Then Laban declared, "This mound is a witness between you and me this day." Therefore the place was called Galeed. Then Laban declaredThe phrase begins with Laban, a central figure in this narrative, who is Jacob's father-in-law. Laban's declaration is significant as it marks a pivotal moment of resolution between him and Jacob. The Hebrew root for "declared" is "אָמַר" (amar), which means to say or speak. This word is often used in the Bible to denote authoritative or significant speech, indicating that Laban's words carry weight and are meant to establish a formal agreement. This mound is a witness between you and me this day Therefore it was named Galeed Persons / Places / Events 1. LabanLaban is the brother of Rebekah, father of Leah and Rachel, and father-in-law to Jacob. He is a key figure in Jacob's life, often representing opposition and challenge. 2. Jacob Jacob is the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the grandson of Abraham. He is a patriarch of Israel and is known for his complex relationship with Laban, which includes working for him for many years. 3. Galeed This is the name given to the heap of stones set up as a witness between Jacob and Laban. The name means "heap of witness" in Hebrew, signifying the covenant made between them. 4. Mizpah Although not mentioned in this specific verse, Mizpah is another name for the location of the covenant, meaning "watchtower." It symbolizes God's watchfulness over the covenant. 5. Covenant The event of setting up the heap of stones marks a covenant between Jacob and Laban, serving as a physical reminder of their agreement and God's witness to it. Teaching Points The Importance of CovenantsCovenants are serious commitments that require accountability. In our lives, we should honor our commitments to God and others, understanding that they are witnessed by God. Physical Reminders of Spiritual Truths Just as Jacob and Laban used a heap of stones, we can use physical reminders (like crosses or scripture plaques) to keep us mindful of our commitments and God's promises. God as Witness Recognize that God is always a witness to our actions and agreements. This should encourage us to live with integrity and honesty in all our dealings. Resolving Conflicts Jacob and Laban's covenant was a resolution to their conflict. We should seek peaceful resolutions and establish clear boundaries in our relationships. Trust in God's Watchfulness The name Mizpah reminds us that God watches over us. We can trust in His oversight and protection in our lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the covenant between Jacob and Laban reflect the nature of God's covenants with His people?2. What are some modern-day "heaps of witness" that you can set up in your life to remind you of your commitments to God and others? 3. How can the resolution between Jacob and Laban guide us in resolving conflicts in our own relationships? 4. In what ways does the concept of God as a witness to our actions influence your daily decisions and interactions? 5. How can we apply the principle of God's watchfulness (Mizpah) to cultivate trust and faith in His protection and guidance? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 21:22-34This passage describes a similar covenant between Abraham and Abimelech, where a physical marker (a well) is used as a witness to their agreement. Joshua 24:27 Joshua sets up a stone as a witness to the covenant between God and Israel, emphasizing the importance of physical reminders in covenant relationships. 1 Samuel 7:12 Samuel sets up a stone called Ebenezer, meaning "stone of help," as a witness to God's assistance, paralleling the use of physical objects as witnesses.
People Aram, Isaac, Jacob, Laban, Leah, Nahor, RachelPlaces Canaan, Euphrates River, Galeed, Gilead, Jegar-sahadutha, Mizpah, Paddan-aramTopics Galeed, Heap, Laban, Named, Reason, Stones, To-day, WitnessDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 31:43-53Library Gen. xxxi. 11Of 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 Testament Appendix 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. How the Rude in Sacred Learning, and those who are Learned but not Humble, are to be Admonished. Epistle Xlix. To Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch . The Great Shepherd And He had Also this Favour Granted Him. ... A Treatise of the Fear of God; Meditations for the Morning. Genesis Links Genesis 31:48 NIVGenesis 31:48 NLT Genesis 31:48 ESV Genesis 31:48 NASB Genesis 31:48 KJV Genesis 31:48 Commentaries Bible Hub |
    |