Genesis 31:21-25 sits inside this longer paragraph.
20Jacob deceived Laban the Syrian, in that he didn’t tell him that he was running away. 21So he fled with all that he had. He rose up, passed over the River, and set his face toward the mountain of Gilead.
22Laban was told on the third day that Jacob had fled. 23He took his relatives with him, and pursued him seven days’ journey. He overtook him in the mountain of Gilead. 24God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream of the night, and said to him, “Be careful that you don’t speak to Jacob either good or bad.”
25Laban caught up with Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mountain, and Laban with his relatives encamped in the mountain of Gilead. 26Laban said to Jacob, “What have you done, that you have deceived me, and carried away my daughters like captives of the sword? 27Why did you flee secretly, and deceive me, and didn’t tell me, that I might have sent you away with mirth and with songs, with tambourine and with harp; 28and didn’t allow me to kiss my sons and my daughters? Now have you done foolishly. 29It is in the power of my hand to hurt you, but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, ‘Be careful that you don’t speak to Jacob either good or bad.’ 30Now, you want to be gone, because you greatly longed for your father’s house, but why have you stolen my gods?”
John Calvin 1540 · Public Domain On v23 23. And pursued him seven days’ journey. Since the…
23. And pursued him seven days’ journey. Since the cruelty of Laban was now appeased, or at least bridled, he did not dare severely to threaten; but laying aside his ferocity, he descended to feigned and hypocritical blandishments. He complains that injury had been done him, because he had been kept in ignorance of Jacob’s departure, whom he would rather leave sent forth with customary tokens of joy, in token of his paternal affection. Thus hypocrites, when the power of inflicting injury is taken away from them, heap false complaints upon the good and simple, as if the blame rested with them. Wherefore, if at any time wicked and perfidious men, when they have unjustly harassed us, put forward some pretext of equity on their own part, we must bear with the iniquity; not because a just defense is to be entirely omitted; but because we find it inevitable that perverse men, ever ready to speak evil, will shamelessly cast upon us the blame of crimes of which we are innocent. Meanwhile, we must prudently guard against giving them the occasion against us which they seek.
John Calvin's Commentaries (1540-1563) — public domain. Text from the Calvin Translation Society English edition (1840s-50s) via the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (ccel.org). Calvin's coverage is partial (roughly two-thirds of the Bible); uncommented books and verses are honest gaps, never fabricated. The 19th-century editor's footnotes and remarks are omitted so the notes are faithfully Calvin's own voice.
Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv21, 23, 24 Or, Euphrates.
Or, Euphrates.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv21–25 Gen 31:21 So he fled with all that he…
Gen 31:21 So he fled with all that he had; and he rose up, and passed over the river, and set his face [toward] the mount Gilead.
Ver. 21. He passed over the river.] Euphrates; and so declined the ordinary way, that Laban might not overtake him; which yet he did. So God would have it, that he might have the greater glory of Jacob’s deliverance.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv21, 22, 24 The river Euphrates, which lay between Mesopotamia and Chaldea,…
The river Euphrates, which lay between Mesopotamia and Chaldea, Gen 15:18, which for its largeness and famousness is oft called the river emphatically, as Exo 23:31; Jos 24:2,3, &c.
And set his face, i.e. resolutely directed his course. See Jer 50:5; Luk 9:51,53.
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Mount Gilead, a very high and long mountain beyond Jordan, adjoining to the mountain of Lebanon, at the foot of which there was a large and fruitful country, which from the mountain received the name of Gilead, Deu 34:1; Jer 8:22; 22:6. This mountain is here called Gilead by anticipation, as appears from Gen 31:48.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Matthew Henry 1710 · Public Domain On v25 We have here the reasoning, not to say the…
We have here the reasoning, not to say the rallying, that took place between Laban and Jacob at their meeting, in that mountain which was afterwards called Gilead, Gen 31:25. Here is,
I. The high charge which Laban exhibited against him. He accuses him,
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1. As a renegade that had unjustly deserted his service. To represent Jacob as a criminal, he will have it thought that he intended kindness to his daughters (Gen 31:27, Gen 31:28), that he would have dismissed them with all the marks of love and honour that could be, that he would have made a solemn business of it, would have kissed his little grandchildren (and that was all he would have given them), and, according to the foolish custom of the country, would have sent them away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp: not as Rebekah was sent away out of the same family, above 120 years before, with prayers and blessings (Gen 24:60), but with sport and merriment, which was a sign that religion had very much decayed in the family, and that they had lost their seriousness. However, he pretends they would have been treated with respect at parting. Note, It is common for bad men, when they are disappointed in their malicious projects, to pretend that they designed nothing but what was kind and fair. When they cannot do the mischief they intended, they are loth it should be thought that they ever did intend it. When they have not done what they should have done they come off with this excuse, that they would have done it. Men may thus be deceived, but God cannot. He likewise suggests that Jacob had some bad design in stealing away thus (Gen 31:26), that he took his wives away as captives. Note, Those that mean ill themselves are most apt to put the worst construction upon what others do innocently. The insinuating and the aggravating of faults are the artifices of a designing malice, and those must be represented (though never so unjustly) as intending ill against whom ill is intended. Upon the whole matter, (1.) He boasts of his own power (Gen 31:29): It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt. He supposes that he had both right on his side (a good action, as we say, against Jacob) and strength on his side, either to avenge the wrong or recover the right. Note, Bad people commonly value themselves much upon their power to do hurt, whereas a power to do good is much more valuable. Those that will do nothing to make themselves amiable love to be thought formidable. And yet, (2.) He owns himself under the check and restraint of God's power; and, though it redounds much to the credit and comfort of Jacob, he cannot avoid telling him the caution God had given him the night before in a dream, Speak not to Jacob good nor bad. Note, As God has all wicked instruments in a chain, so when he pleases he can make them sensible of it, and force them to own it to his praise, as protector of the good, as Balaam did. Or we may look upon this as an instance of some conscientious regard felt by Laban for God's express prohibitions. As bad as he was he durst not injure one whom he saw to be the particular care of Heaven. Note, A great deal of mischief would be prevented if men would but attend to the caveats which their own consciences give them in slumberings upon the bed, and regard the voice of God in them.
