And although he has cheated me and changed my wages ten times, God has not allowed him to harm me. although he has cheated meThe Hebrew root for "cheated" is "רָמָה" (ramah), which conveys the idea of deceit or betrayal. In the historical context, Jacob is speaking about Laban, his father-in-law, who repeatedly deceived him. This phrase highlights the recurring theme of human deceit contrasted with divine faithfulness. Despite Laban's attempts to exploit Jacob, God's providence and protection over Jacob's life are evident. This serves as a reminder that while humans may fail us, God's plans and purposes remain steadfast. and changed my wages ten times
The phrase "changed my wages" comes from the Hebrew "חָלַף" (chalaph), meaning to change or substitute. The number "ten" in biblical terms often symbolizes completeness or fullness. Laban's actions were not just occasional but persistent and complete in their injustice. This reflects the trials and tribulations that believers may face in a fallen world. Yet, it also underscores the importance of perseverance and trust in God's justice and timing. God has not allowed him
The Hebrew word for "allowed" is "נָתַן" (nathan), which means to permit or give. This phrase emphasizes God's sovereignty and protective nature. Despite Laban's intentions, God did not permit any real harm to come to Jacob. This is a powerful testament to the belief that God is in control, even when circumstances seem dire. It reassures believers that God is a shield and protector against the schemes of those who may wish to harm them. to harm me
The word "harm" is derived from the Hebrew "רָעַע" (ra'a), which means to do evil or cause distress. Jacob acknowledges that while Laban's intentions were harmful, God's intervention prevented any lasting damage. This highlights the biblical principle that God can turn what is meant for evil into good (Genesis 50:20). It serves as an encouragement to trust in God's ability to protect and deliver His people from evil, reinforcing the belief in His ultimate goodness and power. Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobThe grandson of Abraham, son of Isaac, and the central figure in this passage. He is speaking to his wives about the injustices he has faced while working for their father, Laban. 2. LabanJacob's father-in-law, who has repeatedly deceived Jacob by changing his wages. Laban represents the worldly challenges and deceit that believers may face. 3. GodThe protector and provider for Jacob, ensuring that despite Laban's deceit, Jacob is not harmed. This highlights God's sovereignty and faithfulness. 4. Paddan-aramThe region where Jacob has been living and working for Laban. It serves as the backdrop for Jacob's trials and God's provision. 5. Rachel and LeahJacob's wives, who are being informed of their father's deceit and God's protection over Jacob. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and ProtectionDespite human deceit and manipulation, God's sovereignty ensures His plans prevail. Believers can trust in God's protection and provision, even when facing injustice. Integrity in AdversityJacob's experience teaches the importance of maintaining integrity and faithfulness, even when others act deceitfully. God honors those who remain steadfast in their faith. God's FaithfulnessGod's faithfulness to Jacob is a reminder that He is always with His people, guiding and protecting them through life's challenges. Trust in God's TimingJacob's account encourages believers to trust in God's timing and provision, knowing that He sees and will address injustices in His perfect time. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jacob's experience with Laban challenge us to trust in God's protection when facing deceit or injustice in our own lives? 2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in situations where we feel wronged or cheated? 3. How can we apply the principle of maintaining integrity in the face of adversity, as demonstrated by Jacob, in our daily interactions? 4. What are some other biblical examples of God protecting His people from harm, and how do these accounts encourage us today? 5. How can Romans 8:28 provide comfort and assurance when we face trials similar to those Jacob experienced with Laban? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 30:27-43This passage provides context for Laban's deceit and Jacob's prosperity despite it, showing God's blessing on Jacob. Exodus 14:14This verse speaks of God fighting for His people, similar to how God protected Jacob from Laban's harm. Psalm 105:14-15These verses emphasize God's protection over His anointed, paralleling how God did not allow Laban to harm Jacob. Romans 8:28This New Testament verse speaks to God's ability to work all things for good for those who love Him, reflecting how God turned Laban's deceit into a blessing for Jacob. People Aram, Isaac, Jacob, Laban, Leah, Nahor, RachelPlaces Canaan, Euphrates River, Galeed, Gilead, Jegar-sahadutha, Mizpah, Paddan-aramTopics Allow, Allowed, Changed, Changes, Changing, Cheated, Damage, Deceived, Didn't, Evil, Faith, Harm, Hire, However, Hurt, Kept, Mocked, Payment, Permit, Played, Suffered, Ten, Wages, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 31:7 1653 numbers, 6-10
5404 masters
5522 servants, work conditions
5523 servants, good
6146 deceit, and God Genesis 31:1-24 5095 Jacob, life Genesis 31:6-9 5253 cheating 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 31:7 NIVGenesis 31:7 NLTGenesis 31:7 ESVGenesis 31:7 NASBGenesis 31:7 KJV
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