Norwegian 2018 (Bibelen - Guds Ord Hverdagsbibelen (Hermon Forlag))
Jakob tok noen kjepper av grønn poppel, av mandeltre og av lønnetre. Han skavet av noen striper på dem og fikk fram det hvite som var i kjeppene. Kjeppene han hadde skavet av, satte han foran småfeet der sauene og geitene kom for å drikke. De kom for å drikke når de skulle pare seg. Sauene og geitene ble drektig foran kjeppene, og de fikk stripet, spraglet og flekket avkom. Så tok Jakob lammene sine. Han fikk dyrene til å pare seg med de stripete og de svarte blant dyrene til Laban. Men sine egne flokker holdt han for seg selv, og han førte dem ikke sammen med Labans dyr. Hver gang de kraftigste blant dyrene skulle pare seg, satte Jakob kjeppene foran øynene på dem i vannrennene, så de kunne bli drektige blant kjeppene. Men når det var svake dyr, satte han dem ikke opp. Dermed fikk Laban de svake dyrene og Jakob de sterke. På den måten var det ikke måte på hvor rik Jakob ble! Han hadde til slutt store flokker med sauer, geiter, tjenestepiker, tjenere, kameler og esler.
What Does This Mean?
In this verse, Jacob takes rods from poplar, hazel, and chestnut trees and carves white streaks into them. This action is part of Jacob's plan to influence the breeding of livestock. The verse shows how Jacob is trying to use a method to increase the number of spotted and speckled animals in the flock.
Explained for Children
Imagine Jacob as a farmer who wants to make his animals have more spots. He takes some sticks from trees and carves lines on them. It's like when you draw on a stick, but Jacob thinks these lines will help the animals get more spots. It's a bit like magic, but Jacob is trying his best to make more animals.
Historical Background
Genesis was written by Moses around 1446-1406 BC. The book of Genesis is a foundational text for understanding the origins of the Israelite people and their covenant with God. Jacob’s actions in Genesis 30 are set in the context of a society where animal husbandry was central to daily life and wealth.
Living It Out Today
In today's world, this verse can remind us that we often try to influence outcomes in our lives, sometimes using unconventional methods. Like Jacob, we might look for ways to increase our chances of success, whether in business, relationships, or personal goals. It's important to be honest and not manipulate situations unfairly.
Topics
animal husbandryJacob's lifecovenanttrust in Godprosperitymanipulation
Jacob aimed to influence the breeding of livestock, hoping that the spotted and speckled animals would increase in number, thus enriching him.
How did Jacob know to use these particular trees?
The text doesn't specify, but it's possible that Jacob had local knowledge or believed in a method passed down through tradition to influence the animals.
Does this method work?
The Bible doesn't provide scientific proof that this method worked. It was likely based on Jacob's beliefs and the cultural practices of his time.
How does this relate to Jacob's overall story?
This action fits into Jacob's narrative of striving to build his wealth and family, reflecting his ambition and the challenges he faces in his journey.