This verse from Genesis 27:43 is part of the story of Jacob deceiving his father Isaac to receive the blessing that was intended for his older brother Esau. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"Now therefore, my son...": This indicates that Rebekah (Jacob's mother) is about to give Jacob important instructions based on the situation that has just unfolded.
"...obey my voice...": Rebekah is asserting her authority and urging Jacob to follow her plan without question. She is concerned about his safety and well-being.
"...Arise, flee to Laban, my brother, in Haran.": This is the core instruction. Rebekah is telling Jacob to:
Arise: To get up and leave immediately, indicating urgency.
Flee: To run away quickly, implying danger. Jacob needs to escape.
To Laban, my brother: Go to Rebekah's brother, Laban. This suggests that Laban will offer Jacob refuge and protection.
In Haran: The location of Laban's residence. Haran was a city in Mesopotamia, a long distance away from where Jacob was.
Contextual Meaning:
Rebekah is telling Jacob to flee to her brother Laban in Haran because:
Esau's Anger: Esau is furious at Jacob for stealing his blessing and has vowed to kill him after their father Isaac dies (Genesis 27:41). Rebekah knows this and is trying to save Jacob's life.
A Reason for Departure: Rebekah uses the excuse that she wants Jacob to find a wife among her relatives in Haran (rather than marrying a Canaanite woman, which displeased Isaac and Rebekah). This gives Isaac a seemingly valid reason for Jacob to leave and bless him on his way (Genesis 28:1-5). She doesn't tell Isaac the full truth about Esau's intent.
Safety: Laban, as Rebekah's brother, would presumably offer Jacob hospitality and protection from Esau's wrath. It also allows time for Esau's anger to cool down.
In summary, this verse is a pivotal moment in the Genesis narrative. It marks the beginning of Jacob's exile from his home and his journey to Haran, where he will encounter Laban, marry, and eventually have his own family, fulfilling the blessing that was given to him (albeit through deception). It's a complex web of family dynamics, deceit, and divine intervention.
This verse from Genesis 27:43 is part of the story of Jacob deceiving his father Isaac to receive the blessing that was intended for his older brother Esau. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"Now therefore, my son...": This indicates that Rebekah (Jacob's mother) is about to give Jacob important instructions based on the situation that has just unfolded.
"...obey my voice...": Rebekah is asserting her authority and urging Jacob to follow her plan without question. She is concerned about his safety and well-being.
"...Arise, flee to Laban, my brother, in Haran.": This is the core instruction. Rebekah is telling Jacob to:
Arise: To get up and leave immediately, indicating urgency.
Flee: To run away quickly, implying danger. Jacob needs to escape.
To Laban, my brother: Go to Rebekah's brother, Laban. This suggests that Laban will offer Jacob refuge and protection.
In Haran: The location of Laban's residence. Haran was a city in Mesopotamia, a long distance away from where Jacob was.
Contextual Meaning:
Rebekah is telling Jacob to flee to her brother Laban in Haran because:
Esau's Anger: Esau is furious at Jacob for stealing his blessing and has vowed to kill him after their father Isaac dies (Genesis 27:41). Rebekah knows this and is trying to save Jacob's life.
A Reason for Departure: Rebekah uses the excuse that she wants Jacob to find a wife among her relatives in Haran (rather than marrying a Canaanite woman, which displeased Isaac and Rebekah). This gives Isaac a seemingly valid reason for Jacob to leave and bless him on his way (Genesis 28:1-5). She doesn't tell Isaac the full truth about Esau's intent.
Safety: Laban, as Rebekah's brother, would presumably offer Jacob hospitality and protection from Esau's wrath. It also allows time for Esau's anger to cool down.
In summary, this verse is a pivotal moment in the Genesis narrative. It marks the beginning of Jacob's exile from his home and his journey to Haran, where he will encounter Laban, marry, and eventually have his own family, fulfilling the blessing that was given to him (albeit through deception). It's a complex web of family dynamics, deceit, and divine intervention.