The promise of a new covenant

As with Haman, threat to Jews comes back on its own head

Jew finds comfort in words of Jesus used as wrapping paper

Torah Portion: Genesis 32:3-36:43

Vayishlach (‘And he sent…’)

The General Election campaign period has involved, as is normal in such circumstances, intense scrutiny of politicians and their policies. The media leaves no stone unturned! Likewise, the biblical record of Jacob’s life is noteworthy, at the outset, for its extensive narrative. It forms the focus or backdrop of half the chapters in Genesis (25-50) - a massive chunk when compared to the records of Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 12-25 and 21-28 respectively). Jacob is someone who, like our high-profile Parliamentary candidates, comes under close examination.

Fearing

What emerges from this examination - as commentators often underline - is his scheming and manipulative nature. This was somehow perceived even at birth, as the child was named ‘Jacob’, meaning ‘grasps the heel’, a figurative term for ‘deceives’ (Gen 25:26).

A major reason for Jacob’s deceptive behaviour - which clearly rubbed off on others - is underlined early in this week’s Torah portion (Gen 32-36): it is fear. It was fear that necessitated him having to leave both home and then his Uncle Laban. His reaction to news regarding his brother Esau’s approach is described succinctly: “In great fear and distress…” (Gen 32:7).

Later, Jacob was to fear the worst when presented with the blood-soaked robe of his favourite son (Gen 37:33). And years after, his fear needed to be addressed by God when presented with the opportunity to be reunited with Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 46:3).

Formulating

To cope with this fear, Jacob became a master schemer. His actions in response to the prospect of seeing Esau, whom he’d deceived many decades previously, are a case in point.

Jacob formulated a plan to placate his estranged and potentially still enraged brother: first he sent a message of peaceful intent (Gen 32:4-5). Then he divided his entourage into two groups so that if one was attacked the other could escape (Gen 32:7-8). He also planned to present Esau with gifts (Gen 32:13-21). Finally, he accompanied the second group, with his beloved Rachel and Joseph, at the rear. When he eventually encountered his brother, he bowed in marked obeisance (Gen 33:1-3). Jacob was taking no chances!

Focusing

Clearly, the situations confronting Jacob are rather remote to ourselves. This might tempt us to ‘point the finger’ at him - but we may have more in common with him than we think. Today, we can also resort to manipulation in order to manage fear, though we might sanitise it with a degree of ‘spin’. Such terms as ‘Plan B’, ‘back-up scheme’, ‘fallback position’ or adopting a ‘pragmatic approach’ are not uncommon, even in Christian circles. They sound respectable and logical! But, like Jacob’s response, they veil feelings of vulnerability, panic and self-dependence. They displace God’s call to us to trust Him, whatever we face.

His ongoing reassurance to Jacob was clear: “I am God Almighty…The land I gave to Abraham and Isaac I also give to you” (Gen 35:11-12). The same promise of God’s presence and provision applies to us. Are you and I contemplating our own ‘alternatives’ regarding our present dilemmas, or are we focusing on God?

Author: Stephen Bishop

Political earthquake strikes the north of England