What does Genesis 29:1 Mean?

Study Notes

and came into the land
Jacob at Haran becomes a sterling illustration, if not type, of the nation descended from him in its present long dispersion. Like Israel, he was:

(1) Out of the place of blessing Genesis 26:3 .

(2) without an altar Hosea 3:4 ; Hosea 3:5 .

(3) gained an evil name Genesis 31:1 ; Romans 2:17-24 .

(4) but was under the covenant care of Jehovah Genesis 28:13 ; Genesis 28:14 ; Romans 11:1 ; Romans 11:25-30 .

(5) and was ultimately brought back Genesis 31:3 ; Genesis 35:1-4 ; Ezekiel 37:21-23 .

The personal lesson is obvious: while Jacob is not forsaken, he is permitted to reap the shame and sorrow of his self-chosen way.

Context Summary

Well might Jacob lift up his feet! See margin. When we are sure of God we receive strength that enables us to run with patience the race that is set before us. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and we have a special claim on His guidance in our matrimonial alliances-the most solemn and momentous step of all. There were many good qualities in Rachel, fitting her to be a good wife. Her humility and industry, her patience under the oppression of the unmannerly shepherds, her haste to share her joy with her father-all these elicited Jacob's love. What a touch of old-world and new-world poetry is in those words of Genesis 29:20! Where Love is queen time is too short, labor never hard, distance never long, sacrifice unheard of! Oh, that we so loved our Lord, that for the missionary toiling through long years, and the invalid condemned to a life of pain, affliction might appear light and but for a moment. [source]

Chapter Summary: Genesis 29

¹  Jacob comes to the well of Haran
⁹  He becomes acquainted with Rachel
¹³  Laban entertains him
¹⁸  Jacob covenants for Rachel
²³  He is deceived by Laban with Leah
²⁸  He marries also Rachel, and serves for her seven years more
³²  Leah bears Reuben;
³³  Simeon;
³⁴  Levi;
³⁵  and Judah