2. As a thief, Gen 31:30. Rather than own that he had given him any colour of provocation to depart, he is willing to impute it to a foolish fondness for his father's house, which made him that he would needs begone; but then (says he) wherefore hast thou stolen my gods? Foolish man! to call those his gods that could be stolen! Could he expect protection from those that could neither resist nor discover their invaders? Happy are those who have the Lord for their God, for they have a God that they cannot be robbed of. Enemies may steal our goods, but not our God. Here Laban lays to Jacob's charge things that he knew not, the common distress of oppressed innocency.
II. Jacob's apology for himself. Those that commit their cause to God, yet are not forbidden to plead it themselves with meekness and fear. 1. As to the charge of stealing away his own wives he clears himself by giving the true reason why he went away unknown to Laban, Gen 31:31. He feared lest Laban would by force take away his daughters, and so oblige him, by the bond of his affection to his wives, to continue in his service. Note, Those that are unjust in the least, it may be suspected, will be unjust also in much, Luk 16:10. If Laban deceive Jacob in his wages, it is likely he will make no conscience of robbing him of his wives, and putting those asunder whom God has joined together. What may not be feared from men that have no principle of honesty? 2. As to the charge of stealing Laban's gods he pleads not guilty, Gen 31:32. He not only did not take them himself (he was not so fond of them), but he did not know that they were taken. Yet perhaps he spoke too hastily and inconsiderately when he said, "Whoever had taken them, let him not live;" upon this he might reflect with some bitterness when, not long after, Rachel who had taken them died suddenly in travail. How just soever we think ourselves to be, it is best to forbear imprecations, lest they fall heavier than we imagine.
III. The diligent search Laban made for his gods (Gen 31:33-35), partly out of hatred to Jacob, whom he would gladly have an occasion to quarrel with, partly out of love to his idols, which he was loth to part with. We do not find that he searched Jacob's flocks for stolen cattle; but he searched his furniture for stolen gods. He was of Micah's mind, You have taken away my gods, and what have I more? Jdg 18:24. Were the worshippers of false gods so set upon their idols? did they thus walk in the name of their gods? and shall not we be as solicitous in our enquires after the true God? When he has justly departed from us, how carefully should we ask, Where is God my Maker? O that I knew where I might find him! Job 23:3. Laban, after all his searches, missed of finding his gods, and was baffled in his enquiry with a sham; but our God will not only by found of those that seek him, but they shall find him their bountiful rewarder.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible (1708–1710) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv21–25 And it was told Laban on the third day,…
And it was told Laban on the third day, that Jacob was fled. Three days after Jacob was gone he had the report of it, by some means or another; by some of his neighbours, or servants left at home, and sooner he could not well have it, since the flock he went to shear was three days' distance from Jacob's, Gen 30:36.
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Genesis 31:23
gen 31:23
gen 31:23
gen 31:23And he took his brethren with him,.... Some of his relations, the descendants of his father's brethren, the sons of Nahor, of whom there were seven, besides Bethuel; and who all perhaps lived in Haran the city of Nahor, see Gen 22:20; or some of his neighbours and acquaintance whom he might call to:
and pursued after him seven days' journey; which must be reckoned, not from Jacob's departure from Haran, but from Laban's; for Laban being three days' journey from thence, whither he had to return, after he received the news of Jacob being gone; Jacob must have travelled six days before Laban set out with his brethren from Haran; so that this was, as Ben Gerson conjectures, the thirteenth day of Jacob's travel; for Laban not having cattle to drive as Jacob, could travel as fast again as he, and do that in seven days which took up Jacob thirteen:
and they overtook him in the mount Gilead; said to be three hundred and eighty miles from Haran (e).
(e) Bunting's Travels, p. 72.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On vv23–24 He took his brethren -- that is, his relations,…
He took his brethren -- that is, his relations, and pursues Jacob to bring him back into bondage, or, to strip him of what he had.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv21, 24 Verse 21. Passed over the river] The Euphrates, as…
Verse 21. Passed over the river] The Euphrates, as the Targum properly notices. But how could he pass such a river with his flocks, c.? This difficulty does not seem to have struck critics in general. The rabbins felt it, and assert that God wrought a miracle for Jacob on this occasion, and that he passed over dry shod. As we know not in what other way he could pass, it is prudent to refer it to the power of God, which accompanied him through the whole of his journey. There might, however, have been fords well known to both Jacob and Laban, by which they might readily pass.
