EPISODE · Feb 27, 2022 · 54 MIN
EBENEZER COVENANT – Genesis 31:36-55
from Providence Community Church · host Ken Carlton
“Ebenezer” means 'stone of help'. Aspects of this covenant arrangement between Jacob and Laban including its memorial monument and location will prove significant in ways these two could never have imagined. Nevertheless, the redemptive purposes of God are revealed in the course of scripture foreshadowed by events in this chapter of Jacob's exodus from Paddan-Aram unto Canaan. Though Laban and Jacob come to terms of relative peace in our passage today, there remains great differences between them. Jacob has turned his face toward the promises and protection of the God of his fathers in willing repentance, while Laban has been brought to heel by the warnings of Yahweh in his actions only. Ultimately Laban remains self serving. This difference in heart condition is apparent in their exchange at Gilead which will be named for this covenant ceremony. Jacob, as the called and anointed covenant son is protected from his long time oppressor in this event even as he is consecrated unto the purposes of the greater covenant of grace. God is purifying His son and subduing His enemies. In this ceremony we witness the gracious hand of God guiding Jacob home and spreading a table before him in the presence of his enemies (Ps 23:5). As he ate bread with his kinsmen saying 'goodbye' to the exile and oppression of the land of Laban, Jacob welcomed the call to journey unto the promised land of his fathers. Other passages of scripture are illuminated by this event as well... Consider, for instance, Proverbs chapter 16 in light of Jacob vs. Laban as you are able, but for now verse 7 particularly: “When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him...” Jacob had entered Paddan-Aram 20 years ago in subservient fear but the tables have turned by virtue of the gracious calling of God.
What this episode covers
“Ebenezer” means 'stone of help'. Aspects of this covenant arrangement between Jacob and Laban including its memorial monument and location will prove significant in ways these two could never have imagined. Nevertheless, the redemptive purposes of God are revealed in the course of scripture foreshadowed by events in this chapter of Jacob's exodus from Paddan-Aram unto Canaan. Though Laban and Jacob come to terms of relative peace in our passage today, there remains great differences between them. Jacob has turned his face toward the promises and protection of the God of his fathers in willing repentance, while Laban has been brought to heel by the warnings of Yahweh in his actions only. Ultimately Laban remains self serving. This difference in heart condition is apparent in their exchange at Gilead which will be named for this covenant ceremony. Jacob, as the called and anointed covenant son is protected from his long time oppressor in this event even as he is consecrated unto the purposes of the greater covenant of grace. God is purifying His son and subduing His enemies. In this ceremony we witness the gracious hand of God guiding Jacob home and spreading a table before him in the presence of his enemies (Ps 23:5). As he ate bread with his kinsmen saying 'goodbye' to the exile and oppression of the land of Laban, Jacob welcomed the call to journey unto the promised land of his fathers. Other passages of scripture are illuminated by this event as well... Consider, for instance, Proverbs chapter 16 in light of Jacob vs. Laban as you are able, but for now verse 7 particularly: “When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him...” Jacob had entered Paddan-Aram 20 years ago in subservient fear but the tables have turned by virtue of the gracious calling of God.
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EBENEZER COVENANT – Genesis 31:36-55
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