Then Jacob became incensed and challenged Laban. "What is my crime?" he said. "For what sin of mine have you so hotly pursued me? Then Jacob became incensed and challenged Laban.Jacob's anger reflects a culmination of years of tension and mistreatment by Laban. This moment is significant as it marks a turning point where Jacob stands up for himself. The cultural context of the time allowed for family disputes to be settled through direct confrontation, often in the presence of witnesses. Jacob's challenge to Laban is not just personal but also a defense of his integrity and God's blessing upon him, as seen in previous chapters where God promised to be with Jacob ( Genesis 28:15). “What is my crime?” he said.
Jacob's question implies a legal inquiry, as if he were on trial. In ancient Near Eastern culture, accusations required evidence, and Jacob is demanding Laban to present any wrongdoing. This reflects the biblical principle of justice and fairness, as seen in Deuteronomy 19:15, which requires two or three witnesses to establish a matter. Jacob's rhetorical question underscores his confidence in his innocence. “For what sin of mine have you so hotly pursued me?
The term "hotly pursued" suggests an intense and relentless pursuit, akin to a military chase. This phrase highlights the severity of Laban's actions, which can be seen as an overreaction, given the familial relationship. The pursuit mirrors other biblical narratives where God's people are pursued by adversaries, such as Pharaoh's pursuit of the Israelites (Exodus 14:8-9). Jacob's use of "sin" indicates a moral and spiritual dimension, emphasizing that he has not transgressed against Laban. This can be seen as a type of Christ, who was also pursued and accused without cause (John 15:25). Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobThe grandson of Abraham, son of Isaac, and brother of Esau. Jacob is a central figure in Genesis, known for his journey from deception to becoming the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. 2. LabanJacob's uncle and father-in-law, known for his deceitful behavior. He pursued Jacob after he left with his family and possessions. 3. Paddan-aramThe region where Laban lived and where Jacob spent many years working for Laban, marrying his daughters Leah and Rachel. 4. The PursuitLaban pursued Jacob after he left secretly with his family and possessions, leading to a confrontation. 5. The ConfrontationThis event marks a significant turning point where Jacob stands up to Laban, asserting his innocence and challenging Laban's accusations. Teaching Points Righteous AngerJacob's anger was justified due to false accusations. Believers can learn to discern when anger is righteous and how to express it appropriately. Standing for TruthJacob's confrontation with Laban teaches the importance of standing firm in truth and integrity, even when falsely accused. God's ProtectionJacob's confidence stemmed from his faith in God's protection. Believers are reminded to trust in God's sovereignty in difficult situations. Conflict ResolutionWhile Jacob's response was heated, the broader biblical account encourages seeking peace and resolution in conflicts. Accountability and IntegrityJacob's defense highlights the importance of living a life of integrity, so accusations hold no ground. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jacob's response to Laban reflect his growth in character from earlier in Genesis? Consider his past actions and decisions. 2. In what ways can we discern when our anger is righteous, and how should we express it according to biblical principles? 3. How does the theme of God's protection in Jacob's life encourage us in our own trials and conflicts? 4. What steps can we take to ensure we are living with integrity, so that accusations against us are unfounded? 5. How can we apply Jesus' teachings on handling false accusations to our lives, and what practical steps can we take to resolve conflicts peacefully? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 31:7This verse highlights Laban's deceitful nature, which provides context for Jacob's frustration and anger in verse 36. Genesis 31:42Jacob acknowledges God's protection, which connects to his confidence in confronting Laban. Exodus 20:16The commandment against bearing false witness relates to Jacob's defense against Laban's accusations. Proverbs 15:1This verse about a gentle answer turning away wrath contrasts with Jacob's heated response, offering a broader biblical perspective on handling conflict. Matthew 5:11-12Jesus' teaching on being falsely accused for righteousness' sake can be related to Jacob's situation. | 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 Angry, Answereth, Argued, Burned, Chid, Chode, Committed, Contended, Crime, Displeasing, Disputed, Eagerly, Fault, Hast, Hotly, Hunt, Jacob, Laban, Offense, Passion, Pursued, Sin, Striveth, Strove, Task, Transgression, Trespass, Upbraided, WrothDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 31:36 5342 hunting Genesis 31:36-42 5095 Jacob, life
8716 dishonesty, examples 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 31:36 NIVGenesis 31:36 NLTGenesis 31:36 ESVGenesis 31:36 NASBGenesis 31:36 KJV
Genesis 31:36 Commentaries
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