The mount Gilead.] What the ancient name of this mountain was, we know not but it is likely that it had not the name of Gilead till after the transaction mentioned Ge 31:47. The mountains of Gilead were eastward of the country possessed by the tribes of Reuben and Gad; and extended from Mount Hermon to the mountains of Moab.-Calmet. It is joined to Mount Libanus, and includes the mountainous region called in the New Testament Trachonitis. - Dodd.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On vv23–24 Gen 31:23. He took his brethren — That is,…
Gen 31:23. He took his brethren — That is, his relations, and pursues Jacob to bring him back into bondage, or to strip him of what he had. They overtook him in the mount Gilead — This mount was about two hundred and fifty miles from Haran; so that Jacob travelled twenty-five miles each day, and Laban, in pursuing him, thirty-seven.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On vv21, 22, 24 The river Euphrates. --- Galaad, as it was called…
The river Euphrates. --- Galaad, as it was called afterwards, ver. 48. (Menochius)
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On v22 LABAN PURSUES JACOB--THEIR COVENANT AT GILEAD. (Gen. 31:22-55)
LABAN PURSUES JACOB--THEIR COVENANT AT GILEAD. (Gen. 31:22-55)
it was told Laban on the third day--No sooner did the news reach Laban than he set out in pursuit, and he being not encumbered, advanced rapidly; whereas Jacob, with a young family and numerous flocks, had to march slowly, so that he overtook the fugitives after seven days' journey as they lay encamped on the brow of mount Gilead, an extensive range of hills forming the eastern boundary of Canaan. Being accompanied by a number of his people, he might have used violence had he not been divinely warned in a dream to give no interruption to his nephew's journey. How striking and sudden a change! For several days he had been full of rage, and was now in eager anticipation that his vengeance would be fully wreaked, when lo! his hands are tied by invisible power (Psa 76:10). He did not dare to touch Jacob, but there was a war of words.
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv21–25 21. The river — Euphrates, near which he probably…
21. The river — Euphrates, near which he probably abode at that time. Mount Gilead — So called by anticipation here. Comp. Gen_31:47-48.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv21, 23, 24, 25 21. the River] i.e. the Euphrates. See note on…
21. the River] i.e. the Euphrates. See note on Gen_15:18. Cf. Psa_72:8, “from the River unto the ends of the earth.” “Haran” (Gen_24:4) was Laban’s home.
toward the mountain of Gilead] i.e. towards the hill-country on the east side of Jordan. The name “Gilead” is here used in its widest application.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv21, 23, 24 (21) The river.—The Euphrates.
(21) The river.—The Euphrates.
Mount Gilead.—Gilead, the region of rock, was the mountainous frontier between the Aramean and Canaanite races. The form of the word is so remote from ordinary Hebrew that we have in it, probably, a very old appellation of this region; and Jacob apparently plays upon it in his name Galeed (Gen_31:47).
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv21, 22, 24 So (literally, and) he fled with (literally, and) all…
So (literally, and) he fled with (literally, and) all that he had; and he rose up, and passed over the river, i.e. the Euphrates, which was called by preeminence the river (cf. 1Ki_4:21; Ezr_4:10, Ezr_4:16) and set his face toward the mount Gilead. dlGi, according to Gesenius, "the hard, stony region," from an unused quadrilateral root, signifying to be hard, though, according to the historian (by a slight change in the punctuation), "The hill, or heap of witness," from the transaction recorded in verses 45-47, which name it here proleptically receives, was not the mountain-range to the south of the Jahbok, now styled Jebel Jilad (Gesenius), Jebel-as-Salt (Robinson), Jebel-osha (Tristram), since Jacob had not yet crossed the river, but that upon its northern hank, called Jebel Ajlun, and situated near Mahanaim (Delitzsch, Keil, Kalisch, Porter).
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On v22 Laban said to Jacob, What hast thou done, that…
Gen_31:22-42
Laban said to Jacob, What hast thou done, that thou hast stolen away unawares to me, and carried away my daughters,
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Labans expostulation with Jacob, and Jacobs defence
I. LABANS EXPOSTULATION WITH JACOB.
1. There was, apparently, cause for just complaint.
(1) There were some criminal elements in the conduct of Jacob.
(2) There was unkindness and a breach of social obligations.
2. But this complaint was, really, the disguise of Labans own evil nature.
II. JACOBS DEFENCE.
1. He challenges proof of his dishonesty.
2. He appeals to many years of faithful and honest service. (T. H. Leale.)
Lessons
1. Laban, upon tidings of Jacobs deliverance, haste in fury to avenge themselves on them.
2. Wicked men of might join to themselves their allies, to help on their furious revenges.
3. Injustice and cruelty will spur souls on to the persecution of the innocent many days.
4. Envy and revenge will not give over pursuing the innocent until they overtake their prey (Gen_31:23). (G. Hughes, B. D.)
I. THE FLIGHT of Jacob from Laban.
1. Cause.
(1) Jealousy of Jacobs prosperity amongst Labans family (Gen_31:1).
(2) Jacob had himself been not very kindly treated by Laban (Gen_31:7).
(3) Command of God that he should return (Gen_31:13). Added to this, Rachael and Leah, also, were willing to depart, as feeling that they were not so welcome at home as formerly (Gen_31:14-15);
(4) and yet could not go away openly. Laban would have hindered him, or have prevented his carrying away the whole of his property (Gen_31:42).
2. Time. Sheepshearing. So important a duty that Laban must himself superintend it. He goes some distance from home. While Laban is absent, Jacob steals away. Collects his flocks and herds, servants and substance, and sets out over the desert which he had traversed some twenty-one years before with only his staff in his hand.
