10. Jacob - Israel

Sabbath Afternoon

Prayer Thought

As an evidence that Jacob had been forgiven, his name was changed from one that was a reminder of his sin to one that commemorated his victory. “Thy name,” said the Angel, “shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.” {CTr 89.6}

Shall we obtain strength from God, and win victory after victory, or shall we try in our own strength, and at last fall back defeated, worn out by vain efforts? Let us, by unreserved surrender to God, obtain the power that everyone must have who conquers in the battle against evil.—Manuscript 2, 1903. {CTr 89.7}

Memory Text

And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. Genesis 32:28

This SS Lesson will examine the significant lessons which relate to our time when our name will also be changed being victorious over sin and be blessed as Jacob was when he wrestled with the Angel {Gen. 32:26-28). It also includes God's assurance of forgiveness and reconciliation with the Family of God as they will be gathered in the last days (Read and study Ezek. 36; Dan. 2; Isa. 2 and Mic. 4:1-4) We need the perseverance of Jacob and the unyielding faith of Elijah.

For a deeper understanding of typology, please visit the link below:

(45) Typology of Jacob and Esau part 1 - YouTube

(45) Typology Jacob and Esau part 2 - YouTube

Outline of the Study

Jacob is forgiven - Israel

Sunday: Wrestling with God - God’s forgiveness. Gen. 32

Monday: The Brother's Meet - Human forgiveness. Gen. 33

Family Issues

Tuesday: The Violence of Dinah - Violence breeds violence. Gen. 34

Wednesday: Prevailing Idolatry - Abandoning idolatry. Gen. 35:1-15

Thursday: The Death of Rachel. Gen. 35:16-29

Friday: Further Study and Meditation

Jacob is forgiven - Israel

Sunday: Wrestling with God - God’s forgiveness. Gen. 32

“And He said, ‘Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.’” (Genesis 32:28)

Purpose: To Seek for Transformation of Character

Jacob, in the great crisis of his life, turned aside to pray. He was filled with one overmastering purpose,--to seek for transformation of character. But while he was pleading with God, an enemy, as he supposed, placed his hand upon him, and all night he wrestled for his life. But the purpose of his soul was not changed by peril of life itself. When his strength was nearly spent, the Angel put forth His divine power, and at His touch, Jacob knew Him with whom he had been contending. Wounded and helpless, he fell upon the Saviour's breast, pleading for a blessing. He would not be turned aside, nor cease his intercession, and Christ granted the petition of this helpless, penitent soul, according to His promise, "Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me. . . ." Jacob pleaded with determined spirit, "I will not let thee go, except thou bless me." This spirit of persistence was inspired by Him who wrestled with the patriarch. It was He who gave him the victory, and He changed his name from Jacob to Israel, saying, "As a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed." That for which Jacob had vainly wrestled in his own strength, was won through self-surrender and steadfast faith. {SD 127.3}

Evidence of Forgiveness - the Change of Name

Jacob "had power over the Angel, and prevailed." Hosea 12:4. Through humiliation, repentance, and self-surrender, this sinful, erring mortal prevailed with the Majesty of heaven. He had fastened his trembling grasp upon the promises of God, and the heart of Infinite Love could not turn away the sinner's plea. {PP 197.1}

The error that had led to Jacob's sin in obtaining the birthright by fraud was now clearly set before him. He had not trusted God's promises, but had sought by his own efforts to bring about that which God would have accomplished in His own time and way. As an evidence that he had been forgiven, his name was changed from one that was a reminder of his sin, to one that commemorated his victory. "Thy name," said the Angel, "shall be called no more Jacob [the supplanter], but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed." {PP 197.2}

Consider the Following

Esau had promised to kill Jacob (Genesis 27:41). Jacob wanted to make up with him, but Esau was coming along with 400 men. Jacob prayed and clung to God’s promises (Genesis 32:9-12).

Jacob couldn’t do anything else, so he prayed and asked for God’s forgiveness. His spiritual struggle became physical (Genesis 32:13-24).

Finally, Jacob held on to the “man” because he realized he was God Himself (Genesis 32:30). Jacob asked for His blessing (Genesis 32:26). God assured him, “you have prevailed” (Genesis 32:28).

