Rethinking Jacob - A Righteous Deceiver?

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​When most people think of Jacob, one word often comes to mind: deceiver. We’ve been told he tricked his brother out of his birthright and deceived his father Isaac—but is that really what the text says?

In this lesson, we take a fresh look at the story of Jacob through the lens of the biblical narrative itself. When we slow down and pay close attention to the details, a very different picture begins to emerge—one that challenges traditional assumptions and invites deeper reflection.

Here are just a few of the surprising insights we explore:

• The book of Genesis describes Jacob as “tam”—a Hebrew word translated elsewhere in the Old Testament as “blameless,” "righteous," "integrity," or “complete.”
• Jacob’s name likely does not derive from the Hebrew root meaning “to supplant,” but from a Semitic root that pleads for "divine protection." 
• Esau was not tricked—he willingly sold his birthright, and the writer of Hebrews affirms this interpretation.
• The plan to deceive Isaac originated with Rebekah, and Jacob clearly expressed discomfort with the scheme.
• God sends angels to protect Jacob, affirming His favor on Jacob’s journey.

​This lesson invites you to read the story of Jacob with fresh eyes and to rediscover what the writer of Genesis may really be telling us.

Multiple Lesson Downloads: 

Main Lesson Plan: Click Here

fig_tree_ministries_john_week_22_midrash_on_psalm_32___jacob.pdf
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Reading on Jacob: Click Here

fig_tree_ministries_reading_on_jacob.pdf
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Midrash on Psalm 32:2: Click Here

fig_tree_ministries_midrash_32_2.pdf
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