Genesis 31:1-55

The mention of Laban’s sons demonstrates new family dynamics. When Jacob first arrived, Laban had two daughters but no sons. Once he had natural-born sons, Jacob’s status was at risk, because that culture gave biological sons precedence over adopted ones, no matter their age. yet the Lord assured Jacob with blessing and direction: Return… I will be with you.

31:7 | Often the flaws someone criticizes in others are the flaws that person has as well. For 20 years, Laban deceived Jacob and changed his wages 10 times. God permitted Jacob to see in Laban what was once true of himself. If believers ask God to help them see themselves clearly, He can replace their critical spirits with gracious hearts and instill a fresh love and mercy so they desire to grow in Him (1 Cor. 13:5).

31:10-13 | The Angel of God spoke to Jacob in a dream and confirmed God’s role in the success of Jacob’s selective breeding program. When the Lord described Himself as the God of Bethel, it reminded Jacob of God’s covenant with him in that place years earlier.

31:11 | When God puts a dream in a Christian’s heart, that person must be sure to respond as Jacob did: Here I am. The Lord wants His children to exercise faith and participate in His plan, but in His time and on His terms.
31:14-21 | Jacob’s wives were concerned about the status of the family inheritance: when they departed, would they lose what they otherwise would have received? Rachel and Leah eventually learned that their blessings came from the Lord through Jacob, not through their father.

31:22-35 | Laban decided to pursue Jacob and his family until God warned him in a dream to heed His words. Laban seemed overly concerned with retrieving the gods (idols) - further evidence that Laban was more concerned about his possessions than anything else.

Important Note: Rachel was not an idolater. In fact, Joseph’s godly life was, in part, a product of the faith of his mother, Rachel. In ancient Near Eastern culture, which was polytheistic (Josh. 24:2), possession of the household idols was a sign of the right of inheritance. Rachel wanted these small objects (clay figurines about 8-10 inches high) in her possession, probably as a hedge, just in case anyone questioned Jacob’s position as the family’s next-in-line after Laban. She did not need these symbols of inheritance, however, because God had appointed Jacob an heir to His covenant, which would far surpass any earthly heritage.

31:36-42 | As Jacob rebuked Laban for 20 years of unjust treatment, he also credited God for protecting and prospering his life. If not for God’s provision, Jacob would have been empty-handed.

31:43-55 | Laban refused to cede anything to Jacob easily. He first asserted that the daughters… children… and flock were his. Finally, he suggested they make a pact. This was a parity covenant, one made between parties who did not trust each other. Consequently, the statement May the Lord watch between you and me when we are absent one from another was not a sign of affection. Each man was saying that because they could not trust each other, the Lord would judge any breach of their covenant.

31:46-50 | Two names were assigned to the place of this human covenant. The name is given in Aramaic (the language of Laban) and in Hebrew (the language of Jacob), with both names meaning this heap is a witness. It is also known as Mizpah, meaning “watch.”