Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the hill country of Gilead when Laban overtook him, and Laban and his relatives camped there as well. Now Jacob had pitched his tentThe act of pitching a tent signifies a temporary dwelling, reflecting Jacob's transient state and journey. In Hebrew, the word for "pitched" is "natah," which means to stretch out or spread. This action symbolizes Jacob's readiness to settle temporarily, yet it also indicates his preparedness to move as God directs. The tent, a symbol of nomadic life, reminds us of the patriarchs' faith journey, living as sojourners in a land promised but not yet possessed. in the hill country of Gilead
Gilead, a region east of the Jordan River, is known for its rugged terrain and balm, a healing resin. The Hebrew root "Galaad" suggests a "heap of testimony" or "witness," which is fitting given the forthcoming covenant between Jacob and Laban. This location is significant as it represents a boundary and a place of witness, where God’s faithfulness and protection over Jacob are evident. Historically, Gilead was a place of refuge and strategic importance, underscoring God's providence in leading Jacob to safety. and when Laban overtook him
The phrase "overtook him" in Hebrew is "darak," meaning to reach or catch up. Laban's pursuit of Jacob is a pivotal moment, highlighting the tension between the two men. This pursuit is not merely a physical chase but a spiritual confrontation, where God’s protection over Jacob is tested. Laban's overtaking signifies the culmination of unresolved issues, yet it also sets the stage for divine intervention and resolution. he and his brothers camped there as well
Laban's "brothers" likely refer to his kinsmen or allies, emphasizing the seriousness of his pursuit. The act of camping indicates a pause, a moment of confrontation and negotiation. In the ancient Near Eastern context, camping together often preceded significant discussions or treaties. This setting underscores the gravity of the impending encounter and the need for divine wisdom and intervention. The presence of both camps in Gilead serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty in orchestrating events for His purposes and the fulfillment of His promises to Jacob. Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobThe grandson of Abraham, son of Isaac, and father of the twelve tribes of Israel. He is returning to Canaan after serving Laban for many years. 2. LabanJacob's father-in-law, who pursued Jacob after he left with his family and possessions. Laban is known for his deceptive dealings with Jacob. 3. GileadA region of the hill country east of the Jordan River, where Jacob and Laban meet. It serves as a significant location for their confrontation. 4. Jacob's FamilyIncludes his wives, children, and servants, who are traveling with him back to Canaan. 5. Laban's BrothersThey accompany Laban in pursuit of Jacob, indicating the seriousness of Laban's intentions. Teaching Points Divine Guidance and ObedienceJacob's journey was initiated by God's command. Believers should seek and follow God's guidance in their lives. God's ProtectionJust as God protected Jacob from Laban, He protects His people today. Trust in God's protection even when facing opposition. Resolving ConflictsThe encounter between Jacob and Laban teaches the importance of addressing conflicts with honesty and seeking peaceful resolutions. Faith in God's PromisesJacob's journey back to Canaan is a testament to his faith in God's promises. Believers are encouraged to hold fast to God's promises in their own lives. Family and RelationshipsThe dynamics between Jacob and Laban remind us of the complexities in family relationships and the need for integrity and forgiveness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jacob's obedience to God's command to return to Canaan challenge us in our own walk of faith? 2. In what ways can we see God's protection in our lives, similar to how He protected Jacob from Laban? 3. How can the resolution of the conflict between Jacob and Laban inform our approach to resolving conflicts in our own relationships? 4. What promises of God are you holding onto, and how does Jacob's faith encourage you to trust in those promises? 5. How can we apply the lessons from Jacob and Laban's family dynamics to improve our own family relationships? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 31:3God instructs Jacob to return to the land of his fathers, showing divine guidance in Jacob's journey. Genesis 31:24God warns Laban in a dream not to harm Jacob, highlighting divine protection over Jacob. Genesis 28:15God's promise to be with Jacob wherever he goes, reinforcing the theme of divine presence and faithfulness. Exodus 14:19-20The protection of God's people during their journey, similar to how God protected Jacob from Laban. | 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, Brothers, Camped, Caught, Encamped, Fixed, Gilead, Hill, Hill-country, Jacob, Kinsmen, Laban, Mount, Mountain, Overtaketh, Overtook, Pitched, Relatives, Tent, Tents, TheirsDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 31:25 5244 camp
5427 nomads Genesis 31:25-30 5822 criticism, against believers 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 31:25 NIVGenesis 31:25 NLTGenesis 31:25 ESVGenesis 31:25 NASBGenesis 31:25 KJV
Genesis 31:25 Commentaries
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