As it was, the heat consumed me by day and the frost by night, and sleep fled from my eyes. As it wasThis phrase sets the stage for a personal testimony from Jacob, reflecting on his past experiences. In the Hebrew text, the phrase can be understood as a summation of his lived reality. It emphasizes the authenticity and intensity of Jacob's labor and dedication. Historically, this reflects the harsh conditions faced by shepherds in ancient Near Eastern cultures, where survival depended on resilience and hard work. the heat consumed me by day
The word "heat" in Hebrew is "chom," which signifies the intense, oppressive warmth of the sun. In the ancient Near East, shepherds like Jacob would have faced extreme temperatures, often exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This phrase highlights Jacob's endurance and commitment, serving as a metaphor for the trials and tribulations faced by those who follow God's calling. It also serves as a reminder of the perseverance required in spiritual journeys. and the frost by night
The Hebrew word for "frost" is "kerach," indicating the cold, often freezing temperatures that occur in desert climates after sunset. This contrast between day and night conditions underscores the relentless challenges Jacob faced. It symbolizes the duality of life's trials, where believers must be prepared to face both fiery trials and chilling hardships. The historical context reveals the shepherd's life as one of constant vigilance and adaptability. and sleep fled from my eyes
The phrase "sleep fled" uses the Hebrew word "nadad," meaning to wander or flee. This imagery conveys a sense of restlessness and relentless toil. Jacob's sleeplessness is emblematic of his dedication and the sacrifices made in fulfilling his responsibilities. Spiritually, it reflects the vigilance required in a life of faith, where one must remain alert and steadfast in the face of adversity. This phrase also resonates with the Christian call to be watchful and prayerful, as echoed in the New Testament. Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobThe central figure in this passage, Jacob is recounting his hardships while serving Laban. He is the grandson of Abraham and the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. 2. LabanJacob's uncle and father-in-law, Laban is a key figure in Jacob's life, often representing challenges and deceit. 3. HaranThe place where Jacob lived and worked for Laban, located in the region of Paddan Aram. 4. The WildernessThe setting of Jacob's labor, characterized by harsh conditions, symbolizing trials and perseverance. 5. The CovenantThe broader context involves Jacob's eventual departure from Laban and the covenant they make, highlighting themes of divine protection and faithfulness. Teaching Points Endurance in TrialsJacob's experience teaches us about enduring hardships with faith. Just as Jacob persevered, we are called to remain steadfast in our own trials, trusting in God's ultimate plan. God's FaithfulnessDespite the challenges Jacob faced, God's promises to him were fulfilled. This reminds us that God's faithfulness is unwavering, even when circumstances are difficult. Work Ethic and IntegrityJacob's dedication to his work, despite unfair treatment, highlights the importance of integrity and diligence in our own vocations. Divine ProtectionWhile Jacob faced physical hardships, God's protection was evident throughout his journey. We can trust in God's protection in our lives, even when we face adversity. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jacob's experience with Laban reflect the broader theme of God's faithfulness in the face of human deceit and hardship? 2. In what ways can we relate Jacob's endurance in harsh conditions to our own spiritual or physical challenges today? 3. How does the account of Jacob and Laban encourage us to maintain integrity and diligence in our work, even when we face unfair treatment? 4. What parallels can we draw between Jacob's hardships and the experiences of other biblical figures, such as Joseph or Paul, in terms of enduring trials? 5. How can we apply the lessons of divine protection and faithfulness from Jacob's account to our own lives, especially in times of uncertainty or difficulty? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 29-30These chapters provide the background of Jacob's service to Laban, including his marriages to Leah and Rachel and the birth of his children. Exodus 2:23-25The Israelites' suffering in Egypt parallels Jacob's hardships, emphasizing God's awareness and eventual deliverance. Psalm 121:5-6This Psalm speaks of God's protection from the sun and moon, contrasting with Jacob's exposure to the elements, yet underscoring divine care. 2 Corinthians 11:27Paul's recounting of his own hardships for the Gospel echoes Jacob's endurance, illustrating the cost of faithfulness. | 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 Bitter, Cold, Condition, Consumed, Daytime, Departed, Drought, Drouth, Fled, Frost, Heat, Situation, Sleep, Thus, Wander, WastedDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 31:40 4806 cold
4829 heat
4854 weather, God's sovereignty
5057 rest, physical
5537 sleeplessness Genesis 31:36-42 5095 Jacob, life
8716 dishonesty, examples Genesis 31:38-42 5569 suffering, hardship Genesis 31:39-42 5685 fathers, responsibilities Genesis 31:40-42 5523 servants, good 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 31:40 NIVGenesis 31:40 NLTGenesis 31:40 ESVGenesis 31:40 NASBGenesis 31:40 KJV
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