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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.
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SUMMARY
Captures a pivotal moment of unwavering loyalty and profound faith, as Leah and Rachel affirm their trust in God's providential justice and issue a clear directive to Jacob: to obey God's command without hesitation. Their declaration underscores a deep recognition that the wealth Jacob acquired was divinely orchestrated, not merely a result of his labor or Laban's grudging concessions, and serves as a powerful endorsement for their imminent departure from Laban's household in obedience to God's revealed will.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse serves as the climax of a crucial dialogue between Jacob and his wives, Leah and Rachel, preceding their clandestine departure from Laban. Jacob has just recounted his dream and God's explicit command to return to the land of his birth, highlighting Laban's repeated deceit and God's consistent intervention on Jacob's behalf (Genesis 31:3-13). Leah and Rachel's response in Genesis 31:14-16 is a decisive affirmation of Jacob's plan, aligning their will with his and, more importantly, with God's. Their statement here validates Jacob's decision to leave and underscores the shared understanding within the family that God is actively guiding their steps and rectifying past injustices, setting the stage for the dramatic flight from Laban.
Historical & Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, a man typically paid a "mohar" or bridal price to the bride's father. This payment was intended to compensate the family for the loss of their daughter's labor and to establish the daughter's security within her husband's household. Laban, however, had exploited Jacob's labor for twenty years, effectively "selling" his daughters and then squandering their bridal price, treating them as strangers (Genesis 31:15). This cultural background highlights the depth of Leah and Rachel's grievance and their understanding that Laban had defrauded them of their rightful inheritance and security. Their declaration that the wealth "is ours, and our children's" reflects a deep concern for their future and the legal rights of their offspring, acknowledging God's intervention as the only means to secure what was justly theirs in a society where women had limited legal recourse.
Key Themes: Genesis 31:16 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis. It reinforces the theme of Divine Providence and Justice, demonstrating God's active involvement in the lives of His covenant people, even in the face of human deceit and exploitation. God is shown as the one who rights wrongs and ensures His promises are fulfilled, as seen in His protection of Jacob's prosperity despite Laban's schemes (Genesis 31:7). The verse also highlights the theme of Obedience to Divine Command, emphasizing that God's revealed will requires immediate and decisive action, a principle foundational to the covenant relationship established with Abraham (Genesis 12:1-4). Furthermore, it speaks to Family Unity and Loyalty, as Leah and Rachel, despite their historical rivalries, unite with Jacob in shared faith and purpose, recognizing God's hand in their collective destiny.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 31:16 encapsulates the sisters' complete alignment with Jacob's decision to depart from Laban, grounding their support in both a recognition of divine justice and a commitment to divine command. Their declaration is twofold, addressing both the material provision and the spiritual directive.
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices. Direct Speech is central, as it presents the unvarnished and authoritative counsel of Leah and Rachel, highlighting their agency and their shared conviction. The sisters' words function as an Affirmation and Exhortation, confirming Jacob's course of action while simultaneously urging him to complete obedience. There is also a strong element of Divine Agency, as the sisters explicitly attribute the transfer of wealth to God's direct action, framing the narrative through a theological lens rather than merely a human one. This underscores the pervasive theme of God's active involvement in the lives of His chosen people.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leah and Rachel's declaration in Genesis 31:16 offers profound theological insights into God's character and His relationship with humanity. It asserts God's ultimate sovereignty over material possessions, demonstrating that He is not merely a passive observer but actively orchestrates the distribution of wealth according to His justice and covenant purposes, ensuring His people are provided for. This verse powerfully portrays God as the Righteous Judge, who sees injustice and rights wrongs, intervening on behalf of the oppressed and ensuring that those who exploit others do not ultimately prosper at the expense of His chosen ones. Furthermore, the imperative "whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do" establishes the primacy of obedience to God's Word as a foundational biblical principle, underscoring that divine revelation demands an immediate and unreserved response, forming the basis of a faithful relationship with God.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 31:16 offers timeless lessons for believers today, reminding us to trust implicitly in God's providence, especially when facing injustice or uncertainty. It assures us that God sees every wrong and will ultimately work all things for the good of those who are His. Even when circumstances seem unfair or when we feel exploited, this verse encourages us that God is able to turn situations for our benefit and provide for our needs in ways we cannot foresee, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant promises. Furthermore, Leah and Rachel's unwavering counsel to "whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do" serves as a powerful call to radical, unreserved obedience to God's Word. Our greatest security, peace, and blessing come from aligning our lives completely with His divine will, even when it requires courage, significant life changes, or stepping out in faith, much like Jacob's departure from Laban's influence and his subsequent transformative encounter at Peniel (Genesis 32:24-32). This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts: do we truly believe God is just, and are we willing to obey Him fully, even when the path is unclear?
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is the affirmation of Leah and Rachel so significant to Jacob's decision?
Answer: Leah and Rachel's affirmation is crucial because it provides Jacob with the necessary spousal support and validation for a momentous, potentially dangerous, decision. As his wives and mothers of his children, their agreement signified family unity and a shared commitment to God's will, which was essential for a successful and unified departure from Laban's household. It also confirmed that they, too, recognized God's hand in their lives and His command for Jacob to leave Paddan-Aram and return to the land of Canaan, as explicitly stated by God to Jacob in Genesis 31:3.
What does "God hath taken from our father" imply about divine justice?
Answer: This phrase implies that God is actively involved in administering justice, especially when His people are exploited. It's not merely that Jacob earned the wealth through hard labor, but that God sovereignly intervened to transfer it from Laban, who had repeatedly cheated Jacob by changing his wages ten times (Genesis 31:7), to Jacob's family. This demonstrates God's role as a righteous judge who ensures His covenant people receive what is due to them, even if it means reallocating resources from the unjust. It underscores God's commitment to upholding His covenant promises of blessing and provision for Jacob and his descendants.
How does this verse relate to the broader narrative of Jacob's life?
Answer: Genesis 31:16 is a pivotal turning point in Jacob's narrative. It marks the culmination of Jacob's twenty-year ordeal under Laban's deceit and the beginning of his return journey to the Promised Land. The sisters' affirmation of God's provision and command empowers Jacob to finally obey God's instruction to leave, setting the stage for significant events such as his reconciliation with Esau (Genesis 33) and his eventual establishment as the patriarch of the twelve tribes of Israel. This verse solidifies the family's united front in pursuing God's will, which is essential for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through Jacob's lineage.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 31:16 profoundly foreshadows the ultimate divine provision and call to obedience found in Christ. Just as God "took" riches from Laban and gave them to Jacob's family as their rightful inheritance, so too does God, through Christ, reclaim humanity from the dominion of sin and death, transferring the spiritual riches of salvation, righteousness, and eternal life to those who are His by grace through faith (Ephesians 1:7-11). Christ Himself perfectly embodied the command "whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do," demonstrating complete and unwavering obedience to the Father's will, even unto death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). His perfect obedience secured our spiritual inheritance, which is "ours, and our children's" in the new covenant, a spiritual patrimony far exceeding any earthly wealth (1 Peter 1:3-5). Thus, the material provision and call to obedience in this verse point to Christ as the one who brings true liberation from spiritual bondage, establishes a new family under God's eternal blessing (Galatians 3:29), and perfectly fulfills the Father's commands, inviting all believers into a life of faith and obedience in Him (John 15:10).