What Does Genesis 28:6 Mean?

18

Read the Daily Bible Verse – Genesis 28:6 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.

Genesis 28:6 is a key verse in the Old Testament that captures a moment of reflection in the life of Jacob. This passage follows a series of events that profoundly shape the patriarch’s life and offer lessons for Christians today. In this article, we will explore the context of Genesis 28:6, unpack its meaning, consider its application in life, compare it to other biblical texts, discuss its modern-day relevance, and provide a comprehensive commentary.

The Context of Genesis 28:6 KJV

Genesis 28:6 is situated in a crucial moment in Jacob’s life, right after he receives the blessing from Isaac and leaves Beersheba for Haran to escape the wrath of his brother Esau. The verse states:

“When Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob, and sent him away to Padanaram, to take him a wife from thence; and that as he blessed him he gave him a charge, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan.” — Genesis 28:6 KJV

Background Leading to Genesis 28:6

To understand this verse fully, it’s essential to consider the surrounding events. In Genesis 27, Jacob, with the encouragement of his mother Rebekah, deceives his father Isaac into giving him the blessing intended for his elder brother, Esau. As a result, Esau is enraged and vows to kill Jacob once their father passes away. Rebekah, concerned for Jacob’s safety, advises him to flee to her brother Laban’s house in Haran.

Before Jacob departs, Isaac blesses him with a covenantal blessing, reinforcing God’s promises to Abraham and Isaac, and charges him not to marry a Canaanite woman. This leads directly to the context of Genesis 28:6, where Esau, upon realizing that Isaac has sent Jacob away for this purpose, reacts to the blessing and the conditions placed on Jacob’s marriage.

The Significance of Esau’s Reaction

Esau’s response is significant because it shows that he is aware of his own shortcomings. Despite his rebellious nature, he realizes that his own marriages to Canaanite women—whom Isaac and Rebekah disapproved of—were wrong. This awareness and Esau’s subsequent attempt to correct his actions by marrying within the family line highlights a key theme of obedience to God’s commandments and the importance of maintaining purity in marital choices.

The Genesis 28:6 Meaning

Genesis 28:6 has layers of meaning, not only in terms of the immediate narrative but also in relation to broader theological concepts such as obedience, family, and the continuation of God’s covenant. Let’s break down the verse in detail:

Esau’s Realization

The verse begins with Esau recognizing that Isaac had blessed Jacob and sent him to find a wife from the family of Abraham, which implies a sense of disapproval toward Esau’s own marriages to Hittite women. These marriages were outside the chosen family line, which had been established through God’s covenant with Abraham. Isaac and Rebekah had hoped that their children would marry within the family to preserve the purity of the covenant and God’s promises to them.

The Charge Given to Jacob

Isaac’s charge to Jacob was to avoid marrying Canaanite women, as stated in Genesis 28:1-2, where Isaac tells Jacob:

“Arise, go to Padan-aram, to the house of Bethuel thy mother’s father; and take thee a wife from thence of the daughters of Laban thy mother’s brother.” (Genesis 28:2 KJV)

This charge is not merely about family preference but about upholding the purity of the lineage that would eventually lead to the birth of the Messiah. By instructing Jacob to marry within the family of Abraham, Isaac is following God’s earlier command that the covenant people be distinct from the surrounding nations, which were often characterized by idolatry and immorality.

Esau’s Attempt at a Reconciliation

Esau’s reaction to this blessing—his attempt to please his parents by marrying a daughter of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, rather than a Canaanite—suggests a desire to align himself with the values and expectations of his family. However, his action, though well-intentioned, does not reflect true obedience to God’s will, which is to follow the covenant promises through Isaac and Jacob.

Genesis 28:6 Application in Life

Genesis 28:6 holds important life applications, particularly regarding family relationships, obedience, and the pursuit of holiness in marriage. Several key lessons emerge from this passage:

1. The Importance of Obeying God’s Commandments

God’s commands regarding marriage are not arbitrary. In this context, the choice of a spouse was critical to maintaining the spiritual integrity of the covenant community. While today’s Christians are not bound by the same laws of marriage, the principle of marrying within the faith remains relevant. As Christians, we are encouraged to “not be unequally yoked with unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 6:14), emphasizing that marriage should reflect a shared commitment to God’s purposes.

2. Family Honor and Legacy

Isaac’s desire for Jacob to marry a woman who would honor the covenant is a reminder of the role family plays in preserving and passing down spiritual values. Parents have a responsibility to guide their children in making wise choices, especially in matters as significant as marriage. It is a call to maintain spiritual legacy and honor God through family decisions.

3. God’s Sovereignty Over Marriage

Esau’s attempt to rectify his mistake by marrying a daughter of Ishmael reflects human attempts to correct errors, but it doesn’t necessarily align with God’s will. The Bible teaches that God’s sovereignty governs every area of life, including marriage. When we submit to His will in choosing our spouse, we honor His design for our lives.

See Also: Genesis 28:5 Meaning, Context & Commentary

Comparison with Other Biblical Texts

Marriage Within the Covenant Community

Genesis 28:6 highlights the importance of marrying within the covenant community, a theme found throughout Scripture. In Deuteronomy 7:3-4, God explicitly commands Israel to avoid marrying people from other nations who might lead them astray:

“Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son.” — Deuteronomy 7:3 KJV

This reinforces the idea that marriage is not just a personal choice but one with communal and covenantal implications. The principle of maintaining a faithful and holy lineage is not just for Jacob but is part of God’s broader redemptive plan.

Paul’s Teachings on Marriage

The New Testament continues this emphasis on marriage within the faith community. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 7:39, reminds Christians that they are free to marry, but only in the Lord:

“The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.” — 1 Corinthians 7:39 KJV

This directive highlights the importance of shared faith in marriage. Like Isaac’s command to Jacob, it emphasizes that believers should marry those who share their commitment to the Lord.

Modern-Day Relevance

Marital Choices in Today’s World

In today’s society, the concept of “being unequally yoked” is as relevant as ever. Many people face pressures to marry for reasons other than shared faith—such as societal expectations, personal preferences, or even financial considerations. However, Genesis 28:6 reminds us that marital choices should be influenced by our relationship with God, and that faithfulness to His commands is paramount.

Cultural Influence and Family Decisions

In modern times, the cultural influences around us—whether through media, peer pressure, or shifting societal norms—often encourage individuals to choose spouses without considering their spiritual alignment. Genesis 28:6 stands as a timeless reminder that the foundation of a successful marriage lies in shared values, particularly the values embedded in God’s Word.

Conclusion

Genesis 28:6 provides a vital lesson in the importance of aligning our actions—particularly our marital decisions—with God’s will. Esau’s attempt to correct his past mistakes by marrying a daughter of Ishmael highlights the significance of honoring God’s covenantal instructions and pursuing holiness in our relationships. For Christians today, this passage serves as a guide in making choices that reflect faithfulness to God, upholding family values, and ensuring that our marriages reflect His purposes.

In conclusion, Genesis 28:6 is a profound reminder that, even in the context of a complex family situation, God’s instructions regarding marriage and relationships remain paramount. Through Jacob’s obedience and Esau’s attempted correction, we are invited to align our lives with God’s will, ensuring that our relationships honor His commands and contribute to the fulfillment of His covenant promises.

Related topics:

• What Does Genesis 28:2 Mean?
• Genesis 28:3 Meaning, Context & Commentary
• What Does Genesis 28:4 Mean?