Discuss Genesis 31


Genesis 31 KJV Bible discussions
 
  • Richard H Priday - 6 months ago
    Jacob the deceiver. Continued discussion of how God worked through a supplanter.

    Genesis 28 through 30 go through the story of Jacob after his mother thrust him out to find a wife from among her people; in this case from Laban. Jacob immediately fell for Rachel and after seven years of labor for Laban he was given a wife but he found out in the morning that it was Leah; the older sister. This was not his fault; but nonetheless, God recognized the marriage. In fact; Jacob's attitude toward her in the seven year further wait for Leah (because of Laban's deception) caused Leah to bear many children as she was despised and turned to God for direction. She gave glory to God; and some versions seem to indicate her prayers were answered; after six kids God finally opened Rachel's womb; but not before she had him sleep with the handmaiden for several children who would later be part of the 12 tribes. We should learn here that when we despise someone for somebody else God can bless the person as he is just (as with Leah). God's purposes were done with Jacob's actions; or despite them. Eventually Jacob had a sort of forgiveness and understanding with Esau; his actions may have prevented him from carrying out his plans to kill him out of jealousy. Jacob also found ways to get revenge on Laban for cheating him many years; again the Lord's will was done but not through any righteousness on Jacob's part necessarily. His struggle with God in Genesis 32:22-32 shows a tenacity perhaps unmatched in all history; that a mere man could wrestle with God all night (probably Christ preincarnate) and only through the hip wound the wrestling match was ended. That tenacity for a blessing is something we all can look at as something to emulate in our prayers!

    Genesis 31:34 shows how Rachel hid her household gods; something God could have destroyed her and Jacob for. The Lord at that time overlooked it but who knows how much more blessing she could have had without them?
  • Chris - In Reply on Genesis 31 - 1 year ago
    Hello Murlon. According to the narrative on Laban in Genesis 31, it appears that he did practise idolatry, even as Terah, Abraham & Nachor also did ( Joshua 24:2). They lived in Ur of the Chaldees (now modern Iraq). In spite of their idolatrous ways & ignorance of the true God, God did reveal Himself to Abraham & called him to serve Him alone & be the father of many nations.

    As also with Laban, who continued to practise idolatry, but was now accepting of this God who he was hearing about from Abraham's servant (likely Eliezer of Damascus), in his earlier encounter with him concerning Isaac ( Genesis 24:50,51). Whether Laban ultimately rejected his gods for the true God, we cannot say as the Bible doesn't indicate that; but in spite of him using divination ( Genesis 30:27, KJV: "experience" = 'nachash', or signs, divination), he acknowledged that Abraham's God had blessed him. He might have even added an image of God to his other gods, but hopefully in time & by revelation, he would have rejected his false gods.

    Syncretism in religion (i.e. merging together of different beliefs & practises), is never an acceptable thing, even as practised today amongst so-called Christians, because God requires a true worship of Him, and Him alone. Abraham, by God's Call & revelation of Himself to him, would have learned to reject any other god or form of worship & to serve the True & Living God. Thus he was greatly blessed.
  • Mishael - In Reply - 1 year ago
    Genesis 31:37
  • Chris - In Reply on Genesis 3 - 2 years ago
    Hello Gitai. That's a good question, as these differences in the use of God (as a Name), can be found right through the Scriptures.

    In the references you gave, we can understand & know the meaning of the various names given. In Genesis chapter 1, the author refers to God as 'God' (or, Elohim). Elohim, is a general name for the True God, as it can also be used to depict other gods (e.g. Genesis 31:30; Exodus 12:12), of angels ( Psalm 8:5), of men ( Psalm 82:6), of judges/rulers ( Exodus 21:6)). So, in relation to God's creative Work, the Name Elohim was given here. And of course, Elohim is also used of the True God elsewhere in the Bible, where creating is not signified (e.g. Genesis 35:7).

