“And he heard the words of Laban’s sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that was our father’s; and of that which was our father’s hath he gotten all this glory.” (Gen 31:1)
Jacob knew that Laban didn’t want Jacob to go anywhere. No matter what Jacob did Laban would work to keep him. It has been 20 years that Jacob has worked for Laban. Now it is time to go.
“And the LORD said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee.” (Gen 31:3)
Jacob explained the problem to Rachel and Leah. God had protected Jacob from the deception of Laban and now they had a path to return to Isaac in Canaan.
“Then Jacob rose up, and set his sons and his wives upon camels;” (Gen 31:17)
As is expected Jacob has every right to take his wages. They were promised to him by Laban. Laban didn’t see it that way. To Laban, just packing up and leaving is not your right.
To make things worse Rachel had stolen Laban’s “images”. These “images” are idols to other gods. There is an inequity in Rachel’s behavior. The images were not hers and she had no right to take them. She didn’t bother to tell Jacob of what she had done.
The original distance between Jacob and Laban was three days to travel. We do know that Jacob brought his wives, children, livestock, and goods. They were not racing, as much as crawling across the plain toward Canaan.
It took three days for Laban to find out Jacob had left. Laban didn’t take his entire household to chase Jacob. He only took the number of men to recapture Jacob and force him to return. God had another plan.
After seven days of chasing Laban catches up to Jacob. However, the night before he catches Jacob, God warns Laban.
“And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.” (Gen 31:24)
Laban starts to cry about how Jacob had left without saying goodbye. Both Laban and Jacob knew that if Laban knew they were going Laban would have used force to keep them. Laban had no love for the God of Abraham, our God. But to deceive he will say that he does while worshiping idols.
Laban accuses Jacob of stealing his idols. Jacob was unaware that the idols had been taken. He invites Laban to search the tents for his stolen idols. Laban doesn’t find them, because Rachel was sitting on them. Literally.
Laban could find no fault with Jacob, so they made a pact of friendship. And Laban departed back to his country.
It is the great problem of the world, even in ancient times. People will tell you they love and respect you, while working behind your back to destroy you. God protected Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God will protect you.
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