"I was afraid," Jacob answered, "for I thought you would take your daughters from me by force. I was afraid,Jacob's fear reflects the tension and mistrust between him and Laban. This fear is rooted in past experiences, as Laban had previously deceived Jacob by switching Leah for Rachel on their wedding night ( Genesis 29:23-25). Fear is a common human emotion seen throughout Scripture, often leading to reliance on God for protection and guidance, as seen in Psalm 56:3, "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you." Jacob answered, Jacob's response indicates a moment of honesty and vulnerability. Throughout his life, Jacob often relied on his cunning and resourcefulness, but here he openly admits his fear. This moment is part of Jacob's ongoing transformation, which culminates in his wrestling with God in Genesis 32:24-30, where he is renamed Israel. for I thought you would take your daughters from me by force. Jacob's concern about Laban taking his daughters by force highlights the patriarchal and familial dynamics of the time. Marriages were often arranged, and women were considered part of the father's household until marriage. Laban's previous actions, such as the deception with Leah and Rachel, suggest he might use force to assert his will. This fear also underscores the importance of family and inheritance in the ancient Near Eastern context, where family ties were crucial for social and economic stability. The protection of one's family is a recurring theme in Scripture, as seen in the story of Moses' mother hiding him from Pharaoh's decree (Exodus 2:1-3). Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobThe grandson of Abraham, son of Isaac, and husband to Leah and Rachel. He is a central figure in this account, having fled from his father-in-law Laban with his family and possessions. 2. LabanJacob's father-in-law, who pursued Jacob after he left Haran. Laban is portrayed as a shrewd and sometimes deceitful character, which contributes to Jacob's fear. 3. Rachel and LeahThe daughters of Laban and wives of Jacob. Their relationship with their father and Jacob is central to the tension in this passage. 4. HaranThe place where Jacob lived with Laban for many years and where he accumulated his family and wealth. 5. The Flight from LabanThe event where Jacob, fearing for his safety and the safety of his family, decides to leave Laban secretly. Teaching Points Fear and FaithJacob's fear of Laban highlights the human tendency to fear man rather than trust in God's promises. Believers are encouraged to place their trust in God, who is faithful to protect and guide. Family DynamicsThe relationship between Jacob, Laban, and the daughters illustrates complex family dynamics. It serves as a reminder to handle family relationships with wisdom and integrity. God's ProtectionDespite Jacob's fear, God's protection is evident throughout his journey. This reassures believers that God is sovereign and watches over His people, even when circumstances seem daunting. Courage to ActJacob's decision to leave Laban, despite his fear, demonstrates the importance of taking courageous steps when led by God. Believers are encouraged to act in faith, trusting God's guidance. Conflict ResolutionThe passage sets the stage for the eventual resolution between Jacob and Laban. It teaches the importance of addressing conflicts with honesty and seeking peaceful resolutions. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jacob's fear of Laban reflect common human fears, and how can we apply God's promises to overcome such fears in our own lives? 2. In what ways do the family dynamics between Jacob, Laban, Rachel, and Leah mirror challenges in modern family relationships, and what biblical principles can guide us in these situations? 3. How does God's promise to Jacob in Genesis 28:15 provide reassurance in times of fear and uncertainty, and how can we apply this promise to our own lives? 4. What steps can we take to ensure that our actions, like Jacob's decision to leave Laban, are guided by faith rather than fear? 5. How can the resolution between Jacob and Laban inform our approach to resolving conflicts in our personal and professional lives, according to biblical principles? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 28:15God's promise to Jacob to be with him and protect him wherever he goes. This promise is a backdrop to Jacob's fear and actions in Genesis 31:31. Proverbs 29:25Discusses the fear of man and its consequences, contrasting it with trust in the Lord, which provides safety. This highlights the tension between Jacob's fear and his faith. Hebrews 11:21References Jacob's faith, which is a key theme in his life account, including his journey and interactions with Laban. Jacob At Haran | W. Roberts. | Genesis 31:22-42 | Laban | M. Dods, D. D. | Genesis 31:22-42 | Laban's Expostulation with Jacob, and Jacob's Defence | T. H. Leale. | Genesis 31:22-42 | Lessons | G. Hughes, B. D., J. C. Gray. | Genesis 31:22-42 | Lessons | G Hughes, B. D. | Genesis 31:22-42 | Lessons | G. Hughes, B. D. . | Genesis 31:22-42 | Lessons | G. Hughes, B. D. . | Genesis 31:22-42 | Lessons | G. Hughes, B. D. . | Genesis 31:22-42 | Lessons | G. Hughes, B. D. . | Genesis 31:22-42 | Lessons | G. Hughes, B. D. . | Genesis 31:22-42 | Lessons | G. Hughes, B. D. | Genesis 31:22-42 | The Years of Servitude | E. Craig. | Genesis 31:22-42 |