II. THE PURSUIT. Of Laban after Jacob. Laban did not hear of Jacobs flight till three days had passed. This part of the journey Jacob would naturally travel with all speed. So large a caravan could not march without leaving the plain track behind. Laban in pursuit for seven days, i.e., until ten days after Jacob had started. Reaching the mountains of Gilead and their defiles, and not overtaken; Jacob might think the pursuit had not been undertaken, or if so, then abandoned. Evening of tenth day Laban and his band approach. Too exhausted by the march to bring matters to an issue at once. The two camps retired to rest. Night settles down on the hills of Gilead, and watch fires, &c. Probably it was this night that Laban had a wonderful vision, in which he was warned respecting his treatment of Jacob. From the nature of the vision it is plain how murderous his intentions were.
III. THE PARTING. Of Jacob and Laban.
1. The controversy between Laban and Jacob. Labans charge against Jacob. Going by stealth. Leading his daughters as captives (comp. Verses 14, 15 with 26). Pretence of great affection (Gen_31:27-28). Assertion of power. Acknowledgment of Divine interference. Charge of stealing the idols.
2. Jacobs reply. Tells the truth (Gen_31:31), but not all the truth (comp. Verses 1-16). Repudiates, sternly and prompt]y, the charge of carrying off the images.
3. The search for the idols, which are not found.
4. They set up a memorial pillar, and so part at Mizpah. The two camps remaining there another night, and travelling, east and west, early in the morning, to meet no more. Learn:
I. Be thankful for the domestic relations of life, and that ours do not demand our flight from home and kindred.
II. Jacob bore cruel usage for twenty years, and even then did not prepare for flight till God had given him the command.
III. The vision sent to Laban shows that God would have family meetings peaceably conducted, and those who have had unkind thoughts, He would have them lay them aside.
IV. Christ Jesus, the Prince of Peace, is the Great Reconciler. (J. C. Gray.)
Lessons
1. The Almighty God appears seasonably to stop the rage of cruel oppressors against His saints.
2. Night apparitions in dreams God can make to terrify wicked enemies from their purposes.
3. God warns envious spirits, that they look to themselves, if they oppress His saints.
4. God curbs the spirits of wicked men sometimes, and charges them not to speak an evil word to His people (Gen_31:24). (G Hughes, B. D.)
Lessons
1. It is no harm for the wicked to overtake the righteous, while they are curbed by God.
2. Providence may bring enemies near to His saints, and yet keep mischief far off from them.
3. God can cause the righteous to pitch near their oppressors, and yet secure them (Gen_31:25). (G. Hughes, B. D. )
Lessons
1. The worst dealers are most apt to question others for their doings though good.
2. Violence questions innocency for escaping from its heart, though God call it.
3. The interrogatories of oppression pretend captivity of daughters, when they go freely (Gen_31:26).
4. Unreasonable oppressors require a reason of the innocents escape, where there needs none to be rendered; it being apparent.
5. Injurious men are displeased when the righteous escape without their knowledge.
6. Hypocritical violence may pretend a free dismission of the righteous, which it never meant. Labans music (Gen_31:27).
7. Unnatural fathers are apt to question others as causes of their unnaturalness to children.
8. Wicked and foolish men are very forward to charge the innocent with doing wickedly (Gen_31:28). (G. Hughes, B. D. )
Lessons
1. It is the property of wicked oppressors to boast of their strength, which is more than they have.
2. Wicked injurious men boast that they can do mischief against the righteous (Psa_52:1).
3. The hand of the wicked is ready to oppress the innocent, if God hinder not.
4. Wicked oppressors complain that God hinders them in their cruel designs.
5. The ungodly will not learn to own God, though they find Him too mighty for them.
6. Fear of self-destruction keeps oppressors from destroying saints.
7. God worshipped in truth by His, is stronger than God falsified by the wicked.
8. God maketh the wicked enemy confess His sovereignty sometimes against their will (Deu_31:1-30; Deu_32:29). (G. Hughes, B. D. )
Lessons
1. Plain and ready answers become the saints against the charges of the wicked.
2. Just fear of violence is a just ground of the saints escaping it, under Gods call.
3. Gods call and saints fear of dangers from men may well consist together.
4. Violent rapture of wives and children by cruel men may make the saints afraid of, and fly from it (Gen_31:31).
5. Holy souls abhor idols, and much more the covering of them.
6. Innocency is not afraid to put itself upon trial of life.
7. Plain honest hearts dare put themselves upon the search and judgment of their enemies.
8. Good fathers of families would have all with them innocent its themselves.
9. Good men may be too confident of the goodness of such as are under them.
10. Ignorance of others hearts and actions makes men so rash and confident of them (Gen_31:32). (G. Hughes, B. D. )
Lessons
1. False accusers of the saints are willing to turn every stone, to make good their charge upon them (Gen_31:33).
2. God in His wisdom useth the sins of one creature to frustrate the sin of others (Gen_31:31).
3. Sin once committed putteth souls upon more sin to conceal it.
4. Hypocrisy and lying is the way that sinners use to cover stealing.
5. God may bear with the iniquity of some to clear the innocency of others.
6. Such as seek occasion against the saints, God so orders, that they find it not (Gen_31:35). (G. Hughes, B. D. )
Jacob at Haran; or, The disciplinary retributions of life
I. THE RETRIBUTIONS THAT MARKED THE LIFE OF JACOB.
1. Jacob had sought by fraud, position and possession in his fathers house. He is now an exile from his fathers house--an outcast and a wanderer.
