Genesis 29:1-30

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 29:1-8

1. We are here told how cheerfully he proceeded in his journey after the sweet communion he had with God at Beth-el: Then Jacob lifted up his feet; so the margin reads it, Gen. 29:1. Then he went on with cheerfulness and alacrity, not burdened with his cares, nor cramped with his fears, being assured of God's gracious presence with him. Note, After the visions we have had of God, and the vows we have made to him in solemn ordinances, we should run the way of his commandments with enlarged... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 29:9-14

Here we see, 1. Rachel's humility and industry: She kept her father's sheep (Gen. 29:9), that is, she took the care of them, having servants under her that were employed about them. Rachel's name signifies a sheep. Note, Honest useful labour is that which nobody needs be ashamed of, nor ought it to be a hindrance to any one's preferment. 2. Jacob's tenderness and affection. When he understood that this was his kinswoman (probably he had heard of her name before), knowing what his errand was... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 29:15-30

Here is, I. The fair contract made between Laban and Jacob, during the month that Jacob spent there as a guest, Gen. 29:14. It seems he was not idle, nor did he spend his time in sport and pastime; but like a man of business, though he had no stock of his own, he applied himself to serve his uncle, as he had begun (Gen. 29:10) when he watered his flock. Note, Wherever we are, it is good to be employing ourselves in some useful business, which will turn to a good account to ourselves or others.... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 29:1

Then Jacob went on his journey ,.... After the above vow at Bethel, and having had some intimation that what he desired would be granted him; or "he lift up his feet" F24 וישא־רגליו "et levavit pedes suos", Pagninus, Montanus, Vatablus, Fagius; "sustulit", Drusius, Schmidt. , which not only shows that he walked afoot, but that he went on his journey with great cheerfulness; for having such gracious promises made him, that God would be with him, and keep him, and supply him with all... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 29:2

And he looked, and behold a well in the field ,.... Near Haran; he might purposely look out for a well, as knowing that there people frequently came for water for their families, or shepherds to water their flocks, of whom he might get intelligence concerning Laban's family, and where they dwelt; or he might lookout for this particular well, where his grandfather's servant had met with his mother Rebekah, of which he had been informed, and very probably had some directions how to find it: of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 29:3

And thither were all the flocks gathered ,.... The three above mentioned, Genesis 29:2 , and they rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the sheep ; that is, when they watered the sheep, they used to roll away the stone from the mouth of the well in order to do it; for as yet the flocks, now lying by it, had not been watered, as appears from Genesis 29:7 , and put a stone upon the well's mouth in this place ; this they were wont to do every time they watered the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 29:4

And Jacob said unto them ,.... To the shepherds, though not expressly mentioned; it cannot be imagined he spoke to the flocks, but to the keepers of them: my brethren, whence be ye ? a kind and affable way of speaking, used even to strangers, since all men are brethren by nature; or might be used by Jacob, because they were of the same occupation with himself, shepherds, asking them of what city they were, and from whence they came? and which being answered, would lead on to a... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 29:5

And he said unto them, know ye Laban the son of Nahor ?.... He was the son of Bethuel, and grandson of Nahor; grandsons being called the sons of their grandfather; and Nahor might be more known than Bethuel, Haran being Nahor's city, Genesis 24:10 ; and not Bethuel his mother's father, but Laban her brother is inquired after; perhaps Bethuel was dead, and Laban was the head of the family, and well known, and it was to him he was sent: and they said, we know him ; perfectly well; he... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 29:6

And he said unto them, is he well ?.... In good health, he and his family, or "is peace unto him" F2 השלום לו "nunquid pax ei", Montanus, Vatablus, Fagius, Cartwright, Schmidt. ; does he enjoy prosperity and happiness? for this word was used in the eastern nations, and still is, for all kind of felicity: and they said, he is well ; or has peace; he and his family are in good health, enjoying all the comforts and blessings of life: and, behold, Rachel his daughter cometh... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 29:7

And he said, lo, it is yet high day ,.... Noonday, when the sun is highest; at which time in those hot countries flocks used to be made to lie down in shady places, and by still waters, to which the allusion is in Psalm 23:2 ; or however the sun was still up very high, and there was a great deal of the day yet to come; for so the phrase is, "yet the day is great" or "much" F3 גדול "magnus", Pagninus, Montanus, Drusius; "multus", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Schmidt; "multum... read more

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