Coachlight Bible Study – Genesis Lesson Genesis Chapter 29-31

Coachlight Bible Study – Genesis Lesson 39

Genesis Chapter 29-31- Holding Forth The Word of Life

In chapters 29 through 31 we find the story of Jacob’s twenty year journey away from home at the age of seventy-five. These years were spent in Haran at the house of Jacob’s uncle Laban. Along the journey, at Bethel, God had promised to be with Jacob and prosper him.

Many commentators have explained these twenty years as Jacob’s punishment for the way Jacob had treated his brother. As we look at these years, however, we find that for the most part, these years were happy and prosperous years for Jacob and his family. We will see Jacob experience trials and tribulations with no more troubles and problems than any other believer seeking to “walk in the Spirit”.

Jacob did receive bad treatment from his uncle Laban, but we will find that it was all in God’s purpose to multiply Jacob and bless him - because the Word of God had spoken it. Did Jacob believe the Word of God? God will do the same for us if we will “Hold forth the Word of Life”, no matter what the circumstances may dictate.

Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: …

Philippians 2:16 Holding forth the word of life; ….

Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

I. The Word of God To Jacob At Bethel – Did Jacob Believe God?

Genesis 28:13 And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed;

Genesis 28:14 And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.

Genesis 28:15 And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.

II. Jacob Is Lead To The Well of Haran

Genesis 29:1 Then Jacob went on his journey, and came into the land of the people of the east.

Genesis 29:2 And he looked, and behold a well in the field, and, lo, there were three flocks of sheep lying by it; for out of that well they watered the flocks: and a great stone was upon the well's mouth.

Genesis 29:3 And thither were all the flocks gathered: and they rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the sheep, and put the stone again upon the well's mouth in his place.

Genesis 29:4 And Jacob said unto them, My brethren, whence be ye? And they said, Of Haran are we.

Genesis 29:5 And he said unto them, Know ye Laban the son of Nahor? And they said, We know him.

Genesis 29:6 And he said unto them, Is he well? And they said, He is well: and, behold, Rachel his daughter cometh with the sheep.

Genesis 29:7 And he said, Lo, it is yet high day, neither is it time that the cattle should be gathered together: water ye the sheep, and go and feed them.

Genesis 29:8 And they said, We cannot, until all the flocks be gathered together, and till they roll the stone from the well's mouth; then we water the sheep.

A. It Was Not By Chance That Jacob Found His Relative’s Well

B. It Was Not By Chance That Rachel Was On Her Way With The Sheep

C. God Lead Jacob Providentially To Laban’s Well

III. Jacob Meets Rachel

Genesis 29:9 And while he yet spake with them, Rachel came with her father's sheep: for she kept them.

Genesis 29:10 And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother's brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother's brother, that Jacob went near, and rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother's brother.

Genesis 29:11 And Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice, and wept.

Genesis 29:12 And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father's brother, and that he was Rebekah's son: and she ran and told her father.

A. When Jacob Saw Rachel

1. Jacob rolled away the stone in front of the well

2. Jacob gave water to all of Rachel’s sheep

B. It Seems To Be Love At First Sight

C. Before Introducing Himself Jacob Gave Rachel A Kiss Of Greeting

D. Jacob Then Abel To Control His Emotions

1. Jacob told Rachel that he was her cousin

2. Jacob told Rachel that he was the son of her father’s sister

E. Now It Is Rachel’s Turn To Be Emotional

1. Rachel ran to tell her father the good news she had just heard

2. Rebekah had left her brother almost 100 years before on short notice

3. I’m sure that Laban was happy to hear the news also

IV. Jacob Meets Laban

Genesis 29:13 And it came to pass, when Laban heard the tidings of Jacob his sister's son, that he ran to meet him, and embraced him, and kissed him, and brought him to his house. And he told Laban all these things.

Genesis 29:14 And Laban said to him, Surely thou art my bone and my flesh. And he abode with him the space of a month.

A. Laban Was Excited At The News Of One Of His Family Visiting

B. After The Greeting, Laban Took Jacob To His House

1. Jacob told Laban the things that had transpired since Rebekah left

2. Jacob stayed with the family for a month

V. Jacob’s Covenant For Rachel

Genesis 29:15 And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what shall thy wages be?

Genesis 29:16 And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.

Genesis 29:17 Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured.

Genesis 29:18 And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter.

Genesis 29:19 And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man: abide with me.

Genesis 29:20 And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.

