Striping, in the context of the Bible, refers to the act of marking or distinguishing with stripes. This concept is most notably illustrated in the account of Jacob and Laban, where striping plays a significant role in the narrative of Jacob's prosperity and God's providence.

Biblical Account:

The primary biblical reference to striping is found in Genesis 30:25-43. After serving Laban for many years, Jacob seeks to return to his homeland with his family. Laban, recognizing the blessings Jacob's presence has brought, persuades him to stay by offering him wages. Jacob proposes an agreement where he would take all the speckled, spotted, and striped livestock as his wages. Laban agrees, but deceitfully removes all such animals from the flock.

In response, Jacob employs a unique breeding strategy. He places peeled branches with white stripes in the watering troughs where the strongest animals mate, resulting in offspring that are striped, speckled, or spotted. Genesis 30:37-39 states: "Then Jacob took fresh branches of poplar, almond, and plane trees, and peeled the bark, exposing the white inner wood of the branches. And he set the peeled branches in the troughs in front of the flocks—where they came to drink. And the flocks bred in front of the branches, and they bore young that were streaked or speckled or spotted."

Theological Significance:

The account of striping in Genesis is rich with theological implications. It demonstrates God's sovereignty and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Despite Laban's attempts to cheat Jacob, God ensures Jacob's prosperity, as seen in Genesis 31:9 : "Thus God has taken away your father’s livestock and given them to me." This narrative underscores the belief that God can use even the most unlikely means to accomplish His purposes and bless His people.

Symbolism and Interpretation:

Striping, in this context, symbolizes divine intervention and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises. Jacob's success is not attributed to mere human ingenuity but to God's providential care. The account serves as a reminder of God's ability to provide for His people, even in the face of adversity and deceit.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Near Eastern culture, livestock was a primary measure of wealth and prosperity. The practice of selective breeding, as seen in Jacob's actions, reflects a deep understanding of animal husbandry. However, the miraculous outcome of Jacob's strategy points to a supernatural element, emphasizing that the ultimate source of blessing is God Himself.

Application for Believers:

For believers, the account of striping encourages trust in God's provision and faithfulness. It serves as a testament to the belief that God honors His promises and can bring about His purposes through unexpected means. The narrative invites believers to rely on God's wisdom and timing, even when circumstances seem unfavorable.

In summary, striping in the Bible is a powerful illustration of God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises, demonstrating that He is the ultimate source of blessing and prosperity for His people.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Stripe.Striping (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Stripe. Multi-Version
Concordance Striping (1 Occurrence). 2 Chronicles 35:11 and ...
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Stripes (19 Occurrences)

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Passover-offering (7 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 35:11 and they slaughter the passover-offering, and the priests sprinkle
out of their hand, and the Levites are striping; (YLT). ...
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Stripling (1 Occurrence)

/s/stripling.htm - 6k

Striping: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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