God’s Rascal: The Jacob Narrative in Genesis 25–35

by Dale Ralph Davis

Beloved author Dale Ralph Davis looks at one of the most fascinating characters in the Bible, and the God who was faithful to him.



The character of Jacob that we meet in chapters 25-35 of Genesis is a fascinating one. A kaleidoscopic blend of deviousness and doggedness, of trickery and tenacity, of folly and faith. As readers we can't help being drawn into his story. With his trademark wit and perceptive comments Dale Ralph Davis guides us through the story of this rogue and traces the evidence of grace, providence, blessing throughout his life.



Taking us chapter by chapter through this fundamental section of scripture, Davis highlights not only the character of Jacob, but the character of the God who cared for him and faithfully kept his promises to him.

Genres: Christian

144 pages, Paperback

Published September 9, 2022

About the author

Dale Ralph Davis is Minister in Residence, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, South Carolina. Prior to that he was pastor of Woodland Presbyterian Church, Hattiesburg, Mississippi and Professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi.

Reviews

[Bob O'Bannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Davis is an engaging writer and in this slim volume he brings Jacob to life as a flawed and stubborn character who nevertheless is relentlessly pursued by the covenant God of grace. Anyone feeling like he/she has made a mess of life should find great encouragement in the study of Jacob's life.

A distinguishing feature of the book is the frequent illustrations and stories that Davis uses, some of which are illuminating and inspiring, but some of the stories didn't really connect to the point Davis was making. For any teacher or preacher, this is always the potential pitfall of telling good stories – if the reader/listener ends up thinking more of the story than the point the story was seeking to illuminate, something has gone awry.

Because the book is short (136 pages), this also only gives a bird's-eye overview of Jacob's life, which is fine, but if you want to dig into the details you'll have to look elsewhere.

[Stephen Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm usually not too interested in devotionals, but this one is quite good. In fact, it's probably the ideal for me when I think of devotional material.

[Russell Matherly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Davis’s commentary on the text is fantastic. When he’s telling the story and teasing out the cultural, linguistic, and theological implications, this book shines. His writing style is snarky, quick-witted and observant. He’s be a fun guy to have a beer with.

Unfortunately for me, this book had far too many stories that seemed to pop up at almost predictable intervals that distracted from his point. In the context of sermons, maybe it wouldn’t have been quite as jarring, but by the end, I was pretty fatigued by his “examples”. Cutting those parts could have shortened the book by about a quarter and really sold his point more clearly.

I suppose if you like Biblical studies mixed with early nineteenth-twentieth century anecdotes, then this is the book for you.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little book is essentially a series of expository sermons on the Jacob narratives in Genesis, written with Davis's typical vim and vigor. His attention to the literary structure and theological implications of the text are what make the book so good. But he also throws in some helpful applications and illustrations (and, to be honest, some less helpful, too; and a few that are good, but not quite suited to the point he's making—something like a nice looking jacket that doesn't quite fit). Davis can sometimes be quirky with all of his "War-Between-the-States" stories and homespun humor. But he's never boring and I always learn something from him. Not bad for someone commenting on OT narrative!

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply put, if you want an insightful, enjoyable, applicable (and often laugh-out-loud whimsical), you need to read ANY Dale Ralph Davis books on the Old Testament narratives! He wears his deep learning lightly, yet it undergirds all of his exposition and applications. I really hope he continues to write in his retirement!

[David Noe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read through this in preparing for our sermon series on family. This is a well written and concise overview of the life of Jacob and many of his rascal-like tendencies and precarious positions he puts himself and his family in. This will be a book I’ll be keeping on my shelf.

[Ryan Ross · Rating 2 out of 5]

Got tired of his historical illustrations and don’t feel like his exposition was up to par with his other books. Also, Davis doesn’t usually connect the OT text to Christ but the absence of Jesus in the chapters is much more felt here.

[Phil Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

As ever with DRD, clear and faithful, well illustrated and applied. More please!

[Elease · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Recommend.

[David Pulliam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good short read, everything I’d expect from Davis, commentary, observation, random story, application.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent set of expositions on the Jacob narrative. Good to read devotionally.

[Brad Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Davis's usual straight forward an insightful exegesis of an Old Testament narrative mixed with his corny illustrations.

[Jan Beekman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice read!

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic