Genesis 29

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 29

Chapter 29 This chapter gives us an account of God's providences concerning Jacob, pursuant to the promises made to him in the foregoing chapter. I. How he was brought in safety to his journey's end, and directed to his relations there, who bade him welcome, Gen. 29:1-14. II. How he was comfortably disposed of in marriage, Gen. 29:15-30. III. How his family was built up in the birth of four sons, Gen. 29:31-35. The affairs of princes and mighty nations that were then in being are not recorded... read more

Matthew Henry

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

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 29:31-35

We have here the birth of four of Jacob's sons, all by Leah. Observe, 1. That Leah, who was less beloved, was blessed with children, when Rachel was denied that blessing, Gen. 29:31. See how Providence, in dispensing its gifts, observes a proportion, to keep the balance even, setting crosses and comforts one over-against another, that none may be either too much elevated or too much depressed. Rachel wants children, but she is blessed with her husband's love; Leah wants that, but she is... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 29

INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS 29 This chapter informs us of Jacob's coming to a well near Haran, where meeting with some shepherds he inquires after Laban, Genesis 29:1 ; and there also with Rachel his daughter, the shepherds made known to him, and acquainted her who he was, Genesis 29:9 ; upon which she ran to her father, and told him who was at the well, who went forth and brought him to his house, and kindly entertained him, Genesis 29:13 ; with whom he agreed to stay and serve seven... 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

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