What is the main idea of Genesis 31?

What is the main idea of Genesis 31?

The story turns back toward Canaan, the land God has promised to Abraham’s descendants. As he explains the situation to Rachel and Leah, Jacob emphasizes God’s blessing and the desire to rely on God’s provision instead of remaining dependent on Laban.

Why did Jacob run away from his home to Laban’s house?

Jacob flees in fear of Esau, traveling to the house of his uncle Laban in upper Mesopotamia. En route, Jacob dreams of a stairway leading up to heaven, where angels and God reside. In the dream, God promises Jacob the same covenant he previously made with Abraham and Isaac.

Who was the father in law of Jacob?

Laban was more than 30 years older than Jacob, and employed him for 20 years. Laban promised his younger daughter Rachel to Jacob in return for seven years’ service, only to trick him into marrying his elder daughter Leah instead.

What is a Mizpah benediction?

Mizpah (מִצְפָּה miṣpāh, mitspah) is Hebrew for “watchtower”. As mentioned in the biblical story of Jacob and Laban, making a pile of stones marked an agreement between two people, with God as their watching witness.

What kind of person is Jacob?

According to the Old Testament, Jacob was the younger twin brother of Esau, who was the ancestor of Edom and the Edomites. The two are representatives of two different grades of social order, Jacob being a pastoralist and Esau a nomadic hunter.

How long did Jacob work to marry Rachel?

Tricked by his father-in-law into marrying his true love’s sister, Jacob waited 14 years before he could be with Rachel. When Jacob met Rachel he kissed her and “lifted up his voice, and wept” (Genesis 29:11).

Why did Jacob served 7 years for Rachel?

Jacob had traveled a great distance to find Laban. Rebekah had sent him there to be safe from his angry twin brother, Esau. During Jacob’s stay, he fell in love with Rachel and agreed to work seven years for Laban in return for her hand in marriage.