Why did you run away secretly and deceive me, without even telling me? I would have sent you away with joy and singing, with tambourines and harps. Why did you run away secretlyThis phrase highlights the clandestine nature of Jacob's departure from Laban's household. The Hebrew root for "secretly" is "ganab," which often implies stealth or theft. In the cultural and historical context of the Ancient Near East, such actions could be seen as dishonorable or even treacherous. Jacob's decision to leave secretly reflects his fear of confrontation with Laban, who had repeatedly deceived him. This action underscores the tension and lack of trust between the two men, despite their familial ties. and deceive me?
The word "deceive" comes from the Hebrew "nasha," which means to lead astray or beguile. This accusation from Laban is ironic, considering his own history of deceit, particularly in the matter of Jacob's marriages to Leah and Rachel. This phrase serves as a reminder of the biblical principle that deception often leads to further complications and mistrust. It also highlights the human tendency to overlook one's own faults while accusing others. Why didn’t you tell me
This question from Laban suggests a desire for transparency and communication, which were lacking in his relationship with Jacob. The absence of open dialogue is a recurring theme in Genesis, often leading to misunderstandings and conflict. In a broader scriptural context, this phrase can be seen as a call for honesty and integrity in relationships, aligning with the biblical value of truthfulness. so I could send you away with joy and singing
The mention of "joy and singing" reflects the cultural practices of the time, where departures, especially of family members, were often marked by celebration and music. The Hebrew word for "joy" is "simchah," which conveys a sense of gladness and festivity. This phrase suggests that Laban, despite his grievances, would have preferred a more amicable parting. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of celebrating transitions and farewells in a positive manner. with tambourines and harps?
Tambourines and harps were common musical instruments in ancient Israel, often used in celebrations and worship. The mention of these instruments indicates the cultural significance of music in marking important events. In a spiritual sense, music is frequently associated with worship and praise in the Bible, symbolizing harmony and unity. This phrase underscores the potential for reconciliation and peace, even in situations of conflict, through the shared experience of music and celebration. Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobThe grandson of Abraham, who fled from his father-in-law Laban's household with his family and possessions. 2. LabanJacob's father-in-law, who confronts Jacob for leaving secretly. 3. Paddan-aramThe region where Laban lived and where Jacob had spent many years working for Laban. 4. Fleeing of JacobThe event where Jacob leaves Laban's household secretly, fearing that Laban would prevent him from leaving with his family and possessions. 5. ConfrontationLaban catches up with Jacob and questions his motives for leaving without notice. Teaching Points The Importance of TransparencyJacob's secret departure highlights the need for honesty and transparency in relationships. Deception can lead to misunderstandings and conflict. Cultural Expressions of JoyLaban's mention of sending Jacob away with music and celebration reflects the cultural importance of expressing joy and gratitude. In our lives, we should find ways to celebrate God's blessings. Trusting God's TimingJacob's fear-driven decision to flee secretly contrasts with trusting in God's timing and provision. We should seek God's guidance and trust His plans for our lives. Resolving Conflicts BiblicallyThe confrontation between Laban and Jacob serves as a reminder to address conflicts directly and seek reconciliation in a manner that honors God. The Role of Fear in Decision-MakingJacob's actions were influenced by fear. As believers, we should strive to make decisions based on faith and trust in God rather than fear. Bible Study Questions 1. What motivated Jacob to leave Laban's household secretly, and how might he have handled the situation differently according to biblical principles? 2. How does Laban's offer to send Jacob away with joy and music reflect the cultural practices of celebration, and how can we incorporate similar expressions of joy in our worship today? 3. In what ways can we ensure transparency and honesty in our relationships to prevent misunderstandings and conflicts? 4. How can we apply Proverbs 3:5-6 to our decision-making processes, especially when faced with fear or uncertainty? 5. Reflect on a time when fear influenced your decisions. How can you learn to trust God more fully in similar situations in the future? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 31:20This verse provides context for Jacob's secret departure, highlighting his fear of Laban. Exodus 15:20This verse mentions Miriam leading the women with tambourines and dancing, illustrating the cultural significance of music and celebration. Psalm 150:3-5These verses emphasize the use of musical instruments in worship and celebration, similar to Laban's mention of tambourines and harps. Proverbs 3:5-6Encourages trust in the Lord rather than relying on one's own understanding, relevant to Jacob's decision-making process. | Jacob At Haran | W. Roberts. | Genesis 31:22-42 | | Laban | M. Dods, D. D. | Genesis 31:22-42 | | Laban's Expostulation with Jacob, and Jacob's Defence | T. H. Leale. | Genesis 31:22-42 | | Lessons | G. Hughes, B. D., J. C. Gray. | Genesis 31:22-42 | | Lessons | G Hughes, B. D. | Genesis 31:22-42 | | Lessons | G. Hughes, B. D. . | Genesis 31:22-42 | | Lessons | G. Hughes, B. D. . | Genesis 31:22-42 | | Lessons | G. Hughes, B. D. . | Genesis 31:22-42 | | Lessons | G. Hughes, B. D. . | Genesis 31:22-42 | | Lessons | G. Hughes, B. D. . | Genesis 31:22-42 | | Lessons | G. Hughes, B. D. | Genesis 31:22-42 | | The Years of Servitude | E. Craig. | Genesis 31:22-42 |
People Aram, Isaac, Jacob, Laban, Leah, Nahor, RachelPlaces Canaan, Euphrates River, Galeed, Gilead, Jegar-sahadutha, Mizpah, Paddan-aramTopics Cheat, Conducted, Covertly, Deceive, Deceivest, Declared, Didn't, Flee, Flight, Giving, Harp, Harps, Hast, Hidden, Joy, Lyre, Melody, Mirth, Music, Outwit, Secret, Secretly, Singing, Songs, Steal, Tabret, Tambour, Tambourine, Tambourines, Thyself, Timbrel, WhereforeDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 31:27 5332 harp
5420 music
5421 musical instruments Genesis 31:25-30 5822 criticism, against believers Genesis 31:26-28 5696 grandchildren 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 31:27 NIVGenesis 31:27 NLTGenesis 31:27 ESVGenesis 31:27 NASBGenesis 31:27 KJV
Genesis 31:27 Commentaries
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