Genesis 30:37Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

These plants bear witness to righteousness—styrax, in particular, is emblematic of death. The lifeless body is adorned with incense, and among these, styrax is the most pleasing. "Christ died ... for our sakes, and was buried..., according to the Scriptures" (1 Cor. 15:3-4) cf. (Rom. 5:9, etc.). The walnut signifies awakening and vitality, for it brings forth this realization through its natural attributes. Christ rose for us, for the gates of hell could not contain Him, nor could the bonds of death truly bind Him. Lastly, the sycamore appears to signify the ascent to heavenly heights, as it is a tree of impressive stature. The Son ascended from the Father; Peter states, "having been lifted up by the right hand of God" (Acts 2:33). Additionally, Paul proclaims that He is exalted and has received "a name above every name," and ultimately, worship from all (Phil. 2:9-10).

Yet, some may interpret this plant differently. It has been suggested by those who investigate etymology that the broad leaves of this tree give it the name “sycamore.” In this manner, we, too, experience expansion through faith and love, growing closer to Christ. The law is restrictive, and the thoughts of the idolater are burdened. Thus, God summons the Gentiles through the voice of the prophet, "Learn to hear the comforted" (Isaiah 28:19). Paul admonishes the Corinthians, who considered reverting to old ways after embracing the faith: "Our mouth is open to you, Corinthians, our heart is enlarged. You are not crowded in us; but in your hearts, you are crowded. In equal retribution," I say, as children, "spread yourselves also. Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers; for what fellowship has righteousness with iniquity? What communion has light with darkness? And what agreement has Christ with Belial?" (2 Cor. 6:11-15). The Psalmist speaks to Immanuel, addressing the limitations of the law, "Thy commandment is immensely extensive" (Psalm 118:96). Again, he states, "I will flow in the way of Thy commandments, when Thou hast enlarged my heart" (Psalm 118:32). Consequently, he asserts, "I will walk freely,... for I will keep Thy commands" (Psalm 118:45, 56).

Moreover, the walnut rod embodies the characteristic of producing alertness; God says to the prophet Jeremiah, "What do you see, Jeremiah?" The prophet replies, "I see the rod of the almond tree." The Lord says to him, "You see faithfully: for I watch over my word, that it may be soon fulfilled" (Jeremiah 1:11-12). Thus, Christ, represented as a rod, presents Himself to us as one who has died, has risen from the dead, and ascended into heaven, while also spiritually expanding the hearts of those who receive Him. Jacob sharpened the rods, "with white mottling, and sharpened the bark," resulting in the sheep bearing a mottled offspring. It signifies that Christ has refined the shadow of the law and has removed a layer from the prophetic writings, making the message within them clear and unmistakable.

This is akin to Aaron’s rod, which blossomed and produced buds when placed before the Lord, revealing the grace of the priestly office (see Numbers 17:1-9). The sycamore embodies a wealth of spiritual fruitfulness, indicating how the vine interconnected with the tree allows for a bountiful harvest. The fullness of the Spirit’s grace manifests the gifts wrought through the Lord's sufferings and the assurance of forgiveness for all transgressions.

Since the dark and variegated livestock were given to Laban’s sons and their herds were three days’ journey away, the Advocate for the wronged reveals to Jacob the dark and variegated sheep and goats, enabling him to experience the providence that awaits those who trust in the God of all. It is crucial to understand that having previously referred to Him who appeared as an angel, He now declares that He is also God, as He states: ‘I am God who appeared to you’ on your journey. Jacob witnessed angels ascending and descending on the ladder, with the Lord positioned at its top. He identified Him as both Angel and God—God by nature, but manifested through the Angel so we may recognize that the figure who appeared was not the Father but the only begotten Son. For whose angel could the Father be? Yet the Son is both God and a messenger of great counsel, revealing the mysteries of the Father to us. For He says, ‘I have heard from my Father; I have spoken unto you’ (John 15:15). Likewise, He who called Abraham is referred to as both Angel and God.

Here we see that the divinity of Christ is concealed within our physical existence: in His flesh, He embodies our frailty; in His word, He sustains us; and through the cross, He bears our suffering. The hardened exterior represents the message of the cross, which encases the heavenly nature contained within Christ’s humanity.