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Comments on the book of Genesis

< Genesis 30 >

Having served Laban for fourteen years for his two wives, Jacob was ready to return to the Promised Land, but Laban saw how God had blessed him for Jacob’s sake, and he persuaded Jacob to remain and work for wages. Jacob chose to receive the sheep and goats with patterned coats, apart from fully black and brown sheep. Laban agreed but took out all those which were of Jacob’s choice and had his sons remove them for off reducing, if not eliminating, the likelihood of cattle being born and becoming Jacob’s. However, God intervened on his behalf, according to the covenant they had made, ensuring that cattle were born of Jacob’s choice. Nevertheless, Jacob had to play his part, demonstrating his faith by placing stripped branches before the cattle when they mated. This is not normal biology and people ridicule this record, but it was a miracle by the hand of God. This is a valuable lesson for us - to do what we must in accordance with God’s clear purpose, showing our trust in him and his covenant – demonstrating our faith by our works however ridiculous our actions may appear to others. Jacob then became the possessor of the healthiest cattle and increased greatly in wealth.