Genesis 29:1-14 - Exposition

Jacob at the well of Haran: a romantic adventure.

I. JACOB 'S MEETING WITH THE SHEPHERDS .

1. The providential discovery . The well in the field with the three flocks of sheep lying by it enabled Jacob to ascertain his whereabouts, and ultimately led to his finding Rachel. God guides the steps of his people without interfering with the ordinary course of nature, simply directing them m the exercise of sense and intelligence; and doubtless Jacob recognized in his, lighting on the Haran well a first installment of that celestial guidance he had been lately promised. Saints should practice the art of discerning the movement of God's finger in the minutest and commonest events of life.

2. The friendly conversation . Saluting the shepherds as his brethren, i . e . as masters of a common craft, Jacob gathers from their frank communications that he was on the outskirts of Haran, in which his uncle Laban was a prosperous and wealthy citizen, and that his cousin Rachel was on the road to that very well beside which he stood with a flock of her father's sheep. Great is the virtue of asking questions, especially when they are prefaced with politeness. Seldom anything is lost, but frequently much is gained, by courteous inquiries.

3. The prudent counsel . Observing his friends disposed to indolence, and perhaps desirous of meeting Rachel alone, Jacob recommends them to uncover the well, water their flocks, and drive them off again to pasture, since much of the day yet remained. If it was their advantage he sought, his advice was good; if it was his own interest he served, the stratagem was ingenious. God's people should be wise as serpents, but harmless as doves.

II. JACOB 'S FIRST SIGHT OF RACHEL .

1. The gallant action . The lovely shepherdess arriving made a deep impression on her cousin's heart. Springing to his feet, he rolls the stone from the well's mouth, fills the troughs, and waters Laban's sheep—impelled thereto, shall we say, as much by consideration for the fair girl who attended them as for the rich flock-master who possessed them. Kindly acts proceeding from loving hearts are sometimes largely assisted by the attractions of their recipients.

2. The loving salutation . "And Jacob kissed Rachel." If before explaining who he was, it must have taken her by surprise even in those unconventional times; but it is probable he may have first announced his name, in which case his behavior was only in accordance with the manners of the age. Suitable expressions of, affection to friends beseem both grace and nature.

3. The irrepressible emote. And Jacob lifted up his voice and wept"—expressive both of joy at finding his relatives, and of gratitude for God's goodness m grading him to the house of his mother's brother. Unexpected good and eminent pro vide nces kindle transports of delight in gracious souls.

4. The important communication . "Jacob told Rachel that he was her father's brother, and that he was Rebekah's son: and she ran and told her father." Friends, and much more Christians, meeting on life's journey, should with frankness discover themselves to each other, and give each other hearty welcome.

III. JACOB 'S INTRODUCTION TO LABAN .

1. The uncle ' s reception of his nephew , "Laban ran to meet his sister's son, and embraced him, and kissed him, and brought him to his house." Kinship and kindness should ever be allied. Laban's hospitality to Jacob was grounded on the fact of their relationship. So is Christ's entertainment of his people based upon the circumstance that they are "members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones."

2. The nephew ' s return to his uncle . Ingenuous confidence—"Jacob told Laban all these things"—and faithful service. It is implied in Genesis 29:15 that during the month Jacob abode with Laban he served in keeping Laban's sheep. God's people should endeavor as far as in them lies to requite the kindnesses of relatives and friends.