of peace (from which Gilead receives its name), and separate with many demonstrations of goodwill (3144-321).
Sources.—1-16 is an almost homogeneous (though perhaps not continuous)
excerpt from E: (
Hebrew characters), 7. 9. 11. 16; (Hebrew characters), 7 (cf. 41 2915); (Hebrew characters), 7 (41);
(Hebrew characters) 13; the revelation by dream, 10f.; the summons and answer, 11
(221. 7. 11); and the explanation of Jacob's wealth 7ff.; cf. also the reference
to 2820-22. 1 and 3 are from a J parallel: (Hebrew characters), 3; (Hebrew characters), 3; the
'sons' of Laban, 1 (cf. 3035).—In 17-54 E still preponderates, though J is
more largely represented than some critics (Di. Kue. KS. Dri. al.) allow.
The detailed analysis is here very intricate, and will be best dealt with
under the several sections.—18 (except the first four words) is the only
extract from P.
1-16. Preparations for flight.—1, 3 (J). The jealousy
of Laban's sons corresponds to the dark looks of Laban himself
in E (v.2); the divine communication is a feature of both
narratives (v.13).—4-13. Jacob vindicates his conduct towards
Laban, and sets forth the reasons for his projected flight.
The motive of the speech is not purely literary, affording
the writer an opportunity to express his belief in Jacob's
righteousness (Gu.); it is first of all an appeal to the wives
to accompany him: comp. the question to Rebekah in 2458.—6.
Ye yourselves know, etc.] Cf. 30{{sup|26. 29). But to repeat the
protestation after the work of the last six years implies
great hardihood on Jacob's part; and rather suggests that
the passage belongs to a stratum of E which said nothing
about his tricks with the flock.—7. changed my wages ten times] Perhaps a round number, not to be taken literally.—8.
A sample of Laban's tergiversations, and their frustration
by God's providence.—9. And so God has taken away, etc.]
The hand of God has been so manifest that Laban's displeasure
is altogether unreasonable.—10-12. Jacob receives
through a dream the explanation of the singular good fortune
that has attended him.
In the text vv.10-12 form part of the same revelation as that in which
Jacob is commanded to depart (13). But, as We. (Comp.2 39) asks, "How
2. (Hebrew characters)] [E] (Hebrew characters) (so v.5).—6. (Hebrew characters)] only here and thrice in Ezk. (cf. G-K.
§ 32 i).—7. (Hebrew characters)] [E] (Hebrew characters).—(Hebrew characters)] G ('nescio qua opinione ducti'
[Jer.]) (Greek characters) (so 41—probably a transliteration, afterwards
made into a Gr. word). (Hebrew characters) (41†) from [root] (Hebrew characters), 'count,' for the usual
(Hebrew characters).—(Hebrew characters)] [E] (Hebrew characters) (so 9. 16a).—9. (Hebrew characters)] G (Hebrew characters).—(Hebrew characters)] for (Hebrew characters) ([E]);
