Topical Bible: Obedience: Bethuel and Laban

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Bethuel

Bethuel, a significant figure in the Old Testament, is known as the father of Rebekah and Laban. He is a descendant of Nahor, Abraham's brother, and Milcah, making him part of the extended family of the patriarchs. Bethuel's role in the biblical narrative, though not extensively detailed, is crucial in the context of obedience to God's covenantal promises and the continuation of the Abrahamic lineage.

In Genesis 24, Bethuel's household becomes the setting for a pivotal moment of obedience and divine orchestration. Abraham, seeking a wife for his son Isaac, sends his servant to find a suitable bride from his own kin. The servant's journey leads him to Bethuel's family, where Rebekah is identified as the chosen bride for Isaac. The servant recounts his mission and the signs from God that led him to Rebekah, prompting Bethuel and Laban to recognize the Lord's hand in the matter. Genesis 24:50-51 records their response: "Laban and Bethuel answered, 'This is from the LORD; we have no choice in the matter. Rebekah is here before you. Take her and go, and let her become the wife of your master’s son, as the LORD has decreed.'"

Bethuel's acknowledgment of God's will and his compliance with the divine plan exemplify a form of obedience that aligns with the broader biblical theme of submission to God's purposes. His willingness to release Rebekah reflects a trust in God's providence and a commitment to the unfolding of His promises to Abraham's descendants.

Laban

Laban, the son of Bethuel and brother of Rebekah, emerges as a more prominent figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the accounts of Jacob. Laban's interactions with Jacob, who becomes his son-in-law, are marked by a complex blend of familial duty, personal ambition, and eventual recognition of God's sovereignty.

Laban's initial act of obedience is seen in his agreement to allow Rebekah to marry Isaac, as mentioned earlier. However, his later dealings with Jacob reveal a more intricate character. In Genesis 29-31, Laban's relationship with Jacob is characterized by a series of agreements and deceptions, including the substitution of Leah for Rachel on Jacob's wedding night and the manipulation of wages. Despite these actions, Laban's account is interwoven with moments of acknowledgment of God's presence and blessing.

In Genesis 31, after years of tension and conflict, Laban pursues Jacob, who has fled with his family and possessions. When they finally meet, Laban is confronted with the reality of God's protection over Jacob. In a dream, God warns Laban not to harm Jacob, leading to a covenant of peace between them. Laban's response in Genesis 31:29 reflects a reluctant obedience to divine instruction: "I have the power to do you harm, but last night the God of your father said to me, ‘Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.’"

Laban's account illustrates the tension between human ambition and divine will, highlighting the necessity of obedience to God's directives even when personal desires conflict with His plans. His eventual submission to God's warning and the resulting covenant with Jacob underscore the biblical principle that God's purposes ultimately prevail, and human obedience is essential in aligning with His divine order.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 24:50
Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, The thing proceeds from the LORD: we cannot speak to you bad or good.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Chapter xxix
... deal with his daughters as generously as Bethuel had dealt ... Laban's greed and
parsimoniousness comes to light more and ... of the need of absolute obedience to her ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxix.htm

Chapter xxvi
... upon him for Abraham his father's sake, or rather, because of Abraham's faithful
obedience. ... use fuller titles, "Bethuel, the Syrian," "Laban, the Syrian"? ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxvi.htm