Many people are curious about the meaning behind “Jacob’s trouble.” After all, Jacob is a highly esteemed forefather of the nation of Israel. It was through him, by way of his many sons and their children who became the twelve tribes, that God chose to bless His people. One could argue it is even an honor to have your trouble compared to Jacob’s because he was instrumental in birthing a nation, and his descendants became (and still are) very blessed.
It is because Jacob is so central to the story of Israel that the Bible uses him as a name for great strivings and perseverance in the last days.
Where Does the Bible Mention Jacob’s Trouble?
The life of Jacob had many twists and turns. God even compares things in the future to what Jacob experienced in his time. When the children of Israel suffered peril, it was referred to as Jacob’s trouble.
Many characters in the Bible suffered trouble. Job suffered trouble. David suffered trouble. But from the lineage of Jacob were birthed the twelve tribes of Israel and his trouble was indeed significant. The Bible says, “in this life you shall have many tribulations, but be of good cheer I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Since before Jacob was born, there was trouble in his life. Jacob’s mother, Rebekah, asked the Lord why her twins were struggling in her womb (Genesis 26:22). The Lord told her that she had two nations in her womb and the elder would serve the younger. Let’s just say Jacob was ambitious and a go-getter. His mother favored him.
Jacob stole Esau’s blessing, but God had already told his mother that his older brother would serve him. Rebekah told her son Jacob to flee until his brother calmed down regarding the stolen blessing. Jacob went to stay with his mother’s brother Laban (Genesis 27:45).
Even though Jacob was a trickster who cheated his brother Esau of birthright and blessing, Laban proved to be a bigger trickster. Initially, Jacob was to work seven years for Rachel, whom he loved. It turned out that he would work twice as long to marry her. His uncle tricked him, and he received Leah instead. Still determined to have the woman of his dreams, he agreed to work for seven more years (Genesis 29).
Jacob wrestled with an angel (Genesis 32). The angel touched the hollow of Jacob’s thigh. God changes Jacob’s name to Israel because he strives with God (Genesis 28). Jacob called the place where he struggled with God Peniel because he came face to face with God.
Finally, Jacob makes peace with his brother. His brother Esau came with four hundred men (Genesis 33). Israel was very cordial and humble toward his older brother. He made gift offerings, but his brother did not accept them, saying,” I have enough, my brother; keep that thou hast for thyself” (Genesis 33:9). Esau went in one direction and Israel another.
Jacob’s troubles do not stop there. His 10 oldest sons sell their brother, Joseph, into slavery. Joseph was so loved by his father (Genesis 37). They told him that Joseph had been killed. Even though he saw Joseph later in life, imagine how he must have felt thinking that his son had suffered a tragic death.
What Is Jacob’s Trouble in the Book of Jeremiah?
The trouble in Jacob’s life was so numerous that God referenced it in Jeremiah 30:7. “Alas! For that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.” You can also read the preceding verses in Jeremiah 30, where the Lord declares that He will return Israel and Judah to the land He promised them. Trouble had been keeping the children of Israel from occupying their land.
Jeremiah’s ministry lasted over 40 years. He was Judean. Early in Jeremiah 1, we see God called him to be a prophet. He spent a good portion of his ministry witnessing to Judah and the children of Israel before they were taken away into Babylon. God was not pleased with the idol worship or the people not keeping the sabbath (2 Chronicles 36:21).
Jeremiah was known as the weeping prophet. He was God’s mouthpiece to the southern kingdom of Judah. God constantly used him to warn Israel of their sinfulness. They would not heed the warnings and many times laughed at the messengers of God (2 Chronicles 36:16). God used a linen girdle to give an example of what He was going to do to Judah (Jeremiah 13). Jeremiah 13:9 reads, “After this manner will I mar the pride of Judah, and the great pride of Jerusalem.” God refers to them as “evil people who refuse to hear His words, walk in the imagination of their heart, and walk after other gods” (Jeremiah 13:10).
The people of God had fallen into many perils. God used much figurative language to describe the situation of the people. He gave a parable of wine bottles. The Lord said all the people will become drunk. It does not matter what their stature is. They will be pitted against one another. The Lord will not pity or spare them but destroy them (Jeremiah 13:12-14).
