Now you have gone off because you long for your father's house. But why have you stolen my gods?" Now you have gone offThis phrase marks a pivotal moment in Jacob's journey, indicating a decisive action. The Hebrew root for "gone off" is "halak," which means to walk or go. This suggests not just physical movement but a purposeful departure. Jacob's decision to leave Laban's household is a significant step in fulfilling God's promise to return to the land of his fathers. It reflects a spiritual journey as much as a physical one, symbolizing obedience to God's call and a break from past entanglements. because you long for your father’s house
The word "long" comes from the Hebrew "kasaph," which conveys a deep yearning or desire. This longing is not merely for a physical place but for a return to his roots and the promises associated with his heritage. Jacob's desire to return to his father's house is emblematic of a deeper spiritual longing for the fulfillment of God's covenant promises. It highlights the importance of family and heritage in the biblical narrative, underscoring the theme of God's faithfulness across generations. But why have you stolen my gods?
This phrase reveals the tension between Jacob and Laban, highlighting the cultural and spiritual divide between them. The term "gods" refers to the household idols, or "teraphim," which were common in ancient Near Eastern cultures. These idols were believed to provide protection and prosperity. Laban's accusation underscores the contrast between the monotheistic faith of Jacob and the polytheistic practices of Laban. It serves as a reminder of the biblical theme that true security and blessing come from the one true God, not from man-made idols. This moment also foreshadows the ongoing struggle between faithfulness to God and the temptation of idolatry throughout Israel's history. Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobThe grandson of Abraham, son of Isaac, and husband to Leah and Rachel. He is returning to his father's house after years of service to Laban. 2. LabanJacob's father-in-law, who accuses Jacob of stealing his household gods. He is a key figure in Jacob's life, representing a source of both blessing and conflict. 3. RachelJacob's beloved wife, who secretly took her father Laban's household gods, leading to the confrontation in this verse. 4. Household Gods (Teraphim)Small idols or figurines that were often used in ancient Near Eastern households for protection or divination. Their theft is central to the conflict between Jacob and Laban. 5. Paddan-aramThe region where Laban lived and where Jacob had spent many years working for him. It is the place Jacob is leaving to return to Canaan. Teaching Points The Danger of IdolatryIdolatry is not just about physical idols but anything that takes the place of God in our lives. We must examine our hearts for modern-day "idols" that may distract us from our faith. Family and FaithJacob's longing for his father's house represents a desire to return to his roots and the promises of God. We should also seek to align our lives with God's promises and our spiritual heritage. Integrity in RelationshipsThe conflict between Jacob and Laban highlights the importance of honesty and integrity. As believers, we should strive to resolve conflicts with truth and grace. God's SovereigntyDespite human actions and conflicts, God's plan prevails. Trusting in God's sovereignty can bring peace in the midst of life's challenges. Repentance and RestorationRachel's theft of the household gods serves as a reminder of the need for repentance and the restoration of right relationships with God and others. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the theft of the household gods reveal about Rachel's understanding of God and her family's spiritual practices? 2. How can we identify and remove "idols" in our own lives that may be hindering our relationship with God? 3. In what ways does Jacob's journey back to his father's house reflect our own spiritual journey towards God's promises? 4. How can we apply the principles of honesty and integrity in resolving conflicts within our own families or communities? 5. How does the theme of God's sovereignty in this passage encourage us to trust Him in our current life situations? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 31:19Provides context for Laban's accusation by revealing that Rachel had indeed stolen the household gods. Exodus 20:3-4Connects to the theme of idolatry, as God commands the Israelites to have no other gods and not to make idols. Joshua 24:2References the idolatrous practices of the ancestors, including those from beyond the Euphrates, which would include Laban's family. 1 Samuel 15:23Discusses rebellion and idolatry, highlighting the seriousness of turning away from God to other gods. Hosea 4:12Speaks to the futility of seeking guidance from idols, which connects to the idea of household gods being powerless. | 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 Certainly, Desire, Desirous, Earnestly, Father's, Gods, Greatly, Hast, Heart's, Indeed, Longed, Longedst, Longest, Needs, Return, Seems, Sore, Steal, Stolen, Surely, Though, Wherefore, Wouldest, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 31:30 5277 criminals
5339 home
8300 love, and the world
8769 idolatry, in OT Genesis 31:25-30 5822 criticism, against believers 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 31:30 NIVGenesis 31:30 NLTGenesis 31:30 ESVGenesis 31:30 NASBGenesis 31:30 KJV
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