Genesis Chapters 35
A Picture of Jehovah-nissi
For a
Printer friendly Page Click
To receive the greatest possible blessing from this Bible study, please take a moment to read the passage.
For previous lessons on Genesis or previous Bible studies, please visit our archives: http://www.twosmallfish.org/Archives/index.html
Prayer:
Jehovah-nissi, You are my banner, the One I hold high, the One who protects and guides. In times of struggle, You are my shield. I pledge all my allegiance to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Introduction:
This morning my favorite pair of jeans pinched my mid-drift forcing my navel to cry for mercy—a not so subtle reminder of how easily old habits creep back into my life.
The beginning of the year slapped Gene and I across the face with problems out of our control. While we reached toward God for our strength, I reached for an extra spoonful of comfort food. Not much, just a little extra to sooth my aching heart. Nevertheless, over the nine-month course, each tasty morsel stuck to my waist.
The LORD has been patient again. However, this morning He seemed to say, “It’s time to put away your anxiety and your idols. Yes, your comfort food is an idol. Get rid of it and move on.”
So I dug out old food charts, measuring devices, and smaller plates. But, above all else I looked to Jehovah-nissi for guidance and for deliverance.
The Lesson
After his sons’ horrendous dealings with Shechem, Jacob must have realized that he and his family had fallen back into old habits. Jacob’s heartfelt concern for the welfare of his family and servants must have led him to seek Jehovah-nissi. Jacob knew Jehovah was his banner in the past and counted on Him for the future.
Verse 1: And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Beth-el, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother.
Whether Jacob asked for guidance or not, God provided a means for escape with specific instructions to build an altar. Beth-el literally means House of God. In this verse, God pronounced Himself to be Jacob’s Banner—Jehovah-nissi.
Our Father calls us out of our trouble into His presence not necessarily into a church building. In Biblical times, people erected altars in conspicuous places for passersby to take notice and to worship. They raised banners as a declaration of protection, a symbol of inspiration, and a statement of allegiance. If God is our Banner, is it obvious to everyone?
Verse 2 & 3: Jacob immediately commissioned his household to—Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments. He had servants from other regions that practiced the worship of their own gods. But his favored wife, also cared for strange gods (see Genesis 30:30-33). It’s hard to believe that in ten years, Jacob had not discovered Rachel’s obsession with these idols. Nevertheless, he finally put his foot down in obedience to the Sovereign God. Jacob also informed them of the journey that lay ahead.
Verse 4: And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem. The people willingly gave up their idols including their earrings. This does not mean that wearing earrings is an offense to God. In that time, people wore earrings as good luck charms to keep evil spirits away. This verse implies their willingness to forsake all their former beliefs for the True God of Israel. In order to fall under the protective banner of Almighty God, Jacob and his household had to rid themselves of ALL false gods, which they had used for that purpose.
As Jacob hid their idols and charms under the oak, Christians denounce their former lives for the sake of Jesus by placing theirr sins at the foot of the cross. God is merciful in providing the banner, but we must comply to His sovereignty.
Verse 5: And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob.
Hidden under God’s banner, Jacob’s household marched on to their safe place Beth-el--the house of God. Their obedience afforded them the protection of the Most High God. Our LORD desires to shower us with His affection and care for our every need. At times, we hold on to manmade sources and thereby, forfeit our right to Jehovah’s guidance and deliverance.
Verses 6 & 7: Beth-el was the place Jacob had his ladder-vision (Genesis 28:19). Therefore, he named it the house of God. At that time, Jacob, not knowing the Person, had focused on the place. After walking in the light of the LORD for many years, Jacob renames the place El Bethel—the God of the house of God. He at last focused on the Person of the house and not the place itself.
Verses 9--13: God appeared again to Jacob and blessed him. When God appears in the Old Testament, it is a manifestation of Jesus Christ. And he said, You can not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live (Exodus 33:20). God has no problem reminding us of our experiences that draw us closer to Him. In chapter 32 verse 28, we read the account of Jacob wrestling with God and He changed Jacob’s name to Israel. The LORD declares Himself the Sovereign God and reminds Israel of His promise to Abraham and Isaac.
