Genesis 31
Irwin3. Return. See xxviii. 15.
10 dream. Jacob had used craft to increase his flocks; and had been met by Laban with almost equal cunning; but in this dream he is reminded that, without such devices, the case may be left in God’s hands. All his crafty policy is thus implicitly rebuked.
12 rams. Rather, “he-goats” (A.V. marg., R.V.).
15 our money. Rather, “price”; for Jacob had paid for his wives by labour. Laban, however, had received all the benefit of this labour; had the payment been made in the regular way, part of it would have come to them as their dowry.
18 carried away. The inhabitants of the Syrian deserts have few household goods; so that a large body can break up their encampment and remove everything in a few hours.
19 images. Heb. “teraphim.” Perhaps images with a human head, and as oracles (Judges xvii. 5; Ezek. xxi. 21; Zech. x. 2); used as family idols.
21 the river. i.e., the Euphrates.
23. Gilead. On that part of the great Gilead mountain-chain which lies north of the Jabbok. It was probably more than 200 miles from Haran.
Jacob, having nearly three days’ start of Laban (ver. 22), and being already three days’ journey from him, might travel this distance without much exceeding the ordinary rate. Laban’s was a forced march of about 35 miles a day for seven days.
34 furniture. The hard frame of the saddle is often covered with cushions and shawls, which are removed when a caravan halts, and are used to lie or sit upon.
35 rise up. As a son or daughter is expected to do in the presence of a father. And see Lev. xix. 32.
36. What is my trespass?** Laban’s search being unsuccessful, and his charge apparently groundless, Jacob finds opportunity to use the language of indignant virtue.
39 unto thee. See the subsequent law in Exod. xxii. 10-13; alluded to in Amos iii. 12.
40 by night. In the high open plains of Syria the night is often bitterly cold, though the day may be intensely hot.
42. Fear.** The object of Isaac’s reverence. See ver. 53.
43 what can I do? That is either, “What can I do to show my love for them now at parting?” or “What harm can it be thought that I should do them?”
53 the God of Nahor. Rather, “the gods of Nahor.” Laban wished to hallow the contract by the sanction of his own gods, as well as of Jahveh. Jacob swore only by the latter.