King James Version
Genesis 29
35 verses with commentary
Jacob Meets Rachel
Then Jacob went on his journey, and came into the land of the people of the east. went: Heb. lift up his feet people: Heb. children
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Then Jacob went on his journey, and came into the land of the people of the east....</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God graciously transfo...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
XXIX.
MARRIAGE OF JACOB WITH LEAH AND RACHEL.
(1) **Jacob went on his journey.**—Heb., *Jacob lifted up his feet, *that is, hastened forward. Confirmed in the possession of the birthright by God as well as man, and encouraged by the promise of the Divine presence, and of a safe return home, he casts no wistful glances back, but pursues his journey under the inspiriting influence of hope.
**The peo...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**39-40. Behold, thy dwelling shall be the fatness of the earth--**The first part is a promise of temporal prosperity, made in the same terms as Jacob's [Ge 27:28]--the second part refers to the roving life of hunting freebooters, which he and his descendants should lead. Though Esau was not personally subject to his brother, his posterity were tributary to the Israelites, till the reign of Joram ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 29
Chapter Outline
Jacob comes to the well of Haran.(1-8)
His interview with Rachel, Laban entertains him.(9-14)
Jacob's covenant for Rachel, Laban's deceit.(15-30)
Leah's sons.(31-35)
**Verses 1-8**
Jacob proceeded cheerfully in his journey, after the sweet communion he had with God at Beth-el. Providence brought him to the field where his uncle's flocks were to ...
Read full commentary →And he looked, and behold a well in the field, and, lo, there were three flocks of sheep lying by it; for out of that well they watered the flocks: and a great stone was upon the well's mouth.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he looked, and behold a well in the field, and, lo, there were three flocks of sheep lying by it...</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **Behold a well in the field.**—This was not the well whence Rebekah drew the water; for it was in the field, the open pasture ground, whereas Rebekah’s well was just outside the city (Genesis 24:11), and she obtained the water by going down the steps which led to it (Genesis 24:16).
**A great stone was upon the well’s mouth.**—The region round Haran, though fertile, is very dry, and the chief...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**39-40. Behold, thy dwelling shall be the fatness of the earth--**The first part is a promise of temporal prosperity, made in the same terms as Jacob's [Ge 27:28]--the second part refers to the roving life of hunting freebooters, which he and his descendants should lead. Though Esau was not personally subject to his brother, his posterity were tributary to the Israelites, till the reign of Joram ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 29
Chapter Outline
Jacob comes to the well of Haran.(1-8)
His interview with Rachel, Laban entertains him.(9-14)
Jacob's covenant for Rachel, Laban's deceit.(15-30)
Leah's sons.(31-35)
**Verses 1-8**
Jacob proceeded cheerfully in his journey, after the sweet communion he had with God at Beth-el. Providence brought him to the field where his uncle's flocks were to ...
Read full commentary →And thither were all the flocks gathered: and they rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the sheep, and put the stone again upon the well's mouth in his place.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And thither were all the flocks gathered: and they rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and water...</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**41. Esau hated Jacob--**It is scarcely to be wondered at that Esau resented the conduct of Jacob and vowed revenge.
**The days of mourning for my father are at hand--**a common Oriental phrase for the death of a parent.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 29
Chapter Outline
Jacob comes to the well of Haran.(1-8)
His interview with Rachel, Laban entertains him.(9-14)
Jacob's covenant for Rachel, Laban's deceit.(15-30)
Leah's sons.(31-35)
**Verses 1-8**
Jacob proceeded cheerfully in his journey, after the sweet communion he had with God at Beth-el. Providence brought him to the field where his uncle's flocks were to ...
