But Laban answered Jacob, "These daughters are my daughters, these sons are my sons, and these flocks are my flocks! Everything you see is mine! Yet what can I do today about these daughters of mine or the children they have borne? But Laban answered Jacob,Laban's response to Jacob comes after Jacob has fled with his family and possessions. This phrase sets the stage for a confrontation between Laban and Jacob, highlighting the tension and unresolved issues between them. Laban's authority as the head of the family and his role in Jacob's life as his father-in-law are central to this encounter. The patriarchal culture of the time gave Laban significant control over his daughters and their offspring, which he asserts in his response. “These daughters are my daughters,
Laban's claim over his daughters reflects the cultural norms of the ancient Near East, where daughters were often considered the property of their fathers until marriage. Even after marriage, familial ties remained strong, and Laban's statement underscores his continued sense of ownership and responsibility. This also highlights the importance of family lineage and inheritance in biblical times. these sons are my sons,
Laban refers to his grandchildren as his own sons, emphasizing the patriarchal structure where the grandfather had a significant role in the family hierarchy. This reflects the broader biblical theme of generational blessings and responsibilities, as seen in other patriarchal narratives such as those of Abraham and Isaac. and these flocks are my flocks!
Laban's claim over the flocks points to the wealth and prosperity that Jacob had accumulated while working for him. In the ancient world, livestock was a primary measure of wealth, and Laban's assertion indicates his belief that Jacob's prosperity was due to his own resources and blessing. This echoes earlier tensions over the division of flocks and the divine favor that Jacob experienced. Everything you see is mine!
Laban's sweeping claim of ownership over all that Jacob has acquired reflects his possessive nature and the conflict over material wealth. This statement can be seen as an expression of Laban's unwillingness to acknowledge Jacob's independent success and God's blessing upon him. It also highlights the broader biblical theme of God's provision and the tension between human claims and divine sovereignty. Yet what can I do today about these daughters of mine or the children they have borne?
Laban's rhetorical question reveals his recognition of the limits of his power. Despite his claims, he acknowledges that he cannot change the current situation. This moment of resignation can be seen as a turning point, where Laban must accept the new family dynamics. It also reflects the biblical theme of God's ultimate control over human affairs, as seen in the resolution of conflicts throughout the patriarchal narratives. Persons / Places / Events 1. LabanLaban is the father-in-law of Jacob, a man known for his cunning and manipulative behavior. He is a key figure in Jacob's life, having employed him for many years. 2. JacobJacob is the grandson of Abraham and the son of Isaac. He has worked for Laban for many years and is now seeking to return to his homeland with his family and possessions. 3. Daughters (Leah and Rachel)The daughters of Laban, who are married to Jacob. They play a significant role in the account as the mothers of Jacob's children. 4. ChildrenRefers to the children of Jacob and Laban's daughters, who are part of the covenant lineage. 5. FlocksThe livestock that Jacob has acquired during his time working for Laban, which are a source of contention between the two men. Teaching Points Understanding Ownership and StewardshipLaban's claim that everything is his reflects a misunderstanding of true ownership. As believers, we are called to recognize that all we have is ultimately God's, and we are stewards of His blessings. Family Dynamics and Conflict ResolutionThe tension between Laban and Jacob highlights the complexities of family relationships. It is important to seek peace and resolution through communication and, when necessary, setting healthy boundaries. God's Faithfulness in AdversityDespite Laban's attempts to control and manipulate, God remained faithful to Jacob, fulfilling His promises. This encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness, even when facing opposition. The Importance of CovenantsThe eventual covenant between Jacob and Laban serves as a reminder of the importance of making and honoring commitments, both with God and with others. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Laban's claim of ownership in Genesis 31:43 reflect his character, and what can we learn about the dangers of a possessive attitude? 2. In what ways does the account of Jacob and Laban illustrate the importance of setting boundaries in relationships? Can you think of a New Testament teaching that supports this? 3. How does God's faithfulness to Jacob in the face of Laban's opposition encourage you in your own life challenges? 4. Reflect on a time when you had to resolve a conflict within your family. How can the principles from Jacob and Laban's account guide you in future situations? 5. How does the concept of stewardship, as seen in Jacob's handling of the flocks, apply to your own life and resources? What other scriptures can you find that discuss stewardship? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 29-30These chapters provide the background of Jacob's relationship with Laban, including his marriages to Leah and Rachel and the birth of his children. Genesis 31:1-42The preceding verses detail the growing tension between Jacob and Laban, leading to Jacob's decision to leave secretly. Genesis 31:44-55The subsequent verses describe the covenant made between Jacob and Laban, highlighting themes of reconciliation and boundary-setting. Exodus 20:17The commandment against coveting, which relates to Laban's attitude towards Jacob's possessions. People Aram, Isaac, Jacob, Laban, Leah, Nahor, RachelPlaces Canaan, Euphrates River, Galeed, Gilead, Jegar-sahadutha, Mizpah, Paddan-aramTopics Answereth, Answering, Born, Borne, Cattle, Daughters, Flock, Flocks, Forth, Jacob, Laban, Replied, Seeing, Seest, Sons, To-day, Women, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 31:43-53 4366 stones 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 31:43 NIVGenesis 31:43 NLTGenesis 31:43 ESVGenesis 31:43 NASBGenesis 31:43 KJV
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