Israel Takes Familiar Shape (Genesis 29-30, 35)

As you’re reading through the beginning chapters of Genesis, you may recognize some familiar stories. For example, Adam and Eve (Genesis 1-3), Cain and Abel (Genesis 4), Noah and the Flood (Genesis 6-9), the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11), and Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 22) – just to name a few. Of course, there are other stories which may not be as familiar. For instance, the birth of Seth (Genesis 5), the rescue of Lot by Abram (Genesis 14), Hagar and Ishmael (Genesis 16, 21), the process of selecting a wife for Isaac (Genesis 24), and Jacob’s labor for Laban (Genesis 30).

But in Genesis 29:31-30:24 and Genesis 35, we find ourselves entering very familiar territory. Basically, it’s here we see how “Israel takes familiar shape.”

Here’s what we mean. As you read along through Genesis 27-29, you can get so caught-up in the intriguing details of the story that you almost miss what’s developing right before your eyes. You’re reading about deception – Rebekah and Jacob conspiring to steal Esau’s birthright. You’re reading about revenge – Esau’s buying his time as he awaits his aging father’s passing before killing his brother. You’re reading about love – Jacob labors for seven years for Rachel’s hand in marriage, but this only seems like a moment because of his deep love for her. Your reading about jealousy and pain – Leah’s giving birth to sons while Rachel’s womb is barren.

Yet, this is precisely where some key details emerge from the story. Did you notice the names of Jacob’s sons in Genesis 29:31-30:24. As he fathers children through Leah, Rachel, and their respective servants, we find some familiar names enter the picture – his sons names are Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, and Joseph. Eleven sons.

If it still hasn’t registered, let me give you a hint: How many tribes make-up the people of Israel? Twelve, right? Correct. Now do you see it? The names of Jacob’s sons are the names of the twelve tribes of Israel!

Of course, the picture still isn’t complete because we only have eleven names not twelve. But everything wraps-up in Genesis 35. Here we see two key, finishing touches to God’s portrait of Israel. First, God changes Jacob’s name to Israel. That’s clear enough, isn’t it? And second, Rachel has a final son before her dying breath. His name? Benjamin.

Now the “family portrait” is complete! God reiterates the promise He made to Abraham and Isaac to Jacob/Israel - His promise to make Jacob/Israel into a great nation and give him the land of Canaan (see Genesis 35:9-12), and He summarizes the immediate branches of the family tree (see Genesis 35:21-26): God changes Jacob’s name to Israel and gives Him twelve sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, Benjamin, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.

So there you have it: Israel takes familiar shape right before our eyes. Now that His people have taken this form, God begins to work with them in order to be a blessing to the whole world. Remember: The Lord told Abraham that He would bless him so he could be a blessing (see Genesis 12:1-3). Well, the whole known world is about to face a severe famine, but God will work through Joseph to preserve both His people and the world. Talk about blessed to be a blessing! Let’s keep reading…