Genesis 28:5 - Isaac sent Jacob away. He went to Paddan Aram to Laban, son of Bethuel the Syrian, Rebekah’s brother, Jacob’s and Esau’s mother.
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What does "Genesis 28:5" mean?
This verse from Genesis 28:5 summarizes a pivotal moment in the story of Jacob and Esau, and establishes some key family connections. Let's break it down:
"Isaac sent Jacob away.": This means Isaac, under specific circumstances (detailed in the preceding verses), decided that Jacob should leave home. The reason is that Jacob, with his mother's help, had tricked his blind father into giving him the blessing meant for Esau. Esau was furious and vowed to kill Jacob after their father died. Rebekah, knowing Esau's intentions, convinced Isaac to send Jacob away under the guise of finding a wife from their relatives, thus saving him from Esau's wrath.
"He went to Paddan Aram": Paddan Aram was a region in Mesopotamia (modern-day Syria/Iraq). It was the homeland of Rebekah's family, meaning it was a place where Jacob would find relatives. It was also considered a good place to find a wife, as Isaac and Rebekah wanted Jacob to marry someone who worshiped their God, not a Canaanite woman.
"to Laban, son of Bethuel the Syrian": This identifies the specific relative Jacob is going to visit: Laban. Laban is further identified as the son of Bethuel, and that they are "Syrian" (or, more accurately, "Aramaean," as this area was occupied by the Aramean people). This clarifies Jacob's family ties in Paddan Aram.
"Rebekah’s brother, Jacob’s and Esau’s mother.": This reiterates the family connection between Laban and the rest of the characters in the story. It emphasizes that Laban is Rebekah's brother, thus Jacob's uncle. And that Rebekah is Jacob and Esau's mother. This reinforces the significance of Jacob's journey to this particular family member and sets the stage for the events that will unfold during Jacob's time with Laban.
In summary, this verse signifies:
Jacob's exile/flight: Jacob is leaving home to escape Esau's anger.
A strategic move: Jacob's departure is also part of a plan to find a wife from within his family's culture and faith, fulfilling Isaac's blessing.
Family connections: The verse emphasizes the relationship between Jacob, his parents, and Laban, highlighting the importance of family ties in this narrative. It sets up the events that will happen in the following chapters where Jacob will live with Laban, marry his daughters Leah and Rachel, and father a large family.
Genesis 28:5 - Isaac sent Jacob away. He went to Paddan Aram to Laban, son of Bethuel the Syrian, Rebekah’s brother, Jacob’s and Esau’s mother.
What does "Genesis 28:5" mean?
This verse from Genesis 28:5 summarizes a pivotal moment in the story of Jacob and Esau, and establishes some key family connections. Let's break it down:
"Isaac sent Jacob away.": This means Isaac, under specific circumstances (detailed in the preceding verses), decided that Jacob should leave home. The reason is that Jacob, with his mother's help, had tricked his blind father into giving him the blessing meant for Esau. Esau was furious and vowed to kill Jacob after their father died. Rebekah, knowing Esau's intentions, convinced Isaac to send Jacob away under the guise of finding a wife from their relatives, thus saving him from Esau's wrath.
"He went to Paddan Aram": Paddan Aram was a region in Mesopotamia (modern-day Syria/Iraq). It was the homeland of Rebekah's family, meaning it was a place where Jacob would find relatives. It was also considered a good place to find a wife, as Isaac and Rebekah wanted Jacob to marry someone who worshiped their God, not a Canaanite woman.
"to Laban, son of Bethuel the Syrian": This identifies the specific relative Jacob is going to visit: Laban. Laban is further identified as the son of Bethuel, and that they are "Syrian" (or, more accurately, "Aramaean," as this area was occupied by the Aramean people). This clarifies Jacob's family ties in Paddan Aram.
"Rebekah’s brother, Jacob’s and Esau’s mother.": This reiterates the family connection between Laban and the rest of the characters in the story. It emphasizes that Laban is Rebekah's brother, thus Jacob's uncle. And that Rebekah is Jacob and Esau's mother. This reinforces the significance of Jacob's journey to this particular family member and sets the stage for the events that will unfold during Jacob's time with Laban.
In summary, this verse signifies:
Jacob's exile/flight: Jacob is leaving home to escape Esau's anger.
A strategic move: Jacob's departure is also part of a plan to find a wife from within his family's culture and faith, fulfilling Isaac's blessing.
Family connections: The verse emphasizes the relationship between Jacob, his parents, and Laban, highlighting the importance of family ties in this narrative. It sets up the events that will happen in the following chapters where Jacob will live with Laban, marry his daughters Leah and Rachel, and father a large family.