I have been with you for twenty years now. Your sheep and goats have not miscarried, nor have I eaten the rams of your flock. I have been with you twenty years nowThis phrase marks a significant period in Jacob's life, emphasizing his long-term commitment and service to Laban. The Hebrew word for "twenty" (עֶשְׂרִים, esrim) signifies completeness and a full cycle, often associated with a period of testing or trial. Jacob's two decades with Laban were marked by hard work and perseverance, reflecting his faithfulness and endurance. This time frame also highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to be with Jacob, as seen in Genesis 28:15, where God assures Jacob of His presence and protection. Your sheep and goats have not miscarried
The Hebrew word for "miscarried" (שָׁכֹל, shakol) implies loss or bereavement. Jacob's statement underscores his diligent care and the blessing of God upon his work. In ancient pastoral societies, the health and productivity of livestock were crucial for economic stability. Jacob's success in preventing miscarriages among the flock is a testament to his skill and God's favor. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that God blesses those who are faithful and diligent in their work (Proverbs 10:4). nor have I eaten the rams of your flock
This phrase highlights Jacob's integrity and honesty. The Hebrew word for "rams" (אַיִל, ayil) refers to male sheep, which were valuable for breeding and sacrificial purposes. By stating that he did not consume Laban's rams, Jacob emphasizes his respect for Laban's property and his commitment to ethical stewardship. This reflects the biblical principle of respecting others' possessions and maintaining integrity in all dealings (Exodus 20:15). Jacob's conduct serves as a model for believers to act justly and honorably in their relationships and responsibilities. Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobThe central figure in this passage, Jacob is speaking to Laban, recounting his faithful service over twenty years. Jacob is a patriarch in the lineage of Abraham and Isaac, known for his perseverance and faithfulness despite challenges. 2. LabanJacob's father-in-law, who has employed Jacob for two decades. Laban is often depicted as a shrewd and sometimes deceitful character, which contrasts with Jacob's integrity in this passage. 3. Ewes and Female GoatsThese animals represent the wealth and prosperity of Laban's household, which Jacob has diligently tended. Their health and productivity are a testament to Jacob's careful stewardship. 4. Rams of the FlockJacob mentions not eating the rams, highlighting his honesty and integrity in managing Laban's resources without taking advantage for personal gain. 5. Twenty YearsThis time period emphasizes Jacob's long-term commitment and the endurance of his service, reflecting his patience and dedication. Teaching Points Integrity in ServiceJacob's example teaches the importance of maintaining integrity and honesty in our work, even when others may not reciprocate. Faithfulness Over TimeThe twenty years Jacob served Laban remind us of the value of perseverance and faithfulness in our commitments, trusting that God sees and rewards our efforts. God's Provision and BlessingDespite Laban's attempts to exploit Jacob, God blessed Jacob's work. This encourages us to rely on God's provision and trust Him to bless our honest efforts. Stewardship of ResourcesJacob's careful management of Laban's flocks highlights the importance of being good stewards of the resources and responsibilities entrusted to us. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jacob's integrity in his service to Laban challenge us in our own work environments today? 2. In what ways can we demonstrate faithfulness and perseverance in our commitments, even when faced with difficult circumstances? 3. How does the account of Jacob and Laban encourage us to trust in God's provision and blessing, even when others may try to take advantage of us? 4. What practical steps can we take to ensure we are good stewards of the resources and responsibilities God has given us? 5. How can the principles of integrity and faithfulness in Genesis 31:38 be applied to our relationships with others, both personally and professionally? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 30:25-43This passage provides context for Jacob's service to Laban, detailing how Jacob's flocks increased under God's blessing, despite Laban's attempts to cheat him. 1 Samuel 12:3-5Samuel's declaration of his integrity before Israel parallels Jacob's defense of his honest service to Laban. Colossians 3:23-24This New Testament exhortation to work heartily as for the Lord connects with Jacob's diligent service, reminding believers to serve with integrity and faithfulness. | 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 Cast, Eaten, Ewes, Female, Flock, Flocks, Goats, Haven't, He-goats, Loss, Miscarried, Rams, Sheep, She-goats, TwentyDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 31:38 4681 ram
5733 pregnancy Genesis 31:36-42 5095 Jacob, life
8716 dishonesty, examples Genesis 31:38-42 5569 suffering, hardship
5603 wages 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 31:38 NIVGenesis 31:38 NLTGenesis 31:38 ESVGenesis 31:38 NASBGenesis 31:38 KJV
Genesis 31:38 Commentaries
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