Genesis 31:22-55
Q.1. What warning was Laban given when in pursuit of Jacob? What were his complaints against Jacob? How did Rachel hide her father’s gods? What was Jacob’s response? – (Gen.31:22-42)
In a fury, Laban pursued Jacob for seven days (c.f. Gen.31:23 & 29). However, before they met – God came to Laban the Aramean in a dream of the night and said to him, “Be careful that you do not speak to Jacob either good or bad.” (Gen.31:24). When they met, Laban accused Jacob of deceiving him and denying him the opportunity of a celebratory parting (Gen.31:25-28). He also accused him of stealing his gods (Gen.31:30). Unaware of what Rachel had done, Jacob offered the life of the thief, and to return anything that did not belong to him. He explained that he fled out of fear (Gen.31:31-32). Laban made a thorough search and Rachel deceived her father – … “Let not my lord be angry that I cannot rise before you, for the manner of women is upon me.” So he searched but did not find the household idols (Gen.31:35). It was now Jacob’s turn to express his indignation, adding – 41 These twenty years I have been in your house; I served you fourteen years for your two daughters and six years for your flock, and you changed my wages ten times. 42 If the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had not been for me, surely now you would have sent me away empty-handed. God has seen my affliction and the toil of my hands, so He rendered judgment last night (Gen.31:41-42).
Q.2. How did Laban salvage the situation? What was the substance of the Mizpah covenant? How was the faith of their fathers applied? – (Gen.31:43-55 c.f. Gen.31:19, 30)
Laban explained that Jacob’s wives and children were also his family (Gen.31:43). He then urged Jacob to enter into a covenant with him, as – … a witness between you and me (Gen.31:44). The substance of this pile of stones at Mizpah was on the understanding that – If you mistreat my daughters, or if you take wives besides my daughters, although no man is with us, see, God is witness between you and me (Gen.31:50). They both agreed – … May the Lord watch between you and me when we are absent one from the other (Gen.31:49). The men agreed that God would keep watch over all their actions and hold them accountable. They enjoyed a hearty meal. After kissing his children, Laban returned home to Haran.  Both parties saw it as a continuance of the faith of their fathers – Abraham and Nahor (Gen.31:53). Sadly, Laban had drifted from the faith of his forefathers, and had added household idols (Gen.31:19 & 30).