angels of God come upon him. Acknowledging that this is the camp of God, he calls the name of the place Mahanaim (camps of angels).
c' Jacob and Esau Meet and Reconciliate (32:3-33:17)
a Jacob Sends a Messengers to Esau (32:3-32:8)
(3-8) Jacob sends messengers to Esau, towards the land of Seir, the field of Edom. He commands his messengers to say to Esau that he has been a sojourner with Laban until now, that he has animals and servants, and that he sends to declare to my lord to find grace in Esau’s eyes. When the messengers return to Jacob, they tell Jacob that we came to your brother Esau, and he is coming to meet you, and four hundred men with him. Fearing, Jacob divides the people and animals into two camps. In case Esau smites the one camp, then the other can escape.
The land of Seir is located on the Transjordan side, southeast of the Dead Sea.
The land of Seir is located on the Transjordan side, southeast of the Dead Sea.
b Jacob Pray for Deliverance (32:9-32:12)
(9-12) Praying to YHWH, Jacob reminds Him that he is told to return to his land, kindred, and that He will do good to Jacob. Jacob admits his unworthiness of God’s kind acts and truth, and that he is passed over this Jordan and have become two camps. He prays that God will deliver him from his brother Esau, for he fears lest his brother will come and smite me along with the mother and her sons. He reminds God that You have said you will do good with me, and have promised me descendants.
Jacob has had to learn a hard lesson about craftiness. Not only has he had to leave his home because of what he did to Esau, but he had to endure the deceit of his Uncle Laban. Jacob has made a full repentance, but he still has to face Esau.
c Jacob Sends Gifts to Esau (32:13-32:21)
(13-22) Jacob lodges there during the night, and he takes a present for Esau his brother: 200 she-goats, 20 he goats, 200 ewes, 20 rams, 30 suckling camels with their young, 40 cows, 10 bullocks, 20 she asses, and 10 foals. He tells his servants to put a space between each drove. Jacob commands the first servant that when Esau meets you and asks who are you, where are you going, and whose are these, then the servant is to say to him that they are Jacob’s and are a present to his lord Esau. And Jacob commands the other servants of the droves to say the same, and to say that Jacob is behind us. Jacob intends to pacify Esau’s face with the present. Jacob lodges during the night in the camp.
d Jacob's Wrestles With a Man (32:22-32:32)
(22-23) Jacob rises in the night and takes his two wives, his two maid-servants, his eleven sons, he and his possessions and passes over the ford of Jabbok (pouring out), causing them to pass over the river.
Jabbok River is called the Zarqa River in Jordan.
(24-32) Being alone, Jacob wrestles with a man till dawn arises. Seeing that he cannot prevail against Jacob, the man comes against the hollow of Jacob’s thigh which becomes disjointed. The man asks to be sent away since dawn is arising, but Jacob desires a blessing. The man asks what his name is, and the man says that his name is no longer Jacob, but Israel; for he have been a prince with God and with men and do prevail. Jacob asks what the man’s name is, but the man just blesses Jacob. Jacob calls the name of the place Peniel (fear of God), for I have seen God face to face and my life is delivered. The sun rises, and Jacob is halting on his thigh. To this day, the Israelites do not eat of the sinew that shrank, on the hollow of the thigh, because of Jacob.
Jabbok River
Jabbok River is the Zarqa River in Jordan.
e Esau and Jacob Are Reconciled (33:1-33:17)
(1-17) Jacob sees Esau coming with 400 men. Jacob divides the maid-servants with their children, then Leah and her children, and then Rachel and Joseph last. Passing before them, Jacob bows to his brother 7 times. Esau runs to meet Jacob, embracing him, falling on his neck, kissing him; and they weep. Esau sees Jacob’s women and children, and recognizes that God has favored him. The women and children are introduced to Esau, bowing themselves to him. Esau asks about the herds he passed by, and Jacob replies to find grace in his eyes. Esau says he has abundance, but Jacob presses him to receive his gift. Esau is willing to lead the way, but Jacob says the children and flocks are tender to keep up with the pace. Jacob desires to go at a slower pace to Seir. Esau suggests that some of his own people accompany with Jacob, because of grace. Esau returns to Seir. Jacob journeys to Succoth (booth) and builds himself a house, and booths for his cattle.
b' Jacob at Shechem (33:18-34:31)
a Jacob at Shechem, Where Dinah Is Raped (33:18-34:4)
(18-20) Jacob encamps in Shalem (sound, safe, whole), a city of Shechem (shoulder). Buying a portion of the field for his tent, from the hand of the sons of Hamor, father of Shechem for a 100 kesitah, Jacob sets up there an altar and proclaims El is the God of Israel.
Shechem, now Nablus, was on the other side of the Jordan, across from Succoth. A kesitah referred to a lamb, but was some kind of ancient coinage. Abraham had built an altar in the same region.
