Day 22 – Genesis 30-31

Some cycles continue. Rachel is barren, or at least seems to be. Maid servants are given to Jacob to produce children. The promise of a nation from Abraham’s line looks now to be a real possibility. When you consider the children Abraham had with Keturah, Esau’s children by his many wives, and all of Jacob’s children, the family has grown greatly. This also means that many of the people who cause trouble and even war against Israel are their own relatives.
Jacob must be one of the greatest shepherds to live! Not one of Laban’s sheep miscarried, in twenty years! Not one was lost to predators. And, he could manipulate the colors and patterns of the lambs! God holds true to his promise to protect and prosper Jacob. The model and tradition of shepherd leaders takes root. In Jacob’s footsteps will come Moses, David, and the Good Shepherd.