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Bible Biographies
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peace to him that is far off and to him who is near, says the Lord;
and I will heal him.”
Isaiah 57:16-19
.
Jacob in his distress was not overwhelmed. He had repented, he
had endeavored to atone for the wrong to his brother. And when
threatened with death through the wrath of Esau, he looked to God
for help. “And He blessed him there.”
Genesis 32:29
. In the power
of His might the forgiven one stood up, no longer the supplanter but
a prince with God. He had gained not merely deliverance from his
outraged brother, but deliverance from himself. The power of evil
in his own nature was broken; his character was transformed. In
reviewing his life-history Jacob recognized the sustaining power of
God.
The Sons of Jacob
The same experience is repeated in the history of Jacob’s sons.
God does not annul His laws. He does not work contrary to them.
He does not undo the work of sin. But He transforms. Through His
grace the curse results in blessing.
Of the sons of Jacob, Levi was one of the most cruel and vin-
dictive, one of the two most guilty in the treacherous murder of the
Shechemites. Levi’s characteristics, reflected in his descendants,
incurred for them the decree from God, “I will divide them in Jacob
and scatter them in Israel.”
Genesis 49:7
. But repentance produced
reformation, and by their faithfulness to God amidst the apostasy of
the other tribes, the curse was transformed into a token of highest
honor.
“The Lord separated the tribe of Levi to bear the ark of the
covenant of the Lord, to stand before the Lord to minister to Him
and to bless in His name.”
Deuteronomy 10:8
.
As the appointed ministers of the sanctuary, the Levites received
no landed inheritance. They lived together in cities set apart for their
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use, and received their support from the tithes, gifts, and offerings
devoted to God’s service. They were the teachers of the people,
guests at all their festivities, and everywhere honored as servants and
representatives of God. To the whole nation was given the command,
“Take heed to yourself that you do not forsake the Levite as long as