This chapter informs us of Jacob's coming to a well near Haran, where meeting with some shepherds he inquires after Laban, Ge 29:1; and there also with Rachel his daughter, the shepherds made known to him, and acquainted her who he was, Ge 29:9; upon which she ran to her father, and told him who was at the well, who went forth and brought him to his house, and kindly entertained him, Ge 29:13; with whom he agreed to stay and serve seven years for Rachel his daughter, Ge 29:15; at the end of which Jacob demands his wife, but instead of Rachel, Leah was brought to him as his wife, Ge 29:21; which being discovered, and complained of, it was proposed he should have Rachel also, provided he would serve yet seven years more, to which he agreed, Ge 29:26; and the chapter is concluded with an account of four sons being born to Jacob of Leah, Ge 29:31.
Ver. 1. Then Jacob went on his journey,.... After the above vow at Bethel, and having had some intimation that what he desired would be granted him; or "he lift up his feet" , which not only shows that he walked afoot, but that he went on his journey with great cheerfulness; for having such gracious promises made him, that God would be with him, and keep him, and supply him with all necessaries, and return him again to the land of Canaan, which made his heart glad; his heart, as the Jewish writers say , lift up his legs, and he walked apace, and with great alacrity:and came into the land of the people of the east; the land of Mesopotamia or Syria, which lay to the east of the land of Canaan, see Isa 9:11; hither he came by several days' journeys.
wylgr-avyw "et levavit pedes suos", Pagninus, Montanus, Vatablus, Fagius; "sustulit", Drusius, Schmidt. Bereshit Rabba, sect. 70. fol. 62. 2.