قصة الكتاب :
“The Book of Jacob” is one of the books that make up the Torah in the Old Testament and is substantially valued in the New Testament in which it was stated that: “You have heard of Jacob’s patience, and seen God’s reward because God is very compassionate and caring” (Jacob 15:11)
The Book is unique among other books in the Torah as it uses poetic language. It starts by telling a short story of a pious, religious and wealthy man called Jacob who is also a model for incorruptibility and chastity. He is also a dedicated worshipper so much so that the Devil complained about him to God. The main theme in this Book is the question that states: Why does the Heaven’s Justice allow a man with such great faith as Jacob to suffer so much and endure so much torture? During a long supplication between Jacob and God, the agonies of man in life and his inability to confront are manifested. Also, God’s wisdom in granting man patience just as in the case of Jacob is manifested. Jacob converses with God in a language that is almost poetic. He complains about his misfortune and laments life’s misery. Then comes the revelation chapter followed by another chapter that contains God’s speech from behind the clouds. It contains the question that is often quoted in literature: “Where were you when I was building the Earth’s foundations?” Jacob concludes his complaints by saying: “Here I end up to dust and ashes.”
“The Book of Jacob” is read by the Jews when they want to remember past tragedies and parts of it are read in funerals and at eastern churches when remembering Christ’s crucifixion and ascension. Jacob is honored by Muslims who consider him as one of God’s messengers. He has many shrines each of which is claimed to be the one where he lies, such as that found in Palestine in Al Jourah village near Gaza, as well as in Lebanon and Turkey. Moreover, many of the archeological sites in Egypt and the Mesopotamia contain remains of some of his poems, which mean the Torah has drawn from those civilization and added characters inspired by them.