Jacob’s journey from Bethel to Harran covered hundreds of miles, taking a long time filled with unspoken encounters. Arriving at a well, we see a different person. Among Isaac’s tents, Jacob manipulated family for his gain. But now, he reaches out for human connection, serves the flocks of others, and weeps upon realizing he had come to the home of relatives (11-12).

Laban is quick to receive Jacob, asserting their familial relations and putting him to work (13-15). The boy who enjoyed the privileged tent life with his mom, cooking and deceiving, now has to learn to work hard. He is good at it, and Laban wants to keep him there, promising Rachel to Jacob as a wife for seven years of labor (18). Jacob, in love with Rachel, doesn’t bargain at all, working hard. In a surprise move, Jacob wakes up the morning after the wedding to see Leah, the older sister with weak eyes! The deceiver was deceived! As a result, Laban gets another seven years of labor from Jacob (27). Hard labor, being manipulated and deceived, would characterize Jacob’s life in Harran (31:6-7). At the same time God continues to be with Jacob, allowing these life lessons to mold him.
Application: Father, life struggles, victories and failures all have their place in your plan. Help me trust you with my work, marriage, and life events.
One Word: God works all things for our good