JACOB'S RETURN FROM HARAN 4-13. Jacob attributes his prosperity to God's favour. 14-16. Rachel and Leah point out that their father had no claim on them, since Jacob had won them by his services, and Laban had given them no share in the profits he had made through their husband's labours. They agr... [ Continue Reading ]
THE IMAGES] Heb. _teraphim._ These were figures of metal, wood, or clay of varying sizes, apparently in human form. They probably answered to the 'Lares and Penates,' or household gods of the Romans, which were supposed to ward off danger from the home and to bring luck. This would explain Rachel's... [ Continue Reading ]
THE RIVER] the Euphrates. GILEAD] Hebrew territory E. of the Jordan.... [ Continue Reading ]
EITHER GOOD OR BAD] cp. Genesis 24:50. God warns Laban to restrain his feelings.... [ Continue Reading ]
TABRET] i.e. 'tambourine.'... [ Continue Reading ]
MY GODS] see on Genesis 31:19.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE CAMEL'S FURNITURE] a sort of palanquin or basket-seat bound upon the camel.... [ Continue Reading ]
FROST BY NIGHT] Hot as the days are in the East, it often becomes very cold when the sun goes down.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE FEAR OF ISAAC] the God whom Isaac feared and reverenced. 43–52. Laban and Jacob conclude a covenant of friendship. 'The narrative.. is disconnected, and full of duplications, and is certainly the result of a union of several sources' (D.). The main features are the erection of a great stone as... [ Continue Reading ]
JEGAR-SAHADUTHA. GALEED] We have here the popular etymology of the name Gilead. Both words in the text mean 'heap of witness,' the former being Aramaic, the latter Hebrew. The double designation is due to the fact that the place is regarded as a boundary between Syria and Israel. It may be remarked... [ Continue Reading ]
MIZPAH] 'Outlook place.'... [ Continue Reading ]
DID EAT BREAD] in token of friendship.... [ Continue Reading ]
It is pleasant to read of this happy ending to years of strife.... [ Continue Reading ]