Genesis 30:38

And he set the rods which he had pilled before the flocks in the gutters in the watering troughs when the flocks came to drink, that they should conceive when they came to drink.

And he set {H3322} the rods {H4731} which he had pilled {H6478} before {H5227} the flocks {H6629} in the gutters {H7298} in the watering {H4325} troughs {H8268} when the flocks {H6629} came {H935} to drink {H8354}, that they should conceive {H3179} when they came {H935} to drink {H8354}.

Then he set the rods he had peeled upright in the watering troughs, so that the animals would see them when they came to drink. And since they bred when they came to drink,

Then he set the peeled branches in the watering troughs in front of the flocks coming in to drink. So when the flocks were in heat and came to drink,

And he set the rods which he had peeled over against the flocks in the gutters in the watering-troughs where the flocks came to drink; and they conceived when they came to drink.

Commentary

Genesis 30:38 describes Jacob's ingenious, yet unconventional, method to increase his desired portion of Laban's flocks. This verse is part of a larger narrative detailing the complex and often contentious relationship between Jacob and his uncle and father-in-law, Laban.

Context

Following years of service to Laban, Jacob sought to establish his own wealth. After Laban repeatedly changed his wages, Jacob proposed a new agreement: his wages would consist of all the speckled, spotted, and brown sheep and goats born from the flock (Genesis 30:32). This verse details Jacob's specific actions to influence the breeding outcomes. He used branches from poplar, hazel, and chestnut trees, stripping bark in patterns, and placing them in the watering troughs where the strong flocks came to drink. The underlying belief, common in ancient pastoral societies, was that visual stimuli during conception could influence the offspring's characteristics.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence: While Jacob employed a specific method rooted in ancient folk belief, the broader narrative, particularly Genesis 31:9 and Genesis 31:12, reveals that God was actively intervening to ensure Jacob's prosperity and justice against Laban's deceit. Jacob's actions were a means through which God worked.
  • Jacob's Resourcefulness: Faced with Laban's manipulative nature, Jacob demonstrated shrewdness and ingenuity in attempting to secure his livelihood and fulfill his part of the agreement.
  • Struggle for Prosperity: The passage highlights the intense struggle for wealth and blessing in the patriarchal era, often involving cunning and negotiation.
  • God's Blessing on Jacob: Ultimately, this entire episode underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant promises to Jacob, ensuring his increase and blessing despite challenging circumstances and human machinations (see Genesis 28:15).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV term "pilled" means to strip or peel off the bark, exposing the lighter wood underneath to create patterns. This action was central to Jacob's visual stimulus technique. The "rods" were simply branches or sticks from the specified trees, known for their distinct wood colors.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that God is sovereign and can work through various, sometimes unexpected, means to accomplish His will and fulfill His promises. While Jacob's method might seem superstitious to modern eyes, it serves as a testament to God's ability to use even human endeavors and cultural beliefs to achieve His divine purposes. It encourages us to trust in God's provision and justice, knowing that He is active in our lives, even when circumstances are unfair or challenging, just as He was with Jacob.

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Cross-References

No cross-references found.

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