Chapter XXVIII
vl.ie; consisting, first, of a kid's flesh, which, made into a ragout, spiced with salt, onions, garlic, and lemon-Juice, might easily be passed off on a blind old man, with blunted senses, as game; secondly, of pieces of goat's skin bound on his hands and neck, its soft silken hair resembling that on the cheek of a young man; thirdly, of the long white robe—the vestment of the first-born, which, transmitted from father to son, and kept in a chest among fragrant herbs and perfumed flowers, used much in the East to keep away moths—liis mother provided for him. 18-a7. he came unto his father—The scheme planned by the mother was to be executed by the son in the father's bed-chaml>er; and It is painful to think of the deliberate falsehoods, as well as daring profanity, he resorted to. The disguise, though wanting in one thing, which Iiad nearly upset the whole plot, succeeded in mislea<ling Isaac; and while giving his paternal emlirace, the old man was roused into a state of high satisfaction and de-
Ver. 1-19. Jacob's Departure. 1. Isaac called Jacob and blessed lilm—He entered fully into Rebekah's feelings—and the burden of his parting counsel to his son was, to avoid a marriage alliance with any but the Mesopotamian branch of the family. At the same time he gave him a solemn blessing—pronounced before unwittingly, now designedly, and with a cordial spirit. It ia more explicitly and fully given, and Jaeoli was thus acknowledged "the heir of the promise." 6-9. when Esau saw that Isaac liad blessed Jaco)»—desirous to humour his parents, and if possible get the last will revoked, he became wise when too late (see Matthew 25.
10), and hoped by gratifying his p.arents in one thing to atone for all his former delinquencies. But he only made bad worse, and though he did not marry a "wife of the daughters of Canaan," he married into a family which God had rejected—it sliowed a partial reformation, but no repentance, for he gave no proofs of abating his vindictive purposes against his brother, nor cherishing that pious spirit that would have gratified his father—he was like Micah (see Judges 17. 13). 10. Jacob went «(ut, &c.—His departure from his father's house was an ignominious
light. 27. the smell of my son is as of a field—The aromatic odours of the Syrian fields and meadows, often Impart a strong fragrance to the person and clotiics, as has been noticed by many travellers.
28-16. The Blessing. God give thee of the dew of heaven—To an Oriental mind, this phraseology implied the highest flow of prosperity. The copious fall of dew is Indispensable to the frultfulne,ss of lands, which would be otherwise arid and sterile through the violent heat; and
flight ; and for fear of being pursued or waylaid by hla vindictive brother, he did not take the common road, but went by lonely and unfrequented patlis, which inerefased the length and dangers of the journey. 11. he lighted npon a certain place—By a forced march he had reached Beth-el, about forty-eight miles from Beer-slieba, and had to spend the night in the open field, he tools of the stones, &c.—"The nature of the soil is an existing comment on the record of the stony territory where Jacob lay." [Clarke's Travel;?.] 13. he dreamed . . . and behold a ladder—Some writers are of opinion that it was not a literal ladder that is meant, as it is impossible
It abounds most in hilly regions—such as Canaan—hence
called the fat land (Nehemlah 9. 25, So), plenty of corn and vrine—Palestine was famous for vineyards, and it produced varietes of corn, viz., wheat, barley, oats, and
rye. I>t people serve thee—fulfilled in the discomfiture of the hostile tribes that opposed the Israelites in the wilderness; and in the pre-eminence and power they attained after their national estai)lishment in the prom-
to conceive any imagery stranger and more unnatural
ised land. This blessing was not realized to Jacob, but to his descendants; and the temporal blessings promised, were but a shadow of those spiritual ones, which formed the grand distinction of Jacob's posterity. 30-35. E^au came in from his hunting—scarcely had the former scene been concluded, when the fraud was discovered. The emotions of Isaac, as well as Esau, may easily be imagined—the astonishment, alarm, and sorrow of the one —the disappointment and Indignation of the other. But a moment's reflection convinced the aged patriarch tliat the transferor the blessing was "of the Lord," and now Irrevocaljle. The Importunities of Es^u, however, overpowered him ; and as the prophetic afHatus was upon the patriarch, lie added what was probably as pleasing to a man of Esau's character, as the other would have been. 39, 40. Behold thy dwelling shall be tlie fatness of tlte earth—The first part Is a promise of temporal prosperity, made In the same terms as Jacob's—the second refers to the roving life of hunting freebooters, which he and his descendants should lead. Though Esau was not personally subject to his brother, his posterity were tributary to the Israelites, till the reign of Joram—when they revolted, and established a king of their own (2 Kings 8. 20; 2 Chron.
tlian tliat of a ladder, whose base was on earth, while its top reached heaven, without having any thing on whio!)
