On the third day Laban was informed that Jacob had fled. On the third dayThe phrase "on the third day" is significant in biblical narratives, often symbolizing a period of completeness or divine intervention. In Hebrew culture, the number three frequently represents stability and completeness. This timing suggests that Jacob's departure was not immediately discovered, allowing him a head start. The third day can also be seen as a moment of revelation or realization, as Laban becomes aware of Jacob's actions. Laban was informed
The Hebrew root for "informed" is "נָגַד" (nagad), which means to make known or declare. This implies that Laban did not discover Jacob's departure on his own but was told by someone else. This could indicate the presence of servants or messengers who were keeping watch or who had been sent to report back to Laban. The passive nature of Laban receiving this information highlights the suddenness and unexpectedness of the news. that Jacob had fled
The word "fled" comes from the Hebrew "בָּרַח" (barach), meaning to escape or run away. This term suggests urgency and a sense of danger or necessity. Jacob's flight was not merely a departure but an escape from a potentially hostile situation. Historically, Jacob's decision to flee reflects the tension and mistrust between him and Laban, as well as Jacob's desire to return to his homeland and fulfill God's promise. This act of fleeing can be seen as a step of faith, trusting in God's protection and guidance despite the risks involved. Persons / Places / Events 1. LabanLaban is the brother of Rebekah, Jacob's mother, and the father of Leah and Rachel, Jacob's wives. He is a key figure in Jacob's life, having employed Jacob for many years and deceived him on several occasions. 2. JacobJacob is the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the grandson of Abraham. He is a central patriarch in the biblical account, known for his cunning and his eventual transformation into a man of faith. 3. Fleeing of JacobThis event marks Jacob's decision to leave Laban's household secretly, taking his family and possessions with him. It signifies a turning point in Jacob's life as he moves towards fulfilling God's promise to return to the land of his fathers. 4. The Third DayThe mention of the "third day" is significant in biblical accounts, often symbolizing a period of completion or divine intervention. 5. Paddan-aramThis is the region where Laban lived and where Jacob spent many years working for Laban. It is located in the upper Mesopotamian region. Teaching Points Trust in God's TimingJacob's decision to flee on the third day can remind us of the importance of trusting in God's timing and His plans for our lives. Courage to ActJacob's flight from Laban required courage and faith. We are called to act courageously when God directs us, even when it involves leaving our comfort zones. God's FaithfulnessDespite the challenges Jacob faced, God's faithfulness to His promises is evident. We can rely on God's faithfulness in our own lives. Family DynamicsThe account highlights complex family relationships and the need for wisdom and discernment in dealing with family conflicts. Divine ProtectionJacob's journey illustrates God's protection over His people, encouraging us to seek His guidance and protection in our own journeys. Bible Study Questions 1. What does Jacob's decision to flee on the third day reveal about his character and his relationship with God? 2. How does the concept of the "third day" in this passage connect to other biblical events that involve a three-day period? 3. In what ways can we see God's faithfulness in Jacob's life, and how can we apply this understanding to our own lives? 4. How do the family dynamics between Jacob and Laban reflect challenges we might face in our own families, and what biblical principles can guide us in these situations? 5. What steps can we take to ensure we are acting in faith and courage when God calls us to make significant changes in our lives? 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 connects to Jacob's decision to flee, as it demonstrates Jacob's faith in God's promise. Exodus 3:18The concept of a three-day journey is echoed in the request Moses makes to Pharaoh, symbolizing a period of preparation and transition. Hosea 12:12This verse references Jacob's time in Aram, providing a broader context for understanding Jacob's experiences and the fulfillment of God's promises. | 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 Fled, Flight, Jacob, Jacob's, Laban, News, ThirdDictionary 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 31:22 NIVGenesis 31:22 NLTGenesis 31:22 ESVGenesis 31:22 NASBGenesis 31:22 KJV
Genesis 31:22 Commentaries
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