Genesis 31:24

And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.

And God {H430} came {H935} to Laban {H3837} the Syrian {H761} in a dream {H2472} by night {H3915}, and said {H559} unto him, Take heed {H8104} that thou speak {H1696} not to {H5973} Jacob {H3290} either good {H2896} or {H5704} bad {H7451}.

But God came to Lavan the Arami in a dream that night and said to him, "Be careful that you don't say anything to Ya'akov, either good or bad."

But that night God came to Laban the Aramean in a dream and warned him, “Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.”

And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream of the night, and said unto him, Take heed to thyself that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.

Commentary

Genesis 31:24 captures a pivotal moment in the narrative of Jacob's return to Canaan, highlighting God's direct intervention to protect His chosen servant.

Context

This verse occurs as Jacob, having secretly departed from Laban's household after twenty years of service, is being pursued by his father-in-law. Jacob had become wealthy under Laban, but tensions had escalated due to Laban's deceitful practices and changing wages (Genesis 31:7). Laban, angered by Jacob's departure and the theft of his household gods (teraphim) by Rachel, had pursued Jacob for seven days. Just as Laban was about to confront Jacob, God intervenes with a clear warning, appearing to Laban in a dream by night.

Key Themes

  • Divine Protection: The primary theme is God's unwavering protection over Jacob. Even though Jacob had fled secretly and perhaps with some fear, God was actively watching over him and intervening on his behalf. This demonstrates God's faithfulness to His covenant promises made to Jacob, such as those found in Genesis 28:15, where God promised to be with him and bring him back to the land.
  • God's Sovereignty: God's ability to appear to Laban, a non-covenant person, in a dream and issue a direct command underscores His supreme authority over all individuals and circumstances. He controls even the intentions of men, preventing harm from coming to His chosen.
  • Warning Against Harm: The command "Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad" is a strong prohibition against any form of harm, whether physical aggression, verbal abuse, or even manipulative persuasion. It implies that Laban had ill intentions, or at least the potential for them, which God preemptively thwarted, ensuring Jacob's safe passage.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "either good or bad" (Hebrew: mitov ad ra') is a comprehensive expression. It doesn't just mean "do not harm him physically." In this context, it suggests that Laban should not attempt to influence Jacob in any way, whether through threats (bad) or deceptive persuasion (good) to make him return or alter his course. It's a divine command for Laban to leave Jacob alone entirely, respecting God's will for Jacob's journey back to Canaan.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder for believers today that God is actively involved in the lives of His people. When facing difficult or threatening situations, we can find comfort in the knowledge that God often works behind the scenes, directing events and even the hearts of others to protect us and fulfill His purposes. It encourages us to trust in God's providence and His commitment to His promises, knowing that all things work together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. This divine intervention highlights that God's protection is not always visible but is always present for those who walk in His will.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 24:50 (9 votes)

    Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, The thing proceedeth from the LORD: we cannot speak unto thee bad or good.

  • Genesis 20:3 (8 votes)

    ¶ But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou [art but] a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she [is] a man's wife.

  • Genesis 31:29 (7 votes)

    It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt: but the God of your father spake unto me yesternight, saying, Take thou heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.

  • Genesis 31:42 (5 votes)

    Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked [thee] yesternight.

  • Numbers 24:13 (5 votes)

    If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the LORD, to do [either] good or bad of mine own mind; [but] what the LORD saith, that will I speak?

  • Matthew 27:19 (4 votes)

    When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.

  • 2 Samuel 13:22 (4 votes)

    And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad: for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.