2. He who had defrauded Esau, is now himself defrauded by Laban.
3. He who had deceived his father was afterwards himself deceived by his sons.
4. Another form of retribution that awaited Jacob, was the having to encounter and deal with the brother whom he had so cruelly and foully wronged.
II. THE DISCIPLINARY CHARACTER OF THE RETRIBUTIONS THAT MARKED THE LIFE OF JACOB. We are slow to learn the lessons of a godly life by precept. God therefore teaches us them by experience. Jacobs character did certainly advance under the discipline.
1. At Haran he applied himself at once to honest industry, instead of having recourse to artifice and cunning.
2. A spirit of magnanimity marked many of his dealings with his uncle, contrasting favourably with his earlier indications of self-seeking. (W. Roberts.)
The years of servitude
I. THE RELIGIOUS CONSISTENCY OF JACOB.
1. His trials. And among these we should rank, as of the first importance, that he had been compelled by circumstances to dwell beyond the range of true piety, and to sojourn in an idolatrous land, and with an idolatrous family. Another of the trials to which Jacob was exposed, was the footing on which he stood in the family of Laban. The whole period had been to him a time of affliction; and, but for the favour of his God, this lengthened service, hard as it was, would have terminated in poverty. Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. Jacob had no reason to expect such treatment as this from a cousin and a father-in-law. A third trial which Jacob had to endure was, to a feeling mind, peculiarly severe. His attachment to Rachel appears to have been sincere and ardent. He could not, then, but feel deeply the deception that was practised upon him. Among Jacobs trials we must enumerate also many of the scenes of domestic life.
2. We come to notice Jacobs errors.
3. But we turn now to a more gratifying subject of consideration, when we notice, the personal piety of Jacob--the influence which, during twenty years of trial, his principles had upon his personal character.
(1) With reference to his sobriety, excepting the error of polygamy, which was indirectly sanctioned, there is nothing on record against him. He was not guilty of any of that violence which had filled the earth, or of those vices which were too general all around him.
(2) With reference to the righteousness of his dealings with his fellow-men, he was zealous in the service of his master, moderate beyond measure in his requirements, and faithful in his engagements. He could appeal to Rachel and to Leah, Ye know that, with all my power, I have served your father. And he had their testimony, and even that of Laban, to the faithfulness of his service.
(3) Of his godliness there can be no question. It is manifest that he dwelt with God, and God with him. His habits were those of piety and communion with God; and even the language of Leah and of Rachel show that, by his influence, they were led to cultivate the same spirit. We are told that they prayed, and that God hearkened to them. The God of my fathers hath been with me, God suffered him not to hurt me. God hath taken away the cattle of your father, and given them to me. And again, Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen my affliction, and the labour of mine hands, and rebuked thee yesternight. And this view of Jacobs devotional habits is confirmed by the testimony of the sacred writer, that God really was with him.
II. But before we draw a practical conclusion from these things, there is another point on which we shall do well for a moment to delay. IT IS THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD TO HIS SERVANT. God had made a covenant with Jacob by promise; and when Jacob journeyed onward from Bethel, the promise of Divine favour rested upon him. Jacob was pious, because God was gracious. Jacob persevered, because God was faithful. His God had promised to be with him, and to keep him in all places whither he should go; and not one word failed of all that the Lord had spoken to him of. The secret agency of Gods providence availed for his protection, and for his correction in righteousness. From this period, then, of the Patriarchs life, let us learn the wisdom of confiding ourselves to the care of the Almighty God. He careth for us. You, then, who are only entering upon the world, or are now struggling with its cares and its temptations--who feel how difficult it is to walk humbly, circumspectly, and without offence--let the twenty years of Jacobs hard service teach you a useful lesson. The path of probity and rectitude is the path of honour, happiness, and success. It is not man, but God that you serve, and He will not forget you. At the same time this history will administer to you a salutary caution. You must not expect deliverance precisely when you wish it, nor in the way most satisfactory to yourself. Clouds may gather when you look for sunshine. Look to the covenant of His grace, and lean upon it, for it shall not be moved; and determine, that by His grace you will faithfully fulfil all the relative duties of life, however painful and distressing. (E. Craig.)
Lessons
1. Faithfulness in good servants makes them undergo day and night labours for the good of their rulers.
2. Heat and cold consumptions with restless nights will grace incline to endure to honour God in service.
3. Such faithful service is a testimony against the wrongs and injustice of cruel masters (Gen_31:40).
4. Unwearied doth grace make souls to be in the service to which they are called by God.
5. Faithfulness will not let a soul to take wages or receive good gratis.
6. The best service may be repaid with hardest measure from griping masters.
7. Good service will rise in judgment against the hard dealings of evil rulers (Gen_31:41).
8. Where man is injurious God Himself will plead for righteous servants.
9. The true God is known to be the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
10. Propriety in God and fear of Him is the best way of knowing God.
11. It is the design of wicked men to undo those in this world whom God doth own and will prosper in it.
12. God takes special notice of the sufferings and faithful doings of His servants towards wicked men.
13. God rebukes the envious and malicious spirit of cruel men against His righteous servants.
14. Gods approbation of His own and reprehension of the wicked is a full defence against false charges or criminations (Gen_31:42). (G. Hughes, B. D.)
