· 31:21: Jacob had come from the east into the Mountains of Gilead. This has become a favorite spot for me in Israel because there are so many stories that took place here. Here is a photo taken from the western side of the Jordan River. The road came from the valley of the Jabbok River (blue circle, Mahanaim is up in that area), crossed the Jordan (yellow circle shows todays crossing; the Jordan is on this side of the white hills), and then climbed up the other side to Shechem. We will also include a map of Jacob’s travels.
· Here are some thoughts from the story of Jacob at this point.
o 31:31: Jacob tells Laban that he fled because he feared Laban. He did not say “the LORD” told me to go which was, in fact, the case (31:3).
o Laban (31:29) calls the LORD “the God of your fathers,” not “Jacob’s God.” Perhaps Jacob had not been much of a testimony in Haran. He may have been more known for his scheming than for his trust in God. Remember how Nebuchadnezzar referred to “the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego” (Dan. 3:28) and Darias to “the God of Daniel” (Dan. 6:26).
o 31:36-41: This is more likely true because Laban and his sons and servants could have rebuked Jacob. It is only then that Jacob speaks boldly of God, but still as “God of my fathers” Abraham and Isaac.
o 32:2: Jacob says this is “God’s camp” (Heb. Elohim mehane). Yet he calls it “two camps” (Mahanaim). Why two camps if it is God’s camp? Is it still “God and me?” That’s what I think. Jacob has not come to the place of “God and God alone.” This is certainly an issue for Christians as we “walk in the Spirit.” Our salvation does not involve “adding to the works of Christ” as Catholicism teaches. Not by works of righteousness that we have done (Titus 3:5). We “work out” our salvation (Phil. 2:12). We never “work for” our salvation.” Christ need NO help! Isa. 43:11: I am the LORD and there is no Savior. Titus 2:13: the LORD is our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.
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