So he fled with all his possessions, crossed the Euphrates, and headed for the hill country of Gilead. So he fledThe Hebrew word for "fled" is "ברח" (barach), which conveys a sense of urgency and escape. Jacob's flight is not merely a physical departure but a spiritual and emotional break from Laban's oppressive hold. This act of fleeing is reminiscent of the Exodus, where the Israelites fled from Egypt, symbolizing liberation and divine intervention. Jacob's decision to flee reflects his trust in God's promise and protection, as he seeks to establish his own household under God's guidance. with all his possessions
The phrase "with all his possessions" underscores the completeness of Jacob's departure. The Hebrew word "רכוש" (rekhush) refers to property or goods, indicating that Jacob took everything he had worked for over the years. This act signifies a total severance from Laban's household and a step towards fulfilling God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It highlights the importance of stewardship and the blessings that come from faithfulness and hard work. crossed the Euphrates
The Euphrates River, known in Hebrew as "פרת" (Perath), is one of the great rivers of the ancient Near East. Crossing the Euphrates symbolizes a significant transition and boundary crossing. It marks Jacob's movement from Mesopotamia back towards the Promised Land. Historically, the Euphrates was a formidable natural barrier, and crossing it would have been a daunting task, emphasizing Jacob's determination and the divine providence guiding his journey. and headed for the hill country of Gilead
The "hill country of Gilead" refers to a region east of the Jordan River, known for its rugged terrain and strategic location. The Hebrew "גלעד" (Gil'ad) can mean "heap of testimony," which is fitting as this area becomes a place of covenant and witness between Jacob and Laban later in the chapter. Gilead's mention here foreshadows the reconciliation and peace that God will bring about, despite the tension and conflict. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in leading His people to places of safety and promise. Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobThe central figure in this passage, Jacob is fleeing from his father-in-law Laban. He is a patriarch in the lineage of Abraham and Isaac, and his actions here are pivotal in the account of his return to Canaan. 2. LabanAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, Laban is the reason for Jacob's flight. Laban is Jacob's father-in-law, and their relationship has been marked by tension and deceit. 3. Euphrates RiverA significant geographical marker, the Euphrates is one of the great rivers of the ancient Near East. Crossing it signifies a major transition in Jacob's journey. 4. Hill Country of GileadThis is the destination Jacob is heading towards. Gilead is a region east of the Jordan River, known for its balm and rugged terrain. 5. FlightThe act of fleeing is significant, as it represents Jacob's attempt to break free from Laban's control and return to his homeland. Teaching Points Trust in God's PromisesJacob's journey is a testament to trusting in God's promises, even when circumstances are challenging. Believers are encouraged to hold onto God's assurances in their own lives. Courage to ActJacob's decision to flee requires courage and faith. Christians are called to act courageously when following God's direction, even when it involves leaving comfort zones. God's Guidance in TransitionsJust as God guided Jacob across the Euphrates, He guides believers through life's transitions. Trusting in His guidance is crucial during times of change. Breaking Free from BondageJacob's flight from Laban symbolizes breaking free from bondage. Believers can reflect on areas in their lives where they need to seek freedom through Christ. The Importance of Family and HeritageJacob's return to his homeland underscores the importance of family and spiritual heritage. Christians are encouraged to value and uphold their spiritual lineage. Bible Study Questions 1. What does Jacob's flight from Laban teach us about trusting in God's timing and direction in our own lives? 2. How can we apply the courage Jacob showed in leaving Laban to situations where we need to make difficult decisions? 3. In what ways does God's promise to be with Jacob (Genesis 28:15) provide comfort and assurance in your current life circumstances? 4. How does the crossing of the Euphrates symbolize significant transitions in our spiritual journey, and how can we prepare for such transitions? 5. Reflect on a time when you had to break free from a situation or relationship that was holding you back. How did your faith in God help you during that time? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 28:15God's promise to Jacob that He will be with him wherever he goes, which provides assurance during Jacob's flight. Hosea 12:12Reflects on Jacob's journey to Aram and his service for a wife, highlighting the broader account of Jacob's life and God's providence. Psalm 121:8Speaks of God's protection over one's coming and going, relevant to Jacob's journey and God's faithfulness. People Aram, Isaac, Jacob, Laban, Leah, Nahor, RachelPlaces Canaan, Euphrates River, Galeed, Gilead, Jegar-sahadutha, Mizpah, Paddan-aramTopics Across, Crossed, Crossing, Direction, Euphrates, Euphra'tes, Face, Fled, Fleeth, Gilead, Headed, Hill, Hill-country, Mount, Mountain, Passed, Passeth, Riseth, River, Rose, Setteth, TowardsDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 31:21 4245 hills Genesis 31:1-24 5095 Jacob, life Genesis 31:20-21 5178 running Library Gen. xxxi. 11
Of 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 TestamentAppendix 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.
