January 15

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Genesis 31:17-32:12
31:20 - "Moreover, Jacob deceived Laban the Aramean".
So much envying and deception between family: Leah & Rachel, Jacob & Esau; now Jacob & Laban. I find it interesting that Matthew Henry describes Jacob as righteous. His namesake is "grasps the heel"; "supplanter"- Genesis 25:26.

Matthew 10:26-11:6

Psalm 13:1-6

Proverbs 3:16-18

"She (Wisdom) is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of here will be blessed"

So how does this tree of life differ from the one guarded by the flaming sword in Genesis? From which we are banned ever since the federal disobedience of Adam & Eve?

(3:1)My son, do not forget my law,
But let your heart keep my commands;
For length of days and long life
And peace they will add to you.

Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart,
And so find favor and high esteem
In the sight of God and man

I recited this verse the night my wife (who was at that time my girlfriend) wanted to spend time apart because she recognized that our love was taking us to marriage. I love this verse!

Anyway, the Reformation Study Bible note reads:

This is probably not a specific allusion to the tree of life in Genesis 2:9, though the author would have known of it. The flourishing tree was a common figure in the literature of the time for continuing blessings. The metaphor is used again in 11:30; 13:12; 15:4. More important is the theme of "life" in Proverbs. "Life" in the Bible is essentially linked to our relationship with God. Disruption of the proper relationship with God, the source of life leads to death (Gen 2:17). Wisdom is concerned with proper relationships with God, other people, and with nature."

Years Read
2025