Genesis 28-31: Day 051: Journey Through the Bible in a Year
February 21, 2022
Genesis 28-31
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Day 051: Journey Through the Bible in a Year
Focus Verses for Today: Genesis 29:14b-30
Ask God for his understanding of our reading today in Genesis 28-31. Read Genesis 28-31. Let’s journey!
Commentary: When he was younger, Jacob looked out for himself, using any opportunity presented to his advantage. Now he has gone to another land to find a wife, where he encounters Laban, who, like Jacob, looks out for himself and takes advantage of any situation. But the results that Laban credits to Jacob should have been credited to the Lord. Compare and contrast the stories of Jacob and Laban.
Issac gives Jacob his blessing before Jacob leaves to seek a proper Jewish wife from Laban, Rebekah’s brother. Esau realized that his parents did not approve of his Canaanite wives, so he marries one of Ishmael’s daughters. On his way to Laban, Jacob dreams of a ladder ascending to heaven. Angels were ascending and descending the ladder. God announces Himself to Jacob and confirms His covenant with Issac passes to Jacob, provided Jacob follows the Lord’s ways.
Upon Jacob arriving at Paddan Aram meeting with Laban, Jacob promises to work for Laban for seven years to marry Laban’s daughter, Rachel. Laban deceives Jacob, giving Leah as his bride. So Jacob works another seven years to acquire Rachel as his wife. Jacob feels he has not been justly compensated for the profits he, through the Lord, brought to Laban. Jacob makes a deal with Laban and becomes wealthier than Laban, leading to family discontent.
The Lord then tells Jacob to return home, and he leaves in the middle of the night. Rachel steals her father’s household gods. Laban discovers his household idols are missing and pursues Jacob. God warns Laban not to harm Jacob. Laban catches Jacob. Sadly, this encounter ends with no real love shown for his family. The loss of his daughters or his grandchildren: it appears Laban’s true intention was to recover his flocks, claiming them to be his. A pack is made to never cross onto each other’s territory again. Laban returns home.
Focus Verses: Genesis 29:14b-30 – Laban deceived Jacob for his own benefit, just as Jacob had deceived Esau for his own benefit. What do these two stories tell us about using deceit to get ahead? What does the rest of today’s reading show about deceit?
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