This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.

God blessed them and told them, "Multiply and fill the earth and subdue it. Be masters over the fish and birds and all the animals."

I have singled him out so that he will direct his sons and their families to keep the way of the Lord and do what is right and just. Then I will do for him all that I have promised."

This place was also called Mizpah, for Laban said, "May the Lord keep watch between us to make sure that we keep this treaty when we are out of each other's sight.

Your descendants will be as numerous as the dust of the earth! They will cover the land from east to west and from north to south. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your descendants.

"Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God will give you.

"Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God will give you.

And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands I am giving you today.

" 'Honor your father and mother, as the Lord your God commanded you. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God will give you.

But if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord."