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Genesis 31:54

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Then Jacob offered sacrifice upon the mount, and called his brethren to eat bread: and they did eat bread, and tarried all night in the mount.

Then Jacob {H3290} offered {H2076} sacrifice {H2077} upon the mount {H2022}, and called {H7121} his brethren {H251} to eat {H398} bread {H3899}: and they did eat {H398} bread {H3899}, and tarried all night {H3885} in the mount {H2022}.

Ya'akov offered a sacrifice on the mountain and invited his kinsmen to the meal. They ate the food and spent the whole night on the mountain.

Then Jacob offered a sacrifice on the mountain and invited his relatives to eat a meal. And after they had eaten, they spent the night on the mountain.

And Jacob offered a sacrifice in the mountain, and called his brethren to eat bread: and they did eat bread, and tarried all night in the mountain.

Commentary

Context

Genesis 31:54 marks the peaceful resolution of a tense confrontation between Jacob and his father-in-law, Laban. After secretly departing from Laban's household with his family and possessions, Jacob was pursued by Laban, who harbored suspicions of theft, particularly concerning his household gods (teraphim). Following a heated exchange and Laban's unsuccessful search, a covenant was established between them on the mount, marked by a pillar and a heap of stones (Genesis 31:44-48). This verse describes the ceremonial sealing of that covenant, signifying a truce and reconciliation before Laban returned home and Jacob continued his journey back to Canaan, where he would soon prepare for a significant reunion with his brother Esau (Genesis 32:3).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Covenant Ratification and Peace: The act of offering sacrifice and sharing a communal meal was a deeply significant ritual in the ancient Near East, serving to formally ratify agreements and seal peace. This ceremony transformed a relationship fraught with suspicion and hostility into one of agreed-upon harmony, witnessed by God.
  • Worship and Divine Dependence: Jacob's initiative to "offer sacrifice" highlights his consistent reliance on God's providence and protection. It was an act of thanksgiving for safe passage and divine intervention in the dispute with Laban, as well as an appeal for continued blessing. This devotion is a recurring element in Jacob's life, notably seen in his vow at Bethel.
  • Reconciliation and Fellowship: The invitation to "eat bread" and the subsequent shared meal are powerful symbols of reconciliation and renewed fellowship. Despite their contentious past, Jacob and Laban, along with their kinsmen, partook in a common meal, cementing their agreement and allowing them to part ways in peace.

Linguistic Insights

The King James Version's phrase "offered sacrifice" translates the Hebrew verb zavach (זָבַח), which specifically denotes the slaughtering of an animal for a sacrificial offering, often in the context of a peace offering or a covenant-sealing ceremony. The "mount" refers to the elevated site where the covenant was established, a natural and prominent place for such a significant gathering. The act of "eating bread" was not merely about sustenance but was a ritualistic component of covenant-making, symbolizing shared life, trust, and the binding nature of the agreement.

Practical Application

Genesis 31:54 provides enduring insights into the dynamics of reconciliation and the spiritual dimension of conflict resolution:

  • The Power of Peacemaking: This verse demonstrates that even deeply strained relationships can find resolution through intentional acts of peacemaking, which may involve formal agreements and communal affirmation.
  • Spiritual Foundations for Peace: Jacob's act of sacrifice underscores the importance of involving God in resolving disputes and seeking divine favor for lasting peace. True reconciliation often has a spiritual component.
  • Communal Meals as Bridges: The simple yet profound act of sharing a meal can be a powerful tool for breaking down barriers, fostering fellowship, and affirming reconciliation between estranged parties. It creates a space for mutual respect and shared humanity.
  • Honoring Agreements: The solemnity of the covenant ceremony and the subsequent meal emphasize the biblical importance of upholding one's word and commitments, especially those made before God (Psalm 15:4).
This pivotal moment allowed Jacob to leave Laban's influence and continue his journey with a sense of closure and divine blessing, preparing him for the next chapter of his life.

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

Cross-References

  • Exodus 18:12 (4 votes)

    And Jethro, Moses' father in law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God: and Aaron came, and all the elders of Israel, to eat bread with Moses' father in law before God.

  • Genesis 37:25 (3 votes)

    And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry [it] down to Egypt.

  • 2 Samuel 3:20 (3 votes)

    So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. And David made Abner and the men that [were] with him a feast.

  • 2 Samuel 3:21 (3 votes)

    And Abner said unto David, I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a league with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thine heart desireth. And David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.

  • Genesis 26:30 (3 votes)

    And he made them a feast, and they did eat and drink.

  • Genesis 21:8 (3 votes)

    And the child grew, and was weaned: and Abraham made a great feast the [same] day that Isaac was weaned.