If you find your gods with anyone here, he shall not live! In the presence of our relatives, see for yourself if anything is yours, and take it back." For Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen the idols. If you find your godsThe phrase "your gods" refers to the household idols, or "teraphim," that were common in ancient Near Eastern cultures. These small figurines were often used for divination or as protective talismans. The Hebrew word for "gods" here is "elohim," which can mean gods, divine beings, or even judges, depending on the context. In this passage, it underscores the polytheistic practices of Laban's household, contrasting with Jacob's monotheistic faith in Yahweh. This highlights the tension between the old ways of Laban's family and the new covenantal relationship Jacob has with God. with anyone here
This phrase indicates the thoroughness of Jacob's declaration. He is confident in the integrity of his household, unaware of Rachel's actions. The Hebrew word for "anyone" is "im," which can mean "with" or "among." This reflects Jacob's openness to scrutiny, emphasizing his commitment to righteousness and justice. It also foreshadows the unfolding drama, as the reader knows Rachel has taken the idols, creating a sense of impending revelation. he shall not live
This is a severe pronouncement, reflecting the seriousness with which Jacob views the theft of the idols. The Hebrew word for "live" is "chayah," meaning to live or to have life. In the ancient context, stealing household gods was not only a theft of property but also an affront to the family's spiritual and cultural identity. Jacob's declaration is a vow of innocence and a commitment to uphold justice, even at great personal cost. In the presence of our relatives
This phrase underscores the communal nature of justice in the ancient world. The Hebrew word for "presence" is "paniym," meaning face or presence, indicating a public examination. The involvement of relatives as witnesses ensures transparency and accountability. This reflects the patriarchal society's reliance on family and community to maintain order and resolve disputes. identify for yourself what is yours and take it
Jacob invites Laban to search and reclaim his property, demonstrating his confidence in his household's integrity. The Hebrew word for "identify" is "nakar," meaning to recognize or acknowledge. This act of recognition is crucial in resolving the conflict, as it allows for a clear distinction between what belongs to Laban and what is rightfully Jacob's. It also highlights Jacob's desire for peace and resolution, despite the underlying tensions. Now Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen the idols
This phrase introduces dramatic irony, as the reader is aware of Rachel's actions, but Jacob is not. The Hebrew word for "know" is "yada," meaning to know or perceive. This lack of knowledge sets the stage for future conflict and reveals the complexity of family dynamics. Rachel's theft reflects her lingering attachment to her father's household and its practices, contrasting with Jacob's commitment to his covenant with God. This tension between old allegiances and new faith is a recurring theme in the narrative of Genesis. Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobThe patriarch who unknowingly declared a curse upon the thief of Laban's household gods, unaware that his beloved wife Rachel was the culprit. 2. RachelJacob's wife who secretly took her father Laban's household idols, demonstrating a lack of trust in God's provision and protection. 3. LabanRachel's father, who pursued Jacob to retrieve his household gods, indicating his attachment to these idols. 4. Household Gods (Idols)Objects of worship or protection in Laban's household, representing a spiritual conflict between the worship of the one true God and idolatry. 5. RelativesThe family members present during the confrontation between Jacob and Laban, serving as witnesses to the unfolding events. Teaching Points The Danger of IdolatryIdolatry can subtly infiltrate our lives, leading us away from trusting in God alone. We must be vigilant in identifying and removing anything that takes God's rightful place in our hearts. The Power of WordsJacob's unknowing curse upon the thief of the idols reminds us to be cautious with our words, as they can have unintended consequences. Family Dynamics and FaithThe incident reveals the complexities of family relationships and the need for transparency and trust, especially in matters of faith. God's Sovereignty and ProtectionDespite human failings, God's plan prevails. Jacob's journey and protection illustrate God's faithfulness to His promises. Repentance and RestorationWhen we recognize idolatry or sin in our lives, we must seek repentance and restoration, aligning ourselves with God's will. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the presence of household gods in Laban's family reveal about their spiritual state, and how can we apply this understanding to our own lives today? 2. How does Jacob's response to Laban's accusation reflect his character and relationship with God, and what can we learn from his example? 3. In what ways can we identify and remove "idols" in our own lives, ensuring that our devotion remains solely to God? 4. How does the account of Rachel's theft and Jacob's curse illustrate the importance of honesty and integrity within family relationships? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's protection and faithfulness despite human error or sin. How can this encourage you in your current walk with God? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 20:3-4The commandment against idolatry highlights the seriousness of Rachel's actions and the spiritual implications of possessing idols. Joshua 24:14-15Joshua's call to the Israelites to serve the Lord and put away foreign gods echoes the need for exclusive devotion to God, as seen in Jacob's household. 1 Samuel 15:22-23Samuel's rebuke of Saul for disobedience and idolatry underscores the importance of obedience over ritualistic practices, paralleling Rachel's secretive actions. | Jacob At Haran | W. Roberts. | Genesis 31:22-42 | | Laban | M. Dods, D. D. | Genesis 31:22-42 | | Laban's Expostulation with Jacob, and Jacob's Defence | T. H. Leale. | Genesis 31:22-42 | | Lessons | G. Hughes, B. D., J. C. Gray. | Genesis 31:22-42 | | Lessons | G Hughes, B. D. | Genesis 31:22-42 | | Lessons | G. Hughes, B. D. . | Genesis 31:22-42 | | Lessons | G. Hughes, B. D. . | Genesis 31:22-42 | | Lessons | G. Hughes, B. D. . | Genesis 31:22-42 | | Lessons | G. Hughes, B. D. . | Genesis 31:22-42 | | Lessons | G. Hughes, B. D. . | Genesis 31:22-42 | | Lessons | G. Hughes, B. D. | Genesis 31:22-42 | | The Years of Servitude | E. Craig. | Genesis 31:22-42 |
People Aram, Isaac, Jacob, Laban, Leah, Nahor, RachelPlaces Canaan, Euphrates River, Galeed, Gilead, Jegar-sahadutha, Mizpah, Paddan-aramTopics Anyone, Anything, Belongings, Brethren, Death, Didn't, Discern, Findest, Gods, Jacob, Kinsmen, Point, Presence, Rachel, Relatives, Search, Stolen, Thyself, Whether, Whomsoever, YoursDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 31:31 8754 fear 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 31:32 NIVGenesis 31:32 NLTGenesis 31:32 ESVGenesis 31:32 NASBGenesis 31:32 KJV
Genesis 31:32 Commentaries
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