Read full commentary →And Jacob said unto them, My brethren, whence be ye? And they said, Of Haran are we.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Jacob said unto them, My brethren, whence be ye? And they said, Of Haran are we....</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God graciously tran...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**42-45. these words of Esau were told Rebekah--**Poor woman! she now early begins to reap the bitter fruits of her fraudulent device; she is obliged to part with her son, for whom she planned it, never, probably, seeing him again; and he felt the retributive justice of heaven fall upon him heavily in his own future family.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 29
Chapter Outline
Jacob comes to the well of Haran.(1-8)
His interview with Rachel, Laban entertains him.(9-14)
Jacob's covenant for Rachel, Laban's deceit.(15-30)
Leah's sons.(31-35)
**Verses 1-8**
Jacob proceeded cheerfully in his journey, after the sweet communion he had with God at Beth-el. Providence brought him to the field where his uncle's flocks were to ...
Read full commentary →And he said unto them, Know ye Laban the son of Nahor? And they said, We know him.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he said unto them, Know ye Laban the son of Nahor? And they said, We know him....</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God graciously transf...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **Laban the son of Nahor.**—Laban was really the son of Bethuel and grandson of Nahor; but Nahor was the founder of the family, as being the original immigrant from Ur, who came to supply Abraham’s place on his departure.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**42-45. these words of Esau were told Rebekah--**Poor woman! she now early begins to reap the bitter fruits of her fraudulent device; she is obliged to part with her son, for whom she planned it, never, probably, seeing him again; and he felt the retributive justice of heaven fall upon him heavily in his own future family.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 29
Chapter Outline
Jacob comes to the well of Haran.(1-8)
His interview with Rachel, Laban entertains him.(9-14)
Jacob's covenant for Rachel, Laban's deceit.(15-30)
Leah's sons.(31-35)
**Verses 1-8**
Jacob proceeded cheerfully in his journey, after the sweet communion he had with God at Beth-el. Providence brought him to the field where his uncle's flocks were to ...
Read full commentary →And he said unto them, Is he well? And they said, He is well: and, behold, Rachel his daughter cometh with the sheep. Is he: Heb. Is there peace to him?
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he said unto them, Is he well? And they said, He is well: and, behold, Rachel his daughter comet...</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**42-45. these words of Esau were told Rebekah--**Poor woman! she now early begins to reap the bitter fruits of her fraudulent device; she is obliged to part with her son, for whom she planned it, never, probably, seeing him again; and he felt the retributive justice of heaven fall upon him heavily in his own future family.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 29
Chapter Outline
Jacob comes to the well of Haran.(1-8)
His interview with Rachel, Laban entertains him.(9-14)
Jacob's covenant for Rachel, Laban's deceit.(15-30)
Leah's sons.(31-35)
**Verses 1-8**
Jacob proceeded cheerfully in his journey, after the sweet communion he had with God at Beth-el. Providence brought him to the field where his uncle's flocks were to ...
Read full commentary →And he said, Lo, it is yet high day, neither is it time that the cattle should be gathered together: water ye the sheep, and go and feed them. it is: Heb. yet the day is great
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he said, Lo, it is yet high day, neither is it time that the cattle should be gathered together:...</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **Neither is it time that the cattle should be gathered together.**—Rather, *neither is it time for folding the cattle. *As there were still several hours of daylight, Jacob is surprised that they do not immediately upon their arrival give the sheep water, and drive them back to the pasture. But if the well belonged to Laban, their reason for waiting till Rachel came is plain.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**42-45. these words of Esau were told Rebekah--**Poor woman! she now early begins to reap the bitter fruits of her fraudulent device; she is obliged to part with her son, for whom she planned it, never, probably, seeing him again; and he felt the retributive justice of heaven fall upon him heavily in his own future family.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 29
Chapter Outline
Jacob comes to the well of Haran.(1-8)
His interview with Rachel, Laban entertains him.(9-14)
Jacob's covenant for Rachel, Laban's deceit.(15-30)
Leah's sons.(31-35)
**Verses 1-8**
Jacob proceeded cheerfully in his journey, after the sweet communion he had with God at Beth-el. Providence brought him to the field where his uncle's flocks were to ...
