XXIX.
MARRIAGE OF JACOB WITH LEAH AND RACHEL.
(1) Jacob went on his journey. — Heb., Jacob lifted up his feet, that is, hastened forward. Confirmed in the possession of the birthright by God as well as man, and encouraged by the promise of the Divine presence, and of a safe return home, he casts no wistful glances back, but pursues his journey under the inspiriting influence of hope.
The people of the East. — Usually the Arabians are designated by this phrase, but it here signifies the tribes who inhabited northern Mesopotamia.