Children graciously given
James Slopsema expounds Genesis 33:5 to explore how children are gracious covenant gifts from God to believing parents. The article emphasizes that this divine grace carries the solemn obligation for parents to train their children in the fear of the Lord, making it a timely exhortation as the school year begins. Through Jacob's acknowledgment of God's sovereignty in providing his twelve children, Slopsema connects biblical typology to the responsibilities of covenant parents in Christian education and family life.
And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant. -- Genesis 33:5 Jacob was returning to Canaan after twenty years with his uncle Laban. He had fled Canaan because of the wrath and threats of his brother Esau. Having learned that Jacob had stolen the birthright blessing by deceiving his father, Esau vowed to kill Jacob. Jacob had fled to his uncle Laban alone and empty. He...
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