Read full commentary →And they said, We cannot, until all the flocks be gathered together, and till they roll the stone from the well's mouth; then we water the sheep.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And they said, We cannot, until all the flocks be gathered together, and till they roll the stone fr...</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **And till they roll the stone . . . —**More correctly, *then they roll the stone from the well’s mouth, and we water the sheep. *As soon as the flocks were all collected round the well the stone is removed. and all in their turn give their sheep water.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**46. Rebekah said to Isaac--**Another pretext Rebekah's cunning had to devise to obtain her husband's consent to Jacob's journey to Mesopotamia; and she succeeded by touching the aged patriarch in a tender point, afflicting to his pious heart--the proper marriage of their younger son.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 29
Chapter Outline
Jacob comes to the well of Haran.(1-8)
His interview with Rachel, Laban entertains him.(9-14)
Jacob's covenant for Rachel, Laban's deceit.(15-30)
Leah's sons.(31-35)
**Verses 1-8**
Jacob proceeded cheerfully in his journey, after the sweet communion he had with God at Beth-el. Providence brought him to the field where his uncle's flocks were to ...
Read full commentary →And while he yet spake with them, Rachel came with her father's sheep: for she kept them.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And while he yet spake with them, Rachel came with her father's sheep: for she kept them....</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God graciously...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **Rachel came with her father’s sheep.**—Comp. Exodus 2:16; and so in modern times Mr. Malan saw “the sheik’s daughter, the beautiful and well-favoured Ladheefeh, drive her flock of fine patriarchal sheep” to a well for water in this very region (*Philosophy or Truth, *p. 95). As forty years at least elapsed between this meeting of Jacob and Rachel and the birth of Benjamin, she must have been...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-14**
See Rachel's humility and industry. Nobody needs to be ashamed of honest, useful labour, nor ought it to hinder any one's preferment. When Jacob understood that this was his kinswoman, he was very ready to serve her. Laban, though not the best humoured, bade him welcome, and was satisfied with the account Jacob gave of himself. While we avoid being foolishly ready to believe ev...
Read full commentary →And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother's brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother's brother, that Jacob went near, and rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother's brother.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother's brother, and the sheep...</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **Laban his mother’s brother.**—The threefold repetition of these words has no other reason than that given in the Note on Genesis 28:5.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 28 Ge 28:1-19. Jacob's Departure.
**1. Isaac called Jacob and blessed him--**He entered fully into Rebekah's feelings, and the burden of his parting counsel to his son was to avoid a marriage alliance with any but the Mesopotamian branch of the family. At the same time he gave him a solemn blessing--pronounced before unwittingly, now designedly, and with a cordial spirit. It is more expli...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-14**
See Rachel's humility and industry. Nobody needs to be ashamed of honest, useful labour, nor ought it to hinder any one's preferment. When Jacob understood that this was his kinswoman, he was very ready to serve her. Laban, though not the best humoured, bade him welcome, and was satisfied with the account Jacob gave of himself. While we avoid being foolishly ready to believe ev...
Read full commentary →And Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice, and wept.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice, and wept....</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God graciously transforms.<br><br>Key themes...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **Jacob kissed Rachel . . . and wept.**—Jacob first made himself, useful to Rachel, and then discloses to her who he is, claims her as a cousin, and kisses her. Then, overcome with joy at this happy termination of his long journey, and at finding himself among relatives, he can restrain his feelings no longer, but bursts into tears. In this outburst of emotion we see the commencement of his l...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-14**
See Rachel's humility and industry. Nobody needs to be ashamed of honest, useful labour, nor ought it to hinder any one's preferment. When Jacob understood that this was his kinswoman, he was very ready to serve her. Laban, though not the best humoured, bade him welcome, and was satisfied with the account Jacob gave of himself. While we avoid being foolishly ready to believe ev...
Read full commentary →And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father's brother, and that he was Rebekah's son: and she ran and told her father.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father's brother, and that he was Rebekah's son: and she ran a...</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **Her father’s brother.**—Really his nephew; but terms of relationship are used in a very indefinite way in Hebrew. (Comp. Genesis 29:5; Genesis 29:15, Genesis 13:8, &c.)
