genesis-31:1,-genesis-31:2-niv

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 31:1-55

JACOB'S SECRET DEPARTURE The prosperity of Jacob could not but awaken the envy of Laban's sons. Jacob had gained all of this through his caring for their father's sheep: now the majority of the sheep and the stronger sheep belonged to Jacob. But Laban had agreed to the arrangement, and they could do nothing about it. Before this Laban had recognized that it was Jacob's presence with him that caused Laban to prosper greatly; so he appreciated Jacob. Now Jacob prospers and Laban's attitude... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - Genesis 31:1-55

JACOB AND LABAN THEIR FIRST MEETING (Genesis 29:1-14 ) Jacob’s journey to Haran, his mother’s country, was first to the north and then the east, re-traversing the original course of his grandfather Abraham. As he nears its termination; his attention is attracted by the shepherds with their flocks around a well, whose mouth is covered with a stone. Inquiry reveals that they belong to Haran, and are acquainted with his uncle Laban. Rachel, his daughter and the keeper of his sheep, will be... read more

Joseph Parker

The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - Genesis 31:1-55

In the Service of Laban Genesis 29-31 The story occupied by Genesis 29-31 represents one of the oft-recurring mysteries of human life. That is to say, in view of what has just taken place, that story seems to be an anti-climax, and is felt to be, in some serious sense, even a disappointment. It is almost impossible to bring the mind from the contemplations upon which it has just been fixed to read such an incident as that which spreads itself over these three chapters. When a man has seen... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Genesis 31:1

Proverbs 13:22 . CONTENTS After a servitude of many years, in the family of Laban, Jacob resolves to return to his own home. And to this measure he is prompted, not only by the unkind treatment of Laban and his sons, but still more by a divine direction. The circumstances of Jacob's departure, with his wives and all that belonged to him: the pursuit of Laban after him: the gracious interposition of God for Jacob's protection, by the ministry of a dream on the mind of Laban: their interview:... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Genesis 31:1-9

Sweet thought! When we can trace all our mercies into God's gifts, and all events which concern us, into God's ordination. See Genesis 45:7-8 . read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Genesis 31:1

After that six years were expired, and calumnies and ill-will attended Jacob in Laban's family, God ordered him to retire, ver. 3. (Haydock) read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 31:1-21

1-21 The affairs of these families are related very minutely, while (what are called) the great events of states and kingdoms at that period, are not mentioned. The Bible teaches people the common duties of life, how to serve God, how to enjoy the blessings he bestows, and to do good in the various stations and duties of life. Selfish men consider themselves robbed of all that goes past them, and covetousness will even swallow up natural affection. Men's overvaluing worldly wealth is that error... read more

Paul E. Kretzmann

The Popular Commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann - Genesis 31:1-16

The Plan to Flee v. 1. And he heard the words of Laban's sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that was our father's; and of that which was our father's hath he gotten all this glory. That was the voice of envy, which begrudged Jacob the obvious blessing of God, incidentally revealing a very ugly suspicion, as is customary in such cases. v. 2. And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before. Laban no longer concealed his selfishness and covetousness,... read more

Johann Peter Lange

Lange's Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: Critical, Doctrinal and Homiletical - Genesis 31:1-3

THIRD SECTIONJacob’s thought of returning home. New treaty with Laban. His closely calculated proposition (Prelude to the method of acquiring possession of the Egyptian vessels). Laban’s displeasure. God’s command to return Genesis 30:25 to Genesis 31:325And it came to pass, when Rachel had borne Joseph, that Jacob said unto Laban, Send me away [let me go], that I may go unto mine own place, and to my country. 26Give me my wives and my children, for whom I have served thee, and let me go: for... read more

Frederick Brotherton Meyer

F.B. Meyer's 'Through the Bible' Commentary - Genesis 31:1-21

Jacob Leaves Laban Genesis 31:1-21 Jacob was a remarkable mixture. He had an eminently religious nature, and had intimate dealings with God. Note Genesis 31:3 ; Genesis 31:5 ; Genesis 31:7 ; Genesis 31:18 . But he grossly misrepresented God’s dealings with him when he gave his wives the reasons on which he proposed flight. Note Genesis 31:9 ; Genesis 31:13 . So the flesh and spirit struggle for mastery within us all, and only as the grace of God enters our hearts can we come into the... read more