When the flocks were breeding, I saw in a dream that the streaked, spotted, and speckled males were mating with the females. When the flocks were breedingThis phrase refers to the time of year when animals mate, which is crucial for shepherds and livestock owners. In the ancient Near East, breeding seasons were significant for economic stability. Jacob, having worked for Laban, was familiar with these cycles. This context highlights Jacob's dependence on God's guidance for his prosperity, as breeding outcomes were vital for his wealth. I saw in a dream that the streaked, spotted, and speckled males were mating with the females Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobThe central figure in this passage, Jacob is the grandson of Abraham and the son of Isaac. He is living in Paddan-aram, working for his uncle Laban, and is in the process of building his own wealth and family. 2. Laban Jacob's uncle and father-in-law, Laban is a shrewd and often deceitful man who has taken advantage of Jacob's labor for many years. 3. Paddan-aram The region where Jacob is living and working for Laban. It is located in Mesopotamia, a significant area in the biblical account. 4. The Flocks The animals that Jacob is tending. The breeding of these flocks is central to Jacob's strategy for increasing his wealth. 5. The Dream A divine revelation given to Jacob, guiding him in how to increase his flocks despite Laban's attempts to cheat him. Teaching Points Divine GuidanceGod often guides His people through unexpected means, such as dreams. We should remain open to His leading in our lives, even when it comes in unconventional ways. Faith and Obedience Jacob's response to the dream demonstrates faith and obedience. We are called to trust God's guidance and act upon it, even when the path is not clear. God's Faithfulness Despite human deceit and manipulation, God's faithfulness to His promises remains steadfast. We can trust that God will fulfill His promises to us, regardless of the circumstances. Integrity in Adversity Jacob's situation with Laban teaches us the importance of maintaining integrity and relying on God's justice, rather than resorting to deceit or manipulation ourselves. God's Provision The increase of Jacob's flocks is a testament to God's provision. We should recognize and give thanks for God's provision in our own lives, trusting Him to meet our needs. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jacob's dream in Genesis 31:10 demonstrate God's involvement in his life, and how can we seek God's guidance in our own lives today?2. In what ways does Jacob's experience with Laban challenge us to maintain integrity and trust in God's justice when faced with unfair treatment? 3. How does the concept of divine guidance through dreams in Genesis 31:10 relate to other instances of God speaking through dreams in the Bible? 4. What can we learn from Jacob's reliance on God's revelation rather than his own cunning, and how can this apply to our decision-making processes? 5. How does the account of Jacob's flocks in Genesis 31:10 encourage us to recognize and be thankful for God's provision in our lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 28:12-15Jacob's earlier dream at Bethel, where God promises to be with him and bless him. This connection highlights God's ongoing guidance and faithfulness to Jacob. Genesis 30:37-43 The context of Jacob's strategy for breeding the flocks, showing his reliance on God's revelation rather than mere human cunning. Job 33:14-16 This passage speaks of God speaking to people through dreams, reinforcing the idea that God communicates His will and guidance through dreams. Proverbs 16:9 This verse emphasizes that while humans plan their ways, it is the Lord who directs their steps, aligning with how God directed Jacob's actions through the dream.
People Aram, Isaac, Jacob, Laban, Leah, Nahor, RachelPlaces Canaan, Euphrates River, Galeed, Gilead, Jegar-sahadutha, Mizpah, Paddan-aramTopics Ardour, Banded, Behold, Cattle, Coloured, Conceive, Conceived, Conceiving, Dream, During, Flock, Flocks, Goats, Grisled, Grizzled, He-goats, Joined, Leaped, Lift, Lifted, Male, Marked, Mating, Mottled, Pass, Rams, Ringstraked, Ring-straked, Ringstreaked, Ring-streaked, Season, She-goats, Speckled, Spotted, Streaked, StripedDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 31:1-24Library Gen. xxxi. 11Of 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 Testament Appendix 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. How the Rude in Sacred Learning, and those who are Learned but not Humble, are to be Admonished. Epistle Xlix. To Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch . The Great Shepherd And He had Also this Favour Granted Him. ... A Treatise of the Fear of God; Meditations for the Morning. Genesis Links Genesis 31:10 NIVGenesis 31:10 NLT Genesis 31:10 ESV Genesis 31:10 NASB Genesis 31:10 KJV Genesis 31:10 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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