Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 30:1-43
THE TÔLDÔTH ISAAC (Genesis 25:19 to Genesis 35:29). THE BIRTH OF ISAAC’S SONS.Abraham begat Isaac—The Tôldôth in its original form gave probably a complete genealogy of Isaac, tracing up his descent to Shem, and showing thereby that the right of primogeniture belonged to him; but the inspired historian uses only so much of this as is necessary for tracing the development of the Divine plan of human redemption.The Syrian.—Really, the Aramean, or descendant of Aram. (See Genesis 10:22-23.) The... read more
John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 30:1-43
Jacob’s Children. His Stratagem to Increase his Property1. Rachel envied her sister] To be childless was regarded as a great reproach: cp. Luke 1:25. Fruitfulness meant an addition of strength and prosperity to a family. 3. By this symbolic act Bilhah’s children would be legally regarded as Rachel’s: cp. Luke 16:1 note. 6. Dan] ’judging.’ God had judged her case and decided in her favour by giving her, after a fashion, a child. 8. Great wrestlings] lit. ’wrestlings of God,’ an emphatic... read more