A. After One Month, Laban Asked Jacob What Wage Laban Should Pay Jacob

B. Jacob Realized That Rachel Was Who He Wanted To Marry

C. Jacob Offered To Work For Laban Seven Years For His Daughter

D. Laban Quickly Agreed

VI. Laban’s Deceit

Genesis 29:21 And Jacob said unto Laban, Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in unto her.

Genesis 29:22 And Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast.

Genesis 29:23 And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him; and he went in unto her.

Genesis 29:24 And Laban gave unto his daughter Leah Zilpah his maid for an handmaid.

Genesis 29:25 And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it was Leah: and he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done unto me? did not I serve with thee for Rachel? wherefore then hast thou beguiled me?

Genesis 29:26 And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn.

Genesis 29:27 Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years.

Genesis 29:28 And Jacob did so, and fulfilled her week: and he gave him Rachel his daughter to wife also.

Genesis 29:29 And Laban gave to Rachel his daughter Bilhah his handmaid to be her maid.

Genesis 29:30 And he went in also unto Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah, and served with him yet seven other years

A. When The Seven Years Were Up Laban Asked For His Wife

B. Laban Prepared A Wedding Feast

C. Laban Devised A Plan

1. He would present Leah to Jacob at night so Jacob might not know

2. This would solve two of Laban’s dilemmas

a. To provide a husband for his older daughter Leah

b. To Get another seven years out of Jacob for Rachel

D. Unknown To Jacob, Laban Gave Him Leah Instead Of Rachel

1. The Next Morning Jabob Realized The Deception

2. Jacob took the situation to Laban

a. Laban told Jacob it was customary to give the eldest daughter first

b. Laban told Jacob that he would give him Rachel also

1. If Jacob would contine in the wedding week

2. If Jacob would serve another seven years

E. Laban Gave Leah Zilpah for an handmaid

F. Laban Gave Rachel Bilhah for an handmaid

G. Jacob Loved Rachel More Than Leah

VII. Jacob Has Four Sons By Leah

Genesis 29:31 And when the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren.

Genesis 29:32 And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me.

Genesis 29:33 And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Because the LORD hath heard that I was hated, he hath therefore given me this son also: and she called his name Simeon.

Genesis 29:34 And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born him three sons: therefore was his name called Levi.

Genesis 29:35 And she conceived again, and bare a son: and she said, Now will I praise the LORD: therefore she called his name Judah; and left bearing.

A. Reuben – “Behold A Son” – (Leah Receiving God’s Favor)

B. Simeon – “Hearing” – (God Heard Leah’s Prayers)

C. Levi – “Attachment” – (Leah’s Desire That Jacob Be Attached To Her)

D. Judah – “Praise” – (Leah’s Way Of Praising God)

VIII. Jacob Has Two Sons By Rachel’s Maid, Bilhah

Genesis 30:1 And when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister; and said unto Jacob, Give me children, or else I die.

Genesis 30:2 And Jacob's anger was kindled against Rachel: and he said, Am I in God's stead, who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb?

Genesis 30:3 And she said, Behold my maid Bilhah, go in unto her; and she shall bear upon my knees, that I may also have children by her.

Genesis 30:4 And she gave him Bilhah her handmaid to wife: and Jacob went in unto her.

Genesis 30:5 And Bilhah conceived, and bare Jacob a son.

Genesis 30:6 And Rachel said, God hath judged me, and hath also heard my voice, and hath given me a son: therefore called she his name Dan.

Genesis 30:7 And Bilhah Rachel's maid conceived again, and bare Jacob a second son.

Genesis 30:8 And Rachel said, With great wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister, and I have prevailed: and she called his name Naphtali.

A. Dan – “Justice” – (God Heard Rachel And Justified Her In Jacob’s Eyes)

B. Naphtali – “Wrestlings” – (Rachel’s Rivalry With Her Sister)

IX. Jacob Has Two Sons By Leah’s Maid, Zilpah

Genesis 30:9 When Leah saw that she had left bearing, she took Zilpah her maid, and gave her Jacob to wife.

Genesis 30:10 And Zilpah Leah's maid bare Jacob a son.

Genesis 30:11 And Leah said, A troop cometh: and she called his name Gad.

Genesis 30:12 And Zilpah Leah's maid bare Jacob a second son.

Genesis 30:13 And Leah said, Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed: and she called his name Asher.

