Night ( de nocte ) when it was just at an end, and day-light appeared. --- His daughters, with Dina, &c. Thus all ended well and in peace, by the divine interposition, after the most serious alarms. (Haydock) read more
43-55 Laban could neither justify himself nor condemn Jacob, therefore desires to hear no more of that matter. He is not willing to own himself in fault, as he ought to have done. But he proposes a covenant of friendship between them, to which Jacob readily agrees. A heap of stones was raised, to keep up the memory of the event, writing being then not known or little used. A sacrifice of peace offerings was offered. Peace with God puts true comfort into our peace with our friends. They did eat... read more
The Covenant on Mount Gilead v. 43. And Laban answered and said unto Jacob, These daughters are my daughters, and these children are my children, and these cattle are my cattle, and all that thou seest is mine; and what can I do this day unto these my daughters or unto their children which they have born? Although Laban still speaks with an unwarranted boastfulness, referring to his superior power and assuming rights which he no longer possessed, yet his words also show that Jacob's rebuke has... read more
FOURTH SECTIONJacob’s flight. Laban’s persecution. The covenant between the two on the mountain of Gilead. Departure. Genesis 31:4 to Genesis 32:2, 4And Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field unto his flock. 5And said unto them, I see [am seeing] your father’s countenance, that it is not toward me as before: 6but the God [Elohim] of my father hath been with me. And ye3 know that with all my power I have served your father. 7And your father hath deceived4 me, and changed my wages ten... read more
the Covenant between Jacob and Laban Genesis 31:43-55 In our time covenants are engrossed on parchment, so that there may be written documentary evidence accessible, to prove that certain transactions have taken place. The same object was conserved, where the art of writing was confined to the few, by the erection of monuments, whose existence was associated with the agreements into which men had entered with one another. Though these two men were far below the Christian ideal of character,... read more
In the midst of Jacob's success the second divine communication came to him, commanding him to return to the land of his fathers and giving him the promise, "I will be with thee." Thus, after at least twenty years' absence, he set his face again toward home. The same cunning which had been manifested throughout is seen in the stealth with which he broke away from Laban. Much may happen in twenty years. However, one thing can never happen. The wrongdoing of the past cannot be undone and Jacob... read more
‘And early in the morning Laban rose up and kissed his sons and daughters, and blessed them. And Laban departed and returned to his own place. And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him. And when he saw them Jacob said, “This is God’s host.” And he called the name of that place Mahanaim (‘two hosts’). When the feasting was over Laban said farewell to his sons and daughters giving them the patriarchal blessing. All is now at peace. ‘Sons’ probably includes Jacob his son-in-law, and... read more
Genesis 31:22 to Genesis 32:2 . After Mutual Recriminations, Jacob and Laban Make a Covenant to Refrain from Aggression on each other’ s Territories.— The analysis is uncertain; Gunkel assigns Genesis 31:22-Jeremiah :, Genesis 31:26, Genesis 31:28-Obadiah : a (to “ Laban” ), Genesis 31:32-Habakkuk :, Genesis 31:36 b, Genesis 31:37, Genesis 31:41-John :, Genesis 31:45; Genesis 31:49 f., Genesis 31:53 b – Genesis 33:2 to E; the rest, apart from Genesis 31:47, to J. According to E, Laban... read more
CRITICAL NOTES.—Genesis 31:47. And Laban called it Jegar-sahadutha; but Jacob called it Galeed.] “It is remarkable that in giving these names Laban chooses the Chaldee, Jacob the Hebrew, for the same meaning, the heap of witness.” (Alford.)—“These words are the oldest testimony that in Mesopotamia, the mother country of the Patriarchs, Aramaic or Chaldee was spoken; while in Canaan, the country of Jacob’s birth, Hebrew was the vernacular. And hence we may conclude that Abraham’s family had... read more
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Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Genesis 31:55
REFLECTIONS In the perusal of this Chapter, methinks I would not have the Reader overlook the gracious interposition of God, in behalf of his servant Jacob, when Laban the Syrian pursued him in such determined anger. Rather than the poor servant should be injured by his unkind, and unnatural master, the Lord overawes his mind by the effects of a dream. Just so, depend upon it, my brother, is the watchful care of God over his people now. Oh! could you and I but be brought acquainted with the... read more