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 Laban: Brother of Rebekah; father of Leah and Rachel
Places
Ramoth: City of refuge east of the Jordan
Glossary
Aramaic Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Ebla Tablets Galeed Genesis, Book of Jegar-Sahadutha Laban (Person) Nathanael Patriarchs, Period of the
Topics
Contracts by Erecting a Heap of Stones Covenant: Jacob and Laban Covenants: Names Given to Places where Made Galeed: The Memorial of Jacob's and Laban's Covenant Jegar-Sahadutha: A Heap of Stones (A Cairn) on Mount Gilead Laban: Pursues Jacob, Overtakes Him at Mount Gilead, and Covenants with Him Stones: Memorial Pillars of