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-14**
See Rachel's humility and industry. Nobody needs to be ashamed of honest, useful labour, nor ought it to hinder any one's preferment. When Jacob understood that this was his kinswoman, he was very ready to serve her. Laban, though not the best humoured, bade him welcome, and was satisfied with the account Jacob gave of himself. While we avoid being foolishly ready to believe ev...
Read full commentary →And it came to pass, when Laban heard the tidings of Jacob his sister's son, that he ran to meet him, and embraced him, and kissed him, and brought him to his house. And he told Laban all these things. tidings: Heb. hearing
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And it came to pass, when Laban heard the tidings of Jacob his sister's son, that he ran to meet him...</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **Laban . . . ran to meet him, and embraced him.**—Rachel told her father, because it was a matter simply of the hospitable reception of a relative, and not such news as Rebekah had run to tell those of her mother’s house. And to Laban the tidings must have been most welcome, as he called to mind now, seventy-seven years ago, he had seen his dear sister depart to marry the son of the distant ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-14**
See Rachel's humility and industry. Nobody needs to be ashamed of honest, useful labour, nor ought it to hinder any one's preferment. When Jacob understood that this was his kinswoman, he was very ready to serve her. Laban, though not the best humoured, bade him welcome, and was satisfied with the account Jacob gave of himself. While we avoid being foolishly ready to believe ev...
Read full commentary →And Laban said to him, Surely thou art my bone and my flesh. And he abode with him the space of a month. the space: Heb. a month of days
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Laban said to him, Surely thou art my bone and my flesh. And he abode with him the space of a mo...</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **The space of a month.**—Heb., *a month of days, *that is, a full month.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-14**
See Rachel's humility and industry. Nobody needs to be ashamed of honest, useful labour, nor ought it to hinder any one's preferment. When Jacob understood that this was his kinswoman, he was very ready to serve her. Laban, though not the best humoured, bade him welcome, and was satisfied with the account Jacob gave of himself. While we avoid being foolishly ready to believe ev...
Read full commentary →And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what shall thy wages be?
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought...</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **What shall thy wages be?**—As Jacob had given upon his arrival a full account of himself (Genesis 29:13), Laban probably expected the very answer he received; nevertheless, the proposal was fair and upright. Doubtless he had seen, during Jacob’s stay of a month, that his services would be very valuable.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6-9. when Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob, &c.--**Desirous to humor his parents and, if possible, get the last will revoked, he became wise when too late (see Mt 25:10), and hoped by gratifying his parents in one thing to atone for all his former delinquencies. But he only made bad worse, and though he did not marry a "wife of the daughters of Canaan," he married into a family which Go...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-30**
During the month that Jacob spent as a guest, he was not idle. Wherever we are, it is good to employ ourselves in some useful business. Laban was desirous that Jacob should continue with him. Inferior relations must not be imposed upon; it is our duty to reward them. Jacob made known to Laban the affection he had for his daughter Rachel. And having no wordly goods with which t...
Read full commentary →And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel....</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6-9. when Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob, &c.--**Desirous to humor his parents and, if possible, get the last will revoked, he became wise when too late (see Mt 25:10), and hoped by gratifying his parents in one thing to atone for all his former delinquencies. But he only made bad worse, and though he did not marry a "wife of the daughters of Canaan," he married into a family which Go...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-30**
During the month that Jacob spent as a guest, he was not idle. Wherever we are, it is good to employ ourselves in some useful business. Laban was desirous that Jacob should continue with him. Inferior relations must not be imposed upon; it is our duty to reward them. Jacob made known to Laban the affection he had for his daughter Rachel. And having no wordly goods with which t...
