Word of Life

By Adrian Mathew Reviewed by Fr. Trevor Dsouza Disclaimer – The following article is meant for educational purposes only and not for any commercial purpose. The book of Genesis is filled with captivating stories of faith, family, and divine encounters, and one of its most notable narratives is the Jacob Cycle, which spans from Genesis 25 to 35. This cycle chronicles the life of Jacob, a pivotal figure in the history of Israel and a character known for his complex and transformative journey. In this article, we will explore the key events and themes within the Jacob Cycle, shedding light on the significance of this saga of birthright, deceit, and divine transformation. The Birthright and Blessing: ( Genesis 25:19-24; 27:1-40 )  The Jacob Cycle commences with the birth of Jacob and his twin brother Esau. The twins' dynamic is set from the very beginning. It is noted that the two babies struggle within Rebekah's womb. This prenatal conflict is symbolic of the future rivalry betwe

Disclaimer – The following article is meant for educational purposes only and not for any commercial purpose.   By Emmanuel Gomes Edited by Fr Trevor D'Souza, OFM In our previous article , we discussed on the literary structure of Genesis 12-50 which consists of Patriarchal History. We also discussed one of the three promises God made to Abraham - the promise of a great nation ( Genesis 15 ). In this article, we will discuss the remaining two promises or covenants God established with Abraham - The Great Name and the Covenant of Circumcision ( Genesis 17 )  Universal Blessing and the Sacrifice of Isaac ( Genesis 22 ) The Great Name and the Covenant of Circumcision ( Genesis 17 ) Before we go into the covenant, we must understand what “Great Name” means. "Great name" was associated with kingship in the ancient Near East, as can be seen from the inscription from Shamshi-Adad I, king of Assyria, ca. 1800 B.C: "I erected a stela in my great name in the land of Lebanon,