The Gate of Heaven Is a Voice

Abstract

The Jacob Cycle, from chapters 27 to 37, is a beautiful fresco of human greatness and contradictions where all the colours of life and all the tones of social and family relationships are at work: starting from the splendid and auroral theophanies and blessings to the dark and nocturnal lies and deceits. Jacob obeys his mother once again; he sets out on a journey in order not to die, avoiding this way that his brotherhood should take the course of that of Cain – brotherhood in the Bible is never a romantic or sentimental thing. Salvation comes yet another time through “dispersion”, like in Babel, like the one between Abraham and Lot. And he is awaited by a decisive encounter in the desert, in the form of a dream. This is the first time Jacob meets JHWH who issues a personal call to him. From that moment on JHWH will not merely be the God of the fathers. YHWH is not anymore the God of his father, but also his God, the Voice that calls him by his name. A grammar of every vocation, where the family name is not enough.

Samuel said to Saul, «Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up? I am in great distress, » Saul said, «...God has departed from me. He no longer answers me, either by prophets or by dreams. »

First Book of Samuel, 28:15