Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 1. And he heard the words of Laban's sons] The multiplication of Jacob's cattle, and the decrease and degeneracy of those of Laban, were sufficient to arouse the jealousy of Laban's sons. This, with Laban's unfair treatment, and the direction he received from God, determined him to return to his own country.
Hath he gotten all this glory.] All these riches, this wealth, or property.The original word dbk signifies both to be rich and to be heavy; and perhaps for this simple reason, that riches ever bring with them heavy weight and burden of cares and anxieties.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-21 - The affairs of these families are related very minutely, while (what are called) the great events of states and kingdoms at that period, ar not mentioned. The Bible teaches people the common duties of life, ho to serve God, how to enjoy the blessings he bestows, and to do good in the various stations and duties of life. Selfish men conside themselves robbed of all that goes past them, and covetousness wil even swallow up natural affection. Men's overvaluing worldly wealth in that error which is the root of covetousness, envy, and all evil. The men of the world stand in each other's way, and every one seems to be taking away from the rest; hence discontent, envy, and discord. But there are possessions that will suffice for all; happy they who see them in the first place. In all our removals we should have respect to the command and promise of God. If He be with us, we need not fear. The perils which surround us are so many, that nothing else can reall encourage our hearts. To remember favoured seasons of communion with God, is very refreshing when in difficulties; and we should ofte recollect our vows, that we fail not to fulfil them.
Original Hebrew וישׁמע8085 את853 דברי1697 בני1121 לבן3837 לאמר559 לקח3947 יעקב3290 את853 כל3605 אשׁר834 לאבינו1 ומאשׁר834 לאבינו1 עשׂה6213 את853 כל3605 הכבד3519 הזה׃2088
