ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Genesis 31

Gen. 31:4–13 But the God of my father has been with me (v. 5). While Laban has taken advantage of Jacob, God has consistently worked against Laban’s schemes. God of Bethel (v. 13). At Bethel, God had promised to be with Jacob (28:15). Some 20 years later, Jacob acknowledges God’s faithfulness.

Gen. 31:14–16 In their response, Rachel and Leah also contrast their father’s actions with God’s (see note on vv. 4–13). While Laban has tried to take what is theirs (vv. 14–15), God has provided for them and their children (v. 16).

Gen. 31:19–55 Fearful that Laban will prevent him from leaving Paddan-aram, Jacob escapes when his father-in-law is away shearing sheep. When Laban discovers what has happened, he pursues Jacob, catching up with him in Gilead. They eventually make a treaty that guarantees protection to both parties.

Gen. 31:19 Rachel stole her father’s household gods. Little is known about the nature of these objects. The term is often translated as “images/idols.” They may have been small figurines depicting particular gods. The narrator does not explain why Rachel took them.

Gen. 31:20 Jacob tricked Laban. Although Jacob takes only what rightly belongs to him, Laban later accuses him of having stolen everything that is now in Jacob’s possession (v. 43).

Gen. 31:21 hill country of Gilead. The region lies east of the Jordan River, several hundred miles south of Paddan-aram.

Gen. 31:22–24 Laban catches up with Jacob about 10 days after his initial departure. Jacob, with his family and livestock, has reached Gilead.

Gen. 31:26–30 the God of your father. Although Laban acknowledges that God has spoken to him (see v. 24), he refuses to acknowledge God as his own; he is the God of Isaac. To underline this point, Laban asks Jacob, why did you steal my gods?

Gen. 31:26 Rachel and Leah had willingly agreed to go with Jacob (v. 16), despite what Laban says.

Gen. 31:35 Rachel tries to prevent Laban from finding his household gods by telling him that the way of women is upon her (that is, she is menstruating).

Gen. 31:42 the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac. The term “Fear” is clearly a substitute for “God.” Possibly, since Isaac treated God with reverential fear, God could be called the “One Feared” or the “Fear” of Isaac. Another possibility is the idea that Isaac’s God caused fear in others (see, e.g., the reaction of Abimelech in 26:10–11, 28–29).

Gen. 31:43–44 In spite of Jacob’s observations, Laban claims ownership of everything that Jacob has taken. Then, possibly to save face, Laban invites Jacob to make a covenant or treaty with him on the pretext of protecting his daughters and grandchildren (see v. 50).

Gen. 31:45–46 The creation of two “witnesses” may have been intended to emphasize the seriousness of the oath. More likely, the two witnesses reflect in some way the deities Jacob and Laban worship. Jacob’s single stone (monotheism) contrasts with the heap of stones set up by Laban and his relatives (polytheism).

Gen. 31:47–49 Mizpah, meaning “watchtower,” became the name of a settlement north of the Jabbok River. It was the hometown of Jephthah (Judg. 11:11). Mizpah was also the name of an important city on the boundary between Israel and Judah, 8 miles (13 km) northwest of Jerusalem (Judges 20).