Read & Study the Bible Online - Bible Portal
Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 28:1-5

Jacob had no sooner obtained the blessing than immediately he was forced to flee from his country; and, as it if were not enough that he was a stranger and sojourner there, he must go to be more so, and no better than an exile, in another country. Now Jacob fled into Syria, Hos. 12:12. He was blessed with plenty of corn and wine, and yet he went away poor, was blessed with government, and yet went out to service, a hard service. This was, 1. Perhaps to correct him for his dealing fraudulently... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 28:2

Arise, go to Padanaram ,.... Of this place; see Gill on Genesis 25:20 ; either he is bid to go directly, in haste and alone; perhaps by this time Rebekah had given Isaac some hint of the ill design of Esau against him, which made Isaac the more urgent upon him to be gone, as well as it was high time he had took to himself a wife: to the house of Bethuel thy mother's father ; who though now dead in all probability, yet the house and family went by his name: and take thee a wife from... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 28:2

Go to Padan-aram - This mission, in its spirit and design, is nearly the same as that in Genesis 24 (note). There have been several ingenious conjectures concerning the retinue which Jacob had, or might have had, for his journey; and by some he has been supposed to have been well attended. Of this nothing is mentioned here, and the reverse seems to be intimated elsewhere. It appears, from Genesis 28:11 , that he lodged in the open air, with a stone for his pillow; and from Genesis 32:10 ... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 28:2

Verse 2 2.Arise, go to Padan-aram. In the first place, he commands him to take a wife from his maternal race. He might have sent for her by some one of his servants, as Rebekah had been brought to him; but perhaps he took this course to avoid the envy of Esau, who might regard it as a reproach if more solicitude were manifested about his brother’s marriage than about his own. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 28:1-9

Jacob and Esau, or diverging paths. I. JACOB 'S JOURNEY TO PADAN - ARAM . 1. The path of duty . Entered on in obedience to his mother's wish and his father's commandment, it was an e vide nce of filial piety. It is the token of a good son that he "hears the instruction of his father, and forsakes not the taw of his mother" ( Proverbs 1:8 ). Sons come to mature age should respect and, where not inconsistent with allegiance to God, yield submission to parental... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 28:1-9

Life with, and life without, God. The divergence of the two representative men is seen in this short statement of their marriage relations. 1. Domestic life under the blessing of God and apart from that blessing. 2. The true blessing is the blessing of Abraham, the blessing which God has already provided, promised, and secured. 3. The heir of the blessing must be sent away and learn by experience how to use it. 4. The disinherited man, who has scorned his opportunity,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 28:2

Arise, go to Padan-aram ( vide Genesis 14:10 ; Genesis 25:20 ; Genesis 27:43 ), to the house of Bethuel thy mother's father ;—( vide Genesis 14:24 ). If yet alive, Bethuel must have been very old, since he was Isaac's cousin, and probably born many years before the son of Abraham— and take thee a wife from thence— though Isaac's wife was found for him, he does not think of imitating Abraham and dispatching another ,Eliezer in search of a spouse for Rebekah's son. Probably he... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Genesis 28:1-22

- Jacob’s Journey to Haran3. קהל qâhāl, “congregation.”9. מחלת māchălat, Machalath, “sickness, or a harp.”19. לוּז lûz, Luz, “almond.”The blessing of his sons was the last passage in the active life of Isaac, after which he retires from the scene. Jacob now becomes the leading figure in the sacred history. His spiritual character has yet come out to view. But even now we can discern the general distinction in the lives of the three patriarchs. Abraham’s is a life of authority and decision;... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Genesis 28:1-9

Jacob receives Isaac’s blessing (26:34-28:9)The custom in ancient times was for the father of the household to confirm the birthright on his firstborn son by giving his special blessing just before he died. People considered this blessing to be more than just a promise; they saw it as a prophecy that carried God’s favour. Isaac knew that God’s will was for Jacob, not Esau, to receive the firstborn’s blessing (see 25:23). Yet he was determined to give the blessing to Esau, even though Esau, by... read more

Group of Brands