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Commentary on Genesis 31 verses 1–16
Jacob is here taking up a resolution immediately to quit his uncle's service, to take what he had and go back to Canaan. This resolution he took up upon a just provocation, by divine direction, and with the advice and consent of his wives.
I. Upon a just provocation; for Laban and his sons had become very cross and ill-natured towards him, so that he could not stay among them with safety or satisfaction.
1.Laban's sons showed their ill-will in what they said, Gen 31:1. It should seem they said it in Jacob's hearing, with a design to vex him. The last chapter began with Rachel's envying Leah; this begins with Laban's sons envying Jacob. Observe, (1.) How greatly they magnify Jacob's prosperity: He has gotten all this glory. And what was this glory that they made so much ado about? It was a parcel of brown sheep and speckled goats (and perhaps the fine colours made them seem more glorious), and some camels and asses, and such like trading; and this was all this glory. Note, Riches are glorious things in the eyes of carnal people, while to all those that are conversant with heavenly things they have no glory in comparison with the glory which excelleth. Men's over-valuing worldly wealth is that fundamental error which is the root of covetousness, envy, and all evil. (2.) How basely they reflect upon Jacob's fidelity, as if what he had he had not gotten honestly: Jacob has taken away all that was our father's. Not all, surely. What had become of those cattle which were committed to the custody of Laban's sons, and sent three days' journey off? Gen 30:35, Gen 30:36. They mean all that was committed to him; but, speaking invidiously, they express themselves thus generally. Note, [1.] Those that are ever so careful to keep a good conscience cannot always be sure of a good name. [2.] This is one of the vanities and vexations which attend outward prosperity, that it makes a man to be envied of his neighbors (Ecc 4:4), and who can stand before envy? Pro 27:4. Whom Heaven blesses hell curses, and all its children on earth.
2.Laban himself said little, but his countenance was not towards Jacob as it used to be; and Jacob could not but take notice of it, Gen 31:2, Gen 31:5. He was but a churl at the best, but now he was more churlish than formerly. Note, Envy is a sin that often appears in the countenance; hence we read of an evil eye, Pro 23:6. Sour looks may do a great deal towards the ruin of peace and love in a family, and the making of those uneasy of whose comfort we ought to be tender. Laban's angry countenance lost him the greatest blessing his family ever had, and justly.
II. By divine direction and under the convoy of a promise: The Lord said unto Jacob, Return, and I will be with thee, Gen 31:3. Though Jacob had met with very hard usage here, yet he would not quit his place till God bade him. He came thither by orders from Heaven, and there he would stay till he was ordered back. Note, It is our duty to set ourselves, and it will be our comfort to see ourselves, under God's guidance, both in our going out and in our coming in. The direction he had from Heaven is more fully related in the account he gives of it to his wives (Gen 31:10-13), where he tells them of a dream he had about the cattle, and the wonderful increase of those of his colour; and how the angel of God, in that dream (for I suppose the dream spoken of Gen 31:10 and that Gen 31:11 to be the same), took notice of the workings of his fancy in his sleep, and instructed him, so that it was not by chance, or by his own policy, that he obtained that great advantage; but, 1. by the providence of God, who had taken notice of the hardships Laban had put upon him, and took this way to recompense him: "For I have seen all the Laban doeth unto thee, and herein I have an eye to that." Note, There is more of equity in the distributions of the divine providence than we are aware of, and by them the injured are recompensed really, though perhaps insensibly. Nor was it only by the justice of providence that Jacob was thus enriched, but, 2. In performance of the promise intimated in what is said Gen 31:13, I am the God of Beth-el, This was the place where the covenant was renewed with him. Note, Worldly prosperity and success are doubly sweet and comfortable when we see them flowing, not from common providence, but from covenant-love, to perform the mercy promised - when we have them from God as the God of Beth-el, from those promises of the life which now is that belong to godliness. Jacob, even when he had this hopeful prospect of growing rich with Laban, must think of returning. When the world begins to smile upon us we must remember it is not our home. Now arise (Gen 31:13) and return, (1.) To thy devotions in Canaan, the solemnities of which had perhaps been much intermitted while he was with Laban. The times of this servitude God had winked at; but now, "Return to the place where thou anointedst the pillar and vowedst the vow. Now that thou beginnest to grow rich it is time to think of an altar and sacrifices again." (2.) To thy comforts in Canaan: Return to the land of thy kindred. He was here among his near kindred; but those only he must look upon as his kindred in the best sense, the kindred he must live and die with, to whom pertained the covenant. Note, The heirs of Canaan must never reckon themselves at home till they come thither, however they may seem to take root here.
