Matthew Henry Commentary Genesis 29:9-14

Matthew Henry Commentary

Genesis 29:9-14

1662–1714
Presbyterian
Matthew Henry
Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry Commentary

Genesis 29:9-14

1662–1714
Presbyterian
SCRIPTURE

"While he was yet speaking with them, Rachel came with her father`s sheep. For she kept them. And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother`s brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother`s brother, that Jacob went near, and rolled the stone from the well`s mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother`s brother. And Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice, and wept. And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father`s brother, and that he was Rebekah`s son. And she ran and told her father. 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. And Laban said to him, Surely thou art my bone and my flesh. And he abode with him the space of a month." — Genesis 29:9-14 (ASV)

See Rachel's humility and industry. Nobody needs to be ashamed of honest, useful labour, nor should it hinder anyone's advancement. When Jacob understood that this was his female relative, he was very ready to serve her. Laban, though not the most good-humoured, welcomed him and was satisfied with the account Jacob gave of himself. While we avoid being foolishly ready to believe everything that we are told, we must be careful not to be uncharitably suspicious.