Obtain Strength from God

As an evidence that Jacob had been forgiven, his name was changed from one that was a reminder of his sin to one that commemorated his victory. “Thy name,” said the Angel, “shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.” {CTr 89.6}

Shall we obtain strength from God, and win victory after victory, or shall we try in our own strength, and at last fall back defeated, worn out by vain efforts? Let us, by unreserved surrender to God, obtain the power that everyone must have who conquers in the battle against evil.—Manuscript 2, 1903. {CTr 89.7}

Monday: The Brother's Meet - Human forgiveness. Gen. 33

“And Jacob said, ‘[…] I have seen your face as though I had seen the face of God, and you were pleased with me.” (Genesis 33:10)

The Only Medium of Reconciliation

When man can measure the exalted character of the Lord of hosts, and distinguish between the eternal God and finite humanity, he will know how great has been the sacrifice of Heaven to bring man from where he has fallen through disobedience to become part of the family of God. . . . The divinity of Christ is our assurance of eternal life. . . . He, the Sin Bearer of the world, is our only medium of reconciliation with a holy God. {OFC 117.2}

Connection with Human Family Partaking the Divine Nature

The reconciliation of man to God could be accomplished only through a mediator who was equal with God, possessed of attributes that would dignify, and declare Him worthy to treat with the Infinite God in man's behalf, and also represent God to a fallen world. Man's substitute and surety must have man's nature, a connection with the human family whom He was to represent, and, as God's ambassador, He must partake of the divine nature, have a connection with the Infinite, in order to manifest God to the world, and be a mediator between God and man.-- The Review and Herald, Dec. 22, 1891. {7ABC 488.5}

Individual Responsibility

A general movement is needed, but this must begin with individual movements. Let each member in each family in each church make determined efforts to deny self. Let us have the whole-hearted co-operation of all in our ranks. Let us all move forward willingly and intelligently to do what we can to relieve these of our schools that are struggling under a pressure of debt. Let the officers of each church find out who among the members has been helped by the school; then let the church refund the tuition money. Let those who have had success in canvassing come up to the help of the Lord. As they handle this book, let them in the name of the Lord work in faith. The movement I have suggested will result in reconciliation. It will unify the churches. . . . {Advocate, April 1, 1900 par. 3}

Consider the Following

Jacob had sent some gifts to his brother. He also prostrated himself seven times before him (Genesis 33:1-3). He wanted to make clear that he wasn’t going to demand the fulfillment of their father’s blessing (Genesis 27:29).

Esau’s reaction astonished Jacob. His brother had forgiven him! (Genesis 33:4).

Jacob had become a new man, Israel. He had been forgiven by God and by his brother. He knew he didn’t deserve it. This is GRACE.

Family Issues

Tuesday: The Violence of Dinah - Violence breeds violence. Gen. 34

“the sons of Jacob […] were grieved and very angry, because he had done a disgraceful thing in Israel by lying with Jacob’s daughter, a thing which ought not to be done.” (Genesis 34:7)

Jacob's Children on Satan's Ground

The tarry of Jacob and his sons at Shechem ended in violence and bloodshed. The one daughter of the household had been brought to shame and sorrow, two brothers were involved in the guilt of murder, a whole city had been given to ruin and slaughter, in retaliation for the lawless deed of one rash youth. The beginning that led to results so terrible was the act of Jacob's daughter, who "went out to see the daughters of the land," thus venturing into association with the ungodly. He who seeks pleasure among those that fear not God is placing himself on Satan's ground and inviting his temptations. {PP 204.2}

The treacherous cruelty of Simeon and Levi was not unprovoked; yet in their course toward the Shechemites, they committed a grievous sin. They had carefully concealed from Jacob their intentions, and the tidings of their revenge filled him with horror. Heartsick at the deceit and violence of his sons, he only said, "Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land: . . . and I being few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house." But the grief and abhorrence with which he regarded their bloody deed is shown by the words in which, nearly fifty years later, he referred to it, as he lay upon his deathbed in Egypt: "Simeon and Levi are brethren; instruments of cruelty are in their habitations. O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honor, be not thou united. . . . Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel." Genesis 49:5-7. {PP 204.3}

Consider the Following

Israel finally lived in peace. He bought his first piece of land at Canaan and built an altar to God (Genesis 33:18-20). But peace soon faded away.

