October 18th 2026 — Genesis 28:10-11
If we fully understood the importance of Bible study, we would find a way to make the time for meaningful study every day. ..In Genesis 28:10, we are told that Jacob left Beersheba and set out for Harran, where he would seek out a wife in his uncle’s home. However, we had already learned that Jacob had left home in Genesis 28:5: And Isaac sent away Jacob: and he went to Padanaram unto Laban, son of Bethuel the Syrian, the brother of Rebekah, Jacob's and Esau's mother. “ Why the repetition? The first time Jacob left, he didn’t go straight to Laban’s home. ACCORDING TO Jewish writings Instead, he went to study at the school of Shem and Eber, an institute set up by Noah’s son and grandson for the study of monotheism and ethics. The sages teach that Jacob felt unprepared to face the tasks of going to live in the home of the double-dealing Laban, and finding the right spouse. In order to prepare himself spiritually for the challenges he would face, Jacob turned to studying God’s Word as it was known at the time through oral traditions. In fact, Jewish tradition says that Jacob studied for over 10 years and then set out for Harran in earnest. In Genesis 28:10 when we read that Jacob left Beersheba, it is because armed with God’s truth, Jacob was at last ready to set out on his perilous journey. V 12 – 15 And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. 13 And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; 14 And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. 15 And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of. THE Lord’s promise to Jacob God’s Word is not just something nice to read once in a while. Bible study is not merely an academic pursuit. The Bible is our guidebook, a tool for coping with the struggles of daily life. In Psalm 19 we read that the Bible refreshes the soul and makes simple minds wise (v.7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. Ch 29 reveals his future wife 10 And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother's brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother's brother, that Jacob went near, and rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother's brother. 11 And Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice, and wept. 12 And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father's brother, and that he was Rebekah's son: and she ran and told her father. 18 And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter. We all know the story 7 yrs for Rachel and get married, only it was not Rachel it was Leah 7 more years for Rachel 7 more years for his own flock 7 more years for more flocks28 years ALL THE TIME trickery from Laban Equipped with knowing the truth of God’s Word, we are able to deal with the many challenges in our lives.
Jacob knew Rachel was his true wife as promised by God But she was barren. She could have no children and was mocked by her sister. Trials come in many disguises. BOTH Jacob and Rachel frustrated by life, but Rachel was to be the line of the Messiah, HOW???? ….Be patient. God moves in ways we do not understand Having a knowledge of the scriptures is our wisdom. Try to set aside a significant amount of time to studying your Bible daily and you will be fully prepared for the demands of daily life. Arm yourself with God’s Word; equip your soul with the truth of Scriptures. Jacob took time out to be prepared So should we, we hope our testing is not as long as Jacobs As it says, “She [the Bible] is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed” (Proverbs 3:18). Jacob was so patient in waiting for his wife, even after trickery he waited for Rachel the one he loved. He was only willing to please God, who had given him Rachel. Laban’s trick was to marry off Leah first, but that was not the one God gave Jacob. Satan has many ways of diverting us, we must keep to the path God has set us We see how Jacob was blessed by God in many ways Even to the saving of His people by Joseph the son of Rachel being there in Egypt , 2nd in line to the throne of Egypt, bringing his brother and father to EGYPT TO KEEP THEM ALIVE Jacob had twelve sons: Leah bore six, Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Bilhah bore two, Zilpah bore two, and Rachel bore two, Joseph and Benjamin. totalling twelve sons.
Leah also bore one daughter,
News from the Church New dates
21st October ……. Knit and Natter group, all welcome, bring your own project or come to learn a
new one. Starts at 1 pm, come along any time after that
4th November..………Friendship Group, (this covers all ages and the lonely people)
ANSWERS TO 11th October QUESTIONS
1) David, Solomon and others 2) 150 3) A sacred song or poem 4) Most were written 1000 years before Jesus came 5) Pause and think what you have read 6) 71 times 7) Psalm 22 8) Psalm 23
9) Psalm 78 10) Psalm 87 11) Psalm 111 12) To the law 13) Psalm 136 14) Psalm 117
15) Psalm 119 16) Psalm 24
Bible Quiz this week’s Quiz is about Proverbs
1 What is a Proverb?
2 Who wrote the Proverbs?
3 When was Solomon King?
4 What does Solomon say is the beginning of wisdom?
5 Which insect is described as industrious?
6 What are 7 things God hates according to Proverbs?
7 What does Solomon refer to about a false balance?
8 What does a Merry heart do for you?
9 What happens to those who drink too much wine?
10 What does Solomon say about the fellow who meddles in anothers business?
11 What happens to a child that’s not corrected?
12 What does the wicked man do when no one pursues them?
13 What do they do who forsake the law?
14 What is the rich man wise in ?
15 What happens to those who walk uprightly?
16 What shall he who tilleth the land have?
God Bless