Page 13 - Biblical Backgrounds student textbook

Economic customs in the Canaanite world:
Bartering was the custom of the day. Merchants would go back and forth on a price until the details
were agreed to. Voss points out that in Genesis 31:41 it says that Jacob and Laban had bartered
regarding the number of years Jacob would work for Rachel and then the flock. Jacob challenged Laban
when Laban caught Jacob trying to escape. Jacob said that Laban had changed his wages ten different
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times. The implication was that this was unjust and not in the spirit of what had been agreed to.

Trade was plentiful in Canaan as it was a crossing point between the many different regions. Caravans
would carry goods to and from Egypt and other wealthy regions like Babylon. This likely explains who
Joseph was sold to.

Introduction to Ancient Canaan and the Canaanites

Did God Really command That All the Canaanites Be Killed?

21 Ibid, p. 41.

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