The Story

Jacob's long journey ended at a well in the land of the east. There he met a young woman watering sheep — Rachel, his own cousin, the daughter of his uncle Laban. Jacob rolled the great stone from the well's mouth and watered her sheep, and Laban welcomed him into the house like family. Jacob loved Rachel, and he told Laban he would work seven whole years for her. Seven years is a long time, but the Bible says "they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her". When the wedding feast came, though, Laban tricked Jacob — the way Jacob had once tricked his own father — and gave him Leah, the older sister, instead. Jacob worked seven more years for Rachel, and at last she became his wife too.

The years passed, and God blessed Jacob with a big family and great flocks of sheep and goats. But Laban changed Jacob's wages again and again, and the LORD saw it all. At last God spoke to Jacob: "Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee." So Jacob gathered his wives, his children, and all his flocks, and set out for home. Laban chased after him and caught up with him in the mountains. They talked, and then they made peace with a heap of stones for a witness, and Laban named it Mizpah, saying our memory verse: "The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another."

Now Jacob had to face his brother Esau — the brother he had tricked so long ago. News came that Esau was on his way with four hundred men! Jacob was greatly afraid, and he prayed to God, holding on to God's promises. That night, Jacob sent his family over the brook and stayed behind alone. There a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. Jacob would not let go until he received a blessing! And the Man gave him a brand-new name: "Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel". Jacob, the grabber, was Israel now — God's own man, with a changed heart.

In the morning Jacob saw Esau coming with his four hundred men. Jacob bowed low to the ground seven times as he came near his brother. And then the most wonderful thing happened: "Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him"! Esau hugged him, kissed him, and they both cried — happy tears this time. The brothers were at peace at last, and God had brought Jacob home, just as He promised at Bethel.