Shalom All, 

I have inserted some additional information and their source of the bible accounts of the following events.  Sources being from Josephus, the Jewish historian born about A.D. 37 and the book of Jasher which is mentioned in Jos 10:13 and 2Sa 1:18  of the Bible. 

Welcome to Vayetze (And He Left), this week’s study of the Word of God.  Genesis 28:10 – 32:2; Hosea 12:13–14:10; John 4:1–26.  “And Jacob went out from Beersheba.” (Genesis 28:10).  

Last week, in study section “Toldot”, Isaac’s wife Rebecca had a difficult pregnancy as the twin boys jostled within her.  When she inquired of Yahweh, He told her that two nations were in her womb and the elder (Esau) would serve the younger (Jacob).  This week, study section Vayetze (וַיֵּצֵא) describes Jacob’s travels to and his life in Harran, his mother's homeland, to find a wife and to flee the murderous plot of his brother Esau. 

Last week I gave you some references from the book of Jasher where you could find some additional information on the Esau, Jacob account.  They were chapters 27 – 32.  Today I shall extract from Josephus, the Jewish historian born A.D. 37.  Their birth is from chapter 18. Verse 5 reads:

5. But when he was old, and could not see at all, he called Esau to him, and told him, that besides his blindness, and the disorder of his eyes, his very old age hindered him from his worship of God [by sacrifice]; he bid him therefore to go out a hunting, and when he had caught as much venison as he could, to prepare him a supper (32) that after this he might make supplication to God, to be to him a supporter and an assister during the whole time of his life; saying, that it was uncertain when he should die, and that he was desirous, by prayers for him, to procure, beforehand, God to be merciful to him.

Part of V6 ….. Now when the supper was got ready, he took a goat's skin, and put it about his arm, that by reason of its hairy roughness, he might by his father be believed to be Esau; for they being twins, and in all things else alike, differed only in this thing. (this means they were the same colour)… ." So suspecting no deceit, he ate the supper, and betook himself to his prayers and intercessions with God; and said, "O Lord of all ages, and Creator of all substance; for it was thou that didst propose to my father great plenty of good things, and hast vouchsafed to bestow on me what I have; and hast promised to my posterity to be their kind supporter, and to bestow on them still greater blessings; do thou therefore confirm these thy promises, and do not overlook me, because of my present weak condition, on account of which I most earnestly pray to thee. Be gracious to this my son; and preserve him and keep him from everything that is evil. Give him a happy life, and the possession of as many good things as thy power is able to bestow. Make him terrible to his enemies, and honourable and beloved among his friends." V7. Thus did Isaac pray to God, thinking his prayers had been made for Esau…. 

Jacob Leaves His Comfort Zone: We may recall that Jacob was not a rough and tough adventurer like his brother, Esau.  He spent more time at home rather than out in the woods hunting for game.  He also s called to leave his home for another land like his grandfather Abraham and his father Isaac.  In his case it was not a because of a famine; but running to save his life at his mother’s insistence.   On the other hand, Jacob had just received an extraordinary blessing from his father Isaac of “heaven’s dew and earth’s richness, an abundance of grain and new wine” with a promise of nations serving and bowing down to him (Genesis 27:28–29). 

So Jacob set out for Harran, much blessed.  Even so, instead of his comfortable bed or a warm inn at the side of the road, he spent his first night sleeping on the cold, hard ground, without any kind of physical shelter and only stones for a pillow. 

Josephus chapter 19.1. Now Jacob was sent by his mother to Mesopotamia, in order to marry Laban her brother's

daughter (which marriage was permitted by Isaac, on account of his obsequiousness to the desires of his wife); and he accordingly journeyed through the land of Canaan; and because he hated the people of that country, he would not lodge with any of them, but took up his lodging in the open air, and laid his head on a heap of stones that he had gathered together. At which time he saw in his sleep such a vision standing by him: - he seemed to see a ladder that reached from the earth unto heaven, and persons descending upon the ladder that seemed more excellent than

human; and at last God himself stood above it, and was plainly visible to him, who, calling him by his name, spake to him in these words: - 2. "O Jacob, it is not fit for thee, who art the son of a good father, and grandson of one who had obtained a great reputation for his eminent virtue, to be dejected at thy present circumstances,… 

Jacob Receives His Spiritual Inheritance:  “And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven; and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.”  (Genesis 28:12) 

Any anxiety Jacob had that night must have fled his spirit when Yahweh appeared to him in a dream.  Standing at the top of a ladder that reached into the heavens, with angels going up and down it, God promised to give Jacob the same inheritance He gave Abraham and Isaac, the land upon which he lay:  “And, behold, the LORD [YHVH / YaHWeH] stood beside him, and said: 'I am Yahweh, the God of Abraham your father, and the God of Isaac.  The land upon which you lie, to you will I give it, and to your seed.”  (Genesis 28:13).  It is clear through this Scripture that the Divine title deed to this land belongs to the seed of Jacob (Israel) and not the seed of his brother, Esau, who is the forefather of many of the Arabic people currently living in the Land.  It’s easy to see that some of these descendants of Esau still hate their “brother Jacob” and seek to kill his descendants, the Israelite / Jewish People. 