    But in Genesis chapter 2 we see the use of the word, LORD (or, Yahweh), & this signifies a special revelation & a special relationship to Israel: 'Yahweh' means the active, self-existent One (as in Exodus 3:14, where the word is connected to the verb, 'to be') & also being Israel's Redeemer ( Exodus 6:6). So the use of the word, LORD, signifies this True God (Elohim) is not distant (as seen by His other Works), but is now revealed in a most personal way to Israel as LORD (Yahweh); hence combining the two words to read, LORD God. And from Genesis 2:2 onwards, this Name is used to signify the commencement of a personal interaction with His creation.

    And when we read the word, 'Lord', this means 'master, lord, sovereign' (as in Genesis 15:2). Hence we can have a variety of combinations: God, LORD God, Lord God, each one depicting what the author has received from God that has to be revealed to the reader (chiefly, Israel in the OT references). And of interest, this God Who is a personal God, is also experienced in many ways in that relationship. Hence, we get compound Names of Yahweh, such Yahweh-Jireh (the God Who will see to it; or provides); Yahweh-Shalom (the God Who gives peace); & many other compound Names.
  • T. Levis - In Reply - 2 years ago
    I have a rule myself to let the HOLY Spirit teach us as we read. 1 John 2:27, John 14:26,

    Sometimes we have to work at "unlearning" what someone tells us the Bible says. GOD's WORD is a "living Word" it teaches, corrects, edifies._.. 2 Timothy 3:16, & gives us wisdom. James 1:5,

    Genesis 34, is the account. Notice : Genesis 34:2, they were Hivite

    Exodus 23:28, Exodus 34:11, Exodus 33:2, Genesis 10:15-19, Joshua 9,



    Hopefully this is all helpful.

    Thank you "GiGi" for pointing out her approximate age through scriptural knowledge. Genesis 30:19-31, Genesis 31:38-41,

    Genesis 33:13-17, it says after they met Esau, they built a house & booths for cattle it doesn't say exactly how long they were there. It appears they may have left when Joseph was about 6 yrs. old because Genesis 31:41, But it was before Joseph was 17, Dinah seems to be older sister, they then pitched a tent._ Genesis 33:18-20 The only accounts of age we're given is Joseph was born & Genesis 30:25, Genesis 37:1-2, yet Joseph went to find his brethren in (Shechem) so was this timing, a historical account putting both situations about the same time? Genesis 37:11-14, because later Israel/Jacob tells Joseph about his mother's death & burial, that happened on Journey Genesis 35:1, Genesis 35:15-20, Genesis 35:27-29, Genesis 48:1-7, Genesis 45:25, Genesis 46:6,
  • T. Levis - In Reply - 2 years ago
    It was most likely because of examples from their fathers. Jacob/Israel even Abraham. May have started with Lamech Genesis 4:19, Genesis 6:2-3, Genesis 1:25, Genesis 25:6, Genesis 31:50,

    Deuteronomy 7:2-4, 1 Kings 11:1-11,
  • Chris - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Sister GiGi. I understand that you wisely don't wish to pursue with this thread, but I offer the following for understanding what is seen in the verses Earl has presented.

    Psalm 82:6, the verse which Jesus quotes to the Jewish leaders, refers to "gods" as 'Elohim'. This is a word that has several meanings, as it applies to both the true God & to other applications of that word. Elohim is a generic word, used for God ( Genesis 1:1); for pagan gods ( Genesis 31:30, Exodus 12:12); for angels ( Psalm 8:5, cf Hebrews 2:7); for men ( Psalm 82:6); for judges ( Exodus 21:6).

    So when we come to John 10:34-36, Jesus is being accused of blasphemy, "thou, being a man, makest thyself God", since Jesus had said to them, "I and my Father are one" & in previous verses. Jesus then goes on to explain that the 'Elohim' of Psalm 82:6, which corresponds to the 'theos' of John 10:34, should actually not be a problem to them as we're all 'gods' in this general meaning of the word, 'Elohim' - we are NOT part of the Deity & NEVER will be, nor of the angelic realm, but certainly of men, rulers & judges (as those so appointed).

