Bible Commentary

And he took his brethren with him, and pursued after him seven days’ journey; and they overtook him in the mount Gilead. 22 55. The Pursuit of Laban, &c. 23. his brethren ] i.e. the men of his kindred and clan, as in Gen 31:25 ; Gen 31:32. Jacob is similarly attended; cf. Gen 31:37 … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 31:23”

And it was told Laban on the third day that Jacob was fled. Gen 31:22-42 Laban said to Jacob, What hast thou done, that thou hast stolen away unawares to me, and carried away my daughters, . . . ? — Labans expostulation with Jacob, and Jacobs defence I. LABANS EXPOSTULATION WITH JACOB. 1. There … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 31:22”

So he fled with all that he had; and he rose up, and passed over the river, and set his face [toward] the mount Gilead. 21. the River ] i.e. the Euphrates. See note on Gen 15:18. Cf. Psa 72:8, “from the River unto the ends of the earth.” “Haran” (Gen 24:4) was Laban’s home. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 31:21”

And Jacob stole away unawares to Laban the Syrian, in that he told him not that he fled. 20. stole away, &c.] Heb. stole the heart of Laban the Aramean. Cf. Gen 31:26. Jacob outwitted Laban; fled secretly, and got three days’ start. For the phrase, cf. the Greek , “to steal the mind,” i.e. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 31:20”

And Laban went to shear his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the images that [were] her father’s. 19. gone to shear his sheep ] Jacob selected, as an opportune moment for flight, Laban’s absence from home and attendance at the important festival of sheep-shearing. Among shepherds this was an occasion of feasting, which lasted several … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 31:19”

And he carried away all his cattle, and all his goods which he had gotten, the cattle of his getting, which he had gotten in Padan-aram, for to go to Isaac his father in the land of Canaan. 18. he carried the cattle of hisgettingthat is, his own and nothing more. He did not indemnifyhimself … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 31:18”

Then Jacob rose up, and set his sons and his wives upon camels; Gen 31:17-21 Then Jacob rose up. Lessons 1. Concurrence of all things with the call of God points out the time of mans obedience to him. 2. He that hath Gods call for himself and others to any undertaking should prepare first … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 31:17”

For all the riches which God hath taken from our father, that [is] ours, and our children’s: now then, whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do. That is ours; not only by Gods special gift, but by the natural right which children have to a share in his estate, and upon the account of thy … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 31:16”

Are we not counted of him strangers? for he hath sold us, and hath quite devoured also our money. 15. strangers ] i.e. foreigners, people of another kindred or country. sold us ] Referring to the bargain by which Jacob had obtained his two wives at the price of fourteen years’ service (Gen 29:15-20; Gen … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 31:15”

And Rachel and Leah answered and said unto him, [Is there] yet any portion or inheritance for us in our father’s house? 14. Is there yet ] i.e. “we have no reason any longer to expect.” Leah and Rachel had both been alienated from their father by his disregard of their feelings and by his … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Genesis 31:14”