Now Jacob heard that Laban's sons were saying, "Jacob has taken away all that belonged to our father and built all this wealth at our father's expense." Now Jacob heardThe phrase "Now Jacob heard" indicates a pivotal moment of awareness for Jacob. The Hebrew root for "heard" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which implies not just the act of hearing but also understanding and internalizing. This moment marks a turning point where Jacob becomes acutely aware of the growing tension and resentment from Laban's sons. In a broader spiritual sense, it reminds believers of the importance of being attentive to the voices and circumstances around us, discerning God's guidance amidst them. the sons of Laban
The "sons of Laban" represent the familial and cultural ties that Jacob has been entangled with for many years. Laban, whose name means "white" or "shining," was Jacob's uncle and father-in-law, and his sons would naturally be heirs to his wealth. This phrase highlights the familial conflict and the challenges of navigating relationships where jealousy and competition arise. It serves as a reminder of the complexities of family dynamics and the need for wisdom and integrity in such interactions. were saying
The phrase "were saying" suggests ongoing conversation and possibly gossip among Laban's sons. The Hebrew verb "אָמַר" (amar) is used here, indicating speech that can influence and shape perceptions. This reflects the power of words to create division and suspicion, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture. Believers are reminded of the biblical exhortation to guard our tongues and to speak truth and love, as words can either build up or tear down. Jacob has taken away
The accusation that "Jacob has taken away" alludes to the perception of theft or unjust gain. The Hebrew root "לָקַח" (laqach) means to take or seize, often with a connotation of force or deception. This reflects the misunderstanding and misrepresentation of Jacob's actions, as God had blessed him through legitimate means. It underscores the theme of divine providence and justice, where God vindicates His chosen ones despite false accusations. all that was our father’s
This phrase emphasizes the perceived loss of inheritance and wealth by Laban's sons. The Hebrew word for "all" is "כֹּל" (kol), indicating totality or entirety. The sons' claim reflects their belief that Jacob's prosperity came at their expense. This highlights the human tendency to view blessings as a zero-sum game, rather than recognizing God's abundant provision for all. It challenges believers to trust in God's ability to bless each according to His will. and has gained all this wealth
The phrase "and has gained all this wealth" points to the visible prosperity Jacob had achieved. The Hebrew word for "gained" is "עָשָׂה" (asah), meaning to make or produce, suggesting that Jacob's wealth was the result of his labor and God's favor. This serves as a testament to the principle that diligent work, coupled with divine blessing, leads to prosperity. It encourages believers to work faithfully, trusting that God will provide and bless their efforts. from what belonged to our father
Finally, "from what belonged to our father" underscores the source of the sons' grievance. The Hebrew word "אָב" (av) for "father" signifies not just a biological relationship but also authority and legacy. The sons' claim reflects their view of Jacob as an outsider who has encroached upon their rightful inheritance. This highlights the tension between human claims and divine allocation, reminding believers that true inheritance and blessing come from God, who is the ultimate Father and provider. Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobThe central figure in this passage, Jacob is the grandson of Abraham and the son of Isaac. He has been living with his uncle Laban and has grown prosperous. 2. LabanJacob's uncle and father-in-law, Laban is a key figure in Jacob's life, having employed him for many years. Laban's sons are now accusing Jacob of taking their father's wealth. 3. Laban’s SonsThey are the ones who voice the accusation against Jacob, suggesting that he has gained his wealth at their father's expense. 4. HaranThe place where Jacob has been living with Laban. It is significant as the location where Jacob's family dynamics unfold. 5. Wealth and ProsperityThe event centers around the wealth Jacob has accumulated, which becomes a point of contention between him and Laban's family. Teaching Points God's Provision and BlessingGod often blesses His people in unexpected ways, even in difficult circumstances. Jacob's prosperity, despite Laban's attempts to cheat him, is a testament to God's faithfulness. Integrity in ProsperityJacob's account encourages believers to maintain integrity and trust in God's provision, even when others accuse or misunderstand their success. Family Dynamics and ConflictThe tension between Jacob and Laban's family highlights the complexities of family relationships and the need for wisdom and discernment in navigating them. Listening to God's GuidanceAs Jacob hears the words of Laban's sons, it prompts him to seek God's direction. Believers are reminded to listen for God's voice amid life's challenges. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jacob's experience with Laban's sons reflect the challenges of maintaining integrity in the face of false accusations? 2. In what ways does God's provision for Jacob in Genesis 31:1 parallel His provision for the Israelites in Exodus 12:35-36? 3. How can we apply the principle of seeking God's guidance, as Jacob did, when we face family conflicts or misunderstandings? 4. What lessons can we learn from Jacob's prosperity about the relationship between hard work, divine blessing, and ethical behavior? 5. How does the account of Jacob and Laban's sons challenge us to trust in God's justice and timing when we feel wronged or misunderstood by others? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 30:25-43This passage provides context for Jacob's wealth, detailing how he prospered under Laban's employment through God's blessing and his own shrewdness. Genesis 27:41-45This earlier passage shows the beginning of Jacob's journey to Haran, where he fled from Esau's wrath, setting the stage for his time with Laban. Exodus 12:35-36Similar to Jacob's situation, the Israelites leave Egypt with wealth, which they acquired through God's intervention, showing a pattern of God's provision for His people. People Aram, Isaac, Jacob, Laban, Leah, Nahor, RachelPlaces Canaan, Euphrates River, Galeed, Gilead, Jegar-sahadutha, Mizpah, Paddan-aramTopics Acquired, Belonged, Ears, Father's, Gained, Glory, Got, Gotten, Heareth, Honour, Jacob, Laban, Laban's, Obtained, Owned, Property, Saying, Sons, Wealth, YeaDictionary 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 31:1 NIVGenesis 31:1 NLTGenesis 31:1 ESVGenesis 31:1 NASBGenesis 31:1 KJV
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