    The Lord then continues His discourse with the Jews, questioning them, 'that if He is sanctified & sent by God, doing the Works of God, why shouldn't His claim to be the Son of God bother them?' Since we all come under the general word 'theos', if One coming, does the Works of God & brings the Word of God, should He not be rightfully (& more correctly) be called the Son of God? Is Jesus side-stepping the revelation of His actual position as God in the flesh? I see Jesus answering the Jews according to the charge they were laying against Him, that His claim 'making Himself God', was no different to any other claim to it by others. But if their eyes would one day be opened, they would realize that before them was no generic 'Elohim/Theos', but Theos Himself. They were far from reaching that position of understanding, not even understanding Psalm 82:6 & meaning of Elohim.
  • Chris - In Reply on Genesis 31 - 2 years ago
    In reference to Laban's idols, apparently they were not as rare an occurrence that might be supposed. The word in Hebrew for 'image' in Genesis 31:19 is 'terapim', or 'teraphim'. And there have been evidences of their possession by the 'God-fearing' (see Judges 17:5 (Micah); 1 Samuel 19:13 (Michal); Hosea 3:4 (Israel)). They're often connected with the 'ephod' & 'urim', so one could suppose that in the absence of the urim & ephod (which were used to learn God's Mind & direction to take), that the teraphim were kept by some to do likewise. So the teraphim (also referred to as 'gods' - Genesis 31:30), were probably not used so much for worship, but in some way to look into the future or for impartation of household blessing. Though the use of idols, images, etc. were condemned ( 2 Kings 23:24), images & teraphim apparently were still kept as a 'rabbit's foot' in households.

    Now the fact that Rachel stole her father's teraphim is interesting. Either she wanted to rid them from his house as worthless idols or maybe fearing that they might have some impact on alerting Laban as to where Jacob & his family had fled to, she took them to prevent that happening. Or yet, she may have wanted to take something to remember her father by (no photos in those days) or even to take something of value ( Genesis 31:14,15). By her hiding them (obviously they were very small objects) under the camel's accoutrements, indicates that she held little value to them as objects of worship, or else she wouldn't be sitting on them. But one could be justifiably concerned that Rachel might have given those teraphim some undeserved regard.
  • Chris - In Reply on Genesis 27 - 2 years ago
    I see that they are mutually exclusive. 'Birthright' being the expected rights & privileges that come to someone because of his/her birth; in the Bible seen given to an offspring because he is the firstborn ('a right by birth'). See also 1 Chronicles 5:1,2 for passing on, or conferring that birthright because of the Will of the father.

    'Blessing' being the verbal expression of love, care, appreciation, praises & prayer for the one being blessed. Genesis 24:60; Genesis 31:55; Joshua 14:13; Leviticus 9:22 as some examples.
  • Chris - In Reply on Genesis 12 - 2 years ago
    Hello Wayne. There are various applications for the use of 'Lord' in the Bible. When you see it capitalized (LORD) as in Genesis 2:4, it conveys to us the meaning, that only Almighty God is referred to here. The Jewish use of Jehovah (YHWH, which is the tetragrammaton of Yahweh), signifies that God, the Eternal, Self-Existent One is spoken of. Of course, Jews won't write or speak this Name, lest they do so incorrectly & offend God. So, in English, you may see it written as G_d, or HaShem (= the Name).

    Then you will see the words 'Lord' or 'lord' in the Bible. For 'Lord': the word is 'Adonai', which is also the Name attributed to God & this means, 'master, lord, sovereign'. And sometimes, you can see both of the above together, as in Genesis 15:2: "And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me...", where Lord is not capitalized but God is.

    And 'lord' is also seen, as in Genesis 31:35 from the root, 'adoni', used mainly with mankind. And this word can mean: master, lord, sir, even husband, in an older usage.

