and he told them, "I can see from your father's countenance that his attitude toward me has changed; but the God of my father has been with me. He said to themThis phrase introduces Jacob's communication with his wives, Leah and Rachel. The Hebrew root for "said" is "אָמַר" (amar), which is often used to denote not just speaking, but conveying a message of importance or revelation. In this context, Jacob is sharing a significant observation and divine assurance with his family, indicating the gravity of the situation and the need for unity and understanding. I can see from your father’s face
The phrase "your father’s face" is a Hebrew idiom that refers to one's countenance or demeanor, which often reveals inner thoughts or feelings. The Hebrew word for "face" is "פָּנִים" (panim), which can also mean presence. Jacob is perceptive to Laban's changing attitude, which is a critical insight into the relational dynamics and tensions that have developed. This observation sets the stage for Jacob's decision to leave, highlighting the importance of discernment in relationships. that his attitude toward me has changed
The word "attitude" in Hebrew is "לֵב" (lev), which literally means "heart." This indicates a deep-seated change in Laban's feelings or intentions towards Jacob. Historically, this change is rooted in Laban's jealousy and greed, as Jacob's prosperity grows. This shift in attitude is pivotal, as it underscores the theme of divine justice and protection over Jacob despite human opposition. but the God of my father
This phrase emphasizes Jacob's reliance on the covenantal God of his forefathers, Abraham and Isaac. The Hebrew word for "God" is "אֱלֹהִים" (Elohim), which denotes the supreme, powerful, and faithful nature of God. By invoking "the God of my father," Jacob acknowledges the continuity of God's promises and faithfulness across generations, reinforcing the idea of divine providence and legacy. has been with me
The phrase "has been with me" is a testament to God's continual presence and support. The Hebrew root "הָיָה" (hayah) means "to be" or "to exist," indicating an ongoing state of being. This assurance of God's presence is a recurring theme in Jacob's life, providing comfort and guidance. It serves as an inspirational reminder of God's unwavering companionship and protection, even amidst adversity and uncertainty. Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobThe central figure in this passage, Jacob is the grandson of Abraham and the son of Isaac. He is speaking to his wives, Leah and Rachel, about the change in their father Laban's attitude towards him. 2. LabanJacob's father-in-law, who has become hostile towards Jacob. Laban's changing attitude is a pivotal point in Jacob's decision to leave. 3. Leah and RachelJacob's wives, who are the daughters of Laban. They are part of the family dynamics and are directly affected by the tensions between Jacob and Laban. 4. God of Jacob's fatherRefers to the God of Isaac, Jacob's father, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant and presence with the patriarchs. 5. Paddan-aramThe region where Jacob has been living and working for Laban, and from which he is planning to depart. Teaching Points God's FaithfulnessDespite human hostility and changing circumstances, God's presence remains constant. Believers can trust in God's faithfulness as Jacob did. Discernment in RelationshipsJacob's awareness of Laban's changing attitude teaches the importance of discernment in relationships and recognizing when God is leading us to make changes. Covenant ContinuityThe reference to the "God of my father" underscores the importance of understanding and valuing the spiritual heritage and promises passed down through generations. Courage to ActJacob's decision to leave Laban's household demonstrates the courage to act on God's guidance, even when it involves difficult choices. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jacob's recognition of God's presence in Genesis 31:5 encourage us to trust in God's faithfulness in our own lives? 2. In what ways can we discern when God is leading us to make changes in our relationships or circumstances, as Jacob did with Laban? 3. How does the concept of covenant continuity, as seen in Jacob's reference to the "God of my father," influence our understanding of our spiritual heritage? 4. What practical steps can we take to ensure that we are acting courageously on God's guidance, even when faced with opposition or difficult decisions? 5. How can we apply the lessons from Jacob's experience with Laban to our own experiences of conflict or hostility in the workplace or family settings? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 28:15This verse connects to God's promise to Jacob that He would be with him wherever he goes, which is echoed in Jacob's acknowledgment of God's presence in Genesis 31:5. Exodus 3:6The reference to the "God of my father" connects to God's self-identification to Moses as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, highlighting the covenant relationship. Psalm 46:1This verse speaks of God as a refuge and strength, a theme that resonates with Jacob's reliance on God's presence despite Laban's hostility. People Aram, Isaac, Jacob, Laban, Leah, Nahor, RachelPlaces Canaan, Euphrates River, Galeed, Gilead, Jegar-sahadutha, Mizpah, Paddan-aramTopics Attitude, Beforetime, Beholding, Clear, Countenance, Expression, Face, Father's, Favor, Feeling, Formerly, Friendly, Heretofore, Longer, Previously, Regard, TowardsDictionary 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 31:5 NIVGenesis 31:5 NLTGenesis 31:5 ESVGenesis 31:5 NASBGenesis 31:5 KJV
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