People Aram, Isaac, Jacob, Laban, Leah, Nahor, RachelPlaces Canaan, Euphrates River, Galeed, Gilead, Jegar-sahadutha, Mizpah, Paddan-aramTopics Afraid, Answereth, Daughters, Fear, Force, Jacob, Laban, Lest, Peradventure, Replied, Shouldest, Violently, WouldestDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 31:31 8754 fear Library Gen. xxxi. 11 Of no less importance and significance is the passage Gen. xxxi. 11 seq. According to ver. 11, the Angel of God, [Hebrew: mlaK halhiM] appears toJacob in a dream. In ver. 13, the same person calls himself the God of Bethel, with reference to the event recorded in chap. xxviii. 11-22. It cannot be supposed that in chap xxviii. the mediation of a common angel took place, who, however, had not been expressly mentioned; for Jehovah is there contrasted with the angels. In ver. 12, we read: "And behold … Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old TestamentAppendix xvi. On the Jewish views About Demons' and the Demonised,' Together with Some Notes on the Intercourse Between Jews and Jewish Christians in the First Centuries. IT is not, of course, our purpose here to attempt an exhaustive account of the Jewish views on demons' and the demonised.' A few preliminary strictures were, however, necessary on a work upon which writers on this subject have too implictly relied. I refer to Gfrörer's Jahrhundert des Heils (especially vol. i. pp. 378-424). Gfrörer sets out by quoting a passage in the Book of Enoch on which he lays great stress, but which critical inquiries of Dillmann and other scholars have shown to be … Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah How the Rude in Sacred Learning, and those who are Learned but not Humble, are to be Admonished. (Admonition 25.) Differently to be admonished are those who do not understand aright the words of the sacred Law, and those who understand them indeed aright, but speak them not humbly. For those who understand not aright the words of sacred Law are to be admonished to consider that they turn for themselves a most wholesome drought of wine into a cup of poison, and with a medicinal knife inflict on themselves a mortal wound, when they destroy in themselves what was sound by that whereby they ought, … Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Epistle Xlix. To Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch . To Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch [35] . Gregory to Anastasius, &c. I received the letters of thy Fraternity, rightly holding fast the profession of the faith; and I returned great thanks to Almighty God, who, when the shepherds of His flock are changed, still, even after such change, guards the faith which He once delivered to the holy Fathers. Now the excellent preacher says, Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Christ Jesus (1 Cor. iii. 2). Whosoever, then, with love of … Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great The Great Shepherd He shall feed his flock like a shepherd; He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. I t is not easy for those, whose habits of life are insensibly formed by the customs of modern times, to conceive any adequate idea of the pastoral life, as obtained in the eastern countries, before that simplicity of manners, which characterized the early ages, was corrupted, by the artificial and false refinements of luxury. Wealth, in those … John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 And He had Also this Favour Granted Him. ... 66. And he had also this favour granted him. For as he was sitting alone on the mountain, if ever he was in perplexity in his meditations, this was revealed to him by Providence in prayer. And the happy man, as it is written, was taught of God [1112] . After this, when he once had a discussion with certain men who had come to him concerning the state of the soul and of what nature its place will be after this life, the following night one from above called him, saying, Antony, rise, go out and look.' … Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius A Treatise of the Fear of God; SHOWING WHAT IT IS, AND HOW DISTINGUISHED FROM THAT WHICH IS NOT SO. ALSO, WHENCE IT COMES; WHO HAS IT; WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS; AND WHAT THE PRIVILEGES OF THOSE THAT HAVE IT IN THEIR HEARTS. London: Printed for N. Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, over against the Stocks market: 1679. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and "a fountain of life"--the foundation on which all wisdom rests, as well as the source from whence it emanates. Upon a principle … John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Meditations for the Morning. 1. Almighty God can, in the resurrection, as easily raise up thy body out of the grave, from the sleep of death, as he hath this morning wakened thee in thy bed, out of the sleep of nature. At the dawning of which resurrection day, Christ shall come to be glorified in his saints; and every one of the bodies of the thousands of his saints, being fashioned like unto his glorious body, shall shine as bright as the sun (2 Thess. i. 10; Jude, ver. 14; Phil. iii. 21; Luke ix. 31;) all the angels shining … Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Genesis The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of … John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Genesis 31:31 NIVGenesis 31:31 NLTGenesis 31:31 ESVGenesis 31:31 NASBGenesis 31:31 KJV
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