Genesis 30:39 - Exposition

And the flocks conceived ( ut supra ) before the rods, and brought forth cattle ringstraked, speckled, and spotted . The fact is said to have been frequently observed that, particularly in the case of sheep, whatever fixes their attention in copulation is marked upon the young. That Jacob believed in the efficacy of the artifice he adopted is apparent; but the multiplication of Parti-colored animals it will be safer to ascribe to Divine blessing than to human craft.