I am using the daily Bible reading schedule from “The Bible.net” for my daily Bible reading.

Today, I am reading and commenting on Genesis 31-32.

    Yesterday, I wrote about the competition and conflict in Jacob’s household between Leah and Rachael. Today, we read about them acting in unity. When Laban and his sons began to feel threatened by Jacob’s success and prosperity, Jacob spoke with his wives about him taking them and returning to Canaan. The passage tells us that Leah and Rachael responded in unity and supported Jacob’s decision. The discussion concerning leaving indicates that despite the earlier conflicts in the household, after years of marriage and many children, peace was achieved. This should serve as an inspiration to all of us. Despite their earlier missteps and somewhat justified resentment, Jacob, Leah, and Rachael were able to come to peace with each other.

    It is clear that when Laban set out after Jacob that he intended to confront Jacob by force. We do not know if Laban intended to kill Jacob and take back what Jacob had earned working for him, or just force Jacob to return with him. It does not matter which, God intervened and warned Laban against such a course of action. It is worth noting that the forces which Laban mustered to pursue Jacob were his relatives, which means they would have been Jacob’s relatives as well. It seems to me that by the time Laban had overtaken Jacob the relatives he had rallied to his cause were beginning to wonder why they should take Laban’s side against Jacob.

    Another thing of note is that when Laban arrived he told Jacob that “the God of your father” has warned him against harming Jacob. Yet, when they made their treaty, Laban called on the God of their mutual ancestors to witness the treaty. Despite acknowledging the power of the God worshiped by his grandfather and by Jacob’s father and grandfather Laban had his own household gods. I think this tells us something about why Abraham had not wanted Isaac to return to the area where Laban lived to live with his wife. I will note that it does not appear to me that Jacob had chosen to dedicate himself to God at this point in his life.