Shechem raped Dinah, Jacob’s daughter. However, he was willing to make amends (Genesis 34:1-4, 8).

Simeon and Levi wanted everything to go according to God’s will. Nevertheless, they betrayed, killed, and plundered (Genesis 34:13-17, 25-29).

Evidently, God does not approve this. He acted to bring this family to a new relationship with Him.

Wednesday: Prevailing Idolatry - Abandoning idolatry. Gen. 35:1-15

“And Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, ‘Put away the foreign gods that are among you, purify yourselves, and change your garments.’” (Genesis 35:2)

Idolatry in God's Church Should Be Abandoned

The entire 57th chapter {Isaiah} deals with idolatry in God's church. God's people were called to come out of Babylon. The reason why we are called out is that we are to depart from the customs of Babylon. This chapter reveals the truth. Though we came out, we brought the customs and idolatry into the house of God. The evil spoken of in this chapter is Christmas-keeping and Christmas gifts one to another. The 9th verse says, we have honored the king (the devil) by doing this, and "debase" ourselves "even unto hell." This surely is true. We as a people spend the Lord's money in telling the public that Christmas is not the birthday of Christ, and then turn about and do the same thing the world is doing. By such methods we are implicated in the highest form of hypocrisy. {SR1: 146.1}

Practices of Israel of Old

Isa. 57:4, 5, and 6, tell of the evil practices of Israel of old, and are written in this chapter to make a comparison with the people now, in as much as to say we are doing the same as they back there, and are no better. Quoting Volume 1, page 129: "I saw that many who profess to believe the truth for these last days, think it strange that the children of Israel murmured as they journeyed; that after the wonderful dealings of God with them, they should be so ungrateful as to forget what He had done for them. Said the angel, 'Ye have done worse than they'." To explain the entire chapter, it must be taken verse by verse, but being too lengthy, it can not be done at this present time. {SR1: 146.2}

Trodden Down the Sanctuary

Isa. 63:18: "The people of thy holiness have possessed it but a little while: Our adversaries have trodden down thy sanctuary." Their "adversaries": Isa. 59:18 tells that their adversaries are the Lord's adversaries. They have trodden down the sanctuary with the multitude of merchandise, laughter, whispering, common talking, manicuring, and other forms of idolatry to dishonor God to His face (in His church). Isa. 63:19: "We are thine: Thou never barest rule over them; they were not called by thy name." They have not followed God's instructions. Though they identify themselves among the people of God in His house of prayer, they are not in reality called by His name. {SR1: 160.1}

Consider the Following

God decided to renew His covenant with Jacob. This time all his family would be involved (Genesis 35:3).

Jacob understood that his family had to come closer to God. He asked them to remove all their idols. The response was unanimous (Genesis 35:4).

God protected them (Genesis 35:5-6). Jacob built an altar as a reminder of his first encounter with God (Genesis 35:7).

What did God’s blessing to Jacob-Israel include (Genesis 35:11-12)?

(1) Being fruitful and carrying the messianic seed (v. 11).

(2) Possessing the Promised Land (v. 12).

Thursday: The Death of Rachel. Gn. 35:16-29

“So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).” (Genesis 35:19)

Heavy Grief on the Way to Bethlehem

From Bethel it was only a two days' journey to Hebron, but it brought to Jacob a heavy grief in the death of Rachel. Twice seven years' service he had rendered for her sake, and his love had made the toil but light. How deep and abiding that love had been, was shown when long afterward, as Jacob in Egypt lay near his death, Joseph came to visit his father, and the aged patriarch, glancing back upon his own life, said, "As for me, when I came from Padan, Rachel died by me in the land of Canaan in the way, when yet there was but a little way to come unto Ephrath: and I buried her there in the way of Ephrath." Genesis 48:7. In the family history of his long and troubled life the loss of Rachel was alone recalled. {PP 206.3}

