Translations
Original
Notes
God blessed Jacob even though Laban was deceitful. Jacob cleverly used selective breeding to grow his flock. He followed the traditional belief that peeled sticks could affect the type of animals born.
The peeled branches seemed to help his animals produce streaked and spotted offspring. Jacob later admitted that God had helped him succeed (31:7–12). Jacob ended up with stronger animals, while Laban got the weaker ones (30:41–42).
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.
Glossary
Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Cattle Ebla Tablets Genesis, Book of Jacob Maid, Maiden Mandrake Nathanael Patriarchs, Period of the
Topics
Animals: Facts About Breeding Contracts: Violated Covetousness in Defrauding Laban of his Flocks and Herds Craftiness in Management of Laban's Flocks and Herds Dishonesty: Jacob Gains from Laban's Flocks by Skillful Manipulation Jacob: Sharp Practice of, with the Flocks and Herds of Laban Laban: Jacob Becomes his Servant Laban: Outwitted by Jacob Sheep: Also: Jacob's Management of Son-In-Law: Unjust, Jacob Worldliness: Jacob