(1-4) Dinah, Jacob’s daughter, visits the daughters of the land. Shechem, son of Hamor the Hivite, a prince, sees her, takes, lies with her, and humbles her. Yet, he loves her and speaks kindly to her. Shechem speaks to his father Hamor about obtaining this damsel for a wife.
b Her Brothers and Hamor Negotiate (34:5-34:24)
(5-24) Jacob hears that Dinah had been defiled, but keeps silent until his sons return from the field. Hamor, the father of Shechem, goes out to speak with Jacob. When the sons of Jacob return from the field, they hear about their sister and grieve. Hamor tells them that Shechem’s soul longs for your daughter, and please give her to him for a wife; and let us join in marriages, and you can dwell and trade, and have possessions here. Let me find grace in your eyes, and multiply on me the dowry (mohar) and gift (mattan), and let her be a wife. Jacob sons answer Shechem and Hamar deceitfully, and they say we cannot give our sister to one who has a foreskin (orlah), for it is a reproach to us. We can consent, if every male of yours be circumcised (mul), then we can intermarry, dwell with you, and become one people. If you will not hearken to us to be circumcised, then we will take our daughter and be gone. These words please Hamor and Shechem, and Hamor does not delay because he is honorable above all his father’s house. Hamor and Shechem speak at the gate of their city saying that these men are peaceable with us, and let them dwell and trade in the land, and let us take their daughters for wives and give our daughters to them. The only condition is that every male of us be circumcised, as they are circumcised. We will have their wealth, if we consent to them and they dwell with us. All the men hearken to Hamor and Shechem at the city gate, and every male is circumcised.
c A Massacre and Plundering of Shechem (34:25-34:31)
(25-31) On the third day when the men of the city are in pain, two of Jacob’s sons, Simeon and Levi, each take his sword, and come in against the city and slay every male, including Hamor and Shechem. They take Dinah out of Shechem’s house and leave. Because their sister is defiled, they spoil the city, and take their flocks and herds, and asses, and all their wealth. They take the children and wives as captives. Jacob says to his two sons, Simeon and Levi, You trouble me and cause me to stink among the inhabitans of the land, among the Canaani and Perizzi. While I am few in number, they will gather against me and smite me, and destroy me and my house. They reply, Does he make our sister as a harlot?
a' The Death of Rachel and Isaac (35:1-35:29)
a Jacob Builds an Altar at Bethel (35:1-35:8)
(1-8) God tells Jacob to rise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there, and make there an altar to God, who appeared to you while you fled from Esau. Jacob says to his household and all with him to turn aside the foreign gods in your midst, cleanse yourselves, change your garments, and we will rise and go up to Bethel, and make an altar to God, who is answering me in my distress, and is with me. They give to Jacob all the foreign gods with their earrings, and Jacob hides them under the oak by Shechem.
As they journey, the terror of God is on the cities near them, who do not pursue after the sons of Jacob. When Jacob comes to Luz, that is Bethel, he builds an altar, and proclaims there the God of Bethel. Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, dies, and she is buried at the lower part of Bethel, under the Oak of Weeping.
Shechem (now Nablus) to Bethel (now el-Bireh) is about 22 miles.
The foreign gods would be wearing earrings[1], not those with him.
[1] http://bibleproject.blogspot.com/2004/01/who-lost-earring-genesis-354.html
Why was Deborah mentioned? Perhaps, she was visiting Jacob for Rebekah, and suddenly died.
b God Blesses Jacob (35:9-35:15)
(9-15) God appears to Jacob again and blesses him. God says that Jacob’s name is no longer Jacob, but Israel (contender, soldier of God).
God says to Jacob to be fruitful and multiply, because nations and kings will go out from your loins. I am giving you the same land that I have given Abraham and Isaac. Then Jacob sets up a standing pillar of stone, and pours oil, and calls the name of the place Bethel.
If Jacob had relied on God to bless him rather than supplant his brother, Jacob’s story would have been different. However, he learned this important lesson, that God is the one who blesses.
c The Birth of Benjamin and Rachel’s Death (35:16-35:22)
(16-22) As they journey from Bethel, there is still a distance before entering Ephrathah, and Rachel goes into sharp labor. Her midwife informs Rachel that a son is born. Before Rachel dies, she call his name Ben-Oni (son of my sorrow), but her father calls him Benjamin (son of my right side). She is buried on the way to Ephrathah, Bethlehem. Jacob sets up a standing pillar over her grave. As Israel continues to journey, he stretches out his tent beyond Migdal-Edar (tower of a flock). As Israel dwells in the land, Reuben goes and lies with Bilhah, his father’s concubine; and Israel hears.
Ephrathah-Bethlehem and Migdal-Edar will later have significance to the birth of Christ.
Why does Reuben lie with Bilhah? Reuben is the oldest son of Israel. Although Bilhah is much older than Reuben, she was the handmaid that had belonged to Rachel. Reuben defiles his father’s concubine, so that his father will cleave to Leah. Remember how Reuben found the mandrakes for his mother, but now he choses to control the marriage bed of his father.
d Jacob’s Sons and Isaac’s Death (35:23-35:29)
(23-26) Jacob has 12 sons.
Sons of Leah: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun.
Sons of Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin.
Sons of Bilhah, Rachel’s maidservant: Dan and Naphtali.
Sons of Zilpah, Leah’s maidservant: Gad and Asher.
(27-29) Jacob comes to Isaac his father at Mamre, the city of Arba (Hebron), were Abraham and Isaac have sojourned. Isaac lives 180 years, around 1888 BC, and dies. Esau and Jacob, his sons, bury him.
