Matthew Henry's Complete Bible Commentary

Genesis 30

In this chapter we have an account of the increase, I. Of Jacob’s family. Eight children more we find registered in this chapter; Dan and Naphtali by Bilhah, Rachel’s maid, Genesis 30:1-30:8. Gad and Asher by Zilpah, Leah’s maid, Genesis 30:9-30:13. Issachar, Zebulun, and Dinah, by Leah, Genesis 30:14-30:21. And, last of all, Joseph, by Rachel, Genesis 30:22-30:24. II. Of Jacob’s estate. He makes a new bargain with Laban, Genesis 30:25-30:34. And in the six years’ further service he did to Laban God wonderfully blessed him, so that his stock of cattle became very considerable, Genesis 30:35-30:43. Herein was fulfilled the blessing with which Isaac dismissed him (Genesis 28:3), “God make thee fruitful, and multiply thee.” Even these small matters concerning Jacob’s house and field, though they seem inconsiderable, are improvable for our learning. For the scriptures were written, not for princes and statesmen, to instruct them in politics; but for all people, even the meanest, to direct them in their families and callings: yet some things are here recorded concerning Jacob, not for imitation, but for admonition. MHBCC 31.1