Bible Study Online Article
In the last article we read how the business relationship between Laban and Jacob had begun to go sour. Laban and his sons had became invidious towards the promise bearer. Laban's sons had spoken out betwixt themselves when it came to their displeasure of Jacob and his new wealth. But Laban would not say much when it came to words, but his actions towards Jacob had sent a clear signal that he was not happy with the current business situation. Jacob would take notice of his father-in-law behavior, and would bring the matter before his two wives, Rachel and Leah. The two women would agree with their husband, that their father's behavior towards not just Jacob, but towards them as well -- was not acceptable. So they decided that it was time for them to leave and head back to Jacob's home within the Land of Canaan. Now I want to touch on the event that takes place while they were packing their things and readying themselves for their journey. This event deals with Rachel stealing her father's house-hold gods while he was away shearing his sheep. When you have a husband that believes in the one true God, why would you still your father's house-hold gods? First you must understand that at this point in the Bible, God was only personally communicating with one person, and that person was Jacob. The things that Rachel and Leah knew when it came to the Master Creator -- would come from the information that their husband had shared with them. They did not know God in a personal way like Jacob did, so they still had the tendency to lean to their own understanding. Also keep in mind that Rachel had acted on her own when she took the idols and Jacob did not know of his wife's plans or actions when it came to them. Depending on the translation you are reading, you will find that some address the 'teraphim' or idols as images, manifest objects, statues, talismans or Penates (Roman deities -a.k.a- 'the inner ones'). The word 'teraphim' is also associated with having a meaning that refers to (disgraceful things) The 'teraphim' are believed to be little small statues that were made in the shape of men. These statues would be worshiped as some type of subordinate god, in which the worshiper thought that these statues would provide protection for their family. With the fallout between Jacob and her father and brothers, we should understand if she took these idols for that reason alone. It's also believed that the worshiper would look to these idols as some type of oracle. These oracular practices would consist of the worshiper consulting with the 'teraphim' when it came to future events. This would also explain another reason as to why she would take the idols. With her beliefs and teachings when it came to the 'teraphim' she could have believed that taking them would perhaps prevent her father from consulting with the idols when it came to him trying to find out about their whereabouts. Nevertheless, Rachel would act towards her own understanding, for that's all she knew. She didn't have the faith and trust that the Bible teaches us to have, when it comes to the one true God. How could she, for she didn't know God in order to have it. But what about her husband Jacob?
Start at: Jacob - The Path of Uncertainty 56) <-CURRENT PAGE-> 57) Jacob's Mistake of Deception 62) Jacob & Esau - The Reconciliation 63) Dinah the Daughter of Israel  CrossDaily.com Web Search where you can VOTE FOR THIS SITE & other great ones. Christian search engine, directory & voting index. You'll find Bible, chat, churches, jobs, music, reviews, software, theology, & more. See the best sites!
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