There is little in this story to the credit of Jacob, and nothing to choose between him and Laban. They are well matched one against another; and if anything, Jacob excelled in cunning. The heir of the promises deals with the child of this world on the principles of which men of honor would refuse to make use. We feel inclined to pity Laban, who had never seen the angel-ladder, or shared the great promises which had surrounded the path of his relative. He trusted this man of the chosen tribe, but was to be woefully deceived. But are there not many professing Christians who are playing Jacob's part today? While holding high positions in the religious world, they stoop to practices to which men of the world would be no parties. We hear but little more of Laban, but Jacob is destined to pass through the fire of trouble, by which the dross will be consumed and his soul made white and purified. [source]
Chapter Summary: Genesis 30
1Rachel, in grief for her barrenness, gives Bilhah her maid unto Jacob 5Bilhah bears Dan and Naphtali 9Leah gives Zilpah her maid, who bears Gad and Asher 14Reuben finds mandrakes, 15with which Leah buys her husband's company of Rachel 17Leah bears Issachar, Zebulun, and Dinah 22Rachel bears Joseph 25Jacob desires to depart 27Laban detains him on a new agreement 37Jacob's policy, whereby he becomes rich
What do the individual words in Genesis 30:34 mean?