Genesis Chapter Thirty-One Series

GENESIS CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE OVERVIEW

Overall what is happening in this chapter is that Jacob decides to return to his home country with his wives and children, but Laban peruses him.

Thomas Coke (1801) – Genesis 31

Jacob, having communicated his design to his wives, departs secretly from Laban with his family and flocks. Laban pursues, and overtakes him at Gilead. After mutual recriminations, they make a covenant together.

Joseph Benson’s Commentary (1857) – Genesis 31

Jacob was, in general, a man of devotion and integrity; yet he had more trouble than any of the patriarchs. Here is:

(1) His resolution to return, (Genesis 31:1-16).

(2) His clandestine departure, (Genesis 31:17-21).

(3) Laban’s pursuit of him in displeasure, (Genesis 31:22-25).

(4) The hot words that passed between them, (Genesis 31:26-42).

(5) Their amicable agreement at last, (Genesis 31:43-55).

Thomas Constable (2012) - Genesis 31

Laban's hostility and his wives' encouragement motivated Jacob to return to Canaan. When Laban overtook Jacob in Gilead, Jacob defended his own actions and accused Laban of deceit. This silenced Laban and led him to request a peace treaty with Jacob.

Daniel Whedon (1889) – Genesis 31

Twenty years have now passed since Jacob came to Laban’s house. The single one has become a multitude. Twelve children have been born unto him, and every-thing has prospered in his hand. But it now becomes evident that the time for separation has arrived. Two families, of such diverse interests and hopes as those of Jacob and Laban, cannot abide long together, and Jacob is called to separate himself as Abraham had been two hundred years before.

Peter Pett (2013) – Genesis 31

This passage is centered around two theophanies and two covenants. In the first theophany Yahweh appears to Jacob and tells him to return home (Genesis 31:3). Then Jacob, describing the theophany to his wives, amplifies what God said as the God of Bethel, emphasizing the command to return home (Genesis 31:11-13). And the second is when he meets the angels of God at Mahanaim (Genesis 32:1-2). The passage also contains details of the two covenants made between Jacob and Laban (Genesis 30:31-33 and Genesis 31:44-53). Originally separate covenant records may well have been involved.

Matthew Henry (1714) – Genesis 31

Jacob was a very honest good man, a man of great devotion and integrity, yet he had more trouble and vexation than any of the patriarchs. He left his father's house in a fright, went to his uncle's in distress, very hard usage he met with there, and now is going back surrounded with fears. Here is:

I. His resolution to return (Genesis 31:1-16).

II. His clandestine departure, (Genesis 31:17-21).

III. Laban's pursuit of him in displeasure (Genesis 31:22-25).

IV. The hot words that passed between them (Genesis 31:26-42).

V. Their amicable agreement at last (Genesis 31:43-55).

KEY VERSE

Genesis 31:3 Then the LORD said to Jacob, "Return to the land of your fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you."

KEY EVENT

Jacob leaves Laban.

KEY THOUGHT

God’s timing is always involved in God’s leading.

KEY CROSS-REFERENCE

Genesis 28:15 "Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you."

KEY QUOTE

“The best of all is, God is with us.” John Wesley