Essay: Character-sketch Bible study – Jacob

Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Spanish Version)

Step Three: Read through each passage, making general observations based on first impressions. List (in complete sentences) at least 10 general observations from the Bible passages on your character.

1. Jacob was a deceiver, he manipulated his brother Esau into surrendering his birthright. (Genesis 25:1-31)

2. Jacob tricked his father into giving his brother blessing to him. (Genesis 25:1-31)

3. Jacob lied to his dad Isaac. (Genesis 27:20)

4. Jacob was also known as a man of Faith. (Genesis 25:28-34; 27:9-29)

5. Jacob was a man of devotion and prayer. (Genesis 28:13-15; 28:20-22; 31:1-55; 32:3-6; 32:13-32)

6. Jacob had unique spiritual experiences. (Genesis 28:10-12; 31:1-3; 31:10-13; 32:1-2; 32:22-31; 35:9-15)

7. Jacob was a businesslike leader. (Genesis 29:1-14; 30:28-31; 30:28-43)

8. Jacob was deceived by laban the night of his wedding. (Genesis 30:27-31)

9. Jacob was a father of twelve sons. (Genesis 29:1-31:55; 35; 35:16-26)

10. Jacob deceived Laban. (Genesis 31)

11. Jacob wrestled with a man until daybreak. (Genesis 32:22-32)

12. Jacob relationship with his brother Esau along with his father were restored at Isaac’s death. (Genesis 35:28)

Step Four: Ask the key questions and observe other structural or grammatical

Elements.

   Observations related to “Who?”

Jacob was the son of Isaac and Rebecca, the twin brother of Esau, and the grandson of Abraham. Jacob was the third in the Abrahamic line of the plan of God. Jacob’s family structure was very dysfunctional. As a result of this, Jacob grew up being and opportunist, untrustworthy, sometimes negligent, thus, his life was one based on one conflict to the next one. Jacob had twelve sons from four woman, his two wives Leah and Rebekah, and their two servant Bilhah and Zilpah. Jacob’s childrens name were: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, and Joseph, Benjamin, and his daughter Dinah, also known as the “twelve tribe of Israel”. Jacob was also a man who prevailed in his struggle with men and with God. He fought with God till daybreak, therefore, his names was no longer Jacob but instead Israel.

Observations related to “What?”

There are several “what” observations that can be made in the life of Jacob.

What led Jacob deceived his brother birthright? The favoritism of his father Isaac toward Esau, created division in the family. Thus, this division created conflict and competition among them. Jacob wanted his brother position of leadership in the family and all the blessings that will come with his father’s inheritance. (Genesis 25)

What was the result of Jacob’s deceiving actions? When Esau came back and find out that his not only his birthright but also his blessing was stolen by his brother Jacob he became really angry and he vowed to kill him, so Isaac and Rebekah were forced to send him away to Rebekah’s brother Laban. (Genesis 27:35-44)

What were the result of Jacob’s fight with God? Jacob wanted his blessing no matter what. The results of him fighting with God for his blessing was the change of his name from Jacob to Israel “God’s chosen nation”. In addition, he was also reminded that in spite of all his failures, God would still fulfill his promise to make him into a mighty nation.

What is the meaning of “Israel”? According to Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary it means, God fights, God rules, God heals.

What  Bethel represented in Jacob’s life? According to Hidson “El Bethel which means “the God of the House of God” represented a new beginning to Jacob. He decided that he was not only “going back to church” but he was going back to God.

 Observations related to “Where?”

A first important “where” in the life of Jacob is the “where” he went after he ran away for his life from Beersheba to Paddan-Aram where his uncle lived, and got married with two wives. A second important “where” was in Bethel which means “house of God” where Jacob stopped for the night and God came to him in a dream. A third “where” in Jacob’s life was when he ran away from his uncle Laban, due to not feeling comfortable with some changes and God asked him to go back to Canaan, the promise Land. On his way back to the Promise Land he realized he have to go through Seir in Edom, and wonder how to face Esau. He then send his family through the Jabbok River and stood behind to meet with his brother. Jacob journeyed to Succoth, then moved to Shechem in Canaan and settle there. Again, Jacob journeyed to Mamre in Hebron after twenty years the home of his father.

Observations related to “When?”

The Birth of Jacob, who’s named was change to Israel, and the 12 tribes of Israel occurred        c.2000 BC.

Observations related to “Why?”

There are a few important “why” questions that are answered through the life of Jacob in (Gen32:1-8). A primary  question of why is, “Why did Jacob flee from Essau” Because Jacob deceived his blind and aged father and trick him  into getting his birthright and blessing. After Esau finding out what he have done he wanted to killed him. Another important “why”question is “Why did Jacob fought the God? Jacob wanted his blessing, because he was desperate he wanted a transformation, he wanted God promised upon him (Genesis 32:22-27).