A. Gad – “Fortunate” – (Leah’s Good Fortune From God)

B. Asshur – “Happy” – (Leah Is Overjoyed As One Who Was Unmarriageable Now Blessed)

X. Jacob Has Two Sons and a Daughter By Leah

Genesis 30:14 And Reuben went in the days of wheat harvest, and found mandrakes in the field, and brought them unto his mother Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, Give me, I pray thee, of thy son's mandrakes.

Genesis 30:15 And she said unto her, Is it a small matter that thou hast taken my husband? and wouldest thou take away my son's mandrakes also? And Rachel said, Therefore he shall lie with thee to night for thy son's mandrakes.

Genesis 30:16 And Jacob came out of the field in the evening, and Leah went out to meet him, and said, Thou must come in unto me; for surely I have hired thee with my son's mandrakes. And he lay with her that night.

Genesis 30:17 And God hearkened unto Leah, and she conceived, and bare Jacob the fifth son.

Genesis 30:18 And Leah said, God hath given me my hire, because I have given my maiden to my husband: and she called his name Issachar.

Genesis 30:19 And Leah conceived again, and bare Jacob the sixth son.

Genesis 30:20 And Leah said, God hath endued me with a good dowry; now will my husband dwell with me, because I have born him six sons: and she called his name Zebulun.

Genesis 30:21 And afterwards she bare a daughter, and called her name Dinah.

A. Issachar – “Reward” – (Leah Took This As A Reward From God)

B. Zebulan – “Dwelling” – (Leah Took This As A Testimony From God Of Jacob Dwelling With Her)

C. Dinah – “Judgment”

(Jacob Later Had Other Daughters [Genesis 30:22-24]”

XI. Jacob Has A Son By Rachel

Genesis 30:22 And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb.

Genesis 30:23 And she conceived, and bare a son; and said, God hath taken away my reproach:

Genesis 30:24 And she called his name Joseph; and said, The LORD shall add to me another son.

A. Joseph – “Taken Away & May He Add” – (God Had Taken Away Rachel’s Reproach and God Would Give Her Another Son)

XII. Jacob’s Service Covenant With Laban for Cattle

Genesis 30:25 And it came to pass, when Rachel had born Joseph, that Jacob said unto Laban, Send me away, that I may go unto mine own place, and to my country.

Genesis 30:26 Give me my wives and my children, for whom I have served thee, and let me go: for thou knowest my service which I have done thee.

Genesis 30:27 And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, tarry: for I have learned by experience [05172] that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake.

Genesis 30:28 And he said, Appoint me thy wages, and I will give it.

Genesis 30:29 And he said unto him, Thou knowest how I have served thee, and how thy cattle was with me.

Genesis 30:30 For it was little which thou hadst before I came, and it is now increased unto a multitude; and the LORD hath blessed thee since my coming: and now when shall I provide for mine own house also?

Genesis 30:31 And he said, What shall I give thee? And Jacob said, Thou shalt not give me any thing: if thou wilt do this thing for me, I will again feed and keep thy flock:

Genesis 30:32 I will pass through all thy flock to day, removing from thence all the speckled and spotted cattle, and all the brown cattle among the sheep, and the spotted and speckled among the goats: and of such shall be my hire.

Genesis 30:33 So shall my righteousness answer for me in time to come, when it shall come for my hire before thy face: every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and brown among the sheep, that shall be counted stolen with me.

Genesis 30:34 And Laban said, Behold, I would it might be according to thy word.

05172 vxn nachash naw-khash' - a primitive root; v;

enchantment 4, divine 2, enchanter 1, indeed 1, certainly 1, learn by experience 1, diligently observe 1; 11

1) to practice divination, divine, observe signs, learn by experience, diligently observe, practice fortunetelling, take as an omen

1a) (Piel)

1a1) to practice divination

1a2) to observe the signs or omens

A. Jacob Desires To Go To His Homeland

1. But Laban Realizes That god has blessed Him Because Of Jacob

2. But Laban Evidently Practiced Pagan Ways

3. But Jacob Believed God’s Word

4. But Jacob Believed God For Provision

B. Laban Again Asks Jacob What His Wage Should Be If He Stayed

C. Jacob Agreed To Say On And Keep Laban’s Flocks If:

1. He could have the fewer spotted animals

2. He could have the fewer speckled animals

XIII. God Prospers Jacob

Genesis 30:35 And he removed that day the he goats that were ringstraked and spotted, and all the she goats that were speckled and spotted, and every one that had some white in it, and all the brown among the sheep, and gave them into the hand of his sons.

