Jacob have I loved

Jacob was content to dwell in tents (Gen 25:27); Joshua, son of Nun, never left the tent of meeting (Exodus 33:11); and Esther took up residence in the place of favor (Esther 2:14). This study compares those who remained in a place of love, intimacy, and favor, with those who were not “at home” in relationship with their father or king. The four comparisons for this study include:

• Jacob and Esau

• Joshua and Moses

• Esther and Vashti

• The Prodigal Son and His Brother

Each of these four comparisons will help us understand why Jacob, Esther, Joshua, and the Prodigal Son gained the blessing and favor that rightfully belonged to others. The final pairing for this study is of the prodigal son and his older brother. It is a bit different because the son who found favor was the one who left home, whereas the older brother who stayed at home failed to enjoy the love of His Father. This helps us understand that remaining in the place of favor and intimacy is not a matter of physical nearness, but of the heart that seeks blessing and relationship from our Father and King. Through these comparisons, we will see what those who were first in line did to forfeit their position and what we can do, now, to make ourselves at home in the love of God.

The title of this study is “Jacob have I loved” because the Lord the Lord showed such incredible favor to Jacob that it seemed Esau was hated in comparison. That, of course, was never God’s heart. Although Esau refused to simply receive the love the Father had for him, God blessed and prospered Esau abundantly (Genesis 33:4-15). As we gain personal and practical understanding about the dynamics of these lives, we will be empowered to become - like Jacob, Esther, Joshua, and the Prodigal Son - those whom the Lord has loved.