Step Five: Construct a timeline that details the life of your Bible personality.

1. Jacob’s conflict with his father and twin brother.

2. Jacob fled from Beersheba to Padan-Aram.

3. Jacob settled in Padan-Aram, and started a family.

4. Jacob escaped from his uncle Laban, and was pursued by him.

5. Jacob had a spiritual encounter in Bethel.

6. Jacob fight with God, and his name was changed.

7. Jacob reconciled with his brother.

8. Jacob went back to Bethel by instructions from God.

9. Jacob is reunited with his father.

10. Jacob settled in Canaan.

11. Jacob’s death burial and mourning was in Egypt and Canaan.

 II. Interpretation

Step Six: Determine what Biblical wisdom can be gained from this character. Carefully look through your general observations based on your first impressions, your deeper study, and your timeline. What biblical wisdom can you gather about your character? Write out five elements of Biblical wisdom that can be understood from your character. Provide a concise explanation of each of these elements.

A. Knowledge of the Scriptures:

Jacob’s life is a demonstration of the many stubborn, impatience Christians are in today society. Through his life, we acquired some knowledge about our own struggles. As a result you see many Christians doubting God’s plan for their life just like Jacob did. Through his story is noticeable how God suffered for his childrens, and how he is always true to his promises. The story of Jacob, teaches us that it is important for us as Christians to fight for our blessing. As shown above, is stated how God in spite of Jacob’s mess, blessed him. God give his people free will, that doesn’t means that with your disobedience there is no discipline and consequences. Sometimes, God allows you to make your own decision and uses your failure as a process to mold you and created you to his perfect image en perfection. Thus, this is exactly what we see in Jacob’s life; a man who was transformed by the grace of God from a deceiver to a believer.

B. Boldness

Jacob was bold by being brave enough to fight the angel of God, for what he believes was his “blessing”. Jacob was a determined man, ready to do whatever it takes to obtain what needed to do without measures. Another of Jacob’s boldness moments was when he saw his brother Essau coming with 400 men, knowing he had the birthright and the blessing, he went in front of his own family to protect them, and he bowed down flat on the ground as he is walking towards his brother. This, act of humbleness shows how he was strong enough to put his rank, and pride aside recognizing he did wrong twenty years ago, and allowing God to control what would happened next among them.

C. Wisdom

Jacob’s wisdom came after many many struggle he suffer in life. After he fought with the angel of God for his blessing, he received a new name “Israel” in the moment a new person was born, one that was susceptible to gods voice and directions one that surrendered his life to him with humbleness.

D. Spirit empowered ministry.

Jacob was empowered by the spirt to go back to Bethel where he once found him. God appeared to him on several occasions, God wanted him to face himself to all his wrong doing and be able to surrender to him. He was the third link to the promise given by God to his grandfather to the chosen nation.

E. “Full of…”

Jacob was known by his faith. His faith made him one of the most influential Bible leaders of all time. Jacob was full of determination and willingness to succeed in everything he encounter in his life. He was not shy on working long and hard for what he wanted. Jacob was also full of perseverance.

III. Correlation

Step Seven: Ask, “How does this character’s life reflect other truths found in the Scriptures?” List and explain 3 truths from this person’s life that fit within all of the Bible. Your explanation must note how these truths fit the framework of God’s Word.

A. The struggles of life.

We can see throughout his story how his relationship with his brother was broken, due to the many mistakes he did. Jacob’s life also instruct us of God’s long suffering with mankind, how God sovereignty fulfill his purposes in the life of his people, and how he blesses us for relying on him. There are many different beneficial lessons to be learned from the life of Jacob. We can see this in Romans 15:4 & Corinthians 10:6,11; were through Jacob’s life we are able to see the struggles we have with God and with men, also the parental favoritism, and the danger fear is for many christians lives.

B. The danger of lying, scheming, and deceiving

In addition, in Jacob’s life we see how betrayal, and deception can bring huge life consequences. Thus, what we do we get. Therefore, our safety and well being comes from faith in God, and not from materialism prosperity. Even though, God used him to fulfill his divine plan and purpose, Jacob was a schemer. The lives of God’s people are woven by him into his perfect ongoing plan. We can see this in the story and consequences that Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11. The Old Testament and New Testament are full of experiences of people who suffered do to their wrong doing. It is clear in the Scriptures “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, form the Spirit will reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:7-8, NIV) & (Romans 13:9-10). God do not tolerate scheming, cheating, and lying because he is Holy, he is also truth (Numbers 23:19, NIV).

C. The danger of Fear

Additionally, we can also reflect in his story throughout the Bible the impact that fear causes in someones life, their actions and emotions. Throughout the book fo Genesis, we can see how frequently his life was afflicted with fear. One of Jacob’s fear was the lack of trust he had towards God’s promises. The bible tell us the opposite “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation” (Isaiah 12:2, NIV).  As Christians, we are not meant to live in fear. In the New Testament we see when God told Jeremiah 1:8 not to fear his opponents. He also gave similar warnings to Ezekiel on Joshua 1:7-9, and Ezekiel 2:6.

