Translations
Original
Notes
The stone and the pillar marked the border agreement between the two men. It was a witness for future generations. Each man named the monument witness in his own language. It became the lasting border between Israel and the kingdom of Aram (Syria), two nations often at war.
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
Glossary
Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Ebla Tablets Genesis, Book of Nathanael Patriarchs, Period of the
Topics
Contracts by Erecting a Heap of Stones Covenant of Men with Men by a Monument Covenant: Jacob and Laban Covenants: Pillars Raised in Token of Laban: Pursues Jacob, Overtakes Him at Mount Gilead, and Covenants with Him Pillar by Jacob, his Covenant with Laban Stones: Memorial Pillars of