Read full commentary →Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured....</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God graciously transforms.<br><br>Key ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **Leah was tender eyed.**—Leah, whose name signifies *languor, weariness, *had dull bleared eyes. Probably she suffered, as so many do in that hot sandy region, from some form of ophthalmia. Rachel (Heb., *the ewe*) was, on the contrary, “beautiful and well favoured” (Heb., *beautiful in form and beautiful in look*)*. *Leah’s bleared eyes would be regarded in the East as a great defect, just ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6-9. when Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob, &c.--**Desirous to humor his parents and, if possible, get the last will revoked, he became wise when too late (see Mt 25:10), and hoped by gratifying his parents in one thing to atone for all his former delinquencies. But he only made bad worse, and though he did not marry a "wife of the daughters of Canaan," he married into a family which Go...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-30**
During the month that Jacob spent as a guest, he was not idle. Wherever we are, it is good to employ ourselves in some useful business. Laban was desirous that Jacob should continue with him. Inferior relations must not be imposed upon; it is our duty to reward them. Jacob made known to Laban the affection he had for his daughter Rachel. And having no wordly goods with which t...
Read full commentary →And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter....</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God gra...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter.**—Heb., *thy daughter, the little one, *just as Leah, in Genesis 29:16, is called the *great one. *(See Note on Genesis 9:24.) So in Genesis 44:20, the phrase “the little one” simply means *the youngest. *Wives had to be purchased in the East (Genesis 24:53), and as Jacob had brought no rich presents, such as Abraham had sent wh...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6-9. when Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob, &c.--**Desirous to humor his parents and, if possible, get the last will revoked, he became wise when too late (see Mt 25:10), and hoped by gratifying his parents in one thing to atone for all his former delinquencies. But he only made bad worse, and though he did not marry a "wife of the daughters of Canaan," he married into a family which Go...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-30**
During the month that Jacob spent as a guest, he was not idle. Wherever we are, it is good to employ ourselves in some useful business. Laban was desirous that Jacob should continue with him. Inferior relations must not be imposed upon; it is our duty to reward them. Jacob made known to Laban the affection he had for his daughter Rachel. And having no wordly goods with which t...
Read full commentary →And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man: abide with me.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man: ab...</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **It is better that I give her to thee.**—It is still the custom among the Arabs to prefer a relative as the husband of a daughter, and on giving a moderato dowry the elder cousins can claim the elder daughters in marriage, and the younger the younger. Thus Jacob, as the second son, had a claim upon Rachel. The Rabbins even say that Leah’s eyes were weak from weeping, because Esau had not com...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10. Jacob went out, &c.--**His departure from his father's house was an ignominious flight; and for fear of being pursued or waylaid by his vindictive brother, he did not take the common road, but went by lonely and unfrequented paths, which increased the length and dangers of the journey.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-30**
During the month that Jacob spent as a guest, he was not idle. Wherever we are, it is good to employ ourselves in some useful business. Laban was desirous that Jacob should continue with him. Inferior relations must not be imposed upon; it is our duty to reward them. Jacob made known to Laban the affection he had for his daughter Rachel. And having no wordly goods with which t...
Read full commentary →And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he ha...</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **They seemed unto him but a few days.**—Jacob was at least fifty-seven years of age, but the late marriages hitherto of the patriarchs show that they only slowly arrived at manhood. We need not be surprised, then, at the warmth of his affection, nor was it a passing emotion, but lasted all his life through. This, however, is the last of these late marriages; for Jacob’s sons married when you...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11. he lighted upon a certain place--**By a forced march he had reached Beth-el, about forty-eight miles from Beer-sheba, and had to spend the night in the open field.
**he took of the stones, etc.--**"The nature of the soil is an existing comment on the record of the stony territory where Jacob lay" [Clarke's Travels].
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-30**
During the month that Jacob spent as a guest, he was not idle. Wherever we are, it is good to employ ourselves in some useful business. Laban was desirous that Jacob should continue with him. Inferior relations must not be imposed upon; it is our duty to reward them. Jacob made known to Laban the affection he had for his daughter Rachel. And having no wordly goods with which t...
