0 - Bible Commentary | Karuna Sadan

Now Jacob heard the words of Laban’s sons, saying, “Jacob has taken away all that was our father’s, and from what was our father’s he has acquired all this wealth.” (Genesis 31:1)

Jacob heard the words of Laban’s sons:

For Jacob, hearing these words was a turning point, prompting him to consider his position and future actions carefully. It's a reminder of the impact rumours and accusations can have on our lives and decisions.

Jacob has taken away all that was our father’s:

This accusation by Laban’s sons reveals the destructive nature of envy and the distortion of truth. It reflects a common human tendency to misconstrue the success of others as unjust or ill-gotten, especially when it surpasses our own.

It wasn’t that Jacob had taken anything that belonged to Laban. Rather, it was that his wealth was increasing in proportion to Laban’s wealth.

And Jacob saw the countenance of Laban, and indeed it was not favourable toward him as before. (Genesis 31:2)

This change in Laban's attitude toward Jacob as a result of his sons' jealousy serves as an example of how jealousy can undermine mutual respect and trust.

The spread of envy from Laban's sons to Laban himself illustrates how sin, left unchecked, can escalate and affect even previously harmonious relationships. “For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there” (James 3:16).

Then the Lord said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your family, and I will be with you.” (Genesis 31:3)

Initially, God planted a yearning in Jacob's heart to return home (Genesis 30:25). As his current situation grew intolerable, this desire intensified. At last, God directly commanded Jacob, offering divine assurance of His presence. This illustrates God's dynamic approach of guiding His people, combining desire, circumstance, and direct instruction to create a purposeful journey.

⁴ So Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field, to his flock, 5 and said to them, “I see your father’s countenance, that it is not favourable toward me as before; but the God of my father has been with me. (Genesis 31:4-5)

So Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field, to his flock

This sets the scene for a private, intimate conversation, away from the potential eavesdropping of others, particularly Laban and his household. The choice of location—"to the field, to his flock"—is very prophetic, representing a place of Jacob's labour and God's blessings.

I see your father’s countenance that it is not favourable toward me as before

The shift in Laban's countenance and Jacob's ability to perceive it suggest the importance of spiritual discernment. It's a reminder that our circumstances and relationships are often indicators of broader spiritual dynamics at play. Discerning these shifts can guide us in making decisions aligned with God's will.

but the God of my father has been with me

In contrast to Laban's changing attitude, Jacob points to the constancy of God's presence. This acknowledgement serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and protection. Even though Laban tried to cheat Jacob, God protected him all the time. God showed Jacob that He was greater and able to overcome what any man might do to Jacob. God’s presence was with Jacob, just as God had promised (Genesis 28:15).

By invoking "the God of my father," Jacob not only claims God's promises but also reaffirms his place within a legacy of faith.

⁶ And you know that with all my might, I have served your father. ⁷ Yet your father has deceived me and changed my wages ten times, but God did not allow him to hurt me. ⁸ If he said thus: ‘The speckled shall be your wages,’ then all the flocks bore speckled. And if he said thus: ‘The streaked shall be your wages,’ then all the flocks bore streaked. ⁹ So God has taken away the livestock of your father and given them to me. (Genesis 31:6-9)

with all my might, I have served your father

Jacob’s declaration of his hard work and dedication to Laban highlights the value of diligence and integrity in labour. Despite the challenges and deceit he faced, Jacob’s commitment remained unwavering. This reflects the biblical principle that work should be done wholeheartedly, as to the Lord (Colossians 3:23). It underscores the importance of diligence and integrity, irrespective of human recognition or reward.

your father has deceived me and changed my wages ten times

The repeated changes to Jacob’s wages reveal Laban's exploitative nature and attempt to undermine Jacob. However, this also highlights God’s sovereignty over human plans and the futility of deceit against God’s purposes (Proverbs 19:21). It’s also a testament to the endurance of faith through trials and the injustice one might face in a fallen world.

but God did not allow him to hurt me

Despite Laban’s intentions, God’s sovereignty prevails, preventing Jacob from being harmed. This echoes the promise that God works all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). It’s a powerful reminder of God’s ability to turn intended harm into divine protection and provision.

If he said thus: ‘The speckled shall be your wages,’ then all the flocks bore speckled

God’s direct intervention ensured justice and provision for Jacob. This miraculous occurrence is a testament to God’s control over nature and circumstances. God’s word declares, “With men, this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.” This also highlights that God’s ways of providing and protecting His people often transcend natural explanations, reaffirming His omnipotence.

So God has taken away the livestock of your father and given them to me

It’s not merely about the transfer of wealth from the sinner to the righteous (Proverbs 13:22) but signifies God’s judgment and reward based on faithfulness and integrity. It exemplifies the principle that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6) and that He is a defender of the oppressed (Psalm 12:5).

