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"Jacob fled to the country of Syria"

Text: Hosea 12:12

HISTORY THAT HAD LOST ITS GLITTER

History is full of gems that should delight the heart. Sadly, even the most moving part of history can lose its significance. The history of Jacob had lost its glamour a long time ago. This story was retold by Hosea.

“Jacob fled to the country of Syria;
Israel served for a spouse,
And for a wife he tended sheep.”
Hosea 12:12

1. The use of the name “Jacob”

a) This was used deliberately.

b) Jacob means “heel grabber”.

c) This was Jacob before he came to faith in the LORD.

i) He grabbed his twin brother’s heel at birth.

ii) He grabbed his brother’s birthright.

iii) He grabbed his brother’s blessing of the firstborn.

2. “Jacob fled to the country of Syria”

a) He fled from his brother’s wrath.

b) He had to leave his home in Canaan.

c) He had to leave his mother whom he loved.

3. The use of the name “Israel”

a) This was also used deliberately.

b) God gave him a new name- “Israel” (a prince with God).

i) He would no longer be a grabber of heels.

ii) He would be honoured as a prince with God.

4. A story of a great love

a) Jacob fell in love with Rachel.

b) He worked for fourteen years to win her hand in marriage.

i) He was humble.

ii) He was focused.

iii) He was grateful.

iv) He learned to have faith in God.

But the children of Israel were not at all like their father. They had turned away from their faith in God!