A Family Reunion

Genesis 29:1-14

“Then Jacob went on his journey, and came into the land of the people of the east. And he looked, and behold a well in the field, and, lo, there were three flocks of sheep lying by it; for out of that well they watered the flocks: and a great stone was upon the well's mouth. And thither were all the flocks gathered: and they rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the sheep, and put the stone again upon the well's mouth in his place.” (Genesis 29:1-3)

After his dream of angels ascending and descending from heaven and speaking with God at Bethel, Jacob continued his journey toward Haran and Padanaram. Having never been there he was dependent on instructions from his mother and other travelers. Fortunately walking gives the opportunity to really observe one’s way so the instructions were quite detailed and accurate. After several days travel, he came to a well with three flocks of sheep waiting nearby,

In arid country, sources of water are critical and both men and animals are drawn to them. To prevent animals from falling in and polluting the water, they would be lined with stones and a large flat stone placed over the mouth. To obtain water it was necessary to remove the stone. These stones could weigh several hundred pounds and were very difficult for one person to remove. The shepherds usually waited until several were available to help remove the stone and replace it.

“And Jacob said unto them, My brethren, whence be ye? And they said, Of Haran are we. And he said unto them, Know ye Laban the son of Nahor? And they said, We know him. And he said unto them, Is he well? And they said, He is well: and, behold, Rachel his daughter cometh with the sheep.” (Genesis 29:4-6)

It had been nearly eighty years since Rebekah had left her father’s home to marry Isaac. Hoping to get more current directions to Laban’s house, Jacob began to question the sheepherders. Imagine his surprise when they told him one of the approaching flocks was Laban’s and that his daughter was herding them. She could show him where to go.

“And he said, Lo, it is yet high day, neither is it time that the cattle should be gathered together: water ye the sheep, and go and feed them. And they said, We cannot, until all the flocks be gathered together, and till they roll the stone from the well's mouth; then we water the sheep.” (Genesis 29:7-8)

Jacob than asked them why they didn’t go ahead and water their sheep so they wouldn’t be interfering with each other. Their answer was that the stone was so heavy they had to wait until the others were there to help them.

“And while he yet spake 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.” (Genesis 29:9-10)

When he saw his cousin, Jacob didn’t want anything to interfere with her getting the sheep watered, so he moved the stone for them, and helped water Laban’s sheep. Funny how a little motivation enables us to do things others won’t try.

“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.” (Genesis 29:11-12)

To finally meet his relatives was undoubtedly an emotional event for Jacob and for Rachael. When he explained who he was she left the sheep and ran home to tell her parents he was there. With no phones or regular mail, communication was difficult and a personal visit might bring everyone up to date.

“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 29:13-14)

Laban was equally thrilled to meet his nephew. After Jacob explained who he was and why he’d come, Laban reminded him that he was family. They spent a whole month just enjoying getting acquainted and sharing news about their family. It reminds me of the relationships our family used to share.

We would go for several days, with the kids sleeping on the floor, or sometimes in a tent outside while the adults would occupy the bedrooms. Us kids had a wonderful time playing with our cousins and seeing what the others had, while our parents would sit up half the night playing Chinese checkers or dominos and talking. During the day, we’d have picnic lunches or grill hamburgers and play workup or volleyball or go for drives through the country. If the home we visited had things to do, such as painting the house or building fence or hauling hay, everyone would pitch in to get the job done. After several days, everyone would go home, looking forward to getting together again next year. They were some of the most memorable events in my life, and our culture has lost a lot by neglecting such family relationships.