gitive from home and never
again seeing his mother who aided him in his treachery. He was treated
by Laban just as he himself had treated his brother. For twenty years
he was deprived of the quiet and friendly life of his old home.

While away he had some religious experiences that made him a new man.
His vision at Bethel taught him that Jehovah his God was also caring
for him though in a strange land. He may have thought that Jehovah
dwelt only among the people of his nation and that on leaving home he
was also going beyond the protection of God. As a result he erected
here a sanctuary that became sacred to all the Hebrews.

His struggle at the brook Jabbok made Jacob a new man. He had all
along depended on his own wits. Now he is ready to return to his
brother and show sorrow for his conduct. The incident is parallel to
the struggle which a repentant man must wage against his lower nature.
When the struggle is over he is a new man, a prince of god. Religion
had become real to him and his whole future career is built on a new
plan. He is still inventive and ambitious and persevering but is God's
man doing God's will.

In connection with Jacob we have also the lessons concerning Esau. He
was a man intent upon immediate physical enjoyment; an idle drifter
without spiritual ideals. From his character and that of the Edomites,
his descendants, there is taught the lesson that such an unambitious
man or nation will always become degenerate and prove a failure. God
himself cannot make a man out of an idle drifter.

The Stories About Joseph. The moral value of these stories is very
great. They are told in a charm that is felt by all. The literary
power and unity is remarkable. There is seen in them ideals of
integrity and truthfulness. He is cheerful and uncomplaining and no
adversity could destroy his ambitions. The study of this section will
well reward a frequent review of it.

All the materials may be grouped around the following principal great
periods or incidents of his life. (1) His childhood, where we find him
petted and spoiled but ambitious and trustworthy and hated by his
brethren. (2) His sale to the Egyptians and separation from his house
and kindred, this including his slavery and the faithfulness he showed
in such a position. (3) His position as overseer and his loyalty
together with his temptation and unjust imprisonment. (4) His
exaltation to the governorship of Egypt with his provisions for the
famine