So he took his relatives with him, pursued Jacob for seven days, and overtook him in the hill country of Gilead. So he took his relatives with himThis phrase indicates Laban's immediate response to the news of Jacob's departure. The Hebrew word for "relatives" is "אַחִים" (achim), which can mean brothers or kinsmen. This suggests a familial pursuit, emphasizing the personal nature of the conflict. In the ancient Near Eastern context, family ties were paramount, and disputes often involved extended family. Laban's decision to involve his relatives underscores the seriousness of the situation and his intent to confront Jacob with a show of familial strength. pursued Jacob for seven days
The act of pursuit is captured by the Hebrew verb "רָדַף" (radaph), which conveys a sense of relentless chasing. The number "seven" in biblical terms often symbolizes completeness or perfection. This pursuit lasting seven days could imply a thorough and determined effort by Laban to catch up with Jacob. Historically, travel in ancient times was arduous, and a seven-day pursuit would have been a significant endeavor, highlighting Laban's determination and the urgency of the situation. and overtook him
The Hebrew word "וַיַּשִּׂגֵהוּ" (vayyassegehu) is used here, meaning to reach or catch up with someone. This indicates that Laban's pursuit was successful, and he was able to confront Jacob. The narrative tension builds here, as the reader anticipates the impending confrontation. In the broader scriptural context, this moment is pivotal, as it sets the stage for a significant dialogue between Laban and Jacob, reflecting themes of reconciliation and divine intervention. at Mount Gilead
Mount Gilead, or "גִּלְעָד" (Gil'ad) in Hebrew, is a region east of the Jordan River, known for its rugged terrain and balm-producing trees. The mention of this specific location is significant, as it serves as a geographical marker for the unfolding events. Gilead's historical and biblical significance is rich, often associated with healing and covenant-making. In this context, it becomes the backdrop for a critical encounter between Laban and Jacob, where past grievances are addressed, and future relations are negotiated. The setting at Mount Gilead underscores the gravity and potential for resolution in this familial conflict. Persons / Places / Events 1. LabanThe father-in-law of Jacob, who feels wronged by Jacob's departure and pursues him. 2. JacobThe grandson of Abraham, who has fled from Laban with his family and possessions. 3. Relatives of LabanThose who accompany Laban in his pursuit of Jacob, indicating a significant group. 4. Mount GileadThe location where Laban finally catches up with Jacob, a region east of the Jordan River. 5. PursuitThe event of Laban chasing Jacob, which highlights the tension and unresolved issues between them. Teaching Points Divine ProtectionJust as God protected Jacob from Laban's potential harm, He watches over His people today. We can trust in His promises and presence in our lives. Resolving ConflictLaban's pursuit of Jacob highlights unresolved conflict. As believers, we are called to seek reconciliation and peace in our relationships, following biblical principles. God's FaithfulnessDespite human intentions and actions, God's plans and promises prevail. We can have confidence in His faithfulness to fulfill His word. Family DynamicsThe account of Jacob and Laban reminds us of the complexities of family relationships. We are encouraged to handle family matters with wisdom, patience, and prayer. Trust in God's TimingJacob's journey and the timing of Laban's pursuit show that God's timing is perfect. We are called to trust His timing in our own lives, even when circumstances seem challenging. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Laban's pursuit of Jacob reflect unresolved issues in their relationship, and what can we learn about handling conflict biblically? 2. In what ways does God's intervention in Jacob's life encourage us to trust in His protection and guidance today? 3. How can the account of Jacob and Laban inform our understanding of God's faithfulness to His promises, even when faced with opposition? 4. What lessons can we draw from the family dynamics between Jacob and Laban, and how can we apply these lessons to our own family relationships? 5. How does the concept of God's perfect timing, as seen in Jacob's journey, challenge us to trust Him in our current circumstances? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 31:24God warns Laban in a dream not to harm Jacob, showing divine protection over Jacob. Genesis 28:15God's promise to Jacob to be with him and protect him wherever he goes, which is relevant as Jacob faces potential conflict with Laban. Exodus 14:9The pursuit of the Israelites by Pharaoh's army, which parallels Laban's pursuit of Jacob, both involving divine intervention. Psalm 121:8Assurance of God's protection over His people, relevant to Jacob's journey and God's oversight. Hebrews 13:5God's promise never to leave nor forsake His people, echoing the divine presence with Jacob. | 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 Brethren, Caught, Close, Distance, Family, Followed, Gilead, Hill, Hill-country, Jacob, Journey, Kinsmen, Mount, Mountain, Overtaketh, Overtook, Pursued, Pursueth, Relatives, Seven, Taketh, TakingDictionary 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 31:23 NIVGenesis 31:23 NLTGenesis 31:23 ESVGenesis 31:23 NASBGenesis 31:23 KJV
Genesis 31:23 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
