My bone and my flesh - One of my nearest relatives.

And Laban said to him, surely thou art my bone and my flesh,.... Nearly allied in blood, being his sister's son:

and he abode with him the space of a month; or "a month of days" (m), a full month to a day; all this while feeding his flocks, and doing whatsoever service he had for him to do.

(m) "mensem dierum", Pagninus, Montanus, Drusius, Schmidt.

And Laban said to him, Surely thou art my {f} bone and my flesh. And he abode with him the space of a month.

(f) That is, of my blood and kindred.

the space...: Heb. a month of days

14-20. he abode a month-Among pastoral people a stranger is freely entertained for three days; on the fourth day he is expected to tell his name and errand; and if he prolongs his stay after that time, he must set his hand to work in some way, as may be agreed upon. A similar rule obtained in Laban's establishment, and the wages for which his nephew engaged to continue in his employment was the hand of Rachel.

29:9-14 See Rachel's humility and industry. Nobody needs to be ashamed of honest, useful labour, nor ought it to hinder any one's preferment. When Jacob understood that this was his kinswoman, he was very ready to serve her. Laban, though not the best humoured, bade him welcome, and was satisfied with the account Jacob gave of himself. While we avoid being foolishly ready to believe every thing which is told us, we must take heed of being uncharitably suspicious.