and he drove all his livestock before him, along with all the possessions he had acquired in Paddan-aram, to go to his father Isaac in the land in Canaan. He drove all his livestock ahead of himThis phrase indicates Jacob's leadership and responsibility over his possessions. The Hebrew word for "drove" is "nahag," which implies guiding or leading with purpose. In the ancient Near Eastern context, livestock was a primary measure of wealth and sustenance. Jacob's action of driving his livestock signifies his role as a shepherd and caretaker, reflecting God's guidance over His people. This imagery of shepherding is a recurring biblical theme, symbolizing care, provision, and leadership. along with all the goods he had accumulated
The term "goods" in Hebrew is "rekush," referring to property or possessions. Jacob's accumulation of goods in Paddan-aram highlights God's blessing and fulfillment of His promise to prosper Jacob. This accumulation is not merely material wealth but a testament to God's faithfulness. Historically, the patriarchs' wealth was often seen as a sign of divine favor, and Jacob's prosperity underscores the covenantal relationship between God and the patriarchs. in Paddan-aram
Paddan-aram, located in the region of Mesopotamia, is significant as the place where Jacob spent many years working for Laban. The name itself means "field of Aram," indicating a fertile area suitable for livestock. This location is crucial in Jacob's narrative, as it is where he experienced both hardship and blessing. It serves as a backdrop for God's providential care and the development of Jacob's character and faith. to go to his father Isaac
This phrase signifies Jacob's return to his roots and the continuation of the Abrahamic covenant. The Hebrew verb "yalak," meaning "to go," implies a purposeful journey. Jacob's return to Isaac is not just a physical relocation but a spiritual reconnection with his heritage and the promises given to his forefathers. It reflects the biblical theme of returning to one's spiritual foundation and the importance of family and covenantal relationships. in the land of Canaan
Canaan is the land promised by God to Abraham and his descendants. It represents the fulfillment of God's promises and the future inheritance of the Israelites. The mention of Canaan here is significant as it ties Jacob's personal journey to the larger narrative of God's redemptive plan. Canaan is not just a geographical location but a symbol of divine promise, hope, and the ultimate destination for God's people. This journey back to Canaan underscores the faithfulness of God in leading His people to their promised inheritance. Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobThe central figure in this passage, Jacob is returning to his father Isaac in Canaan after spending years in Paddan-aram. He is taking with him all his possessions and family. 2. Paddan-aramA region in Mesopotamia where Jacob lived with his uncle Laban. It is here that Jacob accumulated his wealth and family. 3. IsaacJacob's father, residing in the land of Canaan. Jacob's return to Isaac signifies a return to his roots and the continuation of God's covenant with Abraham's descendants. 4. CanaanThe land promised by God to Abraham and his descendants. Jacob's journey back to Canaan is significant as it represents the fulfillment of God's promises. 5. Livestock and GoodsThe wealth Jacob accumulated during his time in Paddan-aram, symbolizing God's blessing and provision. Teaching Points God's FaithfulnessGod's promises are sure and steadfast. Just as He promised Jacob a return to Canaan, He fulfills His promises to us today. Obedience and TrustJacob's journey back to Canaan required trust in God's plan. We are called to trust and obey God's direction in our lives, even when the path is uncertain. Provision and BlessingJacob's wealth and family are a testament to God's provision. Recognize and be thankful for the ways God provides for us. Returning to Our Spiritual RootsJust as Jacob returned to his father Isaac, we are encouraged to return to our spiritual roots and heritage, seeking God's presence and guidance. Legacy and Continuation of FaithJacob's return to Canaan is part of the larger account of God's covenant. We are part of a legacy of faith that continues through our actions and obedience. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jacob's journey back to Canaan reflect God's faithfulness in your own life? 2. In what ways can you demonstrate trust and obedience to God's direction, even when the future seems uncertain? 3. Consider the blessings and provisions in your life. How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude for what God has provided? 4. What are some ways you can return to your spiritual roots and strengthen your relationship with God? 5. How can you contribute to the legacy of faith in your family or community, similar to Jacob's role in the continuation of God's covenant? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 28:15God's promise to Jacob that He would bring him back to the land of Canaan, highlighting God's faithfulness. Genesis 12:1-3The original promise to Abraham about making him a great nation and blessing all families of the earth through him, which is being fulfilled through Jacob's return. Hebrews 11:9The faith of the patriarchs, including Jacob, who lived as foreigners in the land of promise, looking forward to the fulfillment of God's promises. People Aram, Isaac, Jacob, Laban, Leah, Nahor, RachelPlaces Canaan, Euphrates River, Galeed, Gilead, Jegar-sahadutha, Mizpah, Paddan-aramTopics Accumulated, Acquired, Ahead, Along, Aram, Canaan, Carried, Cattle, Drove, Gained, Gathered, Getting, Goods, Got, Gotten, Including, Isaac, Leadeth, Livestock, Padanaram, Padan-aram, Paddan, Paddan-aram, Possession, Possessions, Property, Ready, Sending, SubstanceDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 31:1-24 5095 Jacob, life Library Gen. xxxi. 11
Of no less importance and significance is the passage Gen. xxxi. 11 seq. According to ver. 11, the Angel of God, [Hebrew: mlaK halhiM] appears toJacob in a dream. In ver. 13, the same person calls himself the God of Bethel, with reference to the event recorded in chap. xxviii. 11-22. It cannot be supposed that in chap xxviii. the mediation of a common angel took place, who, however, had not been expressly mentioned; for Jehovah is there contrasted with the angels. In ver. 12, we read: "And behold …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old TestamentAppendix xvi. On the Jewish views About Demons' and the Demonised,' Together with Some Notes on the Intercourse Between Jews and Jewish Christians in the First Centuries.
