Day 2 – Hazel

(Corylus avellana)

“And Jacob took him rods of green poplar, and of the hazel and chestnut tree; and pilled white strakes in them, and made the white appear which was in the rods. And he set the rods which he had pilled before the flocks in the gutters in the watering troughs when the flocks came to drink, that they should conceive when they came to drink.” Genesis 30:37-38 (KJV)

With only one reference in the Bible, we read about the Hazel tree in the story about Jacob building his wealth. He wanted to take his family back to his homeland, but under the servitude of his uncle, Laban, it was difficult to break free from one deceitful promise after the other. In Genesis 30, Jacob makes a deal with Laban that he will only take the speckled, spotted, and black sheep – the “blemished” ones – for his wages. True to his nature, Laban removed all these from his flock, leaving only the unblemished lambs under the care of Jacob. But God had a plan…

Jacob took rods from the green poplar, hazel, and chestnut trees and peeled the bark to give the rods a striped appearance. Hazel trees especially, have a dark red-brownish bark covering the white raw wood – the markings would be distinct. Then he placed them in the water troughs of the flock. One might think this was a manipulation of nature or some sort of hocus-pocus – but I believe this was a prophetic act of God’s promise to him in Genesis 28:13-20. He acted on his faith in God. Also, people in those days were a lot more dependent on nature than we are today. We consider Hazelnuts a “superfood” loaded with nutrition found not only in the nut but in the woody fibres too. The durability and elasticity of their timber were used to make baskets and Shepherds’ crooks – and Jacob being a shepherd for most of his life were familiar with the uses of the Hazel.  

Jacob’s life was not perfect – speckled, striped, and black like his flock – he could return home with enough wealth to sustain his family. Regardless of his blemishes and because of his endurance and obedience, God blessed Jacob.

Prayer: Father, thank You for blessing Jacob – the father of Your chosen nation. Lord, thank You for showing us that Hazel trees were used for so much more than just their fruit and that Jacob, as a shepherd, had the knowledge to use it while tending the flocks. While we are tending someone else’s flock, please show us how to increase our lives through Your Word and guidance. Show us our Hazel rods. Amen.

Love, Pastor Iriza