Genesis 30:27-34

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 30:30

For it was little which thou had before I came - Jacob takes advantage of the concession made by his father-in-law, and asserts that it was for his sake that the Lord had blessed him: Since my coming, לרגלי leragli , according to my footsteps - every step I took in thy service, God prospered to the multiplication of thy flocks and property. When shall I provide for mine own house - Jacob had already laid his plan; and, from what is afterwards mentioned, we find him using all his... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 30:32

I will pass through all thy flock - צאן tson , implying, as we have before seen, all smaller cattle, such as sheep, goats, etc. All the speckled and spotted cattle - שה seh , which we translate cattle, signifies the young either of sheep or goats, what we call a lamb or a kid. Speckled, נקד nakod , signifies interspersed with variously colored spots. Spotted - טלוא talu , spotted with large spot either of the same or different colors, from טלא tala , to patch, to... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 30:27

Verse 27 27.I pray thee, if I have found favor in thine eyes. We perceive hence, that Jacob had not been a burdensome guest, seeing that Laban soothes him with bland address, in order to procure from him a longer continuance in his service. For, sordid and grasping as he was, he would not have suffered Jacob to remain a moment in his house, unless he had found his presence to be a certain source of gain. Inasmuch therefore, as he not only did not thrust him out, but anxiously sought to retain... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 30:29

Verse 29 29.Thou knowest how I have served thee. This answer of Jacob is not intended to increase the amount of his wages; but he would expostulate with Laban, and would charge him with acting unjustly and unkindly in requiring a prolongation of the time of service. There is also no doubt that he is carried forth, with every desire of his mind, towards the land of Canaan. Therefore a return thither was, in his view, preferable to any kind of riches whatever. Yet, in the mealtime, he indirectly... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 30:30

Verse 30 30.And now, when shall I provide for mine own house also? He reasons, that when he had so long expended his labors for another, it would be unjust that his own family should be neglected. For nature prescribes this order, that every one should take care of the family committed to him. To which point the saying of Solomon is applicable, Drink water from thy own fountains, and let rivers flow to thy neighbors. (85) Had Jacob been alone, he might have devoted himself more freely to the... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 30:31

Verse 31 31.Thou shalt not give me anything. The antithesis between this and the preceding clause is to be noticed. For Jacob does not demand for himself certain and definite wages; but he treats with Laban, on this condition, that he shall receive whatever offspring may be brought forth by the sheep and goats of a pure and uniform color, which shall prove to be party-coloured and spotted. There is indeed some obscurity in the words. For, at first, Jacob seems to require for himself the spotted... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 30:33

Verse 33 33.So shall my righteousness answer for me. Literally it is, “My righteousness shall answer in me.” But the particle בי (bi) signifies to me or for me (86) The sense, however, is clear, that Jacob does not expect success, except through his faith and integrity. (87) Respecting the next clause, interpreters differ. For some read, “When thou shalt come to my reward.” (88) But others, translating in the third person, explain it of righteousness, which shall come to the reward, or to the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 30:25-43

Jacob and Laban, or craft versus greed. I. JACOB 'S RESPECTFUL REQUEST OF LABAN . At the close of fourteen years harsh and exacting service, Jacob desires permission to take his wives and children and return to Canaan. The motives which induced him were probably— 1. The termination of his contract, which released him from a servitude both galling and oppressive. 2. The remembrance of God's covenant, which had assigned him the land of promise as his true inheritance. 3.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 30:27

And Laban said unto him (having learnt by fourteen years' acquaintance with Jacob to know the value of a good shepherd), I pray thee, if I have found favor in thine eyes (the clause is elliptical, the A . V . rightly supplying), tarry: for (this word also is not in the original), I have learned by experience— literally, I have divined ; not necessarily by means of serpents (Gesenius, Wordsworth, 'Speaker's Commentary'), or even by consulting his gods (Delitzsch, Kalisch), but... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 30:28

And he said, Appoint me thy wages. Literally, distinctly specify thy hire upon me , i . e . which I will take upon me as binding . Laban's caution to be clear and specific in defining the terms of any engagement he might enter into was much needed, and would doubtless not be neglected by Jacob, whose past experience must have taught him he was dealing with one who, in respect of covenants and contracts, was eminently treacherous. And I will give it. read more

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