Genesis 31:33

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Genesis 31:22-55

Laban’s confrontation with Jacob 31:22-55God had promised to be with Jacob and to return him to Canaan (Genesis 28:15). We see God doing this, in spite of Laban’s opposition, in this section."It was only by divine prospering and protection (24) that Jacob brought anything, even his life, back from exile." [Note: Kidner, p. 165.] "Whatever wealth Abraham may have forfeited upon leaving the family unit of Terah in Haran comes to his heirs in this most unimaginable way." [Note: Mathews, Genesis... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 31:1-55

Jacob’s Return from Haran4-13. Jacob attributes his prosperity to God’s favour. 14-16. Rachel and Leah point out that their father had no claim on them, since Jacob had won them by his services, and Laban had given them no share in the profits he had made through their husband’s labours. They agree to leave their home.19. The images] Heb. teraphim. These were figures of metal, wood, or clay of varying sizes, apparently in human form. They probably answered to the ’Lares and Penates,’ or... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 31:1-55

THE TÔLDÔTH ISAAC (Genesis 25:19 to Genesis 35:29). THE BIRTH OF ISAAC’S SONS.Abraham begat Isaac—The Tôldôth in its original form gave probably a complete genealogy of Isaac, tracing up his descent to Shem, and showing thereby that the right of primogeniture belonged to him; but the inspired historian uses only so much of this as is necessary for tracing the development of the Divine plan of human redemption.The Syrian.—Really, the Aramean, or descendant of Aram. (See Genesis 10:22-23.) The... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Genesis 31:1-55

CHAPTER 31 Jacob’s Servitude Ended and Flight from Laban 1. Laban’s behavior and God’s commandment (Genesis 31:1-10 ) 2. The dream vision to return to the land (Genesis 31:11-16 ) 3. Jacob’s flight (Genesis 31:17-21 ) 4. Laban warned (Genesis 31:22-24 ) 5. Laban’s accusation (Genesis 31:25-30 ) 6. Jacob’s answer (Genesis 31:31-42 ) 7. The covenant between Jacob and Laban (Genesis 31:43-55 ) The twenty years had expired. Laban’s hatred and the hatred of his sons had increased.... read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 31:1-55

JACOB'S SECRET DEPARTURE The prosperity of Jacob could not but awaken the envy of Laban's sons. Jacob had gained all of this through his caring for their father's sheep: now the majority of the sheep and the stronger sheep belonged to Jacob. But Laban had agreed to the arrangement, and they could do nothing about it. Before this Laban had recognized that it was Jacob's presence with him that caused Laban to prosper greatly; so he appreciated Jacob. Now Jacob prospers and Laban's attitude... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - Genesis 31:1-55

JACOB AND LABAN THEIR FIRST MEETING (Genesis 29:1-14 ) Jacob’s journey to Haran, his mother’s country, was first to the north and then the east, re-traversing the original course of his grandfather Abraham. As he nears its termination; his attention is attracted by the shepherds with their flocks around a well, whose mouth is covered with a stone. Inquiry reveals that they belong to Haran, and are acquainted with his uncle Laban. Rachel, his daughter and the keeper of his sheep, will be... read more

Joseph Parker

The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - Genesis 31:1-55

In the Service of Laban Genesis 29-31 The story occupied by Genesis 29-31 represents one of the oft-recurring mysteries of human life. That is to say, in view of what has just taken place, that story seems to be an anti-climax, and is felt to be, in some serious sense, even a disappointment. It is almost impossible to bring the mind from the contemplations upon which it has just been fixed to read such an incident as that which spreads itself over these three chapters. When a man has seen... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Genesis 31:31-33

Observe the diligence with which Laban sought after his false gods. Reader! may it provoke you and me to a greater earnestness in seeking for the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent. How charming Job's desire! Job 33:3 . How delightful David's earnestness! Psalms 42:1-2 . How encouraging that promise! Hebrews 11:6 . read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 31:22-35

22-35 God can put a bridle in the mouth of wicked men, to restrain their malice, though he do not change their hearts. Though they have no love to God's people, they will pretend to it, and try to make a merit of necessity. Foolish Laban! to call those things his gods which could be stolen! Enemies may steal our goods, but not our God. Here Laban lays to Jacob's charge things that he knew not. Those who commit their cause to God, are not forbidden to plead it themselves with meekness and fear.... read more

Paul E. Kretzmann

The Popular Commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann - Genesis 31:25-35

Laban Scolds Jacob v. 25. Then Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mount; and Laban with his brethren pitched in the mount of Gilead. So Jacob had gone into camp on the height of the mountain range of which Mount Gilead was the highest peak, and Laban, in overtaking him with his kinsmen, also pitched his tent. v. 26. And Laban said to Jacob, What hast thou done that thou hast stolen away unawares to me, and carried away my daughters as captives taken with the sword?... read more

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