Translations
Original
Notes
Jacob met Rachel at the well at just the right time. This happened under God’s guidance, because God rules over all things (God is sovereign). God was leading Jacob toward the fulfillment of his promises (see 24:12–20). The well was a reminder of God’s blessing (compare 16:13–14; 21:19; 26:19–25, 33).
These chapters describe how God fulfilled his promise by greatly blessing Jacob with a family and possessions. God also disciplined Jacob, leaving him to struggle with Laban for many years. Laban was Jacob’s match in deception, and thus a means of correction.
The story of Jacob and Laban is similar to Israel's later stay in Egypt. Jacob struggled while serving his uncle but finally emerged with a large family (the founders of the 12 tribes) and great wealth. In Egypt, the Israelites suffered under their oppressors, but they also flourished, becoming a great nation of 12 large tribes and escaping with great riches.
People
Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes Rachel: Wife of Jacob; mother of Joseph and Benjamin
Glossary
Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Bilhah (Person) City Ebla Tablets Family Life and Relations Genesis, Book of Jacob Kiss, Kiss of Peace Maid, Maiden Nathanael Patriarchs, Period of the