Jacob, born as a deceiver, emerged from Rebekah’s womb clutching the heel of his older brother Esau, laying the foundation for the deceptive path he would soon embark on. However, Jacob was also bestowed with God’s promise to become the father of Nations and be revered by his people. How can someone with a deceitful nature attain such high esteem without earning God’s approval through devout prayer and obedience? On the other hand, Elijah the prophet held a special place in God’s eyes, not because of any endorsement but due to his genuine devotion to God. Elijah’s obedience was rewarded with the extraordinary and sacred gift of eternal life, but where were his covenant and descendants for eternal existence? Jacob and Elijah differ greatly in character; one is a schemer while the other relies solely on God’s guidance. Nevertheless, both receive significant rewards from God. How can this seeming contradiction regarding the level of reverence and obedience necessary for a sincere relationship with God be explained?
During Rebekah’s pregnancy, she questioned the Lord about the constant kicking from her twins. The Lord responded by predicting that both children would establish nations, with the older one serving the younger. As Rebekah was in labor, the second child emerged while holding onto the heel of the firstborn, leading them to name him Jacob- a name that signifies “he grasps the heel” and metaphorically implies “he deceives.”
The initial sight of Jacob may not portray him as a devout or God-fearing individual. Instead, he appears to be self-centered and reliant on his own intelligence. While Esau disregards it, Jacob shows a strong interest in the birthright – the rights and benefits that come with being the first-born and inheriting his father Isaac’s position as family head. Despite being superior to his older brother in this regard, Jacob is not yet suitable for the covenant. It is probable that he is more concerned with the advantages (such as gain and honor) associated with the birthright rather than its responsibilities (such as spiritual and moral leadership).
Jacob believes he can solve the birth-order problem on his own, without his father’s knowledge. He thinks his cleverness is sufficient, just as he once traded his birthright for a bowl of stew. However, if one does not respect their father, how can they possibly show respect to God? And how can they truly inherit Abraham’s blessings if they solely rely on their own cunning? Even when Rebecca encourages Jacob to seek his father’s blessing, he does not display much regard. When the bewildered old man asks how Jacob was able to provide food so quickly, Jacob responds with “Because the Lord your God made it happen for me.” This singular instance is when Jacob mentions God, but he fails to acknowledge Him as his personal deity and even manipulates God’s name.
Jacob, sent on a wife-seeking mission, embarks without any possessions, relying solely on his intelligence. However, this resourceful and cunning individual will soon discover the limitations of his cleverness and self-sufficiency. Despite acquiring the birthright and stealing the blessing, Jacob has nothing tangible to display as a result. As he approaches the border of Haran, Jacob experiences a divine vision featuring angels and a ladder. In this dream, God directly communicates with him, bestowing a blessing of land and descendants, along with a personal guarantee of divine protection and loyalty. After finally waking up early in the morning, Jacob transforms the stone he slept on into a pillar and anoints it with oil.
Despite this, he relies on his instincts for achieving the optimal result or negotiating. He makes a pledge reminiscent of the initial vow in the Bible, although its phrasing demonstrates the calculated disposition of its originator: “If God is by my side, safeguarding me during my travels, providing sustenance and attire, and ensuring a secure return to my father’s abode, then I shall acknowledge the Lord as my deity. This stone that I have erected as a pillar shall transform into God’s dwelling place, and without fail I will offer a tenth of all that you bestow upon me.”
It is difficult to determine the meaning of the vow that follows an unsolicited and absolute promise from God. However, it appears that Jacob is somewhat skeptical. He is still his cunning, calculating, and self-reliant self, wondering if God can truly fulfill His promises. He questions whether he should trust dreams that may just be manifestations of his own desires. Jacob has not fully and wholeheartedly embraced the divine yet.
Nonetheless, encouraged by his dream, Jacob visits his uncle Laban’s home, marking the start of his twenty-year absence from Canaan. Throughout this period, God remains silent, and Jacob does not actively seek a connection with Him. He lacks the desire to cultivate a relationship with God or seek His guidance. Instead, he confidently relies on his own cunning, which repeatedly leads to him being deceived. Despite these continuous setbacks, Jacob does not feel remorse and choose to change his ways.
When Jacob is about to meet Esau, we have observed his aspiration for the birthright, his affection for Rachel, and his interest in wealth. Although he has become the leader of a considerable clan, this was primarily due to his jealous wives, particularly the one he did not love or desire. However, now faced with the imminent threat of death, the significance of his children suddenly becomes intensely evident in his mind. He even goes as far as merging his own identity with theirs. Previously believing himself to be self-sufficient, Jacob now realizes for the first time that he is a link in the ancestral chain that connects fathers Abraham and Isaac to his own offspring. This recognition of mortality and concern for his descendants brings Jacob closer to God.
When Jacob wrestles with the Angel of God all night, it demonstrates that God is testing Jacob’s stubborn nature. Jacob proves his persistent nature, and in response, God comes to him, renaming him Israel and granting him the full blessing of Abraham. It appears that God has a special connection with Jacob, as seen in the name change from “deceiver” to “he struggles with God.” This marks the pinnacle of Jacob’s relationship with God. As Israel, he returns to the promised land and firmly establishes himself in God’s grace, rightfully earning his place as a patriarch within the covenant. The birthright and the crucial covenant blessing now belong to him, bestowed directly by God. However, he achieved this esteemed position solely through deceit.
Elijah stands out for his constant communication with God. He depends solely on God’s guidance, whether it is to visit the widow women, approach Ahab, or journey to Mt. Carmel. It is evident that, unlike Jacob, if Elijah were to trust his own wit and cleverness, numerous lives would be lost, and the Covenant would be jeopardized. Furthermore, unlike Jacob, Elijah possesses a holy nature that allows him to serve as the vessel of the Spirit of the Lord, as demonstrated by his ability to outrun Ahab’s chariot.
Despite the significant triumph on Mt. Carmel against the priests of Baal, Elijah’s life has been far from easy. He spent three and a half years as a fugitive, hiding in a foreign land from an angry king. Additionally, after his powerful display of God’s might where he killed 450 prophets of Baal, he received a death threat from the villainous Jezebel. Despite faithfully fulfilling God’s calling, Elijah discovers how much he had been missing God’s guidance. Feeling downcast, God instructs him to go to Mt. Sinai and seek out a cave. However, Elijah is weakened, and it is the Angel of the Lord who comes to him, not to contend with him but to provide sustenance and encouragement. Moreover, God blesses him with the apperception of sheer silence or a gentle whisper. It is evident that the Lord holds great affection for Elijah.
After appointing Elisha as his successor and eliminating 100 of Ahabs men on Mt. Carmel, Elijah divides the Jordon river by using his cloak, and then a chariot of horses and fire carries him to heaven. Except for Enoch, Methuselah’s father, no one else has received the privilege of eternal life. However, it is widely agreed that Elijah more than deserves it. No one else has shown such self-sacrifice and served as a true representation of God’s word like Elijah. However, Jacob’s blessing was not based on his own worth or actions, but rather on God’s sovereign freedom and His promise to Abraham. In the end, we can only conclude that God’s grace and blessing are unexpected and solely determined by Him.
