Jacob

chiasm

David A. Dorsey, The Literary Structure of the Old Testament

1. a
   Jacob's exile begins28:5Jacob leaves for Paddan Aram, sent off by father Isaac
2. b
   Esau's family28:6–9
3. c
   stop at Bethel28:10–22God appears to Jacob; his promise to Jacob; sets up memorial stone to commemorate God's appearance; names the place El-Bethel ("God of the house of God")
4. d
   departure from Canaan and arrival at Paddan-aram29:1–30Laban's treachery with marriage agreement; deceitful reassurance: "you are my bone and my flesh!"; Jacob loves (ʾāhēb) Rachel, willing to pay any price
5. e
   Jacob's family becomes large29:31–30:24tension between elder and younger wife finally resolved
6. f
   Jacob's scheming30:25–43involving positioning of flocks; use of his name Jacob; result: gains many flocks
7. g
   TURNING POINT: Yahweh enables Jacob to escape and depart for home31:1–55
8. f′
   Jacob's scheming32:1–32involving positioning of flocks; changes Jacob's name; result: loses many flocks
9. e′
   Jacob introduces his large family to Esau33:1–17tension between him (younger) and Esau (elder) finally resolved
10. d′
    arrival back in Canaan from Paddan-aram33:18–34:31sons' treachery with marriage agreement at Shechem; deceitful reassurance: "we . . . will be one people!"; Shechem loves (ʾāhēb) Dinah, willing to pay any price
11. c′
    stop at Bethel35:1–29God appears to Jacob; he kept his promise!; sets up memorial stone to commemorate God's appearance; names the place El-Bethel ("God of the house of God")
12. b′
    Esau's family36:1–43
13. a′
    Jacob's exile ends37:1Jacob settles "where his father had lived, in . . . Canaan"