Gathering Place

Gathering Place

Genesis 29: So Jacob went on his journey and came to the land of the people of the East. ² 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. ³ 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.

 

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After the encounter Jacob had with GOD, he continued on his journey to find Laban, Rebekah’s brother and his uncle. He saw a gathering place for sheep herders and their flocks. There he saw a well with a large stone on the mouth.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob found the place that was valuable to the people because it was protected.
• Jacob saw that sheep was important to the people, and probably understood that his upbringing of tending flocks would be valuable here.
• Jacob observed the security measures used by those who tended animals in that place.

 

Observing was one of Jacob’s strengths.  The statement, “He looked and saw” tells me that he was not one who would just rush into situations without observing. Jacob wanted to meet Laban and may have determined the best way to do this was to go to a gathering place.

 

He could then understand what was important to Laban and the people. He could make adjustments to his approach and focus on what was very valuable to them. He saw that well-watered flocks were very important to them. He also surmised that three flocks may have meant three sets of people. Jacob gathered his information by the well.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Jacob’s observations?
• Have you every been sent on a journey by GOD?
• What is your approach when you come to the place that GOD has sent you to?