Step Eight: Ask, “How does this character’s life point me to Jesus?” List and explain 3 ways the life of your character can point to the person and work of Jesus Christ.

A. Like Jesus, Jacob restored the broken relationship with his brother, and with God itself.

The action that took Jacob to humble himself before his brother, was the one that brought restoration among them. In the Old Testament we can see, that in order to get closed to God there were an animal sacrifice that needed to be done to clean your sins. This is exactly what Jacob did because he recognized his sins, and deception he committed against his family specially his brother Esau. The action of Jacob bowing down to Esau brought reconciliation, restoration and redemption among them. Jesus did the same when he sacrificed his life on the cross of Calvary for all of our sins. “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace” (Ephesians 1:7, NIV).

B. Like Jesus, Jacob was pragmatic leader.

Jacob, led through servanthood, we can see this in Genesis 29:1-30, when he was willing to water the flock by working for Laban for 14 years because he loved Rachel so much. We can see this unconditional love from Jesus to us in John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”.

C. Like Jesus, Jacob show us the importance of prayer.

The news from Jacob’s messenger regarding his brother meeting him along with another 400, scared him to death. Jacob most deepest suspicions fear regarding his brother old threat came back to memory, so he prepared for the worst. However, in Genesis 32:6-12, we see how Jacob prayed to God that he might be deliver from his brother’s revenge. We see how Jacob in verse 9 invoked the name of his grandfather Abraham then his father Isaac: “God of my grandfather Abraham and God of my father Isaac”. He cried out to God, in a covenant that was done to his family, and they were able ti re-establish that relationship. Same way, Jesus used to teach his disciples in Luke 11:9 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds: and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

IV. Application

Step Nine: What points of application can be made using the Four Common Questions? List and explain 1 point of application for each of the Four Common Questions.

A. The question of duty

Jacob was heir to God’s promise and a men of faith. Even though his personal life was one full of deception, and short cuts, one of Jacob duties was to be a pragmatic leader. He gain many victories in a variety of situations.  His duty was to led through servanthood, to be determined and willing to succeed. His leadership duty was to get things done, and by fixing problems quick. Through his story and duties, his life teaches us God’s long suffering with men, and how God don’t quit on us till his promise is fulfill. Jacob’s duty comes from the selection of his grandfather Abraham by God to be the leader of the chosen nation, the third link in God’s plan. It is by Jacob’s God given name “Israel” that the nation is founded and known. It was God’s decision that he would become the father of the twelve sons that form the tribes of Israel.

B. The question of character

Jacob’s character is clearly shown in these passages in Genesis. Jacob journey was one full of struggles, since the moment he got out of the womb. When Jacob held on his twin brother heels you see how they jostled for position since then. His character is evidence of his dysfunctional family, all the conflicts between him and his family members, and even with God.

His name itself means “supplanter” and “deceiver”.  Another key thought that carries weight in his character was the transforming power of fellowship and intimacy with God. When he was going to meet his brother after what he did twenty year ago he went in prayer asking God for redemption and mercy. By this humbleness act of Jacob recognizing who God was and what was he capable of, he shows spiritual maturity, he shows that by surrendering himself he was becoming the men God wanted him to be.

C. The question of cause

Jacob’s life was one that clearly revealed his unhappiness produced by his family troubles. Through his life we learn about our own struggles with God and with people, we learn how fear can affect your relationship with God and how it can turned you away in deferents directions from God’s purpose in your life. The same way Jacob struggle with God; we all struggle too, we all have a tendency to wrestle with life, to take things in our own hands, to also set our own agenda and to work things with our own strength and understanding. Sometimes all of our daily problems such as; family problems, financial problems, relational problems, to have no purpose in life or sense of your future drive us straight to God’s hands. Which is what Jacob experienced in his journey. God is our caring Savior, we must surrender our lives, and our wills to Him and allowed Him to change our lives. Because in him we all have a new name, new nature and a new destiny.

D. The question of discernment

Although Jacob’s life was one of  lying, scheming and deceiving, God used him to accomplish His plan and purpose. Jacob show us how he pushed through life in unending efforts to show and proved who he was. Through his life we can discern how scheming, lying and deceiving never decreases our problems, on the contrary it increases it. When we do these things we are actually doing it to what God has planned for us. Through Jacob’s life God still shows his unchanging faithfulness. Throughout his experiences Jacob was able to discern God’s movement, and God’s directions for his life. God allows us to discern whats good and bad, he gave us free will to make a choice in our life, to followed him or to follow the world. Through Jacobs story we can see of all the pain and suffering he lived by simply not following God’s directions. God’s amazing love and his endless grace extends to every part of our life.