The story of Jacob | Animated Bible Stories | My First Bible | Collection

Summary

The story of Jacob and Esau unfolds through a series of pivotal moments in their lives. From Esau's birthright being traded for a bowl of stew to Jacob deceitfully receiving his father's blessing, the narrative showcases themes of rivalry, deception, and divine intervention. After years of separation, Jacob's journey leads him to confront Esau, whom he once wronged. Despite initial tension, the brothers reconcile. The story illustrates God's promises to Jacob, his struggles, and his eventual transformation, ultimately finding peace and reconciliation with his family.

Takeaways

• 😀 Isaac and Rebekah struggled with infertility, but Isaac prayed to God, and Rebekah conceived twins, Jacob and Esau.
• 😀 God revealed to Rebekah that the twins would become the ancestors of two nations, and the older would serve the younger.
• 😀 Esau, the older twin, was a skilled hunter, while Jacob, the younger twin, was more quiet and stayed at camp.
• 😀 Jacob took advantage of Esau's hunger and traded him a bowl of stew for Esau's birthright.
• 😀 Isaac, now blind and old, intended to bless Esau, but Rebekah and Jacob deceived Isaac, and Jacob received Esau's blessing.
• 😀 Esau, devastated by the loss of both his birthright and blessing, planned to kill Jacob, prompting Jacob to flee.
• 😀 On his journey, Jacob experienced a vision of a ladder to heaven, where God promised him protection and prosperity.
• 😀 Jacob worked for his uncle Laban, and after 14 years, he married Laban’s daughters, Leah and Rachel, despite being deceived into marrying Leah first.
• 😀 Jacob’s prosperity grew, but Laban's sons grew envious. Jacob’s flocks thrived, and God instructed him to return home.
• 😀 After a tense reunion, Esau forgave Jacob, and they reconciled, parting ways in peace.

Q & A

Why did Isaac pray to God for Rebecca to have a child?

Isaac prayed because he and Rebecca had been married for many years but were unable to have children. He asked God to bless them with a child.

What was unique about Rebecca's pregnancy?

Rebecca's pregnancy was unique because she was carrying twins, Jacob and Esau, who were struggling and moving inside her womb, which led her to pray for understanding.

What did God reveal to Rebecca about her twins?

God revealed that the two twins would become the ancestors of two nations. He also foretold that the older twin would serve the younger one.

What was the meaning behind Esau and Jacob's names?

Esau's name means 'hairy,' which reflected his appearance at birth, while Jacob's name means 'he who clings to the heel,' as he was holding onto Esau's foot when he was born.

Why did Jacob take Esau's birthright?

Jacob took Esau's birthright by making a deal with him. Esau was famished and agreed to sell his birthright for a bowl of stew, not realizing the long-term consequences.

How did Jacob deceive Isaac to receive Esau's blessing?

Jacob, with the help of his mother Rebecca, deceived Isaac by pretending to be Esau. He wore goat skins to mimic Esau’s hairy skin and brought Isaac a meal, tricking him into giving him the blessing meant for Esau.

What was Esau's reaction when he found out that Jacob had stolen his blessing?

Esau was furious and devastated. He begged Isaac for another blessing but was told that Jacob would be his ruler. Esau then planned to kill Jacob out of anger.

Why did Jacob flee to his uncle Laban's house?

Jacob fled to his uncle Laban's house because Esau wanted to kill him for stealing both his birthright and blessing. Rebecca sent Jacob to Laban to protect him.

What happened when Jacob had a dream in Bethel?

In Bethel, Jacob had a dream of a staircase reaching from earth to heaven, with angels ascending and descending. God spoke to him, reaffirming the promise made to his ancestors and declaring that Jacob's descendants would inherit the land.

How did Jacob end up marrying both Leah and Rachel?

Jacob worked for seven years to marry Rachel, but Laban tricked him into marrying Leah, his older daughter. Jacob then worked another seven years to marry Rachel, whom he loved deeply.

Why did Jacob leave Laban's house and what happened afterward?

Jacob left Laban's house because he sensed that Laban’s attitude had changed and that he was no longer treated fairly. Afterward, Laban chased him, but God intervened, warning Laban not to harm Jacob. They made a peace treaty.

How did Jacob prepare for his reunion with Esau?

Jacob sent gifts and messages ahead of him to Esau, hoping to appease him. He also divided his family and flocks into two groups to protect them, praying for God's intervention and fearing Esau’s anger.

What happened when Jacob and Esau finally met?

When Jacob and Esau met, Esau ran to Jacob, embraced him, and they both cried. Esau accepted Jacob's gifts, and the two reconciled. They decided to part ways peacefully, with Esau returning to his land.