“Then Jacob went on his journey, and came into the land of the people of the east. went: Heb. lift up his feet people: Heb. children”
That is, he went forth on his journey. Hebrew, to the land of the children of the East .
“And he looked, and behold a well in the field, and, lo, there were three flocks of sheep lying by it; for out of that well they watered the flocks: and a great stone was upon the well's mouth.”
Thus he was directed by the only providence of God, who brought him also to Laban’s house.
“And Jacob said unto them, My brethren, whence be ye? And they said, Of Haran are we.”
It seemeth that in those days the custom was to call even strangers, brethren.
“And he said unto them, Is he well? And they said, He is well: and, behold, Rachel his daughter cometh with the sheep. Is he: Heb. Is there peace to him?”
Or, he is in peace? by the which word the Hebrews signify all prosperity.
“And it came to pass, when Laban heard the tidings of Jacob his sister's son, that he ran to meet him, and embraced him, and kissed him, and brought him to his house. And he told Laban all these things. tidings: Heb. hearing”
That is, the cause why he departed from his father’s house, and what he saw in the way.
“And Laban said to him, Surely thou art my bone and my flesh. And he abode with him the space of a month. the space: Heb. a month of days”
That is, of my blood and kindred.
“And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.”
Meaning, after that the years were accomplished.
“And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him; and he went in unto her.”
The cause why Jacob was deceived was, that in old time the wife was covered with a veil, when she was brought to her husband in sign of chastity and shamefastness.
“And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn. country: Heb. place”
He esteemed more the profit that he had of Jacob’s service, than either his promise of the manner of the country, though he alleged custom for his excuse.
“And when the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren.”
This declareth that oft times they which are despised of men, are favored of God. Hebrew, opened her womb .
“And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me. Reuben: that is, See a son”
Hereby appeareth, that she had recourse to God in her affliction. For children are a great cause of mutual love between man and wife.
“And she conceived again, and bare a son: and she said, Now will I praise the LORD: therefore she called his name Judah; and left bearing. Judah: that is, Praise left: Heb. stood from bearing”
Or, confess. Hebrew, stood from bearing . Cross references: : Matt. 1:2