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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 31:1-21

1-21 The affairs of these families are related very minutely, while (what are called) the great events of states and kingdoms at that period, are not mentioned. The Bible teaches people the common duties of life, how to serve God, how to enjoy the blessings he bestows, and to do good in the various stations and duties of life. Selfish men consider themselves robbed of all that goes past them, and covetousness will even swallow up natural affection. Men's overvaluing worldly wealth is that error... read more

Paul E. Kretzmann

The Popular Commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann - Genesis 31:1-16

The Plan to Flee v. 1. And he heard the words of Laban's sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that was our father's; and of that which was our father's hath he gotten all this glory. That was the voice of envy, which begrudged Jacob the obvious blessing of God, incidentally revealing a very ugly suspicion, as is customary in such cases. v. 2. And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before. Laban no longer concealed his selfishness and covetousness,... read more

Johann Peter Lange

Lange's Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: Critical, Doctrinal and Homiletical - Genesis 31:4-55

FOURTH SECTIONJacob’s flight. Laban’s persecution. The covenant between the two on the mountain of Gilead. Departure. Genesis 31:4 to Genesis 32:2, 4And Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field unto his flock. 5And said unto them, I see [am seeing] your father’s countenance, that it is not toward me as before: 6but the God [Elohim] of my father hath been with me. And ye3 know that with all my power I have served your father. 7And your father hath deceived4 me, and changed my wages ten... read more

Frederick Brotherton Meyer

F.B. Meyer's 'Through the Bible' Commentary - Genesis 31:1-21

Jacob Leaves Laban Genesis 31:1-21 Jacob was a remarkable mixture. He had an eminently religious nature, and had intimate dealings with God. Note Genesis 31:3 ; Genesis 31:5 ; Genesis 31:7 ; Genesis 31:18 . But he grossly misrepresented God’s dealings with him when he gave his wives the reasons on which he proposed flight. Note Genesis 31:9 ; Genesis 31:13 . So the flesh and spirit struggle for mastery within us all, and only as the grace of God enters our hearts can we come into the... read more

G. Campbell Morgan

G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible - Genesis 31:1-55

In the midst of Jacob's success the second divine communication came to him, commanding him to return to the land of his fathers and giving him the promise, "I will be with thee." Thus, after at least twenty years' absence, he set his face again toward home. The same cunning which had been manifested throughout is seen in the stealth with which he broke away from Laban. Much may happen in twenty years. However, one thing can never happen. The wrongdoing of the past cannot be undone and Jacob... read more

Peter Pett

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 31:1-21

Jacob is Commanded by Yahweh to Return Home and Tries to Slip Away (31:1-21). Genesis 31:1-2 ‘And he heard the words of Laban’s sons, saying, “Jacob has taken away all that was our father’s, and he has obtained his wealth from that which was our father’s.” And he beheld the face of Laban, and behold, it was not as friendly towards him as it had been before.’ The building up of wealth always provokes jealousy, especially from those who feel that they have lost by it. What had seemed a good... read more

Arthur Peake

Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 31:1-21

Genesis 31:1-Ecclesiastes : . Jacob’ s Flight.— This section is, for the most part, from E, Genesis 31:1; Genesis 31:3 are from J, Genesis 31:18 (after “ cattle” ) from P.Jacob realises from the words of Laban’ s sons (J) and the altered demeanour of Laban himself (E) that his enrichment at Laban’ s expense is deeply resented. Yahweh also bade him return (J). To his wives he complains of the treatment he has received from their father, which God has nevertheless overruled for his advantage,... read more

Joseph Exell

Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary - Genesis 31:1-21

CRITICAL NOTES.—Genesis 31:7. Changed my wages ten times.] Probably to be understood as a round number, meaning any number of times—as often as he could. The expression “ten times” is used for frequently, in Numbers 14:22, and in other passages.—Genesis 31:11. The Angel of God.] This is, as elsewhere, the angel or messenger who speaks in the person of God himself. (Genesis 31:13). Genesis 31:19. Images.] Heb. Teraphim. “This word occurs fifteen times in the Old Testament. It appears three times... read more

Chuck Smith

Chuck Smith Bible Commentary - Genesis 31:1-55

Chapter 31And he heard the words of Laban's sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that was our father's; and all that which was our father's hath he gotten all this glory ( Genesis 31:1 ).In other words, they are now saying, "Hey, that really belongs to our dad. Jacob's stolen it from us". Not so. Jacob made the deal. His dad made the deal, but now the brothers are jealous because Jacob has such a large flock. They're so strong and healthy and there's a great jealousy.And Jacob beheld the... read more

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