Day 9 · Part 2: Abraham’s Family
The Ladder
In the Story
In context
Jacob sets out from Beersheba for Haran, several hundred miles away. Near the town of Luz he dreams of a stairway reaching to heaven, with angels going up and down on it, and God gives him the promises he made to Abraham and Isaac: “I am with you, and will keep you, wherever you go” (Genesis 28:12–15). Jacob names the place Bethel, “house of God.” Jesus uses the same picture: “you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man” (John 1:51).
In Haran Jacob works seven years for Rachel, and “they seemed to him but a few days, for the love he had for her” (Genesis 29:20). But Laban brings him Leah instead, and when Jacob protests, Laban says the younger is not given before the firstborn. A wedding feast lasted a week; after Leah’s week Jacob marries Rachel too, and works seven more years (Genesis 29:25–30).
Over these years eleven sons and a daughter, Dinah, are born to Leah, Rachel and their servants Bilhah and Zilpah, and Leah’s or Rachel’s words explain each son’s name (Genesis 29:31–30:24). The WEB’s note says Joseph means “may he add.” With Benjamin, born later, these sons are “the twelve tribes of Israel” (Genesis 35:18; 49:28).
Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 · God promises Jacob, “I am with you, and will keep you, wherever you go”; he gives Joshua the same promise.
For families
Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah (Genesis 29:30). Leah named her sons with her hopes: Reuben, “now my husband will love me”; Levi, “now this time my husband will be joined to me”; and then Judah, “This time I will praise Yahweh” (Genesis 29:32–35).
Leah’s sons’ names told what she was hoping for. What do you know about why your name was chosen?
In the Bible
World English Bible, as published by eBible.org (public domain).
Genesis 28:10–22
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Genesis 29
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Genesis 30
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A hymn for today
Nearer, My God, to Thee · words by Sarah F. Adams
- Nearer, my God, to Thee,Nearer to Thee!E'en though it be a crossThat raiseth me;Still all my song shall be,Nearer, my God, to Thee,Nearer, my God, to Thee,Nearer to Thee!
- Though like the wanderer,The sun gone down,Darkness be over me,My rest a stone;Yet in my dreams I'd beNearer, my God, to Thee,Nearer, my God, to Thee,Nearer to Thee!
- There let the way appear,Steps unto heav'n;All that Thou sendest me,In mercy giv'n;Angels to beckon meNearer, my God, to Thee,Nearer, my God, to Thee,Nearer to Thee!
- Then, with my waking thoughtsBright with Thy praise,Out of my stony griefsBethel I'll raise;So by my woes to beNearer, my God, to Thee,Nearer, my God, to Thee,Nearer to Thee!
- Or if, on joyful wingCleaving the sky,Sun, moon, and stars forgot,Upward I fly,Still all my song shall be,Nearer, my God, to Thee,Nearer, my God, to Thee,Nearer to Thee!