Genesis 33:19

And he bought a parcel of a field, where he had spread his tent, at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem's father, for an hundred pieces of money.

And he bought {H7069} a parcel {H2513} of a field {H7704}, where he had spread {H5186} his tent {H168}, at the hand {H3027} of the children {H1121} of Hamor {H2544}, Shechem's {H7927} father {H1}, for an hundred {H3967} pieces of money {H7192}.

From the sons of Hamor Sh'khem's father he bought for one hundred pieces of silver the parcel of land where he had pitched his tent.

And the plot of ground where he pitched his tent, he purchased from the sons of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for a hundred pieces of silver.

And he bought the parcel of ground, where he had spread his tent, at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for a hundred pieces of money.

Commentary

Genesis 33:19 records a significant moment in Jacob's journey after his long sojourn in Paddan-Aram and his dramatic reunion with Esau. This verse details Jacob's first land purchase in Canaan, marking a crucial step in his family's establishment within the promised land.

Context

Following his powerful encounter with God at Peniel, where his name was changed to Israel (Genesis 32:28), and his tense but ultimately peaceful reconciliation with his brother Esau (Genesis 33:4), Jacob moved to Succoth and then journeyed to Shechem. Instead of continuing directly to Bethlehem (Hebron), where his father Isaac resided, Jacob paused in the fertile valley of Shechem. This purchase signifies a temporary, yet deliberate, settlement, indicating a desire for stability and a tangible claim on the land God had promised his forefathers.

Key Themes

  • Claiming the Promised Land: This act of buying land signifies Jacob's active participation in the divine promise given to Abraham and Isaac. Like Abraham's purchase of the cave of Machpelah for a burial site (Genesis 23:16), Jacob's acquisition of a field demonstrates a commitment to the land as his family's future inheritance, not just a temporary dwelling.
  • Establishing Roots: After years of being a sojourner and a wanderer, this purchase represents Jacob's desire to lay down roots and provide a more permanent home for his large family and livestock. It marks a transition from purely nomadic life to a more settled existence, even if brief.
  • Peaceful Acquisition: The fact that Jacob purchased the land from the local inhabitants, "the children of Hamor, Shechem's father," highlights a peaceful and legitimate acquisition, rather than taking it by force. This sets a precedent for future interactions in the land, although the subsequent events involving Dinah in Genesis 34 would tragically disrupt this peace.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "an hundred pieces of money" translates the Hebrew word qesitah (קְשִׂיטָה). This ancient unit of currency or weight is mentioned only three times in the Old Testament (here, Joshua 24:32, and Job 42:11). Its exact value is debated, but it likely refers to a specific weight of precious metal or perhaps a piece of money stamped with the image of a lamb, signifying its value. The act of paying a significant sum underscores the value and permanence of the transaction.

Significance and Legacy

The field Jacob purchased in Shechem would later become a significant site. It is explicitly mentioned as the burial place for Joseph's bones when they were brought out of Egypt by the Israelites during the Exodus (Joshua 24:32). This connection further solidifies the land's importance in the history of Israel and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises.

Practical Application

Jacob's decision to invest in land, even after receiving great promises from God, demonstrates a principle of faithfulness and stewardship. It reminds us that while we trust in God's overarching plan, we are also called to act responsibly in the present, making practical decisions that align with our understanding of His will. It encourages us to find stability and build a foundation, even amidst life's uncertainties, trusting that God guides our steps and provides for our future.

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Cross-References

  • Acts 7:16

    And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor [the father] of Sychem.

  • John 4:5

    Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.

  • Joshua 24:32

    And the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, buried they in Shechem, in a parcel of ground which Jacob bought of the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for an hundred pieces of silver: and it became the inheritance of the children of Joseph.

  • Genesis 23:17

    And the field of Ephron, which [was] in Machpelah, which [was] before Mamre, the field, and the cave which [was] therein, and all the trees that [were] in the field, that [were] in all the borders round about, were made sure

  • Genesis 23:20

    And the field, and the cave that [is] therein, were made sure unto Abraham for a possession of a buryingplace by the sons of Heth.

  • Genesis 49:30

    In the cave that [is] in the field of Machpelah, which [is] before Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought with the field of Ephron the Hittite for a possession of a buryingplace.

  • Genesis 49:32

    The purchase of the field and of the cave that [is] therein [was] from the children of Heth.