Topical Encyclopedia The Dream of Laban concerning Jacob is a significant event recorded in the Book of Genesis, which highlights God's protective intervention in the life of Jacob. This dream is a pivotal moment in the narrative of Jacob's journey and his complex relationship with his father-in-law, Laban.Biblical Context The account of Laban's dream is found in Genesis 31. Jacob had served Laban for many years, initially to marry Laban's daughters, Leah and Rachel, and subsequently to build his own wealth. Over time, tensions arose between Jacob and Laban due to issues of fairness and prosperity. Jacob, perceiving a change in Laban's attitude and being instructed by God, decided to leave Laban's household secretly with his family and possessions. The Dream As Jacob fled with his family, Laban pursued him, overtaking him in the hill country of Gilead. Before this encounter, God intervened by appearing to Laban in a dream. Genesis 31:24 states, "But that night God came to Laban the Aramean in a dream and warned him, 'Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.'" This divine warning served as a protective measure for Jacob, ensuring that Laban would not harm him or attempt to coerce him into returning. The dream underscores God's sovereignty and His covenantal faithfulness to Jacob, the heir of the promises made to Abraham and Isaac. Significance The dream of Laban is significant for several reasons: 1. Divine Protection: The dream illustrates God's direct intervention to protect Jacob, affirming His ongoing guidance and support for the patriarch. It reassures Jacob of God's presence and His commitment to the promises made to his forefathers. 2. Moral and Ethical Implications: The warning to Laban not to speak "either good or bad" to Jacob suggests a divine mandate for neutrality, preventing Laban from manipulating or coercing Jacob. This reflects God's concern for justice and fairness in human relationships. 3. Fulfillment of God's Plan: The dream is part of the broader narrative of God's unfolding plan for the nation of Israel. By ensuring Jacob's safe departure, God is facilitating the continuation of the Abrahamic covenant through Jacob's lineage. 4. Revelation of God's Character: The dream reveals God's omniscience and His ability to communicate His will to individuals, regardless of their spiritual standing. Laban, though not a follower of Yahweh, receives a direct message from God, demonstrating God's authority over all people. Theological Reflections The dream of Laban concerning Jacob invites reflection on the nature of divine intervention and the ways in which God communicates His will. It highlights the importance of obedience to God's directives and the assurance of His protection for those who are part of His covenant. This event also serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative. In summary, the dream of Laban is a testament to God's protective care over Jacob and His sovereign control over the events that shape the destiny of His chosen people. It is a powerful example of how God can use dreams to convey His will and ensure the fulfillment of His divine purposes. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 31:24And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said to him, Take heed that you speak not to Jacob either good or bad. Nave's Topical Index Library Concerning Jacob's Flight into Mesopotamia, by Reason of the Fear ... Concerning the violation of Dina's Chastity. Argument. --That God Also Appeared to Jacob as an Angel; Namely ... A Letter from Origen to Africanus. Jacob and Esau Chapter xxviii Chapter xxxii Life and Writings of Sulpitius Severus. Genesis The Perpetual virginity of Blessed Mary. Resources Christian dream interpretation? Are our dreams from God? | GotQuestions.orgIs it a sin to have a sexual dream? | GotQuestions.org Is a wet dream / nocturnal emission a sin? | GotQuestions.org Dream: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Dream of Abimelech, , Concerning Sarah Dream of Daniel, Concerning the Four Beasts Dream of Eliphaz, of a Spirit Speaking to Him Dream of Jacob, Concerning the Ladder Dream of Joseph, Concerning Mary's Innocence Dream of Joseph, Concerning the Sheaves Dream of Laban, Concerning Jacob Dream of Midianite Concerning the Cake of Barley Dream of Pilate's Wife, Concerning Jesus Dream of Solomon, Concerning his Choice of Wisdom Dream: Concerning his Going Down Into Egypt Dream: Concerning the Flight Into Egypt Dream: Concerning the Return Into Palestine Dream: Concerning the Shipwreck, and the Safety of all on Board Dream: Cornelius Vision, Concerning Peter Dream: False Prophets Pretended to Receive Revelations Through Dream: Paul's Vision of the Man in Macedonia, Crying, "Come Over Into Macedonia" Dream: Peter's Vision of the Ceremonially Unclean Creatures Dream: Relating to his Going to Rome Dream: The Dreams of the Butler and Baker Dream: The Ring-Straked Cattle Related Terms Nebuchadrezzar (31 Occurrences) Understandest (10 Occurrences) |
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