    Hope this helps as you see these words being used throughout Scriptures - and yet, other names have been applied to God, especially compound names which describe the Character or Activity of God.
  • T. Levis - In Reply on Genesis 30 - 2 years ago
    I've wondered that too. GOD directs some people to do out of the ordinary things & out of the ordinary things happen when they've done what GOD directed them to do. I think we're thinking too much into it like 'if we tried it will it work' here's some other examples

    Exodus 17:6, Numbers 20:1-11, notice Numbers 20:8 GOD said "speak to the rock" , Numbers 20:12, Numbers 13 & 14,

    Genesis 31:12,
  • Sheila Davis - In Reply - 2 years ago
    That is a question that has been asked for ages. Some feel that the devil knows your thoughts, while most others don't.

    Scripture does not give a definite answer on that subject but scripture does indicate that not only the devil but some angelic beings have access to one's mind _ Acts 5:3 Satan filled the heart of Ananias _ Luke 22:3 Satan entered Judas _ Matthew 1:20 -25 an angel came to Joseph in a dream _ Genesis 31:11 an angel of the Lord spoke to Jacob in a dream. One can argue that to have access to one's mine doesn't mean they can read your thoughts.

    And there are these scriptures

    Job 1:7-12 Satan before God discusses Job and the amount of access he can have to Just.

    Ephesians 6:11-16 discusses to put on the whole armor of God and to *quench* the fiery darts of Satan.

    James 4:7 tells us to *resist* the devil and *he will flee*.

    1st Peter 5:8 tells us Satan is like a roaring lion *seeking* whom he can *devour.*

    Revelation 12:10-12 the devil stands before God day and night accusing man, and woe to the inhabitants of the earth the devil has come down.

    Scripture is clear - Jesus knew one's thoughts even while in a flesh body Matthew 9:4. To Jesus the spirit was given to him without measure John 3:34.

    I believe Satan and certain angels have the ability to read some of someone's thoughts and Satan, being the accuser is allowed to influence those thoughts. I feel Satan and the angelic beings who have access to any thoughts of the minds/hearts of mankind are given a limited measure, unlike God who has full measure. Example what I'm going to eat for breakfast or what type of clothes I'm going to wear any given day isn't something they would need access to or even care about. But the part of the mind our decisions are made against good or for what we know is right, Satan knows our thoughts.
  • Bob Hilt - In Reply on Amos 3:14 - 3 years ago
    Beth means house and el (like Elohim) has a reference to God so Bethel means House of God literally.

    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.

    Amos 3:14 That in the day that I shall visit the transgressions of Israel upon him I will also visit the altars of Bethel: and the horns of the altar shall be cut off, and fall to the ground.

    Bethel did have much apostacy at times.
  • Salvation like no other on Deuteronomy 31 - 4 years ago
    Wow, in every nation there lies an oppressed people, the remnant seed of the Ancient Israelites on whom Genesis 31:29 speaks of now occurring in the 'latter days'. For those of us who are of the ancient seed, and have become the true worshipers of God in spirit and in truth in Jesus Christ our hiding place, these curses have no impact on our lives. Thank you Jesus for being our kinsman Redeemer.
  • Leslie on Genesis 31 - 7 years ago
    Does no one find it odd that in the KJV Bible Genesis 31:37 , the word "stuff" is used twice? Their speech back then was so proper...stuff is slang.
  • Abby on Genesis 1 - 8 years ago
    I love Genesis because it talks about god made the heaven and the earth.God seen every thing that he made and it was good it said in Genesis 31.
  • Joseph on Genesis 35 - 9 years ago
    There is power in our words, especially over those we have authority over. Jacob had spoken out in Genesis 31 32 that whoever stole Laban 's idols should not live and i believe that was manifested in the untimely death of Rachel whom Jacob loved so much and had stolen the idols. Jacob was not at fault for making the spiritual decree. This is a lesson that our words are powerful in the spirit realm and we should constantly say good things over our lives, children, family, the Church and our community. That does not mean we should sugar coat our preaching when we need to rebuke, correct or chasten. God help us to use our mouths wisely all the time in Jesus Name.


Do you have a Bible comment or question?


Please Sign In or Register to post comments...