Topical Encyclopedia Laban, a significant figure in the Old Testament, is often associated with themes of hospitality, family dynamics, and divine providence. He is introduced in the Book of Genesis as the brother of Rebekah and the father of Leah and Rachel. Laban's interactions with key patriarchal figures such as Jacob highlight the cultural and spiritual dimensions of hospitality in the ancient Near Eastern context.Laban's Initial Hospitality to Abraham's Servant Laban first appears in Genesis 24, when Abraham's servant arrives in Paddan-aram to find a wife for Isaac. Upon seeing the servant and the gifts he brought, Laban extends hospitality, saying, "Come, you who are blessed by the LORD. Why are you standing out here? I have prepared the house and a place for the camels" (Genesis 24:31). This act of hospitality is significant, as it sets the stage for Rebekah's marriage to Isaac, a union that is pivotal in the Abrahamic lineage. Jacob's Arrival and Laban's Hospitality Years later, Jacob, fleeing from his brother Esau, arrives at Laban's household. Laban welcomes Jacob warmly, saying, "Surely you are my bone and my flesh" (Genesis 29:14). Laban's hospitality is initially genuine, as he offers Jacob a place to stay and work. This reflects the cultural expectation of providing for relatives and strangers alike, a practice deeply rooted in the social and religious fabric of the time. Hospitality and Deception However, Laban's hospitality is later marred by deception. After Jacob serves Laban for seven years to marry Rachel, Laban deceives him by giving Leah as a bride instead. Laban justifies his actions by citing local customs, saying, "It is not our custom here to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older" (Genesis 29:26). Despite this breach of trust, Laban offers Jacob the opportunity to marry Rachel in exchange for another seven years of service, illustrating a complex interplay between hospitality, familial duty, and personal gain. Laban's Continued Relationship with Jacob Throughout Jacob's stay, Laban's hospitality is characterized by a mixture of generosity and self-interest. Laban acknowledges the blessings brought by Jacob's presence, stating, "The LORD has blessed me on account of you" (Genesis 30:27). Yet, he frequently changes Jacob's wages, demonstrating a lack of integrity. Despite these challenges, Jacob prospers, underscoring the theme of divine providence overriding human manipulation. Departure and Covenant When Jacob decides to leave Laban's household, tensions arise, but Laban ultimately pursues reconciliation. After a divine warning in a dream, Laban approaches Jacob not with hostility but with a desire for peace. They establish a covenant, marked by a heap of stones, as a witness between them. Laban declares, "May the LORD keep watch between you and me when we are absent from each other" (Genesis 31:49). This covenant reflects a return to the principles of hospitality and mutual respect, even amidst past grievances. Conclusion Laban's account in the Bible serves as a multifaceted exploration of hospitality. His initial acts of kindness are overshadowed by deceit and self-interest, yet the narrative ultimately returns to themes of reconciliation and divine oversight. Through Laban, the Bible illustrates the complexities of human relationships and the enduring importance of hospitality as a reflection of God's covenantal faithfulness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 24:31And he said, Come in, you blessed of the LORD; why stand you without? for I have prepared the house, and room for the camels. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Now, Rebecca, Having Long Been Barren, at Length, through the ... Chapter xxiv Genesis The Honoured Guest From Abraham to Egypt. The Letter of the Church of Rome Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. Homilies on the Statues. The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt Resources What does it mean that “as a man thinks, so is he” in Proverbs 23:7? | GotQuestions.orgAre there angels among us? | GotQuestions.org Who was Diotrephes in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Hospitality: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Hospitality: A Test of Christian Character Hospitality: Abimelech to Abraham Hospitality: Abraham to the Angels Hospitality: David to Mephibosheth Hospitality: Elisha to the Syrian Spies Hospitality: General Scriptures Concerning Hospitality: Isaac to Abimelech Hospitality: Joseph to his Brothers Hospitality: Laban to Abraham's Servant Hospitality: Lydia to Paul and Silas Hospitality: Man of Gibeah to the Levite Hospitality: Melchizedek to Abraham Hospitality: Onesiphorus to Paul Hospitality: Pharaoh to Abraham Hospitality: Pharisees to Jesus Hospitality: Rahab to the Spies Hospitality: Required in Ministers Hospitality: Rewarded: Rahab's Hospitality: Rewarded: Widow of Zarephath's Hospitality: Simon the Tanner to Peter Hospitality: Sons of Heth to Abraham Hospitality: Specially to be Shown to Enemies Hospitality: Specially to be Shown to Strangers Hospitality: Specially to be Shown to The Poor Hospitality: The Shunammite Woman to Elisha Hospitality: The Widow of Zarephath to Elijah Hospitality: Zacchaeus to Jesus Inhospitableness: Ammonites and Moabites Inhospitableness: Men of Gibeah Toward a Levite Inhospitableness: Nabal Toward David Inhospitableness: some Samaritans Toward Jesus Related Terms |
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