I did not bring you anything torn by wild beasts; I bore the loss myself. And you demanded payment from me for what was stolen by day or night. I did not bring you the mangled carcassesIn this phrase, Jacob is speaking to Laban, his father-in-law, about his integrity and diligence as a shepherd. The Hebrew word for "mangled" is "ṭereph," which often refers to something torn by beasts. This reflects Jacob's responsibility and care in his work, as he did not present the remains of animals that were attacked, which would have been a common occurrence in ancient pastoral life. Instead, Jacob took personal responsibility, highlighting his commitment to honesty and accountability, virtues highly esteemed in the biblical narrative. I myself bore the loss
Here, Jacob emphasizes his personal sacrifice. The Hebrew root "ḥaṭa" for "bore" suggests a sense of carrying or enduring a burden. This phrase underscores Jacob's willingness to absorb the financial loss himself rather than passing it on to Laban. This act of selflessness and integrity is a powerful testament to Jacob's character, reflecting the biblical principle of bearing one another's burdens, as later echoed in Galatians 6:2. You demanded payment from me
The phrase indicates Laban's strict and perhaps unjust expectations. The Hebrew word "baqaš" for "demanded" implies a forceful or insistent request. This highlights the tension and unfairness in Jacob's relationship with Laban, as Jacob was held accountable for losses beyond his control. This scenario reflects the broader biblical theme of enduring unjust treatment with patience and integrity, trusting in God's ultimate justice. for what was stolen by day or night
The mention of "stolen" items, "gānab" in Hebrew, points to the reality of theft in ancient times, a common risk for shepherds. The reference to "day or night" emphasizes the constant vigilance required in Jacob's role. This phrase illustrates the relentless challenges faced by Jacob, yet he remained steadfast. It serves as an inspiration for believers to remain diligent and faithful in their responsibilities, regardless of external circumstances, trusting that God sees and rewards their faithfulness. Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobThe grandson of Abraham, son of Isaac, and brother of Esau. He worked for his uncle Laban, tending his flocks. 2. LabanJacob's uncle and father-in-law, who employed Jacob to tend his flocks. Laban often changed Jacob's wages and was not always fair in his dealings. 3. FlocksThe sheep and goats that Jacob tended for Laban. They were central to Jacob's livelihood and the source of his eventual wealth. 4. Paddan-aramThe region where Laban lived and where Jacob worked for him. It is located in the upper Mesopotamian region. 5. Loss and AccountabilityThe event of Jacob taking personal responsibility for any losses in the flock, whether due to wild animals or theft, demonstrating his integrity and commitment. Teaching Points Integrity in WorkJacob's example teaches us the importance of integrity and responsibility in our work, even when others are unjust. Bearing Personal ResponsibilityJacob bore the loss himself, which encourages us to take personal responsibility for our actions and commitments. Trusting God's ProvisionDespite Laban's unfairness, God provided for Jacob, reminding us to trust in God's provision and justice. Faithfulness in AdversityJacob's faithfulness despite adversity is a model for enduring challenges with perseverance and trust in God. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jacob's handling of losses in Genesis 31:39 reflect his character and integrity? 2. In what ways can we apply Jacob's example of personal responsibility in our own work or daily life? 3. How does the account of Jacob and Laban encourage us to trust in God's provision when facing unfair treatment? 4. What other biblical figures demonstrate similar integrity and responsibility, and what can we learn from their accounts? 5. How can we practice faithfulness in small things, as taught in Luke 16:10-12, in our current circumstances? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 30:25-43This passage describes Jacob's agreement with Laban regarding the flocks and how God blessed Jacob with prosperity despite Laban's attempts to cheat him. 1 Samuel 17:34-35David, like Jacob, protected his flock from wild animals, showing courage and responsibility. Proverbs 12:10This verse speaks to the righteous care for animals, reflecting Jacob's diligence and integrity in tending Laban's flocks. Luke 16:10-12Jesus teaches about faithfulness in small things, which parallels Jacob's faithful service to Laban despite unfair treatment. | 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 Animals, Anything, Bare, Bear, Beasts, Bore, Bring, Deceived, Demanded, Didn't, Hast, Loss, Myself, Payment, Repay, Require, Required, Responsible, Seek, Stolen, Thieves, Torn, Whatever, Whether, Wild, WoundedDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 31:39 5398 loss
7785 shepherd, occupation
8791 oppression, nature of Genesis 31:36-42 5095 Jacob, life
8716 dishonesty, examples Genesis 31:38-42 5569 suffering, hardship Genesis 31:39-42 5685 fathers, responsibilities 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 31:39 NIVGenesis 31:39 NLTGenesis 31:39 ESVGenesis 31:39 NASBGenesis 31:39 KJV
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