Understanding the Scriptures
Genesis 30
| Envied (v. 1) | Was jealous of | |
| Stead (v. 2) | Place | |
| Fruit of the womb (v. 2) | Children | |
| Bear upon my knees (v. 3) | Have children for me as my servant | |
| Prevailed (v. 8) | Overcome | |
| Mandrakes (vv. 14–16) | See Bible Dictionary, “mandrake” (p. 728) | |
| Hearkened unto (v. 17) | Heard | |
| Hire (v. 18) | Reward | |
| Endued (v. 20) | Blessed | |
| Dowry (v. 20) | Present, or reward | |
| Opened her womb (v. 22) | Blessed her to have children | |
| Reproach (v. 23) | Shame and sadness |
Genesis 30:25–43—Jacob Is Prospered
In Genesis 30 we read that Jacob sought to return to the land of his father. He asked Laban if he could take with him the things he had obtained by his work. In a miraculous way, the Lord prospered Jacob so he was able to have much more than Laban was willing to give him.
Studying the Scriptures
Do activity A as you study Genesis 30.
The Children of Jacob
Make a chart of the sons of Jacob that looks like the one below. You will also need to look at Genesis 29:31–35 to complete the chart. Jacob’s last son, Benjamin, was not born until later in Jacob’s life; the story of Benjamin’s birth is in Genesis 35. You may want to leave room on your chart and write him in later. Put the sons in the order they were born according to the scriptures. Your footnotes will be very helpful in completing the chart. You may also want to highlight or underline each son when his name first appears in the verses, and also underline the meaning of his name in the footnotes. If you mark your scriptures this way, you can see each name quickly the next time you read.
|
Name of Child |
Mother |
Meaning of Name |
Reason Why Name Was Given |
|
Reuben |
Leah |
Look, a son |
Leah was pleased that she could have a son for Jacob, even though she felt unloved. |
|
Simeon |
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Levi |
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