Genesis 31 Commentary
Jacob flees. Staying here (almost in slavery) wasn’t part of the script. I guess Jacob got used to staying there under the yoke rather than free himself to find his own destiny. Indeed destiny lay in waiting for the man with the blessing. I guess the LORD disturbed his comfort zone to ensure Jacob makes another step.
He calls his wives and delivers an interesting sermon on his hard work and dedication as he complains about Laban’s bad attitude. In essence Jacob wants his wives (and us) to believe that he is an honest man making a living honestly. I think we know better. Jacob is a man who believes in self so much that he feels he has to resolve problems by himself and for himself.
Laban’s pursuit of Jacob ended in futility and the God of Jacob would not allow Laban to harm Jacob. In fact Laban is instructed to say nothing – good or bad. We get a clearer picture of Jacob’s world under Laban. We don’t like it. Laban is a bad man. It is very clear that he wasn’t going to help Jacob achieve greatness. He is also godless. He has kept idols in his house. This could partly explain why Jacob’s faith wasn’t at its best during these years.
Our frustrations increase each time we see the blessed Jacob on the wrong side. His grandfather’s level of blessing was such that he could defeat 4 powerful kings in one campaign. Here is Jacob being pursued by wicked Laban. He is defenseless – a situation that begins to draw him closer to the one and only living God. All this time the LORD’S faithfulness stays constant. Jacob is the chosen one, regardless. It speaks of great love that stays and lasts the entire trip regardless of our shortcomings.
LOVING SCRIPTURE 