Genesis 33:19

And the plot of ground where he pitched his tent, he purchased from the sons of Hamor, Shechem's father, for a hundred pieces of silver.

Study Bible

And the plot of ground where he pitched his tent
This phrase indicates a significant moment in Jacob's journey, as he settles in a specific location. The act of pitching a tent suggests a temporary dwelling, yet the purchase of land indicates a more permanent intention. This location is near Shechem, a city in the land of Canaan, which holds future importance for the Israelites. The act of settling here foreshadows the eventual inheritance of the land by Jacob's descendants.

he purchased from the sons of Hamor, Shechem’s father
The purchase of land from the sons of Hamor signifies a legal and peaceful transaction, contrasting with later conflicts in the region. Hamor is the father of Shechem, a city named after his son, which becomes a central location in subsequent biblical narratives. This transaction is reminiscent of Abraham's purchase of the cave of Machpelah (Genesis 23), establishing a pattern of acquiring land through legitimate means. It underscores the importance of establishing a rightful claim to the land, which is a recurring theme in the patriarchal narratives.

for a hundred pieces of silver
The mention of a specific price highlights the formal nature of the transaction. The "pieces of silver" likely refer to a weight measure, such as shekels, which was a common currency in ancient Near Eastern trade. This detail emphasizes the economic practices of the time and the value placed on land ownership. The purchase price also reflects the significance of the location, as it becomes a part of the heritage of Jacob's family. This act of buying land prefigures the future possession of the Promised Land by the Israelites, symbolizing God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jacob
The patriarch who purchased the land. This act signifies his intention to settle and establish a presence in the land promised to his forefathers.

2. Sons of Hamor
The local inhabitants from whom Jacob bought the land. Hamor was the father of Shechem, a significant city in the region.

3. Shechem
A city in Canaan, which later becomes a significant location in Israel's history. It is a place of both conflict and covenant.

4. Plot of Ground
The specific piece of land Jacob purchased, indicating a legal and peaceful transaction, contrasting with previous conflicts over land in Genesis.

5. Hundred Pieces of Silver
The currency used in the transaction, showing the value and legitimacy of the purchase.

Teaching Points

Faith in God's Promises
Jacob's purchase of land in Canaan reflects his faith in God's promise to give this land to his descendants. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's promises, even when fulfillment seems distant.

Peaceful Transactions
Jacob's legal purchase contrasts with previous conflicts over land, teaching the importance of integrity and peaceful dealings in our interactions.

Legacy and Heritage
The land purchase signifies the beginning of a legacy for Jacob's descendants. Believers are reminded to consider the spiritual and physical legacies they leave behind.

God's Sovereignty in History
The transaction is a small part of God's larger plan for Israel. It encourages believers to see their lives as part of God's sovereign plan.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jacob's purchase of land in Shechem demonstrate his faith in God's promises, and how can we apply this faith in our own lives today?

2. What does the peaceful nature of Jacob's transaction with the sons of Hamor teach us about resolving conflicts and conducting our affairs with integrity?

3. In what ways does the purchase of this land foreshadow future events in the Bible, and how does this encourage us to trust in God's long-term plans?

4. How can we ensure that the legacies we leave behind are aligned with God's purposes, as seen in Jacob's establishment of a presence in Canaan?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to make a decision that required faith in God's promises. How did the outcome strengthen your trust in Him?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 12:6-7
Connects to God's promise to Abraham about the land, showing the fulfillment of God's covenant as Jacob establishes a foothold in Canaan.

Joshua 24:32
Relates to the burial of Joseph's bones in Shechem, indicating the long-term significance of this land for the descendants of Jacob.

John 4:5-6
Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well in Shechem, highlighting the enduring legacy of Jacob's purchase.