Genesis 30:36 And he set three days' journey betwixt himself and Jacob: and Jacob fed the rest of Laban's flocks.

Genesis 30:37 And Jacob took him rods of green poplar, and of the hazel and chesnut tree; and pilled white strakes in them, and made the white appear which was in the rods.

Genesis 30:38 And he set the rods which he had pilled before the flocks in the gutters in the watering troughs when the flocks came to drink, that they should conceive [03179] when they came to drink.

Genesis 30:39 And the flocks conceived before the rods, and brought forth cattle ringstraked, speckled, and spotted.

Genesis 30:40 And Jacob did separate the lambs, and set the faces of the flocks toward the ringstraked, and all the brown in the flock of Laban; and he put his own flocks by themselves, and put them not unto Laban's cattle.

Genesis 30:41 And it came to pass, whensoever the stronger cattle did conceive, that Jacob laid the rods before the eyes of the cattle in the gutters, that they might conceive among the rods.

Genesis 30:42 But when the cattle were feeble, he put them not in: so the feebler were Laban's, and the stronger Jacob's.

Genesis 30:43 And the man increased exceedingly, and had much cattle, and maidservants, and menservants, and camels, and asses.

03179 Mxy yacham yaw-kham' - a primitive root; v;

conceive 6, hot 2, heat 1, warm 1; 10

1) to be hot, conceive

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to be hot, become hot

1a2) to mate (of animals)

1a3) to be or become hot (fig. of anger)

1b) (Piel)

1b1) to conceive (sexually)

1b2) to be in heat (of animals) when they came to drink.

A. Jacob Knew How To Care For Flocks

1. Jacob knew the dominant traits or colors in Laban’s flock was

a. Sheep – White

b. Goats – Black

c. Cattle – Brown

2. A very few of each were:

a. Sheep – Brown

b. Goats – Spotted & Speckled

c. Cattle – Spotted & Speckled

3. Jacob would separate The Spotted & Speckled into another separate flock

4. These spotted ands speckled would not be used in breeding Laban’s flock

5. Only the spotted & speckled & brown sheep would become Jacob’s

6. Jacob only used the “heat inducer” on the stronger animals

B. God Prospered Jacob Increasingly

XIV. Jacob’s Flight

Genesis 31:1 And he heard the words of Laban's sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that was our father's; and of that which was our father's hath he gotten all this glory.

Genesis 31:2 And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before.

Genesis 31:3 And the LORD said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee.

Genesis 31:4 And Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field unto his flock,

Genesis 31:5 And said unto them, I see your father's countenance, that it is not toward me as before; but the God of my father hath been with me.

Genesis 31:6 And ye know that with all my power I have served your father.

Genesis 31:7 And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me.

Genesis 31:8 If he said thus, The speckled shall be thy wages; then all the cattle bare speckled: and if he said thus, The ringstraked shall be thy hire; then bare all the cattle ringstraked.

Genesis 31:9 Thus God hath taken away the cattle of your father, and given them to me.

Genesis 31:10 And it came to pass at the time that the cattle conceived, that I lifted up mine eyes, and saw in a dream, and, behold, the rams which leaped upon the cattle were ringstraked, speckled, and grisled.

Genesis 31:11 And the angel of God spake unto me in a dream, saying, Jacob: And I said, Here am I.

Genesis 31:12 And he said, Lift up now thine eyes, and see, all the rams which leap upon the cattle are ringstraked, speckled, and grisled: for I have seen all that Laban doeth unto thee.

Genesis 31:13 I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred.

Genesis 31:14 And Rachel and Leah answered and said unto him, Is there yet any portion or inheritance for us in our father's house?

Genesis 31:15 Are we not counted of him strangers? for he hath sold us, and hath quite devoured also our money.

Genesis 31:16 For all the riches which God hath taken from our father, that is ours, and our children's: now then, whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do.

Genesis 31:17 Then Jacob rose up, and set his sons and his wives upon camels;

Genesis 31:18 And he carried away all his cattle, and all his goods which he had gotten, the cattle of his getting, which he had gotten in Padanaram, for to go to Isaac his father in the land of Canaan.

Genesis 31:19 And Laban went to shear his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the images [08655] that were her father's.

Genesis 31:20 And Jacob stole away unawares to Laban the Syrian, in that he told him not that he fled.

