When Laban and his sons turned against Jacob, God intervened, giving Jacob direction (3). Calling his wives, Jacob shares his testimony, revealing a deep awareness of God’s faithfulness to him all this time (7b, 9, 12). Jacob hadn’t sought God, but God was with Jacob the decades he spent in Harran, as God promised (28:15). Jacob did as he wanted or as Laban told him. Now it was time to obey God.

Rachel and Leah, although rivals, are united in siding with Jacob. They fully support his decision to yield to God’s direction for their family (16). Family unity is found in submission to God’s direction. Jacob obeys God (17-18) and flees Laban, even though it required deception and running away.

Laban pursues Jacob but is confronted by God (24). When he overtakes Jacob, he expresses his full displeasure, as well as his powerful position of being able to harm them (29). What prevented it? “The God of your father” spoke. As Laban asks about his household gods (30b), secretly stolen by Rachel (19), God is exalted among them. No idol is able to counter God’s purposes, and are nothing more than saddle cushions (34). Likewise, the Labans in our lives, who seem inescapable, have no power before our Living God, who is with us.
Application: Father, you are always proving your faithfulness and power. Help me reflect on this in my life and decide to obey your direction today.
One Word: United in following God