Jacob left his home to find a wife. On the way, Jacob had a dream about a ladder to heaven. The ladder represents the covenants we make as we progress toward Christ. The Lord told Jacob that He would be with him.

Jacob met Rachel near a well as she came to water her family’s sheep. Jacob promised her father Laban that he would work for seven years so he could marry her. Laban tricked Jacob and gave him his oldest daughter Leah to marry instead. Jacob promised to work seven more years if Laban would let him marry Rachel also. Soon Jacob’s family began to grow. Jacob had twelve sons. The twelve tribes of Israel are descendants of these twelve sons. (Jacob’s name was later changed to Israel.)

There was some contention between Jacob and Laban. Jacob decided to go back to his homeland. Laban followed Jacob and eventually caught up to him. They were able to set aside their differences and depart in peace. As Jacob neared his homeland, he learned that Esau and 400 men were headed his way. Jacob worried that Esau was still angry with him. He prayed and decided to offer Esau a gift when they met. Esau had forgiven Jacob, and they were happy to see each other again. We can also try to overcome contention in our family and try to forgive each other when needed.