So Jacob picked out a stone and set it up as a pillar, So JacobThe name "Jacob" is derived from the Hebrew root "Ya'akov," meaning "heel" or "supplanter." Jacob, the son of Isaac and Rebekah, is a central patriarchal figure in the Genesis narrative. His life is marked by divine encounters and covenantal promises. In this context, Jacob is acting decisively, indicating a moment of significant transition and covenant-making. His actions are often seen as a reflection of his complex character, one who wrestles with God and man, yet is chosen to carry forward the Abrahamic covenant. took a stone
The act of taking a stone is symbolic and practical. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, stones were often used as memorials or witnesses to significant events. The Hebrew word for stone, "eben," is frequently associated with strength and permanence. By selecting a stone, Jacob is choosing a lasting symbol to mark the covenant between him and Laban. This act signifies the importance of the event and the desire for a tangible reminder of the agreement. and set it up
Setting up the stone implies an intentional and deliberate action. The Hebrew verb "natsav" conveys the idea of standing or establishing something firmly. This action is not merely about placing a stone but about creating a monument that stands as a witness. It reflects the seriousness with which Jacob approaches this covenant, ensuring that it is recognized and remembered by all who see it. as a pillar
The term "pillar" in Hebrew is "matstsebah," which often refers to a standing stone or monument. Pillars were used in various cultures as markers of sacred spaces or significant events. In the biblical context, pillars often serve as reminders of divine encounters or covenants. By setting up a pillar, Jacob is not only marking a boundary but also establishing a sacred witness to the agreement with Laban. This act underscores the spiritual and relational dimensions of the covenant, highlighting its enduring significance in the narrative of God's people. 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, with whom Jacob had a complex relationship involving family, labor, and wealth. 3. MizpahThe place where Jacob and Laban made a covenant. It is significant as a location of witness and agreement between the two parties. 4. PillarA stone set up by Jacob as a physical marker of the covenant between him and Laban. In Hebrew, the word for pillar is (matzevah), often used to denote a memorial or witness. 5. CovenantThe agreement made between Jacob and Laban, marked by the setting up of the stone pillar, symbolizing peace and mutual respect. Teaching Points The Importance of MemorialsJust as Jacob set up a stone to mark a significant event, we should establish reminders of God's faithfulness in our lives. These can be physical objects, journal entries, or other markers that help us remember God's work. Covenant RelationshipsThe covenant between Jacob and Laban highlights the importance of clear agreements and boundaries in relationships. In our lives, we should strive for transparency and mutual respect in our commitments. Witness to God's FaithfulnessThe stone pillar serves as a witness to the agreement and God's presence in the situation. We are called to be witnesses to God's faithfulness in our lives, sharing testimonies of His work with others. Resolving ConflictsJacob and Laban's covenant was a resolution to their ongoing conflict. This teaches us the value of seeking peace and reconciliation in our relationships, following biblical principles of conflict resolution. Bible Study Questions 1. What significance do physical memorials or reminders have in your spiritual journey, and how can you incorporate them into your life? 2. How can the concept of covenant relationships guide your interactions with family, friends, and colleagues? 3. Reflect on a time when you witnessed God's faithfulness. How can you share this testimony with others to encourage their faith? 4. In what ways can you apply biblical principles of conflict resolution in your current relationships or situations? 5. How does the account of Jacob and Laban's covenant challenge you to seek peace and reconciliation in your own life? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 28:18Jacob previously set up a stone as a pillar at Bethel, marking a significant encounter with God. This connects to the idea of using stones as memorials or witnesses to divine or significant human events. Joshua 24:26-27Joshua sets up a stone as a witness to the covenant between God and Israel, paralleling Jacob's use of a stone to mark a covenant. 1 Samuel 7:12Samuel sets up a stone called Ebenezer, saying, "Thus far the LORD has helped us," showing the use of stones as reminders of God's faithfulness. People Aram, Isaac, Jacob, Laban, Leah, Nahor, RachelPlaces Canaan, Euphrates River, Galeed, Gilead, Jegar-sahadutha, Mizpah, Paddan-aramTopics Jacob, Lifteth, Pillar, Standing, Stone, TakethDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 31:43-53 4366 stones Genesis 31:44-53 5430 oaths, human Genesis 31:44-55 5095 Jacob, life Genesis 31:45-50 5044 names, giving of Genesis 31:45-53 5443 pillars 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 31:45 NIVGenesis 31:45 NLTGenesis 31:45 ESVGenesis 31:45 NASBGenesis 31:45 KJV
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