Verses 14—15: After God departed from him, Israel built an altar as a memorial. The drink offering represents Christ being poured out for our transgressions and the oil represents the Holy Spirit given for a testimony of the presence of God.
Verses 16—21: The birth of Israel’s youngest son brought deep sorrow as it pierced his mother’s heart in her final hour. She called him Ben-Oni, which means son of my sorrow. However, Israel named him Benjamin, which means son of my right hand. In this, the child foreshadows Jesus—acquainted with sorrow and the Son of the Father’s right hand. As Ben-Oni symbolized the suffering One whose suffering pierced His mother’s heart like a sword, Benjamin became the head of the warrior tribe thereby symbolizing the victorious One.
Verse 22: Immediately following Rachel’s death, Reuben committed an unspeakable offense against his father. The son slept with one of Israel’s concubines. Israel knew about the transgression, but did nothing about it. Until the end of his life that is. In those days, it was customary for the father to give the eldest son a double portion of the inheritance and to place that son in leadership over the family. On his deathbed, Jacob withheld Reuben’s birthright.
Conclusion and Challenge
In chapters 29 and 30 of this study (http://www.twosmallfish.org/genesis_29-30.htm)
, we looked at the foreshadowing of the church through Rachel. Now we can see a stark portrait of the world in Reuben. After the church is taken off the earth, the transgressions of the world will escalate to astonishing heights. It will appear as though there is no limit to their sins and no one to stop the chaos. But when Jesus returns as the conquering King, He will punish the wicked with eternal punishment. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death (Revelation 21:8).
At times, we may think we have gotten away with our sins, but don’t be fooled. God is not mocked nor is He blind. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting (Galatians 6:7-8).
Prayer Requests:
Clayton and his family, Kenny, Dodie, our nation, Anne, Jody, Michael, Adrian, Hans, those who recently lost their jobs and are seeking employment, children with cancer, Melinda & Barry and family, Shirley and Ryan, Frank and Dorothy, Nick and Rachel, Tammy, children with birth defects and their families, our Bible Study, special unspoken needs, and remember me, Brenda Hendricks.
Praise Report:
Our ten-year old buddy, Clayton, had a cancerous-brain tumor removed in April and is now going through a series of intense chemo treatments. Every six months they test his IQ, a routine procedure for children suffering from this form of the disease. After testing, the counselor requested a consultation with the boy's mother. The counselor could barely believe the results stating that this type of thing never happens. Clayton's IQ jumped 15 points in six months. God is good always, all ways. Amen.
Hallelujah!!
When fretting because my prayers seemed to go no further than the ceiling, I received this answer from my Father:
"There's no need for your prayers to go any further than your tearstained pillow. I am here with you. I don't expect you to ascend to me any more than a father expects his infant to jump into his arms. I have loved you with an everlasting love and with loving kindness I have drawn you (Jeremiah 31:3 paraphrased by me).”
WOO HOO!! God is so good—always, all ways.
We are looking forward to your praise reports. Please keep us informed so we can share the wonderful grace of Jesus.
Our Next Bible Study
In preparation, read Genesis Chapter 37
To read previous lessons on Genesis or previous Bible studies,
please visit our archives:
http://www.twosmallfish.org/Archives/index.html
Invitation:
Although we have not chosen to be, we are all born into sin because of the fall of man. It sounds hopeless and unfair. But in His infinite wisdom and abundant love, God has provided a choice for us. We can choose to repent of our sinful nature and believe in Jesus Christ. He is faithful and will cleanse us from sin and give us His Holy Spirit to equip us to live for Him. If you’ve made your choice to repent and believe in Jesus, we’d like to hear about it.
If you are free in Christ Jesus, pray for those who remain captive. And tell others, Christians as well as non-believers, what Jesus has done for you. Your testimony will benefit them and help you to strengthen your confidence in Christ’s work in your life and in the future.
If you’d like to participate in our Bible Study, please contact us with your comments, questions, and prayer requests or at twosmallfish@verizon.net . Be sure to mention today’s Bible study in the subject line to get my attention.
A special reminder: to find out what other readers have to say check out the comment page.
May God grant you safety, reassurance of His love, and the revelation of Jesus Christ,
Brenda Hendricks.
