This verse from Genesis 30:27 shows Laban's desire to keep Jacob working for him. Let's break it down:
"Laban said to him, “If now I have found favor in your eyes, stay here..." This is a polite and seemingly humble opening. Laban is trying to appeal to Jacob's sense of loyalty or obligation. He's essentially saying, "If you like me and value our relationship..."
"...for I have divined that Yahweh has blessed me for your sake.”" This is the key part. "Divined" means that Laban has figured out, through some method of divination (possibly observing patterns or omens), that his recent prosperity is directly linked to Jacob's presence.
"Yahweh" is the personal name of the God of Israel. While Laban wasn't a follower of Yahweh in the same way Jacob was, he acknowledges the power of Jacob's God.
"...blessed me for your sake" This is the crucial point. Laban believes that Jacob's presence is bringing him wealth and good fortune. He sees Jacob as a conduit for God's blessing.
Therefore, the verse means:
Laban is telling Jacob, "If you like me, stay and keep working for me. I've realized that God has been blessing me with wealth and prosperity because you're here. You're the reason for my success, so please don't leave."
In essence, Laban is trying to manipulate Jacob by appealing to Jacob's sense of worth and suggesting that Jacob is responsible for Laban's good fortune. He's using religion and flattery to keep Jacob in his service. It's important to note that Laban had previously cheated Jacob of his wages, so this verse reveals his manipulative and self-serving character.
This verse from Genesis 30:27 shows Laban's desire to keep Jacob working for him. Let's break it down:
"Laban said to him, “If now I have found favor in your eyes, stay here..." This is a polite and seemingly humble opening. Laban is trying to appeal to Jacob's sense of loyalty or obligation. He's essentially saying, "If you like me and value our relationship..."
"...for I have divined that Yahweh has blessed me for your sake.”" This is the key part. "Divined" means that Laban has figured out, through some method of divination (possibly observing patterns or omens), that his recent prosperity is directly linked to Jacob's presence.
"Yahweh" is the personal name of the God of Israel. While Laban wasn't a follower of Yahweh in the same way Jacob was, he acknowledges the power of Jacob's God.
"...blessed me for your sake" This is the crucial point. Laban believes that Jacob's presence is bringing him wealth and good fortune. He sees Jacob as a conduit for God's blessing.
Therefore, the verse means:
Laban is telling Jacob, "If you like me, stay and keep working for me. I've realized that God has been blessing me with wealth and prosperity because you're here. You're the reason for my success, so please don't leave."
In essence, Laban is trying to manipulate Jacob by appealing to Jacob's sense of worth and suggesting that Jacob is responsible for Laban's good fortune. He's using religion and flattery to keep Jacob in his service. It's important to note that Laban had previously cheated Jacob of his wages, so this verse reveals his manipulative and self-serving character.