Genesis 29:1-6

Jacob Arrives in Paddan Aram

1 Then Jacob continued on his journey. He came to the land where the eastern tribes lived.
2 There he saw a well in the field. Three flocks of sheep were lying near it. The flocks were given water from the well. The stone over the opening of the well was large.
3 All of the flocks would gather there. The shepherds would roll the stone away from the well's opening. They would give water to the sheep. Then they would put the stone back in its place over the opening of the well.
4 Jacob asked the shepherds, "My friends, where are you from?" "We're from Haran," they replied.
5 He said to them, "Do you know Nahor's grandson Laban?" "Yes, we know him," they answered.
6 Then Jacob asked them, "How is he?" "He's fine," they said. "Here comes his daughter Rachel with the sheep now."

Genesis 29:1-6 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS 29

This chapter informs us of Jacob's coming to a well near Haran, where meeting with some shepherds he inquires after Laban, Ge 29:1-8; and there also with Rachel his daughter, the shepherds made known to him, and acquainted her who he was, Ge 29:9-12; upon which she ran to her father, and told him who was at the well, who went forth and brought him to his house, and kindly entertained him, Ge 29:13,14; with whom he agreed to stay and serve seven years for Rachel his daughter, Ge 29:15-20; at the end of which Jacob demands his wife, but instead of Rachel, Leah was brought to him as his wife, Ge 29:21-25; which being discovered, and complained of, it was proposed he should have Rachel also, provided he would serve yet seven years more, to which he agreed, Ge 29:26-30; and the chapter is concluded with an account of four sons being born to Jacob of Leah, Ge 29:31-35.

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