and that Jacob had obeyed his father and motherJacob's obedience to his parents reflects the biblical principle of honoring one's father and mother, as commanded in
Exodus 20:12. This act of obedience is significant in the patriarchal context, where family authority and blessing were paramount. Isaac and Rebekah's instructions were rooted in the desire to ensure Jacob married within their kin, preserving the covenant lineage. This obedience contrasts with Esau's earlier actions, who married Canaanite women, causing grief to his parents (
Genesis 26:34-35). Jacob's compliance underscores the importance of aligning with God's covenantal promises through family guidance.
and gone to Paddan-aram
Paddan-aram, located in the region of Mesopotamia, is significant as the homeland of Rebekah and the place where Abraham's servant found Isaac's wife (Genesis 24). This journey to Paddan-aram is not merely a geographical relocation but a spiritual and covenantal journey. It signifies a return to the roots of the Abrahamic family, ensuring the continuation of the covenant through a suitable marriage. The journey also foreshadows the Israelites' later experiences of exile and return, emphasizing themes of faithfulness and divine providence. Jacob's journey can be seen as a type of Christ, who also left His home to fulfill a divine mission, ensuring the continuation of God's redemptive plan.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JacobThe son of Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob is a central figure in this passage. He is known for his journey of faith and obedience, which begins with his departure to Paddan-aram.
2.
IsaacJacob's father, who, along with Rebekah, instructs Jacob to go to Paddan-aram to find a wife from his mother's family, emphasizing the importance of marrying within the covenant community.
3.
RebekahJacob's mother, who plays a crucial role in guiding Jacob's actions and ensuring he follows God's covenantal path.
4.
Paddan-aramA region in Mesopotamia, the destination where Jacob is sent to find a wife, highlighting the importance of maintaining the purity of the covenant lineage.
5.
ObedienceThe act of Jacob following his parents' instructions, which is a key theme in this passage, demonstrating his respect for God's covenant and his parents' authority.
Teaching Points
Obedience to Godly AuthorityJacob's obedience to his parents serves as a model for honoring and respecting parental guidance, especially when it aligns with God's will.
Faith in ActionJacob's journey to Paddan-aram is an act of faith, trusting in God's plan and provision for his life, which encourages believers to step out in faith when God calls.
Covenant FaithfulnessThe emphasis on marrying within the covenant community underscores the importance of maintaining spiritual integrity and faithfulness to God's promises.
The Role of Family in Spiritual GuidanceIsaac and Rebekah's guidance highlights the role of family in nurturing and directing one's spiritual journey, encouraging families to be intentional in their spiritual leadership.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Genesis 28:7?
2.How does Jacob's obedience to Isaac's command reflect biblical principles of honoring parents?
3.What lessons can we learn from Jacob's journey about trusting God's guidance?
4.How does Genesis 28:7 connect with the Fifth Commandment in Exodus 20:12?
5.In what ways can we emulate Jacob's obedience in our daily lives today?
6.How does Jacob's example encourage us to follow God's will despite challenges?
7.Why did Jacob obey his parents in Genesis 28:7?
8.How does Genesis 28:7 reflect the importance of parental guidance?
9.What cultural norms influenced Jacob's actions in Genesis 28:7?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 28?
11.Why was Israel chosen by God?
12.How many people were in Jacob's family in Egypt? (Genesis 46:27 vs. Acts 7:14)
13.Micah 7:20 reaffirms the covenant with the patriarchs--where is the clear historical or external documentation of this unbroken promise?
14.Why would a just God honor a blessing obtained through deliberate deception (Genesis 27:28-29)?What Does Genesis 28:7 Mean
Jacob had obeyed“Jacob had obeyed” (Genesis 28:7) highlights simple yet profound submission.
• Scripture treats obedience as the visible outworking of faith—compare Noah inGenesis 6:22 and Abraham inGenesis 22:18.
• The fifth commandment, later codified inExodus 20:12, rests on this same principle.
• Earlier, Rebekah urged Jacob to “obey my voice” (Genesis 27:8); Isaac echoed that charge inGenesis 28:1–2.Genesis 28:7 confirms Jacob took those words to heart.
•Ephesians 6:1 reminds believers, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord,” tying Jacob’s example to New Testament instruction.
• Obedience here signals trust in God’s covenant promises, not mere parental compliance.
His father and motherGenesis emphasizes both parents, underscoring united spiritual leadership.
• Isaac, the covenant bearer (Genesis 26:3–5), and Rebekah, guided by God’s oracle about their sons (Genesis 25:23), stand together.
• Their joint concern was spiritual purity: “You must not take a wife from the daughters of Canaan” (Genesis 28:1).
•Malachi 2:15 stresses godly offspring; parents guard that heritage by directing children toward faithful spouses.
• The mention of both parents also fulfills earlier tension—Rebekah had favored Jacob (Genesis 25:28), yet now Isaac openly blesses him (Genesis 28:3–4), healing family rifts through shared purpose.
And goneObedience moved from word to action.
• Faith without works is dead (James 2:17); Jacob’s departure illustrates living faith.
• Like Abraham who “went as the LORD had told him” (Genesis 12:4), Jacob steps into the unknown, trusting the same covenant God (Hebrews 11:8–9).
• This decisive movement marks a turning point: fleeing Esau (Genesis 27:41–43) becomes following God’s plan.
• The narrative’s pacing—instruction in verse 2, journey in verse 5, report in verse 7—keeps the spotlight on prompt obedience.
To Paddan-aramThe destination matters.
• Paddan-aram (also called Aram-naharaim) is where Abraham’s servant found Rebekah (Genesis 24:10, 15). Returning there links Jacob to the broader covenant story.
•Genesis 28:2 specifies the goal: “Take a wife for yourself from there, from the daughters of Laban.” Jacob’s route safeguards covenant lineage, echoing Abraham’s refusal to let Isaac wed a Canaanite (Genesis 24:3).
•Genesis 31:3 later records God’s directive to leave Paddan-aram, showing this stop was purposeful but temporary—a season of discipline and blessing.
•Hosea 12:12 reflects on Jacob’s time there, noting how God used those years to shape the nation’s forefather.
summaryGenesis 28:7 records more than travel plans; it spotlights covenant faith lived out. Jacob listens to both parents, accepts their spiritual wisdom, and takes immediate action by journeying to Paddan-aram. His obedience safeguards the lineage through which God will advance His promises, demonstrating that faithful submission positions God’s people to receive and extend blessing.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
and that Jacobיַעֲקֹ֔ב(ya·‘ă·qōḇ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3290:Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his deschad obeyedוַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע(way·yiš·ma‘)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8085:To hear intelligentlyhis fatherאָבִ֖יו(’ā·ḇîw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1:Fatherand motherאִמּ֑וֹ(’im·mōw)Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 517:A mother, )and goneוַיֵּ֖לֶךְ(way·yê·leḵ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1980:To go, come, walkto Paddan-aram.אֲרָֽם׃(’ă·rām)Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 6307:Paddan-aram -- the place where Rachel died
Links
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OT Law: Genesis 28:7 And that Jacob obeyed his father (Gen. Ge Gn) 
