Bible Commentary

Genesis 31:1-21

Matthew Henry on Genesis 31:1-21

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

The affairs of these families are related very minutely, while (what are called) the great events of states and kingdoms at that period, are not mentioned. The Bible teaches people the common duties of life, how to serve God, how to enjoy the blessings he bestows, and to do good in the various stations and duties of life.

Selfish men consider themselves robbed of all that goes past them, and covetousness will even swallow up natural affection. Men's overvaluing worldly wealth is that error which is the root of covetousness, envy, and all evil.

The men of the world stand in each other's way, and every one seems to be taking away from the rest; hence discontent, envy, and discord. But there are possessions that will suffice for all; happy they who seek them in the first place.

In all our removals we should have respect to the command and promise of God. If He be with us, we need not fear. The perils which surround us are so many, that nothing else can really encourage our hearts.

To remember favoured seasons of communion with God, is very refreshing when in difficulties; and we should often recollect our vows, that we fail not to fulfil them.

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commentaryJacob's Departure. (b. c. 1739.)JACOB'S DEPARTURE. (B. C. 1739.) Jacob is here taking up a resolution immediately to quit his uncle's service, to take what he had and go back to Canaan. This resolution he took up upon a just provocation, by divine dir…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Genesis 31:1-21EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Genesis 31:1-21Jacob's flight from Laban. I. THE HOMEWARD DESIRE. The longing to revisit Canaan, which six years previously Laban's exactions and Joseph's birth (Genesis 30:25) had combined to inspire within the heart of Jacob, return…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Genesis 31:1And he—Jacob had now served twenty years with Laban, and must accordingly have been in his ninety-seventh or seventy-seventh year (vide Genesis 27:1)—heard the words of Laban's sons,—who were not at this time only small…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Genesis 31:2And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, Behold, it (i.e. either Laban or his countenance) was not toward him (literally, with him) as before—literally, as yesterday and the day before. The evident change in Laba…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Genesis 31:3And the Lord—Jehovah; since the entire journey to Padan-aram had been conducted under his special care, vide Genesis 28:15 (Hengstenberg), and not because the first three verses of this chapter have been inserted or mod…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Genesis 31:4And Jacob went—being unwilling to approach the house lest Laban should discover his design (Rosenmüller)—and called Rachel and Leah—Rachel may be placed first as the beloved wife of Jacob (Wordsworth, Lange), scarcely a…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Genesis 31:5And said unto them, I see your father's countenance, that it is not toward me as before (vide supra); but the God of my father—literally, and the Elohim of my father, the term Elohim employed by Jacob not being due to "…Joseph S. Exell and contributors