IT is not, of course, our purpose here to attempt an exhaustive account of the Jewish views on demons' and the demonised.' A few preliminary strictures were, however, necessary on a work upon which writers on this subject have too implictly relied. I refer to Gfrörer's Jahrhundert des Heils (especially vol. i. pp. 378-424). Gfrörer sets out by quoting a passage in the Book of Enoch on which he lays great stress, but which critical inquiries of Dillmann and other scholars have shown to be …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah How the Rude in Sacred Learning, and those who are Learned but not Humble, are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 25.) Differently to be admonished are those who do not understand aright the words of the sacred Law, and those who understand them indeed aright, but speak them not humbly. For those who understand not aright the words of sacred Law are to be admonished to consider that they turn for themselves a most wholesome drought of wine into a cup of poison, and with a medicinal knife inflict on themselves a mortal wound, when they destroy in themselves what was sound by that whereby they ought, …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Epistle Xlix. To Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch .
To Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch [35] . Gregory to Anastasius, &c. I received the letters of thy Fraternity, rightly holding fast the profession of the faith; and I returned great thanks to Almighty God, who, when the shepherds of His flock are changed, still, even after such change, guards the faith which He once delivered to the holy Fathers. Now the excellent preacher says, Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Christ Jesus (1 Cor. iii. 2). Whosoever, then, with love of …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great The Great Shepherd
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd; He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. I t is not easy for those, whose habits of life are insensibly formed by the customs of modern times, to conceive any adequate idea of the pastoral life, as obtained in the eastern countries, before that simplicity of manners, which characterized the early ages, was corrupted, by the artificial and false refinements of luxury. Wealth, in those …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 And He had Also this Favour Granted Him. ...
66. And he had also this favour granted him. For as he was sitting alone on the mountain, if ever he was in perplexity in his meditations, this was revealed to him by Providence in prayer. And the happy man, as it is written, was taught of God [1112] . After this, when he once had a discussion with certain men who had come to him concerning the state of the soul and of what nature its place will be after this life, the following night one from above called him, saying, Antony, rise, go out and look.' …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius A Treatise of the Fear of God;
SHOWING WHAT IT IS, AND HOW DISTINGUISHED FROM THAT WHICH IS NOT SO. ALSO, WHENCE IT COMES; WHO HAS IT; WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS; AND WHAT THE PRIVILEGES OF THOSE THAT HAVE IT IN THEIR HEARTS. London: Printed for N. Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, over against the Stocks market: 1679. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and "a fountain of life"--the foundation on which all wisdom rests, as well as the source from whence it emanates. Upon a principle …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Meditations for the Morning.
1. Almighty God can, in the resurrection, as easily raise up thy body out of the grave, from the sleep of death, as he hath this morning wakened thee in thy bed, out of the sleep of nature. At the dawning of which resurrection day, Christ shall come to be glorified in his saints; and every one of the bodies of the thousands of his saints, being fashioned like unto his glorious body, shall shine as bright as the sun (2 Thess. i. 10; Jude, ver. 14; Phil. iii. 21; Luke ix. 31;) all the angels shining …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Genesis 31:21 NIVGenesis 31:21 NLTGenesis 31:21 ESVGenesis 31:21 NASBGenesis 31:21 KJV
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