¹⁰ “And it happened, at the time when the flocks conceived, that I lifted my eyes and saw in a dream, and behold, the rams which leaped upon the flocks were streaked, speckled, and grey-spotted. ¹¹ Then the Angel of God spoke to me in a dream, saying, ‘Jacob.’ And I said, ‘Here I am. (Genesis 31:10-11)

at the time when the flocks conceived

This timing is crucial, as it indicates a season of reproduction and multiplication. It symbolises a period of growth and prosperity, not just in a physical sense but also spiritually and materially for Jacob. The timing of the vision signifies that God's blessings and interventions are often timed perfectly with seasons of growth and potential in our lives.

I lifted my eyes and saw in a dream

Dreams are a common form of heavenly communication throughout the Bible. By saying he "lifted his eyes," there's an implication of Jacob looking beyond his immediate circumstances, open to divine revelation. It also suggests a posture of readiness to receive from God, highlighting the importance of being spiritually attentive.

the rams which leaped upon the flocks were streaked, speckled, and grey-spotted

The specific description of the rams is significant because it directly relates to the agreement between Laban and Jacob, where Jacob would only take the streaked, speckled, and spotted among the flocks as his wages (Genesis 30:32-33). This detail in the dream reinforces the idea that God is mindful of our agreements in the natural and is willing to work within those parameters to bless us. It also symbolises God's ability to prosper those who are under His favour, even in seemingly disadvantageous conditions.

saying, ‘Jacob.’ And I said, ‘Here I am

This call and response highlight a personal and intimate communication between God and Jacob. God calls him by name, indicating a personal relationship, and Jacob's immediate response signifies his readiness to listen and obey.

¹² And He said, ‘Lift your eyes now and see, all the rams which leap on the flocks are streaked, speckled, and gray-spotted; for I have seen all that Laban is doing to you. ¹³ I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed the pillar and where you made a vow to Me. Now arise, get out of this land, and return to the land of your family.’ ” (Genesis 31:12-13)

for I have seen all that Laban is doing to you

God is the ‘all-seeing’ God. He has seen all that Laban has been doing against Jacob. This is very reassuring, and it shows us that reassures that God is not blind to injustice or deceit. It reflects God's omniscience and justice, reminding us that He is aware of our struggles and is actively working on our behalf. “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.” (Psalm 34:15).

I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed the pillar and where you made a vow to Me.

The reference to Bethel (Genesis 28:18-22) serves multiple purposes. It reminds Jacob of the beginning of his journey, where he first encountered God in a significant way, marking it with the anointing of a pillar. It's a reminder of God's faithfulness and the promises made between them. By invoking this memory, God is reinforcing His ongoing relationship and covenant with Jacob, emphasising that the promises made are not forgotten. It connects Jacob's current situation to his spiritual heritage and the ongoing fulfilment of God's promises.

Now arise, get out of this land, and return to the land of your family

This directive is both a command and a liberation. God is not only instructing Jacob to leave a place of oppression and deceit but also to return to his familial land, which is linked to the promises God made to Abraham and Isaac about the land and numerous descendants (Genesis 12:1-3, Genesis 26:3-4). It signifies a pivotal point in Jacob's life where obedience to God's command requires both faith and action. This movement towards the promised land is symbolic of moving towards God's promises and plans for us.

¹⁴ Then Rachel and Leah answered and said to him, “Is there still any portion or inheritance for us in our father’s house? ¹⁵ Are we not considered strangers by him? For he has sold us, and also completely consumed our money. ¹⁶ For all these riches which God has taken from our father are really ours and our children’s; now then, whatever God has said to you, do it.” (Genesis 31:14-16)

Is there still any portion or inheritance for us in our father’s house?

The question Rachel and Leah ask points out how in their society, women often depended on male relatives for their rights and what they could inherit. They are worried because they feel like they don't really belong or have a secure place in their father's home, almost as if they have no part in the family's future or wealth. This kind of worry about who gets what in a family, especially for women, is talked about in other parts of the Bible, too. For example, in Numbers 27:1-11, there's a story about the daughters of Zelophehad, who also faced issues about inheritance.

The daughters of Zelophehad found themselves in a similar situation because their father had died without having any sons. This meant that their family's land could be lost to them, leaving them without any inheritance or connection to their family's legacy. They bravely went forward and asked the man of God, Moses, if they could have a share of their father's land, challenging the existing rules about inheritance.

This was a big deal because it questioned the traditional laws and practices, showing that women also had rights and deserved to be considered part of the family's future.

Just like Rachel and Leah felt left out and unfairly treated in their father's household, the daughters of Zelophehad felt they deserved to be recognised and not forgotten just because they were women.

For all these riches which God has taken from our father are really ours and our children’s

Rachel and Leah recognise that the wealth Jacob has accumulated while working for Laban, which God has transferred from Laban to Jacob, rightfully belongs to their family unit, not just to Laban. This reflects an understanding of God's role in rectifying injustices and redistributing wealth as a form of divine restitution. “the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.” (Proverbs 13:22).

now then, whatever God has said to you, do it.

