 | Machanayim "The lives of the patriarchs are inspiring. We see their strengths, which give us courage to emulate their godly qualities, and we see their weaknesses which encourage us when we fall. We see even the great men of God needed God’s grace to carry them through. God used the lives of the prophets many times to bring a picture of His dealing with the children of Israel. The prophet Hosea was asked to marry a woman of bad character. He was instructed to name his children uncomplimentary names in order to get a point across. Could this be just one of many types that God has imbedded in Scripture? There are some teachings concerning the lives of other great men of the Bible which show how God works with His people; yet, these are usually given as application of basic truths when dealing with sin. |
One person whom I believe fits this description is Jacob, later called Israel. It would be appropriate for the life of the father of Israel to be acted out by the children of Israel, and I believe that this is exactly what has happened and is happening. I wish to start after Jacob’s years of toil for his wives. He is now headed back to the land God promised Abraham, as his father Isaac had commanded him to do. After a brief visit from his father-in-law to attempt to clear up a family problem, our story starts. I’ll let Scripture continue the story. . . ." | |
