_A.M. 2244. B.C. 1760._ In this chapter we have an account of God's providences concerning Jacob, pursuant to the promise made him in the foregoing chapter. (1,) _ How he was brought in safety to his journey's end, and directed to his relations there, who bid him welcome, Genesis 29:1._ (2,) _ Ho... [ Continue Reading ]
_Behold a well in the field_ Providence brought him to the very field where his uncle's flocks were to be watered, and there he met with Rachel, who was to be his wife. The Divine Providence is to be acknowledged in all the little circumstances which concur to make a journey or other undertaking com... [ Continue Reading ]
_Rachel his daughter cometh with the sheep_ According to the custom of those times, when simplicity and industry were in fashion among persons of great quality, and of both sexes. They who find fault with the Scriptures, and question the truth of such accounts, discover great ignorance of the state... [ Continue Reading ]
_For she kept them_ Having, no doubt, servants under her who performed the meaner and more laborious offices, and whom it was her place to oversee. When Jacob understood that this was his kinswoman Rachel, (for he had probably heard of her name before,) knowing what his errand was into that country,... [ Continue Reading ]
_He told Laban all these things_ About his journey, and the cause of it, and what he saw in the way.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Because thou art my brother_ That is, kinsman; _shouldst thou therefore serve me for naught?_ Is that reasonable? If Jacob be so respectful as to give him his service, without demanding any consideration for it, yet Laban will not be so unjust as to take advantage either of his necessity or of his... [ Continue Reading ]
_They seemed to him but a few days_ That is, the work or service of that time seemed but little in comparison of the worth of Rachel. An age of work will seem but a few days to those that love God, and long for Christ's appearance.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Laban gathered all the men of the place_ His kindred and neighbours, according to custom, Judges 14:10; John 2:1. Probably he collected a greater number, that the marriage might be more solemn and public, and that Jacob, being overawed by their presence and authority, might not attempt to disannul... [ Continue Reading ]
_He took Leah and brought her to him_ This deceit he might the more easily practise, as it was customary in those times to bring the bride to her husband veiled, and without lights. This guile of Laban undoubtedly sorely grieved Jacob; and perhaps it happened as a punishment to him for the guile he... [ Continue Reading ]
_Laban gave unto Leah, Zilpah his maid_ Sir John Chardin observes, in his MS. note on this verse, “that none but very poor people marry a daughter in the East, without giving her a female slave for a chamber-maid; there being no hired servants there as in Europe.” He says much the same in another no... [ Continue Reading ]
_Fulfil her week_ The seven days usually devoted to the feast and solemnity of marriage, Judges 14:12; for it does not appear that it relates to the seven years Jacob afterward served. This Laban seems to have desired, that by a week's cohabitation with Leah, his affections might be knit to her, and... [ Continue Reading ]
_When the Lord saw that Leah was hated_ That is, loved less than Rachel, in which sense it is required that we _hate father and mother_, in comparison with Christ, Luke 14:26, then the Lord granted her a child, which was a rebuke to Jacob for making so great a difference between those he was equally... [ Continue Reading ]
She appears very ambitious of her husband's love; she reckoned the went of it her _affliction_, not upbraiding him with it as his fault, nor reproaching him for it; but laying it to heart as her grief, which she had reason to bear, because she was consenting to the fraud by which she became his wife... [ Continue Reading ]