Laban
Laban seeks to get Gods blessing, as it were, at second-hand. If men could be related to God indirectly, as if in law and not by blood, that would suit Laban. If God would admit men to His inheritance on any other terms than being sons in the direct line, if there were some relationship once removed, a kind of sons-in-law, so that mere connection with the godly, though not with God, would win His blessing, this would suit Laban. Laban is the man who appreciates the social value of virtue, truthfulness, fidelity, temperance, godliness, but wishes to enjoy their fruits without the pain of cultivating the qualities themselves. He is scrupulous as to the character of those he takes into his employment, and seeks to connect himself in business with good men. In his domestic life he acts on the idea which his experience has suggested to him, that persons really godly will make his home more peaceful, better regulated, safer than otherwise it might be. If he holds a position of authority, he knows how to make use, for the preservation of order and for the promotion of his own ends, of the voluntary efforts of Christian societies, of the trustworthiness of Christian officials, and of the support of the Christian community. But with all this recognition of the reality and influence of godliness, he never for one moment entertains the idea of himself becoming a godly man. In all ages there are Labans who clearly recognize the utility and worth of a connection with God, who have been much mixed up with persons in whom that worth was very conspicuous, and who yet, at the last, depart and return unto their place, like Jacobs father-in-law, without having themselves entered into any affectionate relations with God. (M. Dods, D. D.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary 1892 · Public Domain On v22 Gen_31:34. The camel’s furniture.] “This was a packsaddle, in…
CRITICAL NOTES.—
Gen_31:34. The camel’s furniture.] “This was a packsaddle, in the recesses of which articles might be deposited, and on which was a seat or couch for the rider.” (Murphy.)—
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Gen_31:40. In the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night.] In the East the hotter the day, the colder the night. (Jer_36:30; Psa_121:6.)—
Gen_31:42. The fear of Isaac.] “This is used as a name of God in His covenant relation. He who is the object of Isaac’s fear or reverential awe; like the Hope of Israel.” (Jer_14:8.) There is a similar use of the word “fear” as an object of fear, in Psa_31:11.; Pro_1:26-27.—Rebuked thee.]—“Judged thee, by giving forewarning against violent language.” (Jacobus.)—
MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.—Gen_31:22-42
LABAN’S EXPOSTULATION WITH JACOB, AND JACOB’S DEFENCE
I. Laban’s Expostulation with Jacob. Jacob stole away “unawares,” taking with him his family, goods, and cattle. Laban, who overtook him, after seven days’ pursuit, complains of his conduct and expostulates with him.
1. There was, apparently, cause for just complaint.
(1.) There were some criminal elements in the conduct of Jacob. Laban complains that he had not only committed a serious moral fault, but also something of the nature of a crime and violent wrong against society. He accuses Jacob of acting like a thief in carrying off his daughters as booty. (Gen_31:26.)
(2.) There was unkindness and a breach of social obligations. Jacob by his conduct in this matter had denied Laban the opportunity of taking affectionate leave of his daughters. He had sinned against the tender charities of domestic life, and neglected his plain duty towards the family with whom he had cast his lot. (Gen_31:27-28.)
2. But this complaint was, really, the disguise of Laban’s own evil nature. Thus Laban complains that he had been robbed, when he was only envious and suspicious. Men are often that very thing themselves which they suspect in others. And they are quick to spy those very faults in others for which they themselves are notorious. Laban’s affection for his daughters was only a pretence. Consider his conduct towards them while they dwelt with him. He had kept them penniless, and now he wants to dismiss them with a generous feast. (Gen_31:14-15; Gen_31:27.) He is also passionate and revengeful while he appears to be pious. He asserts that his superior power puts Jacob at his mercy, but that he is restrained from hurting him by God’s injunction. (Gen_31:29.) But all this time he feels the passion of revenge burning within him, as if he would say to Jacob,—“I could crush you if I pleased, only that God has forbidden me.”
II. Jacob’s Defence.
1. He challenges proof of his dishonesty. He asserts that there was no ground for these accusations. Nothing was found in his possession that he had wrongly taken. (Gen_31:37).
2. He appeals to many many years of faithful and honest service. He had been scrupulous in his attention to every duty. Throughout his long service he had maintained a high sense of justice, and had even suffered loss himself rather than run the risk of committing a wrong, (Gen_31:38-39). He had led a hard and trying life. (Gen_31:40). And all this was the more praiseworthy, as it was for a bad and unthankful master. Jacob, in truth, owed nothing to Laban. He had fairly earned all that he had received. He had served Laban for twenty years, fourteen years of these for his two daughters, and six for the cattle. And all this time Laban had treated him with manifest injustice, changing his wages as often as he had the chance. (Gen_31:41). And only for the special favour of God, Jacob would have nothing, even now. (Gen_31:42). He could appeal to the fact that God was on his side, who had seen his affliction and rebuked his oppressor. (Gen_31:42).
SUGGESTIVE COMMENTS ON THE VERSES
Gen_31:22-23. He heard of it no earlier on account of the distance that intervened between his flocks and Jacob’s (compare ch. Gen_30:36 with ch. Gen_31:19). But no sooner does he hear of his son-in-law’s abrupt departure, than he collects a sufficient force from among his kinsmen and adherents, and sets out in hot pursuit of him. It is easy to see from this with what reception a formal request or proposal to be dismissed from his service that he might return to Canaan would have met at the hand of Laban. The patriarch was no doubt fully satisfied in his own mind that he must leave his employer clandestinely if he left him at all.—(Bush).
