Genesis 31:27
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Why did you run away secretly and deceive me, without even telling me? I would have sent you away with joy and singing, with tambourines and harps.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
"So I might have conducted thee with mirth and songs, with tabret and harp," i.e., have sent thee away with a parting feast. Gen 31:28 עשׂו: an old form of the infinitive for עשׂות as in Gen 48:11; Gen 50:20.
Open source ↗Jacob was a very honest good man, a man of great devotion and integrity, yet he had more trouble and vexation than any of the patriarchs. He left his father's house in a fright, went to his uncle's in distress, very hard usage he met with there, and now is going back surrounded with fears. Here is, I. His resolution to return (v. 1-16). II. His clandestine departure, (Gen 31:17-21). III. Laban's pursuit of him in displeasure (Gen 31:22-25). IV. The hot words that passed between them (v. 26-42). V. Their amicable agreement at last (Gen 31:43, etc.).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
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Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing.
And his brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all who play the harp and flute.
“I was afraid,” Jacob answered, “for I thought you would take your daughters from me by force.
So Gideon took ten of his servants and did as the LORD had told him. But because he was too afraid of his father’s household and the men of the city, he did it by night rather than in the daytime.