12.5.24 ~ The Price We Pay

Good morning!

We covered a lot of territory in our study yesterday. We defined Abraham's bosom (Sarah's tent). We defined what is designated in marriage and we began to dive into the story of two wives for Jacob...just a quick note about the two wives: every married man has two wives: Leah and Rachel. One is hated and the other loved. Why two wives? Because, women, like men, have two major facets to their souls. And, in order to get to the beautiful and physical one (Rachel), the man must work through the ugly, but incredibly spiritual one, Leah. More on this in tomorrow night's zoom call.

It was only after the birth and naming of Joseph that Jacob was able to request to receive his reward (Gen. 30:25,26). Laban counters his request and wants him to stay longer and to name his wages/nakav and they will be given to him (Gen. 30:27) and it comes to pass after seven more years of work (Gen. 30:35-43).

The circumstances, desire, and God's approval all lined up in Jacob's reward and it was time for him to head back to the land where he made his vow to tithe and anointed the pillar (Gen. 31:13). Rachel and Leah knew the time was right also (Gen. 31:14-16) and they gave the prophetic go ahead...Honey Bunny, do what God has told you to do.

Rachel and Leah had been used by their father Laban. they didn't even receive a bride's dowry. Jacob can now return, with his acquired wealth and pay the vow-tithe at the feast of Sukkot in the Promised Land.

Prior to their journey, Rachel takes an idol of Labans (Gen. 31:19). It's interesting to note that scripture tells us that Laban was rummaging through their tents. Jacob's at the beginning and Rachel's at the end...but they lived in the same tent? Huh?

Leah and Rachel tell Jacob that they have become strangers in the Land of Laban, and they want to return to the Land of Jacob's birth, the Land of Abraham and Isaac where Sarah and Rebekah comfort those who have been strangers and pilgrims, looking for a better country.  (Heb. 11:16)

Yeshua reminds his audience in Luke 16:22 that "Abraham's bosom" is where, according to tradition, the patriarchs greet the one who crosses the Burning River of Eden in the Lower Garden.  In Tent Sarah the pilgrims are finally home, and they recline in peace, eat, and enjoy the Light of eternal Shabbat and the Presence of God's glory over them.  This was Jacob's request at Beth-El.

Unfortunately, those who are not gathered to Abraham's bosom cannot cross over.  There is a great gulf fixed between them, a spiritual barrier (Luke 16:23-26).

Jacob's return with his wives and "reward" of offspring, is to the place of the vow at Beth-El, where he anointed/mashach, the altar stone at a gateway to Heaven. By returning with his two wives and the fruit of the seed deposited in them, we see that Jacob, now known as 'Israel' (Gen. 32:28) has caused his family to be united by causing both women, the original one, hated, and the other, beautiful, to become one family...note to the enquiring minds: Leah's never called hated again. How come? Could it be that Jacob, as the 1st born, has recognized the Ezer Kenegdo in Leah? I think you know :-)

Laban was "cut off" from Jacob, which was confirmed in their covenant agreement ...

"that I may not cross over to you...nor may you cross over to me...(Gen. 31:52)"  

Sounds like the rich man and Lazarus parable, doesn't it?

Rachel and Leah said that in the land of Laban, they have become "strangers" (Gen. 31:15)  They will be at home in the Land of Jacob's father Isaac and grandfather Abraham, not their own idolatrous land.  They say that God has "taken away/hitzil or saved the wealth from Laban and given it to them and their children, so Jacob should return to Beth-El and pay the vow of the tithe (Gen. 31:16).

Jacob reminds Laban that blessing came to Laban, literally, as a result of everywhere my foot/regel has stepped; and those who come with me (Gen. 30:30).

If this narrative seems like one giant riddle, you may be right. Yet, within that riddled-story are life long truths to be identified and mined. In marriage, physically and spiritually, there can be a great gulf that comes between the two or we can be unified into one tent.

The question I must ask myself is, "Am I willing to pay the price" to have the two become one and find peace in the bosom, while separating from the idolatrous deceit of Laban's house? Yeshua, our heavenly Bride-groom King showed us how to do it; combining the Leah, in me, with the Rachel.

Happy 5th day of the week!

Shalom

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