Genesis 31:21 So he fled with all that he had; and he rose up, and passed over the river, and set his face toward the mount Gilead.. God Prospers Jacob

08655 Myprt t@raphiym ter-aw-feme' - pl. from 07495; n m;

image 7, teraphim 6, idol 1, idolatry 1; 15

1) idolatry, idols, image( s), teraphim, family idol

1a) a kind of idol used in household shrine or worship?

A. Jacob Had Taken Care Of Laban’s Flocks – But

1. Jacob’s flocks were increasing

2. Laban’s flocks were decreasing

B. Things Were Beginning To Change At Laban’s Place

1. Laban’s kids were complaining

a. Complaind that Jacob had deceived Laban

b.Complained that Jacob had taken away their inheritance

2. Laban was not treating Jacob the same anymore

C. God Gives Jacob A Dream Saying Leave Laban And Return Home

D. Jacob Calls His Wives To For A Talk (Genesis 31:4-13)

1. Your Dad’s countenance is not with me as before

2. But God has been with me

3. While I have served your father well

a. Your father has deceived me

b. Your father has changed my wages ten times – God din’t let him hurt me

1. He said all the speckled are yours – All the cattle bore speckled

2. He said the ring-streaked shall be your hire – all bare ring-streaked

3. This is how God took away your Dad’s cattle and gave them to me

4. God gave me a dream

a. Demonstrated that it was only God that prospered me

b. Told me to leave this land and go home

E. Leah & Rachel Agree With Jacob – (Genesis 31:14-16)

1. Said that they had long resented Laban “selling” them to Jacob

2. Said Laban had treated them as foreigners – They had no inheritance

3. Whatsoever God Hath Said Unto Thee, Do

F. Jacob Loses No Time In Preparing To Leave

G. Rachel Steals The Teraphim – “deities used in divination” from her father

H. Jacob Leaves With All His Family And Posessions – Doesn’t Tell Laban

XV. Laban Goes After Jacob

Genesis 31:23 And he took his brethren with him, and pursued after him seven days' journey; and they overtook him in the mount Gilead.

Genesis 31:24 And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.

Genesis 31:25 Then Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mount: and Laban with his brethren pitched in the mount of Gilead.

Genesis 31:26 And Laban said to Jacob, What hast thou done, that thou hast stolen away unawares to me, and carried away my daughters, as captives taken with the sword?

Genesis 31:27 Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp?

Genesis 31:28 And hast not suffered me to kiss my sons and my daughters? thou hast now done foolishly in so doing.

Genesis 31:29 It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt: but the God of your father spake unto me yesternight, saying, Take thou heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.

Genesis 31:30 And now, though thou wouldest needs be gone, because thou sore longedst after thy father's house, yet wherefore hast thou stolen my gods?

Genesis 31:31 And Jacob answered and said to Laban, Because I was afraid: for I said, Peradventure thou wouldest take by force thy daughters from me.

Genesis 31:32 With whomsoever thou findest thy gods, let him not live: before our brethren discern thou what is thine with me, and take it to thee. For Jacob knew not that Rachel had stolen them.

Genesis 31:33 And Laban went into Jacob's tent, and into Leah's tent, and into the two maidservants' tents; but he found them not. Then went he out of Leah's tent, and entered into Rachel's tent.

Genesis 31:34 Now Rachel had taken the images, and put them in the camel's furniture, and sat upon them. And Laban searched all the tent, but found them not.

Genesis 31:35 And she said to her father, Let it not displease my lord that I cannot rise up before thee; for the custom of women is upon me. And he searched, but found not the images.

A. Jacob Travels 300 Miles And Pitched his Tent At Mount Gilead

B. Laban Hears Of Jacobs Departure Three Days Later

C. Laban Pursues Jacob All 300 Miles in seven Days

1. A days journey usually considered 30 miles a day

2. As loaded down as Jacob was, he probably only traveled 20-25

D. God Gives Laban A Dream – “Take Heed That Thou Speak Not To Jacob Either Good Or Bad.”

E. Laban Finds Jacob, And Says:

1. What have you done?

2. Why did you leave with me unaware?

3. Why did you capture and kidnap my daughters?

4. Why didn’t you let me have a sending away party?

5. Why didn’t you let me say goodbye to my family?

6. Why did you steal my teraphim

F. Jacob Explained

1. That He Knew Laban Would Have Taken his Wives By Force

2. That God Had Told him To Leave

3. That Any One That Has The Images Should Be Put To Death

4. Laban Searched But Did Not Find The Teraphim

XVI. Jacob Is Wroth Because of Laban’s Actions

Genesis 31:36 And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What is my trespass? what is my sin, that thou hast so hotly pursued after me?