Read full commentary →And Jacob said unto Laban, Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in unto her.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Jacob said unto Laban, Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in unto her....</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God gr...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **My days are fulfilled.**—That is, the appointed time of service is completed. It was undeniably at the end of the seven years that the marriage took place.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12. he dreamed ... and behold a ladder--**Some writers are of opinion that it was not a literal ladder that is meant, as it is impossible to conceive any imagery stranger and more unnatural than that of a ladder, whose base was on earth, while its top reached heaven, without having any thing on which to rest its upper extremity. They suppose that the little heap of stones, on which his head recl...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-30**
During the month that Jacob spent as a guest, he was not idle. Wherever we are, it is good to employ ourselves in some useful business. Laban was desirous that Jacob should continue with him. Inferior relations must not be imposed upon; it is our duty to reward them. Jacob made known to Laban the affection he had for his daughter Rachel. And having no wordly goods with which t...
Read full commentary →And Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast....</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God graciously transforms.<br><b...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13. The Lord stood above it, and said--**That Jacob might be at no loss to know the purport of the vision, he heard the divine voice; and the announcement of His name, together with a renewal of the covenant, and an assurance of personal protection, produced at once the most solemnizing and inspiriting effect on his mind.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-30**
During the month that Jacob spent as a guest, he was not idle. Wherever we are, it is good to employ ourselves in some useful business. Laban was desirous that Jacob should continue with him. Inferior relations must not be imposed upon; it is our duty to reward them. Jacob made known to Laban the affection he had for his daughter Rachel. And having no wordly goods with which t...
Read full commentary →And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him; and he went in unto her.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him; and he w...</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23)**He took Leah his daughter.**—As the bride is taken to the bridegroom’s house closely veiled (see Note on Genesis 24:65), and as probably there was some similarity in voice and form between the two sisters, this deception was quite easy. But Leah must have been a party to the fraud, and therefore Jacob’s dislike of her was not altogether without reason.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-30**
During the month that Jacob spent as a guest, he was not idle. Wherever we are, it is good to employ ourselves in some useful business. Laban was desirous that Jacob should continue with him. Inferior relations must not be imposed upon; it is our duty to reward them. Jacob made known to Laban the affection he had for his daughter Rachel. And having no wordly goods with which t...
Read full commentary →And Laban gave unto his daughter Leah Zilpah his maid for an handmaid.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Laban gave unto his daughter Leah Zilpah his maid for an handmaid....</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God graciously transforms.<br><br...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(24) **Laban gave unto his daughter Leah Zilpah . . . —**Bethuel had given Rebekah not only Deborah her nurse, but also damsels (Genesis 24:61); but then she had been obtained by presents of unusual costliness. Still, Laban does not seem to have acted very liberally by his daughters, and they resented his treatment of them (Genesis 31:15).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-30**
During the month that Jacob spent as a guest, he was not idle. Wherever we are, it is good to employ ourselves in some useful business. Laban was desirous that Jacob should continue with him. Inferior relations must not be imposed upon; it is our duty to reward them. Jacob made known to Laban the affection he had for his daughter Rachel. And having no wordly goods with which t...
Read full commentary →And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it was Leah: and he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done unto me? did not I serve with thee for Rachel? wherefore then hast thou beguiled me?
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it was Leah: and he said to Laban, What is this th...</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**16. Jacob awaked out of his sleep--**His language and his conduct were alike that of a man whose mind was pervaded by sentiments of solemn awe, of fervent piety, and lively gratitude (Jr 31:36).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-30**
During the month that Jacob spent as a guest, he was not idle. Wherever we are, it is good to employ ourselves in some useful business. Laban was desirous that Jacob should continue with him. Inferior relations must not be imposed upon; it is our duty to reward them. Jacob made known to Laban the affection he had for his daughter Rachel. And having no wordly goods with which t...
Read full commentary →And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn. country: Heb. place
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn....</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God gra...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(26) **It must not be so done in our country.**—Heb., *It is not so done in our place, to give, *&c. We have seen that it is still customary for the elder cousin to take the elder daughter, and the younger the younger. But Laban affirms that if the elder daughter be not claimed, it was the rule in Haran for her to take precedence over her sisters. In India the practice is such as Laban describes, ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-30**
During the month that Jacob spent as a guest, he was not idle. Wherever we are, it is good to employ ourselves in some useful business. Laban was desirous that Jacob should continue with him. Inferior relations must not be imposed upon; it is our duty to reward them. Jacob made known to Laban the affection he had for his daughter Rachel. And having no wordly goods with which t...