Jacob awoke from his dream filled with awe, delighting in the presence of the One True God; and for that reason, he called the place Bethel or Beit–El (House of God).  In truth, though, any place can become a “house of God” when His holy Presence invades the space.  The ancient Jewish rabbis viewed this pivotal encounter with God as Jacob’s spiritual awakening.  It is here that he entered the role of spiritual forefather, moving forward in the promises given to his grandfather Abraham.  Not only to receive the land; but also to bear fruit and bring blessing to generation after generation of all peoples of the earth:  “Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south.  All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring.”  (Genesis 28:14). 

Pro 22:6  Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.  Though not told, Jacob must have had a spiritual upbringing, at least by his father who followed the inheritance, blessing laws and those relating to not marrying into pagan nations (28:8).  Infact this is confirmed Josephus’s account.  Despite being under Laban’s idolatrous household for 20 years Jacob retained his knowledge of Yahweh and got the people to put away their idols in Gen 35:4.  What perhaps began as a journey of obedience to His father and mother now became a journey with God Himself:  “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land.  I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”  (Genesis 28:15). 

While Abraham and Isaac had their own very personal encounters with God, until this time, it seems that Jacob had no such encounter.   As God reveals His power and presence, Jacob responds with clarity and a simple faith, saying: 

“If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father’s household, then Yahweh will be my God.”  (Genesis 28:20–21)

In accepting the Lordship of Yahweh over his life, Jacob is not waiting for riches before he serves Him and he also makes this commitment to Him:  “This stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will give You a tenth.”  (Genesis 28:22). 

When we honour Yahweh real presence in our lives and reinvest our resources back into His work through serving, we acknowledge that He is Lord over our lives, that He provides us protection, food, clothing, and shelter and that He alone is worthy of adoration and praise all the time, everywhere. 

Josephus 19:3  Such were the predictions which God made to Jacob; whereupon he became very joyful at what he had seen and heard; and he poured oil on the stones, because on them the prediction of such great benefits was made.  He also vowed a vow, that he would offer sacrifices upon them, if he lived and returned safe; and if he came again in such a condition, he would give the tithe of what he had gotten to God. He also judged the place to be honourable and gave it the name of Bethel, which, in the Greek, is interpreted, The House of God. 4. So he proceeded on his journey to Mesopotamia, ….

Our Ladder to Heaven.

Yahshua told Nathaniel, “You will see the heavens opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man” (John 1:51). What did these cryptic words mean? As far as we know from the gospel record, Nathaniel never did receive an apocalyptic vision in which he saw angels ascending and descending upon the Master.  In what sense did he see the angels ascend and descend upon the Master?  Nathaniel and the disciples saw Yahshua working in the power and authority of heaven (which in apocalyptic literature is always betokened by angels).  That is to say that the angels of God ascended and descended upon Him at His behest and command.  Mat 26:53  Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?

Mar 1:13  And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him. 

God has extended the Messiah to us from above, as Yahshua says, “For I have come down from heaven” (John 6:38). The Messiah is the way of ascent, as He says, “I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God” (John 20:17).   I am the way (Jhn 14:6).  He is a son of Jacob, an Israelite and yet angels ascend and descend upon Him and God is above Him:   

Jacob Encounters Living Water. 

“And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother's brother and the sheep of Laban his mother's brother, that Jacob went near, and rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother's brother.”  (Genesis 29:10) 

By the time that Jacob arrives at his uncle Laban’s land, it seems that he had undergone a remarkable transformation.  Earlier on, he had been described as a tent-dweller, in contrast to his rugged brother Esau who was an outdoorsman.  Yet, he is able to single-handedly move the heavy stone off of a community well in order to water his uncle’s sheep.  If strength was needed, either he possessed this strength all along, or it developed as he journeyed in faith and obedience.  If the first is true, then he is a remarkable example of someone who led a balanced life, not neglecting the need to develop his external strength as he developed his internal strength.  If the second is true, then he is an example to all of us how we can be transformed in our walk with God. 

