“And Jacob took him rods of green poplar, and of the hazel and chestnut tree; and pilled white strakes in them, and made the white appear which was in the rods.”
This verse is part of the narrative of Jacob’s interactions with Laban, his father-in-law, during the time when Jacob worked for him.
At this point, Jacob had negotiated a deal with Laban to increase his own wealth by selectively breeding Laban’s flocks, particularly the sheep.
Genesis 30:37 describes one of the methods Jacob used to influence the breeding process.
To understand this verse better, it is helpful to consider the context leading up to it.
In the preceding verses, Jacob and Laban had agreed on the terms of their arrangement: Jacob would keep all the spotted and speckled sheep and goats born from Laban’s flock, while Laban would keep the solid-colored animals.
Jacob wanted to increase his own share of the flock, so he devised a plan using rods of green poplar, hazel, and chestnut tree.
In ancient times, people believed that physical stimuli could affect the physical characteristics of animals.
Jacob employed a selective breeding technique based on this belief.
He took rods of various types of wood and peeled them in a way that exposed the white inner part of the wood.
By placing these stripped rods in front of the flocks while they were mating or conceiving, he aimed to influence the appearance of the offspring.
The verse concludes by stating that Jacob’s method worked, as it caused the offspring to have markings that were similar to the appearance of the stripped rods.
In subsequent verses, it is revealed that Jacob’s selective breeding technique was successful, and he gained a larger portion of the flock as a result.
Genesis 30:37 serves as a reminder of the resourcefulness and determination of Jacob.
It shows his willingness to use unconventional methods to secure a better outcome for himself.
However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of Jacob’s method was likely due to God’s intervention and blessing, as shown in later verses.
This account highlights God’s sovereignty and the way He works through human actions to accomplish His plans.
Overall, Genesis 30:37 provides insight into the cultural beliefs and practices of the time while revealing a particular episode in Jacob’s life.
It reminds us to be creative, diligent, and attentive to the opportunities and resources available to us, trusting in God’s guidance and provision.
