Topical Encyclopedia Introduction:Laban is a significant figure in the Old Testament, primarily known for his interactions with Jacob, the patriarch. He is a member of the Aramean family and plays a crucial role in the narratives found in the Book of Genesis. Laban is the brother of Rebekah, making him the uncle of Jacob and Esau. His account provides insights into family dynamics, cultural practices, and divine providence. Family Background: Laban is introduced in Genesis as the son of Bethuel and the brother of Rebekah, who becomes the wife of Isaac. This connection places Laban within the lineage of Abraham, as Rebekah is chosen to be Isaac's wife to continue the Abrahamic covenant. Laban's family resides in Paddan-aram, a region in Mesopotamia, which is significant for its cultural and economic activities. Laban and Jacob: Laban's most notable interactions occur with Jacob, who flees to Laban's household to escape the wrath of his brother Esau. Jacob's arrival marks the beginning of a complex relationship characterized by mutual benefit and deception. Laban welcomes Jacob and offers him work in exchange for the hand of his daughter Rachel in marriage. However, Laban deceives Jacob by substituting Leah, his elder daughter, for Rachel on the wedding night. This act of deception leads Jacob to work an additional seven years for Rachel, highlighting Laban's cunning nature. Genesis 29:25-27 recounts this event: "So in the morning Jacob said to Laban, 'What is this you have done to me? Was it not for Rachel that I served you? Why have you deceived me?' Laban replied, 'It is not our custom here to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older. Finish this week’s celebration, and we will give you the younger one in return for another seven years of work.'" Laban's Wealth and God's Providence: Throughout Jacob's stay, Laban's wealth increases significantly, largely due to Jacob's industriousness and God's blessing upon him. Laban recognizes the divine favor upon Jacob, which prompts him to negotiate further terms to retain Jacob's service. Despite Laban's attempts to manipulate the situation to his advantage, God continues to bless Jacob, resulting in a substantial increase in Jacob's own wealth. Genesis 30:27 illustrates Laban's acknowledgment of this divine favor: "But Laban replied, 'If I have found favor in your eyes, please stay. I have learned by divination that the LORD has blessed me because of you.'" The Departure and Covenant: Eventually, tensions rise between Jacob and Laban, leading Jacob to secretly flee with his family and possessions. Laban pursues Jacob, but God intervenes, warning Laban in a dream not to harm Jacob. When they finally meet, Laban and Jacob establish a covenant at Mizpah, setting a boundary between their territories and agreeing to part in peace. Genesis 31:49-50 records the covenant: "It was also called Mizpah, because Laban said, 'May the LORD keep watch between you and me when we are absent from each other. If you mistreat my daughters or take other wives, although no one is with us, remember that God is a witness between you and me.'" Legacy: Laban's account is a testament to the complexities of human relationships and the overarching sovereignty of God. Despite Laban's attempts to control and manipulate circumstances for his gain, God's purposes prevail, ensuring the continuation of the covenantal promises through Jacob. Laban's interactions with Jacob serve as a reminder of the importance of integrity, the consequences of deceit, and the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 31:55And early in the morning Laban rose up, and kissed his sons and his daughters, and blessed them: and Laban departed, and returned to his place. Nave's Topical Index Library Concerning Jacob's Flight into Mesopotamia, by Reason of the Fear ... Jacob and Esau Further Proofs of the Same Proposition, Drawn from the Promises ... The General Conference of 1828 General Conference of 1824 Two Retrospects of one Life The Axe at the Root --A Testimony against Puseyite Idolatry The General Conference of 1836 A Letter from Origen to Africanus. From the Close of the General Conference of 1816 to the ... Resources What is Hesychasm? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Mount Hermon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is Satanism? | GotQuestions.org Rising: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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