Son of Sorrow (Benoni) became Son of My Strength (Benjamin)

Before her death Rachel gave birth to a second son. With her parting breath she named the child Benoni, "son of my sorrow." But his father called him Benjamin, "son of my right hand," or "my strength." Rachel was buried where she died, and a pillar was raised upon the spot to perpetuate her memory. {PP 206.4}

On the way to Ephrath another dark crime stained the family of Jacob, causing Reuben, the first-born son, to be denied the privileges and honors of the birthright. {PP 206.5}

Family Life Darkened with Anxiety and Grief

The sin of Jacob, and the train of events to which it led, had not failed to exert an influence for evil--an influence that revealed its bitter fruit in the character and life of his sons. As these sons arrived at manhood they developed serious faults. The results of polygamy were manifest in the household. This terrible evil tends to dry up the very springs of love, and its influence weakens the most sacred ties. The jealousy of the several mothers had embittered the family relation, the children had grown up contentious and impatient of control, and the father's life was darkened with anxiety and grief. {PP 208.3}

There was one, however, of a widely different character--the elder son of Rachel, Joseph, whose rare personal beauty seemed but to reflect an inward beauty of mind and heart. Pure, active, and joyous, the lad gave evidence also of moral earnestness and firmness. He listened to his father's instructions and loved to obey God. The qualities that afterward distinguished him in Egypt--gentleness, fidelity, and truthfulness--were already manifest in his daily life. His mother being dead, his affections clung the more closely to the father, and Jacob's heart was bound up in this child of his old age. He "loved Joseph more than all his children." {PP 209.1}

Consider the Following

Jacob had to face the death of his dear ones. His mother Rebekah had died before he returned home. Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died in Bethel (Genesis 35:8).

Rachel died in their way to Bethlehem while giving birth to her last son, Benoni (“son of my sorrow”). Jacob named him Benjamin, “son of the right hand” (Genesis 35:16-18).

Soon after that, Reuben dishonored his father by sleeping with Bilhah (Genesis 35:22). Israel remained silent then, but he eventually took the birthright away from Reuben because of this (Genesis 49:3-4).

Israel and his family were not perfect. However, God was willing to fulfill His plan with them, no matter how imperfect they were.

Friday: Further Study and Meditation

Jacob and Esau met at the deathbed of their father. Once the elder brother had looked forward to this event as an opportunity for revenge, but his feelings had since greatly changed. And Jacob, well content with the spiritual blessings of the birthright, resigned to the elder brother the inheritance of their father's wealth--the only inheritance that Esau sought or valued. They were no longer estranged by jealousy or hatred, yet they parted, Esau removing to Mount Seir. God, who is rich in blessing, had granted to Jacob worldly wealth, in addition to the higher good that he had sought. The possessions of the two brothers "were more than that they might dwell together; and the land wherein they were strangers could not bear them because of their cattle." This separation was in accordance with the divine purpose concerning Jacob. Since the brothers differed so greatly in regard to religious faith, it was better for them to dwell apart. {PP 207.2}

Questions to Ponder

1. Why did God remain faithful to Jacob despite all that happened in his treacherous life?

2. Wrestling with God is an extraordinary courage Jacob had, in what ways could we relate to his experience?

3. Why is it so important for Jacob not to withdraw with the angel's blessing? How could we do the same in our experiences with God?

4. What typological significance does Jacob's trouble bring to our lives? How important it is for us to pass through this trouble?

5. The passage above {PP 207.2} describes the unpleasantness of Jacob's life which struggles teaches His fate ahead. What lesson could we learn from these experiences?

6. Two opposite characters had been viewed in the lives of Jacob's family. What significant implications would it apply to the last-day church, modern Israel?

7. Believe that God's ultimate purpose will soon be fulfilled, what significant instances will His last church take part in its fulfillment?

From the Pen of Inspiration

“Jesus knows the circumstances of every soul. You may say, I am sinful, very sinful. You may be; but the worse you are, the more you need Jesus. He turns no weeping, contrite one away […] Freely will He pardon all who come to Him for forgiveness and restoration.” E. G. W. (The Desire of Ages, cp. 62, p. 568)

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