III. With the knowledge and consent of his wives. Observe,
1.He sent for Rachel and Leah to him to the field (Gen 31:4), that he might confer with them more privately, or because one would not come to the other's apartment and he would willingly talk with them together, or because he had work to do in the field which he would not leave. Note, Husbands that love their wives will communicate their purposes and intentions to them. Where there is a mutual affection there will be a mutual confidence. And the prudence of the wife should engage the heart of her husband to trust in her, Pro 31:11. Jacob told his wives, (1.) How faithfully he had served their father, Gen 31:6. Note, If others do not do their duty to us, yet we shall have the comfort of having done ours to them. (2.) How unfaithfully their father had dealt with him Gen 31:7. He would never keep to any bargain that he made with him, but, after the first year, still as he saw Providence favour Jacob with the colour agreed on, every half year of the remaining five he changed it for some other colour, which made it ten times; as if he thought not only to deceive Jacob, but the divine Providence, which manifestly smiled upon him. Note, Those that deal honestly are not always honestly dealt with. (3.) How God had owned him notwithstanding. He had protected him from Laban's ill-will: God suffered him not to hurt me. Note, Those that keep close to God shall be kept safely by him. He had also provided plentifully for him, notwithstanding Laban's design to ruin him: God has taken away the cattle of your father, and given them to me, Gen 31:9. Thus the righteous God paid Jacob for his hard service out of Laban's estate; as afterwards he paid the seed of Jacob for their serving the Egyptians, with their spoils. Note, God is not unrighteous to forget his people's work and labour of love, though men be so, Heb 6:10. Providence has ways of making those honest in the event that are not so in their design. Note, further, The wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just, Pro 13:22. (4.) He told them of the command God had given him, in a dream, to return to his own country (Gen 31:13), that they might not suspect his resolution to arise from inconstancy, or any disaffection to their country or family, but might see it to proceed from a principle of obedience to his God, and dependence on him.
2.His wives cheerfully consented to his resolution. They also brought forward their grievances, complaining that their father had been not only unkind, but unjust, to them (Gen 31:14-16), that he looked upon them as strangers, and was without natural affection towards them; and, whereas Jacob had looked upon the wealth which God had transferred from Laban to him as his wages, they looked upon it as their portions; so that, both ways, God forced Laban to pay his debts, both to his servant and to his daughters. So then it seemed, (1.) They were weary of their own people and their father's house, and could easily forget them. Note, This good use we should make of the unkind usage we meet with from the world, we should sit the more loose to it, and be willing to leave it and desirous to be at home. (2.) They were willing to go along with their husband, and put themselves with him under the divine direction: Whatsoever God hath said unto thee do. Note, Those wives that ar their husband's meet helps will never be their hindrances in doing that to which God calls them.
We learn from this that whenever we bear people’s wrongdoing meekly and mildly, we enjoy help from on high in a richer and more abundant measure. Accordingly, far from resisting those bent on abusing us, let us bear it nobly in the knowledge that the Lord of all will not forget us, provided we ourselves give evidence of our good will. “Vengeance is mine,” Scripture says, remember, “I will repay, says the Lord.” Hence Jacob also said, “God did not allow him to do me harm.” I mean, since he actually intended to deprive me of payment for my work, he is saying, the Lord gave evidence of his care for us in such marvelous abundance as to transfer all his substance to us. He has shown such care for us, aware that I performed his service with good grace, whereas Laban was not kindly disposed to me. For proof that I do not idly say this or with any intention of accusing him without rhyme or reason, I even have God as my witness to what has been done to me by your father. “I have observed all that Laban has been doing to you,” God says, remember—not only that he has deprived you of your wage but as well, instead of being disposed toward you as he was previously, he has a completely distorted attitude.
