Genesis 30:25-43
Q.1. What request did Jacob make? Why did Laban ask Jacob to stay? What was Jacob’s concern with staying? What proposal did Jacob present Laban? (Gen.30:25-36)
After Rachel gave birth to Joseph, Jacob asked Laban to allow him to go back to Canaan (Gen.30:25-26). Laban was determined to keep him. He offered any price if he would stay because – the Lord has blessed me on your account (Gen.30:27). Jacob drove home that point – For you had little before I came and it has increased to a multitude, and the Lord has blessed you wherever I turned. But now, when shall I provide for my own household also? (Gen.30:30). Rather than take wages, Jacob only asked – let me pass through your entire flock today, removing from there every speckled and spotted sheep and every black one among the lambs and the spotted and speckled among the goats; and such shall be my wages (Gen.30:32). He claimed that this would prove his honesty since it would be easy to identify any stolen animals in the flocks and herds (Gen.30:33). It was agreed that Jacob’s sons would look after Jacob’s flocks, and Jacob would care for Laban’s some distance away (Gen.30:34-36).
Q.2. Was Jacob honest in his dealing with Laban? Did his schemes influence the outcome? Why did Jacob prosper? – (Gen.30:37-43 c.f. Gen.31:7-9)
Jacob employed deceitful tactics in order to gain the upper hand. He manipulated the mating and birthing process, so that it would work in his own favour (Gen.30:37-42). His schemes to increase his own flock, and breed the strongest animals seemed to work – So the man became exceedingly prosperous, had large flocks, female and male servants, and camels and donkeys (Gen.30:43). However, Jacob’s success did not depend on his tactics. God was blessing him long before he came up with his underhand plans (Gen.30:27 & 30 c.f. Gen.31:9-13). He should have just chosen to trust in his covenant keeping God to prosper him (c.f. Gen.28:13-14, 20-22).