Definition: And he commanded them, saying, Thus shall ye speak unto my lord Esau; Thy servant Jacob saith thus, I have sojourned with Laban, and stayed there until now:
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Genesis 32:4. It’s a really interesting story about Jacob and his dreams! Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Jacob is Dreaming: In ancient times, Jacob was having a really intense dream. He dreamed he was a captive, and a man named Laban (who was his uncle) was holding him captive. He Requests a Command: Within this dream, Jacob says to the Lord Esau (a relative of Isaac), “I want you to tell me what I must do.” Basically, he’s asking for instructions about how to behave. Esau's Instructions: Esau, who is portrayed as being a bit grumpy and stubborn, gives Jacob specific instructions: "You shall say this: 'I have sojourned with Laban, and stayed there until now.'" What Does It Mean? This verse is a key part of the story of Jacob’s dream. It's about a very unusual interaction between Jacob and his uncle Laban. Here’s what it suggests: Jacob’s Dream as a Message: The dream wasn't just random; it was a message from God, telling Jacob something important. Laban's Role: Laban is the key figure here – he’s the one who allowed Jacob to stay with him for a while. It suggests Laban might be significant in the story, perhaps even involved in a larger conflict or situation. In Essence: This verse establishes a foundational moment of communication and instruction within the narrative of the Genesis story about Jacob's dream. It lays the groundwork for further events that follow! --- Do you want me to: Explain why this passage is significant? Give you more context about the story of Jacob and Laban?