The Sons of Jacob

Good morning,

On Sunday I mentioned that we believe that the ages of Jacob’s sons spanned from around 25 years old (Reuben) to 10 years old (Benjamin).  Here is how we get to those ages:

Genesis 29:21-27 – Jacob is deceived by Laban into marrying Leah.  A week later He is allowed to then marry Rachel in return for another seven years of work.  It is during this seven-year window that 11 of the boys are born, beginning with Reuben and ending with Joseph.

Genesis 30:25 – Immediately after Joseph is born, Jacob asks Laban for permission to return to his family.  Laban offers to allow Jacob to build his own flocks if he stays.  Jacob agrees and we later learn in Genesis 31:31 that he worked for Laban for 20 years total.  This means that he grew his flocks for 6 years. (14 years for his wives + 6 years for his flocks = 20 years total).

If we assume normal pregnancies of nine months and allow for some overlap when Bilhah and Zilpah are giving birth, we can say that the ages of the boys when Jacob begins his return home are:

Reuben – 14

Simon – 13

Levi – 12

Judah – 11

Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher – Between 9 and 11

Issachar – 8

Zebulun – 7

Joseph 6 (Born right before the six years of building up flocks)

Benjamin isn’t born until after the family has been in Canaan for a while.  

Genesis 37:2 tells us that Joseph was 17 when he is sold into slavery, so this means that we need to add 11 years to each of the boys’ ages to arrive at their ages when they betray their brother.  This gives us:

Reuben – 25

Simon – 24

Levi – 23

Judah – 22

Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher – Between 20 and 22

Issachar – 19

Zebulun – 18

Joseph 17

Benjamin – 10

So why is this important?  Well, it first of all helps us understand that these were not kids who made a mistake.  They were all young men who made deliberate choices and certainly should have known better.  Knowing their ages also gives us some insight as to the rivalries and jealousies that marked the relationships between the brothers.  It makes the story more realistic and relatable…these boys would have competed with each other practically from birth, especially during their teen years! 

Lastly, knowing their ages makes their betrayal more stunning.  Older brothers are generally supposed to protect their younger brothers.  It also makes their reconciliation with Joseph all the more emotional.  They end up having a long time to mature and come to terms with what they did (and ultimately repent of it).

Here’s what’s happening:

1.  SATURDAY – Spring Clean Up at the church starting at around 9 am.  We have a “job board” posted in the lobby.  Lunch will be provided!

2.  SUNDAY – Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.

3.  Thursday, April 23 – Youth Group at 6:30 pm. Note – there will NOT be Quilt Knotting this evening.

4.  The National Day of Prayer is coming up on May 7.  There are community prayer gatherings in Quarryville and Strasburg during the day and a worship service at 6:15 pm at the WJTL’s Junction Center.  Info can be found here: https://lancasterndp.com/

5.  May 14 – Youth Group and Quilt Knotting at 6:30 pm.

6.  June 14 – Cruise for Christ Car Show.  The details for this outreach event are starting to come together.  We are inviting folks to come to the worship service at 10 am and then stay to check out the cars at 11:30 am.  Lunch will be provided!  Sign up sheet for food donations and all the details are posted in the lobby.

6.  We will once again have a baptism service over the summer.  Please see me if you are interested in being baptized.

7.  July 6-10 – VBS from 6:30 t0 8:30 each evening. Theme is the Romans Road to Salvation.

On Sunday we will be studying Genesis 37:12-36.  Joseph’s life takes a dramatic turn when his brothers throw him in a pit and then sell him into slavery.  We’ll look at the seriousness of sin and why God may reposition us but never abandon us.  We’ll also consider what does God want us to do when we are in a “pit” in our life? 

Scott