And Isaac sent away Jacob: and he went to Padan-aram unto Laban, son of Bethuel the Syrian, the brother of Rebekah, Jacob’s and Esau’s mother.
5. and he went to Paddan-aram unto Laban ] In this short sentence the narrative of P disposes of the journey of Jacob, which is described in much greater detail in the parallel narratives from J and E, preserved in Gen 28:10-22 and chap. 29.
the Syrian ] Heb. Aramean. Cf. Gen 25:20; Deu 26:5.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Verse 5. Bethuel the Syrian] Literally the Aramean, so called, not because he was of the race of Aram the son of Shem, but because he dwelt in that country which had been formerly possessed by the descendants of Aram.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Bethuel the Syrian.
Object. He was no Syrian, but a Mesopotamian.
Answ. Syria is sometimes largely taken, and so it comprehends Mesopotamia, or Chaldea, yea, and Assyria, as appears from Isa 36:11; Dan 2:4.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
And Isaac sent away Jacob,…. From Beersheba; not in anger, or in a dishonourable way, but took his leave of him no doubt in an affectionate manner; as it is clear he went with his blessing, and had his good wishes for a prosperous journey:
and he went to Padanaram; which from Beersheba, according to some h, was four hundred and eighty miles:
unto Laban, son of Bethuel the Syrian; some versions make Laban to be the Syrian, others Bethuel; it is a matter of no great moment which is here so called, since they were both called Syrians, see Ge 25:20:
the brother of Rebekah; this refers to Laban, for Bethuel was her father:
Jacob’s and Esau’s mother; Jacob is set first, not only as being most beloved by his mother, but as now having the birthright and the blessing.
h Bunting’s Travels, p. 72.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
(5) Jacobs and Esaus mother.This insertion of particulars already well known is in exact accordance with the Oriental manner of writing, which, moreover, is very careful in impressing all matters of family relation on the mind. (Comp. Gen. 25:12.) It is worthy of notice that as Jacob has now been confirmed in the possession of the birthright by the father as well as by the mother, his name is placed first.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
Gen 28:5. Isaac sent away Jacob, &c. It has been generally supposed, though without any warrant from the text, that Isaac sent away this son, the heir of the promise, to walk quite alone all this long journey into Syria. I cannot conceive, that even in those times, simple as they were, such a step would have been taken: and I apprehend, that the reason which is given for this proceeding in Isaac and Rebekah rather proves the contrary: they sent him away privately, it is supposed, through fear of Esau. Now it is evident that Esau knew perfectly well the whole scheme, (see Gen 28:6.) and consequently could not have had a fairer opportunity to kill his brother, than in this solitary and unattended journey, as it has been thought. It is therefore much more reasonable to believe, that he was accompanied with presents, and with proper servants, sufficient to defend him from any attacks: nor can one hardly conceive that Abraham would send his servants with camels, &c. and Isaac dismiss his son, the heir of the promise, with his staff only in his hand. Add to this, that from Gen 28:18 it appears he had oil with him, more than sufficient for his own use, as he employed it to other purposes. And as a further confirmation of this opinion, I would observe, that he must have had provisions with him for his journey, as there were no inns or public places of reception; and it is not to be imagined that he was able, (circumstanced as he must have been,) or, if he had been able, that it was proper for him to have travelled alone. These reasons will serve, the more they are weighed, to confute the popular opinion.
REFLECTIONS.Rebekah’s advice, we find, prevailed on Isaac; and, now Jacob is sent away into a distant land, expecting a lingering exile. Note; Those who are God’s people must expect the cross with the crown, the suffering with the blessing. Observe,
1. The charge given him, whither he should go, and for what purpose. Note; (1.) It is comfortable to have a godly friend’s house, where we can find an asylum. (2.) It is our duty not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers.
2. The blessing bestowed on him. Isaac was now convinced it was God’s will that the blessing should be Jacob’s, and therefore confirms the promise. Fruitfulness and numbers should enlarge his house, and Abraham’s emphatical blessing, the Messiah, spring from him. Though now a distant exile, the possession of Canaan is his own, and Esau’s abode shall not affect his title. Note; Faith can trust more securely on the promise than any other tenure.
3. Jacob sets off without delay, unknowing when he shall return. Behold how God trains him up for greatness by humiliation, and teaches him to govern by his servitude: we find no murmuring at his lot. Note; If they who are reduced to the lowest ebb have the promise of God with them, they have enough to enrich and comfort them.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
How different was the departure of Jacob to form an alliance, from the plan adopted by Abraham for Isaac. Gen 24 .
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Gen 28:5 And Isaac sent away Jacob: and he went to Padanaram unto Laban, son of Bethuel the Syrian, the brother of Rebekah, Jacob’s and Esau’s mother.
Ver. 5. Isaac sent away Jacob. ] With his staff only, Gen 32:10 and to “serve for a wife”. Hos 12:12 It was otherwise, when a wife was provided for Isaac. But Jacob went as privately as he could; “he fled into Syria,” probably, that his brother Esau might not know of his journey, and wait him a shrewd turn by the way. Theodoret saith, it was that the divine providence might be the better declared toward him, no better attended or accommodated.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
sent away Jacob: Whoever observes Jacob’s life, after he had surreptitiously obtained his father’s blessing, will perceive that he enjoyed very little worldly felicity. His brother purposed to murder him, to avoid which he was forced to flee from his father’s house; his uncle Laban deceived him, as he had deceived his father, and treated him with great rigour; after a servitude of 21 years, he was obliged to leave him in a clandestine manner, not without danger of being brought back, or murdered by his enraged brother; no sooner were these fears over, than he experienced the baseness of his son Reuben, in defiling his bed; he had next to bewail the treachery and cruelty of Simeon and Levi toward the Shechemites; then he had to feel the loss of his beloved wife; he was next imposed upon by his own sons, and had to lament the supposed untimely end of Joseph; and to complete all, he was forced by famine to go into Egypt, and there died, in a strange land. So just, wonderful, and instructive are all the ways of Providence!
Padanaram: Gen 28:2
Reciprocal: Gen 22:23 – Bethuel Gen 24:54 – Send me Gen 25:20 – the Syrian Gen 29:1 – came Gen 31:24 – the Syrian Gen 35:27 – Jacob Deu 26:5 – A Syrian Eze 27:16 – Syria