Genesis 31:1-21
Q.1. Did Laban’s sons appreciate Jacob’s prosperity? Why did Jacob decide to leave? How did he persuade his wives to go with him? – (Gen.31:1-9)
The more Jacob prospered; the more Laban’s sons complained (Gen.31:1-2). This was despite the fact that Laban and his sons had also prospered from Jacob’s prowess as a shepherd (Gen.30:27). Though the conflict unsettled Jacob, it was not the reason why he finally decided to leave. It was because the Lord had met him and said – … Return to the land of your fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you (Gen.31:3). Jacob spoke to his wives and explained that Laban’s attitude had changed toward him, even though he had served Laban faithfully – yet your father has cheated me and changed my wages ten times; however, God did not allow him to hurt me (Gen.31:7 c.f. Gen.31:6). In fact – God has taken away your father’s livestock and given them to me (Gen.31:9). God used this growing tension to prepare Jacob and his wives to return to Canaan.
Q.2. What was the real reason why Jacob had prospered? How important was the Bethel encounter with God? Did his wives share his faith? Was he wise to flee? – (Gen.31:10-21)
Eventually God showed Jacob that He had prospered him in spite of Laban’s cheating ways (Gen.31:10-12). The Bethel encounter was an important reference point in Jacob’s relationship with God, Who confirmed – I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar, where you made a vow to Me; now arise, leave this land, and return to the land of your birth (Gen.31:13). His wives had observed the change in their father, and that they now had no access to the family inheritance – Surely all the wealth which God has taken away from our father belongs to us and our children; now then, do whatever God has said to you (Gen.31:16). The Bible recorded that while Laban was away shearing, – Jacob deceived Laban the Aramean by not telling him that he was fleeing (Gen.31:20). This was a cowardly and unfriendly way for Jacob and his family to leave. It meant that God had to step in to protect him because of his timidity (c.f. Gen.31:31). Added to this, – Rachel stole the household idols that were her father’s (Gen.31:19). Jacob had not yet successfully transferred his faith to his family