Good Morning.
And it happened, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine; and Israel heard about it. (Genesis 35:22)
Tragedy, disappointment and even betrayal seems to be common themes in Jacob’s life story. Most of the time the injury is inflicted by someone closely related to him. In this situation it is his first born son, Reuben, who decides to behave as the nations do, not as this family was called to do. Consequently, and once again, the birthright that was presumably to go to the firstborn was given to another more deserving — in this case, Joseph.
But let us focus on something that is mentioned here that is very important and easily overlooked — “Israel heard about it.” The plain text tells us that the man Israel heard of what his son had done and that he responded accordingly. Looking beyond the surface of the text there is something that is critical for all of God’s people to reflect upon. In Hebrew it says vayishma Yisrael, which is “Israel heard.”
When the Messiah was asked which of the commandments was the most important, He replied, “Hear O Israel; the LORD our God, the LORD is One” (Mark 12:29). Of course, He continued to inform His audience that, because the LORD is our God, we are to love Him with all of our being. The point, however, is this: Israel (God’s people) must hear. We must hear what the Spirit is saying unto the church. We must hear every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD God. We must hear the call to be a set apart nation, that we may not adopt the ways of the nations.
The call that was given to Jacob so long ago has not abated with time. We are called to walk differently than the world and to be an example to them of what God expects from mankind. Let us not only hear that call, but let us answer the call to walk upright before Him as a faithful ambassador and witness to the One and Only God.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
Amen, agreeing with your words.