S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

Amos 8:7 says, "The LORD has sworn by the Pride of Jacob: "I will never forget anything they have done.'" What is this "Pride of Jacob"?Interpreters are divided on the understanding of this phrase....

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July 01 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Kenneth Heck Supporter

If Jacob had any reason for pride, it could only have been due to his dream
of the ladder reaching from heaven to earth with angels ascending and descending upon it. Jacob set the stone he used for a pillow, poured oil on it, and called the name of the place Bethel. He made his covenant of a tenth or tithe with God there (Gen 28:11-22).

In later centuries Bethel became a place of worship and sacrifice, and 
under Jeroboam of the Northern Kingdom, a rival to Jerusalem. According to Amos Bethel was to come to nothing (Am 4:4,5:5). Also, Jeremiah (48:13) and Hosea (10:13). 

With the ultimate destruction of Bethel, the Pride of Jacob (a divine revelation God would never recant) also came to nothing. Note that it wasn't called the Pride of Israel, only of Jacob, indicating only genealogical origin, not true Israel.

However, the original dream is even more meaningful today than in ancient times because it indicates what the Kingdom of Heaven on earth will be
like - a safe place for angels to come and go at will. And it will be achieved
though physical and spiritual Israel, Jacob's new name.

June 02 2014 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report