Genesis 29:1-12

"More than any other book in the OT, Genesis emphasizes the east (see Genesis 3:24; Genesis 4:16; Genesis 10:30; Genesis 11:2; Genesis 13:11; Genesis 25:6 [and Genesis 29:1]) as a direction of some significance." [Note: Hamilton, The Book . . . Chapters 18-50, p. 252.]

Jacob had travelled about 450 miles from Beersheba to Haran (Genesis 29:4). Notice the absence of prayer for divine guidance to the woman of God’s choosing, which dominates the story of Abraham’s servant’s visit to the same area for the same purpose (ch. 22). Also, Jacob arrived alone on foot whereas Abraham’s servant came with a well-laden camel train.

"True to his character, Jacob proceeds arrogantly, questioning the shepherds’ carefree behavior (Genesis 29:7). For all the criticism one might level at Jacob’s conduct, he was no slacker in his labor ethic (Genesis 31:6; Genesis 31:38-41)." [Note: Mathews, Genesis 11:27-50:26, p. 462.]

The well was probably a cistern that had a mouth with a large circumference (Genesis 29:8). A very large stone that required several men to remove it evidently covered it. After someone moved the stone, the flocks would gather around the edge of the well to drink. The well from which Rebekah drew water for Eliezer (Genesis 24:16) may have been a different kind.

The male shepherds may have been unable to roll the stone away because the well belonged to Laban; their inability may have been moral rather than physical. [Note: Bush, 2:116-17.]

Jacob wept for joy (Genesis 29:11), but he did not praise God. He had ended his journey, was now in the right place, and had met the right person, he thought. This is one of the few places in Scripture that we read of a man kissing a woman. Jacob apparently acted solely on the basis of Rachel’s physical attractiveness.

"When Abraham’s servant had discovered Rebekah’s identity, he worshiped the Lord (Genesis 24:24; Genesis 24:26), but here Jacob flexed his muscle, proving his capacity to serve Laban’s house." [Note: Mathews, Genesis 11:27-50:26, p. 463.]

"This scene [Genesis 29:1-14] is chiefly about God’s providence versus Jacob’s prayerlessness . . ." [Note: Waltke, Genesis, p. 402.]

The suggestion of some interpreters that Laban adopted Jacob as his son is questionable. [Note: See John Van Seters, "Jacob’s Marriages and Ancient Near East Customs: A Reexamination," Harvard Theological Review 62:4 (October 1969):377-95.]