Date | Version | Reading Plan |
---|---|---|
January 30, 2025 | ESV (2016) | OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027 |
Genesis 30
Observation
The chapter opens with Jacob continuing to have children through Rachel, Leah and their concubines. When Rachel realized that she had borne Jacob no children, she envied her sister and asked Jacob to give her children. Angrily, Jacob said to Rachel by rhetorical question that he was not God who had withheld the fruit of the womb. Rachel then gave Jacob her servant, Bilhah, to have children by her. Jacob had two sons with Bilhah, Dan and Naphtali, who were named by Rachel. As the TGCBC makes note, “By naming the two boys born to Bilhah, Rachel views them as her own. Both names focus on Rachel’s struggle with her older sister.”
When Leah had ceased bearing children, she proceeded similarly to Rachel in giving Jacob her servant, Zilpah, that she may give him children. Through Zilpah came the sons, Gad and Asher, who were likewise named by Leah. However, Leah’s perspective in the birthing of Gad and Asher was different than that of Rachel. Whereas Rachel was more focused on her struggle with her sister, Leah reflected her joy in having two more sons.
Rachel then initiated an exchange with Leah and her son’s mandrakes, believing “that the mandrakes would help her become pregnant.” (TGCBC). In return for receiving mandrakes by Leah’s son, Rachel would let Leah lie with Jacob. The transaction unfolds and Leah bears Jacob a son, Issachar, followed by another son, Zebulun. Leah again expresses her gratitude, saying that God had endowed her with a good endowment. Leah then bears a daughter, Dinah, by Jacob. Following this, we read that God remembered Rachel, opened her womb and she bore Joseph.
After this, Jacob asked Laban that he be sent away to his own home country. Laban was a polytheist, but recognized that blessing had come by the God of Jacob. “Laban offers Jacob a financial incentive to remain in Paddan Aram, hoping to prosper materially through Jacob’s presence. The proposal made by Jacob involves distinguishing white flock animals (i.e., sheep and goats) from others that are speckled, spotted, or black.” Laban did everything he could to prevent Jacob from prospering, but Jacob’s breeding method resulted in expansion of wealth as, “over a period of six years Jacob acquires large flocks, as well as servants, camels, and donkeys.” (TGCBC)
Application
Leah’s persistent gratitude in the birth of her sons seems to stand in considerable contrast to Rachel. She was thankful even when her servant gave birth through appointed surrogacy, resulting in six sons, one of whom (Judah) would eventually arrive the promised Messiah. Jacob had chosen Rachel over Leah, but God blessed Leah, demonstrating God’s heart for the marginalized. Throughout Scripture, we read often of how those of high earthly estate are brought low while God’s face shines on the humble and contrite in spirit. “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11)
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to see in this the posture I am to have; keep me humble and thankful for the many blessings you choose to bestow.
Mark 2
Observation
The chapter continues from the previous, describing Jesus’ early earthly ministry as He traveled, taught and healed. However, we begin to see in this chapter the resistance from the scribes and Pharisees. When Jesus healed a paralytic, they were “questioning in their hearts” with regard to His forgiveness of the man’s sins and accused Him of blaspheming (Mark 2:6). Also, while Jesus was at Levi’s house, the scribes and Pharisees asked His disciples why He ate with tax collectors and sinners, to which Jesus replied, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Mark 2:16-17). Then later, the Pharisees confronted Jesus for how His disciples were unlawfully plucking heads of grain on the Sabbath (Mark 2:24).
Application
The scribes and Pharisees were blind to Jesus as the promised Messiah. They spent their lives studying the Law and the prophets and yet failed to see that Jesus is their ultimate fulfillment. This is particularly gripping as I can so easily (and mistakenly) look on the process of studying the Bible as the end in itself. What joy it is that we have been given God’s Word by which we can know and abide in Him, but we must not lose sight of how we are to revel in God Himself, what He has done and the great love He has shown in the sacrifice of His Son.
Prayer
Lord, help me to keep my focus on You; to not get lost in the pursuit of knowledge that I miss the One my heart most longs to know.