Genesis 30:42

G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible - Genesis 30:1-43

In reading these stories we must never forget that we are looking at things as they were in that far-gone time and must make all necessary allowances for the imperfect light in which these people lived. That, however, does not prevent our seeing how much is chronicled here which contradicts the principle of faith. It is the story of domestic trouble and heart-burning out of which arose actions utterly out of keeping with the life of simple trust. Nevertheless, throughout there is a manifest... read more

Peter Pett

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 30:25-43

Jacob Prospers and Decides to Return Home (Genesis 30:25 to Genesis 32:2 ). This passage is centred around two theophanies and two covenants. In the first theophany Yahweh appears to Jacob and tells him to return home (Genesis 31:3). Then Jacob, describing the theophany to his wives, amplifies what God said as the God of Bethel, emphasising the command to return home (Genesis 31:11-13). And the second is when he meets the angels of God at Mahanaim (Genesis 32:1-2). The passage also contains... read more

Arthur Peake

Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 30:25-43

Genesis 30:25-John : . Jacob Grows Rich by Overreaching Laban.— This is a difficult section. It is taken from JE. The analysis is uncertain. To J may be assigned Genesis 30:25; Genesis 30:27, Genesis 30:29-Obadiah :, Genesis 30:35 f., to E Genesis 30:26; Genesis 30:28; Genesis 30:33 f., while Genesis 30:32 is to be divided between them. Genesis 30"37– 45 is in the main from J, but in its present form is barely intelligible. Two accounts of the bargain seem to be combined, though the... read more

Joseph Exell

Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary - Genesis 30:25-43

CRITICAL NOTES.—Genesis 30:27. I have learned by experience.] This verb is taken from a noun, which means a serpent. It seems to have such a meaning as, “to ascertain by means of a close, subtle, and insidious inspection.” Alford says that the word literally means, “I have used divination, I have learned by consulting omens.”—Genesis 30:33. So shall my righteousness answer for me.] That is, my honesty shall be vindicated.—Genesis 30:37. Pilled white streaks in them.] “He pealed off the bark of... read more

Chuck Smith

Chuck Smith Bible Commentary - Genesis 30:1-43

Chapter 30Now when Rachel saw that she could not bare Jacob children, Rachel envied her sister; and she said to Jacob, Give me children, or else I'm going to die. And Jacob was angry with her: and he said, Am I in God's place, who hath withheld thee from the fruit of the womb ( Genesis 30:1-2 )?So here's some hard feelings and harsh words between husband and wife because Rachel feels the disgrace of not being able to bear children.And so she said, Behold my maid Bilhah, go in to her; and she... read more

Joseph Sutcliffe

Sutcliffe's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments - Genesis 30:1-43

Genesis 30:2. Am I in God’s stead. Rachel’s impatience provoked Jacob’s anger, because she asked of man whist was the prerogative of God to give. The rabbins remark here, that God keeps in his own hands the four grand keys of nature. First, the key of life or generation; secondly, the key of bread; thirdly, the key of rain, Deuteronomy 28:12; fourthly, the key of the grave, or resurrection from the dead. Ezekiel 37:12. Those favours of posterity are to be asked in prayer, and with all... read more

Joseph Exell

The Biblical Illustrator - Genesis 30:28-43

Genesis 30:28-43Appoint me thy wages, and I will give itJacob’s new contract of serviceI.IT WAS ENTERED UPON IN OPPOSITION TO HIS BETTER FEELINGS AND CONVICTIONS. II. IT WAS MARKED BY WORLDLY PRUDENCE. 1. The prudence which calculates. 2. The prudence which takes advantage of superior knowledge. (T. H.Leale.)Lawful diligence blessedA Divine benediction is always invisibly breathed on painful and lawful diligence. Thus the servant employed in making and blowing of the fire, though sent away... read more

John Trapp

John Trapp Complete Commentary - Genesis 30:42

Gen 30:42 But when the cattle were feeble, he put [them] not in: so the feebler were Laban’s, and the stronger Jacob’s. Ver. 42. So the feebler were Laban’s.] So elsewhere God promiseth that his people "shall rob those that robbed them, and spoil those that spoiled them". Eze 39:10 read more

Daniel Whedon

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 30:42

42. The feebler were Laban’s This was a third trick . The Eastern sheep lamb twice a year, in spring and fall, and those born in the fall, according to Pliny, were the stronger. It is probable that after a time Laban suspected or discovered Jacob’s artifice, and accordingly changed his wages, or the terms of the contract, many times. See Genesis 31:7-8. But Jacob was smart enough to frustrate all his attempts to overreach him . read more