The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in Genesis 49:1,
"Gather around so I can tell you what will happen to you in days to come."
Prior to his death Jacob had his sons gather around him and gave each one a "preview" as to what he saw coming their way, "so I can tell you what will happen to you in days to come." I find the chapter absolutely fascinating. Among other things, when Jacob spoke of Judah, Jesus Christ is prefigured as the one to whom the ruler's staff belongs and to whom the obedience of the nations will be.
Some of the preview is fairly specific, as an example, Asher. "Asher's food will be rich; he will provide delicacies fit for a king." And, although Zebulun will be landlocked when the promised land is divided among the tribes, we read, "Zebulun will live by the seashore and become a haven for ships; his border will extend toward Sidon."
At the end of the chapter we find Jacob's parting words, asking his sons to make sure he is buried in the cave in the field of Machpelah. This is the cave where Abraham and his wife, Sarah, as well as Isaac and his wife Rebekah were buried. Jacob points out that he had buried his wife, Leah, there as well. He does not mention his wife Rachel, the love of his life, as she was not buried there.
Jacob buried Rachel in Bethlehem. It causes me to wonder why Jacob did not bury her in the family burial place when she died giving birth to Benjamin. It would seem fitting, since the burial place was an important issue, that Jacob would have taken whatever pains necessary to bury her there. But, he didn't.
I have read several explanations why, and I have to say none very satisfying. Having his flocks and herds with him as he was moving when she passed away, or that there was no good way to preserve the body at that time are not compelling explanations to me. Perhaps it is a mystery that has no good explanation?
Maybe you have a good explanation. I'd love to hear it!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
No comments:
Post a Comment