Bible Story - Jacob Goes to Haran

Lets embark on a captivating journey with the story of "Jacob Goes to Haran," where children will discover lessons of faith, love, and perseverance as Jacob follows God's calling, overcomes deception, and fulfills his destiny.

Once upon a time, in a land filled with vast deserts, flowing streams, and towering mountains, there lived a man named Jacob. His adventure to Haran is a tale of dreams, love, hard work, and the faithfulness of God.

Jacob was one of the twin sons of Isaac and Rebekah, and he lived in the land of Canaan. He had an older brother named Esau, who was his father's favorite because he was a skillful hunter. But Jacob was his mother's favorite as he was a peaceful man, living in tents. One day, Jacob would embark on an amazing journey to the land of Haran, from where his grandfather Abraham had come.

The Journey Begins

One day, Isaac called Jacob and blessed him, instructing him not to marry a Canaanite woman. Instead, he should go to Padan-aram, to the house of Bethuel, his mother's father, and take a wife from the daughters of Laban, his mother's brother.

So, Jacob obediently left Beersheba and set out toward Haran. He traveled across the rocky terrain, under the scorching sun by day and the twinkling stars by night.

A Dream at Bethel

As evening came, Jacob found a place to rest. He took a stone for a pillow and lay down to sleep under the open sky. That night, Jacob had a dream that would change his life forever.

He dreamt of a ladder that reached from the earth to heaven, and angels were ascending and descending on it. Above the ladder stood the Lord, who spoke to Jacob. God repeated the promise He made to Abraham: the land on which Jacob was lying would be given to him and his descendants, who would be numerous like the dust of the earth, spreading out to the west, the east, the north, and the south. And through Jacob's offspring, all the families of the earth would be blessed.

When Jacob awoke, he said in awe, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I didn’t know it!” He took the stone he had used as a pillow and set it up as a pillar, pouring oil on top of it to consecrate it. He named that place Bethel, meaning 'House of God'.

Jacob Meets Rachel

With a heart full of hope and the promise of God in his thoughts, Jacob continued to Haran. When he arrived, he went to a well where shepherds were gathering with their flocks. There, he saw Rachel, the daughter of Laban, his mother’s brother, coming with her father's sheep.

Jacob rolled away the stone from the mouth of the well and watered Laban's sheep. Then he kissed Rachel and wept aloud with the joy of meeting his relative. Rachel hurried and told her father Laban about Jacob.

Laban welcomed him into his home, and Jacob agreed to work for Laban for seven years to marry Rachel because he loved her.

Jacob Is Deceived

After working for seven years, Jacob asked Laban for his wife Rachel. But Laban deceived Jacob and gave him Leah, Rachel’s older sister, instead.

When Jacob realized he had been tricked, he questioned Laban. Laban explained that it was not the custom to marry off the younger daughter before the older one. So, Jacob agreed to work for another seven years to marry Rachel, and Laban allowed him to do so just a week after marrying Leah.

Years of Labor

Jacob ended up working fourteen years for the love of Rachel. He honored his commitment, showing great perseverance and strength of character. But God was with Jacob, and he prospered.

Jacob’s Family Grows

Over time, Jacob had many children. Leah bore him six sons and a daughter, and Rachel had two sons, Joseph and Benjamin. Jacob's other children were born to Bilhah and Zilpah, the maids of Rachel and Leah.

Journey Back Home

Many years had passed since Jacob arrived in Haran. Now, he had a large family and had become wealthy with many flocks, servants, and camels. But he longed to return to his own country, so he set out for Canaan once again, this time with God’s guidance and blessing.

Jacob’s journey and life tell us we can have faith in God's promises even when circumstances seem challenging. His story teaches us about the rewards of hard work, patience, and trusting in God’s plan for us.

Key Takeaways

1. Obedience to Parents: Jacob respected his parents' wishes and went to Haran to find a wife from his own family line.
2. God’s Promises: During his journey, God spoke to Jacob in a dream, promising to be with him, protect him, and give him many descendants.
3. Hard Work and Perseverance: Jacob worked very hard for many years to marry Rachel, the woman he loved.
4. God’s Blessings: Despite the difficulties he faced, Jacob was blessed with a large family and great wealth.

FAQs on Jacob Goes to Haran

Who was Jacob's favorite wife?

• Jacob’s favorite wife was Rachel, the younger daughter of Laban, who he worked for fourteen years to marry.

What is the significance of the dream Jacob had at Bethel?

• The dream at Bethel was significant because it was God’s promise to Jacob that he would have many descendants, be given the land on which he slept, and that all families of the earth would be blessed through him.

Did Jacob's name ever change? If so, what was his new name?

• Yes, Jacob's name was changed to Israel after he wrestled with God. This event happens later in the Bible, signifying a turning point in Jacob's life.

How many children did Jacob have?

• Jacob had twelve sons and at least one daughter. His sons would later become the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Bonus Fun Activity

Build Your Own Ladder to Heaven: Using craft sticks, glue, and colorful paper, build a model of Jacob's dream ladder. Decorate it with tiny paper angels and clouds, then place it somewhere special to remind you of God’s promises.

For more adventures and stories of hope in the Bible, you might like to read about the great adventure discovering God's promises, or discover the courage of Gideon in the Bible. Or if you're getting ready for bed, enjoy one of these 5 Sleepytime Bible Stories.