Verse 1

CONTENTS

The further relation of the events in Jacob's history, is contained in this Chapter. Of the increase of his family, his children; of the increase of his wealth and riches: until after fourteen years in the service of Laban, his father-in-law, he proposeth to return to his father Isaac; but is detained by Laban, who agreeth to certain conditions which, Jacob had offered for his further labours in Laban's service; Jacob adopts a singular method for the increase of his flock, and succeedeth.

Verses 1-3

Psalms 127:3; 1 Samuel 1:6.

Sad perversion of the original appointment of God! Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5. " Be built up by her." Hebrews

Verse 2

See Job's conduct. Job 2:10.

Verse 6

Dan means judging, or a judge.

Verse 8

Great wrestlings. Hebrews wrestlings of God. Naphtali signifies my wrestlings.

Verse 11

Gad means a troop.

Verse 13

Asher signifies happy, blessed.

Verse 14

Mandrakes, dudaim in the original; probably a rare kind of fruit, supposed to possess prolific virtues.

Verse 15

It is proper to observe, that this earnestness for children, arose from the hope that the Messiah, the promised seed, might be of the number. And it is the same idea which operates in the present day among the Jews, who rejoice in the birth of a son, but are much disappointed in the birth of a daughter.

Verse 18

*Issachar means hire.

Verse 20

Zebulun is dwelling.

Verse 21

Dinah means judgment.

Verse 22

Observe Rachel's fretfulness, is by divine grace changed into prayer; for it is said that the Lord hearkened to her. 1 Samuel 1:27.

Verse 23

Sweet thought suggested in this verse, to the gracious soul! Our everlasting home calls for our regard and our best affections. Here we are at the best but strangers and sojourners. Micah 2:10.

Verse 24

Joseph signifies adding.

Verse 27

2 Samuel 6:11-12.

Verse 37

Compare with, Genesis 31:9-12.

Verse 43

Psalms 37:37.

REFLECTIONS

It would be a far happier world than experience proves it now is, if that charming observation of the psalmist were more generally adopted, when he saith, Lo! Children are an heritage of the Lord, and the fruit of the womb is his reward. There is a blessedness pronounced upon the quiver that is full of them. And when a gracious parent beholds a rising generation of gracious children, to call the Lord blessed, when he is gathered to his fathers; the imagination can hardly form an idea of a subject more highly calculated to call forth thankfulness unto God. It is pleasing in the reflection to the upright in heart and mind, when like Jacob, in their dealings between man and man, they have the favor of the divine approbation. But what a double sweetness rests upon the possessions of the just, when every blessing is found to lead the soul to God, instead of drawing the heart from God. Lord, I would pray, that all thy mercies may be thus sanctified, and not one of them received but with thanksgiving and prayer; that coming from thy bounty, they may lead to thy praise, and all be doubly enjoyed in Jesus.