Genesis 31:37 Whereas thou hast searched all my stuff, what hast thou found of all thy household stuff? set it here before my brethren and thy brethren, that they may judge betwixt us both.

Genesis 31:38 This twenty years have I been with thee; thy ewes and thy she goats have not cast their young, and the rams of thy flock have I not eaten.

Genesis 31:39 That which was torn of beasts I brought not unto thee; I bare the loss of it; of my hand didst thou require it, whether stolen by day, or stolen by night.

Genesis 31:40 Thus I was; in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from mine eyes.

Genesis 31:41 Thus have I been twenty years in thy house; I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy cattle: and thou hast changed my wages ten times.

Genesis 31:42 Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight.

A. Jacob Asks Why Laban Had:

1. So Hotly Persued After Me?

2. Searched All My Stuff?

B. Jacob Explains How Ethically He Had Treated Laban

1. Jacob had labored twenty years for Laban

2. I have not eaten any of your flock as some shepherds do

3. I did not bring any animal to you that had been killed by beasts

4. I served you fourteen years for your cattle

5. I have served you six years for your cattle

6. You have changed my wages ten times.

7. Only God prevented you from sending me away empty

8. He is the God that spoke to you yesterday

XVII. Jacob’s Covenant With Laban At Gilead

Genesis 31:43 And Laban answered and said unto Jacob, These daughters are my daughters, and these children are my children, and these cattle are my cattle, and all that thou seest is mine: and what can I do this day unto these my daughters, or unto their children which they have born?

Genesis 31:44 Now therefore come thou, let us make a covenant, I and thou; and let it be for a witness between me and thee.

Genesis 31:45 And Jacob took a stone, and set it up for a pillar.

Genesis 31:46 And Jacob said unto his brethren, Gather stones; and they took stones, and made an heap: and they did eat there upon the heap.

Genesis 31:47 And Laban called it Jegarsahadutha: but Jacob called it Galeed.

Genesis 31:48 And Laban said, This heap is a witness between me and thee this day. Therefore was the name of it called Galeed;

Genesis 31:49 And Mizpah; for he said, The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.

Genesis 31:50 If thou shalt afflict my daughters, or if thou shalt take other wives beside my daughters, no man is with us; see, God is witness betwixt me and thee.

Genesis 31:51 And Laban said to Jacob, Behold this heap, and behold this pillar, which I have cast betwixt me and thee;

Genesis 31:52 This heap be witness, and this pillar be witness, that I will not pass over this heap to thee, and that thou shalt not pass over this heap and this pillar unto me, for harm.

Genesis 31:53 The God of Abraham, and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge betwixt us. And Jacob sware by the fear of his father Isaac.

Genesis 31:54 Then Jacob offered sacrifice upon the mount, and called his brethren to eat bread: and they did eat bread, and tarried all night in the mount.

Genesis 31:55 And early in the morning Laban rose up, and kissed his sons and his daughters, and blessed them: and Laban departed, and returned unto his place.

A. Laban Was A Self Centered Hypocrite – Not Able To Admit His Wrong

B. Laban Purposes A Covenant

C. Jacob Knew That This Kind Of Covenant Should Have A Pillar

1. Jacob set up a stone for a pillar

2. Jacob’s sons heaped rocks all around the pillar

D. The Name Of The Covenant Pillar

1. Laban called it the “Heap of Testimony” in Aramaic

2. Jacob called it “The Heap of Witness” in Hebrew.

E. Laban Gave The Terms – Implying Jacob The One That Can’t Be Trusted

1. Jacob Must Not Afflict His Daughters

2. Jacob Must Not Take Any Other Wives Than His Daughters

3. Jacob Must Not Come Back To Haran In Revenge

4. Laban Would Not Come Any Farther Toward Canaan Than The Pillar

F. Laban Also Calls The Pillar Mizpah – Wachtower

1. Implying Jacob the one that needed watching

2. Laban even inserted the name elohim – “gods” in this context

3. Laban’s Sanctimonious, self righteousness reminds us many religious of today?

4. Laban is not mentioned again in Scripture - Laban is a good example of a self-centered, worldly man who knows about the true God – But continues in idolatry and material gain.

Who Was Holding Forth The Word of Life? - Jacob or Laban

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Ephesians 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

Ephesians 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: …

Philippians 2:16 Holding forth the word of life; ….