genesis-31:19,-genesis-31:30-37

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 31:17-19

Teraphim: probably images for worship. Judges 17:5 ; 1 Samuel 19:13 . read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Genesis 31:19

Her father's idols. By this it appears that Laban was an idolater: and some of the fathers are of opinion, that Rachel stole away these idols, to withdraw him from idolatry, by removing the occasion of his sin. (Challoner) --- Others think she was herself infected with this superstition, until Jacob entirely banished it from his family in Chanaan, chap. xxxv. 2. (Tirinus) --- The Hebrew Teraphim, is translated images by the Protestants in this place, though it certainly denotes idols. But... 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 31:17-24

Jacob Flees and is Pursued by Laban v. 17. Then Jacob rose up, and set his sons and his wives upon camels; v. 18. and he carried away all his cattle, and all his goods which he had gotten, the cattle of his getting, which he had gotten in Padanaram, for to go to Isaac, his father, in the land of Canaan. Jacob's plans had evidently been laid and all arrangements made with great care even before he summoned his wives for the conference which decided in favor of immediate flight. The text... read more

Johann Peter Lange

Lange's Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: Critical, Doctrinal and Homiletical - Genesis 31:4-55

FOURTH SECTIONJacob’s flight. Laban’s persecution. The covenant between the two on the mountain of Gilead. Departure. Genesis 31:4 to Genesis 32:2, 4And Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field unto his flock. 5And said unto them, I see [am seeing] your father’s countenance, that it is not toward me as before: 6but the God [Elohim] of my father hath been with me. And ye3 know that with all my power I have served your father. 7And your father hath deceived4 me, and changed my wages ten... 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

G. Campbell Morgan

G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible - Genesis 31:1-55

In the midst of Jacob's success the second divine communication came to him, commanding him to return to the land of his fathers and giving him the promise, "I will be with thee." Thus, after at least twenty years' absence, he set his face again toward home. The same cunning which had been manifested throughout is seen in the stealth with which he broke away from Laban. Much may happen in twenty years. However, one thing can never happen. The wrongdoing of the past cannot be undone and Jacob... read more

Peter Pett

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 31:1-21

Jacob is Commanded by Yahweh to Return Home and Tries to Slip Away (31:1-21). Genesis 31:1-2 ‘And he heard the words of Laban’s sons, saying, “Jacob has taken away all that was our father’s, and he has obtained his wealth from that which was our father’s.” And he beheld the face of Laban, and behold, it was not as friendly towards him as it had been before.’ The building up of wealth always provokes jealousy, especially from those who feel that they have lost by it. What had seemed a good... read more

Arthur Peake

Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 31:1-21

Genesis 31:1-Ecclesiastes : . Jacob’ s Flight.— This section is, for the most part, from E, Genesis 31:1; Genesis 31:3 are from J, Genesis 31:18 (after “ cattle” ) from P.Jacob realises from the words of Laban’ s sons (J) and the altered demeanour of Laban himself (E) that his enrichment at Laban’ s expense is deeply resented. Yahweh also bade him return (J). To his wives he complains of the treatment he has received from their father, which God has nevertheless overruled for his advantage,... read more