You have searched all my goods! Have you found anything that belongs to you? Put it here before my brothers and yours, that they may judge between the two of us. Now that you have searched all my goodsThis phrase reflects Jacob's frustration and defensiveness. The Hebrew word for "searched" is "חָפַשׂ" (chaphas), which implies a thorough and diligent search. Historically, this search was conducted by Laban, who was suspicious of Jacob. The context here is one of tension and mistrust, as Laban accuses Jacob of stealing his household gods. This moment is pivotal, as it underscores the strained relationship between Jacob and Laban, highlighting themes of integrity and justice. what have you found of your own household goods?
The phrase "household goods" refers to personal and valuable items, in this case, the teraphim or household gods. The Hebrew term "כְּלִי" (keli) can mean vessels or articles, indicating items of significance. Jacob's rhetorical question emphasizes his innocence and challenges Laban to produce evidence of wrongdoing. This moment is crucial in the narrative, as it demonstrates Jacob's confidence in his integrity and the futility of Laban's accusations. Set it here before my brothers and yours
This phrase calls for a public examination of the evidence. The word "brothers" in Hebrew, "אָח" (ach), can mean literal brothers or kinsmen, indicating a communal setting. Jacob's demand for transparency and accountability is a call for justice, reflecting the biblical principle of resolving disputes openly and fairly. This appeal to witnesses underscores the importance of community in maintaining righteousness and truth. and let them judge between the two of us
The word "judge" in Hebrew is "שָׁפַט" (shaphat), meaning to govern or to pass judgment. This phrase highlights the biblical theme of justice and the role of impartial judgment in resolving conflicts. By inviting judgment, Jacob demonstrates his confidence in his innocence and the fairness of his cause. This appeal to a higher standard of justice reflects the biblical understanding of God as the ultimate judge, who sees and knows all. Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobThe patriarch who is speaking in this verse. He is addressing Laban after being accused of stealing household gods. 2. LabanJacob's father-in-law, who accused Jacob of theft and pursued him to retrieve his household gods. 3. Household gods (teraphim)Small idols that were common in ancient Near Eastern households, representing family deities or ancestors. 4. BrothersRefers to the relatives or kinsmen of both Jacob and Laban, who are present to witness the confrontation. 5. GileadThe region where this confrontation takes place, as Jacob and his family are fleeing from Laban. Teaching Points Integrity in AccusationsJacob's challenge to Laban to present evidence of wrongdoing highlights the importance of maintaining integrity and transparency when accused. Resolution of ConflictThe presence of witnesses and the call for judgment between the parties emphasize the biblical principle of resolving disputes in a fair and just manner. Trust in God's JusticeJacob's confidence in his innocence and the call for judgment reflect a trust in God's ultimate justice and truth. Family Dynamics and TrustThe conflict between Jacob and Laban underscores the complexities of family relationships and the need for trust and honesty. Material Possessions vs. Spiritual IntegrityThe focus on household gods contrasts with the spiritual integrity Jacob seeks to maintain, reminding believers of the priority of spiritual over material concerns. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jacob's response to Laban's accusation demonstrate the importance of integrity in our own lives? 2. In what ways can we apply the principle of resolving conflicts with others, as seen in this passage, to our current relationships? 3. How does the presence of witnesses in this account relate to the biblical concept of accountability within the church community? 4. What lessons can we learn from Jacob's trust in God's justice when facing false accusations or misunderstandings? 5. How can we prioritize spiritual integrity over material possessions in our daily lives, as illustrated by Jacob's focus in this passage? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 31:19This verse provides context, explaining that Rachel, Jacob's wife, had stolen Laban's household gods, which is the root of the accusation. Exodus 20:15The commandment "You shall not steal" connects to the moral implications of the accusation against Jacob. 1 Samuel 12:3-5Samuel's integrity is highlighted in a similar manner to Jacob's defense, as he asks the people to testify against him if he has wronged them. Matthew 5:25Jesus advises settling matters quickly with an adversary, which relates to the resolution of disputes seen in this passage. | 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 Although, Baggage, Belongs, Betwixt, Brethren, Clear, Decide, Explored, Felt, Front, Goods, Hast, Household, Household-stuff, Judge, Judges, Kinsmen, Relatives, Search, Searched, Stuff, Though, Vessels, Whereas, YoursDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 31:36-42 5095 Jacob, life
8716 dishonesty, examples 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 31:37 NIVGenesis 31:37 NLTGenesis 31:37 ESVGenesis 31:37 NASBGenesis 31:37 KJV
Genesis 31:37 Commentaries
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