Read full commentary →Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet ...</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(27) **Fulfil her week.**—The marriage festival seems to have lasted a week, as was the custom in later times (Judges 14:12), and. to have forsaken Leah during this period would have been to offer her an insult which her brothers must have avenged. Appeased, therefore, by the promise of Rachel as soon as the seven days are over, Jacob, rather than quarrel with the whole family, submits to the wron...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**18-19. Jacob set up a stone, etc.--**The mere setting up of the stone might have been as a future memorial to mark the spot; and this practice is still common in the East, in memory of a religious vow or engagement. But the pouring oil upon it was a consecration. Accordingly he gave it a new name, Beth-el, "the house of God" (Ho 12:4); and it will not appear a thing forced or unnatural to call a...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-30**
During the month that Jacob spent as a guest, he was not idle. Wherever we are, it is good to employ ourselves in some useful business. Laban was desirous that Jacob should continue with him. Inferior relations must not be imposed upon; it is our duty to reward them. Jacob made known to Laban the affection he had for his daughter Rachel. And having no wordly goods with which t...
Read full commentary →And Jacob did so, and fulfilled her week: and he gave him Rachel his daughter to wife also.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Jacob did so, and fulfilled her week: and he gave him Rachel his daughter to wife also....</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God gracious...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(28) **He gave him Rachel . . . to wife also.**—After the monogamy of Abraham, and the stricter monogamy of Isaac, how came Jacob to marry two wives? Abravanel says that as Esau ought to have married Leah, and Jacob Rachel, he acted only as his brother’s substitute in taking the elder, and was still free to marry the younger sister, who was his by custom, He thinks also that Jacob, recalling the p...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**18-19. Jacob set up a stone, etc.--**The mere setting up of the stone might have been as a future memorial to mark the spot; and this practice is still common in the East, in memory of a religious vow or engagement. But the pouring oil upon it was a consecration. Accordingly he gave it a new name, Beth-el, "the house of God" (Ho 12:4); and it will not appear a thing forced or unnatural to call a...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-30**
During the month that Jacob spent as a guest, he was not idle. Wherever we are, it is good to employ ourselves in some useful business. Laban was desirous that Jacob should continue with him. Inferior relations must not be imposed upon; it is our duty to reward them. Jacob made known to Laban the affection he had for his daughter Rachel. And having no wordly goods with which t...
Read full commentary →And Laban gave to Rachel his daughter Bilhah his handmaid to be her maid.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Laban gave to Rachel his daughter Bilhah his handmaid to be her maid....</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God graciously transforms.<br>...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Ge 28:20-22. Jacob's Vow.
**20. Jacob vowed a vow--**His words are not to be considered as implying a doubt, far less as stating the condition or terms on which he would dedicate himself to God. Let "if" be changed into "since," and the language will appear a proper expression of Jacob's faith--an evidence of his having truly embraced the promise. How edifying often to meditate on Jacob at Beth-e...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-30**
During the month that Jacob spent as a guest, he was not idle. Wherever we are, it is good to employ ourselves in some useful business. Laban was desirous that Jacob should continue with him. Inferior relations must not be imposed upon; it is our duty to reward them. Jacob made known to Laban the affection he had for his daughter Rachel. And having no wordly goods with which t...
Read full commentary →And he went in also unto Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah, and served with him yet seven other years.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he went in also unto Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah, and served with him yet se...</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-30**
During the month that Jacob spent as a guest, he was not idle. Wherever we are, it is good to employ ourselves in some useful business. Laban was desirous that Jacob should continue with him. Inferior relations must not be imposed upon; it is our duty to reward them. Jacob made known to Laban the affection he had for his daughter Rachel. And having no wordly goods with which t...