Gen_31:24. Such communications were anciently made to man independently of their moral character. The Divine influence, which makes known the will of God, or the coming events of His providence, is entirely different from that which is put forth in the renewal of men’s characters, and making them heirs of eternal life. Accordingly, we find such men as Abimelech, Laban, Balaam, and Nebuchadnezzar, made on particular occasions, and for particular purposes, the recipients of Divine revelations.—(Bush).
Gen_31:25. Seeing Laban so near, he set himself in as good order as he could, fearing the worst. But God was better to him than his fears. He spake for him, and so He can and doth oft for us in the hearts of our enemies. (Is. 41:9.)—(Trapp.)
Gen_31:26. Part of this accusation was unjust. The daughters of Laban had gone, of their own free will, with Jacob, and he had a right to take them with him.
The unjust and the oppressive are the most forward to question sharply the conduct of others.
Gen_31:27. The Easterns used to set out, at least on their long journeys, with music and valedictory songs. If we consider them, as they probably were, used not on common, but more solemn occasions, there appears peculiar propriety in the complaint of Laban.—(Harmer.)
Gen_31:28. His words are obviously full of hypocrisy and cant. However he may talk about his children and grandchildren, that which lay nearest his heart was the substance which Jacob had taken with him, and which he, no doubt, meant in some way to recover. But he acts the part of thousands, who, when galled by an evil conscience, endeavour to ease themselves of its reproaches by transferring the blame from themselves to the persons they have wronged.—(Bush.)
Gen_31:29. Truth will in the end make itself to appear, whatever may have been the disguises in which it was wrapped. Laban here virtually acknowledges the violent purpose with which he had undertaken the pursuit; but in the same breath he would fain make a merit of abstaining from the harm which he meditated. He would impress Jacob that he acted very religiously in paying so much deference to the warning voice of Jacob’s God. Thus do men sometimes vainly magnify as a virtue that which is imposed upon them through sheer necessity.—(Bush.)
Gen_31:30. Goodly gods that could not save themselves from the thief. (Jer_10:5; Jer_10:11; Jer_10:15.) Joseph suffered as a dishonest person; Elisha, as a troubler of the State; Jeremiah, as a traitor; Luther, as the trumpet of rebellion.—(Trapp.)
It must have gone sore against the heart of Jacob when he found that he was accused of stealing idols which he abhorred as an abomination.
Gen_31:31-32. With respect to the reiterated complaints of the secrecy of his departure, Jacob answers all in a few words. It was, “because I was afraid,” etc. This was admitting his power, but impeaching his justice; and as he had dwelt only upon the taking away of his daughters, so Jacob in answer confines himself to them. With respect to the goods, his answer is expressive of the strongest indignation. He will not deign to disown the charge; but desires that all his company might be searched. It was worthy of an upright man to feel indignant at the charge of stealing, and of a servant of God at that of stealing idols. But unless he had been as well assured of the innocence of all about him, as he was of his own, he ought not to have spoken as he did. His words might have proved a sorer trial to him than he was aware of.—(Fuller.)
It is wise not to be too confident in the goodness of those connected with us. Hasty speech may work much woe. How sorry would Jacob have been if Laban had found the images under Rachel, and taken him at his word! What a snare befel Jephthah by his rash speaking! Let, therefore, thy words be few, true, and ponderous.—(Trapp.)
Gen_31:33-34. Kitto thinks that it was under the common pack-saddle of the camel, which is high, and shaped so as to suit the ridge of the camel’s back; and that under this, or among the shawls, cloaks and rugs which are used to make the saddle easy for women, the teraphim were concealed. There was room enough under this for the small teraphim, or busts of human form, and Rachel, cunning as ever, did not lack a device and pretence to give her success. Laban could not think that in such circumstances she would sit upon his gods.—(Jacobus.)
Jacob finds himself pursued, accused, and searched. How painful to a man conscious of innocence! How little confidence Laban had in his veracity!
Gen_31:35. This apology was very necessary according to existing usages and feelings in the East, which inculcate the greatest external deference on the part of the children towards their parents. In Quintus Curtius, Alexander is represented as saying to the queen mother of Persia, “Understanding that it is in Persia considered a great offence for a son to be seated in the presence of his mother unless by her permission, I have always in my visits to you remained standing till you authorised me to sit.”—(Bush.)
Gen_31:36. A righteous man may feel unjust imputations keenly, and defend himself with the warmth and courage inspired by conscious innocence. The difficulty is to keep the storm, even of a noble passion, from stirring up evil. (Eph_4:26.)
Jacob now takes greater boldness, grows indignant, and retorts upon Laban with the sharpest crimination. He demands now the cause of such hot pursuit, and the ground of such severe accusations, which he could not at all prove. Little did Jacob dream of what Rachel had done, and of how the search might have turned the tables against him to the triumph of Laban. He had better not have been quite so sure of the innocence of all his family. Alas! he thinks they could do no such wrong; but he should rather not so freely offer the wrong-doer’s life as a forfeit.—(Jacobus.)
Gen_31:37. See the confidence of a clear conscience! Happy is he that can be acquitted by himself in private; in public by others; in both by God.—(Trapp.)
Gen_31:38. Jacob’s fidelity in this respect will appear more striking when contrasted with the opposite conduct of shepherds, whose neglected duties and abused functions are so graphically portrayed by the prophet. (Eze_34:1-5.)—(Bush.)
Gen_31:39-41. When one can show that he has been faithful, upright, and diligent in his office, he can stand up with a clear conscience and assert his innocence. A good conscience and a gracious God gives one boldness and consolation.—(Lange.)
