Hot Pursuit

Hot Pursuit

Genesis 31: ²² And Laban was told on the third day that Jacob had fled. ²³ Then he took his brethren with him and pursued him for seven days’ journey, and he overtook him in the mountains of Gilead. ²⁴ But God had come to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said to him, “Be careful that you speak to Jacob neither good nor bad.”

 

²⁵ So Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mountains, and Laban with his brethren pitched in the mountains of Gilead.

 

============

 

Laban lived in Haran. This was Sarah’s home where Abraham met and married her. Laban was the son of Nahor and Milkah. He heard stories about GOD destroying Sodom. When he was told about Jacob fleeing from him, he realized it would take days to catch him. But he was met by GOD.

 

My Observations:

• Laban was furious and probably wanted to kill Jacob.
• GOD warned Laban not to speak good or bad about Jacob.
• Laban was probably cautious about his approach with Jacob.

 

It took a week for Laban and his crew to catch Jacob in the mountains of Gilead. He set up camp near Jacob, heeding GOD’s warning. He knew that if he were to bring any harm to Jacob, he would face GOD’s wrath.

 

Laban had to calm down enough to be able to talk versus act. His first inclination was probably to kill everyone and take back all his stuff. But he realized that GOD had a different plan. He may not have ever heard from GOD directly. His encounter would be memorable.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD give details to Moses about Laban’s pursuit?
• Have you ever gotten angry and started to act before thinking?
• In times of anger, are you willing to slow down before acting or saying anything so GOD can diffuse the situation>?