Read full commentary →The Children of Jacob
And when the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And when the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren....</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God graciously tra...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
BIRTH OF JACOB’S ELEVEN SONS, AND HIS DAUGHTER.
(31) **Leah was hated.**—We must not soften this down too much; for plainly Leah was not the object of love at all. It was her fruitfulness which gave her value in her husband’s eyes, and when this ceased, Jacob utterly neglected her (Genesis 30:15).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 31-35**
The names Leah gave her children, expressed her respect and regard, both to God and to her husband. Reuben, or See a son, with this thought, Now will my husband love me; Levi, or joined, expecting, Now will my husband be joined unto me. Mutual affection is both the duty and comfort of the married relation; and yoke-fellows should study to recommend themselves to each other, 1C...
Read full commentary →And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me. Reuben: that is, See a son
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD ha...</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(32-35) **She called his name Reuben.**—There is something very touching in the history of these four births. When the first child is born, Leah joyfully calls him “Reuben,” that is, *See, a son! *and fondly hopes that now she is a mother her husband will love her. And the mention of her “affliction” shows that, while she loved Jacob tenderly, he was to her more than unloving. Her second son she c...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 31-35**
The names Leah gave her children, expressed her respect and regard, both to God and to her husband. Reuben, or See a son, with this thought, Now will my husband love me; Levi, or joined, expecting, Now will my husband be joined unto me. Mutual affection is both the duty and comfort of the married relation; and yoke-fellows should study to recommend themselves to each other, 1C...
Read full commentary →And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Because the LORD hath heard that I was hated, he hath therefore given me this son also: and she called his name Simeon. Simeon: that is, Hearing
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Because the LORD hath heard that I was hated, he ...</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 29 Ge 29:1-35. The Well of Haran.
**1. Then Jacob went, &c.--**Hebrew, "lifted up his feet." He resumed his way next morning with a light heart and elastic step after the vision of the ladder; for tokens of the divine favor tend to quicken the discharge of duty (Ne 8:10).
**and came into the land, &c.--**Mesopotamia and the whole region beyond the Euphrates are by the sacred wri...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 31-35**
The names Leah gave her children, expressed her respect and regard, both to God and to her husband. Reuben, or See a son, with this thought, Now will my husband love me; Levi, or joined, expecting, Now will my husband be joined unto me. Mutual affection is both the duty and comfort of the married relation; and yoke-fellows should study to recommend themselves to each other, 1C...
Read full commentary →And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born him three sons: therefore was his name called Levi. Levi: that is, Joined
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, ...</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. And he looked, &c.--**As he approached the place of his destination, he, according to custom, repaired to the well adjoining the town where he would obtain an easy introduction to his relatives.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 31-35**
The names Leah gave her children, expressed her respect and regard, both to God and to her husband. Reuben, or See a son, with this thought, Now will my husband love me; Levi, or joined, expecting, Now will my husband be joined unto me. Mutual affection is both the duty and comfort of the married relation; and yoke-fellows should study to recommend themselves to each other, 1C...
Read full commentary →And she conceived again, and bare a son: and she said, Now will I praise the LORD: therefore she called his name Judah; and left bearing. Judah: that is, Praise left: Heb. stood from bearing
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And she conceived again, and bare a son: and she said, Now will I praise the LORD: therefore she cal...</strong> This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. thither were all the flocks gathered; and a stone, &c.--**In Arabia, owing to the shifting sands and in other places, owing to the strong evaporation, the mouth of a well is generally covered, especially when it is private property. Over many is laid a broad, thick, flat stone, with a round hole cut in the middle, forming the mouth of the cistern. This hole is covered with a heavy stone w...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 31-35**
The names Leah gave her children, expressed her respect and regard, both to God and to her husband. Reuben, or See a son, with this thought, Now will my husband love me; Levi, or joined, expecting, Now will my husband be joined unto me. Mutual affection is both the duty and comfort of the married relation; and yoke-fellows should study to recommend themselves to each other, 1C...
Read full commentary →