to rest Its upper extremity. They suppose that the little heap of stones, on which his head reclined for a pillow, being the miniature model of the oljject that appeared to his imagination, the latter was a gigantic mountain pile, wliose sides, indented in the rock, gave it the appearance of a scaling ladder. There can be no doubt that this use of the original term was common among the enrly Hebrews; as Josephus, describing the town of Ptolema-is
(Acre), says it was bounded by a mountain, which, frora
Its projecting sides, was called "the ladder;" and the
stairs that led down to the city are, in the original, termed a ladder (Nehemlah 3.) though they were only a flight of steps cut in the side of the rock. But whether the image presented to the mental eye of Jacob were a common lad-
der, or such a mountain pile as has been described, Iht design of this vision was to afford comfort, encourage ment, and confidence to the lonely fugitive, both in his present circumstances and as to his future prospects. His thoughts during the day must have been painful—he would be his own self-accuser that he had brought exile and privation upon himself—and above all, that though he had obtained the forgiveness of hla father he had 31
21. 8-10). 41. Esau hated Jacob—It Is scarcely to be wondore<? at—that Esau resented the conduct of Jacob, and
GENESIS XXIX, XXX.
The Well of Haran.
The Marriage of Ja-u.b
much reason to fear lest God might have forsaken him. Solitude aflbrds time for reflection; and it was now that God began to bring Jacob under a course of religious instruction and training. To dispel his fears and allay the Inward tumult of his mind, notliing was better fitted than the vision of the gigantic ladder, which reached from himself to heaven, and on which the angels were continually ascending and descending from God himself on their benevolent errands (John 1. 51). 13. Tlie Lord stood above it, and said—That Jacob might be at no loss to know the purport of the vision, he heard the Divine voice ; and the announcement of His name, together with a renewal of the covenant, and an assurance of personal protection, produced at once the most solemnizing and inspiriting effect oh his mind. 16. Jacob awaked out of His sleep—His language and his conduct were alike that of a man whose mind was pervaded by sentiments of solemn awe, of fervent piety, and lively gratitude (Jeremiah 31. 36). 18, 19. Jacob set up a stoue, &c.—The mere setting up of the stone might have been as a future memorial to mark the spot; and this practice is still common in the East, in memory of a religious vow or engagement. But the pouring oil upon it was a consecration. Accordingly he gave it a new name, Beth-el, "the house of God " (Hosea 12. 4) ; and it will not appear a thing forced or unnatural to call a stone a house, when one considers the common practice in warm countries of sitting in the open air by or on a stone, as are those of this place, "broad sheets of bare rock, some of them standing like the cromlechs of Druidical monuments." [StanleV.]
pastoral tribes the young unmarried daughters of the greatest sheicks tend the flocks, going out at sunrise, and continuing to watch their fleecy charge till sunset. 'Watering them, which is done twice a-day, !s a work of time and labour, and Jacob rendered no small service in volunteering his aid to the young shepherdess. The interview was affecting, the reception welcome, and Jacob forgot all his toils in the society of his Mesopotainian rela-
tives. Can we doubt that he returned thanks to God for His goodness by the way? 13. Jacob told Rachel, AcAccording to the practice of the East, the term "brother"
is extended to remote degrees of relationship, as uncle, cousin or nephew. 14^30. he abode a month—Among pastoral people a stranger is freely entertained for three days; on the fourth day he is expected to tell his name and errand; and if he prolongs his stay after that time, he must set his hand to work in some way, as may be agreed upon. A similar rule obtained In Laban's establishment, and the wages for which his nephew engaged to continue in his employment was the hand of Rachel. 17. lieah tender-eyed i. e., soft blue eyes—thought a blemish. Rachel beautiful and well-favoured i. c, comely and handsome in form. The latter was Jacoli's choice. 18. I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy daugliter—A proposal of marriage is made to the father without the daughter being consulted, and the match is efi"ected by the suitor either bestowing costly presents on the family, or by giving cattle to the value the father sets upon his daughter, or else by giving personal services for a specified period. The last was the course necessity imposed on Jacob; and there for seven years he submitted to the drudgery of a hired shepherd, with the view of obtaining Rachel. The time went rapidly away; for even severe and diflScult duties become light when love is the spring of action. 31. Jacob snid, Give me my wife—At the expiry of the stipulated term the marriage festivities were held. But an infamous fraud was practised on Jacob, and on his showing a righteous indignation, the usage of the country was pleaded in excuse. No plea of kindred should ever be allowed to come in opposition to the claim of justice. But this is often overlooked by the selfish mind of man, and fashion or custom rules instead of the will of God. This was what Laban did, as he said, "it must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the first-born." Bat, then, if that were the prevailing custom of society at Haran, he should have apprized his nephew of it at an early period in an honourable manner. This, however,
20-22. Jacob's Vow. 20. Jacob vowed a vow—His words are 'not to be considered as implying a doubt, far
less as stating the condition or terms on which he would dedicate himself to God. Let "if" be changed into "since," and the language will appear a proper expression of Jacob's faith—an evidence of his having truly embraced the promise. How edifying often to meditate on Jacob at Beth-el.
