Genesis 28:10

¶ And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran.

And Jacob {H3290} went out {H3318} from Beersheba {H884}, and went {H3212} toward Haran {H2771}.

Ya'akov went out from Be'er-Sheva and traveled toward Haran.

Meanwhile Jacob left Beersheba and set out for Haran.

And Jacob went out from Beer-sheba, and went toward Haran.

Commentary

Genesis 28:10 marks a pivotal moment in the life of Jacob, the son of Isaac and grandson of Abraham. This concise verse sets the stage for a dramatic turning point, as Jacob embarks on a journey that will shape his destiny and the future of the nation of Israel.

Context

Jacob's departure from Beersheba is not a voluntary adventure but a flight. He is fleeing the intense wrath of his elder brother, Esau, whom he had recently defrauded of his birthright and, more critically, his patriarchal blessing. His mother, Rebekah, urged him to flee to her brother Laban in Haran until Esau's anger subsided. This journey, therefore, begins under the shadow of deception and familial strife, yet it is also a journey orchestrated by divine providence.

  • Beersheba: This city in the southern part of Canaan was a significant ancestral home, associated with both Abraham and Isaac. It was a place of wells, covenants, and divine appearances. Jacob leaving Beersheba signifies a departure from the familiar, secure, and blessed land of his fathers.
  • Haran: Located in Mesopotamia (modern-day Turkey), Haran was the very place from which Jacob's grandfather, Abraham, had originally set out on God's call to the Promised Land (see Genesis 12:4). Jacob's journey back to Haran is a temporary reversal of the patriarchal migration, highlighting his vulnerable state.

Key Themes

  • Consequences and Divine Guidance: Jacob's journey is a direct consequence of his deceit and the anger of Esau. Yet, even in this difficult circumstance, God's sovereign hand is evident. This pilgrimage, though born of trouble, will lead to profound spiritual encounters and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises.
  • A New Beginning: This verse marks the beginning of a new chapter for Jacob. He leaves behind his family and the land of promise, entering a period of exile and testing. It is during this period that he will mature, face his own deceptions, and ultimately wrestle with God.
  • Pilgrimage and Separation: Jacob's journey is a solitary one, a forced separation from his family and the blessings of home. This period of isolation will prove crucial for his spiritual development, culminating in the significant dream at Bethel, which immediately follows this departure (Genesis 28:12-15).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase "וַיֵּצֵא יַעֲקֹב מִבְּאֵר שָׁבַע" (vayyetzei Ya'akov miB'er Shava) simply means "and Jacob went out from Beersheba." The simplicity of the language belies the immense spiritual and historical weight of this departure. The names of the places themselves carry meaning: Beersheba means "well of the oath" or "well of seven," recalling covenants made there, while Haran is a significant geographical and ancestral marker.

Practical Application

Genesis 28:10 reminds us that even when we face the consequences of our past actions, or when life takes an unexpected and challenging turn, God's providence can still be at work. Jacob's journey, though difficult, was ultimately guided by God towards His greater purposes. It encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness even during times of uncertainty, exile, or profound change, knowing that He can transform our departures into divine appointments.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 11:31 (4 votes)

    And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran his son's son, and Sarai his daughter in law, his son Abram's wife; and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there.

  • Genesis 32:10 (4 votes)

    I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands.

  • Acts 7:2 (4 votes)

    And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,

  • Hosea 12:12 (3 votes)

    And Jacob fled into the country of Syria, and Israel served for a wife, and for a wife he kept [sheep].

  • Acts 25:13 (2 votes)

    ¶ And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.