The questions below have been submitted as part of our current teaching series.
The book of Job: Is it all true? Is it a combination of true and parable?
Along with Proverbs and Ecclesiastes the book of Job is considered to be part of the genre of Wisdom literature in the Bible. What is unique about Job however is that this particular ‘wisdom’ is communicated through the suffering of a specific man (Job), his dialog with friends, and God himself. It also includes a behind the scenes glimpse into the spiritual world as Satan and God interact with each other.
While wisdom literature often uses illustrations and poetic language to convey truth, the book of Job is a fairly straightforward depiction of a man who undergoes immense loss and how he processes that loss in light of his friendships and belief in God. Because of the literary style, including specific names of people, descriptions of culture, and dialog, there’s no reason to believe that this is an allegory or parable. Further, both Ezekiel (14:14;20) and James (5:11) refer to Job as a real person and an example of faith.
With these things in mind, I think we are to read it as a true account and a depiction of God’s sovereignty in the midst of suffering. Job’s closing statements to God seem to be a central statement to the book: “I had heard reports about you, but now my eyes have seen you” (42:5)
Was Rebekah sinning when she had Jacob deceive his Father for the firstborn blessing even though God had said that the older son would serve the younger?
If you’re familiar with the story, before twins Jacob and Esau are born God declares to their mother Rebekah that Jacob, although born second will inherit his Fathers position and power, also called a birthright (Genesis 25:23).
Later on as their father was getting toward the end of his life two things happen:
1. In a moment of intense hunger Esau trades his birthright to his younger brother Jacob in exchange for a bowl of food (Genesis 25:29-34) but there is no indication their father Isaac knows this.
2. As their father is near the end of his life, he calls Esau to come and bless him, which is a formal way of passing on the birthright. Rebekah schemes with her son Jacob to trick Isaac into blessing Jacob instead, and it works. (See Genesis 27)
So, in thinking of the question of sin it’s also important to take into account the fact that Esau willingly gave up his birthright in the first place. But does that mean it was right for Rebekah to deceive her husband, despite God’s words to her years earlier?
Much like the questions that arise around the story of Job, this makes us wonder how God’s sovereignty works. Does the fact that God says something will happen mean that he’s ok with all the circumstances that make it happen? Or does it just indicate that he knows what will happen and will work within his knowledge of human decisions to accomplish his purposes?
It’s important here to be reminded that God doesn’t sin or lie (Numbers 23:19, Hebrews 6:18) and he doesn’t cause others to either (James 1:13). We also see throughout scripture that God accomplishes his purposes through imperfect, sinful people. Our heros of the faith such as Noah, Moses, David, and others were all used by God yet were still deeply flawed.
So yes, it’s safe to say that Rebekah’s deceit was a sin but one that God forknew and still worked through to accomplish his purposes. Sinful actions in scripture are never justified and we are all accountable for our actions, but God’s plans and purposes will always come to pass. Jacob, like so many in his family line, though sinful were still recipients of God’s grace and ultimately through them Jesus would come and extend grace to all sinful people, you and me included.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Andrew
Still have questions? Drop them in the comments below.