Pr. (31:40) - Genesis 31:40

Genesis 31:40

^31:40^ Day and night was I parched with heat, and with frost, and sleep departed from my eyes.

1. These words were spoken by Jacob to commend pastoral care and the pastoral office. In these words three things are mentioned about the pastoral office, namely, assiduity, patience and solicitude.

The first is required, because the shepherd must take care of his flock without interruption; hence he says, day and night: praying by night and instructing by day: I am upon the watchtower of the Lord, standing continually by day, and I am upon my ward, standing whole nights (Isa 21:8). Or, by day, i.e., in times of prosperity, and night, i.e., in times of adversity. These are the times when the prelate is obliged to look after the care of his flock: by the armor of justice on the right hand and on the left (2 Cor 6:7); he that is a friend loves at all times (Prov 17:17).

The second is required, because patience is especially required of a prelate: for a prelate should endure all things for the welfare of his flock: the good shepherd give his life for his sheep (John 10:11); the learning of a man is known by his patience (Prov 19:11). Hence he says, parched with heat, i.e., by the fever of present persecution: the sun rose with a burning heat and parched the grass (Jas 1:11), and with frost, i.e., fear of the future: combats without; fears within (2 Cor 7:5).

The third is required, because he rules with care, as it is said: he that rules, with carefulness (Rom 12:8). And this expels the sleep of negligence; hence he continues, and sleep departed from my eyes: run about, make haste, stir up your friend: give not sleep to your eyes (Prov 6:3).

2. Rightly, then, do these words suit the subject matter of this epistle. For in the first epistle he instructed him about the Church’s structure; here in this second one he treats of pastoral care so careful as to endure martyrdom for the welfare of the flock, as is clear in the prologue.