Daily Devotions
Genesis
"For He shall stand at the right hand of the poor, To save him from those who condemn him" Psalm 109:31
Text: Genesis 31:1-55
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COVENANT
It is interesting to note the way the parity covenant was established between Laban and Jacob. (How unlike the suzerainty covenant that God established with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob)!
“So Jacob took a stone and set it up as a pillar.
Then Jacob said to his brethren, ‘Gather stones.’
And they took stones and made a heap, and they ate there
on the heap. Laban called it Jegar Sahadutha, but Jacob
called it Galeed.”
GENESIS 31:45
Laban’s word for the heap of stones was Aramaic, which was likely his mother tongue. Jacob used Hebrew to describe the heap of stones. Hebrew was his mother tongue. Both terms mean the same thing, “Witness heap”. The meal they had together was symbolic. It represented harmony and fellowship. Animosity was not desired. Harmonious fellowship was!
STONES AS WITNESS
The family relationship between Laban and Jacob had obviously broken down so badly that the establishment of a covenant was deemed necessary.
“And Laban said, ‘This heap is a witness between you and me
this day.’ Therefore its name was called Galeed,
also Mizpah, because he said, ‘May the Lord watch
between you and me when we are absent one from another.
If you afflict my daughters, or if you take other wives besides
my daughters, although no man is with us – see, God is witness
between you and me!'”
GENESIS 31:48-50
Laban continues to portray himself as an aggrieved father. He expressed concern over the following matters:-
1. Concern that Jacob might afflict his wives
Laban was determined to redeem whatever dignity and pride he had. He was concerned that Jacob might abuse his wives.
2. Concern that Jacob might take other wives
Deep down, Laban was concerned about the possibility of having other wives. Then the fortune that he had might dwindle to much less !
3. God as witness
Laban made no reference to the idols he worshipped. Instead, he made reference to God and appealed to Him to be the Witness in this parity covenant!