Judah’s idolatry caused the Lord to grow tired of their ways. That’s why Jeremiah continued to preach and tell them what the Lord said He would do. The wineskin or bottles symbolized the people of Judah. God said they would be so drunken with their sin that they would destroy each other like wine bottles breaking into each other. The House of Israel and the House of Judah have broken God’s covenant (Jeremiah 10:10). The Lord speaks about how evil will overcome them. This is a foreshadowing of their carrying away into Babylon. They have been worshipping other gods, including Baal. God tells Jeremiah there is no need to pray for them because he will not hear their cry.
Jeremiah 25 outlines the prophecy of 70 years of captivity for Judah. King Nebuchadnezzar will lead an invasion. The invasion will be so troublesome that events such as marriages and other celebrations will cease (Jeremiah 25:10). After Judah is released from captivity, God will punish the king of Babylon and the nation (Jeremiah 25:12).
While Jeremiah speaks about the people gaining freedom from Babylon, which did happen, scholars like Matthew Henry have argued something else is going on here. Jeremiah is also talking about the trials, pain and rescue that will come later, in the last days.
What Events Will Happen in the Time of Jacob’s Trouble?
Many scholars believe Jacob’s trouble refers finally to the tribulation described in Revelation and in Matthew. This is at the end of days. Some scholars go into detail referencing Jeremiah 30, Matthew 24, and Revelation about the tribulation period. The tribulation period occurs after the rapture of the church and before the Battle of Armageddon.
From what I have read in the Bible, no one wants to be around during the tribulation. It is a time of great testing, where the enemy unleashes great power. Many will turn into Christians during this time because they will need God to make it through.
Jacob’s trouble is another way of saying Israel’s trouble because the tribes came out of his loins. The future can best be summed up as a time of tribulation for the children of Israel. The Great tribulation is spoken of in Matthew 24:15-22. For those alive at this time, that is considered Jacob’s trouble. Revelation 6-12 speaks of the time of tribulation. The tribulation period is three and a half years based on Biblical references.
It is a period that has not been seen on this earth since the beginning of time. Revelation 7 speaks of a group of 144,000 people from the tribes of the children of Israel being sealed. The seal will mark them so they won’t be hurt during the tribulation.
Also, Daniel 12:1 speaks of a time of trouble that has never been seen before. Daniel 12 also speaks of what will occur during the tribulation and the length of time. Verse 11 gives reference to 1,290 days.
In Revelation, we see more details about the time of trouble. Start reading Revelation 6, where the seals are opened. Earthquakes occur. The sun becomes black. The moon becomes blood. Revelation 8 speaks of hail and fire falling to the earth. Also, a burning star called Wormwood will fall to the earth. Revelation nine speaks of locusts with the power of scorpions. These locusts will afflict those who God has not sealed. They will be tormented for five months and seek death, but it will run from them.
In short, Jacob’s trouble is both a warning and a promise. As such, it has important lessons for us today.
What Can We Learn Today from Revelation’s Words about Jacob’s Trouble?
We must trust God and not stray. Times might get difficult, but we must cling to God regardless. Many things are foretold that would shake one’s faith. Revelation 13:17 speaks of “people not being able to buy or sell unless they have the mark of the beast or the number.” Those who plan to go to heaven do not want to take this mark. Unfortunately, those weak in the faith might succumb just to ensure they can eat. However, those who have faith in God will survive and receive everlasting life. They trust that God will provide food for them without selling out to the beast’s method of operation. The Beast, the Antichrist, and Satan work together for evil.
It is a good habit to fast, pray, and continue to seek God for guidance. Trust God and trust His plan. It is also more important than ever to witness to others so they won’t get left behind. Also, study God’s word to show yourself approved. The prophecies in Revelation are there for us to read to know what will happen in the last days.
Many people are afraid to read Revelation because it has a lot of doom and gloom, but these things will take place whether we choose to be enlightened or not. The book of Revelation even mentions that those who read the book are blessed (1:3).
This article is part of our larger End Times Resource Library. Learn more about the rapture, the anti-christ, bible prophecy and the tribulation with articles that explain Biblical truths. You do not need to fear or worry about the future!
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What Is the Apollyon?
Is the Apocalypse Mentioned in the Bible?
Signs of the End Times and the Rapture
