Genesis 29:1 - Meaning and Application

The stages of Israel’s journey to Canaan are carefully recorded, but no full travel diary is kept for Jacob after Bethel. He did not often have such a blessed night as he had there, with such a vision of the Almighty. That was a feast for one special time, not something he was meant to expect every day.

Yet we are told how cheerfully Jacob went on after the sweet fellowship he had with God at Bethel. The margin reads, “Jacob lifted up his feet” (Genesis 29:1), which shows that he went forward with energy and gladness. He was not weighed down by worry or held back by fear, because he was sure of God’s gracious presence with him. After the visions we have seen of God, and after the vows we have made to him in worship, we should run in the path of his commands with open and eager hearts (Hebrews 12:1).

We also see how well he reached the end of his journey. God’s providence, his wise and caring rule, brought him to the very field where his uncle’s flocks were being watered, and there he met Rachel, who would become his wife. We should notice God’s hand in all the small details that make a journey, or any task, comfortable and successful. If, when we are unsure, we meet someone who can guide us, or if trouble comes and help is ready, we should not call it chance or luck, but Providence, and say that God has shown us favor.

The care of the shepherds for their sheep is also worth noticing here. Those who have flocks should watch them closely and know their condition well (Proverbs 27:23). The repeated mention of the stone at the mouth of the well likely shows that it was there to protect the well, since water was scarce, and it was not a public supply for everyone. It may also have kept the well from being damaged by the sun or by harmful hands, and from lambs falling in and drowning. This careful tending of sheep points us to the greater care of the Lord Jesus, the good Shepherd, who knows his sheep and is known by them (John 10:14).

We also learn that separate interests should not keep people from helping one another. When all the shepherds came together with their flocks, they watered them together, like friendly neighbors at a common task. It also becomes us to speak politely and respectfully to strangers. Jacob was a plain man, not used to fine manners, yet he greeted the men kindly and called them brothers (Genesis 29:4). The law of kindness in the tongue has great power (Proverbs 31:26).

Some think he called them brothers because they shared the same work, since they were shepherds like him. Even though he was now on the way to better things, he was not ashamed of his trade. And when Jacob showed respect, he usually received respect in return. When he suggested a better way to finish their work (Genesis 29:7), they did not brush him aside, though he was a stranger. Instead, they explained why they were waiting (Genesis 29:8). Friendly people usually get friendly treatment.