CHAPTEE XXIX.
Ver. 1-3.5. The Well of Haran. 1. Tlien Jacob went, &c. Hebrew, lifted up his feet. He resumed his way next morning with a light heart and elastic step after the vision of the ladder; for tokens of the Divine favour tend to quicken tlie discliarge of duty (Nehemiah
8. 10). and came into tbe land, &c.—Mesopotamia and the whole region beyond the Euphrates are by the sacred writers designated "the East" (Judges G. 3; 1 Kings 4. 32; Job 1. 3). Between the first and the second clause of this verse is Included a journey of four hundred miles, a. An<l he looked, Ac-As he approached the place of his destination, he, according to custom, repaired to the well adjoining the town where he would ol)tain an easy introduction to his relatives. 3. thItUcr were all tUe flocks gatliered: and a stone, &c.—In Arabia, owing to the shifting sands, and in other placi's, owing to the strong evaporation, tlie mouth of a well is generally covered, especially when it is private property. Over many Is laid a broad, thick, flat stone, with a round hole cut In the middle, forming the mouth of the cistern. This hole Is covered with a heavy stone which it would require two or three men to roll away. Such was the description of the well at Haran. 4. Jacob said. My brethren—Finding from the shepherds who were reposing there with flocks, and who all belonged to Haran, that his relatives in Haran were well, and that one of the family was shortly expected, he enquired why tli^y were idling the best part of the day there Instead of watering their Hocks, and sending them back to pasture? 8. TUey said. We cannot, nntil all the flocks be gathered-In order to prevent the consequences of too frequent exposure In places where water is scarce, It Is not only covered, but 11 Is customary to have all the flocks collected round the well before the covering Is removed in presence of the owner or one of his representatives; and It was for tills reason that those who were reposing at the well of Haran with the three flocks were waiting the arrival of Uachel. 9-11. VVliUe he yet apake, Rachel came—Among the 32
is too much the way with the people at the East still. The duty of marrying an elder daughter before a younger, the tricks which parents take to get offan elder daughter that
is plain or deformed, and in which the.v are favoured by the long bridal veil that entirely conceals her features all the wedding day, and the prolongation for a week of the marriage festivities among the greater sheicks, are accordant with the habits of the people in Arabia and Armenia in the present day. 38. gave him Rachel also—It is evident that the marriage of both sisters took place nearly about the same time, and that such a connexion was then allowed, though afterwards prohibited (Leviticus IS. 18). 39. gave to Rachel his daughter nilhah to be her maid—A father In good circumstances still gives his daughter from his household a female slave, over whom the young wife, Itidependently of her husband, has the absolute control. 31. licah . . . hated—i. e., not loved so much as slie ought to have been. Her becoming a mother ensured her rising In the estimation both of her husband and of soclet,v. 33-35. son . . . called his name Reuben—Names were also significant; and those which Leah gave to her sons were expressive of her varyl ng feelings of thankfulness or Joy, or allusive to circumstances in the history of the family. There wn.s piety and wisdom In attaching a signification to names, as It tended to keep the bearer In remembrance of his duty and the claims of God. CHAPTER XXX.
Ver. 1-24. Domestic Jealousies. 1. Rachel envleti her sister—The maternal relation confers a high degree of honour in the East, and the want of that status is felt
Jacob's Covoiant with Laban, GENESIS XXXI. Envy of Laban and his Sont.
varieties Jacob emploj'ed. The styles are of a bright red
as a stigma, and deplored as a grievous calamity. Give
ine clill«lren or else I die—either be reckoned as good as dead, or i)ine away from vexation. Tlie intense anxiety
colour, when poeled ; and along with them he took wands
of other shrubs, which, when stripped of the bark, had white streaks. These, kept constantly before the eyes of the female at the time of gestation, his observation had taught him would have an Influence, through the imagination, on the future offspring. 38. watering troughs -
of Hebrew women for cliildren arose from the hope of
giving; birth to tlie promised seed. Rachel's conduct was
Klnful. and contrasts unfavourably with that of Rebekah
(:i ch. 25. 22) and of Hannali (1 Samuel 1.11). 3-9. BU-
usually a long stone block hollowed out, from which
liah, . . . Zllpali—Following tlie example of Sarah with regard to Hagar, an example which is not seldom imi-
several sheep could drink at once, but sometimes so small
as to admit of one only drinking at a time.
tiited still, she adopted tlie children of her maid. Leah took the same course. A bitter and intense rivalry ex-