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Daily Devotions

Genesis

Genesis 
Day 
Day 211

"Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy, That we may rejoice and be glad all our days!" Psalm 90:14

Text: Genesis 29:1-35

INITIAL EVIDENCE OF GOD’S BLESSING

After offering worship to God, Jacob began his journey eastward. Soon he came across shepherds with whom he struck up a conversation.

“So Jacob went on his journey and came to the land of
the people of the East.”

GENESIS 29:1

Jacob had been preserved! God had protected him from all harm and danger till he reached his destination. Had not the Lord promised that He would protect him all the way – wherever he would go?


THE LAND OF THE PEOPLE OF THE EAST

The phrase “the land of the people of the East” is a general reference to the region east of the Jordan. A number of ethnic groups have been described as people of the East.

1. The Children of Keturah Genesis 25:4

2. The Midianites Judges 6:3

3. The Ishmaelites were also described as people of the East Judges 8:10

4. Job was described as “the greatest of all the people of the East” Job 1:3

We have this comment from a leading Bible Encyclopedia.

“It is evident that that the references are to the Syrian desert and
in a general way to Arabia, especially its northern part, and to
peoples like the Bedouin who kept camels and dwelt in tents.”

(ISBE , Volume 2, page 5)


A WELCOME SIGHT

Jacob came across a most welcome sight – A Well! Only those who travel in regions where water is as precious as gold, would appreciate the sight of a well.

“And he looked, and saw a well in the field;
and behold, there were three flocks of sheep lying by it;
for out of that well they watered the flocks. A large stone
was on the well’s mouth. Now all the flocks would be
gathered there; and they would roll the stone from the well’s
mouth, water the sheep, and put the stone back in its place
on the well’s mouth.”

GENESIS 29:2-3

A careful explanation is included in the Biblical text, so that readers might be able to appreciate the significance of a well in ancient times. This well was carefully looked after!