And Jacob saw from the countenance of Laban that his attitude toward him had changed. And Jacob sawThe Hebrew word for "saw" is רָאָה (ra'ah), which means to perceive or understand. This indicates not just a physical seeing but a deeper perception or insight. Jacob, a man who had experienced divine encounters and dreams, was attuned to discerning the intentions and emotions of those around him. This perception is crucial in the narrative, as it sets the stage for his decision to leave Laban's household. It reminds us of the importance of spiritual discernment in our own lives, to see beyond the surface and understand the deeper realities at play. from the face of Laban
The phrase "from the face" in Hebrew is מִפְּנֵי (mipnei), which can also be translated as "from the presence" or "from the countenance." The face in Hebrew culture often reflects one's inner emotions and intentions. Laban's face, therefore, was a window into his heart, revealing his true feelings toward Jacob. This highlights the biblical theme that our inner attitudes are often visible to others, whether we intend them to be or not. It serves as a reminder to maintain integrity and sincerity in our relationships. that his attitude toward him
The word "attitude" here is translated from the Hebrew word שָׁלוֹם (shalom), which is often rendered as peace, well-being, or favor. In this context, it implies the relational harmony or goodwill that once existed between Jacob and Laban. The change in Laban's attitude signifies a shift from peace to hostility, a turning point in their relationship. This change is pivotal, as it propels Jacob to seek God's guidance and ultimately return to the land of his fathers. It underscores the transient nature of human favor and the need to rely on God's unchanging faithfulness. had changed
The Hebrew root for "changed" is חָלַף (chalaph), meaning to pass on or to alter. This word conveys a sense of transformation or transition. Laban's change of heart is not just a minor adjustment but a significant shift that affects the course of Jacob's life. This transformation serves as a catalyst for Jacob's journey back to Canaan, fulfilling God's promise to him. It illustrates the biblical principle that God can use even adverse circumstances to accomplish His divine purposes, encouraging believers to trust in His sovereign plan even when faced with changing human relationships. Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobThe grandson of Abraham, son of Isaac, and a key patriarch in the Bible. At this point in Genesis, Jacob is living with his uncle Laban in Paddan-aram, having worked for him for many years. 2. LabanJacob's uncle and father-in-law, who has employed Jacob for many years. Laban's changing attitude towards Jacob is a pivotal moment in their relationship. 3. Paddan-aramThe region where Laban lived and where Jacob had fled to escape his brother Esau. It is a significant location in Jacob's life journey. 4. CountenanceThe expression or look on someone's face. In this context, it refers to Laban's facial expression, which indicated his changed feelings towards Jacob. 5. Attitude ChangeThis event marks a shift in the relationship between Jacob and Laban, leading to Jacob's decision to leave Laban's household. Teaching Points Discernment in RelationshipsJacob's ability to perceive Laban's changing attitude highlights the importance of being observant and discerning in our relationships. We should be attentive to non-verbal cues and changes in behavior that may indicate underlying issues. Trusting God's GuidanceDespite the change in Laban's attitude, Jacob trusted in God's guidance to lead him back to his homeland. This teaches us to rely on God's direction, especially when facing relational challenges. Handling ConflictThe shift in Laban's attitude could have led to conflict, but Jacob chose to seek God's will and act accordingly. This encourages us to seek peaceful resolutions and divine wisdom when dealing with difficult relationships. Recognizing God's ProvisionJacob's time with Laban, despite its challenges, was a period of growth and blessing. We should recognize and be grateful for God's provision, even in less-than-ideal circumstances. Bible Study Questions 1. How can we apply Jacob's discernment of Laban's attitude to our own relationships today? 2. In what ways can we seek and trust God's guidance when we face changes in our relationships, as Jacob did? 3. How does the change in Laban's attitude towards Jacob reflect the importance of being aware of non-verbal communication in our interactions? 4. What steps can we take to handle conflicts in a way that honors God, as seen in Jacob's response to Laban's changing attitude? 5. How can we recognize and appreciate God's provision in our lives, even when we are in challenging situations like Jacob was with Laban? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 30:27-30This passage provides context for Laban's previous favorable attitude towards Jacob, as Jacob's presence had brought prosperity to Laban. Genesis 31:5-7These verses reveal Jacob's awareness of Laban's changing attitude and God's instruction to return to his homeland, showing divine guidance in Jacob's life. Proverbs 27:19This verse speaks to the reflection of a person's heart in their face, similar to how Laban's countenance revealed his feelings towards Jacob. People Aram, Isaac, Jacob, Laban, Leah, Nahor, RachelPlaces Canaan, Euphrates River, Galeed, Gilead, Jegar-sahadutha, Mizpah, Paddan-aramTopics Attitude, Beforetime, Beheld, Behold, Countenance, Expression, Face, Favor, Feeling, Formerly, Friendly, Heretofore, Jacob, Laban, Laban's, Longer, Noticed, Previously, Regard, TowardsDictionary 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 31:2 NIVGenesis 31:2 NLTGenesis 31:2 ESVGenesis 31:2 NASBGenesis 31:2 KJV
Genesis 31:2 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
