Verses 16–19
God manifested himself and his favour, to Jacob, when he was asleep. The Spirit, like the wind,
blows when and where it listeth, and God's grace, like the dew, tarrieth not for the sons of men.
Jacob sought to improve the visit God had made him. Wherever we are, in the city or in the desert,
in the house or in the field, in the shop or in the street, we may keep up our intercourse with Heaven,
if it is not our own fault. But the more we see of God, the more cause we see for holy trembling
before him.
Verses 20–22
Jacob made a solemn vow on this occasion. In this observe, 1. Jacob's faith. He trusts that God
will be with him, and will keep him; he depends upon it. 2. Jacob's moderation in his desires. He
asks not for soft clothing and dainty meat. If God give us much, we are bound to be thankful, and
to use it for him; if he gives us but little, we are bound to be content, and cheerfully to enjoy him
in it. 3. Jacob's piety, and his regard to God, appear in what he desired, that God would be with
him, and keep him. We need desire no more to make us easy and happy. Also his resolution is, to
cleave to the Lord, as his God in covenant. When we receive more than common mercy from God,
we should abound in gratitude to him. The tenth is a fit proportion to be devoted to God, and
employed for him; though it may be more or less, as God prospers us, 1Co 16:2. Let us then
remember our Bethels, how we stand engaged by solemn vows to yield ourselves to the Lord, to
take him for our God, and to devote all we have and are to his glory!
Chapter 29
Chapter Outline
Jacob comes to the well of Haran. (1–8)
His interview with Rachel, Laban entertains (9–14)
him.
Jacob's covenant for Rachel, Laban's deceit. (15–30)
Leah's sons. (31–35)Verses 1–8
Jacob proceeded cheerfully in his journey, after the sweet communion he had with God at
Beth-el. Providence brought him to the field where his uncle's flocks were to be watered. What is
said of the care of the shepherds for their sheep, may remind us of the tender concern which our
Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, has for his flock the church; for he is the good Shepherd,
that knows his sheep, and is known of them. The stone at the well's mouth was to secure it; water