Jacob’s Story as Christian Scripture
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
Jacob is all too often underappreciated in works on biblical theology. He nevertheless stands squarely in the line of promise and is the man who becomes Israel. His blessings come not because he is virtuous but because God remains faithful. In this, his story contributes to the themes of Genesis and of the Pentateuch as a whole, and extends into the life of the church. Jacob's Story as Christian Scripture begins with a reading of Genesis 25 to 35, and then moves beyond the boundaries of Genesis to track the words he pronounces over his twelve sons. Jacob's blessings give shape to Balaam's oracles and ultimately to subsequent prophecies concerning the lion of the tribe of Judah. Prophetic appropriation of Jacob's story, presented here via a fresh investigation of OT passages from Jeremiah, Obadiah, Micah, and others, includes troubling elements of Jacob's character to indict the nation--in the hope that God's people, like the patriarch, will stop being Jacob and become Israel.
- Follows the story of Jacob by paying close attention to Genesis 25-35
- Visits the stories of Micah, Obadiah, Malachi, John, and others that bear Jacob's imprint
- Asks how subsequent Scripture uses this material on Jacob to further develop the hopes of God's people
- The Stolen Birthright: Genesis 25:27-34
- The Stolen Blessing: Genesis 27:1-24
- Jacob at God's House: Genesis 27:41-28:22
- Jacob Finds a Wife (or Two): Genesis 29:1-30
- All My Children: Genesis 29:31-30:24
- Streaks, Specks, and Spots: Genesis 30:25-43
- On the Road Again: Genesis 31
- Facing the Future: Genesis 32
- Facing the Past: Genesis 33
- Raising up and Tearing Down, Part One: Genesis 34
- Raising up and Tearing Down, Part Two: Genesis 35
- Jacob's Story in Scripture
- Jacob's Legacy
Profoundly erudite yet elegantly written, Philip Kern’s Jacob’s Story faces the paradox of the grace of God operating in the lives of Jacob et al., whose behavior baffles us. This book in effect takes the lid off the whole book of Genesis, but more than that of the Pentateuch, the Prophets, and ultimately the whole canon. Philip Kern’s Jacob’s Story blesses us through his many years of patient, scholarly research and reflection.
—Paul Barnett, Honorary Fellow of Ancient History, Macquarie University, Australia
As a narrative about twins with contrasting characteristics and ambitions, the biblical account of Jacob and Esau in Genesis 25–35 is a compelling testimony to God’s grace and faithfulness. With great aptitude, Dr. Kern unpacks the intricacies of this divinely inspired story, enabling the reader to grasp clearly the many nuances of the original Hebrew text in a well-researched and easily accessible study.
—T. Desmond Alexander, Senior Lecturer in Biblical Studies, Union Theological College, Northern Ireland
Jacob’s Story as Christian Scripture combines an informed analysis of the Jacob account with insightful reflection on its biblical-theological significance. The author masterfully—and often wittily—highlights various aspects that could easily be overlooked, consistently helping readers grasp the plot’s subtle artistry, as well as its contribution to the Bible’s message.
—Paul Williamson, Lecturer in Old Testament, Hebrew, and Aramaic, Moore College, Australia
- Title: Jacob’s Story as Christian Scripture
- Author: Philip H. Kern
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Print Publication Date: January 2021
- Pages: 210
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Resource ID: LLS:JACOBSTORYWS
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2021-06-18T17:55:23Z