Definition: And Isaac sent away Jacob: and he went to Padanaram unto Laban, son of Bethuel the Syrian, the brother of Rebekah, Jacob’s and Esau’s mother.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Genesis 28:5. It’s a really important story about God’s plan for Jacob! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is setting up a situation where Jacob will eventually become the father of a large family. Here’s a more detailed explanation: “Isaac sent away Jacob…” : This refers to Isaac, Jacob's father. He was very worried about his son and wanted to keep him safe. “…and he went to Padanaram unto Laban…” : Laban is a Syrian man who is the brother of Rebekah, Jacob’s mother. He’s a bit of a stubborn and controlling figure. Jacob was being offered to him as a servant. “son of Bethuel the Syrian, the brother of Rebekah, Jacob’s and Esau’s mother” : This tells us who Laban is – he's a man from Syria (Bethuel), and he’s the brother of both Jacob and Esau. It highlights that this situation involves multiple family lines. So, what does this story tell us about God’s plan? This verse is part of a larger narrative that shows God's control over our lives and how He wants to build a large family. It demonstrates that God is working behind the scenes to ensure Jacob's future – and his descendants – are blessed. Why is this story significant? It’s about divine providence: It highlights that God has a plan for everything, even when things seem difficult or chaotic. It shows God’s power: It demonstrates that God can influence events in surprising ways. It sets the stage for Jacob's future: This is a crucial step in Jacob’s life – he will eventually become a very important figure and father of many descendants. Do you want me to elaborate on any part of this story? For example, would you like to know: More about the context of the story? The significance of Laban? How it relates to Jacob’s later life?