Then Jacob got up and put his children and his wives on camels, So Jacob got upThe phrase "Jacob got up" signifies a decisive action taken by Jacob. In Hebrew, the word for "got up" is "וַיָּקָם" (vayaqam), which implies rising with purpose or determination. This moment marks a pivotal point in Jacob's life, as he prepares to leave Laban's household. Historically, this action reflects Jacob's obedience to God's command to return to his homeland ( Genesis 31:3). It is a moment of faith and courage, as Jacob trusts in God's promise to be with him. and put his children
The act of putting his children on camels indicates Jacob's role as a protector and provider. The Hebrew word for "children" is "יְלָדָיו" (yeladav), emphasizing his responsibility as a father. In the ancient Near Eastern context, traveling with family was a significant undertaking, requiring careful planning and protection. This phrase highlights Jacob's commitment to his family and his desire to ensure their safety on the journey. and his wives
Jacob's wives, Leah and Rachel, are included in this journey, underscoring the unity and importance of family. The Hebrew term for "wives" is "נָשָׁיו" (nashav), which reflects the covenantal relationship Jacob has with them. This inclusion signifies the fulfillment of God's promise to multiply Jacob's descendants and the continuation of the Abrahamic covenant through his family line. on camels
The use of camels for transportation indicates wealth and status in the ancient world. Camels were valuable assets, capable of long journeys across arid regions. The Hebrew word "גְּמַלִּים" (g'malim) for "camels" suggests that Jacob was well-prepared for the journey, having been blessed materially during his time with Laban. This detail also reflects God's provision and faithfulness to Jacob, as he embarks on a journey back to the land of his fathers. Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobThe patriarch who is the central figure in this passage. He is the grandson of Abraham and the son of Isaac. Jacob is known for his journey of faith and his complex relationship with God and his family. 2. Children and WivesJacob's family, including his wives Leah and Rachel, and his children. They are significant as they represent the future tribes of Israel. 3. CamelsThe mode of transportation used by Jacob to move his family. Camels were valuable assets in ancient times, symbolizing wealth and the ability to travel long distances. 4. Departure from LabanThis event marks Jacob's decision to leave his father-in-law Laban's household, signifying a turning point in his life as he returns to the land of his fathers. 5. Paddan-aramThe region where Jacob had been living with Laban, located in Mesopotamia. It is significant as the place where Jacob spent many years working for Laban and building his family. Teaching Points Faith in ActionJacob's decision to leave Laban's household demonstrates his faith in God's promises. Believers are encouraged to trust God and take steps of faith even when the future is uncertain. Family LeadershipJacob's role as the leader of his family is highlighted. Christian men are called to lead their families with wisdom and courage, seeking God's guidance in all decisions. Obedience to God's CallJust as Jacob obeyed God's call to return to his homeland, believers are reminded to be attentive and obedient to God's direction in their lives. Provision and ProtectionThe use of camels signifies God's provision for Jacob's journey. Christians can trust that God will provide for their needs as they follow His will. Leaving the Past BehindJacob's departure from Laban symbolizes leaving behind past struggles and moving towards God's promises. Believers are encouraged to let go of past burdens and focus on the future God has for them. Bible Study Questions 1. What does Jacob's preparation to leave Laban's household teach us about trusting in God's promises? 2. How can we apply Jacob's leadership of his family to our own roles within our families or communities? 3. In what ways does Jacob's journey parallel the journey of faith that Christians are called to undertake? 4. How does the provision of camels for Jacob's journey reflect God's provision in our own lives? 5. What are some "Laban-like" situations in our lives that God might be calling us to leave behind, and how can we discern His guidance in these matters? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 28:15God's promise to Jacob that He will be with him and bring him back to the land of his fathers. This promise is being fulfilled as Jacob prepares to return. Exodus 12:37-38The Israelites' departure from Egypt, which parallels Jacob's departure from Laban, both involving a journey towards God's promises. Hebrews 11:9The faith of the patriarchs, including Jacob, who lived as foreigners in the land of promise, looking forward to a city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. People Aram, Isaac, Jacob, Laban, Leah, Nahor, RachelPlaces Canaan, Euphrates River, Galeed, Gilead, Jegar-sahadutha, Mizpah, Paddan-aramTopics Camels, Jacob, Lifteth, Riseth, Rose, Sons, WivesDictionary 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 31:17 NIVGenesis 31:17 NLTGenesis 31:17 ESVGenesis 31:17 NASBGenesis 31:17 KJV
Genesis 31:17 Commentaries
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