One of Jacob’s final appearances in Genesis. This is the final chapter of his life.
A man with a stick, walking with a limp (Gen 32.31). Yet the greatest king of his generation received a blessing (twice) from Jacob.
Jacob was truly a man of mixed history; inconsistent, a grasper, a deceiver – God had promised to be with him; and God had been with him. When appearing to Moses, God identified Himself as the God of Jacob (Ex 3.6). He is not ashamed to be identified with this man; see Heb 2.11. Hebrews 11 presents Jacob as a hero of faith.
Jacob was doubtless a man who was difficult to be around; he always caused conflict: in Rebekah’s womb, in Isaac’s home, in Laban’s home, in his own family. Even his sons did not get on! In Gen 45.24, when sending them to collect their father, Joseph told them not to argue!
This is no justification for us to emulate his behaviour! But the life of Jacob does show the breath of the grace of God.