Much is made of this meeting at the well in Judaism’s oral tradition, and there are several interpretations, each perhaps building on the other. Among them, the well is also interpreted as being the water of Torah (God’s righteous living instructions), from which Jewish leadership draws in order to learn how to rule.  Infact many judicial and other systems have similarities to God’s regulations regarding judgement between parties, curing of dampness or infections.  Water is a rich symbol in Jewish writing and in Jeremiah 2:13, God calls Himself the "spring of living water."  Life flows from Him.  Along this vein of thinking, then, the water in the well can also be seen to represent Yahshua, who proclaimed, "Whoever believes in Me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them."  (John 7:38). 

It is only through Yahshua, the source of living water, that anyone can come to the Father to receive the gift of salvation.  “Yahshua said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me”  (John 14:6). 

The rolling away of the stone perhaps also reminds us of the miraculous rolling away of another stone, the one that covered Yahshua’s burial place.  When that stone was rolled away, the resurrection of Yahshua was revealed. 

Prophetically, once all Israel sees Yahshua as the Messiah who died, was buried and rose again, then resurrection life will come to the entire world.  “For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?”  (Romans 11:15). 

Just as one dies without water, many are dying without God.  So many people are thirsting today for a real relationship with the Living God.  This is why it is so important that we bring the TRUE Word of God to individuals and nations.  (Isaiah 2:3)  “O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.”  (Psalm 63:1). 

Destiny and the Love of Jacob's Life. 

Whereas Esau took women of Canaan as wives (Gen 26:34 and 28:6-9) which displeased his father Isaac, Jacob married within the family.  In an encounter that is reminiscent of Abraham’s servant finding a bride for Isaac at a well, Jacob meets his bride-to-be at a well, perhaps the very same well.  Also reminiscent of Jacob tricking his father by taking Esau’s place, Laban tricks him by letting Leah take Rachael’s place! 

It is a divine appointment.  Jacob falls in love at first sight, understanding that she is his bashert, a Yiddish word meaning destiny or from God.  In regard to marriage, bashert has evolved into the modern idea of a “soul mate” predestined by God.  (Read last week’s study).  He is so smitten by the beautiful Rachel, daughter of his uncle Laban, that he agrees to work seven years for her hand in marriage (although, instead he was tricked into working 14 years by Laban): “And Jacob loved Rachel; and he said: 'I will serve you seven years for Rachel your younger daughter.”  (Gen 29:18).  This was not a payment by him to Laban as a dowry; but payment of Laban to him as wages Gen 29:15  And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what shall thy wages be?  Gen 30:26  Give me my wives and my children, for whom I have served thee, and let me go: for thou knowest my service which I have done thee. 

The account of how this “marriage” (to use today’s terms) took place differs vastly from custom today.

Gen 29:20  And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her. Gen 29:21  And Jacob said unto Laban, Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in unto her.

Gen 29:22  And Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast. Gen 29:23  And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him; and he went in unto her.

To have Rachel become his wife Jacob asked Laban “to go in unto her” v21.  They had not yet been married and the Hebrew word for woman is the same as translated wife.  Laban then had a celebration / feast with the men.  Feast of celebration are had for various reasons, i.e. the return of the Prodigal son, so does not make a marriage.  There was no “first dance” between married husband and wife as is done today as wedding receptions.  Rachael was not there at the feast.  In the evening Laban took Leah to Jacob who then went in unto her.  That is all we are told constituted the “marriage”.  In other events, as with Abraham and Isaac, there was no feast (see also Gen 30:3-4).  Both Laban and Jacob may have known Jacob could not annul the “marriage” once he had “gone in unto Leah”.  He could not plead trickery, a mistake or other.  Under the laws later recited to Israel by God we see why Ex 22:16, Deu 22:13 and 24:1. 

Jacob working for what he wants or to support himself shows his great integrity as a man who is not relying on God to simply hand him every good thing on a silver platter, as his father’s blessing back home or God’s promises at Bethel might suggest.  For 20 years in Harran, Jacob worked hard, paying his own way.  He protected and nurtured the flocks and herds of Laban as an honest servant, prospering both himself and Laban.  Laban, however, was not the model father-in-law, nor was he an honest, upright businessman.  Not only did Laban trick Jacob into first marrying Rachel’s older sister, Leah, but Laban also tried to cheat Jacob out of his fair wages several times. 

Laban's name in Hebrew means “white.”  While names in Biblical times often revealed the character and destiny of the name bearer, we must be wise and discern a person's character.   Not being deceived by someone that appears to be clean or pure, since even the devil himself can appear as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). 

The Twelve Tribes Receive Their Names. 

