Early the next morning, Laban got up and kissed his grandchildren and daughters and blessed them. Then he left to return home. Early the next morningThis phrase indicates a sense of urgency and purpose. In the Hebrew context, mornings often symbolize new beginnings and divine favor. The early morning departure suggests Laban's desire to conclude his business with Jacob and return to his own affairs. It reflects a cultural practice of resolving matters promptly and moving forward, a principle that resonates with the biblical theme of seeking peace and resolution. Laban got up
Laban's action of getting up signifies a transition from rest to action. In the Hebrew tradition, rising up often denotes readiness and determination. Laban's decision to rise early and engage with his family shows a commitment to his familial duties, despite the previous tensions with Jacob. This act can inspire believers to rise with purpose and address their responsibilities with diligence. and kissed his grandchildren and daughters
The act of kissing in ancient Near Eastern culture was a sign of affection, respect, and farewell. Laban's gesture towards his grandchildren and daughters underscores the importance of family bonds, even amidst conflict. It highlights the enduring nature of familial love and the biblical call to cherish and nurture family relationships, reflecting God's love for His children. and blessed them
Blessing in the Hebrew context is a profound act, invoking God's favor and protection. Laban's blessing over his family, despite the strained relationship with Jacob, demonstrates a recognition of God's sovereignty and the importance of seeking divine favor for loved ones. This act of blessing serves as a reminder for believers to speak life and God's promises over their families, trusting in His providence. Then he left
Laban's departure marks the end of a significant chapter in the narrative. The act of leaving signifies closure and the acceptance of God's unfolding plan. It reflects the biblical principle of trusting God with the future and moving forward in faith, even when relationships are complex and unresolved. and returned home
Returning home symbolizes a return to one's roots and responsibilities. For Laban, it meant going back to his own land and people, a place of familiarity and duty. This return can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual return and repentance, encouraging believers to return to God, their true home, and fulfill their God-given roles with faithfulness and integrity. Persons / Places / Events 1. LabanThe father of Leah and Rachel, and the father-in-law of Jacob. He is a key figure in Jacob's life, often representing opposition and challenge. 2. JacobThe grandson of Abraham, son of Isaac, and husband to Leah and Rachel. He is the central figure in this account, having just left Laban's household with his family and possessions. 3. Leah and RachelThe daughters of Laban and wives of Jacob. They play significant roles in the unfolding of God's promises to Jacob. 4. Paddan-aramThe region where Laban lived and where Jacob spent many years working for Laban. 5. The DepartureThis event marks the end of Jacob's time with Laban and the beginning of his journey back to Canaan, the land promised to his forefathers. Teaching Points The Importance of Family BlessingsLaban's act of blessing his family before departing highlights the significance of speaking blessings over our loved ones. In our lives, we should prioritize blessing and encouraging our family members. Trusting God's PromisesJacob's journey back to Canaan is a testament to trusting in God's promises, even when the path is uncertain. We are called to trust in God's faithfulness in our own journeys. Reconciliation and PeaceDespite past conflicts, Laban and Jacob part ways with a gesture of peace. This teaches us the importance of seeking reconciliation and peace in our relationships. God's Sovereignty in Our JourneysJust as God guided Jacob, He is sovereign over our life's journey. We should seek His guidance and trust His timing in our lives. The Role of Faith in Uncertain TimesJacob's departure is an act of faith, stepping into the unknown with trust in God's promises. We are encouraged to exercise faith in times of uncertainty. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Laban's blessing of his family before departing reflect the biblical principle of speaking blessings over others? How can you apply this in your family or community? 2. In what ways does Jacob's departure from Laban's household demonstrate trust in God's promises? How can you cultivate a similar trust in your own life? 3. Reflect on a time when you had to part ways with someone or something significant. How can the account of Jacob and Laban inform your understanding of reconciliation and peace? 4. How does the account of Jacob's journey back to Canaan encourage you to trust in God's sovereignty over your life's journey? 5. Consider the role of faith in Jacob's life as he steps into the unknown. How can you apply this principle of faith in your current circumstances or future plans? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 28:15God's promise to Jacob that He will be with him and bring him back to the land of his fathers. This promise is being fulfilled as Jacob departs from Laban. Genesis 32:9-12Jacob's prayer to God for protection as he returns to Canaan, showing his reliance on God's promises. Hebrews 11:9The faith of the patriarchs, including Jacob, who lived as foreigners in the land of promise, looking forward to the fulfillment of God's promises. People Aram, Isaac, Jacob, Laban, Leah, Nahor, RachelPlaces Canaan, Euphrates River, Galeed, Gilead, Jegar-sahadutha, Mizpah, Paddan-aramTopics Blessed, Blesseth, Blessing, Daughters, Departed, Early, Grandchildren, Home, Kissed, Kisseth, Kissing, Laban, Morning, Returned, Riseth, Rose, Sons, TurnethDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 31:55 4954 morning
5696 grandchildren
5898 kissing Genesis 31:44-55 5095 Jacob, life 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 31:55 NIVGenesis 31:55 NLTGenesis 31:55 ESVGenesis 31:55 NASBGenesis 31:55 KJV
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