It was also called Mizpah, because Laban said, "May the LORD keep watch between you and me when we are absent from each other. It was also called MizpahThe term "Mizpah" comes from the Hebrew root "צָפָה" (tsaphah), meaning "to watch" or "to look out." In the ancient Near Eastern context, a Mizpah was often a high place or a lookout point, symbolizing vigilance and divine oversight. This name signifies a place of covenant and remembrance, where God Himself is invoked as a witness to the agreement between Jacob and Laban. The use of "Mizpah" here underscores the solemnity and sacredness of their pact, reminding us of God's omnipresence and His role as the ultimate overseer of human affairs. because he said
This phrase introduces the rationale behind the naming of Mizpah. It reflects the spoken word's power in biblical narratives, where declarations often carry significant weight and authority. In this context, Laban's words are not merely a personal wish but a formal invocation of God's presence and protection. This highlights the importance of speech in covenant-making and the belief that words, once spoken, have enduring spiritual and relational implications. May the LORD keep watch
The invocation of "the LORD" (YHWH) here is significant, as it calls upon the covenantal name of God, emphasizing His faithfulness and sovereignty. The phrase "keep watch" suggests a divine guardianship, where God is asked to oversee and protect the parties involved. This reflects a deep trust in God's ability to maintain justice and peace, even when human eyes cannot see. It serves as a reminder of God's eternal vigilance and His role as the ultimate judge and protector. between you and me
This phrase highlights the relational aspect of the covenant. It acknowledges the physical separation between Jacob and Laban but affirms that God's presence bridges the gap. The use of "between" suggests a mutual accountability before God, where both parties are equally subject to His watchful eye. This underscores the biblical principle that relationships, especially those bound by covenant, are sacred and should be maintained with integrity and respect. when we are absent from one another
The acknowledgment of absence points to the reality of human limitations and the need for divine intervention. It recognizes that while humans may be separated by distance, God's presence is not confined by space or time. This phrase reassures believers that God's watchful care extends beyond physical proximity, offering comfort and assurance that He is always present, even in times of separation or uncertainty. It encourages trust in God's continuous oversight and His ability to sustain relationships despite physical absence. Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobThe grandson of Abraham, son of Isaac, and brother of Esau. He is a central figure in this account, having fled from his uncle Laban with his family and possessions. 2. LabanJacob's uncle and father-in-law, who pursued Jacob after he left Haran. Laban and Jacob had a complex relationship marked by mutual distrust and manipulation. 3. MizpahA location where Jacob and Laban made a covenant. The name means "watchtower" in Hebrew, symbolizing God's watchful presence over their agreement. 4. The CovenantAn agreement made between Jacob and Laban, marked by a heap of stones, serving as a witness to their promise not to harm each other. 5. The LORDThe covenant-keeping God of Israel, invoked by Jacob and Laban as a witness to their agreement, emphasizing His role as a divine overseer. Teaching Points God's OmnipresenceJust as God was invoked to watch over Jacob and Laban, we can trust in His constant presence in our lives, especially in our relationships and commitments. The Importance of CovenantsCovenants are serious commitments before God. We should approach our promises and agreements with the same reverence and integrity. Trust in God's JusticeWhen we face conflicts or distrust, we can rely on God to be the ultimate judge and overseer, ensuring fairness and justice. Reconciliation and PeaceLike Jacob and Laban, we should seek reconciliation and peace in our relationships, trusting God to guide and watch over our efforts. Accountability in RelationshipsThe Mizpah covenant reminds us of the importance of accountability in our relationships, knowing that God is a witness to our actions and intentions. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of Mizpah as a "watchtower" influence your understanding of God's role in your personal relationships? 2. In what ways can you apply the principle of making covenants or promises before God in your daily life? 3. How does the account of Jacob and Laban encourage you to seek reconciliation in your own relationships? 4. What are some practical steps you can take to ensure accountability in your commitments, knowing that God is a witness? 5. How do other scriptures, such as those in 1 Samuel and Hebrews, enhance your understanding of God's omnipresence and justice in your life? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 7:5-12Mizpah is also mentioned as a place where Samuel gathered Israel for repentance and renewal of their covenant with God, highlighting its significance as a place of divine oversight and commitment. Matthew 18:20Jesus speaks of His presence where two or three gather in His name, echoing the theme of God's watchful presence in relationships and agreements. Hebrews 4:13This verse speaks of God's omniscience, reinforcing the idea that nothing is hidden from His sight, similar to the watchful role He plays in the covenant at Mizpah. People Aram, Isaac, Jacob, Laban, Leah, Nahor, RachelPlaces Canaan, Euphrates River, Galeed, Gilead, Jegar-sahadutha, Mizpah, Paddan-aramTopics Absent, Another's, Doings, Hidden, Mizpah, Pillar, Unable, WatchDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 31:43-53 4366 stones Genesis 31:44-53 5430 oaths, human Genesis 31:44-55 5095 Jacob, life Genesis 31:45-50 5044 names, giving of Genesis 31:45-53 5443 pillars Genesis 31:48-54 1346 covenants, nature of 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 31:49 NIVGenesis 31:49 NLTGenesis 31:49 ESVGenesis 31:49 NASBGenesis 31:49 KJV
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