This sounds so much like Mary at the wedding feast of Cana (John 2:5) She, too, told the servants, “Whatever He (Jesus) says to you, do it. This may also be the first time in quite a while that the sisters Leah and Rachel agreed on anything.

¹⁷ Then Jacob rose and set his sons and his wives on camels. ¹⁸ And he carried away all his livestock and all his possessions which he had gained, his acquired livestock which he had gained in Padan Aram, to go to his father Isaac in the land of Canaan. ¹⁹ Now Laban had gone to shear his sheep, and Rachel had stolen the household idols that were her father’s. ²⁰ And Jacob stole away, unknown to Laban the Syrian, in that he did not tell him that he intended to flee. ²¹ So he fled with all that he had. He arose and crossed the river and headed toward the mountains of Gilead. (Genesis 31:17-21)

Jacob rose and set his sons and his wives on camels

This action signifies Jacob's leadership and determination to obey God's command to return to his homeland (Genesis 31:3). The use of camels for transportation underscores the seriousness of the journey and the considerable wealth Jacob had accumulated, as camels were valuable assets in ancient times. This move also symbolises a transition from a place of servitude under Laban to pursuing God's promise in Canaan.

Rachel had stolen the household idols that were her father’s

Rachel probably thought that the idols were the reason for Jacob’s prosperity. This reveals that Rachel had no real relationship with the Lord.

Jacob stole away, unknown to Laban, the Syrian

Jacob's secretive departure without informing Laban indicates a lack of confidence in God’s promises to him and a fear of confrontation.

He arose and crossed the river and headed toward the mountains of Gilead

It was nearly 300 miles (482 kilometres) from Haran to the mountains of Gilead, but the journey was longer and more difficult psychologically than it was physically for Jacob. Crossing the river and heading toward the mountains of Gilead marks a physical and spiritual boundary crossing, leaving behind what was familiar and moving towards the promises of God. It was not an easy decision as there were many dangerous enemies (such as his brother Esau, who had sworn to kill him).

Then he took his brethren with him and pursued him for seven days’ journey, and he overtook him in the mountains of Gilead. (Genesis 31:23)

Laban pursued Jacob for seven days. The children of Israel were pursued for days

Even today God's people are pursued by wicked forces.

Why did you steal my gods (Genesis 31:30)

Laban’s question shows the foolishness of idolatry. It is sad and strange to have a god that can be stolen.

Then Jacob answered and said to Laban, “Because I was afraid, for I said, ‘Perhaps you would take your daughters from me by force.’ With whomever you find your gods, do not let him live. (Genesis 31:31-32)

Unknowingly Jacob cursed his wife Rachel with death. Many times unknowingly we have cursed our own too

Laban was with Jacob for such a long time but he did not adopt the faith of Jacob

Now Rachel had taken the household idols, put them in the camel’s saddle, and sat on them. And Laban searched all about the tent but did not find them. (Genesis 31:34)

Rachel learned the ways of deception well from her father. She succeeded in deceiving her father about the idols.

Unless the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely now you would have sent me away empty-handed. God has seen my affliction and the labor of my hands, and rebuked you last night.” (Genesis 31:42)

The Fear of Isaac

This appears to be a very strange name for God. However, since Jacob used it, we need to consider it, as every name of God is an eternal Name.

Unfortunately, nowhere did Jacob claim God as his own; he referred to God as the Fear of his father Isaac and the God of his grandfather Abraham.

Marriage Sermon

So Jacob took a stone and set it up as a pillar. Then Jacob said to his brethren, “Gather stones.” And they took stones and made a heap, and they ate there on the heap. Laban called it Jegar Sahadutha, but Jacob called it Galeed. And Laban said, “This heap is a witness between you and me this day.” Therefore its name was called Galeed, also Mizpah, because he said, “May the Lord watch between you and me when we are absent one from another. If you afflict my daughters, or if you take other wives besides my daughters, although no man is with us—see, God is witness between you and me!” (Genesis 31:45-50)

If you afflict my daughters - God is witness

If you take any other wife - God is witness

Even though Jacob had built the monument, Laban seized credit for it, saying, “See this pile of stones . . . and see this monument I have set between us. They stand between us as witnesses of our vows. I will never pass this pile of stones to harm you, and you must never pass these stones or this monument to harm me” (Genesis 31:51–52, NLT).

Can an unbeliever bless?

And early in the morning Laban rose up and kissed his grandchildren and his daughters and pronounced a blessing [asking God’s favor] on them. Then Laban departed and returned to his home. (Genesis 31:55)

As an authority figure, yes!

In this case Laban was an unbeliever and yet he blessed his children and grandchildren.

Chapter 31