Today, many Jewish children are named after one of their ancestors; however, in Biblical times, the name of a child could reflect the mother’s state of mind when giving birth or the hope for the child's future.  Leah names nine of Jacob's children and Rachel names four.  One daughter and the 12 sons who were to become the 12 tribes that receive portions of the Promised Land as their inheritance, according to God’s promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Leah called their first son Reuben (רְאוּבֵן), from a Hebrew word Re’eh (see) because God had seen her state of being unloved and had, therefore, blessed her with a son.  “And Leah conceived, and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben; for she said: 'Because the LORD has looked upon my affliction; for now my husband will love me.’”  (Genesis 29:32). 

In one case, Jacob overruled a naming decision.  When Rachel knew she was about to die giving birth to her second son, she called him Ben–Oni (son of my sorrow).  Jacob changed his name to Ben-Yamin, Benjamin (son at my right hand) to better reflect his destiny.  Yahshua and Yahweh have specific meaning and we should not change, translate or transliterate them into any other name.  Each name denotes a certain sound and no two sounds are the same. Change the name or sound and you change its purpose 1Co 14:7  And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? 

Each of the children received names that reflected family hopes or circumstances (but you will have to read the Torah portion for this Shabbat to discover why they were given these names):

1. Reuben—See, a son
2. Simeon—Hearing
3. Levi—Joined; attached
4. Judah—Yah be praised
5. Dan—Judge
6. Naphtali—My wrestling
7. Gad—Troop; invader; good fortune
8. Asher—Happy
9. Issachar—Man of hire
10. Zebulun—Dwelling
11. Dinah—Judged or Vindicated
12. Joseph—Increaser or God will increase
13. Benjamin—Son of my right hand. 

Although Jacob begins his journey home at the end of this section, in the next study section, Jacob prepares to encounter his rival brother Esau after 20 years of estrangement.  On the way, Jacob will also encounter a Divine messenger who will change his name from Yaacov (Jacob, referring to the heel of the foot) to Yisrael (Israel, one who struggles with God). 

Today, the ancient rivalry between the brothers still seems to remain; but that is not the only struggle the Jewish People face.  The Orthodox ones also struggle with the prophetic Scriptures and the issue of who Messiah really is.  Some of the reasons are explained in these four short youtube videos  www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvCJ-3KB9O0 

Josephus, the end of  19:9 we are told why Rachael took her father’s Laban’s idol gods. 

“But the reason why Rachel took the images of the gods, although Jacob had taught her to despise such worship of those gods, was this, That in case they were pursued, and taken by her father, she might have recourse to these images, in order obtain his pardon.” 

As I have asked on other occasions in relation to other prophecies are the outcome of events down to the participants or God?  Since through Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were to be the birth of many people, could this have been accomplished through one woman pregnant for nine months or did it take the four?  Why did the wives give their hand maids to their husbands, to please their husbands or self?  See 1 Cor 7:33-4  But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband. 

I am sure this could develop into a lively discussion between men and women.  The story of Jacob teaches us that God might place us in such situations specifically to bless us and work out His purposes. Jacob teaches us to be faithful wherever we find ourselves and to keep committing ourselves to the care of God. Jacob’s term of service in Laban’s household resulted in the birth of the nation of Israel.   Jacob's accidental marriage to Leah is a good example of how God works in our lives.  We make plans, dream dreams and set out to accomplish certain things. Then our plans are frustrated, our dreams come to naught and we find ourselves far away from our original goals. This does not mean that God has abandoned us.  Our plans for our life may not necessarily be His plans.  God may be attempting to work something great through your situation that you never expected.  Either for your good or someone elses. 

Hosea 12:13 -14:10

A brief comment on Hosea.  Note Hos 13:4  Yet I am Yahweh thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but me: for there is no saviour beside me.  God says He is the ONLY saviour, so either the Father and son are one or the son is the route to the Father who does the saving. 

Hos 13:9  O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in me is thine help.  Hos 13:11  I gave thee a king in mine anger, and took him away in my wrath.  Psa 121:1  A Song of degrees. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. Psa 121:2  My help cometh from Yahweh, which made heaven and earth.

Hos 14:9  Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.

John 4:1-26

Note: I have constantly given examples of if one knew their Old Testament they would better understand the New as many of the New are quoted from the Old.  Joh 4:10  Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.  See Isaiah 12:3; 44:3, Jer 2:13, Zec 13:1 and 14:8. 

Joh 4:22  Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.  Who are appointed to be a light to the gentiles.  Act 7:38  This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:

Rom 3:2  Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. 

Shalom and happy studying.  Please watch the youtube videos.  www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvCJ-3KB9O0