Genesis 31:23

And he took his brethren with him, and pursued after him seven days' journey; and they overtook him in the mount Gilead.

And he took {H3947} his brethren {H251} with him, and pursued {H7291} after him {H310} seven {H7651} days {H3117}' journey {H1870}; and they overtook {H1692} him in the mount {H2022} Gilead {H1568}.

Lavan took his kinsmen with him and spent the next seven days pursuing Ya'akov, overtaking him in the hill-country of Gil'ad.

So he took his relatives with him, pursued Jacob for seven days, and overtook him in the hill country of Gilead.

And he took his brethren with him, and pursued after him seven daysโ€™ journey; and he overtook him in the mountain of Gilead.

Commentary

Genesis 31:23 KJV reads: "And he took his brethren with him, and pursued after him seven days' journey; and they overtook him in the mount Gilead."

Context

This verse describes Laban's determined pursuit of Jacob, who had secretly departed from Laban's household after twenty years of service. Jacob, along with his wives (Laban's daughters), children, and all his possessions, had fled without Laban's knowledge, prompted by God's command to return to the land of his fathers. Laban's anger was fueled not only by Jacob's sudden departure but also by Rachel's theft of his household gods (teraphim), which held significant religious and legal importance in that ancient culture. The "seven days' journey" highlights the intensity and distance of Laban's chase, indicative of his fury and desire to confront Jacob.

Key Themes

  • Laban's Persistence and Anger: The verse vividly portrays Laban's resolve to reclaim what he felt was his, pursuing Jacob for a significant distance. His actions stem from a mix of wounded pride, economic loss, and the perceived insult of Jacob's secret departure.
  • Divine Oversight and Protection: While this verse focuses on Laban's pursuit, it immediately precedes God's direct intervention, as seen in Genesis 31:24, where God warns Laban not to harm Jacob. This highlights the overarching theme of God's sovereign protection over His chosen servants, even in the midst of human conflict and danger.
  • The Setting for Confrontation: The "mount Gilead" serves as the geographical stage for the climactic and tense meeting between Jacob and Laban, leading to a temporary resolution and a covenant between them.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "pursued" (ืจึธื“ึทืฃ, radaph) suggests an active, often hostile chase, emphasizing Laban's aggressive intent. "Mount Gilead" (ื”ึทืจ ื’ึผึดืœึฐืขึธื“, har Gil'ad) refers to a mountainous region east of the Jordan River, known for its strategic location and later for its medicinal "balm" (as mentioned in Jeremiah 8:22). Its name is later associated with the covenant made there, meaning "heap of witness" or "mound of testimony."

Practical Application

Genesis 31:23 reminds us that even when facing intense human opposition or perceived threats, God is actively at work, often behind the scenes, to protect and guide His people. Laban's pursuit, though aggressive, ultimately led to a divine encounter where God's hand was unmistakably evident. This verse encourages believers to trust in God's providence, even when circumstances seem daunting, knowing that He can turn potential conflict into an opportunity for His will to be done and for all things to work together for good for those who love Him.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 2:11

    ยถ And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew, one of his brethren.

  • Genesis 13:8

    And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we [be] brethren.

  • Exodus 2:13

    And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow?

  • Genesis 24:27

    And he said, Blessed [be] the LORD God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I [being] in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master's brethren.
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