IT is not, of course, our purpose here to attempt an exhaustive account of the Jewish views on demons' and the demonised.' A few preliminary strictures were, however, necessary on a work upon which writers on this subject have too implictly relied. I refer to Gfrörer's Jahrhundert des Heils (especially vol. i. pp. 378-424). Gfrörer sets out by quoting a passage in the Book of Enoch on which he lays great stress, but which critical inquiries of Dillmann and other scholars have shown to be …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah How the Rude in Sacred Learning, and those who are Learned but not Humble, are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 25.) Differently to be admonished are those who do not understand aright the words of the sacred Law, and those who understand them indeed aright, but speak them not humbly. For those who understand not aright the words of sacred Law are to be admonished to consider that they turn for themselves a most wholesome drought of wine into a cup of poison, and with a medicinal knife inflict on themselves a mortal wound, when they destroy in themselves what was sound by that whereby they ought, …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Epistle Xlix. To Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch .
To Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch [35] . Gregory to Anastasius, &c. I received the letters of thy Fraternity, rightly holding fast the profession of the faith; and I returned great thanks to Almighty God, who, when the shepherds of His flock are changed, still, even after such change, guards the faith which He once delivered to the holy Fathers. Now the excellent preacher says, Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Christ Jesus (1 Cor. iii. 2). Whosoever, then, with love of …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great The Great Shepherd
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd; He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. I t is not easy for those, whose habits of life are insensibly formed by the customs of modern times, to conceive any adequate idea of the pastoral life, as obtained in the eastern countries, before that simplicity of manners, which characterized the early ages, was corrupted, by the artificial and false refinements of luxury. Wealth, in those …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 And He had Also this Favour Granted Him. ...
66. And he had also this favour granted him. For as he was sitting alone on the mountain, if ever he was in perplexity in his meditations, this was revealed to him by Providence in prayer. And the happy man, as it is written, was taught of God [1112] . After this, when he once had a discussion with certain men who had come to him concerning the state of the soul and of what nature its place will be after this life, the following night one from above called him, saying, Antony, rise, go out and look.' …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius A Treatise of the Fear of God;
SHOWING WHAT IT IS, AND HOW DISTINGUISHED FROM THAT WHICH IS NOT SO. ALSO, WHENCE IT COMES; WHO HAS IT; WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS; AND WHAT THE PRIVILEGES OF THOSE THAT HAVE IT IN THEIR HEARTS. London: Printed for N. Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, over against the Stocks market: 1679. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and "a fountain of life"--the foundation on which all wisdom rests, as well as the source from whence it emanates. Upon a principle …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Meditations for the Morning.
1. Almighty God can, in the resurrection, as easily raise up thy body out of the grave, from the sleep of death, as he hath this morning wakened thee in thy bed, out of the sleep of nature. At the dawning of which resurrection day, Christ shall come to be glorified in his saints; and every one of the bodies of the thousands of his saints, being fashioned like unto his glorious body, shall shine as bright as the sun (2 Thess. i. 10; Jude, ver. 14; Phil. iii. 21; Luke ix. 31;) all the angels shining …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Genesis 31:18 NIVGenesis 31:18 NLTGenesis 31:18 ESVGenesis 31:18 NASBGenesis 31:18 KJV
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