In many parts of Asia very severe and even frosty nights are, even in winter, succeeded by very warm days; and it may be said, indeed, that the only experience of what we should call winter weather which the inhabitants obtain, is exclusively during the night-time. (Pictorial Bible.) Mr. Bruce, the Abyssinian traveller, lost all his camels by the cold in one night in the deserts of Senaar; and Volney relates an affecting story of a hapless wanderer who was like Jacob frozen by the north wind at night, and burnt by the dreadful heat of the sun by day. (Jer_36:30.)—(Bush.)
Gen_31:42. Laban had made a merit of obeying the dream, but Jacob shows that this Divine visitation was in itself an evidence of his evil designs. God intended thereby to rebuke him, and thus to plead the cause of the injured.
God is the perpetual and sure portion of His departed saints, and an object of holy fear to His saints on earth.
The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary (gen. ed. Joseph S. Exell; Funk & Wagnalls, c. 1892) — public domain (pre-1929). A full-Bible homiletical/sermon-outline anthology covering 65 of 66 books (2 John is absent from the source module). Text from a community e-Sword module.
Paul E. Kretzmann 1924 · Public Domain On v25 Laban Scolds Jacob
Laban Scolds Jacob
v. 25. Then Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mount; and Laban with his brethren pitched in the mount of Gilead. So Jacob had gone into camp on the height of the mountain range of which Mount Gilead was the highest peak, and Laban, in overtaking him with his kinsmen, also pitched his tent.
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v. 26. And Laban said to Jacob, What hast thou done that thou hast stolen away unawares to me, and carried away my daughters as captives taken with the sword? Laban believed that he would make the greatest impression upon Jacob by feigning outraged fatherly love and acted accordingly, accusing him of leading his daughters off like captives of war, against their will.
v. 27. Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp? In his passionate reproach Laban heaps the expressions which are intended to make Jacob appear as a low sneak, whereas he intimates that his own generosity would not have failed to provide an appropriate farewell festival, with joy and with songs, with drum, or tabret, and with zither.
v. 28. And hast not suffered me to kiss my sons and my daughters? Thou hast now done foolishly in so doing. The entire behavior of Jacob is here labeled downright folly by Laban.
v. 29. It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt; but the God of your father spake unto me yesternight, saying, Take thou heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad. The band which Laban had brought along was indeed large enough to inflict severe harm upon Jacob, and it was only the fear of God’s punishment which deterred him from following his inclination. At this point the animosity of Laban evidently caused him to forget all prudence and to betray his bitterness and his real intention.
v. 30. And now, though thou wouldest needs be gone, because thou sore longedst after thy father’s house, yet wherefore hast thou stolen my gods? Laban means to say that there is some explanation for Jacob’s leaving, even if it was done in secret, but no excuse could be found for the stealing of his gods, of which he now accuses Jacob outright.
v. 31. And Jacob answered and said to Laban, Because I was afraid; for I said, Peradventure thou wouldest take by force thy daughters from me. That was answering the first question of Laban, as to why Jacob had left Mesopotamia in the manner he did, and it did not reveal the most flattering opinion of Laban. And so far as the accusation was concerned:
v. 32. With whomsoever thou findest thy gods, let him not live; before our brethren discern thou what is thine with me, and take it to thee. The statement shows the emphasis with which Jacob resented the suspicion of thieving which was raised against him. He boldly invited Laban to institute a search in the presence of their kinsmen and declares that the person with whom the images should be found had merited death. For Jacob knew not that Rachel had stolen them.
v. 33. And Laban went into Jacob’s tent, and into Leah’s tent, and into the two maid-servants tents; but he found them not. Then went he out of Leah’s tent, and entered into Rachel’s tent. So sure was Laban of his ground that he made his search very thorough. There is an irony in the fact that the idolater searches for his gods and cannot find them.
v. 34. Now Rachel had taken the images, and put them in the camel’s furniture, under the large saddle with its heavy hangings and deep basket, and sat upon them. And Laban searched all the tent, but found them not. He went over everything in the tent very thoroughly, not only peering around, but even feeling with his hands.
v. 35. And she said to her father, Let it not displease my lord that I cannot rise up before thee, as filial respect would have demanded; for the custom of women is upon me. Whether this was actually true or not, she proved herself a worthy daughter of a cunning father, for the ruse served to keep Laban from looking under the saddle which Rachel was using as a couch. At a later period this matter was regulated by law, Lev 15:19 ff. Thus the Lord did not permit Jacob, who knew nothing of Rachel’s trick, to be put to shame.
Paul E. Kretzmann, Popular Commentary of the Bible (1921–1924) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv22, 24 On the third day
On the third day
It was Jewish custom to count the day of departure as day one. AT: "Two days after they had left"
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Laban was told
This can be stated in active form. AT: "someone told Laban" (See: Active or Passive)
that Jacob had fled
Only Jacob is mentioned because he is the leader of the family. It can be made explicit that his family went with him. AT: "that Jacob had fled with his wives and children" (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
So he took
"So Laban took"
pursued him
"chased after Jacob"
for a seven days' journey
Laban spent seven days walking to catch up to Jacob.
He overtook him
"He caught up to him"
translationWords
day
Laban
Jacob
Gilead
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv21, 22, 24, 25 31:21 The journey took the family from Haran southwest…
31:21 The journey took the family from Haran southwest to the land of Gilead, just east of the Jordan River in the north of today’s kingdom of Jordan.
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.