So Jacob sent word and called Rachel and Leah to the field where his flocks were, So Jacob sent wordThe phrase "sent word" indicates a deliberate and purposeful action by Jacob. In the Hebrew text, the verb used here is "שָׁלַח" (shalach), which means to send or dispatch. This action reflects Jacob's intention to communicate something significant to Rachel and Leah. In the context of the ancient Near East, sending a message was often a formal act, suggesting the importance of the communication. Jacob's decision to send word rather than speak directly in the household underscores the gravity of the situation and his desire for privacy and discretion. and called Rachel and Leah
The act of calling Rachel and Leah together is significant. The Hebrew verb "קָרָא" (qara) means to call or summon. By calling both of his wives, Jacob is ensuring that they both hear the same message and understand the situation equally. This reflects a sense of fairness and transparency in his dealings with his family. Historically, this also highlights the patriarchal structure of the family, where the husband takes the lead in decision-making. However, Jacob's inclusion of both wives in this discussion shows a level of respect and consideration for their input and feelings. to the field
The field represents a place away from the household, a setting that provides privacy and seclusion. In the ancient world, fields were not just places of labor but also of refuge and contemplation. By choosing the field as the meeting place, Jacob ensures that the conversation remains confidential, away from the prying ears of Laban's household. This choice of location underscores the seriousness of the discussion and Jacob's desire to protect his family from potential conflict or interference. where his flocks were
The mention of Jacob's flocks is not incidental. In the Hebrew context, flocks were a symbol of wealth and God's blessing. Jacob's flocks were a testament to his hard work and God's favor upon him, despite Laban's attempts to cheat him. By meeting where his flocks were, Jacob is surrounded by the tangible evidence of God's provision and faithfulness. This setting serves as a reminder to Rachel and Leah of the prosperity and protection that God has provided, reinforcing the trust they should place in Jacob's leadership and God's promises. Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobThe grandson of Abraham, son of Isaac, and husband to both Leah and Rachel. He is a central figure in the account, known for his journey of faith and his complex family dynamics. 2. RachelJacob's beloved wife, whom he worked for fourteen years to marry. She is the mother of Joseph and Benjamin. 3. LeahJacob's first wife, whom he was tricked into marrying. She is the mother of six of Jacob's sons, including Judah and Levi. 4. The FieldThe location where Jacob calls Rachel and Leah to discuss his plans to leave Laban's household. It symbolizes a place of privacy and decision-making. 5. FlocksRepresent Jacob's wealth and God's provision, as well as the source of tension between Jacob and Laban. Teaching Points Leadership in FamilyJacob demonstrates leadership by involving Rachel and Leah in the decision-making process. This highlights the importance of communication and unity in family decisions. Seeking God's GuidanceJacob's actions are rooted in God's guidance and promises. Believers are encouraged to seek divine direction in their own lives, especially during times of transition. Trust in God's ProvisionThe flocks symbolize God's provision. Trusting in God's provision is crucial, even when circumstances seem challenging or uncertain. Privacy in Decision-MakingJacob chooses a private setting to discuss important matters with his wives, emphasizing the need for discretion and focus when making significant life decisions. Faith in ActionJacob's decision to leave Laban's household is an act of faith, trusting in God's promises. Believers are called to act on their faith, even when it requires leaving their comfort zones. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jacob's leadership in calling Rachel and Leah to the field reflect principles of family communication and decision-making? 2. In what ways does Jacob's reliance on God's promises in Genesis 31:4 encourage us to seek divine guidance in our own lives? 3. How can we apply the concept of trusting in God's provision, as seen in Jacob's management of his flocks, to our current financial or material challenges? 4. Why is privacy important in decision-making, and how can we ensure that our significant life choices are made with the right focus and discretion? 5. What are some areas in your life where you need to step out in faith, similar to Jacob's decision to leave Laban's household, and how can you prepare for such transitions? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 29-30Provides background on Jacob's marriages to Leah and Rachel, and the birth of his children, setting the stage for the events in Genesis 31. Genesis 28:15God's promise to Jacob to be with him and protect him, which is relevant as Jacob prepares to leave Laban's household. Exodus 3:1-10Similar to Moses' call in the wilderness, Jacob's call to his wives in the field signifies a pivotal moment of transition and divine direction. People Aram, Isaac, Jacob, Laban, Leah, Nahor, RachelPlaces Canaan, Euphrates River, Galeed, Gilead, Jegar-sahadutha, Mizpah, Paddan-aramTopics Calleth, Field, Fields, Flock, Flocks, Jacob, Leah, RachelDictionary 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 31:4 NIVGenesis 31:4 NLTGenesis 31:4 ESVGenesis 31:4 NASBGenesis 31:4 KJV
Genesis 31:4 Commentaries
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