Genesis 30

The Children of Jacob, Part 2

Understanding the Scriptures

Genesis 30

Envied (v. 1)Was jealous of

Stead (v. 2)Place

Fruit of the womb (v. 2)Children

Bear upon my knees (v. 3)Have children for me as my servant

Prevailed (v. 8)Overcome

Mandrakes (vv. 14–16)See Bible Dictionary, “mandrake” (p. 728)

Hearkened unto (v. 17)Heard

Hire (v. 18)Reward

Endued (v. 20)Blessed

Dowry (v. 20)Present, or reward

Opened her womb (v. 22)Blessed her to have children

Reproach (v. 23)Shame and sadness

Genesis 30:25–43—Jacob Is Prospered

In Genesis 30 we read that Jacob sought to return to the land of his father. He asked Laban if he could take with him the things he had obtained by his work. In a miraculous way, the Lord prospered Jacob so he was able to have much more than Laban was willing to give him.

Studying the Scriptures

Do activity A as you study Genesis 30.

1. The Children of Jacob

   Make a chart of the sons of Jacob that looks like the one below. You will also need to look at Genesis 29:31–35 to complete the chart. Jacob’s last son, Benjamin, was not born until later in Jacob’s life; the story of Benjamin’s birth is in Genesis 35. You may want to leave room on your chart and write him in later. Put the sons in the order they were born according to the scriptures. Your footnotes will be very helpful in completing the chart. You may also want to highlight or underline each son when his name first appears in the verses, and also underline the meaning of his name in the footnotes. If you mark your scriptures this way, you can see each name quickly the next time you read.

   Name of Child	Mother	Meaning of Name	Reason Why Name Was Given
   Reuben	Leah	Look, a son	Leah was pleased that she could have a son for Jacob, even though she felt unloved.
   Simeon
   Levi