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SUMMARY
Genesis 31:12 records a pivotal divine revelation to Jacob, in which God assures him of His active oversight and direct intervention concerning Laban's persistent deceit. Through a vision, God reveals that He has supernaturally orchestrated the breeding of Jacob's flocks, ensuring that the offspring exhibit the specific patterns—"ringstraked, speckled, and grisled"—that Laban had agreed would constitute Jacob's wages. This divine act secures Jacob's prosperity and serves as a powerful vindication against Laban's injustice, underscoring God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. Divine Speech is central, as God directly addresses Jacob, providing clarity and assurance. This direct communication underscores the personal nature of God's relationship with His covenant people and the authority of His revelation. The description of the Symbolism of the "ringstraked, speckled, and grisled" animals is crucial; these patterns, which were initially part of Jacob's shrewd (but perhaps superstitious) breeding strategy, become tangible symbols of God's supernatural intervention and His meticulous fulfillment of His promises. They are visual proof of divine favor and justice. Furthermore, the entire narrative segment of God's intervention and Jacob's subsequent departure functions as Divine Vindication, where God not only acknowledges the wrong done to Jacob but actively reverses the injustice, demonstrating His role as the ultimate defender of the oppressed.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 31:12 offers a profound glimpse into the character of God, revealing Him as a meticulously attentive, sovereign, and just deity who is intimately involved in the lives of His covenant people. His declaration, "I have seen all that Laban doeth unto thee," is a powerful affirmation of His omniscience and His active awareness of human injustice. This divine oversight is not passive; it leads to direct intervention, demonstrating God's providential care and His unwavering commitment to His promises, even when human circumstances are fraught with deception and exploitation. God's supernatural manipulation of animal breeding patterns underscores His absolute sovereignty over creation, illustrating that even the most intricate natural processes are subject to His will and can be directed to achieve His righteous purposes and ensure the prosperity of His chosen ones.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 31:12 offers profound encouragement for believers today, reminding us that God is intimately aware of our struggles and the injustices we face. Just as He saw Laban's mistreatment of Jacob, God sees every difficulty and unfairness in our lives, affirming that we are never invisible to Him, much like He saw the affliction of His people in Exodus 3:7. This passage calls us to trust in God's unfailing provision, even when circumstances seem against us or people act deceitfully, knowing that His methods of provision may be unexpected but His faithfulness is sure. It challenges us to look beyond immediate circumstances and human machinations, recognizing that God's sovereign hand is at work, orchestrating events for our good and His glory. Ultimately, this verse assures us that divine justice will prevail; those who seek to harm or exploit others will answer to God, and His people will be vindicated, reinforcing His sovereignty over all circumstances and His active work for the good of those who are faithful to Him.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
How did God "see" what Laban was doing, and what does it imply about His nature?
Answer: God "seeing" what Laban was doing (Hebrew: ra'iti eth kol asher Laban oseh lach) implies His omniscience and omnipresence. It's not merely a passive observation but an active, comprehensive awareness of all actions, motives, and injustices. This highlights God's character as a just judge who is intimately involved in the affairs of humanity, particularly in defending the vulnerable and upholding righteousness. His "seeing" is often a prelude to His intervention, as seen throughout Scripture, from His seeing the wickedness on earth before the flood in Genesis 6:5 to His seeing the oppression of Israel in Egypt in Exodus 2:25. It assures us that no wrong goes unnoticed by the Almighty.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine intervention in Genesis 31:12, where God supernaturally ensures Jacob's prosperity and vindicates him from Laban's injustice, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate provision and justice found in Jesus Christ. Just as God faithfully upheld His covenant with Jacob, ensuring his material blessing, Christ is the embodiment of God's unwavering faithfulness to His new covenant, securing a spiritual inheritance for all who believe. He is the ultimate "seed" promised to Abraham, through whom all the families of the earth are blessed, providing not merely earthly wealth but eternal life and reconciliation with God (as seen in Galatians 3:16). In Christ, God's watchful eye over His people culminates in active redemption, where He personally bore the injustice of sin on the cross, becoming the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Through His sacrifice, He ensures ultimate vindication and eternal provision for His chosen ones, far surpassing any earthly gain or material blessing, fulfilling God's promise to be with His people always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).