Topical Encyclopedia Laban, a significant figure in the Old Testament, is first introduced in the context of receiving the servant of Abraham. He is the son of Bethuel and the brother of Rebekah, who becomes the wife of Isaac. Laban's account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, where he plays a crucial role in the narratives surrounding the patriarchs.Background and Family Laban is a member of the Aramean family from Paddan-aram, a region in Mesopotamia. His father, Bethuel, is a descendant of Nahor, Abraham's brother, making Laban a relative of Abraham's family. This familial connection is significant in the unfolding of God's covenantal promises to Abraham and his descendants. The Arrival of Abraham's Servant The narrative of Laban receiving the servant of Abraham is found in Genesis 24. Abraham, desiring a suitable wife for his son Isaac, sends his chief servant to his homeland to find a wife from his own kindred. The servant, upon reaching the city of Nahor, prays for God's guidance and encounters Rebekah, Laban's sister, at a well. The servant's prayer is answered when Rebekah offers water to him and his camels, fulfilling the sign he had asked of God. Laban's Hospitality Upon learning of the servant's mission and seeing the gifts given to Rebekah, Laban extends hospitality to the servant. Genesis 24:29-31 states, "Now Rebekah had a brother named Laban, and he rushed out to the man at the spring. As soon as he saw the ring and the bracelets on his sister’s wrists, and when he heard Rebekah’s words, 'This is what the man said to me,' he went out to the man and found him standing by the camels at the spring. 'Come, you who are blessed by the LORD,' said Laban. 'Why are you standing out here? I have prepared the house and a place for the camels.'" Laban's actions reflect the cultural norms of hospitality and the recognition of divine blessing. His invitation to the servant to stay and his acknowledgment of the LORD's blessing indicate an awareness of the significance of the servant's mission. Negotiations and Agreement Laban, along with Bethuel, listens to the servant's account of Abraham's instructions and the providential guidance he received. They recognize the hand of God in the matter, as expressed in Genesis 24:50-51 : "Laban and Bethuel answered, 'This is from the LORD; we have no choice in the matter. Rebekah is here before you. Take her and go, and let her become the wife of your master’s son, as the LORD has decreed.'" The agreement to allow Rebekah to marry Isaac is reached with the acknowledgment of God's will, demonstrating the importance of divine guidance in the lives of the patriarchs and their families. Significance in the Biblical Narrative Laban's reception of Abraham's servant is a pivotal moment in the Genesis narrative, as it leads to the marriage of Isaac and Rebekah, ensuring the continuation of the Abrahamic line. This event underscores themes of divine providence, faithfulness, and the fulfillment of God's promises. Laban's role, though initially one of hospitality and negotiation, sets the stage for his later interactions with Jacob, Rebekah's son, further intertwining his account with the patriarchal history. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 24:29-33And Rebekah had a brother, and his name was Laban: and Laban ran out to the man, to the well. Nave's Topical Index Library Chapter xxiv The Story of Jacob Chapter xxxii Chapter xxviii John Chapter ii. 21-Dec The Object of Theology The Book of Jubilees Chapter xii Selections from the Work against Heresies by Irenaeus, Bishop of ... The Immaculate Conception Resources Who was Laban in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Rachel in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Jacob in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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