Genesis 31:53 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.” So Jacob swore by the Fear of his father Isaac,

NIV: May the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.' So Jacob took an oath in the name of the Fear of his father Isaac.

NASB: The God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.' So Jacob swore by the fear of his father Isaac.

CSB: The God of Abraham, and the gods of Nahor--the gods of their father--will judge between us." And Jacob swore by the Fear of his father Isaac.

NLT: I call on the God of our ancestors — the God of your grandfather Abraham and the God of my grandfather Nahor — to serve as a judge between us.' So Jacob took an oath before the fearsome God of his father, Isaac, to respect the boundary line.

KJV: The God of Abraham, and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge betwixt us. And Jacob sware by the fear of his father Isaac.

NKJV: The God of Abraham, the God of Nahor, and the God of their father judge between us.” And Jacob swore by the Fear of his father Isaac.

Laban has stipulated the meaning of the heap of stones and the pillar erected where they stood in the hill country of Gilead. These will mark a boundary between himself and Jacob, and their respective peoples. According to this agreement, neither party will cross that boundary with intent to harm the other. Laban has also insisted that Jacob will be accountable to God not to oppress Rachel and Leah and not to marry any other wives. Coming from any other man, this would be a sensible and caring remark. However, Laban tricked Jacob into marrying one of his daughters, took advantage of him in order to marry off the other (Genesis 29:20–28), and repeatedly cheated his own daughters' family for personal gain (Genesis 31:14–16). These pious remarks, on Laban's part, seem more like an attempt to save face, and to deny the truth, than sincere requests.

Laban's choice of oaths to uphold his end of the covenant is interesting. He is a polytheist, including the use of household idols as part of his religion (Genesis 31:19; 31:30–35). Still, Laban has acknowledged the power of the God of Abraham (Genesis 30:27). In fact, God has acknowledged Laban, as well, visiting him in a dream (Genesis 31:24). Laban also worships "the God (or gods) of Nahor." He swears by both of them. Jacob, however, swears only by God, using the title "Fear of Isaac." This name for God is used only twice in the Bible, both times in this chapter. It is used in connection with Laban and God's direct intervention to keep Laban from harming Jacob.

Genesis 31:43–55 describes the final agreement reached between Jacob and Laban. Laban declares that he will not claim his right to Jacob's wives and children and property. Instead, he and Jacob agree to make a covenant of separation and peace. They build a heap of stones, swear oaths, conduct a sacrifice, and eat a meal together. Finally, Laban kisses his daughters and grandchildren goodbye and rides back to his home. Jacob and his family turn to face the Promised Land.

Genesis 31 describes Jacob's difficult separation from Laban, his father-in-law, as well as his boss for twenty years. During that time, Jacob was routinely mistreated and cheated by his master. Commanded by God to return to the land of Canaan, Jacob packs up his wives, children, and all of his possessions and leaves without telling Laban. Laban soon catches up with the large company. Laban and Jacob confront each other bitterly. Eventually, though, they make a covenant of separation and peace.

Genesis 30 described the dramatic expansion of Jacob's family and property. Now, after twenty years of working for Laban, the time comes for Jacob to return to his own people. He attempts to sneak away without telling Laban, but Laban soon catches up with him. After bitter confrontations, father and son-in-law make a covenant of separation and peace. Jacob is finally free to begin the next chapter of his life in the Promised Land. First, though, he will need to deal with his brother Esau, whose rage was the main reason Jacob fled in the first place. That encounter is described over the following two chapters.

The book of Genesis establishes fundamental truths about God. Among these are His role as the Creator, His holiness, His hatred of sin, His love for mankind, and His willingness to provide for our redemption. We learn not only where mankind has come from, but why the world is in its present form. The book also presents the establishment of Israel, God's chosen people. Many of the principles given in other parts of Scripture depend on the basic ideas presented here in the book of Genesis. Within the framework of the Bible, Genesis explains the bare-bones history of the universe leading up to the captivity of Israel in Egypt, setting the stage for the book of Exodus.